My widdle car is out of the hospital ... and is kicking up a mighty breeze that I might mistake for real live air conditioning. However, it wasn't a scorcher of a day here, so I am going to leave off with my final judgment whether or not the operation was a success until the voracious heat gets its groove back on. We had a couple of thunderstorms that cooled things back down to 90 or so this week, but I have no doubt I will be delirious about spending only $153.00 for the repair even if my air conditioner's performace doesn't compare to the gale winds coming out of brand spanking new cars (when faced with hell's fury).
I'm already excited that it was so inexpensive, because I was thinking the repair would cost me between $500 and $1,000. Can you imagine my delight when they told me it would be $198.00 ... and my greater joy when I picked it up and it was only $153.00.
My friend invited me to the movies tonight, so I picked up my car from the shop, did a couple of errands and then met her at the movie theater only to notice that all the doors across the front of the theater were open .... and my friend was walking out of those doors towards me. Apparently the movie theater needs an air conditioning doctor. I wonder if the car guys make corporate air calls.
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Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
I think the heat has fried my brain.
It's been rather hot down in the deep south lately, and the air conditioners are running so fast, I think they may give out of breath. In fact, some have. I saw on the news this morning, that a family's window unit (air conditioner) caught fire while they were in the house, but thanks to their five year old who shouted for them to get out of the house, they made it out alive. The fire fighters had to revive the family's pet, a Chihuahua, with an oxygen mask, but he too survived and looked grateful to have at least two lives. Maybe he has a cat in his genealogical line. I'm sure the fire fighters were happy they didn't need to give the poor thing CPR.
The second victim of late, is my car's air conditioner. I've often wondered what the climate is like in Japan, because my Honda's air conditioner never worked as well as it should have. Surely, they too understand the importance of a relentless air conditioning system for poor souls who live in less than temperate climes. I have mildly suffered season after season with that weak breeze in my car, a breeze that makes me wish I had something other than a Mickey Mouse cooling system. I usually remind myself that fall is only a few months away, but this summer is feeling worse than any other, and I swear to you I'm no stranger to heat. I actually love being warm, but even I can't tolerate this summer's oppressive heat without a better air conditioner in the car, so I finally broke down and have sent my car out for repairs. Let my bank account suffer, I can't take it anymore. I want to stop the sweating, the cursing, the layer of fog blanketing my sunglasses, the need to downshift my automatic transmission into 2nd or 3rd just so I can run the air conditioner and pull away from a traffic light or stop sign without causing someone road rage or mistake me for their grandmother. Let's hope the repair guy is a miracle worker and that I don't have to hock the new shrubs to pay for the repair.
What, you think I couldn't hock shrubs? I've known people whose new shrubs were stolen right out of their front yard ... yes, out of the ground, not a container. So, they must have some street value and there is a new pawn shop that just opened up where a local plant nursery used to be. Wonder what sort of look they would give me, if I rolled in their store with a wheelbarrow full of shrubs.
House Rules: Any and all passersby, stalkers and the like, can post comments under "lurker comments." They will be screened for hexes, spells, foils, curses, foul smells and cooties before posting.
The second victim of late, is my car's air conditioner. I've often wondered what the climate is like in Japan, because my Honda's air conditioner never worked as well as it should have. Surely, they too understand the importance of a relentless air conditioning system for poor souls who live in less than temperate climes. I have mildly suffered season after season with that weak breeze in my car, a breeze that makes me wish I had something other than a Mickey Mouse cooling system. I usually remind myself that fall is only a few months away, but this summer is feeling worse than any other, and I swear to you I'm no stranger to heat. I actually love being warm, but even I can't tolerate this summer's oppressive heat without a better air conditioner in the car, so I finally broke down and have sent my car out for repairs. Let my bank account suffer, I can't take it anymore. I want to stop the sweating, the cursing, the layer of fog blanketing my sunglasses, the need to downshift my automatic transmission into 2nd or 3rd just so I can run the air conditioner and pull away from a traffic light or stop sign without causing someone road rage or mistake me for their grandmother. Let's hope the repair guy is a miracle worker and that I don't have to hock the new shrubs to pay for the repair.
What, you think I couldn't hock shrubs? I've known people whose new shrubs were stolen right out of their front yard ... yes, out of the ground, not a container. So, they must have some street value and there is a new pawn shop that just opened up where a local plant nursery used to be. Wonder what sort of look they would give me, if I rolled in their store with a wheelbarrow full of shrubs.
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Monday, June 28, 2010
Annoyance 047
I seriously had to figuritively bite my tongue twice yesterday .... both times on facebook. My facebook contacts are limited for a reason, but I would be fooling myself, if I thought I would not run into comments that I would like to slice and dice just because I choose my contacts carefully. All those well chosen contacts come with their own contacts, and there will inevitably be someone on a friend's site, or the site I thought would attract somewhat intelligent people, who will make me want to reach through my computer screen and cut them off at the knees.
Such was the case yesterday when some woman from MN made this comment.
IN MN we have had a bad weather or disasters , floods hit ,many times in my life and we roll up are sleeves and start cleaning (including last week when tornadoes hit again). We sandbag to stop floods and chainsaw to clean up tornado damage and then we rebuild. I did not say talk about it---I dont see thousands pon the shorelines down there, just ... See Morephot ops. People would be less depresed if they rolled up their sleeves and tried to do something. I am not just talkiing. My hometwon was leveled by tornades in 1965--You would never even know the area was hit now-- So if you wanted Drill Baby dril, I suggest you new cry should be Clean baby clean!
I colored it green because it made me want to puke. Apparently she has never heard of hurricane season down here, and she must think we are immune to tornadoes, floods, etc. We get those too moron. ALL THE TIME. She later mentioned their harsh winters in MN. I wish she would bring her ass down here in the middle of a hurricane after the power is out for a month straight or any other normal summer, and experience our extreme HEAT AND HUMITY, which would likely bake her ass alive until she bucked up. It's like comparing apples to oranges, and we would do something about this oil spill, stop the bitching and get on with our lives if someone had a way to plug the damn hole.
