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12/1/2008 IT'S DECEMBER...ALREADY?How quickly that week went by! It was so great to have Kelsey home and I can't wait until she comes home again for Christmas break...only 3 more weeks. Her boyfriend drove up Saturday evening and it was wonderful having the house filled with voices other than my own. I'm sure Shadow enjoyed the change too. On Thanksgiving Day, we made the 2-hour trip to Pittsburgh where my brother treated the extended family (21 of us this year) to a wonderful feast at his golf course (Pittsburgh National Golf Club). He just purchased it last year and most of us hadn't seen it so it was a different and fun way to spend this holiday. Friday was a beautifully sunny (though crisp) day, so I spent a good portion of it in the yard raking leaves that had already been covered once in snow! I still have several more areas that need done but I guess I'll just have to take baby steps and do what I can, when I can. That night, Kels and I went to see Bolt and I highly recommend it no matter what your age. I have a renewed love of hamsters but you'll have to see the movie to understand why. One of Kelsey's favorite things to do is decorate the Christmas tree and because she won't be coming home until so close to Christmas, we decided to get the tree on Saturday (a little earlier than usual). We also mutually decided that because this Christmas marks a new beginning in our lives, we would also change things up a bit and put together a theme tree rather than using the tree ornaments we've done in the past. And so we took off early afternoon and after hitting 3 different spots, came home with the fixings for a FABULOUS NEW CHRISTMAS TREE! Once Tom arrived, we hiked up the street to the local tree lot, chose our perfect tree, and had Tom carry it back for us...such a doll! Of course I think he was just thrilled to have an active part in the whole process. I tried to take a picture of it but none seem to capture the absolute beauty of it! I'll keep trying. The kids headed back to school Sunday afternoon and I continued with the decorating. I'm putting a small tabletop tree in the study with a few of my favorite "old" ornaments and I'm changing the screened-in porch tree from a "fishing" theme to an "animal/wildlife" tree...suits me better. Guess I better get started.
11/23/2008 THE SUN IS SHINING......AND it's the real thing! That alone, made it easier to get up this morning. Oh sure, it's still cold and there's still that nasty white stuff out there, but when the sun is shining my whole outlook on life changes...LIFE IS GOOD!
It's been a good week in the scrapbooking area, so if you check out the Scrapbooking album you'll be able to see a few more pages. I pulled out all of the boxes of pictures I've had hidden away and plan to start going through them and finding the special ones I want to scrapbook. The long, cold winter doesn't seem so awful knowing I have a long-term project like this (that I really enjoy) to keep me busy.
Kelsey's coming home from school for the holiday tomorrow and I'm super excited! It's the first time she's been back since August (and since the dynamics of the family have changed) so I'm anxious to make it as special as possible. She's been sick the last few days so I want to get her here so I can play "Doctor Mom" and get her all fixed up. I know she'll be spending some time with her hometown friends and that's ok because I also know she'll hang with her 'ole mom too. I imagine we'll probably do some healthy cooking together, some video exercising (and hopefully she'll teach me how to do the darn DVD thingie), some shopping, and we've been talking about seeing the new movie, BOLT! Yes, it's animated, but it looks SO cute!
Time to get busy...pick up the house, put another blanket on Kels' bed, get a few groceries, etc. So much to do, so little time. :-) 11/21/2008 VACATION DAY...I'm sitting here in my jammies, sipping my morning coffee, watching the snow come down, AND I DON'T EVEN MIND! I'm taking a vacation day for no other reason than I need to use it up before the end of the year and I just feel like it. There's really nothing better than this feeling of knowing everyone else is at work! (teehee - just a little evil streak peeking through). I can tell Shadow is happy to have some unexpected company as he's snuggled up with me on the couch instead of sprawled on the bed.
I have just a few errands to run today, one of which, is to the Title Bureau to change my car title into my name and then to get new plates. This is something I've never had to do in my entire life, so while I'm feeling a bit of anxiety about the whole thing, I'm sure it'll be fine. I bet if I smile pretty those title people will be happy to walk me through the whole process.
