Have I Mentioned....

How awesome my son is?  I know I have but it bears repeating. 

I have been struggling with a cold or flu bug all week.  I am feeling better today but yesterday was the worst.  No matter what I did, I ached.  I did too much in the morning and by the time we got home, I had nothing left.   While I was blissfully, droolingly, comatose on the sofa my son scrubbed the bathrooms, cleaned the kitchen, and disinfected all the doorknobs and surfaces.  True I asked him to do it and I paid him BUT he would have done it without the moolah so I thought I would show him my appreciation.

Tonight he is at a New Year's Eve party.  This is our recent text convo:

Mom: Having fun?
Son: Lots of fun
Mom: Any alcohol or drugs? :) Just doing like the commercial says. LOL *
Son: There is none of that but good parenting.! :)
Mom: Thanks.  Text me when you are on your way home. **
Son: K.
Mom: Love you!
Son: Love you, too!

* There is a commercial about how texting your child at parties or while out with friends can help reduce the use of drugs and alcohol.

** Not encouraging texting and driving.   He is not driving tonight and he knows use of his cell phone while driving will get both his license and phone taken away.

I am ready to go to bed but I know I won't be able to sleep until he gets home. Especially with all the crazies out there on the roads.

To another subject - Mcat will love this one - my BIL sent me this link today.   Once again I am impressed and thankful for our military.  No matter where they need to go, what they need to do, or whether the folks at home agree with the politics or not, tour men and women in uniform do what is  asked.  They and their families sacrifice so much for all of us and our country.  No matter your politics these sacrifices should be respected.  No-Laughing-at-the-Tomb-of-the-Unknown-Soldier.

Rest and Reading

My son and I went to the library on Wednesday night where I checked out a bunch of Jude Deveraux books.  I am so glad we went because I have come down with some horrible cold that has been running rampant throughout the family.  The books have helped me to just sit and relax.

The Jude Deveraux books are part of her Edilean series.  They are a fun read.  The first book takes place in present day and the second takes place in 1766 and 1770. I am on the third which takes place in present day.  It is the kind of series that if you pick up the 3rd book you won't be lost because you didn't read the first two.  I like those.  That way I don't have to remember who said or did what in the first book in order to understand the last.  Make sense or is the cold causing me to ramble?

This morning before the DayQuil could wear off, my son and I ran around doing what I told him all week we would do:  Hobby Lobby for him and the mall for me to use a gift card.  It was quick and painless.  And because he can drive, I was able to sleep on the way home since the DayQuil wore off.

Right now I am waiting for him to come home with some movies we rented online from the Redbox.  I would like to finish my book but I think the cold is doing something to my ability to comprehend anything from one moment to the next. 

If I could knock myself out for the next few days I totally would.

I hope everyone has a safe New Year's Eve tomorrow.  I will be spending it curled up on the couch with some tissues and a book.

All wrapped up...

The Christmas decorations are put away.  The only sign left out that it was here is the bowl of chocolate in the middle of the table. 

It is the first year that my decorations have come down before New Year's Day.  This is a sign of how truly humbug and depressed I have been this holiday season.  I tried.  I really did.  But no matter how much false cheer I tried to spread about, I could not and have not been able to shake the holiday blahs.

I could blame it on the lack of snow.   We have had only a few days with some flurries but nothing that has stuck around for long.  It was 45 degrees this afternoon.  I don't do well when the season doesn't do what it is supposed to do.  Yes, I could blame it on the weather but it is much deeper than the non-existent white stuff.  It is a culmination of a year that has been too long and emotional.

A year from now, I hope to have a happier account of the Christmas Season.  I hope the feelings of inadequacy and loneliness have made their way into the past.  I hope I have enough Christmas cheer to keep the decorations up until the New Year.  I hope there will be snow.

The Music of Christmas

Tonight I have been searching for some of my favorite Christmas songs on YouTube.  Part of my Christmas playlist is below.  I couldn't figure out how to link you to my actual playlist on YouTube but you can find all of them there.  

I hope you and your family have a safe and happy Christmas.

Christmas in Killarney - Anne Murray

It's Christmas Time - Rory and Joey (Just discovered this one the other day on CMT.)

Just A Kid - Kenny Chesney

Hard Candy Christmas - Dolly Parton (Not really a Christmas song but it's a good one.)

Thank God for Kids - Alabama (Also not really a Christmas song)

Where Are You Christmas - Faith Hill

Rusty Chevrolet - Do Yoopers (Reminds me of my good 'ole Blazer.)

Let It Be Christmas - Alan Jackson

Christmas Cookies - George Strait

Box of Rocks - The Song Trust (This one is a new holiday favorite. Watch the video below.)

Another year older...

Yesterday was my 37th birthday.  I woke up expecting to have a bad day. I was in a poor, pitiful, lonely me mood.  My son didn't wish me a Happy Birthday as he left the house and I thought that must be an omen for the day.  After getting out of the shower, I found a couple test messages from my sisters wishing me a Happy Birthday.  Then Austin sent me a text from his friends "Happy Birthday Austin's Mommy!"   My mood improved a little.  On the drive to get my morning Coke, I saw a few snow flakes.  The mood brightened a little more.  A friend called and I was able to vent a few of my holiday/birthday frustrations and felt better.  It started snowing!  I felt a lot better.  The snow did it.  I was in a much better mood.  I love snow on my birthday!  The day ended on a positive note.  My parents stopped by, a couple of friends came over, and we had a delicious birthday cake courtesy of Austin. 

