Night In

Y'all would be happy to know I listened to my inner voice and just said no. I chose not to go to the game. I didn't go with Kyla either.

Instead T came over early and we went walking with Maricel, Channy, Mina, and RJ. Afterward we cooked dinner here.

On the menu? Salad. Steamed squash and zucchini. Turkeyloaf (meatloaf but instead of hamburger meat I use lean ground turkey meat). Mashed taters. All cooked from scratch. With love.





YUM-O!

We have not busted into the dessert yet but trust that we will. Right now T and I are sitting side by side on the couch, letting the food digest, with laptops on our laps, CourtTV on in the background...just chillin'.

Thanks for the thoughts Kim and Wendy. I am happy with my decision to not go tonight.

I am sad to have not had the chance to hang with Kyla since last Thursday but I wasn't feeling like a night out on the town. I wanted to stay in with some of my girls and take it easy.

This is the stage of life I am in right now. Trying to do better for myself.

Like I said a few days ago...stop the self abuse and start the self love. Listen to the whispers so they do not turn into screams.

We only have one body. I'm not getting any younger. I gotta' do what is right for me. Does that make me selfish? I'd like to think not. If I am the best I can be, I have more to offer others. Get what I am saying here? I hope so.

For now, there is some chocolate cake calling my name. T is nodding her head in agreement.

Catch up to y'all laters.

Weekend Plans

Thank Bob it is Friday.

And I didn't have to get on a jet plane and take care of some unfortunate business today.

What's on the agenda for the weekend?

Friday night remains to be seen. I am totally on the fence about going to the baseball game as planned with Pete, his best friend, and best friend's 7 year old son. His best friend's son asked for me specifically but all things considered, my inner voice is leaning more toward no.

If I don't go, I have an alternate choice to catch up with Kyla and see her man host a night at a local club while doing what he does best, spinning the tunes.

Saturday is all about shopping with Ace and T. We are hitting up

and

for sure. I can't wait to spend time with them. Laugh, sing-a-long, partake in some naughty food, and just enjoy the time with two of my favorite peeps.

Sunday I am reserving for downtime but that could change in the blink of an eye.

Whatcha' got going on in your world?

I'm It and You Might Be Too

My cyber friend Liz tagged me.

The rules are each player lists 8 facts/habits about themselves. The rules of the game are posted at the beginning before those facts/habits are listed. At the end of the post, the player then tags 8 people and posts their names, then goes to their blogs and leaves them a comment, letting them know that they have been tagged and asking them to read your blog.

So lets get cracking shall we? I am going to try to share stuff you might not already know.

1. I am a first generation American, a native Texan, and a Washingtonian by choice. My mom was French and my dad French-Canadian. They met in Vancouver BC and after living in Cali, South Dakota, and Colorado put down roots in Dallas, Texas. I grew up in North Dallas and my ex husband "brought" me to Washington via the US Navy. Otherwise I don't think I ever would have left the great state of Texas. Now I am in no hurry to leave the PacNW.

2. I have worked for the same company since three days after high school graduation. I started as a summer intern, worked part time while I was in college, and when it was time to enter the adult world and get a full time job, I stayed on. What can I say? I believe in the company, love what I do, and when I commit...I commit.

3. My favorite food is Tex Mex. I could eat it everyday. Also, once I find a food/meal I love, I can eat it for days on end. I don't get bored easily and if it isn't broken, no need to fix it.

4. I love exploring. I totally dig getting in the car, rocking out to the tunes, and driving with no formal destination in mind. Just enjoying the journey and seeing what might be put in my path to discover is blissful. However, I used to really like doing this and did it more often than I do now. Business travel has kinda' taken the thrill out of it.

5. I am the baby of six. I have four brothers and one sister. No matter how old I am, what I accomplish, I feel like the little sister/a child in their company. I am also the peace keeper of the bunch. Since my mom's passing, not all of them get along but I am the one who talks to all of them, except for the brother who doesn't talk to any of us.

6. I started rubber stamping, making cards, art journaling, scrapping, etc. because I woke up one day and realized I had no real hobby other than reading to speak of. I thank T for introducing me back to my creative outlet, for encouraging a broke down bank account, and for understanding sometimes collecting stuff versus using it is half the fun. I can get lost for hours in the process, reading magazines, looking at websites.

7. I have had two knee surgeries on my left knee and am screwed for life. Literally. I have a screw holding my patella in place. I have also had foot surgery on my right foot to remove a bunion, cut open to remove gall bladder when I didn't even know I had gall stones, had a tonsillectomy in my mid twenties, and had to have oral surgery to remove my wisdom teeth. All that happened between the ages of 16 and 24 (sports be damned). Since then, I have been (knock on wood) relatively healthy.

8. I am a collector of inspirational quotes. I try to find a new one each day that speaks to me. I have a book I write them down in. I love the wisdom of those who have come before us and the power words hold.


Ok, so now I am to tag 8 people. I select Ace, Crayons, Dawn, Katherine, Paolo, Summer, Sunny, Tammy, and Wendy.

Kim, I would have chosen you but I know how busy ya' are.

Peace and Love Peeps.

Sign of Times to Come?

Over the weekend I noticed something making, dare I say it, a comeback.

Maybe it is just a West coast thing but it looks like it is here for now. Even Justin Bobby on The Hills was wearing one on an episode.

What am I referring to you might be asking?

Plaid shirts. Grunge style. Not faux western fashion. Not preppy plaid.



I can dig a plaid shirt. Don't get me wrong. But the skinny jeans? Not so much.