Tonight I'm making a pot of chili and the gal-pals are coming over for an evening of scrapbooking. We've decided to try to do it at least once a month and take turns hosting. Hopefully, by springtime, we will have made a significant dent in all of these pictures we've been hoarding in shoeboxes. It seems like for every page I finish, I think of 3 more I want to do, but what the heck...what else would I be doing on these cold, snowy days?
Alas, time to get moving.
11/15/2008 QUIET WEEKEND...Today's sunshine is in liquid form! Yep, it's gonna be a soggy one according to the weather channel and from the looks of things. Guess I wouldn't mind so much, except that I still have zillions of leaves that still need raked up! It's dark by the time I get home during the week so the weekends are the only time I can do it and this darn liquid sunshine isn't helping. And here's another kicker...they're calling for frozen sunshine tomorrow! Yucko! I'm really not ready for winter!
Later this afternoon, I'm going to a Tastefully Simple party. I've never been to one, but during last weekend's craftshow hopping I saw a couple of displays so I'm excited. I'm hoping to pick up some tasty soup mixes maybe. And of course, I get to spend some quality time with my gal pals...which brings me to something else. Now, don't get me wrong, I love all this female bonding of late, but the truth is, I think I could use a little contact with that other species. What are they? Oh yeah, MALE! Maybe just a little light conversation; a little laughter; a little flirting perhaps?
 I MUST put it on my calender sometime soon! Any ideas that don't necessarily require me to park myself on a barstool for nights on end? With that nasty coldfront that's coming through, I'm thinking tomorrow will be a good day to get out the scrapbooking stuff. I'm working on a really old page...Kelsey's cheerleading days when she was about 10! So cute! Of course I'll add it to my Scrapbook Photo Album when I get it put together.
Stay dry and warm!
11/11/2008 A MOMENT OF WEAKNESS...NO WAIT...STRENGTH!I had a moment of weakness this morning while driving to work and yes darn it, I got a little misty. As the eldest of 4, it was always my job to set a good example. As adults, this job was of course more self-imposed but old habits die hard you know? My way of setting a good example was to be the best I could be. Failure was not an option! If I was going to do something, I would do it with all my heart and I would succeed...and everyone would be proud of me. So anyway, this morning out of the blue, it hit me that I had failed at something and that I felt I had let a lot of people down; my parents, my siblings, my children, my friends...and all of those people who were amazed that I had been married for over 26 years.
AND THEN, in an instant, a completely different feeling washed over me. My higher self said, "What are you talking about woman?" "You didn't fail and you can't possibly be held responsible for the actions or decisions of other people!" And then I felt strong again...and proud of myself. :-)
11/6/2008 BUSY BUSY BUSY...
As usual, I'm keeping myself busy with room re-do's. Last night, I started painting the "mistress" bathroom! No sense in calling it the master bathroom when the "master" of the house is a "mistress" right? I'm actually very excited about this project as I've never had a bathroom of my own. Heck, I never even used this one...it was "Himself's". So, I'm repainting with a richer blue and tying the decor into my Hatteras themed bedroom. Of course I'm doing it "on the cheap" so I've been digging in the basement for things to use, spraypainting old baskets, picking up wall decor for 50% off at various places, getting towels & rugs at 50% off at Kohl's...you get the idea. I'm hoping to have it all put together by Sunday, so look for the pics next week.
Which reminds me! I never showed you my new bed! I've been sleeping on a waterbed for almost 25 years and the last few have been awful! The salesman said I had to be one of the last holdouts in the entire area. My body has been trying to tell me to get a "real" bed, but my bank account said "no way princess." Anyway, this year I told myself I was going to get a new one before the end of the year and that's exactly what I did! Timing is everything wouldn't you say? So, here it is...along with my big boy, Shadow!
