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.
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Earl
So it has been way too long since I have decided to visit my blog. I have time this morning!
Our dog Earl had TPLO surgery two days ago. Basically he tore what is the same as a human ACL in his right rear knee. We thought (and hoped) it was a sprained muscle, but unfortunately surgery was needed. The surgery basically reconstructed his knee. He is now the proud owner of metal plates and several screws which hold it all together. They had to saw the lower leg in half, the realign it all. Talk about painful! I admire his tenacity and his will to just "deal with it"
Although if you think about it, with pets ignorance is bliss. Little did he know what he was in for, nor does he understand how intricate the surgery was. He does not understand why he is sleeping in his crate (this is an 85 pount dog who sprawled in our bed, leaving little room for other activities............lol)
We have to keep him from jumping up on anything (no more snoozing on the sofa) and also have to keep him confined to one room. Our living room looks like all we need is a couple of large blankets to make it into a tent city that most 5 year olds would spend hours playing in. We have all of our furniture tightend up so that he has to stay in the middle of the room. Luckily we have a large room and pretty big furniture!
He gets his splint and bandage off today. My angel of a daughter who works as a vet nurse is going to come over to do it. I just hope the incision is healing well.
I just thank God that they have the technology to do this type of repair. Years ago a dog would have lost his ability to use the leg. My bank account is crying, but when we make a committment to a pet, we do anything within our means to help them.
I love Earl, Jim loves Earl and he is our boy. Now if we can just get through the next 6 weeks or so through rehab, he will be good as new!!
Our dog Earl had TPLO surgery two days ago. Basically he tore what is the same as a human ACL in his right rear knee. We thought (and hoped) it was a sprained muscle, but unfortunately surgery was needed. The surgery basically reconstructed his knee. He is now the proud owner of metal plates and several screws which hold it all together. They had to saw the lower leg in half, the realign it all. Talk about painful! I admire his tenacity and his will to just "deal with it"
Although if you think about it, with pets ignorance is bliss. Little did he know what he was in for, nor does he understand how intricate the surgery was. He does not understand why he is sleeping in his crate (this is an 85 pount dog who sprawled in our bed, leaving little room for other activities............lol)
We have to keep him from jumping up on anything (no more snoozing on the sofa) and also have to keep him confined to one room. Our living room looks like all we need is a couple of large blankets to make it into a tent city that most 5 year olds would spend hours playing in. We have all of our furniture tightend up so that he has to stay in the middle of the room. Luckily we have a large room and pretty big furniture!
He gets his splint and bandage off today. My angel of a daughter who works as a vet nurse is going to come over to do it. I just hope the incision is healing well.
I just thank God that they have the technology to do this type of repair. Years ago a dog would have lost his ability to use the leg. My bank account is crying, but when we make a committment to a pet, we do anything within our means to help them.
I love Earl, Jim loves Earl and he is our boy. Now if we can just get through the next 6 weeks or so through rehab, he will be good as new!!
Friday, February 5, 2010
Lucky Me
What is it about bad weather that causes the planets to align and make people crazy?
On the way home from work tonight I decided to stop at my favorite grocery store, Kroger.
We have our "favorite" parking spot, which, when the weather is bad makes the trek into the store long and wet/snowy/slippery. But as we are creatures of habit about certain things (maybe it is superstition??) I parked way the hell out in Iowa...............(as my daughter dubbed my parking habits many years ago................) Now today in Raleigh it was in the 30's and rainy. Did I say rainy?? Wet, soaking borderline freezing rain. We are coming out of a nasty snowstorm from last weekend and a very rainy day on Tuesday. So needless to say there is alot of water no matter where you go.
Ok, back to my story
So I grab the one lone shopping cart sitting forlornly at the entrance and proceed to the entrance, waiting for the automatic door to slide open. Open it did, but it was activated by a man who, for reasons unknown decided to stop midway through the entrance to check his email..........it's cold, windy and rainy............dude, MOVE. Ok so now I am in...........I maneuver around the canteloupes, sideswipe the onions and BAM. Run right into a very tired young mom with two dripping wet children in one of those shopping carts that are 8 feet long...........all I need is a head of lettuce......ok, whew...........managed to get past that obstacle...................why do stores put a department requires one to linger over the perfectly ripe tomatoes at the entrance of the store?? Don't they know that the minute you hit the produce department time enters into a different dimension? Decide on hamburgers for dinner, so I require a nice package of ground beef. But alas my phone rings, it is Jim, so I answer and proceed to stop smack dab in the middle of the flower department. I look up above my head and realize that I am in the mecca of Valentine's Day. Balloons!! Flowers!! Stuffed animals, roses, cupids...............
ok, focus on the conversation. Ok, sounds good, be home soon, I love you too...................
