The weekend was great "catch up" time...thankful to have been off!

My fortune cookie with today's lunch: True bravery is without witness. Hmmmmmm....

Life is funny, sometimes you get more than you wished for.

my last upward bound event, now that is reason for joy.

It's Saturday, the sun is shining over the water, and I'm having a coffee drink while reading the news on my iPad. All in all, pretty great day!

kind of a yucky day, but the the suv in front of me sends out a wave of bubbles from the back window. Great reminder to enjoy life

Kids growing up

A few years ago I would dread any conversation we would have to have that involved rebuke of their behavior. It would always end with an argument. But no more. I miss my babies, but I love talking to these young responsible people. I could just kiss them, and I did. LOL

Giving it to the Universe!

I just want to say loud and clear, and hope that the Universe hears me: I want to be the manager of the stable making the same amount of money as I do now. I WANT IT!!

Worry only about the things you have control over, of which there are few. For the rest make plans and make moves.

I had a nice surprise today in a morning chat with my Bestie...always delight no matter when!!

I have no earthly idea what just woke me (wise awake even!) at 1:15 in the morning...benefit? A "double night" and kitty snuggles!

"A house is not a home unless it contains food and fire for the mind as well as the body.". ~Benjamin Franklin

Guess I should just say nevermind! Oh well!

q ?gyy> ???v D|???;??.??o:=?r?????"??! ????? ?[ ???3(? ??eyx?N??e9?? ???9??.?

q ?s ]??A?r??????< ?v?A??
???? DG???0hZw??yP?-w??g? ]??A?w 4 ?A?2 T???a9;? ???2(b??tv 4w??kP?M ??e7?? ???5?? ???_ ? ???vx?v?Agy?M ??

o ????<???nP; "?[?? ?f?[?7? n??tt?} ?? ?|???<????????
?Ao{Y ??e{Y z?Attz z??!

o ?s ]??A?r??????< ?v?A??
???? DG???0hZw??yP?-w??g? ]??A?w 4 ?A?2 T???a9;? ???2(b??tv 4w??kP?M ??e7?? ???5?? ???_ J??mP;?N????<?&??

I am continuing to learn how to use my new phone....hoping this post makes it to our blog so I can get back to my daily posts!

It's a great day to be alive, i know the sun is still shining when i close my eyes.

I forgot i had candy in my car. Score!

I forgot i had candy in my car. Score!

the sun feels wonderful after all this rain. Drinking it knowing that we have rain in the forecast.

Love the new singing show, The Voice. If you are not watching this show, you are missing out.

I am trying - I really am!

Just having a hard time holding on to my usual positive attitude. Here's to better things coming down the pike.

Baseball finally. shocking that the rain stopped, but oh so nice to see the sun

Met up with a lot of riding pals, and competed for the first time. Such a fun day..

Saturday night date

I am positive that my Bestie and I will have a drink together at seven Saturday night. And I am looking forward to it, 'cause BOY do I have some stories!

Nice to know that even though my Bestie and I are playing the longest round of phone tag in the Universe, she's just a think away (& always in my heart) ! :-)

Kharma

I believe in it, and right now I revel in the idea of it. Come on Kharma, kick some ass. Trouble is like a Vampire, if you invite it in it will suck the life out of you. Luckily I have only others drama to deal with.

Watching the morning news...they ran a story about Tyler Perry building a new house for an 88 year old woman who lost her home to fire right before Christmas. Such a great thing he did. Wish that made the headlines online rather than Lady Gaga's latest fashion flub...come on people!! We can do better than this!! Who's with me?! :-)

Spent the day with my daughter enjoying the Equine Affaire. So cool

She tells me to be more chipper...my first response is that's just what I need...more mulch! Bahahahaah - I crack me up me sometimes!! ;-)

Sitting Season

Baseball season is a great excuse to just sit, breathe fresh air, and watch a bunch of kids play ball. How relaxing. Until you realize that it completely screw up any plan you ahd for dinner, 'cause you will not eat until after 8, and so there is no time to make that chicken salad you planned to make, and the cjicken will go bad now if you don't make it soon, and so will the lettuce. And how in the hell is that uniform going to be clean for the other three games this week huh? #$%^&#!!!!


Sitting season. Baseball season is a great excuse to take up drinking to combat your guilt for constantly feeding your kids fast food, or fozen meals.

Here's a HUG!

Take it.

Trail ride

Went on a trail ride today, on a big warmblood horse. I loved it, how lucky I am to know people generous enough to let me get some experience on their horses?

