I didn't want to let go of my soft, fluffy, comfy pillow this morning. I'm glad I've taken on the duty of letting my daughter's dog out every morning or I probably would still be laying in bed. Just that act of getting up and standing on the back porch while Dolce "takes care of business" each morning is enough to at least turn my engine over. I may not be going full speed, but I'm not laying under the covers, accomplishing nothing either.
I have to clean house today. I HATE that job. It stays clean for a couple of hours when you're done and then it becomes dirty again just to spite you. It's an endless rotation of dusting, scrubbing, vacuuming...okay...I'm depressing myself. If I'm not careful I may end up back in bed clutching that squishy pillow again.
So enough talk. I'm off to grab my arsenal of cleaning products, broom, mop and duster and get busy. Unless someone out there wants to talk me out of it............
Friday, April 9, 2010
Thursday, April 8, 2010
MANI ANYONE?
I was bad today. I said, "screw the budget" and got a pedicure. Since being laid-off I've been doing my own mani/pedis, but it's just not the same. Do my nails look good afterwards...sure, but my back aches from leaning over to get to my tootsies and there's all that setting up the foot bath, polish, trimming tools and towels. There's no lovely leg and foot massage either. Not as relaxing when I'm rubbing my own calves. Nope doesn't do a thing for me.
So today I decided, because I've been feeling down lately, that I needed a little pick-me-up, so I splurged on a pedicure. That hour was like heaven! I always thought I'd hate getting pedis cause I don't really like people "playing" with my feet. One time trying it was all it took to get me totally hooked. These manicurist aren't playing with my feet. They are serious about getting my little piggies looking the best they possibly can and I could honestly fall asleep during the whole process.
I thought I'd feel guilty about this little indulgence, but I don't. Not in the least. I wish all our problems in life could be solved with a nice coat of nailpolish and a quick massage!
So today I decided, because I've been feeling down lately, that I needed a little pick-me-up, so I splurged on a pedicure. That hour was like heaven! I always thought I'd hate getting pedis cause I don't really like people "playing" with my feet. One time trying it was all it took to get me totally hooked. These manicurist aren't playing with my feet. They are serious about getting my little piggies looking the best they possibly can and I could honestly fall asleep during the whole process.
I thought I'd feel guilty about this little indulgence, but I don't. Not in the least. I wish all our problems in life could be solved with a nice coat of nailpolish and a quick massage!
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
SCOOTER GUY
I try to find something every day that gives me a good laugh. Without laughter...your soul dies.
Yesterday, I was heading to Six Strings Cafe in Cary to listen to a friend of mine, Mathew Conklin, sing at their open mic nite. I wanted to be there at 7:00, but got a late start and knew I wasn't going arrive when I wanted to. This can make me a little tense at times...okay, okay it can make me rabid! As I was sitting at the red light at the entrance to my subdivision, hands gripping the wheel, already cursing anyone who was going to slow me down...I glanced to my left to see if could 'turn right on red' and here comes a guy on a scooter, going about 35mph...putzing along through the lite. He looked to be about 40+, but the huge motorcycle helmet on his head hid most of his face. He wore khakis and a lite weight argyle sweater in various shades of blue.
At first he really annoyed me. I mean I was in a hurry and here he was just barely moving along. When he finally passed me I whipped around the corner onto New Hope Road and glanced over to give scooter guy a dirty look. As I turned to look at him, he was staring down at his watch and slowly shaking his head. I ROARED with laughter. Here's this guy, obviously trying to be somewhere at a certain time (as I am) and he is riding a 35mph maximum speed scooter and looking at his watch like that will enable him to go faster. I couldn't stop laughing.
Sometimes we can hurry so much that we miss the joyful things in life. I giggled till I got to Capital Blvd after seeing that site. I arrived at my destination, relaxed, happy and in a good mood. I had a lovely evening, Matt sounded great and all was good with the world. Thanks scooter guy...you're my hero!
Yesterday, I was heading to Six Strings Cafe in Cary to listen to a friend of mine, Mathew Conklin, sing at their open mic nite. I wanted to be there at 7:00, but got a late start and knew I wasn't going arrive when I wanted to. This can make me a little tense at times...okay, okay it can make me rabid! As I was sitting at the red light at the entrance to my subdivision, hands gripping the wheel, already cursing anyone who was going to slow me down...I glanced to my left to see if could 'turn right on red' and here comes a guy on a scooter, going about 35mph...putzing along through the lite. He looked to be about 40+, but the huge motorcycle helmet on his head hid most of his face. He wore khakis and a lite weight argyle sweater in various shades of blue.
At first he really annoyed me. I mean I was in a hurry and here he was just barely moving along. When he finally passed me I whipped around the corner onto New Hope Road and glanced over to give scooter guy a dirty look. As I turned to look at him, he was staring down at his watch and slowly shaking his head. I ROARED with laughter. Here's this guy, obviously trying to be somewhere at a certain time (as I am) and he is riding a 35mph maximum speed scooter and looking at his watch like that will enable him to go faster. I couldn't stop laughing.