For heaven's sake, how would she feel if we said ... hey that's just a tornado your town just suffered .... suck it up ... all you are doing is whining, get on with it, because I have no sympathy, empathy, prayer, or understanding for you, even though you are a fellow American not to mention a fellow human being.
I resisted the urge to track her down and bazooka her place of life -- work, play and the place she rests her empty heart and head.
House Rules: Any and all passersby, stalkers and the like, can post comments under "lurker comments." They will be screened for hexes, spells, foils, curses, foul smells and cooties before posting.
Such was the case yesterday when some woman from MN made this comment.
IN MN we have had a bad weather or disasters , floods hit ,many times in my life and we roll up are sleeves and start cleaning (including last week when tornadoes hit again). We sandbag to stop floods and chainsaw to clean up tornado damage and then we rebuild. I did not say talk about it---I dont see thousands pon the shorelines down there, just ... See Morephot ops. People would be less depresed if they rolled up their sleeves and tried to do something. I am not just talkiing. My hometwon was leveled by tornades in 1965--You would never even know the area was hit now-- So if you wanted Drill Baby dril, I suggest you new cry should be Clean baby clean!
I colored it green because it made me want to puke. Apparently she has never heard of hurricane season down here, and she must think we are immune to tornadoes, floods, etc. We get those too moron. ALL THE TIME. She later mentioned their harsh winters in MN. I wish she would bring her ass down here in the middle of a hurricane after the power is out for a month straight or any other normal summer, and experience our extreme HEAT AND HUMITY, which would likely bake her ass alive until she bucked up. It's like comparing apples to oranges, and we would do something about this oil spill, stop the bitching and get on with our lives if someone had a way to plug the damn hole.
For heaven's sake, how would she feel if we said ... hey that's just a tornado your town just suffered .... suck it up ... all you are doing is whining, get on with it, because I have no sympathy, empathy, prayer, or understanding for you, even though you are a fellow American not to mention a fellow human being.
I resisted the urge to track her down and bazooka her place of life -- work, play and the place she rests her empty heart and head.
House Rules: Any and all passersby, stalkers and the like, can post comments under "lurker comments." They will be screened for hexes, spells, foils, curses, foul smells and cooties before posting.
Friday, June 25, 2010
Annoyance 046
A trip to Tennessee is in the works to visit a friend. A mutual friend was planning on making the trip to visit, and invited me to go along. I enjoy going and doing, but I don't really enjoy the planning part when it's not in my own backyard. However, when visiting this particular friend of ours, it is NEVER a "go with the flow" sort of weekend. There has to be a plan. So, I inevitably get a directive e-mail like the one I got today from my friend in TN ..... saying ......... "I know you have time, so please Google “Things To Do In Tennessee” and let me know what you might want to do." That directive (and you can bet your bottom dollar that it is a directive) always makes my inner rebel flip a bird at the computer screen. Yeah, I have plenty of time to drive hours and hours to come see you, so we can drive hours and hours to go see something else when I get there. Don't get me wrong, I love my friend's adventurous nature, I just wish my friend came equipped with her own personal planner, because I don't enjoy figuring out what there is to do in places far from my home.
Personally, I enjoy hanging out and talking, going for hikes, shopping, going to the movies, going out to eat somewhere ... you know, stuff you can do most anywhere. The same sort of stuff I would do at home, because I don't think traveling to see a friend has to be all about going to see the latest museum exhibition located an hour and a half drive back the way I came, or to a neighboring amusement park 35 miles to the east, if those aren't things you pursue in your day to day.
But, I will make a damn plan and enjoy the hell out of it, so I can appease her and put my finger back in its holster.
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Personally, I enjoy hanging out and talking, going for hikes, shopping, going to the movies, going out to eat somewhere ... you know, stuff you can do most anywhere. The same sort of stuff I would do at home, because I don't think traveling to see a friend has to be all about going to see the latest museum exhibition located an hour and a half drive back the way I came, or to a neighboring amusement park 35 miles to the east, if those aren't things you pursue in your day to day.
But, I will make a damn plan and enjoy the hell out of it, so I can appease her and put my finger back in its holster.
House Rules: Any and all passersby, stalkers and the like, can post comments under "lurker comments." They will be screened for hexes, spells, foils, curses, foul smells and cooties before posting.
Thursday, June 24, 2010
IT'S ON, BRING IT!
In one corner, was the elders. In the other corner, the new kids on the block.
It was a showdown over Nilla Wafers. The new kids won the first round, but the elders came back and delivered a swift jab. Nilla Wafers were out, now they're in.
I wonder if the Oreos stand a chance. The clients miss them the most.
This is a work place report. The real issue? Disrespect. Insanity reigns on and I grieve from the sidelines. But hey, at least the elders won this round. At least that's something to celebrate.
House Rules: Any and all passersby, stalkers and the like, can post comments under "lurker comments." They will be screened for hexes, spells, foils, curses, foul smells and cooties before posting.
It was a showdown over Nilla Wafers. The new kids won the first round, but the elders came back and delivered a swift jab. Nilla Wafers were out, now they're in.
I wonder if the Oreos stand a chance. The clients miss them the most.
This is a work place report. The real issue? Disrespect. Insanity reigns on and I grieve from the sidelines. But hey, at least the elders won this round. At least that's something to celebrate.
House Rules: Any and all passersby, stalkers and the like, can post comments under "lurker comments." They will be screened for hexes, spells, foils, curses, foul smells and cooties before posting.
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
You can check all the boxes, but you can't call it done.
When someone looks good in person and on paper, and is very interested in you, and you think you would want someone that looks good in person and on paper, most sane people would go for it. Wouldn't they? Well, you can consider me certifiably crazy, because I have again squashed my own "hope" (and his) of entering into a relationship with a previously mentioned admirer http://pukkapurl.blogspot.com/2010/03/plucking-daisy-petals-is-little-like.html.
