03.22.08

I'm behind in catching y'all up.

Please understand it is not because I don't love ya' and don't want ya' to know what has been going on.

I've simply been going and going and going.

I hope you will forgive me.

Let me see if a recap of Saturday, March 22 will make it all good.

First up, Jasmine and I went to see Dr. Rosie. They called the night before and asked if we could come in at 9:40 AM instead of 10:00 AM.

I said sure. But wouldn't you know it, we were kept waiting until 10:20 AM. I could have slept in an extra bit but I'm not hating. You know by now I will do what it takes to make sure the love kitty is taken care of.

Post the appointment, I came home and did some work. Then I took a nap because I knew the night was going to be a long one.

We were supposed to go here but I failed to recognize there were NCAA games playing when the plans were made two weeks in advance. As a result, the obvious choice was to make a change in plans.

I headed north instead. We watched a few games and and then headed to the Eastside to meet peeps for cocktails and dinner versus the original plan of dinner in Seattle.

Here's part of the view while driving over to the Eastside.

Upon arrival to our destination, I promptly snuggled and played with this beautiful creature. Her name is Olivia. She is quite the snuggle bunny and extremely well behaved. The only issue, if you can even call it that, is she doesn't realize how big she is. She will make room for herself on the couch, in the chair, pretty much anywhere just as long as she can make it to your lap.

The boys had rum and Pepsi. The girls opted for Goose and pomegranate martinis.

We talked. We laughed. We listened to tunes. B-Ball games continued to be watched.

Around 9:00 PM we decided to head out for dinner. Who is we you might be asking right about now.

We is Sharon, Jason, and Jeremey. Me too of course.

We wanted Thai food but the joint was closing ten minutes from our arrival. So we went over to the only restaurant in area still serving food. In the bar only.

You know what that meant don't you? Of course you do! It meant more drinks y'all. Hence, the goofy looks in the above pictures. It also meant clam chowder, tataki of tuna for Sharon and me, fish and chips for Jason, and a steak sandwich for Jeremey.

Post dinner, we went our separate ways.

However, Jeremey and I weren't done for the night so we headed back to West Seattle and to a location within walking distance of his place.

As the night wore on, a scooby snack was in order.
We shared this piece of pizza. As luck would have it, it was the last one they had available. Score!

Since it was officially Easter, and the patrons were few and far between, they closed early. On the walk back to J's place, we saw this dry cleaner's store front.

I found it to be odd, that out of all the other stores, theirs was the only one with lights blazing. If they are embracing being green, and care for the environment as the sign states, I'm thinking less lights would be better. Plus, look how they care about their customer's clothes. All bunched up and laid out on the counter like that.

Once again, I am in no position to judge or hate as my clothes tend to look like this too while in the midst of project laundry.

How'd the night end? Late. Very late. Or should I say how did the morning start?

Just so you know, we were both champs and made it to church the next morning.

I don't know if he slept Sunday afternoon post his service but I know I sure did post mine. I failed to make it over to T's for Sunday dinner. I was wiped and had to get ready for the week's road trip.

I've said it before and I will say it again, I can't bring it or recover like I used to...

Weekly Challenge #26

Arriving home last night I discovered someone/something was no longer sharing space with me. Remember Sparky?

He's moved on.

So I started thinking it might be time to clean his home.

Naturally there are cobwebs.

Therefore, the challenge this week is to clean outside your front door this week.

Break out the broom. Grab a bucket and wipe down the door. Sweep the porch. Clean a stair or two.

Y'all get what I am saying here?

Do a little or do a lot this week. It's up to you. But I challenge you to take the cleaning and organizing outside of the home this week.

Peace and Love Peeps.

One

Kim posted this the other day. I thought I would do so today for a bit of a challenge.

