1/16/08
1/12/08
Woe is me
Well, I am feeling pretty low today. The idea of having to find a way to afford a new septic system is well...overwhelming. I live in an old house (built in the
1950s) and I have pretty much had to replace everything from the electrical to the roof to the bathroom. If it weren't for my parents, I would probably be homeless because my cute house would be uninhabitable. So to combat my blues, I am going to make a list of my latest favorite things:
Weight Watchers 1 Point Cakes: Lemon or Carmel. They are small but so good and so worth 1 point!
This is the new puppy available at Build a Bear Workshop. And I love her! Yes, I spent $16 of my Christmas money on her and I am glad I did. She makes me laugh! And sometimes, besides the dogs having to go out, that is the only thing that gets me out of bed!
The third season of That Girl on dvd. This series is just so great. Marlo Thomas had the most amazing clothes, great hair and a perfect boyfriend. Ok, seriously, where is my Donald Hollinger!
Christmas Lights: I have a set of multi lights hanging in my bedroom and I love them. They make the room all warm and cozy looking. I think I am going to leave them up for a while.
The Movie Waitress: My sister-in-law bought it for me for Christmas. Great movie. But have a piece of pie to eat while you watch. No, seriously. You must have pie.
Reruns of Everybody Loves Raymond: Ok, there are certain episodes of this show that I have seen 20+ times and I still laugh like I have never seen them before. The PMS episode-I am laughing just thinking about it.
Well, I am off to watch a movie. Maybe Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. Happy Saturday!
1950s) and I have pretty much had to replace everything from the electrical to the roof to the bathroom. If it weren't for my parents, I would probably be homeless because my cute house would be uninhabitable. So to combat my blues, I am going to make a list of my latest favorite things:
Weight Watchers 1 Point Cakes: Lemon or Carmel. They are small but so good and so worth 1 point!
This is the new puppy available at Build a Bear Workshop. And I love her! Yes, I spent $16 of my Christmas money on her and I am glad I did. She makes me laugh! And sometimes, besides the dogs having to go out, that is the only thing that gets me out of bed!The third season of That Girl on dvd. This series is just so great. Marlo Thomas had the most amazing clothes, great hair and a perfect boyfriend. Ok, seriously, where is my Donald Hollinger!
Christmas Lights: I have a set of multi lights hanging in my bedroom and I love them. They make the room all warm and cozy looking. I think I am going to leave them up for a while.
The Movie Waitress: My sister-in-law bought it for me for Christmas. Great movie. But have a piece of pie to eat while you watch. No, seriously. You must have pie.
Reruns of Everybody Loves Raymond: Ok, there are certain episodes of this show that I have seen 20+ times and I still laugh like I have never seen them before. The PMS episode-I am laughing just thinking about it.
Well, I am off to watch a movie. Maybe Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. Happy Saturday!
1/2/08
My New Years Resolution
And here it is-You said we could steal it Jen (www.jennsylvania.com)-so consider it done!
I resolve to be self-aware enough to spot potential problems within myself and to begin to work on them immediately, without making a public announcement or waiting to start the improvements on an entirely arbitrary date.
And there it is. Happy 2008.
I resolve to be self-aware enough to spot potential problems within myself and to begin to work on them immediately, without making a public announcement or waiting to start the improvements on an entirely arbitrary date.
And there it is. Happy 2008.
12/20/07
Merry Christmas
We just want to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Woof woof!
12/18/07
A Gift
So this morning on my way to work I heard "The Gift". This song has become my favorite Christmas song of all time. They don't play it on the radio very much, so it was a nice suprise for me to hear it this morning. And as usual, I cried. Not just a little misting of tears but full on, streaming down my face. I can't pick out one or two things about this song that makes it so touching for me. It is the whole song. The version that is my favorite is sung by a young girl, I don't know her name. So, in case you don't know what song I am talking about, here are the words:
The Gift
A poor orphan girl named Maria
Was walking to market one day
She stopped for a rest by the roadside
Where a bird with a broken wing lay
A few moments passed till she saw it
For it's feathers were covered with sand
But soon clean and wrapped it was travelling
In the warmth of Maria's small hand
She happily gave her last peso
On a cage made of rushes and twine
She fed it loose corn from the market
And watched it grow stronger with time
Now the Christmas Eve service was coming
And the church shone with tinsel and light
And all of the townfolks brought presents
To lay by the manger that night
There were diamonds and incense
And perfumes
In packages fit for a king
But for one ragged bird in a small cage
Maria had nothing to bring
She waited till just before midnight
So no one would see her go in
And crying she knelt by the manger
For her gift was unworthy of Him
Then a voice spoke to her through the darkness
Maria, what brings you to me
If the bird in the cage is your offering
Open the door and let me see
Though she trembled, she did as He asked her
And out of the cage the bird flew
Soaring up into the rafters
On a wing that had healed good as new
Just then the midnight bells rang out
And the little bird started to sing
A song that no words could recapture
Whose beauty was fit for a king
Now Maria felt blessed just to listen
To that cascade of notes sweet and long
As her offerings was lifted to heaven
By the very first nightingale's song
Maybe I like it so much because it reminds me of something that I would do-stop and save the birdie. I am not sure, I just know that I love it! I need to try and find a CD with it on there. Gee, then I would be crying all the time! :-)
So, go sing you favorite Chrsitmas Song right now!
