So today is my Friday. I am off tomorrow, on the eve of my 50th birthday. I feel like it is rather surreal. I don't feel like I am 50, but who can tell me how it is supposed to feel? When I was younger "other" people turned 50. They grew up, were wise, felt comfortable and confident in themselves and acted "older". They did things in a different way, with conviction.
Come to think of it, maybe I am turning 50! I am wiser, more comfortable in my skin, more confident............well, 3 out of 4 isn't bad..........hahahaha I guess I do act older than I used to. I allow myself to relax more. I acknowledge that my body is getting older, and changing a bit whether I want it to or not! I'm content.
Now, where was that checklist I made when I turned 40......I have one day to complete it!! LOL
no beginning,no end. a comfortable converstion between friends
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Saturday, February 12, 2011
The Thrill of the Thrift Shop
So today I found ,a few "treasures" at Goodwill.
I'll admit it, I'm a thrift shop junkie. I love the anticipation I feel when I am pulling into the parking lot. Not knowing what is sitting in the store waiting for a new home is almost unbearable. Where to look first? Clothing? Shoes? Books?
I wonder if alot of people have a routine. I know I do. Depending one what store I go to. Yes, I frequent several! Not just Goodwill-there's the Rescue Mission, The Bargain Box.......etc etc.
Wherever I go I tend to peruse the "perimeter" first--jewelery, housewares, hats, shoes, books. Oh, how I love the books. I have too many now, why do I feel the need for more? I have a list of authors that I look for, and I have multiples of the same book by the same author. Why do I need this? I don't know. But the hunt and the anticipation and then the feeling of gratification when I find one is worth it. Another copy of Gift from the Sea by Anne Morrow Lindberg? Yes.
Anything by Jimmy Buffett (who already takes up an entire shelf?) Check. Susan Branch, Nicholas Sparks, Oriah Mountain Dreamer........the list goes on and on. I found the enire Nicholas Sparks collection (hardback) at the Rescue Mission--$1.75, buy one get one free....YAHOO
I love the "bins". I have found some of the most interesting tablecloths, throws, napkins, pillows. The best part--if they get ruined, I've invested $3.00 at the most.
Todays take was--5 woven hanging baskets-$3.00 each, one outdoor clamp light, brand new--$4.00, one Columbia sweatshirt--$4.39---one PGA Tour golf shirt---$4.39. How much fun!!
You can't go expecting to find something. Unfortunately it doesn't work that way. I had been looking for a desk and a dining room table for almost a year. I didn't NEED either one, but if I found one, I would snap it up. I finally found the perfect desk--it looked like an old school desk, not too big, two drawers on the right side. The bonus?? A dinosaur sticker hidden on the backside of the front of the desk. There is a little shelf to rest your feet on and the dinosaur lives there. I will not remove him, I have learned to share the desk with him.
The dining room table was an amazing find. Square in shape, hand rubbed honey pine. Just beautiful.
You know when you see something that is a find. I have casually strolled up to an item, hoping my pounding heart doesn't give me away--the latest triumph was a pair of Merrell hiking shoes--retail about $90.00--my price? $3.59. Like new. I have also recently found a Helly Henson parka--retail anywhere from $250-$400--my price--$26.00.
One must--if you aren't sure, don't buy it. I have recycled alot of items that I thought I could make work, etc. If it isn't what you want, pass on it. If you go back a week later and it is still there, grab it. It found you and waited for you to return. Yeah, kind of wacky, but I believe in that theory wholeheartedly.
Go forward my friends, go with an open mind, go with cash.........alot of stores don't take cards.
Enjoy the experience--be patient, but leave if the mood doesn't feel right. All you will do is get aggravated and not want to return!!
Have fun!
I'll admit it, I'm a thrift shop junkie. I love the anticipation I feel when I am pulling into the parking lot. Not knowing what is sitting in the store waiting for a new home is almost unbearable. Where to look first? Clothing? Shoes? Books?