He thinks his career is holding me back from the fray, but I don't think it is. I could totally get on board with his traveling career, and I would trust him until I had reason not to. So what's the problem, more to the point, what's my problem?
I'm all about someone's vibe, and I don't know that our vibes match. We have been exchanging e-mails over the last month or so, but he rarely engages me in subjects that spark my interest. He mostly tells me where he is and then compliments me. Don't get me wrong, I want to hear where he is, but after a while, its just another place. And, everyone likes to hear compliments, but even those, if too frequent, start to fall on deaf ears.
My last boyfriend told me that he looks for a partner who brings something to the table, someone who challenges him, someone who engages him, someone who teaches him something about life. Someone that could add to his character (or something close to that). I sort of took issue with his concept that I had to make him grow, because I believe we are individually responsible for becoming our own well rounded person. I may now see his point to some degree. (Note to the EXB: If you are reading this -- and I know you will -- you should remember that I always tried to see your point of view -- after the fire was extinguished ;)
I don't think it is someone else's responsibility for me to grow in any dimension, but I do welcome people in my life who open themselves up to me, sharing their feelings, their interests, their insights into the passions which they pursue, their day to day goings on, etc. And, I am really attracted to people who have a great deal of interest in life in general. I can appreciate a person's interest in one field of play, work or thought, but if it is a truly limited interest that I don't happen to share, their excitement for that passion doesn't hold the same weight with me, and I will start looking for their deeper appreciation and how it relates to life. This is what I'm lacking from the situation at hand. I know he loves his career, because he has sacrificed a lot to have it. But, I don't feel I know him on the level that I need to know him, in order to fan the flame. Thus, the cause of an extinguished ember of possibility.
I honestly would rather be alone with my books, my garden, my gym time, my friends and family, than to try to force love like a flower bulb in winter.
He took my decision graciously and extended an olive branch of friendship, which I will be happy to accept. He has always professed a love for my rather extensive e-mails, so who am I to deprive him of those ; )
Don't think I haven't tried to be satisfied with having 98% of the boxes checked, because I have. I have tried to like him in that way for quite some time, but I never liked him in the way that I liked my EXB and before I experienced that standard changing relationship, I always had the nagging knowing that Mister 98% wasn't for me. Since he is amazing in his own right, I know that he was meant for someone else and I hope he finds her before the next star shoots across a midnight sky.
House Rules: Any and all passersby, stalkers and the like, can post comments under "lurker comments." They will be screened for hexes, spells, foils, curses, foul smells and cooties before posting.
He thinks his career is holding me back from the fray, but I don't think it is. I could totally get on board with his traveling career, and I would trust him until I had reason not to. So what's the problem, more to the point, what's my problem?
I'm all about someone's vibe, and I don't know that our vibes match. We have been exchanging e-mails over the last month or so, but he rarely engages me in subjects that spark my interest. He mostly tells me where he is and then compliments me. Don't get me wrong, I want to hear where he is, but after a while, its just another place. And, everyone likes to hear compliments, but even those, if too frequent, start to fall on deaf ears.
My last boyfriend told me that he looks for a partner who brings something to the table, someone who challenges him, someone who engages him, someone who teaches him something about life. Someone that could add to his character (or something close to that). I sort of took issue with his concept that I had to make him grow, because I believe we are individually responsible for becoming our own well rounded person. I may now see his point to some degree. (Note to the EXB: If you are reading this -- and I know you will -- you should remember that I always tried to see your point of view -- after the fire was extinguished ;)
I don't think it is someone else's responsibility for me to grow in any dimension, but I do welcome people in my life who open themselves up to me, sharing their feelings, their interests, their insights into the passions which they pursue, their day to day goings on, etc. And, I am really attracted to people who have a great deal of interest in life in general. I can appreciate a person's interest in one field of play, work or thought, but if it is a truly limited interest that I don't happen to share, their excitement for that passion doesn't hold the same weight with me, and I will start looking for their deeper appreciation and how it relates to life. This is what I'm lacking from the situation at hand. I know he loves his career, because he has sacrificed a lot to have it. But, I don't feel I know him on the level that I need to know him, in order to fan the flame. Thus, the cause of an extinguished ember of possibility.
I honestly would rather be alone with my books, my garden, my gym time, my friends and family, than to try to force love like a flower bulb in winter.
He took my decision graciously and extended an olive branch of friendship, which I will be happy to accept. He has always professed a love for my rather extensive e-mails, so who am I to deprive him of those ; )
Don't think I haven't tried to be satisfied with having 98% of the boxes checked, because I have. I have tried to like him in that way for quite some time, but I never liked him in the way that I liked my EXB and before I experienced that standard changing relationship, I always had the nagging knowing that Mister 98% wasn't for me. Since he is amazing in his own right, I know that he was meant for someone else and I hope he finds her before the next star shoots across a midnight sky.
House Rules: Any and all passersby, stalkers and the like, can post comments under "lurker comments." They will be screened for hexes, spells, foils, curses, foul smells and cooties before posting.
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Hello from Miss Read-A-Lot
I'm reading two books at one time ... well maybe three if I ever break open The Happiness Project for the second go around (I will, but just having it near at hand is good enough for the moment). It will soon be added to the reference section of my personal library collection.
The books I am currently reading are pursuits in the same direction. One is entitled "Embracing Uncertainty -- Breakthrough Methods of Achieving Peace of Mind When Facing The Unknown" by Susan Jeffers, Ph.D. The other is entitled "Switch -- How to Change Things When Change is Hard" by Chip Heath and Dan Heath. They are the authors of "Made to Stick" which I have not read, but maybe you have. I love the human behavior research that Switch is so far based upon.