11/2/2008 I THINK I'M READY PART II...Things are looking up and I think my positive attitude has been key. I'm ready to start enjoying life again. And I mean life like I should have been experiencing it the past 28 years. Don't worry, you don't need to understand that part and I'm not explaining it, but suffice to say, I've been missing out and I'm not going to do that anymore! This weekend was a turning point for me and I'm grateful for it. First of all, Friday morning my boss told me that the Trustees had voted to promote me to Sr. Admin. Asst with a 10% raise! 10%!! Can you stand it?? So that little tidbit certainly eased some of my financial worries. Friday night, a couple of my bestest gal pals came over for an Octoberfest bonfire and lordy, lordy, we stayed out until 2:00 AM! Hotdogs, s'mores, veggies & dip and a lovely little concoction of hot apple cider with a shot of cinnamon schnapps! Warms me up just thinking about it! haha Yesterday, though, was the major turning point. I spent some time with a dear friend who inadvertently taught me some things about myself and I'm thrilled to have learned them. Yes, I'd say I'm ready to start living again and I'm excited!
10/22/2008 I THINK I'M READY NOW...Yes, I believe I'm ready to share something with you now. Most of my regular Spaces friends know that I tend to write with a positive angle. Everybody has problems so no sense in dwelling in mine right? For this reason, I'm only going to talk about this right now and not blog about it any further. I may share some things via private messages, but not on my space! Over the Labor Day holiday weekend, the day after my fabulous Highbridge Trail adventure (see earlier blog), my spouse of over 26 years, chose to move out (and is in no way interested in marriage counseling...I've tried). Says he still loves me but is unhappy at home and believes he's happier on his own. Actually, I can see his point...if I were to get rid of my major responsibilities like spouse, house, dog, yard, etc and could come and go as I please, when, where and with whom I please, I'd probably happier too. So anyway, here I am...51 years old in a completely empty house, except for my dog, Shadow. This is certainly empty-nest to the highest degree! But don't worry about me! Except for a few financial issues I'm kind of stressing over, I'm sure I'll be fine. Thank goodness for friends!
9/5/2008 ROUGH WEEK...It's been a tough week for reasons I'm not able to share at this time. On top of that, we've had meetings everyday at work with out-of-town guests so I've been basically on "hostess" duty all week too. Gettin' up early to go get the donuts when you aren't sleeping well anyway is NOT my idea of fun! But, it's finally the weekend so after I exhaust myself with household chores and take a Tylenol PM, perhaps I'll catch up on my sleep. It's Yankee Peddler time again and my friend, Gwen and I are planning to go on Sunday. At least THAT's something to look forward to. Enjoy your weekend all. 8/30/2008 THE HIGHBRIDGE TRAILI really didn't think I'd be blogging again until after the weekend, but I had such a great day that I had to share. Last night, we met the in-laws for dinner which was nice as they're always good for a laugh, but as I could've predicted, after dinner I was dropped off at home to spend the rest of my Friday night alone while "Himself" went "back to work for a little bit". (more like til 2am) WHAT. EVER. Anyway, this morning I woke up feeling kind of pissy and figured the best way to shake it off would be to go do something fun and invigorating. I packed up a picnic lunch and off to the Gorge I went. I decided to try the 3.2 mile Highbridge Trail as I'd never done it before. And yes, I remembered my camera so check out the added pics in the Metrowalk album.