Now I am thinking about what I want to accomplish in the next year.  Do I tackle a "38 by 38" list or a more realistic "40 by 40" and give myself 3 years to accomplish the "to dos"?  Or do I forget a list and resolve to live the best life I can in the next year?   I'm not sure. 

All I really know is that I want to wake up expecting the best out of the day rather than the worst.  Maybe that is the lesson I need to take away from the last year and whether or not I make a  list, make "Expect the best" the number one to-do.

Fodder

A thought entered my head that I should try for 200 blog posts by 2012. Almost as quickly, it flew out again.  I'm not sure I have enough fodder in my wee brain to go from 183 to 200 in just a week and a half.

The fodder really is there but by the time I get around to writing it, the interest level for me has waned.  If I am not interested than the few faithful blog friends I do have definetly won't be interested.  But for the sake of being at least a little interesting, here is an example of the kinds of thoughts that rattle around in my brain. 

I could live in a nudist colony if it weren't for all of the other people.  So it would really only be a colony of one.  Think of the benefits.  Very little laundry.  Clothing costs would be greatly reduced.  I would probably keep myself in better shape since I would ALWAYS be looking at what is normally hidden.  But darn the down side of it all- which is why I would be a colony of one - I don't want to see other people naked.  I REALLY don't want to see other people naked.  I REALLY DON'T want to see other people naked.  Think of the activity list - naked croquet, let it all hang out barbeques, in the buff bingo, and instead of strip poker it would be dress poker.  You lose and you have to PUT ON and item of clothing. 

So maybe I couldn't live in a nudist colony but it sounds good on the days when the clothes are too tight and it sounds like a great idea when I am stripping off a layer because my personal thermostat doesn't have a "cool off" button.  And it sounds like one hell of an idea when I am procrastinating laundry day. 

* IF you are reading this an live in a nudist colony.  Please excuse my ignorance as the ramblings of small town, sheltered, Utah girl.... ;)

Why?

To put it mildly, some people are complete jackwagons! My former church, my sister's church, and the church where my friend's funeral was held a few years ago was vandalized early this morning.  Idiots broke in and set fire to several different areas of the building.  A fundraiser was to be held there tonight for a family of a cancer patient.  The man, who lives by my sister, was diagnosed a few months ago with pancreatic cancer.  The fundraiser still went on as planned, just moved to another church.  Fundraiser aside, I do not understand why people do this sort of thing.  Whether it be a church, a business, or a home. It makes no sense to me.

  

   

Mid-Week Ramblings

This picture represents my eating habits the last few days.  I just graze and graze and graze.  Perhaps this should be posted on the refrigerator and kitchen cabinets.  However, if looking in the mirror isn't enough of a deterrent I doubt a cow on the fridge will.  Come to think of it the message it sends would be more, "I need steak!" and less "Close the damn door, fatty."

My friend who had the CAT scan a few weeks ago has Colitis - or an inflamed colon.  Through the power of the Internet we discovered some great tips for what to eat and not to eat which means a low fiber - low residue diet.  So far he is feeling a little better but sadly can't eat most of the foods he enjoys.

I ran out of reading material and turned to the Bible for my before bed reading.  I had a marker in the middle of Matthew in the New Testament and went from there.  It has been interesting and I must say I tend to sleep better.  Either the words put me to sleep or God loves me and blesses me with a good night sleep for reading about Jesus.  Believe it or not that was actually funny in my head.

I really need to get out of the house more often.  I can count on one hand how many times I haven' t pulled my hair in a ponytail this month or put on more than a little mascara in the morning.  Sweats and workout pants are almost all I wear these days.  Maybe I should start working in the office again for a few days a week.

To end on a more positive note, a couple of the women in the Biggest Loser finale last night  weighed only 5 or 10 pounds less than I do now and they look fabulous.  It gives me hope that even in I can't lose all of the weight I want, if I continue to TRY, if I continue to work-out, and stop grazing then maybe I can look fabulous too.  Losing the sweat pants would help.



Music Mash Up

To share the holiday spirit I was going to give you a list of my favorite Christmas songs with maybe a clip or two from YouTube but I became distracted when I decided to look up this clip instead.  My son told me about this a few weeks ago, then on Sunday on the way home from a family Christmas party, I tuned to a station I don't normally listen to and heard it for the first time.  I love the way the two songs combine to make something beautiful.  I hope it brings a smile to your face and a spring to your step.  Enjoy.

Christmas Spirit = Found

On Friday night my friend, John and I went to Temple Square in Salt Lake City to see the Christmas lights. It was one of my more enjoyable visits.  Neither of us was in a hurry. We visited all of the buildings that were open to the public.  We read about the temple.  We read the plaques on statues. We spent a moment taking in the Christus statue.  We stood in the cold and listened to the Nativity story.  We talked about our religious views.  We talked about nothing.  It was fun.  It was relaxing.  It helped me find the Christmas spirit.  The only thing missing was snow.



I can't take credit for the pictures.  I found them on Google. 



