Twas the Days Before Christmas

Last Tuesday I started to get that feeling.

The tightness and sore throat feeling letting me know I am getting sick.

It usually, like 97% of the time, starts in my throat.

I pushed through the day, came home, promptly took some Nyquil, and put myself to bed.

By Wednesday it was game over.

I was down for the count. Mid day the sinuses got in on the action. Everyone I spoke with Wednesday was pretty much feeling very sorry for me and getting off the phone as quickly as possible. Apparently I sounded horrible. I know how horrible I felt.

Luckily through this all I did not have a fever so I knew it wasn't the flu. Thank you baby Jesus.

Nelli, my neti pot, and I became reacquainted very quickly.

So did my couch, one of my blankets and a few of my hoodies. When I am under the weather I like to be in a hoodie and "hide" under the hood and a blanket. For some reason I prefer to be on the couch rather than in the bed when I am fighting off a cold.
That's my sick, whiny, suck it face. I know I am hot stuff. Don't try to tell me differently.

By the time Wednesday night rolled around the sore throat was gone but the stuffiness was at its worst.

Thursday I ventured out to get some of this. A few of my tweeps swore by it. After taking it I am a believer too. It definitely decreased the time the crud was in control of my body.

By Friday I was feeling well enough to talk with all my siblings and have an early dinner with Fiwa and her hubby.

Saturday I ventured out to run a few errands and scored a few deals. I pushed myself a little too much. I thought I was back in prime condition. I was wrong. As a result I was back out for the count Saturday night.

Sunday I pretty much felt 85%; a little run down but well enough to do what needed to be done and take a walk along the boardwalk.

Here's to hoping the crud is a thing of the past. I have an uber busy week in store professionally I need to be on top of my game.

Hope you and yours had a very happy holiday and are well in both spirit and physical health.

Peace and Love Peeps.

Weekly Challenge #113

This week we bid farewell to another year and welcome the possibilities the next 365 days have to offer.

I'm not a New Years resolution kind of girl. I have not been for a while now. The older I get the more I find myself self reflecting and goal setting throughout the year - sometimes even daily - and always ongoing.

Don't feel pressured to make a list if that's not your thing. If it is your thing, get after it. Share if you'd like but keep it private if desired.

Whatever works for you is this week's challenge; embrace it, own it, ROCK it, and don't let the pressure of the New Year dictate you unless you choose.

Peace and Love Peeps.

Weekly Challenge #112

Do you have more lipsticks/lip glosses around your home, purse, desk, briefcase, etc. than you use on a regular basis?

I admit I do.

I tend to use the same 2 or 3 yet I have more than that lying around.

This week I challenge you to let those you don't love or use on a regular basis go.

Don't pause a moment to think about it or ponder about the money you're "throwing" away.

Simply say good-bye, move on, and refrain from picking up new ones unless you know you're going to use them.

You can do it.

I know you can.

Peace and Love Peeps.

NOTE: photo courtesy of this user's photo stream on flickr

OTRA

By the time you read this I should be flying the friendly skies.

Send the safe travel vibes my way.

Please and thank you.

Peace and Love Peeps.

Weekly Challenge #111

Kitchen cabinets.

We use them almost every day, if not every day.

When is the last time you cleaned them?

They deserve some loving too.

This week I challenge you to give them a little TLC.

Peace and Love Peeps.

Holiday Decorations

Do you remember my storage fiasco from July?

I don't think I posted about it and try not to talk about it since I can't change what happened.

In a nutshell my storage unit was emptied out by someone other than me.

In an instant memories and items were gone.

Some of those items were holiday decorations.

I used to go all out for the holidays.

Decorations here, there, and everywhere.

These days not so much.

You'll find a wreath I made many years ago on the front door. It survived the storage mess because it was on the back of my bedroom door.

Inside this is about all you're going to find.

I have candles everywhere all year but the reindeer and snowflake votive holder only comes out in December.

I'll enjoy the decorations others put out and by no means am I in a bah humbug state of mind.

I'm simply scaling down. Way down. The kitteh doesn't know the difference so I see no harm.

What's going on in your hizzle? All out or scaling back too?