I wonder if alot of people have a routine. I know I do. Depending one what store I go to. Yes, I frequent several! Not just Goodwill-there's the Rescue Mission, The Bargain Box.......etc etc.
Wherever I go I tend to peruse the "perimeter" first--jewelery, housewares, hats, shoes, books. Oh, how I love the books. I have too many now, why do I feel the need for more? I have a list of authors that I look for, and I have multiples of the same book by the same author. Why do I need this? I don't know. But the hunt and the anticipation and then the feeling of gratification when I find one is worth it. Another copy of Gift from the Sea by Anne Morrow Lindberg? Yes.
Anything by Jimmy Buffett (who already takes up an entire shelf?) Check. Susan Branch, Nicholas Sparks, Oriah Mountain Dreamer........the list goes on and on. I found the enire Nicholas Sparks collection (hardback) at the Rescue Mission--$1.75, buy one get one free....YAHOO
I love the "bins". I have found some of the most interesting tablecloths, throws, napkins, pillows. The best part--if they get ruined, I've invested $3.00 at the most.
Todays take was--5 woven hanging baskets-$3.00 each, one outdoor clamp light, brand new--$4.00, one Columbia sweatshirt--$4.39---one PGA Tour golf shirt---$4.39. How much fun!!
You can't go expecting to find something. Unfortunately it doesn't work that way. I had been looking for a desk and a dining room table for almost a year. I didn't NEED either one, but if I found one, I would snap it up. I finally found the perfect desk--it looked like an old school desk, not too big, two drawers on the right side. The bonus?? A dinosaur sticker hidden on the backside of the front of the desk. There is a little shelf to rest your feet on and the dinosaur lives there. I will not remove him, I have learned to share the desk with him.
The dining room table was an amazing find. Square in shape, hand rubbed honey pine. Just beautiful.
You know when you see something that is a find. I have casually strolled up to an item, hoping my pounding heart doesn't give me away--the latest triumph was a pair of Merrell hiking shoes--retail about $90.00--my price? $3.59. Like new. I have also recently found a Helly Henson parka--retail anywhere from $250-$400--my price--$26.00.
One must--if you aren't sure, don't buy it. I have recycled alot of items that I thought I could make work, etc. If it isn't what you want, pass on it. If you go back a week later and it is still there, grab it. It found you and waited for you to return. Yeah, kind of wacky, but I believe in that theory wholeheartedly.
Go forward my friends, go with an open mind, go with cash.........alot of stores don't take cards.
Enjoy the experience--be patient, but leave if the mood doesn't feel right. All you will do is get aggravated and not want to return!!
Have fun!
Monday, February 7, 2011
I wasn't born yesterday
So, at work today I took a phone call that a coworker was needing some help with. Apparently the person on the other end of the line wanted something that my coworker wasn't sure about. She was doubting this person's story, as we had a similar situation last week connected to the same issue. I got on the phone, introduced myself and listened. I told this person what I needed from her in order for her to get what she wanted, but to my non-dismay, she proceeded to tell me why she didn't need to provide me with what was required. She started using big words, spoke in circles and basically tried to confuse me. This is when I think I am at my best. I love to see someone bury themselves when they are lying. Not because I enjoy other people's pain, but because nothing irritates me more than an opportunist. My time is just as important as anyone elses, so don't waste mine with bullshit.
Our conversation was pretty much at a stalemate, so I took her number and told her I would call her back when I verified that what she was telling me was true. I knew I wasn't going to give in, but sometimes stepping away from a situation is more effective than debating the issue. I called her back and stuck to my guns. I was told that I didn't understand the process and that I needed to just do what she wanted me to do. I am pretty sure I was on speaker phone my now, but I didn't care. I asked her to fax or email me over the documentation that I needed and she finally caved in and said she would send it. She asked for my fax number, said it would be right over and said goodbye. This was at noon. Guess what?? No fax ever came through. Shocker...............