The Gift
A poor orphan girl named Maria
Was walking to market one day
She stopped for a rest by the roadside
Where a bird with a broken wing lay
A few moments passed till she saw it
For it's feathers were covered with sand
But soon clean and wrapped it was travelling
In the warmth of Maria's small hand
She happily gave her last peso
On a cage made of rushes and twine
She fed it loose corn from the market
And watched it grow stronger with time
Now the Christmas Eve service was coming
And the church shone with tinsel and light
And all of the townfolks brought presents
To lay by the manger that night
There were diamonds and incense
And perfumes
In packages fit for a king
But for one ragged bird in a small cage
Maria had nothing to bring
She waited till just before midnight
So no one would see her go in
And crying she knelt by the manger
For her gift was unworthy of Him
Then a voice spoke to her through the darkness
Maria, what brings you to me
If the bird in the cage is your offering
Open the door and let me see
Though she trembled, she did as He asked her
And out of the cage the bird flew
Soaring up into the rafters
On a wing that had healed good as new
Just then the midnight bells rang out
And the little bird started to sing
A song that no words could recapture
Whose beauty was fit for a king
Now Maria felt blessed just to listen
To that cascade of notes sweet and long
As her offerings was lifted to heaven
By the very first nightingale's song
Maybe I like it so much because it reminds me of something that I would do-stop and save the birdie. I am not sure, I just know that I love it! I need to try and find a CD with it on there. Gee, then I would be crying all the time! :-)
So, go sing you favorite Chrsitmas Song right now!
12/17/07
Why me?
I can’t remember if I have written about this before but for some reason this happens to me a lot. Me, finding animals that need my help. My mom says it is because St. Francis knows that I will know how to take care of the situation. Maybe. I don’t know but I was on my way home from church yesterday morning, when I saw a deer on the side of the road. And as I drove by she lifted her head and looked at me. I was taken aback and found a place to turn around. As I passed her again looking for a safe place to pull over she turned and looked at me again. I could tell she was small and not very old. She didn’t have spots but she was small. So I called Piedmont Wildlife Center- they help rehab native NC species. Anyway they told me that if she was injured (she was-looked like a compound fracture of her back leg) there was nothing that could be done but to end her misery. She gave me the number to call for the county I live in. So I called. They said they would send someone and that I did not need to stay. Well, I couldn’t just leave her in the cold drizzle. So I stayed. I kept a few feet away and just made sure that nothing else would happen to her. A neighbor lady came out and stayed with me as I cried. Interestingly, she is a small mammal rehabber. So we talked and wait. And then the Sheriff’s department came. I felt really bad for the officer because he took one look at me and I could tell thought “Oh, great a crier, now I am going to have to explain what has to be done”. But he was always nice and I knew what was going to happen anyway. We ended up talking to a deer rehabber that said there really was nothing to be done, except end her suffering. At least I know that we had exhausted every avenue. So the deer rehabber talked to the sheriff to make sure he knew how to end it immediately. I heard him say that he had only had to do this a time or two. Ok what a completely sucky part of his job. But, I knew that I couldn’t stay for the act. That is the coward in me. The nice lady said she would stay and told me to go. We hugged and I left. But I can’t stop seeing her cute little deer face.
There is a reason for this story. And here it is. (And I will warn you, I am getting on top of the soap box) First, I did not hit this deer. Someone else did. And now I had to “clean up” their mess. Let me re-phrase that, I didn’t HAVE to, however I am a responsible adult. I had to do something. I could not let her suffer. How can you hit something and just drive off? I know that sometimes the deer run off and you can’t find them. I get that. This little girl was right there. And I could tell that was where it happened. I also understand that some people really just don’t know how to handle it. I get that too. But you can always call the police and report it. Actually you can call 911 and they will help you. I also know that some just don’t care. Which I won’t even go into how I feel about THOSE people. So, here is my PSA for today.