Sometimes we can hurry so much that we miss the joyful things in life. I giggled till I got to Capital Blvd after seeing that site. I arrived at my destination, relaxed, happy and in a good mood. I had a lovely evening, Matt sounded great and all was good with the world. Thanks scooter guy...you're my hero!
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
IN MY OPINION
I participated in a focus group last night. I was amazed at the different people they managed to gather together. All ages, nationalities, sizes and shapes,from all walks of life.
We sat at a large conference table and gave our opinions on different forms of media, the company who hired us was considering. A lot of really good suggestions and comments were made. There were twelve of us. Eleven of us spoke. The man sitting to my left never opened his mouth. He sat staring at the table the entire hour we were there, except for the three minutes we all watched a video presentation. Heck, he might have been staring at the table even then. I had my back turned to him, so who knows. Anyway...he'll collect his fee just like all the rest of us.
There was no camaraderie with this group. I did a pizza taste test a few months ago and we all had a good time before the actual testing began, talking and jabbering together. The group last night barely made eye contact. When I arrived there were eight people already seated. I did a quick scan of the table and smiled at each person. Only one smiled back. Sigh...we're so comfortable in our own little shells aren't we?
Anyway, this was a simple, fun way to make a little extra cash and I look forward to being asked to participate in another one. Maybe I'll just sit there, not say anything and collect my fee. NAH...I've got too big a mouth for that!
We sat at a large conference table and gave our opinions on different forms of media, the company who hired us was considering. A lot of really good suggestions and comments were made. There were twelve of us. Eleven of us spoke. The man sitting to my left never opened his mouth. He sat staring at the table the entire hour we were there, except for the three minutes we all watched a video presentation. Heck, he might have been staring at the table even then. I had my back turned to him, so who knows. Anyway...he'll collect his fee just like all the rest of us.
There was no camaraderie with this group. I did a pizza taste test a few months ago and we all had a good time before the actual testing began, talking and jabbering together. The group last night barely made eye contact. When I arrived there were eight people already seated. I did a quick scan of the table and smiled at each person. Only one smiled back. Sigh...we're so comfortable in our own little shells aren't we?
Anyway, this was a simple, fun way to make a little extra cash and I look forward to being asked to participate in another one. Maybe I'll just sit there, not say anything and collect my fee. NAH...I've got too big a mouth for that!
Sunday, April 4, 2010
A MOTHER'S PRIDE
"The acorn doesn't fall far from the tree". Silly quote, but I can finally relate to it. I'm proud to say I finally discovered a quality that my daughter inherited from me. Up until now she's seemed to exhibit only her father's genes, but this past week I saw a little bit of me shining through. She's creative!
A dance club, where she's been working on weekends for some extra cash, had an Alice in Wonderland celebration last night. My daughter did all the decorating for the event. She made baskets of flowers with playing cards scattered throughout, roses painted partially red which she stuck in artificial trees, small bottles filled with food colored water and marked "drink me", even a table with a tea set and teapot were displayed. She came up with all these ideas on her own and I was just bursting with pride.
One of my favorite activities is planning events. I've staged some pretty elaborate parties over the years and I miss putting these kind of celebrations together. It was fun to watch my daughter get just as excited about her creations as I used to get about mine.
I'm passing the torch! We've got a mini family reunion coming up soon and I can't wait to see what sort of ideas she'll come up with to help make it a huge success! Out with the old and in with the new!
A dance club, where she's been working on weekends for some extra cash, had an Alice in Wonderland celebration last night. My daughter did all the decorating for the event. She made baskets of flowers with playing cards scattered throughout, roses painted partially red which she stuck in artificial trees, small bottles filled with food colored water and marked "drink me", even a table with a tea set and teapot were displayed. She came up with all these ideas on her own and I was just bursting with pride.
One of my favorite activities is planning events. I've staged some pretty elaborate parties over the years and I miss putting these kind of celebrations together. It was fun to watch my daughter get just as excited about her creations as I used to get about mine.
I'm passing the torch! We've got a mini family reunion coming up soon and I can't wait to see what sort of ideas she'll come up with to help make it a huge success! Out with the old and in with the new!
Friday, April 2, 2010
WINTER'S OUT, SUMMER'S IN
I packed away all my winter clothes yesterday. I hate switching out seasonal clothing. I always feel the necessity to throw stuff out. I mean really...did I ever wear that ugly brown sweater with the horses all over it. Well, maybe once, but it is definitely ugly and I should put it in the Goodwill bag, but what if it's not ugly next winter? What if next winter, poop colored brown sweaters with horses charging across the front of them is all the rage? It could be you know. Not likely, but hey, why take a chance? I put it in the bin with the two tone green sweater that makes my complexion look ghoulish and the baby pink heavy knit one that belongs in Chicago weather and the yellowish brown one with leather buttons which quite frankly is rather manly. I just can't seem to let clothes go. I'll deal with them next winter.