Grandpa's Clam Chowder

To say the men in my family like to cook is an understatement. My Dad’s Dad loved cooking so much he wrote a cooking column in the early 70’s. My dad is addicted to the Food Network and the Cooking Channel. My youngest brother and my older brother both enjoy spending a little time in the kitchen. To clarify, my older brother enjoys grilling, breakfast, breakfast on the grill, and home-brewing beer, when he isn’t off gallivanting working - in mostly unfavorable parts of the world. My son loves to cook and even does the dishes. And to be fair, my sister is an amazing cook – when she has time.

I've been craving clam chowder and asked my dad to dig out his recipe for me. He made a photocopy of the recipe, wrote “Grandpa’s Clam Chowder “ across the top, and then gave me step by step instructions for making this really simple dish. He even recommended I come over for cooking lessons. I am pretty competent in the kitchen, but as my Dad thinks his Mabel is a bit ditzy he feels obligated to educate her at every opportunity.

This evening I finally got around to making “Grandpa’s Chowder” after calling Dad to make sure I was reading the recipe right. The photocopy was faint and hard to read. Again the offer of a cooking lesson came up. And again he was giving me step by step instructions which he followed up with, “Don’t do it like Dad says in his column. He never made it that way.” To back track a bit, my aunt gave me a copy of all of my Grandpa’s cooking columns when I was married.  I read the column and they are different but get you to the same place.

Today was the perfect day for a good chowder or soup: a little snow falling, the windows steaming up from the chowder simmering on the stove, and homemade bread stolen from Grumpy’s Restaurant (Dad’s house) yesterday. I modified the amount of potatoes and clams to my own taste and the final result was wonderful.

Dad's Bread

Grandpa’s Clam Chowder – aka: New England Clam Chowder

¼ lb salt pork, cut into ¼ in dice or 4 to 5 slices of bacon; chopped
1 cup finely chopped onion
3 cups cold water
4 cups potatoes cut into ¼ inch dice
2- 8oz cans chopped (or minced) clams (about 2 cups)
2 cups half and half or light cream
1/8 tsp thyme
Salt
Fresh ground black pepper
2 tbls soft butter
Paprika

On high heat, fry the diced pork in 2 quart sauce pan; stirring constantly for about 3 minutes until a thin film of fat covers the pan. Reduce heat. Stir in onion, cook together for five minutes longer. When the pork and onions turn a light golden brown, add 3 cups of water and diced potatoes. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat and simmer with pan half covered for about 15 minutes or until potatoes are fork tender. Add clams and their juices, the cream, and thyme. Heat almost to boiling – do not boil. Season with salt and pepper or Old Bay Seasoning. Stir in butter and sprinkle with paprika when serving.

Baby, It's Cold Outside

I just went out to check on the dog (who has finally decided being in his doghouse when it is wet out is not cruel and unusual punishment) and unplug the Christmas lights.  To my delight there is a bit of snow making its way down and a couple of wet inches on the ground. 

Maybe it has something to do with having a December birthday or maybe I am just crazy as most people would suggest but I really do love snow.  I love how the world looks under a soft blanket of white.  I love how the Christmas lights seem to shine brighter when it is snowy.  I love making snow angels and playing in the snow.  I love coming back inside to hot chocolate, fuzzy socks, and a good book.  I also love that the winter wonderland only last a few months and then we are on to something new.

By the time I forget how much I love the snow, it is time for spring and my favorite flowers.  In the meantime, I will do a little jig of delight when the snow falls, feel a little let down when the weather warms up in a few days and it is gone, then dance with delight again when the big snow storms hit and the white stays around for awhile. 

As for the dog, I feel a little bad about him being out in the cold (his blanket is in the dryer getting all warm and toasty - I know it won't last long) but at least he has finally learned that his doghouse with the nice little carpeted mat and sides is shelter not punishment. 

Heavy Thinking

Watching Biggest Loser tonight had me in tears.  I carefully hid those tears as I had company watching with me but there were tears.  It was makeover week and the five contestants got all fancified and then saw their spouses/significant others.  So it was a little emotional but that wasn't what brought the tears.  No, it was the thought that I don't have that significant other to share my accomplishments.  I don't have a partner supporting me through the struggles in life.  I normally don't dwell on my single status, "It is what it is", but there are days when alone can get really lonely.

On the flip side, I don't know if I am ready for a relationship.  I have been alone for so long that I don't know how I would fit someone else into my little world.  I suppose when the person is right, the pieces will fit.   At least that is what I tell myself.

Back to The Biggest Loser, it is at this point in the season where I start to feel really fat.  I look at the ladies getting closer to my own weight and I start thinking, "Do I look like that?" I don't mean that in a rude way but honestly, I teeter-totter between the 190's and 200.  Yes. I just announced my weight. And while I think these ladies look fabulous and I am so happy for their success, I look at every detail and it is a wake up call to me that I really need to work on myself.  Then I hit the fridge because for some reason this show make me want to eat. 

What I need is to have a plan.  Something concrete to help me lose my weight.  To help me feel better about me.  A long time ago, I posted about "Project Me".  PM got lost in the chaos of the last six months.  I need to get back to that.  Get back to making myself a priority.  Hopefully I can make myself get there sooner rather than later. 

Tonight, I will start by going to bed with the plan to take the dog for a long walk in the morning.