Earlier this week, I discovered "Big and Small" on BBC online. Love it! :-)

Began reading another book by Jane Juska. I find her voice and insight rather engaging, and the title "Unaccompanied Women" made me curious as well. Per her words: Naming things and people may be necessary for efficiency's sake, but at the same time naming them tends to limit understanding as well as behavior.

She was specifically pondering the use of the words "slut" "nymphomaniac" and "promiscuous" but I see how her point about names applies to many things.. Society expects people to act certain ways based on our age, gender, heritage, marital status (why is it called that...like not being married is a non-status)....it's all such balderdash!!!

I'm working toward a more open mind and personally aiming toward "courageous" and "sane" for now...in time, perhaps I'll try some other monikers on for size as well.

Finished reading a totally frivolous book today: Jane Juska's Round-Heeled Woman. A rather interesting, slice of life read with elements that provoked me a bit and others to which I can relate. The next-to-last paragraph of the book really struck me:

Life just keeps coming at you. Make no mistake, it's out to get you, and in the end it will. But every so often, you can catch a piece of it and make it do what you want it to, at least for a little while. You've got to stay alert, though. Heads up so you don't get caught off base, though if you do, what the hell, it's not the ninth inning, until it is.

Busy weekend

Today I get to share my horse with a little girl, it is my favorite thing to do these days. Pippi loves kids, and they love her. The look on a kids face as they climb up on her back for the first time is priceless.
Tomorrow we go see our son play a double header, which increases his chance of playing time. Tomorrow night we go play Wii with some friends. Sunday - a trail ride on a large horse, warmblood paint, with some new friends. Life is good!

Half day off, yay

Lucky enough to be enjoying another no alarm morning. Had a little trouble sleeping last night, but happy to have gotten some good sleep once the sandman finally found me. Now I'm relaxing with a cappuccino while I read the news and watch the ducks and geese swim around on the pond. I do love to look on the water...the ducks seem so relaxed...swimming around in little groups quacking and honking away. Why is it we allow ourselves to get so busy that we fail to enjoy the simplest of pleasures? Today's resolution - more duck and goose time for me!

Happy Wednesday!

ask for help

I asked for help last night, and now I can tro like a champ. It is always a good idea to ask someone else, over and over, until you find the key that unlocks whatever you are struggling with. Thank you.

A Song for My Bestie

Teens are amazing people

Had a great conversation with a 16 year old young man last night on Facebook. Isn't it fantastic when a great conversation leads your mind down paths you never would have ventured alone? I love my two kids, and feel fortunate to have other peoples great kids in my life too.

Today I am thankful that the swelling on my bad ankle is down to the size of a golf ball...hoping for marbles next!! ;-)

Mondays...........

Quiet Monday morning at the office, giving me time to get my mind together. Busy week ahead, so I am enjoying the reprieve.

Cleaning away clutter

Spent sometime organizing my clothes and pitching things I no longer use. What a great feeling to get things in order.

Framily

Got to see my BF from college last night. She and the baby (who is now 4!!) were passing though to visit other family and decided to stop over for a visit. We don't get to physically see each other but a few precious times a year, yet it is always surprisingly like I just saw her 2 minutes ago. I was equally excited and surprised that as soon as the baby saw me, she yelled my name and was jumping up and down with excitement! Her Mama even commented how surprising it is when she does that since she doesn't do that with anyone else (even people she sees all the time!)!! On my way now to have lunch with them before they get back on the road. Loving the visit, and now even more looking forward to the June visit from my Bestie and her brood.

I always liked the saying that "friends are the family we choose" - I am so blessed to have crossed paths with 2 kindred spirits I consider my sisters and true "framily " ...one being my Bestie and co-author of this very blog.

For today at least, life is good!!

Baseball Season

Today is the first scrimmage, it will be freezing cold but I love seeing my son play ball. He has some great friends on the team, and I have seen these kids play ball since t-ball days. You start out on the little fields and move around the complex until we are now on the biggest field. Sometimes we look wistfully on the little kids, and smile at each other, my husband and I. Time.............

It's Friday and the start of a MUCH-needed 9 day holiday...woo hoo!!

So MAD!!!

I am so angry and pissed off today, that the only positive thing I can say is that I have not killed anyone................yet!

Voting...such little turn out for such an important thing. I will always remember student government elections in college...one of my sorority sister's brothers ran for SGA President one year and his campaign slogan was "If you don't vote, don't bitch!!". Indeed!! I know a lot of lazy people who didn't show up yesterday and can now officially shut the hell up!!!

Black Attack

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6SGNoQuA-qs

Love this clip from "The New Adventures of Old Christine." It is such a great show!