The rest of the shopping expedition goes off smoothly..............Black Opal wine half price.............hhhmmm, ok, I'll get three bottles.....................now onto the checkout.
I have maybe 12 items. I go to our favorite checker, a wonderful man we call Mr Thurman. As I sidle up to the checkout he says that he has to change the tape. Ok, no problem. I turn and see how long the lines are getting and right behind me is a young woman holding one college ruled notebook. Is that all you have?? I say. "Yes." Go ahead of me. " Really?" Sure.
(I am feeling like I need to be nice)..........so she squeezes in between the candy rack and my cart. That will be $2.43 Mr Thurman says.............so my new BFF proceeds to dig through her purse for what felt like 5 minutes looking for enough change to pay..........Just as I was reaching into my purse for my wallet to see if I can help, she finds the last few cents needed to make her purchase.....Cool!! Now it's my turn...........
Checking out went quickly, although I had a new bagger who felt it necessary to use 8 plastic bags to wrap my wine bottles in. We're out of the wine bottle bags he says. Ok, just bag the damn things....lol
So I venture out the front door only to have to stop just past the roof that covers the entrance.
There are about a dozen cars whose owners have decided that they are more important than us mere mortals and they have parked in the NO PARKING ZONE so that they don't get drenched while maneuvering into the store to pick up a twelve pack of beer.....................
There is one spot open, thankfully where the apron slants onto the parking lot............there is a Kroger employee guarding a very full cart with his right hand in the air as if to flag down a taxi in New York. As I go down the incline a woman tries to fit her car into the open spot, apparently the recipient of the full cart being guarded by said employee. I swing wide out of turn one only to have to make a quick right, submerging my feet in what feels like a two foot deep puddle (ok, it was about 3 inches deep, but to me it was really deep) Thank goodness I had on my waterproof Columbia hiking shoes. Rather an odd feeling, though, dry feet, wet ankles and calves...............
Anyway I am now almost to Iowa feeling like I am on the home stretch of the last lap of the Daytona 500..............Yes!! Unload the now soaking wet groceries into the truck, turn and push the buggy into the cart return.....................one more 20 foot stretch...............shit.........here comes little miss thing, slowly coming through the parking lot, talking on her cell phone. Completely oblivious that I am trying to cross in front of her. My hair is dripping. I am wet, I am tired and hungry. I have three bottles of wine in the truck....don't do this!! But slowly she passes me. I am invisible.....................
The rest of the ride home was thankfully uneventful except for the puddle that was hidden on a turn. I felt like I was parting the Red Sea...........
As I pull into my driveway I am thankful to see the Jim has parked outside the carport. As I pull in away from the rain the door opens and out comes Earl and Sadie, our beloved dogs, and the man who makes all of this worthwhile, my love Jim.
I am home.......................................
It is still raining, I am sure that there are still people trekking across the Kroger parking lot. But I am in my living room, hamburgers cooked and eaten. Two glasses of wine under my belt.
I am home with the ones I love. Lucky me.
On the way home from work tonight I decided to stop at my favorite grocery store, Kroger.
We have our "favorite" parking spot, which, when the weather is bad makes the trek into the store long and wet/snowy/slippery. But as we are creatures of habit about certain things (maybe it is superstition??) I parked way the hell out in Iowa...............(as my daughter dubbed my parking habits many years ago................) Now today in Raleigh it was in the 30's and rainy. Did I say rainy?? Wet, soaking borderline freezing rain. We are coming out of a nasty snowstorm from last weekend and a very rainy day on Tuesday. So needless to say there is alot of water no matter where you go.
Ok, back to my story
So I grab the one lone shopping cart sitting forlornly at the entrance and proceed to the entrance, waiting for the automatic door to slide open. Open it did, but it was activated by a man who, for reasons unknown decided to stop midway through the entrance to check his email..........it's cold, windy and rainy............dude, MOVE. Ok so now I am in...........I maneuver around the canteloupes, sideswipe the onions and BAM. Run right into a very tired young mom with two dripping wet children in one of those shopping carts that are 8 feet long...........all I need is a head of lettuce......ok, whew...........managed to get past that obstacle...................why do stores put a department requires one to linger over the perfectly ripe tomatoes at the entrance of the store?? Don't they know that the minute you hit the produce department time enters into a different dimension? Decide on hamburgers for dinner, so I require a nice package of ground beef. But alas my phone rings, it is Jim, so I answer and proceed to stop smack dab in the middle of the flower department. I look up above my head and realize that I am in the mecca of Valentine's Day. Balloons!! Flowers!! Stuffed animals, roses, cupids...............
ok, focus on the conversation. Ok, sounds good, be home soon, I love you too...................