I was a little disappointed to find out that the trail was really only 1.6 miles and then you turn around and go back on the same trail.  On my way back, I saw another marked trail that would take me down to the water so I decided to do a little more exploring. I wasn't really sure where I was headed but it was a beautiful walk so I kept going. After awhile, I started to feel a little anxious because I realized I had NO idea where I was or where I was heading! Not only that, but I hadn't seen a soul in forever! By this time, I figured I was too far into it to head back the way I came so I kept at it. I mean, it wasn't like I was off the trail...I just was on a different one. One I wasn't sure where I'd end up or how far away I'd be from my car! Not to worry though. Plenty of sunlight still! A couple of hours later, I was really excited to see that I had made it back to where I had started that trail. YAY! I knew where I was and I was only about a 1/2 mile from my car! Turns out, I had entered an entirely different park called The Cascade Valley Park and I had been on the Chuckery Trail which was another 2.4 miles! (I learned this after I came home and researched it) Total for the day: 5.6 miles! Somehow, I think I'm going to feel this tomorrow! Gosh, I wonder what kind of trouble I can get into the rest of the weekend? 8/28/2008 THE WEEKEND ALREADY?Wow! I can't believe it's the weekend already. They say that "Time flies..." but I'm not so sure it's because I was having fun. I've just been keeping myself busy is all. Tuesday night, I made myself shish-kabobs with mushrooms and green peppers and a tomato/cucumber salad from my garden. Then I worked in the yard until dark...got eaten alive by skeeters because I forgot to put stuff on. Wednesday night, my daughter, Colleen, came over for a little visit and some free food. Whipped up a nice big taco salad (with a Margarita on the side
). Tonight I went to my mom and dad's for dinner. They are both on the South Beach diet (and seeing progress so far) so I got another great, healthy meal; a shrimp/veggie stir-fry, a delish salad, and a garbonza bean/artichoke/mozzarella side dish. Oh yeah. I'm still stepping out of my comfort zone with regard to trying new foods and SO GLAD I am! YUM. MEE.The real reason I went to Mom's was because she wanted me to give her a perm. No big deal right? Well, I have to admit I panicked just a tad because I've never done a perm before. Not only that, but I have naturally curly hair and just the word "perm" used to give me nightmares! When I was young I couldn't understand why anyone in their right mind would want curls (and the frizz that goes with it in humid conditions). I used to set my hair with orange juice cans to try to straighten it out. How I ever got a decent nights' sleep is beyond me! Happily though, I've learned to accept it and deal with it. I just cut most of it off! lol Works for me.
Anyway, back to my mom. She assured me I would do fine and that she would walk me through the whole thing and you know what? She was right! Just like always! It was just a wave/body perm and it turned out just as she hoped. Who knew? You really CAN teach an old dog new tricks!I have nothing planned for the holiday weekend but I'm sure I'll get into something. I really need a few new clothing pieces for work, so maybe a shopping trip is in order. Will depend on my mood however, because I really hate to shop. I also need a new bed so maybe bed shopping is on the agenda. I'm also thinking about checking out that 3.2 mile trail at the Gorge. All I know is that's the weather is supposed to be beautiful, so I'll be outside as much as possible. Enjoy your weekend everyone! 8/23/2008 READJUSTING TO HOMELIFE...Yesterday, we took Kelsey back to school, but it didn't really hit me until today. I was standing at the kitchen sink making my morning coffee and all of a sudden I was overcome with emotion. Ok, so that sounds so formal...I started bawling like a baby! Her car wasn't in it's spot and I knew her squeaky bedroom door wouldn't be opening so she could come out to get her breakfast. Tough morning!
Last year at this time, I had all sorts of plans. I thought there would be more "couple" time, but THAT didn't happen. So I kept myself busy with major household projects; room re-do's, painting, etc. It occurred to me that that's part of my problem this morning...I don't have a plan of attack. Even my calendar doesn't have anything to look forward to except for my trip in September. I'm going through each room and making a list of things that need done. Gotta keep myself active! So, if you need any company, give me a call. I'm available. :-D I just saw a Ritz commercial that says it all -- OPEN FOR FUN!
8/17/2008 JUNGLE PARTY UPDATE...Oh my gosh was that ever a hoot! It's been a while since I had so much fun and I realized I really need to do it more often. It was so great seeing all of the kids dressed up...well seeing them period! So many I hadn't seen since they graduated from high school. Good times! I posted just a few of the pics from the night, but trust me, there were dozens. And that was just on OUR camera! It'll be interesting to see what shows up on others' cameras. Not to worry though as I was well-behaved the entire night...even if I DID come home at 6:30AM!8/14/2008 HOW QUICKLY TIME FLIES...I can't believe this week is almost over already! I wish I could say it was because I was so busy but I really haven't done anything extraordinary. Been kinda steady at work, but that's only because my co-worker has been off so I've been doing double-duty. Tuesday evening I met my parents at Friendly's for dinner. Kels was working but only had one other table so she was able to visit a little. Last night, I needed to blow off some steam so after work, Kels and I went to the metro park and powerwalked 2.7 miles, then had dinner, and then went to Target to pick up a few last things before she heads back to Oxford. I just can't believe it's that time already! Seems like she just got home! Tonight, I've just been laying around watching the Olympics. Yep. I'd have to say it's been a pretty low-key week. I really don't even have much planned for this weekend...except for tomorrow night! ^-^ Kelsey's best friend, Ab, is having a Jungle Party! Ab's mom, Gwen, is a good friend of mine so it started out that I was just gonna go keep her company. Then the next thing I know is the girls said we had to dress up and well, bottom line is that we are invited to hang out. Should be fun! Oh, and yes! I found a stunning dress in a cheetah print that's just to die for! Those young apes are gonna wish they were 30...I mean, 20 years older!