Sweet tea from McDonalds really starts day off right. Need the caffeine.

Drugs ROCK!

i suffer from migraines, and the pain can bring me out of commission for a day or two. But not anymore, 'cause I have drugs now.Thank you thank you thank you

Sitting at mechanic's waiting on car. Sign on wall: "A sure way to get back on your feet...miss a car payment!" :-)

planning a summertrip with my family to go see my bestie, omg i cant wait

The Universe is speaking to me again...in fact, there may be some YELLING going on at this point. :-)

I was reading a free local magazine tonight and came across an article that included this: "we learn things as a child, teenager, or young adult and use what we learn for a short time and it works. But then, one day they suddenly stop working and we are left to deal with letting go of them..." I am certainly ready to begin letting go of a number of things I thought I knew and yet are no longer working for me. Here's to learning some new "truths"!!!!

A toddler fell asleep on me last night. It has been a long time since that happened and it was wonderful. i love kids, well the fun and kind ones anyway.

Rise and fall with the leg on the wall. Please Pippi, please Pippi, don't let me fall.

In The Sound of Music they made dresses out of curtains; today I made curtains out of a dress. Looks good too.

For the first time i felt as though i knew what i was doing when riding my horse. We were connected, and i felt wonderful. Riding rocks!

Quote of the day: "If she were any more of a bitch, she'd have puppies!!". So glad I'm not someone who has others say that about me!!

Today marks 8 years since I started with my present employer...and I'm still making a difference. I decided to leave "home" to embark on my journey to live at the beach and take on a new professional endeavor. Been an interesting ride so far...met some intriguing people, made a few dear friends, got a big promotion, survived an emotional roller coaster of a relationship. Interestingly enough as of late, there are more and more days I think about going closer to home. Lucky to have choices... :-)

It's Wednesday and I am thrilled to be more than halfway through "hump day!"

Patience does not come easy for me, but today I had lots of opportunity to practice. So that's good, right?

Going into lecture to hear "No Impact Man" speak...feeling the urge to recycle already! Woo hoo!

Sunshine!

Today the sun is shining again, and I feel better. Sunday and Monday was rough with a fever and terrible body aches, but today..........the sun shines and I feel better.

Also, my bestie can blog from her phone again. yay

I so want to be able to post to our blog from my cell phone...perhaps it will work today?!

I have been working on trailer loading with our horse. It takes time, patience and quiet resolve. I learned to wait and breathe; good lessons for life.

I get to go and just hang out with my horse later. Brushing her and giving her a good rubdown is totally a zen experience. Love it

Not a ClothesWhore

There are days when it is hard to come up with a truly positive anecdote, and today I would have to say is just a regular day. Nothing super funny has happened so far, but..........

I did do some shopping at lunch, and found some great deals. I truly hate spending money on clothing, because I really don't care about fashion at all. Not that I don't like looking decent, but I have very little interest in paying for a great "look" or spending any time trying on clothes. If I was wealthy I would have a personal shopper pick out all my clothing. Once in a while I luck out and find some great buys, and if that happens on a day that I am willing to spend a few bucks I feel very fortunate.
My horse is dressed better than I am most of the time. Coat for Horse- $49.99, Coat for me - $don't remember it has been a few years. LOL

My life is EPIC!

I was zooming down the intetstate today, singing along "everybody's talking 'bout the new sound, funny, but it's all Rock n' Roll to me!" when it struck me as it does quite often; how strange my journey has been.

Some ups and downs, and some sideways where I refused to budge, but mostly my journey has been a great one.

I am who I am due to who I was and what happened to me along the way.

Thank goodness!

My Oscar Speech:

Thank you to my husband, my kids and my parents. Thank you to my Bestie and all my friends. Thank you to all those that made me rise above, fight back and kick ass. Thank you to those that showed me when to back away and back off.


And...............suck it Jesus, this award belongs to me!

Fixing lunch and dropped an entire container of peas, which went ALL OVER (truly not exaggerating here!!) the kitchen floor. Rather than stressing, I figured the universe was just reminding me that the floor needed mopped. No sense crying over spilt peas (or something like that)!!!

Sunshine, kids in tshirts riding bikes and skateboarding......I love living somewhere with all four seasons.

Two eyes are enough

I had my touch-up on my permanent eyeliner today. It is a tattoo on the eyelids, both upper and lower. When I first had it done, I thought it was no big deal. But today, during the touch-up, I was very close to screaming "okay, that's enough!" and then leaving regardless of how was done and not. Right when I hit the last of my rope, she was done, and we did the left eye. Which was quiet bearable. That being said I am SO happy that I onlt have two eyes.