Peace and Love Peeps.

Keys and Me

My preference is silver over gold when it comes to decorating and accessories. However, I am not opposed to sporting gold from time to time.

I know what my eye is drawn to. I know what I like. Settling is not an option I choose to explore when the other option exists.

Some might call me high maintenance.

I prefer referring to this as having a personal standard.

This carries over to pretty much all aspects of my life, including key chains.

I have two sets of keys.

One set is for the everyday work-personal life. It contains keys for the office, my filing cabinets, a gate, two master door keys, car, home mailbox, etc.. You get what I am saying here right?

The other set I have is for after work hours, on the weekends, and when I'm traveling. It contains my critical personal keys on it.

In addition to my above stated standards I like my key chain to serve as a little reminder during the hustle and bustle of daily life and to be a representation of me/my values.

Hence the work-personal life choice of a longhorn and the newest addition below.

About a month and a half or so ago the personal key chain decorative element broke.

It took me a while to find one I liked well enough to purchase. After many store visits and some of the peeps calling me out for the broken down key chain, Hallmark came through like a champ.


I figure if any of the bedazzled goodness falls off I am covered since I have my bedazzling heat tool and crystals.

When the sun hits it, sparkly light reflects.
I am a happy key chain toting girl once again.

How about you? Do you have a special key chain or two to share? I'm interested so feel free to leave a comment and fill me in.

Peace and Love Peeps.

Current State of Being

Minus the smoking and pill popping and insert my face you'd be looking at me.

It is my absolute busiest time of the year.

I'm dealing and thankfully in doing so I haven't gotten run down and sick like in past years. *knocks on wood*

Being uber busy hasn't left a whole lot of time for much of anything other than work, which we know I try not to talk all that much about here. This is why I have been MIA.

Since I can do updates from the crackberry I'm pretty active on twitter and facebook. Feel free to follow me or ask to be my friend.

To my fellow bloggers, I think of you often and hope you are well. I plan on swinging by your place sooner rather than later.

Hugs, Peace, and Love to all.

Let Us Not Forget

Weekly Challenge #110

This time of the year it is easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle.

I challenge you to find a slice of time to just be, to breathe, to reflect on your thoughts, to look in versus out.

Even if it's just a minute or two, you deserve it.

It's good for the soul and will more than likely will keep you centered while the holiday season is in full swing.

Peace and Love Peeps.

Delicious and Nutritious

Delicious and nutritious.

A new version of Thirsty Thursday.

Feeds the body.

Feeds the soul.

Dinner with the pack Pho style.

How I love thee.

Peace and Love Peeps.

Resisted the Urge

Monday night around dinner time I decided I needed to hit up the store for some healthy grubbins.

The options in the freezer and fridge were a little slim. I could have made do with what I had on hand but I wanted roasted chicken.

At first I was thinking I would shred some of the chicken and mix it with romaine and call it good. In the end I decided on roasted chicken and sauteed some zucchini with garlic and called that good.

Before I got home and made that for dinner I had to resist the urge to take this for a little ride.

It has been a very long time since I felt the urge to do so. I think had I not been in somewhat of a hurry I would have taken the bad boy for a spin. Wheeeee!

Life is too short not to give in to a little harmless fun from time to time don't you think?

Next time I shall ride.

Peace and Love Peeps.

Today

Today I am in a competition with myself to get it all done.

Today I will remember to just breathe.

Today I will take it one stroke at a time.

Today I will achieve.

Peace and Love Peeps.

Photo courtesy of this flickr account.

Weekly Challenge #109

This week most all of us celebrated the Thanksgiving holiday.

This is a time of the year in which we find reason to be grateful and to give thanks.

I challenge you to continue doing so this week.

Each day find something to appreciate.

It doesn't have to be grand or profound.

You don't have to be public with the thanks.

Simply take a moment to appreciate what is before you at least once as you go about your day.

Peace and Love Peeps.

Happy Thanksgiving

Blessings to you and yours.

Peace and Love Peeps.

Movie Madness

This weekend I went to the movies.

Twice.

Once Friday night with Ace to see Precious and Sunday afternoon to see New Moon with Fiwa.