Have a good weekend everyone!
8/10/2008 GIMME MORE HIKING TRAILS...So what do you think about these? No, not the legs! The hiking boots. Sweet, eh? I'm taking a trip in September (I'll tell you about that another day) that requires broken in, waterproof hiking boots so I bought some new ones from Appalacian Outfitters and I've been doing my best to break them in. You have no idea how hard it is for basically a barefoot lovin' gal to put these puppies on. Especially in the heat of the summer!
I started powerwalking about three years ago. First, it was just around the neighborhood after work. Then, I had to add an extra mile during my lunchbreaks and if the weather was lousy, I had to walk inside on the track at the gym. Just like any addiction, I keep needing more! This past spring, the neighborhood walks just weren't enough so I started walking the hiking trails at the local metro park. I clip through the first 1.6 mile trail with hardly a sweat so once I finish it, I re-hydrate and then hike the 1.1 trail up through the hills. Shorter distance, but a little more strenuous. I tend to do that at least three times a week. Today was such a beautiful day and I had nothing else going on, so after I did my 2.8 miles at Firestone Metro Park, and drove an extra 15 minutes to The Gorge Metro Park and hiked another 1.8 miles. It was an intense walk through rocks, etc. Way cool! I learned today that there is also a 3.2 mile trail at the Gorge so I'll try that one the next time. I also actually remembered to take my camera today so I added photos of today's walks. Hope you enjoy! 8/4/2008 IT'S HARD BEING GREEN...It's Monday and as usual, I'm not happy about it. I really have nothing exciting to share about the weekend, except that I completed my shed project. It took all Saturday and when I was finished, I was covered in green paint. I think because I was outside and it was "the shed", I wasn't as careful as I usually am as far as drips and spillage goes. Kelsey had taken my camera to St. Louis this weekend so I had to use my phone to get the shot...it's not too bad considering. Now, what shall my next project be? I'm thinking a new flower bed...or maybe an additional raised veggie bed?
Back to work now. It's the first of the month and I have a bunch to do. I should be finished in a day or two. :-/
8/1/2008 8 THINGS...Oh gosh! I've been tagged by MaDukes. I'm not really sure what else I can share that I haven't already, but I'm going to try. I'm not going to tag anyone as I've been out of the loop for a while, but for those who'd like to try it, the rules are as follows:
"Each person posts the rules before their lists, then lists 8 things about themselves. At the end of the post that person lists 8 other people they want to tag, then visits each of their sites leaving a comment that they have been tagged & to come to your space & read the post so they will know what to do."
1. I like peanut butter and banana sandwiches.
2. I used to be an Assistant Manager of a Spencer Gifts store.
3. I once managed a bed and bath boutique called Bathtrends.
4. I've had 2 Cesarean sections.
5. I would love to live by the ocean someday.
6. If I won a million dollars, I would still use coupons.
7. I'm addicted to Facebook.
8. I've been skinny-dipping...and I liked it...A LOT!! :-D
Ok, so not so terribly exciting, but hey, I tried. Enjoy your weekend everyone!