I am almost finished with Embracing Uncertainty and I have to say that even though I am relatively snug as a bug in my own "get on board with embracing the suck and learn its lesson" style, I made a lot of pencil marks throughout this book. Hmmmm ... uh oh .. I forgot it was a library book. But hey, its just pencil. Easy to erase. Oh well, I digress. Back to how I roll with life's stones. I may not do that as easily as I suggest, but I think I may be in the top of the class. I have rarely been under the delusion that I have much control over life. So, even though I may raise hell for a while, or wail with the banshees when faced with one of life's demons, or an evil twin, I usually bounce back fairly quickly, getting on with letting go and letting God. A host of demons have been loosened upon my once happy work world, and I've gnashed my teeth long enough. I am exploring alternatives to angst ... thus the recent topic of reading. Who knows, this may be another one of life's crossroads (of which I have experienced only a few), and I should be excited to greet change at the signpost.
One thing that jumped off page 145 in the chapter titled "Finding Your Meaning and Purpose" was the following phrase ......... "Stand where you are, make a circle, see what needs to be done and do it."
Whew, can I tell you how enlightening and helpful that string of words was? It may seem like an innocuous phrase to you, but it took a huge burden off my own purpose conundrum. Finding purpose in life has been a big thing for me, because, I have been looking for that seemingly elusive purpose since my last life crossroads.
Do you have a purpose? Do you need to have a purpose? Do you want a purpose? Maybe I'm just looking for a better snuggle bunny than my books.
House Rules: Any and all passersby, stalkers and the like, can post comments under "lurker comments." They will be screened for hexes, spells, foils, curses, foul smells and cooties before posting.
The books I am currently reading are pursuits in the same direction. One is entitled "Embracing Uncertainty -- Breakthrough Methods of Achieving Peace of Mind When Facing The Unknown" by Susan Jeffers, Ph.D. The other is entitled "Switch -- How to Change Things When Change is Hard" by Chip Heath and Dan Heath. They are the authors of "Made to Stick" which I have not read, but maybe you have. I love the human behavior research that Switch is so far based upon.
I am almost finished with Embracing Uncertainty and I have to say that even though I am relatively snug as a bug in my own "get on board with embracing the suck and learn its lesson" style, I made a lot of pencil marks throughout this book. Hmmmm ... uh oh .. I forgot it was a library book. But hey, its just pencil. Easy to erase. Oh well, I digress. Back to how I roll with life's stones. I may not do that as easily as I suggest, but I think I may be in the top of the class. I have rarely been under the delusion that I have much control over life. So, even though I may raise hell for a while, or wail with the banshees when faced with one of life's demons, or an evil twin, I usually bounce back fairly quickly, getting on with letting go and letting God. A host of demons have been loosened upon my once happy work world, and I've gnashed my teeth long enough. I am exploring alternatives to angst ... thus the recent topic of reading. Who knows, this may be another one of life's crossroads (of which I have experienced only a few), and I should be excited to greet change at the signpost.
One thing that jumped off page 145 in the chapter titled "Finding Your Meaning and Purpose" was the following phrase ......... "Stand where you are, make a circle, see what needs to be done and do it."
Whew, can I tell you how enlightening and helpful that string of words was? It may seem like an innocuous phrase to you, but it took a huge burden off my own purpose conundrum. Finding purpose in life has been a big thing for me, because, I have been looking for that seemingly elusive purpose since my last life crossroads.
Do you have a purpose? Do you need to have a purpose? Do you want a purpose? Maybe I'm just looking for a better snuggle bunny than my books.
House Rules: Any and all passersby, stalkers and the like, can post comments under "lurker comments." They will be screened for hexes, spells, foils, curses, foul smells and cooties before posting.
Friday, June 18, 2010
Work it girl!
If I were less independent, less self confident, less discerning, I would be in dating heaven, but I'm not any of those things. I am very independent, very self confident, very discerning and very much living in the armpit of dating hell. One of my co-workers said ... hey ... come with us to the concert tomorrow night, there will be lots of men there. I have no recollection of what I even said ... oh wait, yes I do. I said if I wanted the sort of men that will be at the concert, I think I could have gotten a date at the Walgreen's about 30 minutes ago with one of the three guys standing on the curb outside.
I thought they were watching me as I left the store, and that suspicion was confirmed when one of them called out after me ......."Girl, you are sexy." I said nothing and kept walking. The same one then said ..."and you are working that skirt." I found his skirt appreciation very "discerning," as my skirt length is NOT mid thigh, it is mid calf, but oh so parisian in style ;) I think men dig the prim and proper, library look. I found the attention somewhat flattering, what woman wouldn't?
So as not to stir up the natives, I just kept "working" my "everyday normal ole from a store to a car walk" without engaging that guy in conversation beyond a smile and a thank you.
What reaction do men who cat call expect?
House Rules: Any and all passersby, stalkers and the like, can post comments under "lurker comments." They will be screened for hexes, spells, foils, curses, foul smells and cooties before posting.
I thought they were watching me as I left the store, and that suspicion was confirmed when one of them called out after me ......."Girl, you are sexy." I said nothing and kept walking. The same one then said ..."and you are working that skirt." I found his skirt appreciation very "discerning," as my skirt length is NOT mid thigh, it is mid calf, but oh so parisian in style ;) I think men dig the prim and proper, library look. I found the attention somewhat flattering, what woman wouldn't?
So as not to stir up the natives, I just kept "working" my "everyday normal ole from a store to a car walk" without engaging that guy in conversation beyond a smile and a thank you.
What reaction do men who cat call expect?
House Rules: Any and all passersby, stalkers and the like, can post comments under "lurker comments." They will be screened for hexes, spells, foils, curses, foul smells and cooties before posting.
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Annoyance 045
Is it just me, or are pant hems and buttons suffering from a quality control crisis??? My trousers are NOT straining under the pressure of my waistline, yet their buttons persist in coming loose. Neither have I been tripping over my hemline. I'm rather annoyed for the umpteenth time today as yet another trouser button hangs by a thread.
Hmmm... maybe the Universe is trying to tell me something by plaguing me with all these buttons continuously hanging by a thread and those unraveling hems. They do sort of remind me of how I sometimes feel about life.