The rest of the shopping expedition goes off smoothly..............Black Opal wine half price.............hhhmmm, ok, I'll get three bottles.....................now onto the checkout.
I have maybe 12 items. I go to our favorite checker, a wonderful man we call Mr Thurman. As I sidle up to the checkout he says that he has to change the tape. Ok, no problem. I turn and see how long the lines are getting and right behind me is a young woman holding one college ruled notebook. Is that all you have?? I say. "Yes." Go ahead of me. " Really?" Sure.
(I am feeling like I need to be nice)..........so she squeezes in between the candy rack and my cart. That will be $2.43 Mr Thurman says.............so my new BFF proceeds to dig through her purse for what felt like 5 minutes looking for enough change to pay..........Just as I was reaching into my purse for my wallet to see if I can help, she finds the last few cents needed to make her purchase.....Cool!! Now it's my turn...........
Checking out went quickly, although I had a new bagger who felt it necessary to use 8 plastic bags to wrap my wine bottles in. We're out of the wine bottle bags he says. Ok, just bag the damn things....lol
So I venture out the front door only to have to stop just past the roof that covers the entrance.
There are about a dozen cars whose owners have decided that they are more important than us mere mortals and they have parked in the NO PARKING ZONE so that they don't get drenched while maneuvering into the store to pick up a twelve pack of beer.....................
There is one spot open, thankfully where the apron slants onto the parking lot............there is a Kroger employee guarding a very full cart with his right hand in the air as if to flag down a taxi in New York. As I go down the incline a woman tries to fit her car into the open spot, apparently the recipient of the full cart being guarded by said employee. I swing wide out of turn one only to have to make a quick right, submerging my feet in what feels like a two foot deep puddle (ok, it was about 3 inches deep, but to me it was really deep) Thank goodness I had on my waterproof Columbia hiking shoes. Rather an odd feeling, though, dry feet, wet ankles and calves...............
Anyway I am now almost to Iowa feeling like I am on the home stretch of the last lap of the Daytona 500..............Yes!! Unload the now soaking wet groceries into the truck, turn and push the buggy into the cart return.....................one more 20 foot stretch...............shit.........here comes little miss thing, slowly coming through the parking lot, talking on her cell phone. Completely oblivious that I am trying to cross in front of her. My hair is dripping. I am wet, I am tired and hungry. I have three bottles of wine in the truck....don't do this!! But slowly she passes me. I am invisible.....................
The rest of the ride home was thankfully uneventful except for the puddle that was hidden on a turn. I felt like I was parting the Red Sea...........
As I pull into my driveway I am thankful to see the Jim has parked outside the carport. As I pull in away from the rain the door opens and out comes Earl and Sadie, our beloved dogs, and the man who makes all of this worthwhile, my love Jim.
I am home.......................................
It is still raining, I am sure that there are still people trekking across the Kroger parking lot. But I am in my living room, hamburgers cooked and eaten. Two glasses of wine under my belt.
I am home with the ones I love. Lucky me.
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Snow
We are having a storm in North Carolina. Not just a little storm, but a full blown snow storm, complete with wind, hail, freezing rain, snow and bitter temperatures. For many people this is a normal January occurence, but for North Carolinians this is a BIG event. We are used to winter temps in the 40's and 50's. If we do have snow, it is normally a flurry, melting within hours. If you blink you miss it. Our last big storm was ten years ago, almost to the date! That one dumped about 18-24 inches on us, depending where you lived. I remember it like it was yesterday. This one didn't dump as much snow, but the wind chill is 14 at the moment. The bird feeders are very busy. I can hear the freezing rain hitting the windows. Time to bake something........
I hate it when people criticize North Carolinians for panicking when it snows. We are not a state that is equipped for many inches of the white stuff. The hazard that we face is the fact that normally it warms up during the day and then it freezes at night. You can't really manipulate ice. If it were just snow we were dealing with it would be better. I grew up in New Jersey, where nothing closed during a snowstorm. When it normally took 20 minutes to drive home could sometimes take 2 hours. We took it in stride. Saying a prayer of thanks when we finally turned into out driveways. I have lived here for 20 years and yes, I am out of practice when it comes to driving in the snow. By choice, I avoid it. With access to our "virtual" offices online it is easier to work from home. Luckily we don't have that many instances of bad weather, so most of the time it is a non-issue.
