Reboot

Well.

I've skidded into the weekend at breakneck speed, hair flying and rubber burning as I try to slow this machine down. I'm a bit bruised, maybe have a couple of abrasions, but I'll live.

I ended my work week with hepsmom,one of my best friends. After cutting her hair, we literally walked out the front door and across the street for dinner. How convenient is that? She had never been to this particular restaurant and I was anxious (in a very laid back way) that she would find the food tasty. I had a very tasty salad and she had a salmon blt. From the oohing and ahhing coming from her side of the table, I think we found success.

I came home to the welcoming arms of my family. I tell you, nothing erases memories of a hard day faster than the sound of little feet and "mommmmyyy!" . That big/little hug is the BEST therapy in the world. My hubby was also a comfort and it was nice to find solace against his capable chest.

This will hardly be a day off. There are everlasting errands to run. Groceries to get, a present to pick, and a deposit to decipher. At some point, I need to exercise. I can't do it now, because I'm talking to you. ;)

Sigh.

Sunday will be my salvation.

My respite.

My retreat.

Sunday's on the way.

Distraction

I have to post quickly today. Less time than usual this a.m. before work.

I have so many random thoughts skittering across my brain like so many dry leaves.

It's been such a busy week. Full from the start, till I lay my head on the pillow at night.

I'm aching for some time alone. I'm feeling a little interaction overload.

Our salon Christmas party is this Saturday. I'm looking forward to it, but the last two years it's been scheduled on the one Saturday a month that I work. No biggie, (really) I just always arrive breathless after getting off, racing home to dress and driving an hour to the restaurant.

I've been breathless a lot lately. Racing against the clock everyday to stay on schedule. Dealing with mistakes in my schedule that mean I have to work in clients earlier or later or shorten lunch.

I really hope my client really is satisfied this time after tweaking that color one more time. whew!

When are we going to have time to decorate for Christmas? Of course, in my head I'm picturing carols playing in the background, cider simmering on the stove and a Christmas movie as a reward as we enjoy the fruits of our labor bathed in the glow of twinkle lights. Let's see if imagination becomes reality.

Can somebody stop the merry-go-round?

I want to get off.

Where Am I?

I'm feeling a bit, um, foggy perhaps?

Looong day yesterday. Up at 5 for BP, then a full day of work during which I was also trying to get my act together because we were putting on a makeup demonstration/party thing for the major brand line of makeup we carry. It was all hands on deck. My job was to tell them the background of the makeup and basically why it ROCKS! Not hard, but still a bit intimidating. Sometimes, when I speak in front of people I feel I'm "on". I can mix the speaking extemporaneously with reading the notes in my hand. I tried that last night and got off to a good start, then started freaking myself out by looking at all their faces and deciding I was starting to bore them to tears because I was getting technical about the skin care and what it's made up of . I quickly wrapped it up before I started really just rattling jargon. You're always more critical of yourself about things you do, because my team told me that my portion was wonderful. I'll go with that.

Nevertheless, that took a lot out of me. I did hair up to the minute of the deal. I was doing a completely new look on my last client. I ended up doing her hair in a side private room and when we finished that (it turned out well, by the way), I literally walked out and we started the other gig.

When I got home, a bit numb perhaps, my dear hubby was a tornado whipping through the house cleaning. Past experience has taught me to just stay out of the way until the storm is over. I gladly do this because look at the benefits I reap! (Besides, when I'm intent on something, I have a hard time with interaction also.) The house looks so much better and now we have a spot for the Christmas tree!

When I woke up this morning, I was amazed to find I had slept through the alarm completely! I forgot to reset it and it was still set for 5 am from yesterday. Never heard it. Good thing BP wasn't today!

Fixing breakfast (a double portion of flax seed meal pudding), I discovered that somehow, my week/food ratio is off. I'm already out of milk and cream for coffee (a tragedy!). Now that I think about it, I did groceries a week ago because of Thanksgiving. Golly!

Well, gotta fly. There's hair to do, and I'm just the girl to do it!

I'm Good

Thank you so much for your concern. It was as I suspected, just something I ate. Other than feeling as if I didn't sleep at all (much), I am no worse for the wear and worked my day yesterday. Mrs. Blogoway, I'm sure you will sympathise when I tell you I had to stay later than I'd planned last night to adjust a color that didn't turn out the way I expected. (Who knew that mahogany was more red than warm? I do now! Thank you ash, for delivering me from red roots.)

Well, ever on my search for low carb now, (I do love a challenge.) I have to tell you I've struck gold this morning for breakfast! Breakfast is, for me, the hardest meal of the day because reaching for a cereal box is automatic. WELL! This morning I trolled the Internet for low carb breakfasts and found a use for something I discovered at the grocery store this week: Flax seed Meal. I only bought it because the doctor('s wife) told me flax has a lot of omega-3 in it. I had noooo idea what to do with it. Until today...

Flax seed "Pudding"

1/4 c. flax seed meal
1/4 c water (some liquid can be sugar-free syrup)
1 egg
Sugar substitute to taste

Mix flax meal, egg and water in microwave safe bowl. Cook on high for about 45 seconds. Moved cooked part to center of bowl. Add mix-ins. (to follow) Microwave at 45-60 seconds. Stir. Eat.