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Hmmm... maybe the Universe is trying to tell me something by plaguing me with all these buttons continuously hanging by a thread and those unraveling hems. They do sort of remind me of how I sometimes feel about life.
House Rules: Any and all passersby, stalkers and the like, can post comments under "lurker comments." They will be screened for hexes, spells, foils, curses, foul smells and cooties before posting.
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Get your very own happiness toolbox!
I have discovered Gretchen Rubin's Happiness Toolbox, and it's been the highlight of my week. Not the only highlight of my week though. I have also been happy to hear a few sweet somethings from my former boyfriend who is being deployed to Iraq in two weeks. Our mutual appreciation for the other is music to my soul. I have missed talking with him. He was so easy for me to talk to (when we weren't arguing), and I miss our unique connection.
Back to Gretchen's happiness toolbox ... if you have any resolutions, lists, inspirations, personal commandments or the like to keep track of, this is a great site http://www.happinessprojecttoolbox.com/.
You may also keep a one sentence journal there, or share your secrets of adulthood. I would love to hear all of your secrets of adulthood ... if you have any to share.
I am totally motivated by the resolutions chart where I can check off my good deeds to self. Maybe this is too girlie for some of you. I confess to being a total star chaser ... I love gold stars for things I do consistently and for things I do well. The resolutions chart allows me to earn check marks which to me are substitute for gold stars. I am a doer in need of apprecation. Patting myself on the back doesn't seem to go very far, but the checks are visible reminders of my resolve, and the blank boxes silently goad me.
You could at least check it out to see what other people have resolved to do, or what their secrets to adulthood are. But hey, no pressure. Just because I dig it, doesn't mean you have to ;)
I didn't spellcheck this, so save me the lip.
House Rules: Any and all passersby, stalkers and the like, can post comments under "lurker comments." They will be screened for hexes, spells, foils, curses, foul smells and cooties before posting.
Back to Gretchen's happiness toolbox ... if you have any resolutions, lists, inspirations, personal commandments or the like to keep track of, this is a great site http://www.happinessprojecttoolbox.com/.
You may also keep a one sentence journal there, or share your secrets of adulthood. I would love to hear all of your secrets of adulthood ... if you have any to share.
I am totally motivated by the resolutions chart where I can check off my good deeds to self. Maybe this is too girlie for some of you. I confess to being a total star chaser ... I love gold stars for things I do consistently and for things I do well. The resolutions chart allows me to earn check marks which to me are substitute for gold stars. I am a doer in need of apprecation. Patting myself on the back doesn't seem to go very far, but the checks are visible reminders of my resolve, and the blank boxes silently goad me.
You could at least check it out to see what other people have resolved to do, or what their secrets to adulthood are. But hey, no pressure. Just because I dig it, doesn't mean you have to ;)
I didn't spellcheck this, so save me the lip.
House Rules: Any and all passersby, stalkers and the like, can post comments under "lurker comments." They will be screened for hexes, spells, foils, curses, foul smells and cooties before posting.
Friday, June 11, 2010
Happy Birthday ....
It's my mother's birthday! I love my mother more than chocolate frosting, cake and birthday candles. I love my mother more than balloons, fireworks and swizzle sticks. I love my mother more than Splenda Diet Coke and Saturdays, and that's saying a lot ; ) My mother is the greatest gift God ever gave to me, and I will never stop being grateful.
Happy Birthday Mama!
Happy Birthday Mama!
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Annoyance 044
The next time you leave a hickey on my upper thigh Mr. Mosquito, I would appreciate you introducing yourself first!!!!
House Rules: Any and all passersby, stalkers and the like, can post comments under "lurker comments." They will be screened for hexes, spells, foils, curses, foul smells and cooties before posting.
House Rules: Any and all passersby, stalkers and the like, can post comments under "lurker comments." They will be screened for hexes, spells, foils, curses, foul smells and cooties before posting.
Monday, June 7, 2010
Take a hike ...
A much anticipated hike was the highlight of my past Saturday. Our destination -- Wolfden Loop Trail which is 6.7 miles long and very scenic. When we arrived at the starting point of the hike, there was a group of 20 somethings hanging out, apparently waiting for others to join them. Judging by their shoes, backpacks and hiking sticks which resembled ski poles, I assumed they were either well seasoned hikers or gung ho beginners. They were still waiting on friends when we began the trail. About a mile in, they passed us, at what I considered break neck speed. There were at least eight of them. I don't think hiking should be a sprint, but hey whatever.
At some point, we came upon and passed one of them, a young man of Indian (the country) descent, who said he was suffering from heart burn or something. He eventually caught up with us again, and we eventually caught up with him again. He was clearly uncomfortable but not in fear of death, so we spoke and kept going. At some point, he caught back up with us, and at about the same time, his hiking companions came trooping down from a hill above us, seemingly out of nowhere, and from slightly different directions. I was somewhat taken aback by them all rushing out of the woods towards us, with their Indian friend coming up behind us. For a minute there, it felt like we were back in the wild wild west ... and that we were being ambushed by a gang of outlaws. But, of course they weren't bad guys, they were simply temporary off track. Yep, that's right, those speedy and "seasoned" hikers had apparently taken a wrong turn on the trail and had to find their way back. Judging how far they should have been ahead of us (we had stopped along the way to admire flowers, bugs, waterfalls, etc.), they were off the path longer than I would have been comfortable with.
Allowing us to live, they quickly left us in the dust, with their Indian friend lagging behind them, but again ahead of us. We would soon pass him again. At about mile 5, as we were taking arest water break ... he came back upon us, diverted slightly from the path so as not to intrude on us, and smacked himself into a small tree. I missed his tree smack, as my back was turned to him. My friends smiled at him, as he looked back and laughed at himself. It just wasn't his day. Eventually we caught up with him again. He was seated by a tree ... studying a trail map. Seemed to me like he was looking for an alternative route. A route that would get him the hell out of there. It was rather warm, and he wasn't feeling any better, although no worse than before. He said he would be okay, so we left him by the tree, and never saw him again.