It is beautiful. The picture posted is my little not yet discarded Christmas tree taken last night. It is a winter wonderland and I am thankful that it is Saturday. My daughter had to work today and I will not relax until I know that she and her fiancee are home safe when she hopefully gets off of work at 4:00.
So to my friends in NC--enjoy the day!! Take lots of pictures, make a snowman, inhale the sweet cold scent of frozen air, and look forward to the 70 degree weather we will probably be enjoying......next weekend.
I Love NC
I hate it when people criticize North Carolinians for panicking when it snows. We are not a state that is equipped for many inches of the white stuff. The hazard that we face is the fact that normally it warms up during the day and then it freezes at night. You can't really manipulate ice. If it were just snow we were dealing with it would be better. I grew up in New Jersey, where nothing closed during a snowstorm. When it normally took 20 minutes to drive home could sometimes take 2 hours. We took it in stride. Saying a prayer of thanks when we finally turned into out driveways. I have lived here for 20 years and yes, I am out of practice when it comes to driving in the snow. By choice, I avoid it. With access to our "virtual" offices online it is easier to work from home. Luckily we don't have that many instances of bad weather, so most of the time it is a non-issue.
It is beautiful. The picture posted is my little not yet discarded Christmas tree taken last night. It is a winter wonderland and I am thankful that it is Saturday. My daughter had to work today and I will not relax until I know that she and her fiancee are home safe when she hopefully gets off of work at 4:00.
So to my friends in NC--enjoy the day!! Take lots of pictures, make a snowman, inhale the sweet cold scent of frozen air, and look forward to the 70 degree weather we will probably be enjoying......next weekend.
I Love NC
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Sitting in Panera
I have lost my connection to the internet. I bet you are wondering, then, how am I blogging this morning? I am sitting in Panera Bread, using their WiFi. Sipping good hot coffee, munching on an absolutely wonderful Asiago bagel sandwich (bacon, egg and cheese--zero calories....lol). If only I could have scored the comfy leather chairs...........
My wireless card that is my lifeline to the internet in this incessentaly mobile world has for some unknown reason stopped working. During an update the computer timed out and now I have been trying to uninstall, reinstall, etc for the last three days. I guess I have no choice but to contact the carrier and see if they could walk me through the process. It will probably be someone in Columbia or the Dominican Republic that will take the call. I had to call about our Direct TV last week and actually got to speak to someone in Montana. Come to think of it, I don't believe I have ever spoken to anyone in Montana to date..............
Anyway, I truly have nothing against people from another country. It is just rather surreal to be speaking to someone thousands of miles away about something that we consider a rather personal issue. Maybe internet connection aren't personal to many, but when you are discussing your bank account with a complete stranger that has never set foot on American soil, well, it just kind of weirds me out...............
The reality of technology is sometimes hard to grasp, yet we take it for granted. As I walk into the grocery store I can transfer bank funds from one account to another via my Iphone. As I am looking at the computer screen snapshot of my bank account, I can pay a bill either through my phone or on a website and VOILA!! the money gets debited............Truly amazing, if you think about it. No wonder we go into hyper-ventilation and heart palpitations when we lose our connections.
What we need to react to is when we lose our connections to real people. Weeks and months go by, we say "I've been meaning to call her/him/them. "Oh, she called me.....oh my god, was that three weeks ago??" Shame on us for that. But that is also the reality of it all.
So I will go to Wal-mart, do alittle shopping, no doubt buy at least one think that I do not need or require to survive in this life. Then go home take a deep breath, maybe do a shot or two of tequila, just for good measure and make a call to my new BFF in Venezuala.....................
Peace out my friends, have a lovely Sunday!!!
My wireless card that is my lifeline to the internet in this incessentaly mobile world has for some unknown reason stopped working. During an update the computer timed out and now I have been trying to uninstall, reinstall, etc for the last three days. I guess I have no choice but to contact the carrier and see if they could walk me through the process. It will probably be someone in Columbia or the Dominican Republic that will take the call. I had to call about our Direct TV last week and actually got to speak to someone in Montana. Come to think of it, I don't believe I have ever spoken to anyone in Montana to date..............