I just gotta' put this out there, can their junk breathe if they are wearing something like this? I will say I'll take a pair of fitted jeans over the four sizes too big hanging off your waist style though.

So for those of you out fall back to school shopping, are you seeing the plaid trend too?

Y'all please tell me I won't be looking across the table this fall or winter on a date with a man wearing a "I wanna' be cool with my skinny jeans and lumberjack shirt" self.

On Line Fortune Cookie

My Fortune Cookie told me: The skeletons in your closet are rattling. Get a cookie from Miss Fortune

Holy Hell. What message am I supposed to get from this fortune?

New Day

I woke up today with new perspective. I am still hurt today but not as pissed off.


Of course, a 40 minute hard walk on a 3.5 incline resulting in mucho sweating and an elevated heart rate does wonders too.


Visiting your co-worker in the hospital changes lots of things too. Like knowing in the grand scheme of things, what has me hurt and pissed, although it is worthy of those feelings, is small in comparison to someone's life/their health.


I appreciate y'all reaching out to me and having my back. I hope you understand I do not wish to publicly speak of it via this method. It is deeply personal and I don't wish to slam someone I care about for the sake of venting.


I am off like a dirty, sweaty shirt. Literally. Jumping into the shower and off to bed I go.


Peace and Love Peeps.


Oh, and Liz, I haven't forgotten about your tag. I plan on doing this tomorrow. Hang in there with me girl.

I Should be Wearing This

And hurt.

I refuse to shed tears.

Time will heal. That is what they say right?

But for the time being, I am pissed off and hurt.

Rightfully so I believe. Others may disagree but my reality says it is ok and warranted to feel this way.

Sorry to ruin your day with my buzz kill.

Hopefully I will wake up with some newfound perspective.

Great American Past Time

GOOD TIMES

All cravings satisfied.

Mariners won 7-5.

41,000+ in attendance.

We were a little worried about the weather. When we left for the game it was pouring. I don't mean rain peeps. I mean sheets and sheets of rain where visibility was limited.

I knew we would be ok because the roof would be closed and in the end, we had nothing to worry about as Seattle was clear. A little cool but clear.

I have some work stuff to attend to later this evening but for now I am off to a BBQ at Pete's and to watch the game. Here is to hoping we take the home stand sweep and rock the White Sox again.

Hope y'all have a good Sunday too.

Peace and Love Peeps.

Catch Up

First, for those of you who believe in the power of prayer...I have a request. A co-worker is in ICU. All I know right now is he had an infection under his skin. They are not sure of the damage but when he was taken to the hospital yesterday, the doctors have stated if he didn't come in when he did, his leg would have to have been amputated. They are running a battery of tests on all of his internal organs, doing a cat scan, etc. to see what else may have been affected.

Craig is a father of six. A man of character and integrity. Someone I care about. I pray he heals and nothing more is wrong than what they know of currently. If you would offer him up, I would greatly appreciate it.

And this serves as yet another reminder how we need to pay attention to our health. Listen to the quiet whispers. Do things daily. Make it a priority. Stop self abuse and start self love.

It can be a struggle and I am trying to do better.


Now onward to catching you up. First up is Friday. Work. Tired. No duh Mo. You stayed out until early morning and had to get up at the butt crack of dawn. After work T and her man came over. T and I did the boardwalk walk while my snookums (her husband) held down the fort. He watched a movie and refereed the kitties.

Yes Kim, the kitty finally did come out. She was in my bedroom closet the entire time. It took her awhile but when she heard her mommy and daddy, she braved the outside world. Thank goodness cuz' I was starting to feel very unsettled.

I am back to two kitties. Christie and Chloe have gone to be with their family. Single cat lady with four is a thing of the past.

After the walk, T and I went to pick up a few essentials and dinner. We had plans to cook dinner but time ran out so we negated the exercise by chowing on pizza. They watched Zodiac (third time the movie has played in Mo's cinema this week) and I talked with Pete. And T witnessed first hand how meeting someone in the grocery store can happen.

Onward to today. I slept in. Oh yes I did. Felt soooo good. Spent some time on the phone with my gal Karen. It is her birthday today and we all know the older we get, the harder they get to face.



So, I would like to take a moment to publicly wish her a great day. I love you and hope you are still awake tonight for me to share in your special day.

The rest of the day will be spent taking care of personal stuff we all have to deal with and then I am off to

Pete and I are taking in an evening game tonight.

My first one of the season. Nothing much beats seeing a game live at the ballpark.

The energy, the smells, the action you don't see on tv, the food. We can't forget about the food can we?

Garlic fries. Hot dog. Cold beer. Bring it on. Diet be damned.

I hope you and yours are having a fantastic day. I need to get going. It's after 12:00 and I have not started on the stuff I need to do. We are leaving for the game early as there is a ton of stuff going on downtown today (Pike Place's 100th celebration, Hempfest, Brasilfest, etc.) and the construction on I-5 is wreaking havoc on the commute to Safeco.

Peace and Love Peeps.

Thursday Tales

After a day of conference calls, being present, and kicking up my heels, I had a cocktail/meeting with a co-worker before we met up with others for a working session.

I am thinking I most likely don't need to tell you the pre-meeting was on my patio, the cocktail was goose and tonic with limes, tunes were rocking, and the party pussy attended too.

Isn't she adorable? My love kitty Jasmine. See how she poses so nicely for the camera too? Like a celebrity on the red carpet, she has one paw positioned in front of the other.



Post the working session, I met up with my other peeps for Thursday night happy hour at our Cheers. I arrived late, obviously, but was able to see everyone before they headed out. Tyler hung around for a while and Kyla and Stephanie came later on too.