You

Can

Only

Type

One

Word

As she said, it is not as easy as you might think. Remember, one word answers:

1. Where is your mobile phone? desk

2. Your significant other? future

3. Your hair? dark

4. Your mother? loved

5. Your father? weak

6. Your favorite thing? camera

7. Your dream last night? mystery

8. Your favorite drink? tea

9. Your dream/goal? progress

10. The room you're in? office

11. Your ex? wounded

12. Your fear? misfortune

13. Where do you want to be in 6 years? married

14. Where were you last night? movie

15. What you're not? angry

16. Muffins? bran

17. One of your wish list items? France

18. Where you grew up? Dallas

19. The last thing you did? workout

20. What are you wearing? hoodie

21. Your TV? on

22. Your pets? cats

23. Your computer? lifeline

24. Your life? blessed

25. Your mood? calm

26. Missing someone? yes

27. Your car? green

28. Something you're not wearing? earrings

29. Favorite Store? Target

30. Your summer? phenomenal

31. Like someone? yes

32. Your favorite color? cranberry

33. When is the last time you laughed? today

34. Last time you cried? 2007

35. Who will/would re-post this? unsure

Now that you have had a peek into my world, let me know if you play along. I'd love to see your answers too.

Peace and Love Peeps.

Spring?

Does this look like spring to you?

Yea, me either.

I know my peeps on the peninsula are getting, or have gotten, a lot more than this but come on!

I spoke with my sister last night and she said they were in the 80s.

I'm a little sad by that but when the Texas heat is burning them up in the summer and we are nice and cool, I will look back on this day fondly.

Snow, wind, freezing rain, highs well below where they should be.

Yea, fondly.

How is the weather where you are?

Diggin' It

My eye tends to be drawn to certain designs. Color combos. Structure. I didn't realize until last night what my latest kick is.

Apparently I am diggin' on lime green and paisley these days.

As evidenced by 2008 Easter cards and Jasmine's medication container.

Do you have something you're diggin' on these days?

I'm totally diggin' on some of the latest music selections, much to chagrin of my neighbors, too.

I'll write about said songs later on this week. I don't have my iPod with me right now and in the spirit of past blog entries, I'll list out the song and artist for ya'.

For now, I have to get back to work. The salt mine is calling my name. Don't you just hate that some days?

Oh and before I forget - A quick shout out to the Cougs. Kick some North Carolina butt tonight!

Peace and Love Peeps.

The Chosen One

Have you heard about Flat Stanley before?

I remember being in Little Italy partaking in what New York's Little Italy had to offer a few years back and couldn't figure out why someone had a paper cut out of a crayon colored dude slapped up against the wall snapping pictures.

Hey, now that I think about it, this might have been where the thought of Spanky came from.

Anyway, last week I opened my mail to discover my niece decided to send me her class's Flat Stanley for a few weeks.

Talk about pressure! Out of all the peeps she could have chosen, she selected moi.

I know, I know. You might be thinking it would be easy to take pictures of Flat Stanley. I mean look at what I do with Spanky.

I am very touched I was selected because they, they being my family, don't know about Spanky let alone the blog.

A class full of kids isn't going to appreciate pictures of food. And we certainly can't be taking pictures of Flat Stanley in front of adult beverages now can we?

So far the only pictures I have taken are from Saturday. Here he is crossing over a floating bridge.

I really need to step up my game and get cracking. I can't let her down.

I believe a day around Seattle visiting the landmarks is in my near future.

And like a butt head, I failed to take a picture of Flat Stanley by a huge jet being built by Boeing today. Driving past that is not something you're going to see every day but nope, I was so focused on getting to my destination, I failed to pull over on the side of the road.

Y'all have any other ideas for me? Anyone participate in this project for a loved one before?

I'd love to hear your thoughts and ideas so please internets, speak to me! I want to do her proud.

Weekly Challenge #25

This week I challenge you to take a chance.

Whether it be something unforeseen, something you've been thinking about doing but haven't done so, or an opportunity presenting itself to you seemingly out of thin air.