I opened the summer buckets and began unloading all the short sleeve and sleeveless tops (need to lift heavier weights to firm up those underarm wings), the capris (time to start applying the sunless tanning lotion to my bone white legs), skirts, dresses...and things I didn't even know I owned! I put the shorts in a drawer (like I'll ever wear those with the cellulite explosion on my thighs). The bathing suits made me cringe. I was glad to find my full length cover-ups. Everything is either hung in the closet or neatly folded in drawers. I still need to switch out winter shoes for summer sandals. That's really the only part of this process I enjoy. I LOVE my sandals! My feet are probably my best feature right now, so I want to be sure to show them off!
I love summer. I love the smell of meat sizzling on the bbq, birds chirping, kids laughing, the warmth of the sun on my skin and the scent of blossoming flowers. I'm not too crazy about summer clothing anymore though. Winter clothes make me look so much better. Thank God, the style right now is loose and flowy. I can do loose and flowy!
Off to the store to stock up on sunscreen and sunless tanning lotion. Maybe I'll treat myself to a nice spray tan when I get up the nerve to actually don some of the summery stuff I've got in my wardrobe now. Sigh...I remember my 30's with such longing this time of year.
I opened the summer buckets and began unloading all the short sleeve and sleeveless tops (need to lift heavier weights to firm up those underarm wings), the capris (time to start applying the sunless tanning lotion to my bone white legs), skirts, dresses...and things I didn't even know I owned! I put the shorts in a drawer (like I'll ever wear those with the cellulite explosion on my thighs). The bathing suits made me cringe. I was glad to find my full length cover-ups. Everything is either hung in the closet or neatly folded in drawers. I still need to switch out winter shoes for summer sandals. That's really the only part of this process I enjoy. I LOVE my sandals! My feet are probably my best feature right now, so I want to be sure to show them off!
I love summer. I love the smell of meat sizzling on the bbq, birds chirping, kids laughing, the warmth of the sun on my skin and the scent of blossoming flowers. I'm not too crazy about summer clothing anymore though. Winter clothes make me look so much better. Thank God, the style right now is loose and flowy. I can do loose and flowy!
Off to the store to stock up on sunscreen and sunless tanning lotion. Maybe I'll treat myself to a nice spray tan when I get up the nerve to actually don some of the summery stuff I've got in my wardrobe now. Sigh...I remember my 30's with such longing this time of year.
Thursday, April 1, 2010
I WANT IT MY WAY
I can really be a pain-in-the-ass when I go out to eat. I've seen waiters and waitresses, I've had in the past, slip a ten or twenty to the hostess, when they see me arrive, so I won't be seated in their area.
I'm Sally, from When Harry Met Sally..."on the side please". I'm Burger King, "have it my way". I just want, what I want and how I want it. After all if I'm paying for it shouldn't it be something I'll enjoy? Don't get me wrong. I'm not uppity or sticking it to the wait staff just for laughs. I'm always polite. Hell, I even smile, but I still want things served in certain ways.
It always starts with my drink. I like LOTS of ice. And when I mean LOTS of ice, I mean like an ice cap or massive glacier formed in my glass. I always want lemon too. When my drink arrives...that's the first clue on whether this waiter or waitress is going to get a good tip.
Salad dressings should always be 'on the side', hot foods--hot and cold foods--cold. If I order meat well-done, then I don't want to see a hint of pink. If I want wilted salad, I'll eat at home with greens from a plastic bag. Hold the sauce, go light on the sauce, sauce on the side...I'm never sure which way I'll go, but I like the server to be able to keep up.
I don't believe a tip is a given. I always tip according to service. The nice thing is for all the waiters and waitresses out there who might stumble across this blog...if you are polite, smile and are even fun...then you can screw up my order over and over and I will still be leaving you a good tip. If you are rude, grouchy, sullen or a drag, then even serving everything perfect won't get ya a decent tip.
I'm going out to lunch today. Maybe I should take a copy of this blog along with me. NAH, let's just play waiter roulette and see what happens!
I'm Sally, from When Harry Met Sally..."on the side please". I'm Burger King, "have it my way". I just want, what I want and how I want it. After all if I'm paying for it shouldn't it be something I'll enjoy? Don't get me wrong. I'm not uppity or sticking it to the wait staff just for laughs. I'm always polite. Hell, I even smile, but I still want things served in certain ways.
It always starts with my drink. I like LOTS of ice. And when I mean LOTS of ice, I mean like an ice cap or massive glacier formed in my glass. I always want lemon too. When my drink arrives...that's the first clue on whether this waiter or waitress is going to get a good tip.
Salad dressings should always be 'on the side', hot foods--hot and cold foods--cold. If I order meat well-done, then I don't want to see a hint of pink. If I want wilted salad, I'll eat at home with greens from a plastic bag. Hold the sauce, go light on the sauce, sauce on the side...I'm never sure which way I'll go, but I like the server to be able to keep up.
I don't believe a tip is a given. I always tip according to service. The nice thing is for all the waiters and waitresses out there who might stumble across this blog...if you are polite, smile and are even fun...then you can screw up my order over and over and I will still be leaving you a good tip. If you are rude, grouchy, sullen or a drag, then even serving everything perfect won't get ya a decent tip.
I'm going out to lunch today. Maybe I should take a copy of this blog along with me. NAH, let's just play waiter roulette and see what happens!
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