This is Stephanie and Tyler goofing. In case you are wondering, that is a piece of pizza on Tyler's head. Ya' just never know what will happen around this crew. Including creepy drunk dudes inviting themselves to our tables and freaking us out a bit.


Or getting called out by your best friend and hairstylist for having multiple bobby pins in your hair for a style that calls for a ponytail and two pins usually. Hey, I got ready at 5:20 AM. I did the best I could with relatively clean hair and the faux hawk. I do realize 10 was overkill but my hair didn't move. Lova ya' for keeping it real.



Got home after 1:30 AM and promptly fell dead to the world asleep. I still have not seen Chloe (the black and white kitty) but her sister did come out for a bit last night. I vaguely recall hearing some hissing going on.

T and her husband are coming over tonight to walk with Tyler and me as well as to coax their babies from their hiding places. I need some piece of mind. I am certain Chloe is in here but the question is where.

Anywho, hope y'all are having a good Friday. It's cool and a little overcast around these parts. Here is to hoping the rain will stay away so we can enjoy the walk this evening and possibly bbq tonight.

Ok, we live in the Northwest so even if it does rain, we'll walk and cook outside too. That is how we roll. But it would be nice to have some summer weather to end the work week and begin the weekend.

I already anticipate wearing a hoodie and jeans or a sweater at minimum to the Mariners game tomorrow night.

Peace and Love Peeps. Lunch break is over. Hugs and love to all of y'all.

Present

My day has been full of conference calls, which is normal. What is not so normal is for me to be totally engaged in the call instead of multitasking.

See, I have a really bad habit of being on a call, working on the computer, reviewing files, making lists, etc. instead of giving it/the person my full attention.

Today I decided to turn over a new leaf so to speak.

I kicked up my heels and decided to be PRESENT.

I feel less stress as a result.

Here is to keeping that vibe going.

On another note, I just noticed a quarter in my desk is 42 years old. 42! That is pretty darn cool in my book.

Quick Update

Taking but a brief moment to say howdy to ya'.

I figured out why everyone thought I looked so refreshed. It is all about the eyes peeps.

Today, not so much. It has been a long few days. Good days but long days.

I am still relaxed. Thumbs up for Mo!!! My tone of voice indicates the refreshed vibe. My emails too. But in my eye area, you can see a change. Amazing how quickly that will change on you as you age.

I am pretty sure most of y'all know what I am talking about. It's like as soon as you hit your thirties it starts to show. And the metabolism starts to drop. You can't hang like you used to.

On another note, I am doing a happy dance. Some of my most favorite people showed up in the state yesterday. They are home. T and her men. Oh yea, and the kitties too. Welcome back!

Meet Christie and Chloe.



Aren't they cute?

So cute I am willing to make it official for a little bit of time that is. I am the single cat lady.

As of tonight, no real fighting to speak of. There has been some posturing. Some hissing. Some growling. A couple of swats that didn't land on their mark.

I figure at some point in the next few days a real cat fight is going to break out. One of them has to be queen bee. The alpha female needs to be decided. I'll try to keep the kitty stories to a minimum.

But before I do, I leave you with


Someone want to tell me why of all the shoes she could lay on she decides my tennis/work out ones are her favorites? She rubs all up on the laces and sometimes I find her suckling them too. I have given up on trying to keep them clean. She will hunt them down.

Tyler said to her it is the smell of mom being home. Please let it be more than that.

Peace and Love. I gots to get back to the grind. Hope you and yours are doing GREAT!

Good Enough For Me. . .

. . .But really tight when you try to fit three more people in there at the same time.

What am I talking about you might be asking yourself right about now.

I am referring to my galley style kitchen.

Little huh?

Imagine you, me, and two of your friends trying to squeeze in there to dish up dinner.

Allow me to digress for a moment.

First time you come over, I'll wait on you.

Second time you come over, I'll wait on you and show/tell you where everything is.

Third time you're over, help yourself. We're family now.

After we walked Monday night, Maricel, Tyler, and Channy came over to chow down on some turkey enchiladas, salad, beans and to watch Zodiac.

I probably should have served them their dinner but I wanted them to take how much of what they wanted.

Hey y'all, next time I will make them spicy like I usually do. These were a little bland but I wanted to err on the side of caution.

So if you want to chance it, come on over. The tiny kitchen is open. You won't even have to do the dishes.

Look at that. I cook and I clean. What a catch I am. Ha!

Refreshed

Maricel said it Thursday night.

Several different people said it today.

Even my boss said I sounded refreshed simply from the tone of my voice during a few conversations and conference calls we were on today (sidenote: we don't work in the same office).

Dictionary.com defines refreshed as
- To revive with or as if with rest, food, or drink; give new vigor or spirit to.
- To give new freshness or brightness to; restore.
- To make cool, clean, or moist; freshen up.
- To renew by stimulation: refresh one's memory.
- To fill up again; replenish: refresh a drink.

Yep, I'd say that about sums it up nicely. Just right. All of the above.

Mo post vacation = REFRESHED

Once a Year

Once a year we are fortunate enough to witness one heck of a meteor shower.

The Perseid Meteor shower.

It peaked, according to reports, early this morning.

Did you and yours get out and enjoy nature's splendor?

Me and mine did Friday night.

We were not fortunate enough to have clear skies Saturday or this morning.

The shower is to continue all the way through August 24.

Maybe I will get another chance. Let's hope so because I totally dig on the stars.

And in case you are wondering what exactly a meteor is: Meteors are small bits of solid debris, mostly grains of dust, perhaps a few pebble-sized pieces, that burn up as they rapidly descend into Earth's dense atmosphere. The debris (technically called meteoroids) is left behind by a comet, a "dirty snow ball", left over from the ancient formation of the Solar System."