Take the chance.

Just feel it.

Go with it.

I've taken a few chances over the course of the last few days. Each one has paid off in a very positive way. Therefore, I am challenging you to do the same.

And I challenge myself to continue with taking chances this week too.

Here's to chance and happenstance.

Peace and Love Peeps.

Fab-O Friday

Did you have the day off today? I did.

I slept in until about 8:00. I immediately juiced a couple of maters, an apple, two carrots, and some spinach.

Then I threw a load of laundry in. I am one of the world's worst disciplined individuals when it comes to doing laundry. I don't mind washing and drying it. Putting it away is a whole 'nother story. I'm way behind again so it is turning into a major project.

After the laundry, I jumped in the shower. Then I got ready but not before I spent some time in observance.

Played with the kitties for a bit and then headed out to meet T, Channy, and Mars for grub at one of our local Mexican restaurants. T above.

Channy below. Mars and Mo.
This was my choice for lunch. One shredded beef enchilada with rice, beans, and a root beer on the side.
T chose a salad and a diet coke. I promise lettuce is under all the other goodies.

Maricel selected chile rellenos with an iced tea.

Channy opted for enchiladas and some sort of soda also. The food was good. The company great. And the sun was shining too.

Good times!

Following lunch I headed over to the local full service car wash. I had bird poop to clean off remember?

I took the easy way out. Yep, I handed over my debit card and let someone else clean it. Inside and out. Detail style.

Then I went to Hallmark to get a new air freshener and scented oil for the burner.

I came home to work on the laundry and cuddled with Jasmine on the couch for a bit before my brow appointment.

Post brows I decided to see if I could do a walk in mani-pedi.

Score!

My nubbies (nails) are back in good condition, which was much needed, after the hell I have put them in and through lately.

My tootsies are now China Glaze's 70386 aka Metropolitan. It's a deep, dark purple with a tad of glitter thrown in I took a chance on. I am glad I did. It is purty and looks a lot better than how I just described.

I rounded out the evening by doing...you guessed it. More laundry.

I also created a few cards for upcoming birthdays and am now about to head to bed.

Jasmine and I have an appointment with Dr. Rosie in the morning. She is doing much better.

The rest of the day's schedule contains a trip here and dinner with three other peeps in Seattle.

Sunday I am scheduled to get ready for the upcoming week's trip and Sunday dinner with the other T and family.

Of course, everything is subject to change and is completely dependent on how the love kitty's appointment goes.

Y'all wish us well.

I wish you and yours a great day.

Peace and Love Peeps.

Lady Luck?

Have you heard the expression or saying if a bird poops on you it is good luck?

I don't recall the first time I heard this but I know it was sometime back in the day.

Anyway, yesterday on the hood of my rig, there were four separate poopie splatters.

The rain washed 'em away overnight.

But guess what was on the windshield this morning?

10 separate poopie splatters.

That's gotta' mean good luck right?

Or I pissed off a bird/a family of birds and they are seeking revenge.

I'm gonna' go with the good luck theory. And since I live close to the water and park near a tree most days, it makes sense I would be hit at some time but two consecutive days in mass quantity?

The universe is responding to all those vibes, well wishes, and prayers I have been asking for.

Luck. That's my story and I am sticking to it.

Peace and Love Peeps.

Happy Day aka Life's Simple Pleasures

Today has been a good day.

Love kitty is showing signs of being on the mend. Being back to her old self. The one I know and love. There she is taking advantage of the sun breaks earlier today and is saying thank you to all of y'all.

Please keep those vibes, prayers, and well wishes coming. We're not out of the woods yet but she gave love kitty kisses this morning, is eating very well, and actually meowed at her sister in the kitchen earlier.

All things she wasn't doing until today. All things that make Jasmine, well Jasmine. Those of you who know her in real life, can you see the weight she has put on? She's looking good and meowing/howling as loudly as ever.