Suckin' Heads

We did state that we would post the obscene and the funny, this is both.

X ?2??????? ??tzY ????2?????? ???

X ?? ?/??sP?? ??e7( ???l2?]v??o7h? ?A??{]??Aa7 /???2????? ??? ???v ???fP t/???9? ^??gP DN??ey?M ???s=|.?@??{? ???u9? ??e??} ??n (?&??

X I??>????;(:??l??-_??gP 4 ??????.?A?0?E ???s? ???;h?~?A?9??.??o9????t ]??Aay 4} ?????,fA?0}? ?@I??]w?Ao6 tG???$h ?????? ???$H^n??

5 year old girl with a plan!

This little girl knows way more than most adult women. So funny!

This just makes me laugh

I don't know why it makes me laugh, it just does. Makes sense if you don't think about it.

Having a little trouble after my surgery which I hope to see the doctor about tomorrow. A reminder of the delicate nature of good health and appreciation for insurance coverage. Thankfully, this too shall pass.

Spending the evening in pajamas, eating junkfood and candy, watching a good movie. Feeling tired and reveling in the idea of doing very little.

Reading an article written by the Dalai Lama:

This way I have been able to preserve my inner peace. If we are content just to think that compassion, rationality, and patience are good, that is not actually enough to develop these qualities. Difficulties provide the occasion to put them into practice. Who can make such occasions arise? Certainly not our friends, but rather our enemies, for they are the ones who pose the most problems. So that we truly want to progress on the path, we must regard our enemies as our best teachers.

For whoever holds love and compassion in high esteem, the practice of tolerance is essential, and it requires an enemy. We must be grateful to our enemies, then, because they help us best engender a serene mind! Anger and hatred are the real enemies that we must confront and defeat, not the “enemies” who appear from time to time in our lives.

"Always do right. This will gratify some people, and astonish the rest." (Mark Twain)

It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it. (Aristotle)

Calendar Girls

Just watched a fantastic movie called Calendar Girls. Helen Mirrin was great and the story carries a rather empowering message..."The last stage of the flower is the most glorious."

Went through an outpatient medical procedure today and while I am one heck of a wuss, I made it through with no drama or fainting. As my amazing Bestie reminded me today...I am the WOWman!!

Book Club?!

I would like to suggest another tandem reading assignment....should anyone reading this be so inclined (hint, hint). The book is "No Impact Man: The Adventures of a Guilty Liberal Who Attempts to Save the Planet, and the Discoveries He Makes About Himself and Our Way of Life in the Process"...I'm starting tomorrow. Care to join me?

I'm feeling fortunate to have earth under my feet...and want the sweet babies in my life...and their next generations...to inherit a planet worth living on.

Afternoon of FREEDOM!

I have the afternoon off, not so I can do anything exciting, but to go to the eye doctor. It is however way better than working, plus I get to pick out new glasses. yay me

Sunshine

When I was a kid, our teachers would take us outside and have class outside on sunny days in the spring. Or we would go for a walk and soak up the sunshine. After long winters we all longed for the sun, and enjoyed those sunny days to its fullest.

Good memories.

Valentines day

This day does not mean much to me. I like getting flowers, but I prefer getting them on a "for no good reason" day, or on a "just because you had a bad day and I love you "day, or "remember what happened on this day?" day.
My daughter calls it "Single people awareness day" instead of Valentines day. Romantic gestures are more meaningful if they happen in private. How about we rename it "Send flowers to my workplace so I can show off that I am in a relationship Day?"

Yeah - that sounds better.

Watching the Grammy Awards...nice to not be SO old as to not know ANY of these artists and songs!

Had a stupid moment today and totally overbid at an auction. Lesson learned.

met and made some new friends today. It is always great to meet people with the same hobby, sure the conversation can be one sided but that is fine with me.

Enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jpg-KIKD5gU&feature=youtube_gdata_player

Great Day

I spent the day with my husband, and although it has been almost 12 years since we met, I still love this man. What a gift!

There is something so special about a book! I do enjoy technology and all that comes with, but holding a book in my hand is still such a visceral thrill. I genuinely believe it has something to do with the fact that I have worked and played in libraries since before I was born (my Mama worked in the library while she was pregnant with me!). I am going to a meeting tomorrow about the future of our public library and plan to do my part to fight the good fight to protect this invaluable resource for the next generation. The public library brings back so many good memories of my Great Aunt who was the founding director of the county libraries in my hometown. A part of me knows she's proud that I ended up in the field of academe and libraries.