Worry, worry, worry

Does it sound like I'm worried?  I am.  A good friend is having a CAT scan in the morning.  He had a lump on his side and his doctor isn't sure what it is all about.  My thoughts immediately go to the most horrible of things...CANCER.  I am worried.  I am hoping it is a simple thing.  Something that can be cared for easily.  I will try to focus on other things.  I will try not to worry.  I am lying.  No matter how busy I keep myself I will still worry.  After all, it is what I am good at. 

Sunday in Pictures...

Finished a Crochet Hook Caddy for my ex brother-in-laws niece.

Made a soap bag...

 No-Bake Cookies....



Made these super easy and delicious oven-fried-pork-chops...

I can't take credit for the picture.  It came from the link above.

Now we are watching one of our new favorite shows...

Once Upon A Time on ABC

Have a good evening!

Thankful Thanksgiving

I am thankful for..

FAMILY...they are always there, no matter what. 

MOM...for loving me unconditionally. Calling me often - even when it drives me a little nutty. Supporting me and pointing out the positives in my life when all I see are negatives.

DAD...for his unconditional love. Sharing his hobbies with me. Making me laugh. Letting me tease him and get away with it. Always putting his families need above his own.

SISTERS...for knowing me well enough to not have to ask, "What's wrong?" and letting me tell them everything that is.

 

BROTHERS...for being protective but not obnoxiously so.  For demonstrating that there really are some decent men in the world.

 

FRIENDS...for laughing with, crying with, and simply being there.

 

MY SON...for everything. My world. My life.  My heart.  The best part of me.

 

 

 

A Global Thing

Austin, Andrea, and I were watching an episode of "The Big Bang Theory" in which the gang was eating Thai food.  Unanimously, we decided to order Chinese food.  Using the laptop, which was made in China, we looked at the menu and called in the order on my cell phone - also made in China.  The three of us piled into my car - made in Mexico, and drove to the strip mall where we parked in front of the Mexican Grocery store.  We then walked to the Chinese restaurant.  Leaving the restaurant, Andrea started speaking Spanish, while Austin answered in his best German.  I will end this post with what little I remember from French class - Au Revoir.

The week begins...

I had a pretty good weekend.  Didn't do so much that I felt overwhelmed.  Didn't do too little that I felt lazy.  I was able to strike the perfect balance.  Friday night was a birthday party for my nephew, Michael.  He is seven.  It was also his mom's birthday.  Saturday I did some crafty stuff and then went to another birthday party.  This one for my nephew, Trace. He's six.  Saturday night I took my sister to see "Breaking Dawn, Part 1".  She loves the Twilight movies.  I don't really care for the acting, but she really wanted to go and she did have a birthday on Friday.  It wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. 

On Sunday, I went to Lowe's and bought a new Christmas tree.  Pre-lit.  The idea of putting lights on my old tree was putting me in an anti-Christmasy mood.  I went cheap.  Only $88. 

THEN....I spent the afternoon doing laundry, crocheting scarves, AND watching Tony Stewart win the NASCAR race AND the become the NASCAR champion for his third time.  If you don't watch racing you may not understand how awesome his winning really is.    Jo knows...

And now the week begins and I am so thankful it is only a three day work week.  I spent all day today looking at spreadsheets and placing orders.  Tomorrow will be more of the same. Probably Wednesday, too.  I so look forward to turkey, ham, and all of the fixings on Thursday. 

Tonight I should be going to the Cardio Pump class but I'm not.  Just don't wanna. Instead, I'll run up and down the stairs a few times.  Sounds like a good trade off.

Is it just me...

Or do the days feel like they are getting longer and longer. 

Maybe I just have too much time on my hands.  This morning before work, I started and experiment to see if the metal straws one can get at the gas station really do keep the drink colder longer.  Really.  WAY too much time on my hands.

The result: They are both the same.  It's doesn't really make a difference.  I still like my metal straw though.

My friend Maiken came over today and guided me through Pinterest.  My cousin is right, "It's crack."

For dinner, I made my super easy Stir Fry.  Brown the meat of your choice, add a bag of frozen stir fry veggies, and a sauce of your choice - I used Panda Express Kung Pao Sauce. Then I added some peanuts.  I think it took all of 15 minutes. 

I tried making a Rustic Peach Pie using the pie filling a canned earlier this fall.  It didn't work so well.  I ended up scraping it off the stone-ware, putting it in a small casserole dish and baked it that way.  More of a mixed up Peach Cobbler. 

If you stayed with me this long, then you deserve a little laugh.  My son tried to shave his neck hair last night, he not only shaved the neck hair but about an inch of his hair in back, plus a funky little line about an inch higher than that.  Yes, my son is 17.  I tried getting picture last night - this is what happened:

I tried to sneak another but thought it would be rude and embarrassing.  He tried to wear a hat all day at school, and tomorrow I will take him in for a haircut. 

I am working on a menu for next week and am looking for easy meal ideas.  If you have any ideas,  please share. 

This and That

I started work again yesterday after my vacation and all I can say is" "Really People???"  I really do not like the first couple of days back. 

I signed into Pinterest tonight.  Now I just need to figure out how to use it.  I added two boards and two pins but the pins went on the wrong boards.  I couldn't figure out how to move them to a different board, so I deleted the board.  Please, please, please share with me how to use this thing.