In your car, have a list of important numbers: Police Department, Sheriff’s Department, High Patrol and Animal Control. In the age of the internet, these are so easy to find and it might take you 10 minutes if that. If you hit an animal, find a place to safely pull over. If you can, get out and assess the situation; see if the animal is still alive. Do so very carefully. Injured animals can be dangerous. If it is still alive, call one of the numbers on your list. They will send someone. In fact, if the animal is still alive and you do nothing you can endanger the lives of other motorists. If you are going to drive, you need to be responsible for what you do.
Ok, so I am off my soap box. I had a lot more to say but honestly, thinking about the whole thing just makes me want to cry again.
So, little deer, I am so sorry that something so terrible happened to you. I hope you knew that I was there to help you and that I cared. I also hope that I was able to help you stop suffering and also to realize that most humans are good. I am sure St. Francis is helping you settle in up there. I hope you are running and eating lots of good grasses.
Oh, and Saint Francis, if you are able, could you send me some HAPPY animal situations to deal with? Thanks! Your loving servant, A
There is a reason for this story. And here it is. (And I will warn you, I am getting on top of the soap box) First, I did not hit this deer. Someone else did. And now I had to “clean up” their mess. Let me re-phrase that, I didn’t HAVE to, however I am a responsible adult. I had to do something. I could not let her suffer. How can you hit something and just drive off? I know that sometimes the deer run off and you can’t find them. I get that. This little girl was right there. And I could tell that was where it happened. I also understand that some people really just don’t know how to handle it. I get that too. But you can always call the police and report it. Actually you can call 911 and they will help you. I also know that some just don’t care. Which I won’t even go into how I feel about THOSE people. So, here is my PSA for today.
In your car, have a list of important numbers: Police Department, Sheriff’s Department, High Patrol and Animal Control. In the age of the internet, these are so easy to find and it might take you 10 minutes if that. If you hit an animal, find a place to safely pull over. If you can, get out and assess the situation; see if the animal is still alive. Do so very carefully. Injured animals can be dangerous. If it is still alive, call one of the numbers on your list. They will send someone. In fact, if the animal is still alive and you do nothing you can endanger the lives of other motorists. If you are going to drive, you need to be responsible for what you do.
Ok, so I am off my soap box. I had a lot more to say but honestly, thinking about the whole thing just makes me want to cry again.
So, little deer, I am so sorry that something so terrible happened to you. I hope you knew that I was there to help you and that I cared. I also hope that I was able to help you stop suffering and also to realize that most humans are good. I am sure St. Francis is helping you settle in up there. I hope you are running and eating lots of good grasses.
Oh, and Saint Francis, if you are able, could you send me some HAPPY animal situations to deal with? Thanks! Your loving servant, A
12/12/07
My Christmas List
I want it to rain. A LOT.
I want everyone to be kind to animals-well all living things really. Human and animals.
I want world peace.
I want a home for every homeless animal.
I want a home for every homeless person.
I want hungry people to have food.
I want stray animals to have food.
I want people who abuse animals to be punished.
I want people who abuse people to be punished.
I want good things to happen to good people.
I want Global Warming to stop.
I want everyone to have a Happy Christmas
That isn’t asking too much is it?
I want everyone to be kind to animals-well all living things really. Human and animals.
I want world peace.
I want a home for every homeless animal.
I want a home for every homeless person.
I want hungry people to have food.
I want stray animals to have food.
I want people who abuse animals to be punished.
I want people who abuse people to be punished.
I want good things to happen to good people.
I want Global Warming to stop.
I want everyone to have a Happy Christmas
That isn’t asking too much is it?
12/5/07
Christmas Quiz
I did this last year and it was fun. Here is the 2007 version although I think the answers are the same:
1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? No Question-Wrapping paper! It must be the Hallmark Girl in me!
2. Real tree or artificial? Artificial-since I am allergic to the live ones and the scent brings on seizures in my dog. :-(
3. When do you put up the tree? The day after Thanksgiving, but this year I am not putting it up
4. When do you take the tree down? January 2
5. Do you like eggnog? ICK!
6. Favorite gift received as a child? A box of play (dress up) rings that Santa brought me.
7. Do you have a nativity scene? No-but I wish I had a little one.
8. Hardest person to buy for? My Brother at least until gift cards became popular!
9. Easiest person to buy for? My nieces!
10. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? A pair of old shoes from my uncle. It was a joke but still Gross.