Bibliophiles of the world repeat along with me...."BOOKS RULE! BOOKS RULE!"

Smile, and the world will smile back. Laugh by yourelf too loud and too long, and the world will think you are nuts and leave you the heck alone.

Technology?!

Apparently, the gremlins had my number over the past few days. I logged on to post today and see that my post from Sunday didn't post (grumble, grumble) sooooooo postblogumusly (how do you like my new Dee'ism for posting to your blog for the date that has already passed?!)....

The Black Eyed Peas Superbowl Halftime Show ROCKED!!! I love that the music they perform is so upbeat and positive...kinda' like our blog!! :-D

I was away from my office today for doctor appointments (sigh) but it was nice to have another reminder of what a great team I have assembled..once again, they faced a significant shit ball (sent our way by a co-worker from another area...I almost feel bad for her when I think of all that bad karma she has to be accumulating catching up to her!) with grace and goodwill.

It feels odd to me to say "I assembled" but I am trying to be kinder to myself by acknowledging and taking credit for the good things I have accomplished..one of those being the leader who has hired a good number of the team who now works in the area I am responsible for!! I have a tendency to take the crap from everyone and not the kudos -- and, as my wise Bestie reminds me, I have to do better with patting myself on the back from time to time. That being said -- GO ME for being a good leader in my professional endeavors!!

Unique - Like everyone else.

I spoke with my cousin on Facebook last night, and was reminded of what one of my professors in college used to say: "You are unique, just like everybody else." Always liked that sentence, and the lesson it brought. Another bit of wisdom was "everyone has the right to make mistakes, even if they knowingly make them."

I also find myself quoting Dr.Phil, as much as I hate to, and say: "You can not change what you do not acknowledge!"

I love short, right to the point, lessons like that.

Brave - I'm not!

My horse got hurt, a three inch gash on the leg, and I had to go clean the wound and put salve on it. Horses are big, REAL BIG!! And a hurt animal can be dangerous. I was nervous, but I remembered how important non verbal communication is.
Animals are like young children; they look to you for confirmation of what they should feel. Pippi tends to get stiff with fright, and looks at me with a "hey, I am kinda freaking out here, should I be?" And then it is up to me to send her the message of "no, we're cool." And we take a breath together and settle down. So today I made sure that I was in the mindset I needed her to have. I was going to hurt her, with good intentions, but how does a horse know that? So we set work, and I told her what I was doing, she pulled her leg away repeatedly, who can blame her it hurt, but she never got mean. Wound cleaned, we hugged, and stood together for a long time.
I knew the moment was over when she muzzled the zipper of my Carhart jacket, and pulled it down. We're cool she said, and she is right!

Go packers.

Alien Language

My post from yesterday was sent from my cell and turned out to look like some alien language! What I sent was: "It's Friday afternoon...happy to be finished with my work meetings for the day and about to go in for an acupuncture appointment. I so hope to have an hour and a half of RELAXATION to start my weekend. Going to a friend's house for dinner tonight and if I am REALLY lucky, I may also get some talk time with my Bestie over the next few days! Happy Friday to the Universe!

Superbowl

We are hosting a Superbowl party tomorrow, and I am enjoying cooking ahead for it today. On the menu will be Chicken Tortilla Stew, and Cream Cheese Brownies. Etc etc.

Go Packers! (not that I even follow or like football, but I just don"t like Rothlisberger.)

Got to catch up with my bestie on the phone today. Someday we will speak face to face.

% I?i 2???p 6??r???v?\?0 ? ?? q dN??st????hP; ???kP?\????9??????2? ???n2(,~?? ? ? ???? ??u??^??Aty9Lo??t ? ?? ? ^ ?? t?^ ?? ??. ??

% dP ? ???? t.??iw $-2?? 5?t??o?? ??A?<?^.??n? :???3?? ?Afy??&?? ??>/??o9??v??r ??N??tP?M ?? P n??? ?? ???u? J???<(???A?2 4 ?? z?? ??

% ?2????A?<HX???e??^????2?]??A?? D ??! ??? ?<M ?A?7??.?????,??C

Happy Chinese New Year!

Another new start! Thankfully, the Universe seems to be sending me messages about these this week...HOORAY! I even crossed paths today with someone who gave me some unexpected "advice" which truly resonated with me...there is something beyond amazing for me just around the corner...oddly enough, I just FEEL it! Happy New Year INDEED!