Pretty much two opposite ends of the spectrum in terms of movies.

I am still processing Precious. It's good and worthy of your time and money as long as you are prepared for what you will see and for the effect it possibly will have on you.

It will grip you in places you don't expect and won't let go very easily. It will quite possibly change previously held beliefs. It will make you think.

I know there are a lot of people who love, love, love the Twilight saga/series. I read the books. I saw the first movie and pretty much knew I would see this one too. I enjoyed what I read and what I saw on the big screen.

With that being said, I disagree with the folks who say the movie is outstanding, terrific, amazing, etc.. I wasn't wowed by the greatness some peeps are talking about. I guess this makes me a non twi-hard huh?

The next movie I would like to see is The Blind Side. I just need to find the time to do so.

Have you seen any movies lately? Any must sees I should add to the list?

Do tell.

I am interested.

Oh and speaking of musts, if you're looking for a good book, I recommend The Help by Kathryn Stockett. It took me a few chapters to get into the writing style but once I did, there was no stopping my flipping of the pages.

Peace and Love Peeps.

Weekly Challenge #108

This time of the year most people are immersed in thinking about the holidays.

I start thinking about next year.

Don't get me wrong. I do think of the holidays. I celebrate. Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday of them all.

It is just this week has come to mean the next year planning for me.

Y'all knew I was a planner right?

After the food is put away and the football games are over you can most likely find me with the next year calendar in hand marking out my personal appointments.

What can I say? I like to be prepared.

For me, there is some sort of comfort in knowing I've taken care of the scheduling and I don't have to think about making those appointments month after month.

So, if you decide to participate in this week's challenge with me, allow me to suggest googling 2010 calendar. There are lots and lots of free options available.

Peace and Love Peeps.

In a Word

A MeMe courtesy of Facebook:

Where is your cell phone? desk

Your significant other? Me :)

Your hair? Brown

Your mother? Missed

Your favorite thing? Laughter

Your dream last night? Forgotten

Your favorite drink? Tea

Your dream/goal? Fitness

What room are you in? Office

Your hobby? Stamping

Your fear? Sickness

Where do you want to be in 6 Yrs? France

Where were you last night? Home

Something that you aren't? Rested

Muffins? Bran

Wish list item? Sleep

Last thing you did? Analysis

What are you wearing? Dress

TV? Entertainment

Pets? Princess

Friends? Priceless

Your life? Blessed

Your mood? Happy

Missing someone? Yes

Drinking? Sometimes

Smoke? No

Your car? Green

Something you're not wearing? Necklace

Your favorite store? Impress

Your favorite thing to shop for? Shoes

Your favorite color? Cranberry

When was the last time you cried? Birthday

Who will repost this ? Unsure

Where do you go to over and over? Bathroom

Five people you text with most often? Kari, Maricel, Patricia, Ace, E

Favorite place to eat? Pho

Place I'd like to be right now? Beach

If you decide to do this too, let me know so I can come by your place and check you out.

Peace and Love Peeps.

Iggy's Random 10

I haven't done this in quite some time.

I put Iggy on shuffle a lot at work and let him do his thing.

Here are some of his most recent selections today.

1. Push It by Salt-N-Pepa

2. Me and You by Kenny Chesney

3. Say It Loud by James Brown

4. Fire Burning by Sean Kingston

5. No One by Alicia Keys

6. Pipeline by Stevie Ray Vaughan

7. Bossy by Lindsay Lohan

8. Cleaning Out My Closet by Eminem

9. Sugar by Flo Rida

10. Heaven Help by Lenny Kravitz

Talk about random!

Peace and Love Peeps.

My Latest Accessory Choice

It's fall around here for sure.

Rain.

Wind.

Cooler temps.

I believe Mother Nature is in need of meds because she seems to be really pissed off, is highly emotional, and a tad irrational with three storms back to back this week. When she cries, the rain pours. When she yells, the wind picks up with sustained gusts in the range of 25+mph.

As a result, my hair is pulled back more often than not and naturally I am rocking hats after hours and on the weekends.

The scarves, gloves, and Uggs are heavy in rotation as well.