Anyway, I truly have nothing against people from another country. It is just rather surreal to be speaking to someone thousands of miles away about something that we consider a rather personal issue. Maybe internet connection aren't personal to many, but when you are discussing your bank account with a complete stranger that has never set foot on American soil, well, it just kind of weirds me out...............
The reality of technology is sometimes hard to grasp, yet we take it for granted. As I walk into the grocery store I can transfer bank funds from one account to another via my Iphone. As I am looking at the computer screen snapshot of my bank account, I can pay a bill either through my phone or on a website and VOILA!! the money gets debited............Truly amazing, if you think about it. No wonder we go into hyper-ventilation and heart palpitations when we lose our connections.
What we need to react to is when we lose our connections to real people. Weeks and months go by, we say "I've been meaning to call her/him/them. "Oh, she called me.....oh my god, was that three weeks ago??" Shame on us for that. But that is also the reality of it all.
So I will go to Wal-mart, do alittle shopping, no doubt buy at least one think that I do not need or require to survive in this life. Then go home take a deep breath, maybe do a shot or two of tequila, just for good measure and make a call to my new BFF in Venezuala.....................
Peace out my friends, have a lovely Sunday!!!
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Stew
I made stew tonight. It is cold out and I wanted to make something that will warm the soul. Beef, carrots, celery, potatoes, onions. True earthy fresh ingredients. Individually they are red, orange, green, white and yellow. But put them in a pot and simmer for several hours and the colors all blend together into a symphony. I normally make a stew that has alittle red wine to add color. Tonight I decided to add tomatoes. A can of pear tomatoes laced with basil. My mom makes tomato based stew, I prefer the brown type. But having it simmering for that last several hours makes me feel like Mom is the cook. She would make dumplings and gently ease the dough onto the simmering pot and let them puff up into puffy clouds. It was my Dad's favorite part of the stew. It is almost 9:30 and alittle late for the dumplings. Maybe tomorrow when I reheat it I will slip some on top. I made an irish stew with guiness a few weeks ago, not a big hit in the house, unfortunately. It smelled wonderful but it had a different flavor. At least I tried something different.
Sometimes different works and sometimes it doesn't. Tried and true is safe and a sure bet. But where would we be if all we ever did was the tried and true? Admittedly this is the first time I used tomatoes in my stew. I feel like I have expanded my horizons a bit. I think that I am going to exercise my right to step out of my box more often. I would say once a day, twice a week, once a month, but part of the reason to do it is to be spontaneously inspired. Sometimes I feel like we need more inspiration, but we choose to play it safe and do what we know, what is safe, what is predictable. I admit, I am not what you would call conventional about alot of things, but I think that I have become rather predictable lately. So tomorrow I will seek inspiration, part my hair on the other side, change my purse. My point is, tomorrow is a new day and why not rearrange the furniture a bit??
Carpe Diem!! Seize the Day!!
Here's to something new!!
Sometimes different works and sometimes it doesn't. Tried and true is safe and a sure bet. But where would we be if all we ever did was the tried and true? Admittedly this is the first time I used tomatoes in my stew. I feel like I have expanded my horizons a bit. I think that I am going to exercise my right to step out of my box more often. I would say once a day, twice a week, once a month, but part of the reason to do it is to be spontaneously inspired. Sometimes I feel like we need more inspiration, but we choose to play it safe and do what we know, what is safe, what is predictable. I admit, I am not what you would call conventional about alot of things, but I think that I have become rather predictable lately. So tomorrow I will seek inspiration, part my hair on the other side, change my purse. My point is, tomorrow is a new day and why not rearrange the furniture a bit??
Carpe Diem!! Seize the Day!!
Here's to something new!!
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Lists
We make lists. We make lists for groceries, make lists for chores, make lists for work related tasks. We list our professional goals, our personal goals, our relationship goals. We list our needs, we list our wants. What does it all mean?? Do we have a need to see all of these things in writing? Is it a visual confirmation of our wants, needs, thoughts and innermost desires? I believe that some people need to make lists just to cross off what they have completed. I personally do not have that need. I am blessed with the ability to take pen to paper and remember exactly what I wrote down. Rarely do I need to take out my shopping list in the grocery store. I will admit that as I get older it takes alittle more concentration, but it can be done................
What would be on your list for 2010? It is a new decade.........10 years since Y2K....who ever thought we would survive that fiasco?? The year 2010 marks 20 years since I left New jersey and moved to North Carolina. That would mean that almost two-fifths of my life I have lived in this wonderful state which is now my home. The year 2010 will be the year my daughter Emily will be married. It will be the year I will officially have a son-in-law. And it will be my last year of saying I am in my forties..................but that is another post for another day...................