I am getting to hang out with some of my favorite people and animals this weekend, save my bestie that is. i feel very fortunate to know and have so many kind and great people in my life. Hard to appreciate the great people with so many buttwipes taking up time. LOL

I am so lucky to have true friends who I know have my back....even from 800 miles away!! :-D

It's Wednesday! Today I am thankful for all the stupid people of the world who continually make me appreciate the fact that I have some common sense!

Phil the forecaster.

Phil did not see his shadow, as shown on the video. So we will have an early Spring!

In related news; it just started to snow here, and the temperature is steadily dropping.

 Maybe a rodent is not the best predictor after all?

A Whole New Month!!

There is something so refreshing about the start of a new month...almost like a mini New Years! Clean start...turning the calendar page over to see what this month's picture and/quote is....yes....even though I am an avid technophile, I still have paper calendars on my desks and fridge. It's not a real day until you see those numbers on the paper arranged neatly in a row of seven...covertly telling us so much just by how they are positioned on the page. Serious magic is always in the eyes of the beholder...

I wonder what excitement this new month will bring?? Stay tuned here for the breaking news of the next big adventure my Bestie and I will find/create...after all, tomorrow's another day, Scarlette!!

We're doing it!

It has been a month now, and we are still keeping up on the postings. I am proud of us. Can't presume to speak for my Bestie, she speaks well for herself, but at times it can be a little challenging finding something positive to say. But we will keep on keeping on. We will keep searching for that one good thing in each day, and while doing so we will find that one good thing in each day. You find what you look for in life, and you get what you make room for.

Some good advice from Thumper:

Rain - nature's automatic carwash. How is that for a silver lining?

Follow up with doctor today...happy to say no surgery (at least not for now)! Here's to good results from alternative approaches!

Ambam - the strutting Gorilla.

I love seeing this footage. Enjoy.

Catty Devotion

It is wonderful to have the love of an animal. One of my cats loves me so much that he is my constant shadow. My husband calls him my "familiar" as though I am witch with a cat under my spell. He may have a point as this cat has been known to jump into the tub as I shower, and squeeze between me and my laptop as he is doing right now. Such catty devotion is a great gift.

Talked with a friend today who is planning a visit to my neck of the woods to get a break from the wintery weather. After talking with her, I will whine a bit less about the fact that the temperature was down in the high 40's last night. I love the warm weather and am thankful that the only snow I will ever have deal with again is recreational snow that I make a conscious decision to spend time in.

Do the do up.

I have an appointment to get a do done this evening, in about four hours, but I have no idea what I would like done with the do. That may mean that I stay with the tried and true, or that I go way out on a limb and chop and color. It is nice to have options. Certainly time to refresh and renew.

Knit knit knit

I have been busy knitting, as I have had a burst of inspiration. My knits are animal hats for kids. This is the first one, a black cat. The little girl modeling is not mine, and so I have blocked her adorable little face. My next hat is an elephant hat, and then I have plans for a skunk hat and a lion hat. There are no patterns or instructions, so it is a knit as you go project. The face of the child is also the face of the animal hat. I am having a blast letting my creativity bubble over. Hope to sell some hats down the road.

I thought I was having a BAD day - I'm not!

Some people are having the worst day of their lives, and facing things that are inhumane and terrorizing to them and everyone that loves them. I feel small in comparison, and hope to remember the shame I feel now for a long time to come. Shame on Me!

I discovered through what started as a work conversation that there are reasons why we cross paths with certain people. The world really is an intriguing place when you take the time to stop and look around. Also had the added benefit of an unexpected "here's your laugh for the day" voicemail from my Bestie. Pretty awesome day when all was said and done!

Calling for an appointment with a doctor, and getting one on the same day? Wow! Lucky me. Even luckier if I can get my little finger fixed.

I continue to be amazed by others' ridiculous, asinine behavior. The positive side is that such behavior makes the rest of us look like geniuses and saints!!

Buying Vowels!

I like this guy. Bet a conversation with him would prove entertaining.
 I emailed this pic today, as a cheer up for someone wrongfully accused of petty/silly things just to drum up drama. If you can't "rise above"," take the highroad" or "shrug it off"; this ones for you.

Sundays

Without doubt my favorite of days...sitting here with my iPad reading the news and answering emails with my fuzzy jammies and slippers on and my fuzzy baby curled up with me "helping" me type. Since I downloaded a few games on the iPad for her, she knows touching the screen makes things move around....too cute!! If only I could still function as a gainfully employed member of society and spend every day like this!!

Bundle of smiles and great manners too?

The cutest little girl stopped by our house with her dad today. Four years old, sweet and smiling, curious and talkative; all one could wish for in a little girl. I love little ones that make conversation, looks you in the eye, and just generally are good people. It was a great surprise that they stopped by, I love drop by visits, especially from adorable little kids.