Fall also means tights under the dresses.

Lately I'm digging patterned tights.

I have opaque tights. Tights with textured stripes. Tights with a houndstooth pattern and most recently, tights with an argyle pattern.

I got dressed in the dark yesterday and selected the wrong tights. However, since I was holed up in my office, wearing knee high boots, sporting a black sweater dress, and my gray wool peacoat, the mix up was hardly noticeable.

Today I got dressed with the lights on, selected the right tights, threw on another black dress, and pretty much every woman I have seen has said, "Cute!", "Adorable", or "I like it!".

Sorry for the poor quality of the picture today. I still have not found my camera cord nor have I picked up a replacement. Just know the background is a light black with dark black argyles.

The only part of today's outfit that may draw some looks is my zebra print trench coat but I will work it, rock it, and do my best to make it look like intentional fashion choices.

So, dear internets, do you have a fashion accessory you're sporting and loving these days?

Do tell.

You know mine right now.

I'd love to hear yours.

Peace and Love Peeps.

Weekly Challenge #107

Time.

Seems like there is never enough time to accomplish what we want and need to achieve.

Seems like there is never enough time to spend with our loved ones.

I've been feeling the crunch a lot lately. To tell you the truth, more often than not, people and tasks are being put on the back burner - the blog world being one of those "items".

This week I plan on evaluating how I am spending my time.

I want to take control of the choices I say yes to.

I want to understand how I choose to spend my time impacts the over all quality of the life I am living.

I'm challenging myself to make at least one change.

If you're feeling it, I invite you to join me in a pre New Year's bit of reflection.

Peace and Love Peeps.

Epic Trash

For the record, none of these "guidos" are my future baby daddy.

At 16 seconds I lose it. Seriously.

Enjoy.

Peace and Love Peeps.

Weekly Challenge #106

Last night as I was finishing up some domestic goddess chores, otherwise known as laundry, I looked up and saw something disturbing.

Disturbing to me at least.

Dust. Not just a little bit of dust. A lot of it. All over my bedroom blinds.

You can bet I promptly cleaned those bad boys.

Then I started to try to figure out when the last time it was I cleaned all of the blinds in my space.

I couldn't remember.

Can you?

I welcome you to join me in my challenge to clean the blinds throughout my entire my living space this week.

Peace and Love Peeps.

Viva Spanky

He's back!

Did you know he had been MIA?

Spanky was on leave of absence since the Forks trip.

Upon our return he received his weekly bath and then *poof* he disappeared.

I had almost given up hope and thought we were going to have to hold a memorial in his honor when I found him.

Where was he you might be wondering.

He decided, er rather I decided, he needed to be put back in my backpack after he was sparkling clean.

I found him hanging out in the dark depths of it last Sunday night.

Now if I could just find my camera cord to download the most recent pictures I've taken.

I've started a bad habit lately of hiding things from myself.

This is a habit I need to break and break quickly!

Peace and Love Peeps.

Weekly Challenge #105

This week I challenge you to listen to your inner voice.

Mine whispers to me all the time. Sometimes it even yells and knocks me upside the head.

When I don't listen to what it is trying to tell me 9 out of 10 times I end up knowing I should have done so in the first place.

If it means going against the status quo, so be it.

March to the beat of your own drum.

Do what is right for YOU.

Peace and Love Peeps.

NOTE: Photo courtesy of L Stegall's Flickr.

Tech Malfunction

The last 10 days have been nothing short of crazy for me in the tech area of my life.

My internet stopped working on my phone.

I made a phone call and found out the service was temporarily out in my area. This would not have been so bad except I was counting on espn.com to keep me updated on the scores while I had girl time with Fiwa and Patricia.

The next day, when my corporate blackberry server migrated to another server, I lost all capability to get my work emails.

Through the course of the week and countless hours on the phone with the Sprint and internal work helpdesks I wiped my crackberry clean 4 times.

I was left without my contacts, my calendar, my tasks, my memos, my email...pretty much my life personally and professionally.

Turns out I was in 1 of 10 that did not migrate over successfully.