Mix-ins:
Fresh or frozen berries
unsweetened coconut
Peanut butter or other nut butters
cream cheese
sugar free syrup
sugar free jam or preserves
chopped nuts

This took no time to make, and was really good. I forgot to add sugar substitute before eating, but did add sugar free syrup to the water and it was mildly sweet. I was really surprised at how easy and how non-health food it tasted. (I'm sure that was because of the healthy spoonful of honey nut cream cheese I stirred in.)You know that dry, weird, health nutty taste some stuff has. There's 1 gram effective (net) carb, 9 grams of fiber, 12 grams of protein, and 243 calories.

Flax seed "pudding".
It's what's for breakfast.

Words of Wisdom

I'm going to confide in you my dear friends.

Please learn from my mistakes.

After largely giving up sugar and carbs for a week, don't give yourself a knowing wink and say, "Go ahead girl, after all, it's your birthday. You deserve to splurge!"

Nothing good will come of it, I assure you.

Not unless you enjoy spending a bit of the rest of your night giving thanks to the porcelain gods for the pound cake you enjoyed, chased by a generous slice of pumpkin pie and a small sliver of lowfat (so what?) chocolate pie.
But I ate raw veggies for supper! You exclaim. No matter, my dears. Those veggies and that sugar will go to WAR with each other and you will be conquered.

Please, please, I beseech you listen to me!

I'm just saying.

Discoveries.

Look at my new phone!! Now please excuse me while I spend the night figuring it out!

But first, look what I found when I stepped out of the land of oblivion....(thanks for the enlightenment, hepsmom. You ARE my ticket to the outerworld.)

I want this one:

and this one.

I think that about sums me up.
Whaddaya think?

Snapshots of a Weekend

I passed this old building and decided it has character. I fiddled with it in Photoshop a little. I could imagine living here.

This little sweetheart walked into my life on Friday. However:

3 inside cats

+

1 "I've had it to here with all these cats" hubby

+

1 drop in kitty

_________

4 too many cats (I'm only giving away the newest one though. The others are firmly ensconced)

I've enjoyed the little bit of fall color around here. Some, as close as my own yard.

I

I went to an estate sale... SCORE!

1- 6 1/2 ft. Christmas tree $5

+

1- big armload of fabric, shoe box full of assorted ribbon, a bracelet, and a "coral" necklace $6

___________

1 happy camper

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas around the salon.

1 hairdresser

+

1 other hairdresser's nappy head

+

1 white chocolate mocha latte as payment

_____________

2 satisfied customers

Thanksgiving Debrief

I survived Thanksgiving.

What I mean is, I had a lovely time at Butterbean's house and I'm proud to say that I didn't overindulge. I DID eat desert, but small portions of only three things. (I HAVE to have pumpkin pie!)

I'm trying to figure how to arrange my day. I would love to not leave the house, but alas, I have to go make a couple of deposits. I really want to clean house while the fam goes to the gym! Why, oh why do I have loads of motivations when it is not possible to do anything around here and then, when I have time, the motivation has fizzled?!

I wasn't very good company last night. I was in a bit of a daze, so tired. Here's how comfortable I am at Butterbean's house. I walked in, said hi and went and lay down on one of the couches for a bit. I think it was the combination of cramming a week of work into three days and staying up till 12:30 Wed. night watching a movie with hubby. We watched "The Book of Stars" which I hadn't heard of before. A sweet story of two sisters, but it is sad also. I liked the atmosphere of the movie, though. I tend toward light hearted things in my movies. Life is hard enough, why torture yourself through your entertainment?

Well, no big plans this weekend. Tomorrow morning, I have an appointment to get MY hair done! There's no squeezing it in during my work hours these days. I have to get an appointment!

Enjoy the rest of your Thanksgiving holiday...

Thanksgiving Day Thankfulness

I'm still here.

I have not yet withered away.

I have, I think, done very well with my food choices in the last two days. Of course, I may ONLY been eating out at the local wrap restaurant! Fortunately, their food is very good. I've been to the store and gotten some more things to help me along. Hepsmom kindly recommended Uncle Sam's cereal as a low carb alternative for breakfast. Alas, the store I frequent doesn't carry it. But I did find Special K protein plus. It's adequate. I bet it would be a lot better with a sweet banana in it, but after I sat down, I was too lazy to go back and get it. I chose to deal. Also, Bear Naked protein granola is a good choice, surprising me. Plus, I love granola. Hurray.

This, as you know, is Thanksgiving Day. I forget that it is only an American holiday, until I'm talking to one of my clients from Britain who reminded me not unkindly that the day didn't have the meaning for her that it does for me. Oh, yeah.

Predictably, I will be listing things for which I am thankful. (Sorry, I just couldn't end that sentence with a preposition. Don't worry, I'll probably do it later and that sentence will sound more "normal".)

My thankfulness is pretty random and not listed in the order of importance it should have. (Although I'll probably end up trying then it'll get all muddled as my brain switches to a ADD setting.)

I'm thankful for my family and the Christian values they raised me with. (pesky preposition)

I'm thankful for a God who loves me and sacrificed his only son to give me eternal life. I have become much more aware of the enormity of that gift since having a child.