Saturday Night Live of today is lost on me...thankfully I have a DVR which records Craig Ferguson! It's a great day for America!

Swooshin'

When we headed out this morning, my car in formed us that it was going to be a cold miserable day on the slopes. But my car was wrong; it was a perfectly lovely day. My two kids and I really enjoyed skiing, and spending the day together. My knee enjoyed it a little less.......

Today is Friday!! Have to make it through 5 hours of training and it's the weekend!!

Reading the news online and was intrigued by this paragraph in an article about enrollment in VPK: Each location can enroll eligible 4-year-old children into Florida's free voluntary pre-kindergarten program. To be eligible, children must turn 4 on or before Thursday, Sept. 1, and they must live in Florida. Parents need to bring proof of child's age, such as a birth certificate, shot records signed by doctor, passport or military ID. Proof of Florida residency is also required, such as a driver's license, utility bill, lease agreement, Florida vehicle registration card or pay stub. The address must match the application, and parents must provide their child's Social Security number.

I am pretty impressed by 4 year olds with driver's license, utility bill, lease agreement, Florida vehicle registration card or pay stub. Kids today are SO advanced (and apparently news writers are so NOT!!)!! Sheesh!

Happy words

I like the word "cake." It is one of those words that when said it always elevates the situation. Let's say you were in a fender-bender, and your friend said "oh, I'm sorry. Want some cake?"
Or you were bullied at school and your mom said: "I've got something to cheer you up. Chocolate cake!"
See what I mean?

Or your husband/boyfriend left you for a younger woman with giant fake boobs, but you had cake......
Okay, so it's not magic!

This gives me an idea; I am going to bake a cake later.

What a day! Feels like I've worked six weeks in two days...does that mean that time is moving slower? I've heard it said that the reason it feels like time moves fast is that you are getting older...I must be getting YOUNGER!!! Woo hoo!!

Life is a soap opera

I spoke with a young woman, whose parents are really a mess, today. And I was struck by what a lovely person she is. Proof that you are not what you came from. You make your own path and can learn from other peoples mistakes. Good reminder!

It's Tuesday and I'm breathing. End of line. ;-)

"T-Shirt Time!"

My daughter was trying to talk me into staying up and watching "Jersey Shore" with her last night. When I told her I was tired she said "Oh Come on Mom, you never spend any time with me." I had to laugh, and when I did she laughed too. Because the truth is neither of us know any other mother and daughter that spend as much time together as we do. I feel so fortunate to have children that I genuinely like, and that like me back.

And I did stay up and we all watched "Jersey Shore" together as a family. So whatever people say about those Guidos and Guidettes, they should add that the show brings families together. LOL

"If you can't fly then run, if you can't run then walk, if you can't walk the crawl, but whatever you do..........keep moving forward."
MLK

Termite company came today to do inspection for bond renewal. The technician actually asked if I had a cat....but only after he saw the rug in the laundry room that says "the cat don't take too kindly to strangers" which was the opening for him to talk about HIS cat (which by the way, sounded like a fun fuzz butt too!). My house may be cluttered, but even with my fluffy baby kitty leaving amazing amounts of fur around for me to keep up with, it's freakin' CLEAN!!!

Today was a much-needed no alarm clock day and tomorrow will be too. LOVE IT!!!

Remember the song from Mary Poppins where the lady sings "feed the birds, tuppence a bag, tuppence, tuppence, tuppence a bag?" well i have that song stuck in my head, so i bought a birdfeeder. Your welcome little birdied. Can't wait too see them in my kitchen window.

I ended an era today. Sometimes that can be bittersweet, but this time it is sweetsweet. Easy decision that just keeps being proven correct. Onward and upward.

I was so busy I missed posting Saturday (whaaaaaaa!!), yet was able to set this post to show as posting the day I missed!! My hooray is that I had a fun day Saturday and technology can be awesomerific!!

I rode my horse today, and jumped crossrails twice. So cool. A little scary, but thrilling and cool.

Just saw the most uplifting NBC news story outlining something positive happening in Tuscon: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3032619/

I got teary when they mentioned the shooting crime scene being inaccessible for folks to post these reminders that there is still good in the world...so FBI agents hung them....wow...

My post for yesterday was lost in space, but here it is:

Just spent a great deal of money on my car, but since it is the first time I have spent any money on repairs and the car has over 106,000 miles on it, I'd say that it worth a positive post. Yay for my Toyota Prius; whcih only needed a new waterpump, and some hoses and belts. Runs like a champ!