Oh, and can someone tell me if you don't use all of the baby food in a baby food jar if you have to refrigerate it? Dr. Nettie suggested I buy baby food 2 in meat flavors as a treat for her which I did during my lunch break, and boy howdy, she scarfed down some of the beef today.

So what else has made today a good day?

I love, love, love fresh berries. I'm using these for a snack, in breakfast smoothies, and for a sweet, healthy, desert treat too.

Having sun breaks during this time of the year is always a good thing. You might call it partly cloudy where you are. In our neck of the woods we refer to this bit of action as sun breaks. Two of my favorite foods together really makes me happy. To be able to saute fresh spinach with shrimp in a bit of I Can't Believe It's Not Butter with fresh ground pepper and garlic is YUM-O. And since I am not on the road, it means I get to prepare it to my liking.

I also mailed my Easter cards today. I hope they make it in time. I missed the 2:00 PM cut off for Wednesday mailing but hey, I got all 2o of them done and mailed off so I am feeling pretty darn good about that especially after the St. Patrick's Day fiasco.

I'm going to round out the evening by getting a work out in, doing some laundry, and chilling with the kitties.

I hope you have had bits of happiness in your world today too.

Peace and Love Peeps.

Love Kitty Update 3

Love kitty is home!

She is doing better today.

I feel optimistic about her future.

I hope she continues to be on the mend.

I appreciate your vibes, prayers, words of support, and care.

We're not in the clear just yet so will you please keep 'em coming?

We go back to the vet Saturday for a check up.

Here's to hoping for the best...

Peace and Love Peeps.

Love Kitty Update 2

I know I am starting to sound like a broken record with this request.

I believe in the power of prayer, the law of attraction, and the power of intention.

I received a call Saturday night requesting I bring Jasmine back to the vet's office Monday for a urine check. Apparently the antibiotic she is on could be resistant to treating the UTI.

So back to the vet we went late this afternoon.

And there she stayed.

"To give birth" to a poop as Dr. Nettie said post an enema she was to receive.

Since she has been home, she has lost weight. She received fluids under the skin again because she wasn't as hydrated as she should be.

She vomited twice this morning and even though she is taking an appetite stimulant, didn't eat as much as she has been today.

Y'all, I think I might have to stop being selfish and realize her quality life is so diminished it is time for that decision to be made.

So, I ask you dear internets, will you put the vibes out there for both of us?

Please and Thank You.

Happy St. Patrick's Day

May the luck of the Irish be with you and yours today!

I am wearing my green and in lieu of a green beer, had my tomato, spinach, carrot, and apple juice this morning.

I would love to tell those of you who I send little bits of cheer via a card through snail mail to expect one today but I didn't finish them in time to send them. So once again, another holiday I am ahead of the game on.

I stamped them. I colored the gold. I printed out address labels. I just didn't get around to doing the sentiment inside of them. It's not fair to send to some and not all so nobody gets one for 2008.

Instead I send this wish to all...

May your troubles be less,

And your blessing be more

And nothing but happiness,

Come through your door.

Weekly Challenge #24

We are granted the same amount of time each day.

It doesn't matter if we are younger or older than the next person. Sick or well. Black or white. It is the same for each of us.

24 hours.

Depending on the choices made, what you spend your time doing leaves you feeling as if you got a lot done or it can seem as if you accomplished next to nothing.

Most of us work at least 8 hours a day.

What about the other sixteen hours? What do you do with them? How are you spending them?

That's this week's challenge.

Reflect on whether you are spending the time granted on the right things for you and your family.

The things, people, activities, etc., bringing joy into your life, providing you with a sense of peace, and allowing you to be the best possible you - is this where you are spending your "free" time?

I already know a change or two I can make...

Love Kitty Update

My baby is home.

My bank account is much less as a result but I am so very thankful she is alive and doing better.

Dr. Rosie said if I hadn't brought her in when I did, she would not have made it.