11. Mail or email Christmas cards? Definitely mail or handed out.
12. Favorite Christmas Movie? Love, Actually and the Year without Santa Claus
13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? I try and shop all year.
14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? Yep. It is the ULTIMATE recycling. And it was not from or to anyone on this list!
15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? Cheese Pierogi, my sister-in-laws crinkle cookies, mom’s homemade bread.
16. Clear lights or colored on the tree? Multi Color
17. Favorite Christmas song? Feliz Navidad, Bare Naked Ladies version of God Rest Ye Merry Gentleman, and that song about the Nightingale. I weep every time!
18. Travel at Christmas or stay home? Stay home
19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeers? Sure
20. Angel on the tree top or a star? Hmmm I think it is a dog dressed up like an angel!
21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? Santa’s gifts on Christmas Morning, family gifts Christmas Eve.
22. Most annoying thing about this time of year? Traffic at all the stores
23. Do you decorate your tree in any specific theme? I call it the Mimi theme. That means every kind of ornament you can imagine and lots of them!
1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? No Question-Wrapping paper! It must be the Hallmark Girl in me!
2. Real tree or artificial? Artificial-since I am allergic to the live ones and the scent brings on seizures in my dog. :-(
3. When do you put up the tree? The day after Thanksgiving, but this year I am not putting it up
4. When do you take the tree down? January 2
5. Do you like eggnog? ICK!
6. Favorite gift received as a child? A box of play (dress up) rings that Santa brought me.
7. Do you have a nativity scene? No-but I wish I had a little one.
8. Hardest person to buy for? My Brother at least until gift cards became popular!
9. Easiest person to buy for? My nieces!
10. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? A pair of old shoes from my uncle. It was a joke but still Gross.
11. Mail or email Christmas cards? Definitely mail or handed out.
12. Favorite Christmas Movie? Love, Actually and the Year without Santa Claus
13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? I try and shop all year.
14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? Yep. It is the ULTIMATE recycling. And it was not from or to anyone on this list!
15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? Cheese Pierogi, my sister-in-laws crinkle cookies, mom’s homemade bread.
16. Clear lights or colored on the tree? Multi Color
17. Favorite Christmas song? Feliz Navidad, Bare Naked Ladies version of God Rest Ye Merry Gentleman, and that song about the Nightingale. I weep every time!
18. Travel at Christmas or stay home? Stay home
19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeers? Sure
20. Angel on the tree top or a star? Hmmm I think it is a dog dressed up like an angel!
21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? Santa’s gifts on Christmas Morning, family gifts Christmas Eve.
22. Most annoying thing about this time of year? Traffic at all the stores
23. Do you decorate your tree in any specific theme? I call it the Mimi theme. That means every kind of ornament you can imagine and lots of them!
11/30/07
Yes, Virginia, there is...
I am sure you all know that famous line about Santa Claus. My sister-in-law and her sister have blogged recently about what to tell their children about believing in Santa Claus. So this got me thinking. I thought I might tackle the question as well.
I don't remember the exact Christmas that I stopped believing in Santa Claus and flying reindeer and the Easter Bunny. But, what I do remember is what it felt like to wake up on Christmas morning and realize that "Santa" had come. I mean all the evidnce was there, cookies eaten, milk drunk, gifts left, stockings full. He was real right? Well as I got older (and snoopier) I realized that my parents were the gift givers and I would be a liar if I said that wasn't a bit of a buzz wrecker for me.
But, there is still this one memory that I have, that I just can't help but wonder about... We lived in Indiana until I was 8 and we had many a white Christmas. On this one particular year I remember my brother and I looking out his window very early Christmas morning and seeing reindeer prints on the roof over the garage. Mom told us that Santa had left his reindeer up there while he delivered our gifts. I kept thinking about this today after my sister-in-law's post, so I called my mom. She also remembers the prints. I asked if my dad had gone up there and did it and she informed that no-no one put them up there. She said that she still has no idea how those "prints" got up there but she said she just thought it was one of those Christmas miracles. Something that can't be explained. I said bye to her as we laughed about something else and hung up. But I sat there at my desk and thought about it. How amazing. A Christmas Miracle. Something you can't explain. And then I thought, why would want to? It is a perfect Christmas Memory without an explaination needed. I am 37 1/2 now (and was probably 4or 5 then) so it obviously made an impression.
And that is when I got my Christmas Spirit. Yep, on November 30th at about 2:45 p.m. Right here at work, with tears and a smile and everything. Wow...
So, where did I put all my Christmas decorations...