I would love to quote that source for you but I can't remember exactly where I found that a few years back. If I had to guess I would say it was from the University of Oregon's website.

Hope everyone is having a good Monday morning. I haven't made it out to the office yet. Hey, don't hate.

I wanted to check my email before I got hit with the "shitstorm" as someone very close to me who works for the company too said to me over the weekend. Lord only knows what will be waiting for me when I step foot back into the business as usual Monday morning, on the busiest week of the month for me, and returning from vacation, post a huge issue right before I left.

It's all good peeps. Really it is.

Thank goodness I have plans to walk tonight and to watch a movie with Maricel , Tyler, and Channy (ooopsie, I have been spelling her name incorrectly all this time) later.

Peace and Love.

Day 8, 9, and Back to Work

Updates from Day 7 peeps. Updates with more information than you might appreciate but updates nonetheless.

My obgyn appointment went well. Ok, as well as you can expect when you lay your funky butt up on a table, put your feet in stirrups, and you know. You do know right?

Everything looked good and hopefully I won't have to go back for another pap. I had no idea, with as my doctor said, "new technology allows us to do a pap during your cycle. You may have to come back but most likely not."

Yea, how is that for too much TMI. Not only did I get a pap but it was during my cycle week.

Oh, and let us all be thankful I was already scheduled for that appointment as I have a lovely UTI. Got the RX to wipe it out (no pun intended) but holy hell, I know now to definitely take it with more than a little bit of food in my tummy. Nausea is not a good thing. Also I will be going to bathroom when I need to instead of holding it in.

I came home between the scheduled appointments (had two hours) and guess who needed to use the fax? Y'all see a trend here? The guess who is Pete.

He stopped in for what I thought was going to be a fax and leave type visit but he ended up staying until the next morning. Again folks, we are not getting back together.

I ended up cancelling my second appointment for the day with my family physician and rescheduled for this coming up Thursday. Since those of you who have had the curse of an UTI know the frequent trips to the bathroom can throw a wrench in the best of plans, it resulted in me not doing my facial until Saturday, not doing the boardwalk walk or celebrating a friend's sisters birthday Saturday night.

Ok, back to Pete because I know you want to know what happened. I would if I were you. :) We ended up pretty much just chilling. We spent some time on the patio, enjoying the day, drinking more than a few brews, grilling dinner, and watching a movie. Doing what friends do.

Saturday was spent getting my hair cut and colored, followed by the brows and facial. Finished up the night by ordering in from Peking Wok and watching Zodiac and Black Snake Moan with Kyla.

Today I have no plans except to get back in work mode and spending the day doing whatever I might feel like doing. So far this has consisted of staying in my jammies, loving on Princess, visiting blogs, and reading. Vacation is over.

Hope y'all have enjoyed the ride with me. I leave you with a few pictures.

Peace and Love Peeps.

I found these at Safeway and couldn't resist their sunny goodness.

Who doesn't enjoy a fresh flower smiling at you in the bathroom? This was one was perfect for the bud vase. It was the "runt" of the bunch.

The brews we shared. I was out of Chill but had plenty of Bud Light. The temps were warm, the sun was shining, the sky was complete with few clouds, and two eagle sightings.

The rib eyes Pete grilled. We also had corn and baked taters.

Love to you all...

Day 7

First an update on what I did with the rest of day 6.

I spoke with Karen on the phone for a bit. We decided no movie. We both were enjoying being in our jammies and doing pretty much nothing too much.

I met some of the gang for a drink at our Cheers and left to meet up with Maricel, Chenney, Mina, and their puppies for a walk on the boardwalk. Post the walk, I went back to our Cheers to grab a salad and say goodnight to the peeps I left earlier and rounded out the night by doing some shopping.

The fridge and freezer are happy. Chicken, turkey, frozen fruit, fresh fruit, lettuce, yogurt, juice, eggs, veggies....Back in business.

You know how it is said as you get older you start to turn into your mother? I channeled her tonight when I picked up my first nightgown since I was a little girl. Both are girly and super soft. One is sassy and the other is cutesie.

I'm like her in other ways too but these selections were all her. I usually sleep in a long pant and long sleeve silk or satin pj set or a tshirt and boxers. Or sometimes nekkid. So as you can see, I am not usually a nightgown girl but for some reason I was drawn to them this evening.

How about you? Do you do things that make you think you have or are turning into your mom? Doing so brings me a sense of comfort because my mom was one hell of a woman. A personal hero. A superb human.

Ok, before I start crying, lets talk about day 7.

When I take this week off to do nothing it is usually in July. I need a mid year break. Time to breathe. And time to see the obgyn and my family physician for a yearly and for a physical.

I'm responsible like that, especially since we know next to nothing about our family history.

So on my last official day of vacation I will be getting poked, prodded, pricked and getting a tetnus shot. Fun times I tell you.

I can't wait to be scolded by my family physician either. I've put on some weight I lost since February so I am sure I will be scolded and rightfully so.

I have thought of changing doctors before because honestly, she can scare me sometimes but I have come to the conclusion it is in my best interest to stay with her. She checks me. She keeps it real and I know at the heart of it all, she has my health and well being at the forefront of the conversations. I'd much rather have a doctor tell me the straight truth than gloss over and refill an Rx.

Post my doctor's appointments I have a facial and brow appointment scheduled. Then we're meeting up for a boardwalk walk.

How about you? How are you spending your Friday?

Day 5 and 6

Y'all would be proud to know the laundry is almost all the way done.