She's been, and continues to be, nursed back to health.

I'll let you guess how much the bill was with that in mind. If I told you what I shelled out, you might think I was crazy. But you have to understand I have no kiddos. She and her sister are my babies.

Everyone in the office fell in love with her. I understand why. She is adorable. Even when she is using up one of her nine lives.

At this point I have to wonder how many of those lives she has left to live.

The picture above represents our new way of life. I officially now have a pill popping cat.

I almost had to make a spreadsheet to keep up with the dosage and times she is take her pills.

And just like her momma, she likes her fish and her food to be all natural. According to the technicians, her favorite is the tuna on rice with prawns. Good choice baby. Good choice.

For now I am off to cuddle with her. And her sister.

I hope things are good in your world.

Peace and Love Peeps.

H is For. . .

Home!

I have a full day of work ahead of me and it is all good.

Arriving home late last night meant I was treated to a good night's sleep in my bed. A full seven hours worth of rest.

Upon waking, I took a shower in my bathroom.

I was able to love on Princess.

And I get to pick Jasmine up later.

Now if a magic fairy could bring groceries to me and do my laundry, I would be so stinkin' happy I don't think I would even be able to stand myself.

Peace and Love Peeps.

For T

Happy Birthday to your Wub!

I simply can't believe how your baby has grown. Literally right before our eyes he went from a boy, to a pre teen, to a teen, and now a young man.

I know today is hard for you. He is growing up but he will always be your baby.

Have faith in how you and Snookums have raised him. Your Wub is a good Wub and he is going to be a great man.

Love to you all!

Tuesday Tripping

I have a feeling it is going to be one of those kind of days.

The kind of day when caffeine and sugar will be needed to keep me going and going and going.

I'm operating on naps these days. I'd love to say sleep is overrated but lemme keep it real, it is most definitely not.

I love me some sleep. On a lucky day I get a solid six or seven in. Those days I feel like a champ. Lately, I'm getting six in via nap spurts. Maybe this is why I have been so cranky?

Anywho, Spanky and I are leaving the hotel this morning for a road trip on top of a road trip. We flew the friendly skies yesterday, drove about one hour and fifteen minutes to destination #1, did our thing, and in a few we will be on our way to destination #2 today.

The weather here is gloomy. Wind. Rain. Cooler temps. But at least we have a sweet ride with a booming sound system to make today's trek further south better.

Now if I could just find a Starbucks...

Peace and Love Peeps.

Babies

Remember the other day when I said I wanted a kitty muzzle for Jasmine? I feel like such a bad momma for saying it. I should have known she was trying to tell me something. Something along the lines of "Momma, I hurt. Please take me to see Dr. Rosie."

But nooooo, I couldn't see past myself. I knew she had a cold and since her sister was getting better through the week, I figured she would too.

Oh how wrong I was. My precious love kitty was admitted to the hospital yesterday. I just got a phone call from Dr. Rosie letting me know she is doing much better today and is wolfing down her food.

Before we go further with this update, I probably should let those of you who don't know, Jasmine has a compromised immune system. What I mean by this is she isn't the healthiest of kitties.

I knew this when she was adopted from the Kitsap Humane Society. They wanted to put her down because she had a kennel cold and wasn't healing as fast as they would have liked her to have been progressing.

At the time, my husband was deployed and this was the cat he absolutely wanted. The kitty he simply had to have. I sent an email letting him know of the situation and wouldn't you know he wouldn't make the time to call me from the ship but lordy lord he found a way and a will to get in touch with them and asked them to save her by any means necessary?

So, long story short, they did and my life has not been the same since. I love this kitty, with her compromised immune system, howls, poo-e issues, herpes, high maintenance, needy feline self and all.

She usually does ok when I travel for a few days here and there. Day trips don't phase her. It is when I leave for weeks on end she gets out of sorts.

God bless Auntie Maricel for checking on her and her sister daily while I canvass the country earning my keep.