I don't remember the exact Christmas that I stopped believing in Santa Claus and flying reindeer and the Easter Bunny. But, what I do remember is what it felt like to wake up on Christmas morning and realize that "Santa" had come. I mean all the evidnce was there, cookies eaten, milk drunk, gifts left, stockings full. He was real right? Well as I got older (and snoopier) I realized that my parents were the gift givers and I would be a liar if I said that wasn't a bit of a buzz wrecker for me.
But, there is still this one memory that I have, that I just can't help but wonder about... We lived in Indiana until I was 8 and we had many a white Christmas. On this one particular year I remember my brother and I looking out his window very early Christmas morning and seeing reindeer prints on the roof over the garage. Mom told us that Santa had left his reindeer up there while he delivered our gifts. I kept thinking about this today after my sister-in-law's post, so I called my mom. She also remembers the prints. I asked if my dad had gone up there and did it and she informed that no-no one put them up there. She said that she still has no idea how those "prints" got up there but she said she just thought it was one of those Christmas miracles. Something that can't be explained. I said bye to her as we laughed about something else and hung up. But I sat there at my desk and thought about it. How amazing. A Christmas Miracle. Something you can't explain. And then I thought, why would want to? It is a perfect Christmas Memory without an explaination needed. I am 37 1/2 now (and was probably 4or 5 then) so it obviously made an impression.
And that is when I got my Christmas Spirit. Yep, on November 30th at about 2:45 p.m. Right here at work, with tears and a smile and everything. Wow...
So, where did I put all my Christmas decorations...
11/27/07
My Journey to Ernie, I mean Christmas!
Ok, the Journey to Ernie is a reference to a segment on Sesame Street where Ernie goes and hides somewhere and Big Bird goes to find him. It has a catchy little theme song and is a cute show. So, maybe my Christmas Spirit is hiding and I have to go and find it! So here is my plan today. I am going to sing every Christmas song that comes on the radio. We have 3 radio stations here in the area, that have been playing non-stop Christmas music since last Monday. Which if I am being honest here, sort of annoyed me. But today I tuned in on my commute in to work and I have to say it did make me feel slightly “Christmasy”. So Krista, even though I read your post AFTER my Christmas music singing it was good advice!
Hmm…now what to do tomorrow…
11/26/07
Bah Humbug?
I have a problem. A big one. I am totally not in to Christmas this year. Now this is seriously a big deal for me. I love Christmas. At least I always have until this year. Even during the disaster year of 2004 I loved Christmas. This year I am just not in to it. I have not enjoyed shopping like I usually do, I have not enjoyed wrapping like I usually do and I am not even doing Christmas cards for everyone at work like I usually do. I don’t even want to put up my Christmas tree! Oh horrors!! WHAT IS WRONG WITH ME?!?!? I hate feeling like this.
Maybe it is because part of my family won’t be here for Christmas and that really makes me sad. I will miss the crinkle cookies that my sister-in-law makes and I will my nieces running around. I know they will be having a great time but I will miss them. All 4 of them.
Maybe it is because I bought a Bah Humbug shirt with Oscar the Grouch on it this weekend.
Maybe it is because I don’t have a lot of money and I don’t feel good about the kind of presents I can afford.
Maybe I will get the Christmas spirit on December 1st.
Maybe it will just hit me all of a sudden.
I hope so because it makes me sad. And no one wants to be sad for Christmas. Maybe I will start a list of all the things I LOVE about Christmas. Maybe that will help. Maybe I will do it tomorrow…
11/19/07
Where am I?
Well sometimes I feel like Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz when she says "I don't think we're in Kansas in anymore". Work has been so busy that by the time I get a chance to go home, I just crash. No energy for blogging! So here is my apology and a promise to blog more in the coming weeks! (I am sure you are all on the edge of your seats! hahaha)
Happy Thanksgiving!
Happy Thanksgiving!
11/12/07
Deep Thoughts
So sometimes I have deep thoughts. Sort of like Jack Handy of Saturday Night Live. But, not today. Today, here is what I thought:
I am hungry.
I am tired.
I have no money.
The dogs need heartworm medicine.
My clothes don't fit. They hang all wrong.
Aggressive drivers who pass me while I am going 10 miles OVER the speed limit piss me off.
Gas costs way too much money.
Why can't the people taking my order in the drive thru get it right? I wonder if they were mad when I drove away. It was just more than I could deal with.
And there were many other negative thoughts. And that bothers me. I have so much to be thankful for. I have a family that loves me, dogs that love me, a house to live in that has electricity and running water, a car to drive, a job to go to, clothes to wear and I could go on and on. But I think it is important to remind myself of all that I have when faced with all of the things that I feel I have to complain about.