I'm thankful for a loving husband who has been my faithful companion for 21 years now. His stick-to-it-ivness is staggering to me.

I'm so thankful for old-fashioned miracles. After being married for 15 years and using no form of birth control for 13 years, I became pregnant. I had always said if God wanted to give us a child, fine. If not, fine. I did not pursue infertility therapy or look into adoption because I couldn't afford it and didn't feel that was what we SHOULD do. I'm grateful those options have helped many, but they weren't for me. I can truly say that God gave us a child.

And what a child He has given us! Our girl is happy, imaginative, affectionate, grateful, mannerly, full of energy, thoughtful, stubborn, artistic, fun, playful, helpful, strong willed and independent.
She is pure pleasure. (Unless she is pitching a fit about something. Then, not so much pleasure.)

I'm thankful for my three cats. They are the most aggravatingly lovable animals I've ever had.

I'm thankful for little pleasures...coffee, lovely magazines about creative endeavors around the home, garden or art. Hot, lavender scented baths reading and drinking coffee. Quiet time.

Knitting with friends. While drinking coffee.

Blog reading. While drinking coffee.

Making bread. Also, while drinking coffee.

People who care about me and show it...one of my weekly clients, Miss S, remembered my birthday and gave me some "extra" as long as I would spend it on myself. The same day, one of my dearest friends, knowing the way to my heart, gave me a gift card to a local coffee shop. One of my girls at work, K, was going to get coffee and asked if I wanted some. (Duh) Come to find out, she was making 2 stops for coffee. One for me and one for everyone else because I don't do st*$. How kind and considerate was that?! Last night when I went for my massage, (which G stayed late to do for me) she found out my birthday is coming up and gave me a a lovely little soap. This on top of sending me a 10 dollar off card for my BD.

The art of photography which has fostered the discipline to stop and look more closely and to look at things from a different perspective.

Art, creative expressions.

My sister, who is the textbook definition of independence. She has been all over the path of life and surprised everyone by becoming a very responsible mom and wife. She is my artistic "other half", encouraging and sharing ideas and projects with me. We are incredibly similar and completely opposite in many ways.

Friends, who love you through thick and thin. Happy and heartbreak. Comfort and questions.

Books.

Electricity, running water, air conditioning.

Dependable vehicles.

Freedom and the brave people who fight to protect that freedom.

Rain.

There you have it. I'm sure when I walk away from this keyboard, a million more things will pop into my head. That's why I've purposed in my heart to extend this beyond today and find things to be thankful for everyday. For the little things and the big, obvious things.

Everyday.

Gotta Slide those Triglycerides

I am going to starve to death.

Yesterday, I did my Dr.'s wife's hair. She works in his office also. I asked her how long it takes to get labs back because I hadn't heard from anyone. She told me they were back and she had looked at it and everything looked good, but my triglycerides are a little high. (The bad fat that causes heart problems.) Yea. (By the way, she is a friend of mine also, so I didn't feel this was out of order for her to do. I appreciated the curbside service!)

Sooo, I need to cut back on carbohydrates and sugar. Up the omega-3's. Apparently, carbs make up roughly 50 -75% of what I eat, because everything I think of to eat is bread-like, potato-like or rice-like. For lunch yesterday, I was starving by lunch time and the food I ordered took FOREVER! In an effort to follow "doctors orders", I ordered a teriaki salmon wrap and side salad with balsamic vinaigrette. It was Delicious. I was still hungry after that. I need more food than that people! I scrounged up some pecans and munched on those throughout the afternoon. I had to stay late for a makeup demonstration we were doing, so by the time I got home....starving. Hubby - bless him, had heated up some cans of vegetable soup. (not my favorite) It was better than I thought it would be. Besides, I was so hungry, I would consider the doorknob at this point. I ate enough to satisfy my tummy and promptly went to bed. Now it's breakfast time and I'm in a pickle, so to speak.
What to eat for breakfast? I have bagels and cereal. Oatmeal. Maybe a couple of eggs. I'm going to have to rethink the breakfast meal of the day. I've always had cereal growing up. I'm not very creative when it comes to figuring out what to eat. I just do what I've done.

I bet if I really do cut down on carbs and sugars, I may very well lose this belly that plagues me despite exercise. O.K. let me dream anyway. It could happen.

AND....it's Thanksgiving! What am I gonna eat?

I'll think about that tomorrow.

A Piece of My Mind...

Whoa.

Yesterday was a hairy day. And I mean that literally. I did haircuts every 30 minutes from 10am to 5:30pm with a 30 minute lunch. Twice, I had people show up for appointments when their appointments were on another day. I worked them in. One showed up late and my last two didn't show up at all, which meant I got off about an hour early. Amazingly, I stayed on time for everyone. I think. Can I just say, my back hurts a little today?

I went to Body Pump today, knowing that if I didn't it would have been almost 2 weeks since I had gone. The last time I went was a week ago today. It will be closed Thursday. (Why?) ;) I have still been faithful to my 2 mile walk video. I did that Sunday, since I knew I wouldn't go to BP. I've found that if I aim for everyday, I hit most days. If I aim for every other day, I miss most days. I have to play psychological games with myself, you see.