I am so lucky...in so many ways! I have a Bestie who knows me so well that she knows just when I need a hug...even from 800+ miles away. Lucky INDEED!

Honesty is ALWAYS the best policy...no matter what all the whack-a-doos around us choose to do!! :-D

I just had a total stranger tell me that my laugh was contagious! I truly have come a long way since this time last year...WHAAA HEEEE! :-D

Had a to use my brain today, guess that's a good thing. life can get pretty mundane doing the same old brainless tasks. Good to have to give the old noggin a work out.

It is sooooooo cold outside! At least I am getting to wear my cute gloves and "thingy" that Mama made me-- both of which hardly ever see the light of day since I moved South. Strike a pose! And turn up the furnace!

Counting my Blessings

I really love this song, and I hope you do too.

Today was the first day of spring semester....so exciting to see the energy and enthusiasm of new students and the sense of a fresh start that comes with a new term for all of us involved in the process.

Exchanged a shirt for godiva chocolates, now that's a great swap. Yum

I am almost completely caught up with my laundry and linens...woo hoo!!

I trotted around the arena for several circles this afternoon. My horse stayed in the gait and listened to all my cues. It ROCKED! I am learning a new skill, and even though my throat and sinuses told me to get the heck out of the cold, it was worth it. Wow - what FUN!! cough cough sniffle sniffle

Bought Daisy a new toy and she lost interest quickly and instead brought me the ring off a milk jug that she's had forever and wanted to play with me...perhaps I'm actually her favorite toy. A reminder that what costs us nothing and has been in our lives the longest is often what brings us the most joy...family and friends being at the top of that list.

A sore throat is no fun, but having your daughter make an extra trip outside in the cold just to get you some Sherbet sure is nice. Oh what a blessing children are!

Bought a new CD tonight and drove a little longer route home to enjoy singing along with the music up loud. Good music is good medicine...

Watching large snowflakes dance on the wind. Quiet takes on a new sound when you watch the snow fall slowly. It makes the world softer, slows it all down, and washes everything in blinding white. Reminds me of the feel of snowflakes on cold cheeks after skiing for hours, the sound of skis gliding over ice and snow, and how good a KitKat is when eaten outside halfway up the slope. Aaah - winter, if done right, it is marvelous!

Ding Dong

Craig Ferguson is soooooooo funny! I love the Secretariat Dance bit....it makes me laugh every time! Thank goodness for the DVR!

As gross as it is, a Neti Pot is a very useful tool in combating sinus stuffiness and a head cold. I can breathe!

Trash Day

Something I take for granted is the magic of being able to gather up things I no longer want and roll a container to the curb once a week and "PRESTO!" the trash fairies come along and take away the discarded stuff. Hmmmmm....I wonder how I can establish such a neat little arrangement for other stuff that I no longer want in my life? I'll get to work on that and let you know!

Meow!

I came home a bit ago to find my furry bundle of kitty love sitting with her sweet little nose nose against the front window waiting for me. I walked in to a happy, loud "meow!" and non-stop chatter with me about her day and how happy she was to see me. Ahhhhh the joy of unconditional love...

I just watched a video of a frat boy putting twenty quarters in his belly button. Wowser, what a belly! Really makes u wonder where all ur change has spent time huh?

Would it be ridiculous to write an ode to Nyquil? I love it so

Work?

Despite a hectic and tiring first day back to work after the holidays, I came home tonight thankful to be employed and doing a job that I truly do enjoy. While some of my colleagues can be a royal pain in the ass, I am blessed to have genuinely good people working on the teams I manage.

McDs

Just a quick shout out to McDonalds; the Fruit & Maple Oatmeal is yummy. Real Yummy!

We finally have rain! Had forgotten how relaxing the sound of a gentle rain can be when nothing else is demanding my attention.

Lovely day watching movies and knitting. What luxury to have quiet time.

Shared joy is a double joy; shared sorrow is half a sorrow.  ~Swedish Proverb

I can now post to our blog from my cell! I have the smartest Bestie EVER!

Watching your child sleep in the car during a long drive, is precious. Even when your "baby" was able to vote in the last election.

New Year's Day 2011

The positive for today: I woke up this morning without a headache, without an alarm buzzing in my ear, and time to make a ham and cheese omlette for breakfast....which I ate while still in my jammies and bunny slippers while watching the Rose Bowl Parade. Didn't have to go anywhere today and actually feel rested for the first time in quite some time...happy new year's day to MEEEEEEEE!

2011 already ROCKS! :-D