I wasn't born yesterday. Don't treat me like I was.
My point is you have to be on your toes all the time. Understanding the big picture of a situation is so important. I am always encouraging my coworkers to pay attention at everything that goes on around them. Know what you are talking about, or don't talk about it at all. There is nothing worse than back paddling out of a bad situation.
So, that's what happened in my world today. How was yours??
Our conversation was pretty much at a stalemate, so I took her number and told her I would call her back when I verified that what she was telling me was true. I knew I wasn't going to give in, but sometimes stepping away from a situation is more effective than debating the issue. I called her back and stuck to my guns. I was told that I didn't understand the process and that I needed to just do what she wanted me to do. I am pretty sure I was on speaker phone my now, but I didn't care. I asked her to fax or email me over the documentation that I needed and she finally caved in and said she would send it. She asked for my fax number, said it would be right over and said goodbye. This was at noon. Guess what?? No fax ever came through. Shocker...............
I wasn't born yesterday. Don't treat me like I was.
My point is you have to be on your toes all the time. Understanding the big picture of a situation is so important. I am always encouraging my coworkers to pay attention at everything that goes on around them. Know what you are talking about, or don't talk about it at all. There is nothing worse than back paddling out of a bad situation.
So, that's what happened in my world today. How was yours??
Sunday, January 23, 2011
New year
After months of virtual non existance I have decided it is time to come back.
New Year, some new changes. For example, a dog named Biscuit came into our lives the week before Christmas. Biscuit was a stray, who decided to plant himself in the yard of someone who already had three dogs and two cats. They couldn't keep him and he was destined to be brought to a shelter. In step me and Jim, foolishly thinking we would foster him for a few weeks. Uh huh.
After a few missteps (he went through our dining room window, ripped down blinds and draperies) we decided he was our dog. He was just misunderstood we say. Some would have dropped him down the chute immediately but we are obsessed with finding the good in whatever comes our way. Hey, it's our life, we can live it as we please. LOL He is a good boy. We have dubbed him our 1974 shag rug--his fur feels just like the red one I had as a kid. He has one blue eye and one brown. He smiles alot. And we love him.
Jimmy Buffett tickets are purchased for his April concert in Raleigh. The preparation and planning has begun. Tiki Bar needs to be built. Cornhole game is in the planning stage. And the menu for the tailgating is under way. I will be poor for the next two weeks, but no worries!!
Out beloved orange cat Pumpkin is recovering from a serious UTI. He was really sick, but I think he is going to be ok. A real scare...............
Well, just wanted to get my fingers and thoughts warmed up. Glad to be back.
New Year, some new changes. For example, a dog named Biscuit came into our lives the week before Christmas. Biscuit was a stray, who decided to plant himself in the yard of someone who already had three dogs and two cats. They couldn't keep him and he was destined to be brought to a shelter. In step me and Jim, foolishly thinking we would foster him for a few weeks. Uh huh.
After a few missteps (he went through our dining room window, ripped down blinds and draperies) we decided he was our dog. He was just misunderstood we say. Some would have dropped him down the chute immediately but we are obsessed with finding the good in whatever comes our way. Hey, it's our life, we can live it as we please. LOL He is a good boy. We have dubbed him our 1974 shag rug--his fur feels just like the red one I had as a kid. He has one blue eye and one brown. He smiles alot. And we love him.
Jimmy Buffett tickets are purchased for his April concert in Raleigh. The preparation and planning has begun. Tiki Bar needs to be built. Cornhole game is in the planning stage. And the menu for the tailgating is under way. I will be poor for the next two weeks, but no worries!!
Out beloved orange cat Pumpkin is recovering from a serious UTI. He was really sick, but I think he is going to be ok. A real scare...............
Well, just wanted to get my fingers and thoughts warmed up. Glad to be back.
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