Now I know you might be thinking, "Dang that laundry sure is taking a long time to do." You would be right.

I had mounds and mounds peeps. Lots of delicates to do too. And we all know how long those can take if you take the time and care to do them right. You know, wash them. Sometimes by hand. Hang them to dry.

I spent the day yesterday finally doing most all of that. I officially have two small loads left to wash, a big batch to hang up, fold and put away (boy howdy do I have a lot of black clothes), the bed linens, the shower curtain, and the slipcovers left to do.

Boring I know but hey, it has to be done at some point right? I will feel so much better once all of this is done.

I still have not tackled the file cabinet and honestly I don't think I will do it this vacation. Fall and winter are on the way so there will be plenty of weekend afternoons I can dedicate to that task.

The kitties have finally figured out we are on vacation. Jasmine has not tried to wake me up at the butt crack of dawn the last two days.

Of course, yesterday I was up at the butt crack of dawn. I didn't go to sleep until after 8:00 AM. I had a visitor at 4:26 AM. Y'all wanna' guess who that might have been?

If you say Pete you are correct. Yep folks. He knocked on my door at 4:26 AM. I was up so it is not like I got out of bed to answer the door. I wasn't expecting it. So much for separation huh?

We talked for a little bit. Let me just say, we are not getting back together. I thought I would throw that out there before you started to wonder. He took a nap and I managed to get him out the door and off to work, late, but off he went.

I rounded out the day by talking with JP and Kimmy and went to the gym. Sorry I missed your call back Kimmy. I was at the gym when you called and it was too late your time to call you back.

I finally unpacked all of my suitcases and put them back in their proper (by my standards) storage capacity and in doing so, found something I have been looking for since May.

It wasn't tucked away in a suitcase but rather in a Victoria's Secret bag, of which I found a bra and thong set I forgot I purchased. Ok so my OCD isn't always in full force.

I found part of JP's birthday present. Her birthday is only in May and here it is August. Thankfully she understands and knows I was thinking of her on her birthday nonetheless. Same for T. She still hasn't gotten her present and her day is in November. Hey, that's how we roll.

The night was rounded out by watching the new season of Real World. My guilty tv watching pleasure. Season 19. Sydney, Australia. Looks like I won't be disappointed this season. Drama on tv and not in my real life is always a good thing.

The Hills start next week and a new Laguna Beach called Newport Harbor too.

Ok, yes. I am a thirty+ woman who watches MTV. You got a problem with that? Too bad if you do. :) I'm not alone. I know this for sure as our local HR manager is a closet MTV reality series watching 30+ woman too.

So, what is on the agenda today? Probably staying local. I need to go to Costco and the grocery store. I am down to next to nothing in the fridge.




Pretty sad huh? Hey, at least I have beer, ice cream, and condiments! Living single at its best or worst.

Seriously, I need to start keeping food in the house when I am not on the road. It is healthier, my body appreciates it, and my doctor will too.

Other than possibly going shopping, I'm not sure what else day 6 will be spent doing. Maybe an early movie with Karen. Maybe a walk on the boardwalk with Maricel and Chenney. Maybe happy hour at our Cheers with the gang.

That is the beauty of this vacation. I don't have to do anything. Too bad it is almost over.

Peace and Love Peeps. I'm going to get back to doing nothing. In my jammies. On a Thursday afternoon. Don't hate a'right?

Book Lover Alert & Grrrrrr

So I am dinking around tonight, rather this morning I should say. Avoiding the laundry that still needs to be completed.

I decided I should update my desired book list. You know, the list of books OCD peeps like me keep.

The list of books to read because someone tells you about a book, you read a review in a publication, see it on the best seller list, etc.

You knew I had one of those lists right? It is in my palm pilot and I have an excel spreadsheet too. Hush It!

So I wanted to see a bibliography of Mary Higgins Clark's books. I entered her name into Google to see if she had a web page and this lovely was an option:
www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/cgi-bin/coming_soon.cgi

I am in heaven people. Check it out. You'll find all sorts of ways to keep up with your favorite authors, new releases, etc.

And for Tina, one of the funniest things said tonight while on the phone with Pete. Yep, I am off of silent on the home phone...for now at least. I missed a call from Kimmy tonight :(

Him: "Are you having sex?" I was breathless when I answered the phone. Me: "Um, no I'm updating my book list. I just found this really cool website and I am excited. Plus, it took awhile to get to the phone." Him: "Yea, organizing stuff is like sex to you."

Not exactly buttercup but in all fairness I do like to do that kind of stuff. Y'all know that by now.

And here's the grrrr part of the post. He, during the course of the conversation, decides to tell me "something you are not going to like". Seems like the man had a girl over a week or so ago. She spent the night but they didn't do the deed.

Before y'all start thinking yea, right I am pretty sure about this for personal reasons of which some of you are aware.

And yes, he was right. I didn't like to hear it but we are broken up. He says he hasn't talked to her since that morning. Whateva'.

I am not sure why he felt the need to tell me. It came up during the conversation of how hard and not so nice he can be to wake up in the morning. He apparently was laying on her sweater and when she went to get it as she was leaving his house, he growled something not so nice at her.

If I was her, considering what he told me he growled that morning, I probably wouldn't be talking to him either. I'm thinking it is not such a good idea for me to be talking to him right now for that matter.

Separation, in its truest form, is in order I believe. Especially since I did feel a bit of that hollow feeling in the pit of my stomach when he told me this little diddy.

He also proceeded to tell me his roomie's dad was over the other Sunday and asked about me. He tells him we broke up and Bob (roomie's dad) starts asking him all sorts of questions, talks to Adam and Jen about me, and lets Pete know he's making a mistake in letting me go. Pete says, "Everyone who finds out about us says the same thing. They all love you and this makes it harder."