I am hungry.
I am tired.
I have no money.
The dogs need heartworm medicine.
My clothes don't fit. They hang all wrong.
Aggressive drivers who pass me while I am going 10 miles OVER the speed limit piss me off.
Gas costs way too much money.
Why can't the people taking my order in the drive thru get it right? I wonder if they were mad when I drove away. It was just more than I could deal with.
And there were many other negative thoughts. And that bothers me. I have so much to be thankful for. I have a family that loves me, dogs that love me, a house to live in that has electricity and running water, a car to drive, a job to go to, clothes to wear and I could go on and on. But I think it is important to remind myself of all that I have when faced with all of the things that I feel I have to complain about.
11/3/07
Happy Halloweens!
Here are me and my nieces returning from trick or treating. We had such a great time! How cute are they? Mallory was a Fairy and Phoebe was a the cutest girl in a a pumpkin shirt! She informed my sister-in-law moments before we were to go that she wanted to be a froggy. Now Krista (my sister-in-law) had several choices for Phoebe but not a froggy. So, she wore her pumpkin shirt. She was a trooper. she had her bucket and she was ready to go! They were both so cute! I wonder what everyone will be next year?
10/30/07
What a day
I had a bad day today. It started off with a 2 hour commute to work-which really should only take 30 minutes. It went down hill from there. So, in an effort to cheer myself up,I have decided to write about somethings that I love, make me smile or make me happy:
Diet Lipton White Tea-Raspberry: This stuff is so good! And no points!
Pecan Lovers Mix from Planters: This stuff is amazingly good. And lots of Weight Watchers points, but sometimes, you just gotta eat it!
My niece tonight when she said "Mimi let me cova you up wif da blanket...there you go"! I almost cried she was so cute.
My dogs who are snuggled around me.
I got my hair cut tonight and it was GREAT! I got to relax and get my hair washed. Fabulous!
Otto who is cracking me up by running around the living room with a squeaky candy cane squeaking it!
My friend "J". Thanks for being on the other end of the line as I tried not get out of my car and start running and screaming up and down the highway while trying to beat the crap out of the people who were trying to "cheat" by speeding down the median during the traffic debacle of 10/30. IDIOTS!!!!!! I love you!
My friend "A". Thank you so much for being there for me today. I can't tell you how much it meant it to me. Seriously there are no words.
Well, I hope everyone has a happy and safe Halloween. I will be trick or treating with my nieces. I can't wait!
Diet Lipton White Tea-Raspberry: This stuff is so good! And no points!
Pecan Lovers Mix from Planters: This stuff is amazingly good. And lots of Weight Watchers points, but sometimes, you just gotta eat it!
My niece tonight when she said "Mimi let me cova you up wif da blanket...there you go"! I almost cried she was so cute.
My dogs who are snuggled around me.
I got my hair cut tonight and it was GREAT! I got to relax and get my hair washed. Fabulous!
Otto who is cracking me up by running around the living room with a squeaky candy cane squeaking it!
My friend "J". Thanks for being on the other end of the line as I tried not get out of my car and start running and screaming up and down the highway while trying to beat the crap out of the people who were trying to "cheat" by speeding down the median during the traffic debacle of 10/30. IDIOTS!!!!!! I love you!
My friend "A". Thank you so much for being there for me today. I can't tell you how much it meant it to me. Seriously there are no words.
Well, I hope everyone has a happy and safe Halloween. I will be trick or treating with my nieces. I can't wait!
10/29/07
Parched
This is a picture of Falls Lake. A stones throw from where I live. I found it on our newspapers website. (Can I get in trouble for using it? Oh well!)
We are having a very serious drought here in NC. Our governor asked us to reduce our water consumption by 50%. I have my own well so I don’t use “city” water, but that does not mean that I am not taking this seriously. I am and I have thought of a few ways to personally conserve. Here are a few of the things that I have done:
I switched to paper plates. Now this was very problematic for me. Because I am fairly “eco” friendly I try to use things that can be reused. For this purpose that means plates. I try not to “kill trees” by using needless paper products if I can help it. But when faced with running the dishwater a couple times a week or just once a week, well I thought saving water was more important. The plates use a renewable resource, are biodegradable and are made of recycled paper. That is how I justified it anyway.
I take a “sailor shower”. Ok, I had never heard that term before but someone said it to me while describing how they are trying to conserve water. It means that you turn on the shower and get wet. Then you shut it off, lather up (hair and all) and then turn it back on to rinse. It really does save a lot of water but there are other issues. Like you can get a little cold for one! But it is worth saving several gallons of water so I stick with it.