Can we say being special this one time was not appreciated? 1 in 10 for the size of my company means I was really, really special.

I finally got my work email back up and running but guess what wasn't working after that success? Yup, my internet and personal emails weren't coming through.

I finally got all this straightened out today - after another wipe the crackberry completely clean - and made some new friends along the way.

While all this was happening with the crackberry, my TV in the living room, my nice big flat screen HD hook up TV, decided to stop working. After some troubleshooting and a call to have the cable box reset I was back in business.

Other tech related stuff is my external monitor burned out at work and just yesterday I broke the "foot" on the left hand side of my wireless keyboard.

I don't even want to ask what else could happen because I fear welcoming that, whatever that may be, into my life.

Y'all be thankful for smooth sailing in your world and send me vibes for mine to continue. Of course it could be worse. I could be sick. Oh geez, I probably just jinxed myself.

Peace and Love Peeps.

Weekly Challenge #104

Are there things, a habit, or possibly even someone in your life you need to let go of?

I received this message twice today while I was cleaning house this morning.

First from an Oprah show in which a man in Denmark said something to the effect of small space, less stuff, more life.

Then an episode of Hoarders was playing in the background as I dusted.

I was inspired, motivated, and then a tiny bit heartbroken.

I believe the universe was whispering to me today with these being 2 of the shows I saw/heard.

I pass along the whisper to you and challenge you to put thought into action if needed or desired.

Make room.

Let go.

Say goodbye.

Peace and Love Peeps.


NOTE: Photo courtesy of this Flickr user, Kristine May.

OTRA

I'm hitting the open road for two separate day trips.

I like challenges and one of these trips will present one.

The travel logistics will be challenging too but I gotta do what it is I do so I'm putting the comfy flat shoes on, packing snackies, and plan on rocking out.

Send me the vibes for safe travels y'all.

Peace and Love Peeps.

Love This

Too Funny!

Halloweenie 2009

I'm done with the my card making for Halloween 2009.

I sent out 36 this year.

I made 3 different designs.

Each was made with a stamp, ink, glitter, bedazzled goodness, and love.

I did not make separate ones for the kiddos this year.

Since some folks who read the blog will be getting a bit of snail mail love, I'm not posting the final cards. Plus, I don't think the glitz will translate well and that's what makes them POP.

However, I will share the designs I created were made from some of these images and 3 additional stamps.

I'm happy with my finished "products" and pleased with mailing them on time, a little early even!

I also enjoyed spending Sunday afternoon with some of the wolf pack and being crafty. Coming home after a challenging electronic Monday (don't get me started) and being able to light some of the candles, put on chill music, and bust out the jewels for the final bedazzling touches was nice too.

Now it is time to start thinking about Thanksgiving cards. A turkey, pumpkin, leaves, acorns, scarecrow. . . see the possibilities?

This is half of the fun y'all. Well, for me it is.

Stay tuned.

Peace and Love Peeps.

Weekly Challenge #103

It's hard being a human these days a close friend said to me earlier this year.

At first I laughed at the sentiment because of the tone in which it was said.

Then I reflected on the words.

Times seem to be tougher now than before.

Health scares are in the news on a regular basis.

Struggles have become a way of life.

If you're able, extend a helping hand.

You will be helping them but I believe you will find you're helping yourself too.

Peace and Love Peeps.

Common Sight

It is that time of the year since fall is in full force around these parts you'll find my trench coat out more than in.

Since it needs to dry completely before going back in the closet the first place I usually drape it when I arrive home is on my office/desk chair.

I could get an over the door hanger to address the situation but for now I am gonna stick with this method, especially since Miss Princess likes to bat the belt. We all know how I cater to my spoiled rotten fur baby.

How is the weather in your part of the world?

This is a part of my little corner in the world.

Some may not understand or see the beauty but I do.

I can handle the grey. I don't mind the rain.

The fall foliage can't be beat.

Soon it will be common a sight to be dressed in layers, to choose from the 20+ hats in the closet, and to rock the scarves on a daily basis.

Fall. I welcome you.

Peace and Love Peeps.

Weekly Challenge #102

I challenge you to take advantage of the running water most all of us have at the ready.