But not that hard huh buddy? You had a slumber party and it wasn't with a friend who had too much drink/was too tired to drive and needed to sleep it off on your couch/floor...

For Ace

I got the 2008 catalog in the mail today. Not to mention I am on the last bag of tealights. It is time for us to make a trip. Time to eat some chips, hot dogs, and a sweet bun.

You in? Let me know when. I miss you too.

T wants me to wait until she gets here, which is sometime next week, but we can go before and again when she settles in.

I also want to hit up the Container Store, which is by the Cheesecake Factory and the Bellevue Mall...have I tempted you enough yet?

Tagged

The lovely KimmyK tagged me.


5 Things in my refrigerator:
1. Light Regular Soy Milk
2. Beer (Bud Light, Blue Moon, and Chill)
3. Tea
4. Cheese
5. Romaine Lettuce

5 Things in my car:
1. CDs
2. Maps
3. Sunglasses
4. Blanket
5. Portable Chairs (ya' know the ones that fold up in a bag...what are those called?)

5 Things in my purse or backpack:
1. Burt's Bees Hand Salve
2. LifeDrive Palm Pilot
3. Small Moleskin Notebook
4. Wallet
5. Victoria's Secret I Want Candy Lipgloss

5 Things in my closet:
1. Luggage
2. Shoes
3. Extra Towels
4. Mom's Angels
5. Tennis Stuff

5 Things in the world I want to see before I die:
1. France
2. A Safari
3. Peace in the Middle East
4. Cure for Nicotine Addiction
5. My Siblings All Getting Along in the Same Location


I am tagging anyone who is reading. Let me know if you play. I want to peek in your world too.

Peace and Love Peeps.

Day 4 - Updates in Color

I know that is a crappy picture but it gives you an idea of our weather 'round these parts today.

Again, I am not complaining. I appreciate days like these. Makes me feel less guilty about not getting out and about. It is kind of like the universe is giving me permission to be a homebody.

It is supposed to rain tomorrow and then the sun is scheduled to make an appearance and continue to do so for at least six days or so.

Finished another book yesterday. I told y'all I am a reader.

Even though I am going to the library today, I am going to boycott reading for as long as I can today. (Picked up The Measure of a Man: A Spirtual Autobiography by Sydney Portier, Sacred Sins by Nora Roberts, Heart Full of Lies by Ann Rule, and If I Knew Then...by Amy Fisher. What can I say? I was in a weird mood this afternoon.)

See, I still have some laundry left to do (Have not even touched it). I have a few cards (done) I need to create. And a trip to Goodwill (dropped off) and the post office too (got laughed at). Even though I have not finished with the laundry, I did manage to clean out my closet yesterday. That counts for something right?

My phones are still on silent. Yesterday I had 26 missed calls on the cell. Now do you understand why I want to be quiet for a bit? Yea, I thought you might. I haven't checked the home phone yet.

No worries. When I have a message on either the cell or the home phone, a red light blinks nice and bright. I'll most likely come off of silent tomorrow.

For now I am going to make some lunch and let those creative juices get to flowing.

Hope y'all are having a good day.

Peace and Love Peeps.

Day 3

Overcast.

62.

Light Breeze.

Loving it!

For T, her man, and those of you who appreciate a morning like this

We are supposed to clear up by the afternoon and be in the mid 70s with sunbreaks.

I will take both types of weather.

An update from yesterday. I did not finish all of the laundry yet. I didn't push it. I took my time because I knew I could. Such a good feeling and dang Lifetime for showing three of Nora Roberts' book based movies yesterday. Back to back. I got sucked in.

I decided not to go with some of the girls to play in downtown Seattle today so I could finish that domestic duty today.

Other than that, nothing much up on the menu for today. Just chillin'.

Hope you have a good day.

Peace and Love Peeps.

Oh, and how could I forget! We took first in the hydroplane race during Seafair yesterday.

Art got an early birthday present. Happy 80th and congratulations!

Day 2

I finished the book around 10:30 PM. Great read. Now I want to know if Luce and Cope stay together or go their separate ways. If the woods did indeed claim another victim. Suspense at its best!

Slept in again today. Woke up around 11:00 AM. Jasmine tried her best to wake me up at 5:30 AM and again around 8:30 AM but I was having absolutely no part of it. None I say.

Before I went to bed I did something that might shock some. I turned off the ringers on all my home phones and turned my cell to silent all.

No need to wipe the dust away from your computer screen or rub your eyes to ensure you read that correctly. Off. Completely silent. I am shutting out the world. No interruptions for me today.

I have tons of laundry to do today and I don't want to be tempted to go out and play. Even though it is a truly gorgeous day and going out would be fantastic. Blue sky, light breeze, temps in the mid 70s, sun...calling out to be enjoyed.

But I have officially run out of clean undies. I am wearing my last clean pair so that means laundry day. Not to mention, I have more clothes in the hampers than in the closet.

So there you go. Not only have I been neglectful of my physical fitness, I have been neglectful of my domestic duties too. Just been doing the bare minimum to get through the weeks.

I will get out on the patio between loads. I have a new book to read. A pure guilty pleasure.

Should be a quick read too.

Thank goodness for the public library. I would be a broke woman if I didn't utilize their services. I am grateful for their existence.

I go through about three books a week. I am usually reading a fiction book, a business related book, a self help/spiritual book, and a biography/autobiography at the same time. I have books tucked away by the bed, in the living room, the bathroom, on my desk. Pretty much everywhere.