This is my third time hiking this particular trail, and it was just as lovely and tiring as I remember it. During the first part of the trail, there are mini water falls and several streams to cross and we are always engaged by the sights and sounds of the water. We eventually come to a lovely pool of water with the largest waterfall on the trail. This pool of water is bordered on one side by a large natural rock wall that creates a ledge perfect for a wolf's den. Thereby the name of the trail. It's a great spot to cool off, dip into the water if you wanna hike along in water logged clothes or stop long enough for them to dry out. We stopped long enough to admire the falls, take a few pics and then pressed on.
Somewhere around mile three and a half, we exit the more watered portion of the hike, and I start wondering how many miles we have hiked. About the same time, I hear the back side of my legs chiding me. I tell them they may as well pipe it, cuz we are nowhere near the finish line. At about mile five, my feet joined the back side of my knee and demanded that I recognize the true troopers on this trip .... I swear I could hear them whining .... "hey lady you have conditioned us to a desk job, what the hell do you think you are doing dragging us out here in the woods?"
Ignoring them, I pressed on, the little engine that knew she could. No sweat, heat, ache or minor pain will ever stop me from digging in when I have a goal in sight. After about three and a half hours, we finished the loop. I expected to see the 20 somethings at the parking lot, but we never saw them again. Their absence struck me as odd since their friend was still on the trail, but hey maybe they took another wrong turn, or decided to add another short trail to their hike. There were plenty of cars around, so I figured there were plenty of people on the trail behind us to check on the Indian guy if need be. With this comforting thought, I went on about my business, because all I could really concentrate on was sitting down after having walked 6.7 miles. I had to remind myself not to get too comfortable, because I knew we were about to hit the Paradise Grill in Warm Springs for a well deserved and much anticipated hamburger and coke.
What? Do you think that we should be eating sprouts and cabbage salad after doing all that work? Ummmm, no way jose. Bring on the beef! And, what a scrumptious selection of beef it always is. If you ever get by that way, take my advice, and get the hamburger. They are known for them, and I can testify that they have good reason to be known for them. That burger is cooked to perfection, and will melt in your mouth. Yep, we definitely deserved more than fatigue, trophy sized mosquito bites and the tick that my friend carried home for the effort. And, we relished every single bite.
Some kid was sitting out by the Grill's patio, giving away free kittens. My friend kept eyeing those kittens, the way I was eyeing our table neighbor's meal. I had to convince my friend not to pack one of those kitties into our backpack. I wasn't eager to ride home with a puff of fur that would likely aggravate another allergy.
Oh, did I mention that I am allergic to HEAT! Yes, heat of all things. Lucky me. A native deep southerner and lover of being warm, I have unfortunately recently developed a physical aversion to heat. What's the likelihood of that? I am not allergic to sun, just being overly hot. So, whenever I hike in the summertime down here, the next day my face totally breaks out, and I look like a junior high school student with a bad case of acne across my forehead. Luckily, this reaction waits until the next day to occur, and only lasts one day. But, for one whole day, I think I will never be able to show my face again. I have to dig out a hat to hide my forehead or simply stay indoors.
So, for all that trouble, is hiking in the summertime worth it? I think so, but it would be so much better if I could do more of my hiking in the spring, fall and winter months. If there was an ON DEMAND hiking companion service, I could have more control over when I hike, but I have to go when I have someone to go with, and that usually happens in the summertime. I will just have to live with an ugly forehead one day after and hope that my forehead doesn't get stuck in an adolescent state of confusion.
Anyways, I know I have not interjected much wit into this writing. For some reason, it's just not coming to me in a witty way, so it is what it is, another hike recorded for my future failing memory.
Since I shorted you people on the wit, I will attach a few photos that I (or my friend) previously took on this same trail. My friend brought a camera on this hike, but I forgot mine. I took plenty of pics on my first trip, one or two of which have achieved the rank of favorite. I hope you enjoy them too ;)
At some point, we came upon and passed one of them, a young man of Indian (the country) descent, who said he was suffering from heart burn or something. He eventually caught up with us again, and we eventually caught up with him again. He was clearly uncomfortable but not in fear of death, so we spoke and kept going. At some point, he caught back up with us, and at about the same time, his hiking companions came trooping down from a hill above us, seemingly out of nowhere, and from slightly different directions. I was somewhat taken aback by them all rushing out of the woods towards us, with their Indian friend coming up behind us. For a minute there, it felt like we were back in the wild wild west ... and that we were being ambushed by a gang of outlaws. But, of course they weren't bad guys, they were simply temporary off track. Yep, that's right, those speedy and "seasoned" hikers had apparently taken a wrong turn on the trail and had to find their way back. Judging how far they should have been ahead of us (we had stopped along the way to admire flowers, bugs, waterfalls, etc.), they were off the path longer than I would have been comfortable with.
Allowing us to live, they quickly left us in the dust, with their Indian friend lagging behind them, but again ahead of us. We would soon pass him again. At about mile 5, as we were taking a
This is my third time hiking this particular trail, and it was just as lovely and tiring as I remember it. During the first part of the trail, there are mini water falls and several streams to cross and we are always engaged by the sights and sounds of the water. We eventually come to a lovely pool of water with the largest waterfall on the trail. This pool of water is bordered on one side by a large natural rock wall that creates a ledge perfect for a wolf's den. Thereby the name of the trail. It's a great spot to cool off, dip into the water if you wanna hike along in water logged clothes or stop long enough for them to dry out. We stopped long enough to admire the falls, take a few pics and then pressed on.
Somewhere around mile three and a half, we exit the more watered portion of the hike, and I start wondering how many miles we have hiked. About the same time, I hear the back side of my legs chiding me. I tell them they may as well pipe it, cuz we are nowhere near the finish line. At about mile five, my feet joined the back side of my knee and demanded that I recognize the true troopers on this trip .... I swear I could hear them whining .... "hey lady you have conditioned us to a desk job, what the hell do you think you are doing dragging us out here in the woods?"