This is the time of the year washing your hands can make a huge difference.

Please don't forget how blessed we are to have indoor plumbing.

Try to not waste an opportunity to wash your hands, cleanse them with a handi wipe, and/or use hand sanitizer.

Peace and Love Peeps.

Living in a Fuzzy World

Last Sunday my right eye decided it wanted to become the new buzz kill.

If you've been with me for awhile you might recall my left eye was dubbed buzz kill since it is the reason I am not a good candidate for Lasik (the cornea is too thin).

I guess after a few years the right eye became envious and wanted to take on the title and show the left eye what is up.

There is a smudge, of colossal proportions, that continues to reappear on my right eye. I can't see clearly and if you're looking at me you can see the stuff, whatever it is, visibly on my contact.

I have enzymed the heck out of my contacts. I even took to cleaning them almost every 5 minutes, which I know can't be good for them.

This morning I had enough and went to my optometrist. After 2 plus hours they had no idea what the cause was or what to tell me to do other than continue to enzyme and clean them as often as needed.

Really? You're the experts and this is what you have for me?

Like whoa.

So I politely asked if we could order a new right one. They looked at me like I was crazy.

Just take my order people because without being able to see clearly I might go postal on someone. It makes me cranky. Worse than PMS, no sleep cranky Mo.

You might be thinking you used to wear your glasses all the time so why not just do that. Yeah, that would be a great idea if I had the correct prescription in them.

Guess who will be placing that order too?

So if I seem pissy or whiny you know why.

Those of ya with 20/20 vision, thank your lucky stars and please for the love that is good and right in this world, do not take it for granted.

Peace and Love Peeps.

Our Own Project Runway - Of Sorts

I'm one of those people who likes to put their best appearance forward if possible.

I'm a firm believer in "if you look good you'll feel good".

I also believe, even though it can be an unfair judgement, outward appearances can and will define the view in which others see you.

We often have to manage perceptions versus the reality of the situation.

First impressions count and more often than not an assessment will be made from what someone is wearing rather than what they have going on inside of them.

As a result I try to put my best foot forward on a daily basis. It is true I will go to the store without makeup or in workout clothes/sweats from time to time but during the week when I am on the job and representing not only myself but the company, I do what I can to be my best self visually.

I have this thing about raising your own personal standards too and trying/wanting to motivate those around me to do the same. It is easy peasy to get comfortable and in a rut.

Today we did a little let's see what you're wearing fashion show.

I work with well over 95% men so this was almost too funny for words.

They were all in button down long sleeve shirts, slacks, and dress shoes. I noticed who was ironed and who wasn't. What can I say? I have an eye for detail.

When I pointed out one of the dudes' shirts was wrinkled he promptly told me it was ironed this morning and replied, "I didn't realize we were on Project Runway. Tomorrow I will wear a 3 piece suit to catch up."

I almost lost it. It was the funniest thing I had heard all day. Thankfully he said it with a smile on his face and I'm pretty sure he knew my comment was from a place of love and wanting him to represent his best self.

I wonder if he'll actually follow through tomorrow. He has the personality in which he just might do so.

Oh and since I told you what they were wearing I should probably tell you what I am in.

Today's choice is a v neck black draped jersey bubble dress belted with a skinny black belt that has a shiny silver buckle. I chose my black rounded toe heels. My hair is in a side part low ponytail pulled back by a silver accented hair tie. I'm rocking conservative silver hoop earrings and since it was chilly this morning I grabbed my zebra print trench coat for an added layer. My briefcase is a red faux croc bag.

Peace and Love Peeps.

Does a Body Good

Do you do breakfast?

I do.

Makes me a happy girl and starts my day off right.

I like to juice some maters, spinach, broccoli, carrots, and an apple most every morning in my Jack LaLanne juicer when I am not on the road.

I know it may sound nasty but it is good.

Not that I really need extra fiber to keep me regular but I have added psyllium back to my morning OJ starting this week.

It takes away the bad cravings for me, which I am ALL about.

I like to have at least some type of protein with a carb because let's face it, I like eggs, meat, and who doesn't like a waffle, piece of multigrain toast, or an extra crispy english muffin?