Speaking of psychology, I love the subject. I love how the brain works. I was thinking about moods this morning. I was wondering why I feel so good this morning. So capable. So awake. I noticed that I feel really optimistic this morning. Most days, although I'm in a generally good mood, I still fret over "stuff". Sometimes, I wake up just ill as a hornet. Maybe I should do my own research and track it. Hmm. I know part of it is, if I feel that all is right in my world, my mood reflects that. (Whose doesn't?) Negativity is contagious. Ever been in a good mood and someone else's bad mood pulls you out of your good one? Or situations. You feel great on the way to work, then, one too many yahoos pulls out in front of you and by the time you arrive at work, you're ready to kill someone. We are interesting creatures.

Well, I'm off to start my day. (Those who know me well would agree with the first half of that statement and end it there.)

Bonjour

Satisfying Sunday

I ask you... is this not the sweetest girl in the world?!

We had a lovely visit to Savannah today. The weather was beautiful. The craft fair was small, but everyone was sooo friendly. I bought a cloth, handmade shoulder bag, sack type thing. It's been a lovely weekend, we've spent a lot of time together as a family.

I baked some sour cream coffe cake this morning and it was delicious. I feel I'm on the way to redeeming my baking skills! Honestly, I was starting to get a complex!

Here's to a new week...and a short one at that!

A Little of This, a Little of That

Good Morning everybody!

I love Saturdays. The day stretches before me full of promise. I'm filled with hope for all I've potential to accomplish. I really need to make a list. There are so many things to do!

We went to Butterbean's and her brood's house for supper last night. I attempted to make homemade whole wheat bread. I started it and had to leave about the time it needed to be punched down and shaped for it's second rise. The hubby took over. (Thanks honey.) Something happened at some point, because when I got home, the bread was cooked, but not done. I tried to finish baking it. (That never seems to work.) It was a little better, but heavy as lead. When we cut it, well, it was very dense and still slightly doughy. All I can figure is he put it in the oven before the oven was completely hot and took it out when it's cook time was up. He tested it like you would a cake: by sticking a fork in it. No dough came up on the fork, so he thought it was done. The directions didn't say to thump it to see if it sounded hollow. It's amazing the things I think are common knowledge. Bless him. He stepped into the gap like a champ and did what made sense to him. We still ate it. (That's what kind of friend Butterbean is.) It tasted fine, well, o.k. . I promised them more bread at some point. I'm really starting to get a complex about my breadmaking skills. This is the second thing in a row that hasn't turned out as well as I was expecting. Oh well, as mom always said, "If at first you don't succeed, try, try again."

Took my girl to see the Rudolph ballet yesterday. She was transfixed! It really was well done. I enjoyed it as much as she did, I think. We are going today to see the Nutcracker. I've heard that it's better this year than last year. I have nothing to compare it to, so I will prepare to be amazed.

Tomorrow, we are going to Savannah for the Mutation craft fair. I'm really looking forward to that. I went to the website and looked at the links of the vendors, and they are some crackerjack artists, I'm telling you! http://www.mutationcraftfair.com/ I've GOT to remember my camera!
I'm seriously considering making all (or as many as I can) of my gifts this year. I've gotten so fed up with commercialism in recent years and I want to support independent artists and stores where I can.

O.K., I've got to get off here if I'm going to get ANYTHING done this morning.
Ciao

Star Crafty :: The Star Magnolia blog

Star Crafty :: The Star Magnolia blog

I forgot about this!!! I want to go to this too!!

It's Gonna Be a Great Day!

I'm looking forward to today.

My girl and I are going to see a youth ballet perform "Rudolph". Tomorrow or Sunday, we plan to see "The Nutcracker" ballet performed by the same group. Do you know, I have never seen The Nutcracker all the way through? (That I can remember.) I know, I know, I've lived a very sheltered life.

I have to figure out the timing on making a batch of homemade bread around a dentist appointment and short massage. (My shoulders are giving me fits.) We are going to Butterbean's house for dinner tonight. I call this a trial run for Thanksgiving.

I'm also looking forward to Christmas this year. We hope to go to a place called Callaway Gardens. They have a gorgeous light display. I think I know a little girl who would like that. My girl might like it too! :) I hope I can find time to clean house so I can decorate too. Maybe Thanksgiving weekend. That would be good. Now, all I need to do is line up my motivation and time off!

I was just sorry yesterday and didn't exercise in any way shape or form. You're allowed a day like that, right? I'm pleased to say that the first thing I did today was my 2 mile walk video! Yea me.

Hope your weekend is filled with fun and love.

La-Te-Da-Te-Blah

Sometimes I wonder why I blog.

Like today, when I feel there is nothing of any interest whatsoever to write. I guess life isn't always interesting.

Sometimes I feel caught in the web of life. Held captive by time and obligations.

There are so many things I would love to do. Interests that I have but can't pursue because of other obligations. Life.

Why is it, when I go to bed at night, I see artistic visions but later, when I go to the studio to work, those visions have evaporated into thin air?

I think I want to take some art classes. Those art classes I didn't get to take in high school, but wanted to.

I'm scared to death.