But three weeks was too much for the love kitty. She is down to 6lbs 10oz, was constipated, has a cold, a UTI, and was dehydrated.

She may have compromised kidney function too. Dr. Rosie says we won't know until she is re-hyrdated. The reading could be false but today? Today she is doing much better.

For this I am grateful.

Princess keeps going to her sister's normal hiding and sleeping places looking for her.

I miss her too baby...

Weekly Challenge #23

We are back in the kitchen, or the location you store your spices, this week.

I challenge you to organize, toss, replenish...whatever the case may be your spice supply.

In looking through my stash this morning, I noticed I have some in need of the above action and it got me to thinking, "Do they too?"

My OCD self labels the stash with masking tape and the trusty sharpie of either the purchase date or expiration date and I keep a running list of spice needs and stock in my palm so this should be easy for me to do. But I tell ya', finding time this week is where the challenge is for me.

Oh, and if you desire a food guideline to help ya' out, may I recommend this?

Third Person

I'm starting to feel like me again.

You know, the happy Mo.

Not the whining, complaining, pissed off, sad, hating people Mo.

Me no likey that Mo.

That Mo spent entirely too much time being present this past week.

The Mo I like to be is on her way back in.

Just in time to get on the road again.

Peace and Love Peeps.

A New Day

Today is a new day.

A day full of possibilities.

I'm turning it all over to the higher power I believe in.

I am putting the stresses and challenges in his hands.

Today, like most all days, I

Grrrrrr

My morning started off nicely.

Got a work out in.

Juiced.

Took and made a few phone calls.

Had lunch with two co-workers.

Then I made mistake of being in the office for the afternoon.

Other people's issues became more important than my looming deadline.

It is 5:27 PM and I still have at least two hours to put in to finish what should have been done hours ago.

And I had to reschedule my adjustment.

Guess who will be working from home most all of tomorrow?

Being on the road can be soooooo much nicer. Peeps seem to respect my time more.

Edited at 1:30 AM: Left work shortly after above post. Had an ice cold Bud Light, some grilled shrimp, and veggies while venting with two of my closest work peeps and friends.

Headed home and crawled into bed to take a nap. Naps tend to make it all better right?

Slept for more than a few hours and now am in a battle with love kitty. She won't hush it. She is angry meowing at me. Howling. Do they make kitty muzzles? She needs one. My patience has worn thin. Three hours of her pacing and yelling at me is enough.

Off to get that work done that should have been done hours ago...

From SE Idaho

For your viewing pleasure I present you with this diddy as seen from the truck in Pocatello, ID on our way to grab grub for lunch:

I promise you these things find me and not the other way around. I am still not quite sure what to make of them...

Weekly Challenge #22

This week's challenge I hope will be simple for you to accomplish.

I want you to surround yourself with things you love.

Things that make you happy.

Things making your heart sing.

Things that bring peace to your soul.

A few of these things for me are fresh white flowers, candles, fresh fruit and veggies, my kitties, music, crafty stuff, river rocks, wind chimes, essential scented oils to burn in the warmer, etc.

I am home for the entire week and you can bet priority one today was to hit up Costco for fresh spinach, apples, celery, carrots, cucumbers, tomatoes, and a garden bunch of white flowers.

What are some of things you love and that make your heart sing you can surround yourself with this week?

Today

This is what today is all about for me.

I woke up entirely too early for a Saturday but I should have expected it. This is what I get for being up at 5:00 or before every work day for the last three weeks.

It ended up being good as I was motivated to take a walk this morning.

The rest of the day will be spent being selfish.

First up?

Massage.

Next?

Facial.

Followed by an afternoon of chilling with a book on the couch or in my leather chair with the kitties.

Tonight?

Dinner and a movie with Maricel, Drea, and I am not sure who else yet.

Bring on the day! I am ready and deserving.

Peace and Love Peeps.