Ignoring them, I pressed on, the little engine that knew she could. No sweat, heat, ache or minor pain will ever stop me from digging in when I have a goal in sight. After about three and a half hours, we finished the loop. I expected to see the 20 somethings at the parking lot, but we never saw them again. Their absence struck me as odd since their friend was still on the trail, but hey maybe they took another wrong turn, or decided to add another short trail to their hike. There were plenty of cars around, so I figured there were plenty of people on the trail behind us to check on the Indian guy if need be. With this comforting thought, I went on about my business, because all I could really concentrate on was sitting down after having walked 6.7 miles. I had to remind myself not to get too comfortable, because I knew we were about to hit the Paradise Grill in Warm Springs for a well deserved and much anticipated hamburger and coke.
What? Do you think that we should be eating sprouts and cabbage salad after doing all that work? Ummmm, no way jose. Bring on the beef! And, what a scrumptious selection of beef it always is. If you ever get by that way, take my advice, and get the hamburger. They are known for them, and I can testify that they have good reason to be known for them. That burger is cooked to perfection, and will melt in your mouth. Yep, we definitely deserved more than fatigue, trophy sized mosquito bites and the tick that my friend carried home for the effort. And, we relished every single bite.
Some kid was sitting out by the Grill's patio, giving away free kittens. My friend kept eyeing those kittens, the way I was eyeing our table neighbor's meal. I had to convince my friend not to pack one of those kitties into our backpack. I wasn't eager to ride home with a puff of fur that would likely aggravate another allergy.
Oh, did I mention that I am allergic to HEAT! Yes, heat of all things. Lucky me. A native deep southerner and lover of being warm, I have unfortunately recently developed a physical aversion to heat. What's the likelihood of that? I am not allergic to sun, just being overly hot. So, whenever I hike in the summertime down here, the next day my face totally breaks out, and I look like a junior high school student with a bad case of acne across my forehead. Luckily, this reaction waits until the next day to occur, and only lasts one day. But, for one whole day, I think I will never be able to show my face again. I have to dig out a hat to hide my forehead or simply stay indoors.
So, for all that trouble, is hiking in the summertime worth it? I think so, but it would be so much better if I could do more of my hiking in the spring, fall and winter months. If there was an ON DEMAND hiking companion service, I could have more control over when I hike, but I have to go when I have someone to go with, and that usually happens in the summertime. I will just have to live with an ugly forehead one day after and hope that my forehead doesn't get stuck in an adolescent state of confusion.
Anyways, I know I have not interjected much wit into this writing. For some reason, it's just not coming to me in a witty way, so it is what it is, another hike recorded for my future failing memory.
Since I shorted you people on the wit, I will attach a few photos that I (or my friend) previously took on this same trail. My friend brought a camera on this hike, but I forgot mine. I took plenty of pics on my first trip, one or two of which have achieved the rank of favorite. I hope you enjoy them too ;)
This is much prettier in person.
Ahhh ... a cool place to ward off the summer heat.
This is the wolf den. I never see any wolves in there, and I hope I never do.
This ladies and gentlemen, is one of my most favorite pictures that I took on that trail.
Here is the other MACRO favorite shot that I promised to post today.
I have no idea what these little fuzzie flowers are, but I thought they were beautiful.
And here is yours truly, circa last year, before the latest haircut.
That's all folks!
Friday, June 4, 2010
Where's my easy button???
I'm back inside this magical little box that makes me want to write something even though I have not been stimulated outside of this box to run here and pound out something spurred by sheer misery or happiness. Things have just been lulling along down here, slow but sure. Summer .... the serious kind that makes you melt like a Snicker bar left in a car with its windows rolled up and parked on black asphalt in the direct path of the sun, is almost upon us.
With summer comes one of the banes of my existence .... mowing the lawn. I could hire this task out, but I am anti indiscriminate man mowing. Don't get me wrong, you men are extra willing to help with the lawn mowing, and I love that about you. Whatever you lack in mowing discernment, you almost make up for with enthusiasm. Almost. However, I had an ex boyfriend once who couldn't tell the difference between my bed of perennial fern and the lawn, and I loved that bed of perennial fern more than I would ever close in on loving him. Good for him (and my sense of appreciation for his good intention), that bed of fern was perennial. I also had a former fiancé who believed that if we cut the grass uber short that we wouldn't have to mow nearly as often. I could not convince him that scalping the lawn encourages weeds, so I had to ban him from mowing. I am now all about mowing my own lawn. Good thing I guess, since I no longer have a boyfriend or a fiancé.
After cutting the lawn for the second time this season, I noticed that the grass blades were all jagged and brown looking. About the same time, I was watching Walter Reeves http://www.yoursoutherngarden.com/ on public television and he was explaining the importance of sharpening your mower's blade an average of three times during the cutting season. He gave three reasons why, but I only caught two and will guess at the third. The two I heard were: (1) Your grass uses more water trying to repair the injuries caused by tearing the grass with your mower instead of neatly cutting the grass. (2) The injured grass opens up possibilities for disease. I'm thinking number (3) is that your grass will look bad like mine now does if you don't keep that blade sharpened.
You must know that I practically worship Walter Reeves and his gardening advice. However, there is no need to break even one bead of sweat over my near idolization of a mere mortal. I adore him, but if he flipped out and suggested we all go to Guyana and drink pink kool aid, I wouldn't go with. I'm simply going to sharpen my mower blade at least twice during the growing season, follow whatever other useful tips he points out on his gardening show, and continue to religiously watch his show.
With my most dutiful intention, and hopeful expectation, I thought my dad would willingly jump on this blade sharpening task. He is always sharpening one knife blade or the other. However, it turns out my dad was busy and didn't want to be bothered with this task. Needing desperately to mow the lawn, I thought to myself, no biggie, I can do this myself. After all, Walter Reeves made sharpening a lawn mower blade look as easy as brushing teeth. So, I got busy googling A to Z instructions on this process. Great! I found a very detailed E-how video guy that made the process look just as easy as Walter Reeves did.