What can I say? I have a love of books. I can be a nerd. I admit it. I embrace it. It started when I was young. Some of my fondest memories are of going to the library each Saturday with my mom and filling up with tons of books and spending countless hours with my nose in a book.

Getting lost in the pages. Losing myself in the words. Living and learning in an alternative world equals bliss to me.

I was a little jockette too but you could find me with a book in hand at the kitchen table, on the couch, in bed, in the car, in the yard. Catch my drift?

Well, not much has changed through the years. I just hope the generation coming up behind us, our future leaders, experience the joy of reading too.

Ok, enough time spent here for now. The washing machine stopped so it's time to get back to my domestic duty.

Hope y'all have a great day.

Peace and Love Peeps.

Day 1

Woke up around 9:30 AM. In pain.

I woke up sore as all get out from the walk last night. In a place I didn't expect to be sore. My butt/hip area. Um, ok...anyone have ideas as to why that area would be hurting the most?

Yes, it is true I have been neglectful of my physical fitness. I am out of shape but really? All we did was walk the boardwalk. No running. No jogging. No super structured power walking. Just walking.

And I wake up with that? Dang. I best get back on it huh? For more reasons than one.

So after I scarfed down a lemon and marionberry muffin from Trader Joe's, I took two Tylenol rapid release capsules and decided crawling back to bed was in order.

I played with the kitties for about twenty minutes. Upon seeing my cell phone letting me know I had a message, I checked that out and decided I would indeed get a pedicure this afternoon.

My sausage tootsies and feet are all nice and taken care of once again.

It had been well over two or three months since my last one. I just wasn't making the time and then I was trying to coordinate getting one with Jen at Gene Juarez. Lordy lord, if you want two of those side by side on a Sunday afternoon, you need to book over a month in advance.

Anywho, I took my color cue from Chenney and Maricel. I let Chenney pick my color. Hey, I felt like living outside of my box today.

Chenney on the left. Maricel on the right. Cute shoes huh? You can see why they are my girls too can't you?

Before my pedi, I spoke with Pete for about ten minutes, watched this week's episode of Rescue Me, and took a nap.

Yes. I went back to sleep. Yummy. Indulgent. Rejuvenation at its best.

Post pedicure, I stopped by the grocery store, watched a bit of TV, lazed around on the couch with Jasmine, and am going to spend the rest of the night doing nothing but chilling out with

The plan is to finish the book tonight. I am pretty sure I can achieve that goal.

Tomorrow I plan on doing some of the household stuff I need to do as well as getting that pesky work related stuff taken care of that I need to do before Monday morning.

I will let you know how I do tomorrow. For now, a cold glass of tea, the patio chair, and Mr. Coben's literary work is calling my name.

Peace and Love Peeps.

Vacation Baby

It is that time of the year for Mo. Yea Boy!

A much needed break.

I'm on vacation this coming week.

I've got nothing really planned and I am not really going anywhere either.

Just the way I like it!

I know. I know. Most of you go to vacation destinations. You get in the car, a plane, train, etc. and go somewhere.

Me not so much. I like to take at least one week and vacation at home. My home. My space. Not back to the Big D.

Sleeping in. Staying up late. Not having to be anywhere or do anything unless I want to.

A little slice of heaven for me.

I do have a few things in the works. I need to tackle my filing cabinet and check out my storage. Clean out some closets. Back up my iTunes and pictures from my computer. Finally finish all that laundry hanging over my head. Read. Create. And oh yea, I do have to do some work over the weekend too.

First up on the list?

Walking this


(Redondo Beach boardwalk image borrowed from Travelin' Librarian's Fickr pictures)

with Maricel and Tyler this evening.

I'm soooo looking forward to the walk and the week ahead.

It's either going to be a boring blogging week in the days ahead or I might have lots to share. Either way, I'll be around. I may be on vacation but the blog won't be.

Peace and Love Peeps.

Who Knew?

Who knew pumping gas was a place to meet men?

According to The Manual: A True Bad Boy Explains How Men Think, Date, and Mate - and What Women Can Do to Come Out on Top by Steve Santagati, we should always be on top of our game because men are on the look out everywhere, every day, all the time.

His insights, which I just happened to be reading up on last night, proved true this afternoon.

First, yes I am the owner of the above book. When I went to pick up Kimmy's copy of The Four Agreements last night, I came across this book and thought, "Hey, what is the harm? Maybe I will learn something new and it will give me an extra edge." Cuz y'all know I am back out there.

You know. In the dating jungle.

So far it is an easy breezing read in which I have not gained too much insight from other than the common sense stuff. I'm holding out hope for a light bulb moment.

Anywho, so there I am this afternoon. Pumping my gas. Minding my own business and wouldn't you know up walks this dude.

He mills around for a moment or two before he approaches. All the while I am trying to do my best not to make eye contact or even to look in his direction. I see him out of the corner of my eye and I wasn't feeling him. He was attractive but I just didn't feel it.

He walks up, with a nice enough distance between us, and asks if I am single, married, or otherwise involved.

I tell him I am single. He says, "I just wanted to let you know you look exceptionally fine today."

Um, as opposed to when else have you seen me?

I smile and thank him. He says, "So you live around here? You want to go get a drink sometime? How about tonight?"

I tell him I am not looking for anything right now. I am flattered but no thanks.

He keeps pressing. He says, "I am not looking for anything either. Let's just get together and see where it goes."

Um, dude? Did you hear me? NOT interested.

I say once again I am flattered but no thank you.

He then proceeds to say, "Dang girl. You know I got a J-O-B. Why not?"