When would I do it?

What if I don't have enough ability? What if I'm just a wannabe artist?

Who the hell cares? My art is my art and not held to any standard. I do it for me.

Yeah. Right.

I care too much what other people think. I want approval. I really try to cultivate the "I don't care what you think" attitude, but when it comes down to it... I care. A lot.

Art is so personal. That's a part of me that people are looking at. A display of my heart in tangible form.

Why do we seek approval? Why do we feel we need that validation?

It's at our very core. The need to be valued.

I think there is another need at our core...the need to create. Maybe it's stronger in some than others. I hear people tell me all the time: "I'm not creative." Hogwash. I think everyone is creative in some way. People think creativity is only displayed in artistic forms like art. I say look at accountants. They can do things with numbers that I never could! That's creative!

I've always wondered where I got my artistic bent. There's an another artist in the aunts, I think. I think my dad is artistic. He has always tinkered with something as long as I can remember. He takes things apart to see how they work. Or if they don't work, he takes it apart to see if he can figure out how to make it work. He has such ingenuity. He's the champion of thinking outside the box.

Well, I guess this blog is another form of my art...

because it's a piece of my heart,

out here on display for the world to see.

(Please forgive how this is all wadded up at the end. Blogger won't let me space it the way I want to. I'm at the mercy of my instruments.)

We Interrupt This Life to Bring You a Break

I had the most wonderful luncheon interlude yesterday.

I went to the university's botanical gardens and had a picnic. I sat on my jacket on the grass and ate my lunch while reading a decorating magazine, then I wandered around and found a bench where I sat and knitted for about 30 minutes. The weather was GORGEOUS! I sat in the sun but wasn't too warm. I could hear the sound of a fountain behind me. I enjoyed myself so much, I wanted to share it with my "photographer extraordinaire" husband. We've make plans to go this weekend and take a picnic lunch and our cameras!

We've been invited to a friend's house for Thanksgiving. On the one hand, I want to stay home and just be us. On the other hand (and this one may be winning out at this point), I want to go be with friends. These friends are the type that make you feel very at home. If I become overwhelmed by the activity and bodies, I can go hide somewhere and not feel rude of weird about it. BTW, this friend JUST started her own blog too! Go see her. I look forward to reading her entries. http://www.butterbeans-turnipgreens.blogspot.com/ (I love that name! I laughed when I read that!)

I've been thinking of getting my nose pierced. Thinking and researching, that is. I think the small stud looks so delicate and feminine. A friend brought me some of those stick on "diamonds" so, for testing purposes, I put one on yesterday to see if anyone noticed. Most of my co workers thought it was cool and looked good. One of them had a strong, negative reaction to it. (As in she thinks it's wrong.) I was kind of surprised that it was such a conviction for her. To me, I just don't see how it's actually WRONG. A preference perhaps, but not wrong. I didn't feel she had a strong argument for why she felt it is wrong. Something about it's a tribal practice and you don't know the meanings behind that and such. I'm sure that has some truth to it, but it didn't stop her from piercing her ears. How perverse am I that I want to run out and do it because she had such a reaction to it? I promise I'm one to research the background for stuff and the LAST thing I will do is do something just because everyone else is doing it. I've found I actually run away from what is popular. How boring it is to do what everyone else is doing! I also know that piercing the nose comes from another culture and I want to find out the background on that. I don't want to be proclaiming something I don't believe in and not know it. I'm very aware that this is probably some mid-life crisis type of thing I'm going through. Well, it's cheaper than a sports car or a face lift.
If I do it, it will mean I got over the fact that I will be paying for something I absolutely don't NEED, and I will be paying for optional pain which I think is the stupidest thing of all.

Stay tuned....

Artistic Funkiness

The cool thing about being an artist is, when you dress eccentrically and do your hair kinda crazy, people don't look at you funny, they just chalk it up to your artistic personality.

Frugally Empowered

I fixed my shower head for 97 cents.

Hubby suggested I buy a new shower head. Tempting. I even looked at them. But if I'm gonna buy one, it's going to be what I want. What I want costs between 48 and 78 DOLLARS. There's nothing wrong with the one I have. It was just leaking where I screwed it on the shower arm that comes out of the wall. I knew what I needed. Sealant tape. 97 CENTS.

Simple right? Unscrew it wrap the threads with sealant tape. Screw it back on. The end.

Except when I do it, we have a new script for a Three Stooges episode.

I wrap the tape around the threads and discover as I try to screw the shower thing back on, I'm unwrapping the tape. I rewrap the tape. Screw on the connection. Hand tighten.

Being the brilliant person that I am, I turn on the water to test it.

WATER SPRAYS EVERYWHERE.

#$!%&*

Double check the connection. It's tight. Whaa...oh, it's the joint below that. It came unscrewed when I screwed in that top part. O.K. Let's try that again...wait. FIRST, let's pull the shower curtain as a shield...just in case.

Turn on the water...

I feel my feet get wet. WHAT?! Double @#*%$@#!

I held the shower head in my hand and had it pointed outside the bathtub.

But. I. fixed. it.

YES!

Yeah, but I Got a Mixer!