I save the water from my shower. I have a “bathtub” shower. I plug up the tub and take a shower, thus collecting all the water in the tub. I was using it to keep my plants alive and also to rinse out the sink after brushing my teeth (no, not rinsing out my mouth, just the sink!) I also used it to rinse off plates and cups that I did use before putting them in the dish washer.
I turned off the water to my toilet. I know this one sounds bizarre. Every time I flush the toilet, approximately 2 gallons of water goes down the drain, literally! So, I use the saved shower water to flush the toilet. Yeah the water is a little cloudy from shampoo and soap but who cares. I also don’t flush after every pee. I know gross!!!! Really I do. But desperate times call for desperate measures!
I take my laundry to the Laundromat. Now, someone said that this is saving my water but at the cost of city water. And while this is true there is actually another reason for my going to the Laundromat. The washing machines are bigger than mine so I get more done at one time (saving energy-I think) and the commercial washing machines use less water than most home models-or so it appeared to me. I do one load per week at home and a couple at the Laundromat on Sunday. The Laundromat has other benefits, I get to sit and read while I wait for my clothes. A luxury that I don’t get often at home because the dogs want something or there is something to clean or to put away etc. It is kind of relaxing which makes me feel less stressed.
I know some of these things sound completely weird and not everyone has time to save water in milk jugs (another thing that gets recycled!) to flush the toilet, but these are the tings that I can do. Do a rain dance for us here in NC. We had some good rain last week but they said we need a lot more to fill the lakes!
10/22/07
The long awaited blog
Well, maybe not long awaited. I have no idea if anyone will be interested in my trip but here it is in pictures! Well, sort of...
So, here is the main part of the Grove Park Inn in Asheville, North Carolina. It is the original section that opened in 1913. It was restored to it's original glory at the end of the 20th century. They still have many of the original furnishings which were done in the Arts & Crafts Style(some call it Mission Style)- my favorite! Gorgeous isn't it?
And here is the view from my room. Really fabulous right? (HaHa) They are building luxury condominiums or so I was told. Kinda too close for my liking.
Ok, here is a better view. This was taken from one of the windows in the Sammons Wing.
Cookie had a good time!
All in all I survived and had a bit of a good time, with a little help from my friends. Thanks A and C! Just remember, we stick together and no one gets left behind! Oh and "it is so pretty up there,we had a great time right"? RIGHT!(ha ha) And the Very Berry Tini at Elaine's was FABULOUS!!
The dogs were just fine without me as I knew they would be. But it sure was nice to get home and they were so excited to see me! That made me feel pretty good. There is nothing better that arriving home to 3 very excited fuzzies who just want your attention. Ah...I am loved! :-)
So, here is the main part of the Grove Park Inn in Asheville, North Carolina. It is the original section that opened in 1913. It was restored to it's original glory at the end of the 20th century. They still have many of the original furnishings which were done in the Arts & Crafts Style(some call it Mission Style)- my favorite! Gorgeous isn't it?
And here is the view from my room. Really fabulous right? (HaHa) They are building luxury condominiums or so I was told. Kinda too close for my liking.
Ok, here is a better view. This was taken from one of the windows in the Sammons Wing.
Cookie had a good time!
All in all I survived and had a bit of a good time, with a little help from my friends. Thanks A and C! Just remember, we stick together and no one gets left behind! Oh and "it is so pretty up there,we had a great time right"? RIGHT!(ha ha) And the Very Berry Tini at Elaine's was FABULOUS!!
The dogs were just fine without me as I knew they would be. But it sure was nice to get home and they were so excited to see me! That made me feel pretty good. There is nothing better that arriving home to 3 very excited fuzzies who just want your attention. Ah...I am loved! :-)
10/17/07
Travelin' Blues
I should be packing. But I am not. I have been doing lots of other things. Like talking on the phone, working on this blog, feeding the cats, making the dog's food for the next 2 days, eating chips...I just don't want to pack. Because I just don;t want to go. Now there are some highlights like getting to ride with 2 really funny guys. Plus it isn't every day that you get to meet a US Supreme Court Justice, other female Chief Justices from other states or the Secretary of State of NC. I mean those are all cool things. The thing is, it is also a lot of work. Checking in 500 people and making sure everyone has their tickets, name badges etc. But I am going to try and enjoy myself. At least at some point. So I guess I should go pack...but I think I need to take out the garbage oh and I think the dog room needs to be dusted...
10/9/07
Random thoughts for today
WHY IS IT 94 DEGREES HERE IN OCTOBER?! Could I get a break please?