7/30/2008 SATISFYING WEEKEND...I've been staying pretty busy considering I needed some down time. Guess I just don't know how to do that very well. The more I accomplish in my yard, the more I see that needs done and off I go! This past week, I hauled off a two-year pile of leaves next to our fence. "Himself" used to just mow over the leaves to chop them up (and give me heck when I raked up piles to play in), but the last couple of years, he got lazy I guess and just blew them off to the side of the yard. Well, it finally got to me so I spent 3 evenings til dark pitch-forking them into a wheelbarrow and dumping them in the back of our property on top of a weed-infested corner. What a difference! Not only was it an eyesore, but it was a haven for bugs too. There won't ever be grass there because the space is under large trees, but I'd rather have a bed of pine needles than dead maple leaves!
Sunday, armed with ladder, bucket and brush, I spent most of the day scrubbing the green algae off the siding on the garage and shed. Now THAT was a nasty job! Thankfully, the stuff was mostly growing on two sides and everything looks like new again. Except for the back of the shed and boat shelter! We didn't side that part so it's just old, whitewash and really starting to look shabby. Of course we can't see it from the house, but I know it's there. I keep my potting supplies back there and my aluminum can recycling bin. And during the winter, when most of the greenery is gone, I know my neighbors in the back can see it. So anyway, that's my project for this weekend...Paint the back of the shed! I think I might do a dark, pine green so instead of standing out, it'll just kind of blend in with the surrounding pine trees.
Sunday, late afternoon, as a reward to myself and to get the heck away from the house for a while, I went to the local county fair. A friend had planned to go with me, but bailed at the last minute because something came up with her family. Anyway, there was NO WAY I was going to spend another minute home alone so I went by myself! Had the best time too! Pigged out on fair food. Yummy! Pizza, sweet tea, french fries, kettle corn...oh yeah, I was BAD! I watched some barrel racing, went through all the animal barns, saw some baby peeps, and even had a precious calf try to cuddle up for some extra lovin'. Cutest thing! When I stopped rubbing her ears, she kind of head-butted my hand (like a dog does) to let me know she wanted more. Had trouble walking away from that! When I decided to leave, I could hardly believe that I had spent 3 hours there! Needless to say, Sunday was a deliciously, satisfying day! Rubbed a little Icy Hot on my mildly, aching muscles and slept like a baby! :-) 7/22/2008 SERIOUSLY IN NEED OF SOME DOWN TIME...Oooowweeee! Am I a tired puppy!! As you can see, the reunion was a success. The weather was great and the threatening thunderstorms stayed far away! Actually, the occasional cloud cover saved us from the unbearable heat and humidity we've been having lately. There were several family groups who weren't able to make it for various reasons, but I was happy with the turnout. You know, there is always some sort of drama in every family and ours is no different. There was recently a family funeral and during that time a couple of family members said things that perhaps should've been left unsaid. Don't know the details...don't want to know. Anyway, they all showed up and played nicely so hopefully things are better now. Our turn for the next gathering won't come around again for another 3 years which is fine with me. Mom and I decided that next time we might just rent a pavilion at the local park. Works for me, but now I need another incentive to work so diligently in my yard!
Yesterday was the annual golf outing at work and while I didn't have to be in the office, I still had to be "ON" playing hostess and such. We had about 100 guests playing golf at my boss' country club and then dinner/door prizes in the evening. One wouldn't think one could get tired of smiling...but I sure did! It's hard work being so darn pleasant to mostly strangers for a solid 12 hours! I really don't even remember my head hitting the pillow last night. Zonked, I tell ya! I'm back in the office today, but things are quiet...AND I DON'T HATE IT! ;-)
Think I'll get a little extra reading in, but first, time for my lunchwalk!
7/16/2008 BIG WEEKEND COMING UP...The reunion is quickly approaching but happily, things seem to be falling into place. I pulled the guilt card I think, and "Himself" actually stayed home a few hours here and there and tackled a couple of the ugly yard projects that were on my list. There are still plenty of areas that need work (after the reunion), but I'm comfortable with what's been accomplished and feel ready for my extended family to see it all. My to-do list before Saturday is still quite long, but nothing that can't be managed. As a matter of fact, Kelsey and I are going to the John Mayer concert at Blossom Music Center tomorrow night! Should be loads of fun! I mean, it's JOHN, and more importantly, it's KELSEY AND MAWM TIME! :-D |
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