I don't care if I don't go anywhere today. In fact, I plan NOT to go anywhere today! (Ooops, forgot about Body Pump.) Going to get the Sunday paper doesn't count.

Yesterday, I felt in limbo most of the day. I knew that there were a couple of errands I needed to do but hubby wanted to come with me and that meant waiting around until he was ready, which meant, "let me just finish this one thing" for about an hour and a half. Ah, well. We don't go do things together as much as we used to, so it was worth the wait. Off we went to the big hardware store where we spent double what we would have, because we got the things he had in mind as well as the things I had on my list. Good thing is, the things he finds are really on sale. Good guy.
Also went to a department store because they were having a sale and I found that they had KitchenAid Artisan mixers on sale. (A little on sale, but still.) I have been wanting a KitchenAid for a long time now. Target had the classic one on sale for a really good price, but the Artisan has more motor power which I thought important since I like to make bread. Finally, I decided this is my birthday/Christmas present. I told my hubby I don't need any other gift. He sounded surprised, but I meant it. Well, except for my annual Mary Engelbreit calendar. That's all.
After getting groceries, I came home and promptly unpacked the mixer. It's huge and heavy. I chose the stainless steel finish. I think that will go with any color I paint the kitchen. :) I immediately began my favorite recipe for cinnamon rolls. The main reason I wanted the KitchenAid, is because of the dough hook attachment. I love to make bread, but the dough hook makes kneading so much faster and easier. I also tried something I haven't done before: after the first rising, I put the dough in the refrigerator and went to bed. Then I rolled and shaped this morning. The finished product is slightly tough, but definitely edible. Perhaps I kneaded to long or rolled the cold dough to much. That just means I'll have to try again. Darn. More cinnamon rolls. Soon.

Anyway, the last two days have been filled with running around. A lot. Not the way I like my time off, as a rule. I like to be at home and hide. I wonder sometimes, if at this stage in my life I would enjoy staying home full-time. Maybe for awhile. but then, I think I would need human interaction. But honestly, there are days that I long to move somewhere where my neighbors would be not so close and I wouldn't feel the pressure of what "they" think my yard should look like. I'd like to live on a plot of land large enough to have a dog, cats, and chickens. A little mini farm, if you will. Why is it I'm longing for things like this when I should probably be longing for some simpler life? Like a townhouse with no yard and less responsibility. Ick.

Hmm, didn't mean to get off on THAT! I have no huge aspirations today. I'll just take it as it comes. But I definitely mean for it to be a quiet day. Knitting and reading are about as crazy as I plan to get today. Oh, and Body Pump. I'll spend all day talking myself into going. I missed two days of exercise this week so I HAVE to go.

On the holiday front, I see it shaping up to be rather quiet and understated. At this point, I think we will spend both Thanksgiving and Christmas here. Just us. Maybe, that will help keep me from going frantic as is so easy to do when the holidays approach. I'm looking forward to the extra time off. I hope to spend it baking and doing other assorted homey activities.

Well, the cinnamon rolls are yelling my name.

Catch ya later.

A Glimpse into Another Life

So, I went for my "old lady" checkup today. They stuck me in the arm in the name of finding out how my fluid levels are. Also, they suggested it's time for a mammogram. I've been practicing by slamming my boob in the refrigerator door and for variety, having my husband roll over it with the car.

Sitting in the doctor's office has to be one of the most boring things a person can do. There were no magazines and there was no music to take the edge off the deafening silence. Let me tell you, in a room of people who don't know each other and are studiously ignoring each other, the silence is deafening. Champion reader that I am, I had no reading material with me. A cardinal sin. I wouldn't go back out to the car to get anything, afraid they would call me back while I was gone. I preferred to sit in misery and punish myself for being so thoughtless.

While I was sitting in la la land, an older couple came in. They spoke to someone they recognized and this being the deep south, began a pleasant conversation. I was content to shamelessly eavesdrop. (You could hear a mouse whisper anyway.) I became drawn to this couple as I glimpsed a sliver of their life through hearing their light chatter. They spoke of restaurants and early bird specials, old friends they hadn't seen and family members they had. The weather that is cooperating so nicely for the football game tomorrow and their intent to attend. Another couple entered the waiting area: an elderly gentleman pushing his wife in a wheelchair. They knew this first couple and I was touched by the gentleness with which the first lovely lady began to inquire of the arriving couple. The gentlemen talked of going fishing where if nothing else, they could get a good nap. (smile) I was wondering what these stooped, white hair people had been like at my age. What did these men look like before time began to age their bodies? You could still see the vitality of life in the eyes of these four people. Even the lady in the wheelchair had the cutest face and sparkling eyes. Yes, you could tell that it took her a minute to process things, but her face glowed otherwise. These people provided quiet entertainment for me for quite some time, but at last it was time for them to go. I was surprised at my poignant feelings as tears sprang to my eyes when they walked out the door saying their goodbyes.

I spent my day today running around. It was not unpleasant. I ate my lunch alone while writing out bills and proceeded to deliver them to their rightful places. I made my last stop my massage which I have desperately needed. All this rigmarole took all day long. Whew. Thankfully, I don't have much planned tomorrow. Not stuff I "need" to do anyway.

Hurray, let's play.