My dog who hates wood floors, very carefully made his way from the back door to the rug in the living room, then back out again.  I would say he "tip toes" but I am not sure dogs can do that.  He looked a bit sheepish, unsure, and scared.  As he walked from the kitchen, through the dining area, and into the living room, he kept as close to the wall as possible.  When he made it to the rug, he still looked like he wasn't sure if he was safe.  Silly dog!  I don't know what it is about these wood floors that terrify him so.

I am addicted to Papa Murphy's Gourmet Chicken Garlic Pizza.  I really could - and have - eaten the entire pizza myself.  If I get it with a thin crust I can pretend it isn't bad for me.

Picture from Papa Murphy's website.

This is what I ate while watching The Biggest Loser.  Yes... I really did do that. Not the whole thing though, I shared. 

As you can see, my brain is still having trouble staying on one subject. 

Too many thoughts....

to just focus on one.

1 - I love Cap'n Crunch Berries. I feel like I kid when I eat them for breakfast with a glass of chocolate milk.

2 - I don't understand the whole "Occupy" protest. What the hell are they protesting? Everything? Nothing? So confused.

3- I am really tired of the whole Penn State / Sandusky scandal.


4 - I love "On Demand". I will be able to go to my exercise class at 8 pm and know I can catch up on the TV shows I missed the next day. I won't be able to use "Bones" as an excuse not to exercise.

5 - I have no idea how to "do" the whole relationship thing. I will probably be single for the rest of my life.

6 - I love watching "The Biggest Loser". I used to hate all reality television but my friend, John, got me hooked on it last season. Now I don't miss an episode. Another reason to love "On Demand".

7 - I eat unhealthy things while I watch The Biggest Loser, while telling myself that I should get up and exercise instead.

8 - I think I have lost the ability to focus on one thing. My mind goes in too many directions at one time.

9 - I used to be able to read a book in a day. Now it takes me almost a week because I fall asleep.

10 - If I could get a "re-do" on anything in my life. I would go back and get a degree in Secondary Education. Now, I already have too many student loans to pay off from going to a stupid school I will not name and a son who will be starting college (hopefully) in the next two years. Ergo, I can't afford more education for myself. 


*** All images are from Google Images   ***

Settling in...

Now that the boxes are put away, the decorations are hung on the wall, and the furniture where it should be, we are finally starting to settle in. 

I have been trying to get back into a walking routine.  It should be easy as I have some really great walking paths close by. I also went to a Zumba class at the high school.  They have 4 classes each week in the evenings. Two days are Zumba and I am not sure what they are doing the other two days but I intend to find out.  I can't use distance as an excuse not to go as the high school is a block away.  I could walk if I weren't a sissy afraid of walking alone at night. 


Picture from a morning walk last week.

I haven't taken pictures of the new place but I did get some pictures of my new sofa.  It is a tad shorter than most sofa's which is good because we don't have a ton of space.  I am hoping to get the matching loveseat before the end of the year. 

I am not a big fan of the pillows it came with.  Maybe I can find some that match the quilt I throw over the back.



This is how it normally looks.

 I have get to go back to work tomorrow.  After 9 work days off, I really, really don't wanna.  It will be good though to get back into a good routine.  If you haven't noticed - I really like routine in my life.  At least when it comes to work and exercise.  For me, it makes the things I don't want to do a little easier to get through.

Now that things are settling down a bit, I hope to get back to blogging on a regular basis.

The last box...

or almost last box, was put in the attic today.  I have one of those attics with the fold down ladder, it is so cool (according to my nephew).  Anyway, the last few boxes were put in the attic, stuff was hung on the walls and after a week of unpacking and organizing, the new place is starting to feel like home. 

I need to do some rearranging in my bedroom (why does the bedroom get done last?) but that is about it.  I may actually have ONE day of my nine days off of work where I am not unpacking, decorating, washing, or laundering. 

While at the post office yesterday, getting my mail box key, I was treated to a dose of postal humor.  I grew up in this town and the post office used to be right downtown.  For some reason, I always think it was moved into the city office buildings.  Nope.  It was moved across the street from the hospital.  The humor of this didn't hit me until I was talking to the postal worker behind the counter about my troubles finding the post office.  With the barest hint of a smile, he said to me, "Now we're by the hospital.  Makes a short trip if we have a troubled employee."   Hilarious.  At least to me.

Keeping this short but will post more about the move and new place soon. 

On the Move

So there are a lot of things happening around here.  On Tuesday, I can start moving into my new townhouse.  I have been gathering up all of the odds and ends of my life here at Grandma's and am getting excited to dig out the rest from the storage unit.

I bought a brand spanking new sofa.  I nixed the $59 delivery fee and will pick it up on Tuesday.  This is the first sofa I have picked out and bought myself.  When I was married my ex bought me a sofa and love seat for an anniversary gift.  I liked them enough but was a little bugged that I didn't get to pick them out.  My last sofa was a hand me down.  I am almost as excited about the sofa as I am about the move.  

To add yet another level of excitement to the upcoming week, I only have to work on Monday then I am off until the 14th. Almost two full weeks of paid vacation.  I am going to need it. 

Not only am I moving, Grandma is moving as well.  We have found an assisted living facility that I think she will really enjoy.  It is very homey, she will have a suite with living room, kitchenette, full bathroom, and bedroom.  She can take her own furniture and make it into her new "home".   The weekend has been busy with her picking out what she will be taking and me packing my own stuff.