I began to assemble the required tools. Leather glove (check!) Rubber mallet (check!) Short piece of 2 x 4 (ummm no, but I found a 1 x 4). Combination wrench (umm no, I only have a wrench and socket set). W-D 40 (check!). Spark plug remover (ummm nope -- my wrench and socket set doesn't have the size that my mower plug requires!)
Since I could not remove the spark plug, I called my brother to ask why the spark plug first had to come out just to take off the mower blade. He explained that if the mower blade was effectively turned during the removal process, that the connected plug could possibly allow the mower to start and cut my hand off. YIKES!!! That was a good enough reason for me. He then told me that I could simply take the plug's black cap off, making absolute certain that it did not make contact with the plug and go forward with the blade removal.
Cool, back on track to ..... NO progress! I tried to hold the wrench like the guy on E-how showed me and gently beat the bolt which was holding the blade onto the mower. Ummm, yeah, right ... that bolt wasn't budging. After cursing, sweating and becoming completely and sorely aware of my lack of manly ability, I got myself together and called my brother back. He came right over, and made taking the blade off the mower look as easy as brushing teeth. Men seem to come equipped with an easy button.
All I want to know is ....
WHERE THE HELL IS MY EASY BUTTON?
House Rules: Any and all passersby, stalkers and the like, can post comments under "lurker comments." They will be screened for hexes, spells, foils, curses, foul smells and cooties before posting.
With summer comes one of the banes of my existence .... mowing the lawn. I could hire this task out, but I am anti indiscriminate man mowing. Don't get me wrong, you men are extra willing to help with the lawn mowing, and I love that about you. Whatever you lack in mowing discernment, you almost make up for with enthusiasm. Almost. However, I had an ex boyfriend once who couldn't tell the difference between my bed of perennial fern and the lawn, and I loved that bed of perennial fern more than I would ever close in on loving him. Good for him (and my sense of appreciation for his good intention), that bed of fern was perennial. I also had a former fiancé who believed that if we cut the grass uber short that we wouldn't have to mow nearly as often. I could not convince him that scalping the lawn encourages weeds, so I had to ban him from mowing. I am now all about mowing my own lawn. Good thing I guess, since I no longer have a boyfriend or a fiancé.
After cutting the lawn for the second time this season, I noticed that the grass blades were all jagged and brown looking. About the same time, I was watching Walter Reeves http://www.yoursoutherngarden.com/ on public television and he was explaining the importance of sharpening your mower's blade an average of three times during the cutting season. He gave three reasons why, but I only caught two and will guess at the third. The two I heard were: (1) Your grass uses more water trying to repair the injuries caused by tearing the grass with your mower instead of neatly cutting the grass. (2) The injured grass opens up possibilities for disease. I'm thinking number (3) is that your grass will look bad like mine now does if you don't keep that blade sharpened.
You must know that I practically worship Walter Reeves and his gardening advice. However, there is no need to break even one bead of sweat over my near idolization of a mere mortal. I adore him, but if he flipped out and suggested we all go to Guyana and drink pink kool aid, I wouldn't go with. I'm simply going to sharpen my mower blade at least twice during the growing season, follow whatever other useful tips he points out on his gardening show, and continue to religiously watch his show.
With my most dutiful intention, and hopeful expectation, I thought my dad would willingly jump on this blade sharpening task. He is always sharpening one knife blade or the other. However, it turns out my dad was busy and didn't want to be bothered with this task. Needing desperately to mow the lawn, I thought to myself, no biggie, I can do this myself. After all, Walter Reeves made sharpening a lawn mower blade look as easy as brushing teeth. So, I got busy googling A to Z instructions on this process. Great! I found a very detailed E-how video guy that made the process look just as easy as Walter Reeves did.
I began to assemble the required tools. Leather glove (check!) Rubber mallet (check!) Short piece of 2 x 4 (ummm no, but I found a 1 x 4). Combination wrench (umm no, I only have a wrench and socket set). W-D 40 (check!). Spark plug remover (ummm nope -- my wrench and socket set doesn't have the size that my mower plug requires!)
Since I could not remove the spark plug, I called my brother to ask why the spark plug first had to come out just to take off the mower blade. He explained that if the mower blade was effectively turned during the removal process, that the connected plug could possibly allow the mower to start and cut my hand off. YIKES!!! That was a good enough reason for me. He then told me that I could simply take the plug's black cap off, making absolute certain that it did not make contact with the plug and go forward with the blade removal.
Cool, back on track to ..... NO progress! I tried to hold the wrench like the guy on E-how showed me and gently beat the bolt which was holding the blade onto the mower. Ummm, yeah, right ... that bolt wasn't budging. After cursing, sweating and becoming completely and sorely aware of my lack of manly ability, I got myself together and called my brother back. He came right over, and made taking the blade off the mower look as easy as brushing teeth. Men seem to come equipped with an easy button.
All I want to know is ....
WHERE THE HELL IS MY EASY BUTTON?
House Rules: Any and all passersby, stalkers and the like, can post comments under "lurker comments." They will be screened for hexes, spells, foils, curses, foul smells and cooties before posting.
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Beach days ... can't wait to go back.
This is my sweet friend's tiki hut!
This is my best friend reading the first of seven books she read while we were at the beach.
This is our view from the tiki hut porch.
This is dusk at the beach.
There was a storm brewing. I love stormy seas and sunny skies.
I also love picket fences and sand dunes.
A boardwalk being buried in the sand.
I liked the patterns the sea oats were leaving in the sand.
I liked the composition of this fencing.
Who doesn't love a ready basket of beach neccessities?
I gave these tiki men to my friend cuz she collects them. My only regret is that I didn't buy a set for me.
This little guy hangs out on the bathroom wall in the tiki hut.
This mini bar under the stairs reminds me of Ernest Hemingway and Jimmy Buffett. Go figure.
Chomp chomp chomp
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