It's a Wonder I Didn't Have to Get My Stomach Pumped

Hurray for waking up and feeling great!

After going to work yesterday, that headache edged it's way back. Apparently, it was a migraine. When I got up that morning, I took 1 muscle relaxer, 2 Tylenol and a hot shower. That combo usually nips it in the bud. I could feel it coming back after I got to work, so I took another Tylenol-type product (just one), later I went home for lunch, laid on the couch in an effort to rest it off, and went back to work still dealing with it. After telling my client why I was running late coming in for her appointment, (I'd dozed off on the couch, hubby and daughter came in the nick of time---I had 5 min to get back to work from lunch!) my client offered me some over the counter migraine medicine, which I accepted gratefully, hesitantly and eagerly; mindful of all I had ingested over the course of the day. Sure enough, after about 30 minutes, it eased up. I usually don't take so much medicine. Call it desperation to rid myself of pain so I could work. Anyway, I valiantly fought that headache most of the day, finally winning after a long and intense battle. And miracle of miracles, I didn't make anyone's hair a crazy color!

My, the air is bracing today! As I came home from exercising this morning, I could see the yards and roofs of houses white with frost. It takes some getting used to, this time change. Now, when I finish Body Pump, the sky is lightening. I'm accustomed to returning home still under the cover of darkness. I liked that. It still felt early. Like the day hadn't started quite yet. If it's light, the day is well on it's way.

My family has kept unusual hours this week. They have gotten up early every day this week! I have no idea what this entry sounds like. They have been around me talking to me and each other the whole time I've been writing. AAARGH! Love them. Mean it. I think.

Started a new scarf (did I say that already this week?). It's looking good. Simply knitting the whole thing so it will go very fast. It's a black yarn with a shot of color every so often so when it's knitted up, it has almost a colored polka dot of sorts every here and there. I'm also using large needles so it has a bit of a lacy look to it also. Fast and easy. I promise that doesn't describe me as a person, just my projects. :)

Soooo. Let me get a move on with my day. I'll see ya later.

P.S. My toe is better and I can actually walk now!! Double hurrahs!

Oh What a Relief It Is!

Oh my. Is there anything as wonderful as relief from physical pain? I'm sure there is, but this is my moment, so go with me.

I woke up this morning with stiff muscles in my shoulders and I could feel that all the way up to my neck which resulted in a major headache. Soon, it felt as though someone were piercing my temple with a nail. I simply could not function. I took some pain reliever (why does it feel like forever before those things start working?) and then took my miracle cure... a hot shower.
I think aiming hot water on those stiff muscles, helps them relax. When I exited the shower, my headache was a shadow of it's former self. Hallelujah!

Shoot, I'm running late.

Gotta scoot.

No Time! No Time!

I have no time for a proper post today. *fret fret*

When I got up this morning my hubby was up loading the dishwasher! He's been keeping odd hours recently. I fully expected him to be back in bed when I came home from exercise at 6:30, but NOOOO, he was up and on the computer!!! Doesn't he know the sacredness of MY time? Apparently not. I didn't say anything. We must remember to wait our turn, right?

Therefore, I'm frantically typing away when I should be making up my face to get somewhere by 9. Have to do a voiceover for my spa where I get massages. (Boy do I need one right about now!)

Must fly!

Tra-la

Productivity

I enjoyed my Sunday so much! Getting up so early really made me feel I had a full day. It didn't speed by like some days do. I was so productive too! Cleaned two bathrooms and vacuumed. Washed some clothes. Woohoo.

After Body Pump, I had the nicest little Vanilla Chai repast with my friend hepsmom. My girl was with me and that certainly livened up the conversation. My girl has an imaginary black puppy that she was walking back and forth across the patio where we were sitting. Oh, it was such a lovely day yesterday! Afterwards, we went to the park and then home to make sugar cookies. I visualized frosting and sprinkles on those cookies, but hey, they're great naked, too. I even cooked supper last night. Golly, I'm such a homemaker!'

I started a new scarf last night. I am trying to knit a scarf for each member on hubby's side of the fam as Christmas gifts. That's 6 scarfs. I'm seriously behind. But if I crack down, I should still be able to get them done. I've finished about three so far.

I think I need a podiatrist. I have something in my big toe that hurts when I stand on it. What am I, 85? I'm knitting and I think I have a corn! Oh, good grief!

I'm still on the exercising band wagon, although I only did a mile walk today instead of the full two. I was stiff and just couldn't get the energy flowing today. Plus, that toe thing is seriously cramping my style. Enough already!

I'm gonna go get more coffee and see if I can inspire myself to start my day.
What will you see or do this week that will inspire you?
Watch for it!

Sunday Sighs

What's this about an extra hour of sleep when the time changes in the fall? How about getting up at the same time thinking it's 7 and then realizing you forgot to set the clocks back?! How giddy am I to discover that I have some personal time alone to do whatever I want! I've chosen thus far to spend it with you. Aren't I just the sweetest?! I have my coffee, and orange marmalade toast and I'm off to a good start. Soon, I'll go to the corner store for a Sunday newspaper and pile up on the couch with more coffee and see what's new. That's my Sunday a.m. routine. Love it. No matter where I am on a Sunday morning, I try to find a newspaper. Don't really care the rest of the week. Just Sunday.