If I don't post this week at least it won't be out of laziness. 

Hope all of you have a great week.

Gnats

Again my ability to think up creative titles astounds me.  I have a little, teeny, tiny, flying dilemma.  As the creative title suggests, it would be gnats. 

How on earth do I get rid of them?  I believe they are coming from the fern.  I spray the leaves, soil, and little water catcher on the bottom at least once a week with a houseplant bug killer BUT THEY WON"T GO AWAY. 

We re potted the fern in June, nearly killed it, and I have been babying it along.  In the past month or so it has come out of its near death experience and Grandma wants me to take it with me.  I do not want the gnats coming along for the ride.  Will repotting again help?  How about a new pot without the water catcher thingy on the bottom?

I apologize that after being MIA, I write this pitiful gnatty post.  When life slows done a tad, hopefully, I will be able to come up with something more substantive.

Why I Almost Cried at Lowe's

My Mom works at Lowe's and today I needed to drop something off to her.  As I was walking down an aisle with her, I found these project aprons and had to buy one.  I think it was just under $3 with $.60 going to support breast cancer research, etc.

But that isn't why I nearly cried.  After I picked it up, my Mom told me about the lady that lives behind them.  My parents don't know the couple that well but through the church grapevine, they found out that the wife has breast cancer and has recently had a double mastectomy.  They have two small boys and have asked that not many people come visit because, at the time, they had not told their boys.  If you look out my parents kitchen window, you can see into the neighbors back yard.  My parents aren't nosy, so don't think they spy on their neighbors.  Lately, they have noticed the small family in their backyard taking a lot pictures of the mom with her boys.  The other day while my Dad was washing dishes her saw the husband shaving his wife's head.  After hearing this my eyes welled up but I sucked it up.  I was in Lowe's after all.  Then my Mom told me that as my Dad was relating to story to her, he teared up. I think I can count on one hand the number of times I have seen my Dad cry.  If he cries, then I cry.  So of course, my eyes welled up again but I managed not to break down in the middle of Lowe's. 

I have been thinking about this family all day.  I know that all I can do is pray for them and I ask all of you to include this family in your prayers tonight. 

A Little Randomness on a Sunday Evening....

I tried being lazy today and, for the most part, it worked.  My heal isn't hurting very much which means I must have been off me feet enough to call it a lazy day.  I need to make an appointment with a podiatrist but it keeps getting moved down the list of things to do.  I did call the health insurance company to make sure I didn't need a referral and found one I would like to try but just haven't made the appointment. 

Good news...Early last week, I looked at and fell in love with a little town home.  AND they allow pets.  On Wednesday, I received the call that, Yes, we did get the town home.  I paid the deposit and signed the lease on Friday.  We can start moving in on November 1st.  It has taken a load off of my mind knowing that when the snow settles into the valley my son won't be driving 30  miles to school.

I have been snackish all day.  I keep telling myself it is okay since I am a little PMS-ish. But I really know it isn't.  I need to do what my mom is doing, she had had to make some simple dietary changes for a bladder issue that I can't seem to spell.  She doesn't drink Coke anymore - she and I have that same addiction- now she drinks bottled or filtered water. And she doesn't each chocolate.  Simple changes and she has lost some weight and is looking pretty good.  While I am the biggest female in my immediate family.  It makes me sad.  But apparently not sad enough to make positive changes. 

For some reason, when I sleep on my back, I have really weird dreams.  Last night was no exception.  At one point I yelled at someone who IRL (in real life) desperately deserves to be put in her place.  Also, lately when I am sleeping deeply and having these random dreams - the last time I was a NASCAR driver who got lost trying to get to the race and drove the race car all around town.  Anyway, whenever I get into the deep, back laying, random dream sleep, I am woken up in the middle of the night by the whistle that says "Grandma fell".  It really doesn't say that but that is what it means. I stumble in half asleep, haul G-ma off the floor and into bed, then try and fail to get back into deep sleep mode.

Good night and I hope your week ahead is a great one.

Enjoying Fall...

After spending Saturday canning peaches and peach pie filling, I needed a completely relaxed Sunday.  Mixer Man and I decided to hike up to some hot springs.  The parking lot at the trail head was completely packed.  We drove in, couldn't find a place to park, and had to maneuver our way out again.  It's a good thing he was driving.  I would have hit a few cars with the truck and not completely by accident.  We decided to ditch the hot springs idea and took a nice drive through the rest of the canyon.



Diamond Fork



The view from one of our stopping points.

 We took a side road that neither of us knew, and found one of the prettiest places I have seen.  We were the only people up there.  Unfortunately, I wasn't able to get a good picture and when we went for a stroll down the dirt road, I left the phone in the truck.  I don't have a good camera, so I have to use the camera on my phone. 

We were up in the mountains for hours.  It was the most relaxed and de-stressed I have been in a long, long time.  Great views, great company, and great weather.

No pets...

I have been looking for places to rent and of course everything I see says No pets.  Not even outdoor pets.  Now it looks like I am going to have to try and find a good home for my 3 year old Sheprador (part Australian Shepard/ part Labrador).  I love my dog and really don't want to give him up.  It makes me sad.