Having a full tummy first thing in the morning also allows me to take my vitamins and supplements without feeling jittery or sick to my stomach.

I'm pretty convinced, whether I am right or wrong, all of the above keeps me healthy. Knock on wood but I have yet to be sick this year.

I only have one body and I want to enjoy the time I am graced with.

I hope you are doing the same.

Peace and Love Peeps.

Weekly Challenge #101

It is that time of the year again.

The weather is getting cooler, wetter, and in some parts the snow has arrived.

I challenge you to check the oil, have the windshield wipers replaced, the air filter looked at, the spark plugs tightened, fill the fluids, etc.

In addition to all the under the hood stuff, be sure to have a blanket or two, some water, snackies, a working flashlight, and all weather shoes in the car.

I was taught (and learned) it's better to be safe than sorry and as a former Girl Scout - always be prepared.

Don't let the elements get you.

Peace and Love Peeps.

Too Freakin' Funny

I have found something new to entertain me.

I know, I KNOW. It doesn't take much.

I found something simple.

I found something completely free.

Last night as Fiwa, Pamela, Patricia and I finished getting our pho on with Mars we decided to walk down to Barnes and Noble.

One of the stores we passed along the way was PetCo. A closed PetCo.

As the younguns quickly walked in front of us and made their way to the entrance of B&N, Fiwa and I took our time. In doing so I noticed the mice running in their wheels from the window.

We stopped to enjoy the show for a hot minute and proceeded to make our way to the store.

On our way back Fiwa and I stopped again. Boy howdy these little critters were going to town and providing us with quite the show!

They were nothing short of hilarious. So much so at one point I thought I might pee my pants from laughing so hard and Fiwa had tears streaming down her cheeks.

Patricia and Pamela made their way back over to us when they noticed we weren't leaving any time soon and more laughs ensued.

When I was kid we had mice as pets and from the pure enjoyment of Thursday's (sober) encounter I almost entertained the idea of getting some this weekend.

Let's keep it real shall we. I don't want to clean the cage nor do I have room in my place for a cage. Plus Miss Princess is all kinds of happy to be the only animal in the hizzle. I'm not gonna mess with the vibe she and I have going, especially since PetCo and PetSmart is right around the corner.

If you're looking for a good laugh, or two, I suggest heading to your nearest pet store to take in the view. I am pretty sure it will do ya' just right. Bonus points if you can do this at night after the store is closed and wonder, "Am I on camera?"

Peace and Love Peeps.

See Ya . . .

Ya' know what the image represents by now I believe.

It is a quick one today.

Up and back.

Home tonight.

This is one of those warm and fuzzy trips where I get to celebrate success.

Prayers and vibes for safe travels appreciated.

Peace and Love Peeps.

Weekly Challenge #100

I challenge you to find time, whether it be 5 seconds or 5 minutes, to take a moment and enjoy the beauty around you.

Be still.

Take notice.

Give thanks for what surrounds you.

I believe we focus on what we don't have instead of what we do have more often than not.

This week I challenge you to give thanks for what is around you and what you do have.

Peace and Love Peeps.

NOTE: photo courtesy of this user via Flickr

My Current Challenge

Something very similar to this is my current arch nemesis.

More to come later.

For now, envision if you will, me trying to gain the upper hand in the handicapped enabled shower against the rogue shower head.

I am slightly embarrassed to say the shower is winning the battle more than I am currently. However, I need to be clean and don't give up easily so the battle continues.

Peace and Love Peeps.

Game Face

By the time you read this I should have arrived in my destination city and state safely.

I have my best road warrior face on and am ready to own the week versus letting the week own me!

Lately it seems to be the opposite but I am taking back the control y'all.

Wishing you and yours a good day and always, Peace and Love Peeps.

Weekly Challenge #99

I challenge you to greet the day and each person you meet with a smile as many times as you can this week.

Your smile may be the only one someone sees and experiences that day.

A smile is free, easy to do, and in my opinion meant to be shared.

Each moment in time is a chance for us to spread the love.

So don't delay - go get your smile on!

Peace and Love Peeps.