So, I worked yesterday. My one Saturday a month for those who work out of town and can't get in during the week. Saw some of my favorite people. It was relatively painless, considering I was working. You know, I'm so blessed in my job. I work with people I like in an environment I like and I hardly have any clients that I don't like. I've found even if someone comes in that I don't feel I "mesh" with, eventually they weed themselves out. Yep! I love my job!

Well, I didn't officially exercise yesterday, but I chased my girl all through the house for awhile. Our living room is next to the kitchen/dining room with a doorway at either end of the room. It makes it easy to circle around and around while playing chase. "Yes momma, I was RUNNING in the house!"

Started cleaning up my craft room last evening. I can't make art efficiently if I can't find a work surface to work on! You know, if I had a week (at least) vacation home alone, I could get sooooo much done around here! Last night, my girl wanted to paint, and being the cool, artsy momma that I am, I said, "sure!". Then she moved on to other things so I said no more painting. Plus, she keeps pouring out more paint and has more than she needs, AND she's put on a cute little dress and wants to come back and paint! Cool, artsy momma notwithstanding, I'd had enough! I'm trying to clean and can't get much done for checking on her when my momma radar goes off. That's also why it's hard to make art when they are around because she wants to do something also. I can't set her up and supervise her and concentrate on my stuff to. I don't always feel this way. I want her to exercise her creativity. I want her to paint, draw and experiment. Just sometimes I need my own personal creative time.

Well, while I have a moment of my own personal creative time RIGHT NOW, I'm going to make the most of it... catch ya later.

I Must Tone Down My Beauty

As promised for Lieutenant Bear... a secret to my sense of style (?).

The Most Humble, Amazing, Versatile, Non-Toxic Product on the Planet

First, to take care of business at hand... thanks to my personal English definition alarm in the person of hepsmom, (what would I do without you?) it has been brought to my attention that I need clarification on the definition of the word: figment.
"figment [ME, fr. L figmentum, fr. fingere to shape -- more at DOUGH] (15c) : something made up or contrived." Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary
My point is, it has nothing to do with quantity, as in, " a figment is a small part, so I chose to show only a small part of my craziness." . My title was correct, my definition was wrong.
WHEW! I feel so much better to get that right with the world now!

O.K. I have a new bandwagon to ride. I have become enamored with....

baking soda.

Really.

It has to be the hardest working product on the planet! Versatile too. Some of the different uses I have found for it may not be news to you, but I'll list them to prove my point. Let me know if you have any earth shattering uses for this humble product.

Leavening (cooking)
Cleaning (makes a terrific scrubber for the tub and sink. Non-scratching)
Teeth cleaner
Odor absorber
ph restorer (apparently you can put it in the pool)
Buildup remover on hair ( if someone has hairspray buildup, I just massage some into wet hair and rinse. The hair feels so good afterwards!)

Anyway, I've been looking for ways to clean that are less expensive and less toxic. I've become more aware of this since having a little girl and realizing how careful we need to be about what she gets into and is exposed to. I found a great little book (surprise, surprise) called "The Naturally Clean Home" by Karyn Siegel-Maier http://www.amazon.com/Naturally-Clean-Home-Non-Toxic-Cleansers/dp/158017194X It has many recipes using not only baking soda, but other natural and non-toxic products to clean everything from the bathroom to the garage. I find it covers almost everything you need to clean.

Well, maybe Arm & Hammer will call and offer me a gig promoting their product. Until then, I'll keep my day job.

P. S. Still exercising! Go me!

Letting My True Colors Shine Through

So I dressed up yesterday for the holiday (?). A couple of girls at work bought $10 prom dresses and dressed up as 80's prom queens. It was funny to hear them planning it. I'm a fly-by-the-seat-of-my-pants kind of girl. Everyone kept asking me if I was dressing up and as I had no particular costume in mind, I was wishy-washy. Maybe this is a sign of growth for me, but I was amused at how everyone was so concerned that they wouldn't be the only one dressing up. (There's that peer pressure again, Mrs. Incredible, just like you said.) I would dress up if I wanted to and could put something together whether they did or not. Hurray for me. I'm not a follower after all. (Sometimes.)
It was a simple pitiful costume, but I was relatively comfortable and thought it was fun. I pinned my hair up in a random crazy fashion, slapped on a tiara, wore a purple shirt with princess theme, black pants, pink tennis shoes, lots of bracelets, glitter on my face and accented my eyes fancifully with some eyeliner embellishments. OH! And I pinned some pink tulle as sort of a half skirt draped across my butt. Not too, too out there, but definitely not every day wear. One of the girls at work asked what I was, (a fairy?) and I said I was a "Figment of My Imagination." As you know, a figment is a small part, so I only chose to show a small part of my craziness. ;0) Fun!!! I was so glad to get that tulle off my butt. It got in my way.

Well, in case you care, I've worked out every day since Tuesday. Whoohoo, 3 whole days. Yeah, not impressive. Always easiest at first when you're fired up. Let's see where we are after the weekend. I have to work Sat, so no running. I'll have to fit something in somewhere.

Got to fly...
Have a blessed day.