I know a lady with a farm and I may resort to asking her to take him on.  But I feel bad asking her a favor when I haven't made much of an effort to stay in touch with her.  But even if she can't take him she may know someone who can. 

It just makes me so sad.  I know I am not a great pet owner.  We don't play as much as we should. But it breaks my heart to think how he would feel if I just leave him somewhere and never come back to get him.  He loves us so much and I feel like I am failing him in someway if I give him away. 

Not sure what to do....

It's back....

The Cruiser is back and looking good as new. At the grocery store Austin discovered that he couldn't open the passenger side door from the inside. So, I will have to call the shop tomorrow on that but otherwise it feels wonderful to have my car back. It made me smile...

Other things that are making me smile today:


Mike and Molly Season Premiere

And a gift from my son just because, "You do everything for everyone and I thought you would like something."   

"The pink matches your gun.  I thought that was pretty cool." ~Austin

Wednesday Wrap-up

The appropriate title should probably be Random Wednesday but Wrap-up looks better.

I haven't had much time this summer to work on projects. Although, to be honest I am usually far more interested in being outside during the summer so few inside projects get done anyway. BUT I did manage to crochet this Centennial Loop Rug. It is made with a brown and a blue, brown strip yarn. I originally thought I would make it for my bedroom. The one I will have when I move into my own place again. Instead, I gave it to my Mom for her bedroom.

Last week, I did this to my car by over-correcting and hitting a guard rail. No injuries. No other cars. No police repors. Just a little bad luck.

The damage is much worse than it looks. I called the collision repair shop today and the repair costs are just over $3,100 which is just a few hundred dollars less than what I paid for the car. Luckily, I opted for full coverage on the insurance. Unfortunately, I have a $500 deductible but it is better than paying the full cost of the repairs.

After picking my son up from school today we drove around looking for houses/duplexes for rent. We saw a couple but I only called on one. I left the man a message, and told him I didn't have the exact address because it was covered up. He called back and left me a curt message telling me to have the address when I call back. I didn't like his tone so I won't be calling him back. He can keep his stinking duplex.

Fall is here. I love the crispness in the air, the warm days, and cool nights...BUT I am restless. I am not sure why. Just antsy and feeling like I need to get out. Perhaps a drive in the canyon when the leaves really start changing color will help. For now, I have been taking Grandma for walks in her wheelchair. Anyone know how many calories are burned when pushing a wheelchair?

Bumps...

What do you do when you hit a bump in the road?  Do you change course? Stand still? Or plow over it?  

As many of you know, for the last few years my soon-to-be seventeen year old son has been writing a book - rather a series of books.  He is determined to become a published author and I am 100% behind him on this.   When he hits a bump in the road to this dream, he just plows right over it.  When the dog ate the memory stick he saved his book to, Austin just re-wrote all 150 pages.  No problem. 

A couple of months ago he sent his book to his step-mother's friend who is an editor for a publishing company.  They publish LDS books, so they definitely won't be publishing his, but she was kind enough to offer her editing services and comments.   Today he received an e-mail from her.  Overall she likes the story and has given him a lot of constructive criticism.  Where I would probably curl up in a ball and take it as "I suck!" Austin says this, "I'm going to take her suggestions, make  some changes and send it back to her."  Then he eagerly reads through her notes and starts coming up with ideas to put her suggestions into action. 

Homecoming is this coming weekend - on his birthday.  He has had a crush on a girl in his class since the beginning of last school year.  This year he asked her to the dance.  He and his step-mom made an invitation.  The wheres and whens included all of the info for the dance with a note that said, "You would make my birthday wish come true if you would go to homecoming with me." Or something like that.  He had  told her in a previous conversation that the dance was on his birthday.  She already had a date for the dance and had to say no.  He was a little down about it but instead of letting it get to him, he asked another friend.

I know he was disappointed but instead of letting it ruin Homecoming and his birthday he chose to move forward and adjust the plan.  I could learn from this kid. 

When I run into a bump, my first instinct is to curl up and say "I can't do this."  Then I usually go down a completely different path leading me further and further away from my dreams.  I did this with school.  When I decided to go back to school, I wanted to be a teacher. I looked at the schedule I would have and how that would work with being a single mom, working full-time, and decided I couldn't do it.  Instead I went to the University of Phoenix and pursued a business degree.  I then compounded that mistake by getting an MBA also through the University of Phoenix.   That's just one example of moving further away from what I really want in my life.

I let the bumps hinder and scare me instead of plowing forward. 

From this point forward, I am going to plow through.  I am not going to let myself curl up and say "I can't".  I am going to learn from my son's example.  I am going to attack the weight loss bump.  The big one. 

Wish me luck!

  

Resilience

I wanted to write something about 9/11.  Where I was, what I felt, that sort of thing.  But as I was driving to the blessing of my cousin's twin girls.  The word that came to mind was resilience.  September 11, 2001 is a date that we will always remember.  We will tell our grandchildren where we were when we heard about the attacks.  We will take our moments of silence and we will grieve for those lost and the lives that were forever changed.  We will continue to live with the loss of our sense of security and will always worry about when something like that will happen again. 

We will also remember that life moves forward.  As a country we move forward.  As people we move forward.  Time does not stop and we have the ability to recover.  To move on and to live through tragedy.  We are RESILIENT.  Babies will be born.  Children will grow. Love ones will be lost.  Life moves on. 