Um, do you not get the hint? No thank you. And just because you and your friends are dressed alike and you are wearing a badge around your neck does not prove you have employment. You could be part of a work crew or something.

Finally he gets the hint that this is not going to go anywhere. He wishes me a good day and walks away.

Thank the LAWD.

So, I am just saying, if you are looking for a man, hang out at your local gas station pump. They even look there and you might get lucky.

And y'all it is not like I was trying to work it today. I admit there are times when I dress to work it but trust today is not one of them.

I am wearing a black wrap jersey dress with the lowest pair of heels I own, my Joan&David 365 comfort black slingbacks. My hair is in a ponytail with the faux hawk rocking in the front. I am wearing silver hoops and when I was pumping the gas I had my Chanel sunglasses on. Nothing out of the ordinary.

What was out of the ordinary is it made me long for Pete...

*Heart*

Doesn't this just bring a smile to your face?

Leave you with a sense of pure joy?

Provide you with a warm fuzzy?

Relishing in the freedom of the moment.

Simply feeling it.

Just Being.

I hope we all have more unique moments in time like this one.

Make the time to grab one for yourself today.

I did just now.

I walked out to my patio, looked up to the night sky, and made a wish on a star.

The Four Agreements

Kimmy posed the question of what is a Four Agreements Deck.

Simply put, this is a book, by Don Miquel Ruiz, and is based on Toltec Wisdom.

It is a book that

• Changed my life a few years back
• Has guiding principles I try to live my life by
• Spoke to me on a deeply personal level

The Four Agreements are

1. Be Impeccable With Your Word

Speak with integrity. Say only what you mean. Avoid using the word to speak against yourself or to gossip about others. Use the power of your word in the direction of truth and love.

2. Don't Take Anything Personally

Nothing others do is because of you. What others say and do is a projection of their own reality, their own dream. When you are immune to the opinions and actions of others, you won't be the victim of needless suffering.

3. Don't Make Assumptions

Find the courage to ask questions and to express what you really want. Communicate with others as clearly as you can to avoid misunderstandings, sadness and drama. With just this one agreement, you can completely transform your life.

4. Always Do Your Best

Your best is going to change from moment to moment; it will be different when you are healthy as opposed to sick. Under any circumstance, simply do your best, and you will avoid self-judgment, self-abuse and regret.

Pretty simple words of wisdom huh? To some it may be hokey but for me it is TRUTH.

Ever since I came across the book and started living my life this way, drama, hurt, the "oh no she didn't" anger, the need to be right, the defensive attitude, etc. diminished down to next to nothing.

The 48 card deck is a deck of coaster size cards with 12 cards corresponding to the each of the four agreements. Instead of reading the book from cover to cover again (which I do every couple of years), I pull the card box out from my home office desk, remove the entire deck, and randomly select one or two cards.

I do this to be reminded. I do this for a message to hear. I do this for a lesson to be learned.

Tonight's card? Ask for What You Want is on the front of the card and is part of the Don't Make Assumptions agreement. The back states, "Find the courage to ask for what you want. Others have the right to tell you yes or no, but you always have the right to ask. Likewise, everybody has the right to ask you for what they want, and you have the right to say yes or no."

Amen to that.

If you haven't read the book, obviously it is one I recommend.

Oh and Kimmy, A copy will be on the way to you this weekend.

Peace and Love Peeps.

Reflection

When you see this, what do you think of?

A glass half empty? Or a glass half full?

What I see, as much as I would like to believe I see the positive side in all things, is a glass half empty.

I try to end my day with some quiet time in reflection.

Tonight, as I was mulling over the details of the day, I became mesmerized by my glass of tea. I got lost in the image and found myself stuck in the thought of it being half empty versus half full.

I started to wonder if seeing it this way has something to do with anything or if this is something people tend to over analyze. After all, it is only a glass of liquid. Or is it?

Is it more? Or is it less?

I don't want or need more tea in the glass. I just see it as empty versus being full.

It began to weigh heavily so I walked away from my chair and grabbed a random card from my Four Agreements Deck and the message card I randomly selected three times in a row states, "Even the opinions you have about yourself are not necessarily true. Therefore, you don't need to take whatever you hear in your own mind personally."

Here's to releasing self-judgement and allowing myself to see it for what it is, in this moment of time.

Monday Morning Rant

Bear with me peeps as I need a moment to vent.

Remember these?


My favorite black pumps. My stand bys. My go-to shoes. My most comfortable pair of heels.

Let me just state for the record they have been worn thin over the last year. They need to be re-heeled and the front needs a little re-sole action too.

For the last two weeks I have stopped by numerous times to the local shoe repair shop only to find the store closed. The posted hours indicate the shop should be open but do you think there is anyone there?

Um that would be no. A big, in your face, dark window, no one is home, NO. Oh, but if I want to chance it, I can drop the shoes off in a slot with a filled out tag indicating all of my personal information and what I would like done.

I don't think so.

Finally, I found another repair shop locally. I'm on my way there after work to drop off my lovelies. Thank you baby Jesus!

They will be getting my money from here on out providing they don't mess up the repairs. I'm hard on my shoes and the person who owns the other shop, you are missing out on business. Not only would I have been a repeat customer but I would have spread the word if you were good.

I just want to say, if you have a business, with posted hours of operation, it would be nice for you to be there. If you don't want to be at your shop all day, have a sign and an outgoing voicemail message indicating you are by appointment only.

Otherwise you are just executing bad business in my opinion.

Poo on you.

Also, to those people who find it necessary to point out I am short, double poo on you. I never tried to hide the fact I am 5'4. You just thought I was taller. You know what they say about making assumptions...