Why won't it just rain. A nice deluge-for a couple of hours, is that too much to ask? I mean come on already!
I learned something new today. A mountain lion is also called a puma, panther, cougar or catamount. I always wondered what the heck a Western Carolina University Catamount was. Why not just call yourselves the Western Carolina University Cougars?
Sugar Snap Peas ARE REALLY GOOD!
So are Slim a Bear 100 Calorie ice cream bars!
Morning Star Farms Cheddar "burgers" are not good. But I like their Grillers! Yes, even though it is a soy, meat substitute.
Men in Trees starts on Friday! Yeah!!
Why can't fried shrimp be good for you?
Why does Otto always bark to come in right when I get comfortable on the couch with
the laptop after just letting him out?
Oh good grief this was BORING!
Why won't it just rain. A nice deluge-for a couple of hours, is that too much to ask? I mean come on already!
I learned something new today. A mountain lion is also called a puma, panther, cougar or catamount. I always wondered what the heck a Western Carolina University Catamount was. Why not just call yourselves the Western Carolina University Cougars?
Sugar Snap Peas ARE REALLY GOOD!
So are Slim a Bear 100 Calorie ice cream bars!
Morning Star Farms Cheddar "burgers" are not good. But I like their Grillers! Yes, even though it is a soy, meat substitute.
Men in Trees starts on Friday! Yeah!!
Why can't fried shrimp be good for you?
Why does Otto always bark to come in right when I get comfortable on the couch with
the laptop after just letting him out?
Oh good grief this was BORING!
10/5/07
Trips
Well it has been a while since I posted. Mainly, because work is stressing me out. So, when I come home the last thing I want to do is turn on the computer. Even for fun stuff like blogging and ebaying!
Here is my problem. I have to go somewhere for a work function over night. I don’t want to go. We are staying in a very upscale resort and spa-somewhere that I would NEVER get to go left to my own devices. The problem is I am completely freaked out to leave the dogs. Now, the dogs will be fine. My dad is taking care of them and he is great with them. Plus my parents live 1.1 miles away, so multiple trips to my house to let them out really won’t be too much of a hardship. The problem is me. I am having huge separation anxiety. You see, I have never left them overnight in the past 5 years. This is significant. It became worse once I was divorced. The dogs became my “security blanket”. I knew when I got home they would be there waiting for me. And I kind of became a homebody. I mean I am not a hermit. I still go to the store, go my parents, go to my brother and sister-in-laws. I mean I have no problem going out for a couple of hours. But I want to be home, sleep in my own bed with the dogs snoring around me. I guess it is like people who can only go to sleep with the T.V. on or some other “white” noise. The dogs are my “white” noise!
Second, I am pretty shy and just the thought of having to possibly “mingle” with the 500 people that will be there has the potential to send me into an anxiety attack right now! I don’t think that I have anything that these people would be interested in hearing. Maybe we will run out of steak and chicken dinners and I will be allowed to go to my room and order room service! That would be great! But not likely.
Oh well, I will just need to suck it up and try to enjoy my time at an exclusive hotel and spa in the mountains in October!
Wish me luck. Seriously.
Here is my problem. I have to go somewhere for a work function over night. I don’t want to go. We are staying in a very upscale resort and spa-somewhere that I would NEVER get to go left to my own devices. The problem is I am completely freaked out to leave the dogs. Now, the dogs will be fine. My dad is taking care of them and he is great with them. Plus my parents live 1.1 miles away, so multiple trips to my house to let them out really won’t be too much of a hardship. The problem is me. I am having huge separation anxiety. You see, I have never left them overnight in the past 5 years. This is significant. It became worse once I was divorced. The dogs became my “security blanket”. I knew when I got home they would be there waiting for me. And I kind of became a homebody. I mean I am not a hermit. I still go to the store, go my parents, go to my brother and sister-in-laws. I mean I have no problem going out for a couple of hours. But I want to be home, sleep in my own bed with the dogs snoring around me. I guess it is like people who can only go to sleep with the T.V. on or some other “white” noise. The dogs are my “white” noise!
Second, I am pretty shy and just the thought of having to possibly “mingle” with the 500 people that will be there has the potential to send me into an anxiety attack right now! I don’t think that I have anything that these people would be interested in hearing. Maybe we will run out of steak and chicken dinners and I will be allowed to go to my room and order room service! That would be great! But not likely.
Oh well, I will just need to suck it up and try to enjoy my time at an exclusive hotel and spa in the mountains in October!
Wish me luck. Seriously.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)