As I remember the tragic events of ten years ago, I am sad and grieve;  but tomorrow I will move forward. I will carry in my heart the thousands of innocent people who were killed.  And the thousands more who lost their loved ones.  I will remember the blessings in my life, and try to be a better person than I was yesterday. 

I am resilient.  WE are resilient.

It's Shocking....

After my last post,  Holly and Jo both said, "You must explain."  I imagined the ladies quizzically looking at the post thinking, "What the hell is she talking about?" 

First, I'll show you the new hair color. 





I know you really wanted to see a close up of my hair.  Made your day, didn't it.

 Every time I make a trip to the salon, I have my stylist, Nikki, give me high frequency scalp treatment.  I am not sure exactly how it works but it basically gives my scalp a little shock.  It isn't uncomfortable and she can adjust how strong it it.  She combs a wand through my hair, across my scalp, and I try not to fall asleep.   It is supposed to stimulate hair growth.  So far my hair hasn't gotten a lot longer although it probably would if I went in more than every 6 weeks or so, but it has gotten a little bit thicker.  I have a lot of little baby hairs all over.  Whether or not I am seeing great results, it is the best 5-minute scalp massage ever. 

Nikki has a couple of clients who have lost their hair or have thinning hair due to cancer treatments or other heath problems.  Regular high-frequency treatments have helped them with their hair regrowth.  Of course, unlike me, these ladies come in at least once a week. 

Apparently, this is something that you can do to improve your skin also.

Since I am not doing a very good job of explaining, here is a LINK that might give you more insight - or just confuse you further.  

Feeling a little....

1 - Tired.  Last week and the weekend seemed really really long.  There was a lot to do to get ready for a family cookout.  I was filling in for a co-worker.  Had a couple of nights with little to no sleep. And well it was just busy.  So far this week, I have no energy.

2 - Healthy.  I took the dog for a walk this evening. 

3 - Ready.  For whatever is coming next.  I hope it is good.

4 - Itchy.  I had a high frequency treatment for my hair this week.  It makes my head itch.

5 - Colorful.  Before my high-frequency treatment, I has my hair colored.  If I actually style my hair tomorrow, I will take a picture.  It is blond, brown, and brown red which kind of looks purple. I like it.

Content didn't make the list. It is that elusive something that I really would like to find.  Maybe someday.  Maybe soon.  Maybe five years from now.  But I will get there. 

Finally Friday

I had a whole rambling thing about why work sucked this week but decided no one wants to hear about that.  My brain is too mushed up to come up with anything more than little snippets of thoughts.  Please enjoy the randomness for which this blog was named:

1 - One of my favorite bloggesr is Jo . She makes me laugh and no matter how long I am away from blogger, I will always read everyone of her past posts.  If it weren't for Jo, I never would have met M-Cat at Culver's.  M-Cat being another of my favorite bloggers.

2 - I've discovered that under stressful situations I become more assertive. I am better at articulating what I expect and defining what I will and will not do.  Now if I can work that into the everyday, it would be a great thing. 

3 - The new has been talking about an attack on a gay man outside of a gay club in Salt Lake.  It ticks me off that he was attacked  for minding his own business.  No one should get beaten for any reason.  The news keeps talking about it possibly being a "hate crime".  I HATE the term hate crime.  It implies that an attack on a minority is worse than an attack on a member of the majority.   In my opinion anytime a person is a victim of a violent crime there is hate involved.  Hate towards the person being attacked or hate  at persons or circumstances that have no relation to the victim.  Vicious beatings all come down to hate.  Let's not say it is worse for one person that it would be for another.

4 - Conspiracy theorist drive me nuts.  I am watching a show about Conspiracy theorist or "Truthers" theories about the attacks on 9/11. 

5 - I think roses are like vampires in that they need blood to survive.  I am scratched an poked from trying to tame Grandma's rose garden last night.

6 - I finally have my new laptop for work. I am even using it now.  It is so  nice to have working equipment. 

7 - Speaking of laptops, my son needs his own.  Our laptop is geriatric in technological terms.  The battery heats up to within 10 degrees of the temperature of the sun.  For his birthday he wants money to go to a laptop or iTunes gift cards.

8 - This month my son turns 17 on the 17th.

9 - I want to make the good fudge they sell at Cabela's. 

10 - I am going to try and find some nummy fudge recipes.

Have a good weekend, friends!

Southern Utah Vacation Day Three In PIctures

Before driving home we went for a small hike at the Red Cliffs Park. 

If Austin does it, so do the girls.

There were some pretty big crawdads in there.  We sent Austin in to try to catch one. FAIL!

This is not a place you want to be during a flash flood. 

Reflection of the sky and Austin in one of the pools.

Me and my friend Robyn

I have only been home a week and I am ready to go back.  Next time Robyn and I will hike The Narrows in Zions.  I guess I better get in shape.

Southern Utah Vacation Day Two In PIctures

 Zions National Park  

Hiking to the Emerald Pools

 I forgot to grab the good camera, so these were taken on the cell phone.

 

 

I have no idea who those people are...I just like the tree.

Sis with her best friend (my friend's daughter) at the upper Emerald Pool.  The stud without his shirt would be my son.

Took this while laying on my back with my feet cooling off in the pool.

A handsome kid on a rock.