On my list I would say that I want to pay more attention to me. More time allotted for working out, doing yoga, being creative. Am I comfortable in my skin? What do I need to make a priority this year?
On my list would be time made to learn something new. Stepping outside my box......
At the top of my list would be making more time for Jim and I to get away whether for a weekend, a week, or a lifetime................it has been far too long since we had a true vacation. I love this man more than I ever thought possible. The pure joy I feel just being with him is always enough........it is so easy to not prioritize the need to get away from the norm............but I will add that to my list for 2010.
My list for 2010 will be simple, but meaningful. I have a friend from many years ago that I just found out is dying of bone cancer. My heart is hurting terribly for her and for her daughter. We have a past history that is oddly intertwined, and I am now feeling like I wished I had spoken to her more often. We live 500 miles away from each other, so it is not feasible that I could visit her for a few hours before the inevitable............but would love to make a list of things that I wished we had talked about................if for no one but myself.........
What kind of list would you make??? Would you share it with others or keep it for yourself? Would you write in ink or pencil? Would it be on lined paper or a post-it? Would you number your entries or write them at random?
Lists...............friend...or foe???
What would be on your list for 2010? It is a new decade.........10 years since Y2K....who ever thought we would survive that fiasco?? The year 2010 marks 20 years since I left New jersey and moved to North Carolina. That would mean that almost two-fifths of my life I have lived in this wonderful state which is now my home. The year 2010 will be the year my daughter Emily will be married. It will be the year I will officially have a son-in-law. And it will be my last year of saying I am in my forties..................but that is another post for another day...................
On my list I would say that I want to pay more attention to me. More time allotted for working out, doing yoga, being creative. Am I comfortable in my skin? What do I need to make a priority this year?
On my list would be time made to learn something new. Stepping outside my box......
At the top of my list would be making more time for Jim and I to get away whether for a weekend, a week, or a lifetime................it has been far too long since we had a true vacation. I love this man more than I ever thought possible. The pure joy I feel just being with him is always enough........it is so easy to not prioritize the need to get away from the norm............but I will add that to my list for 2010.
My list for 2010 will be simple, but meaningful. I have a friend from many years ago that I just found out is dying of bone cancer. My heart is hurting terribly for her and for her daughter. We have a past history that is oddly intertwined, and I am now feeling like I wished I had spoken to her more often. We live 500 miles away from each other, so it is not feasible that I could visit her for a few hours before the inevitable............but would love to make a list of things that I wished we had talked about................if for no one but myself.........
What kind of list would you make??? Would you share it with others or keep it for yourself? Would you write in ink or pencil? Would it be on lined paper or a post-it? Would you number your entries or write them at random?
Lists...............friend...or foe???
Monday, December 21, 2009
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Unwrapped
I love the show "Unwrapped" on the Foodnetwork. I have watched the show for years. It is an easy retreat from all of the other shows that we subject ourselves to usually on a daily basis. Reality shows--cooking, dancing, singing, racing, fishing, truck driving, fire fighting, crime fighting...............you name it, it's out there. Then there are the crime shows--enough said. Then there is the news.....it goes on and on. When I turn on Unwrapped, I get an hour of entertainment. An hour of Marc Summers, getting older and more gray, but still a pleasure to watch. Marc can make something as simple as a cracker seem magical. I love learning how candy canes get their stripes............How PEZ characters are chosen and what flavors of Jelly Belly Beans flopped. I love the history of the companies that manufacture our favorite candies. The other thing I love to watch are the machines that are used to accomplish the task. Who on earth comes up with some of this stuff? Right now they are showing a company that makes gingerbread houses. What a cool job.........
My point is, with so many shows on tv that are so full of reality, the reality of learning where Harry and David came up with their cheesecake flavors somehow relaxes me................
Maybe someday someone will come up with the Good News Network. The Foodnetwork is close.................but I am sure that there is alot more good news out there to be had....................
My point is, with so many shows on tv that are so full of reality, the reality of learning where Harry and David came up with their cheesecake flavors somehow relaxes me................
Maybe someday someone will come up with the Good News Network. The Foodnetwork is close.................but I am sure that there is alot more good news out there to be had....................
Saturday, December 5, 2009
Saturday, November 28, 2009
Friday, November 27, 2009
I made biscuits
Years ago I made biscuits. I worked in a Texaco gas station that had a kitchen. I was originally hired to work weekends, fri, sat and sun nights. The station had a cook that made biscuits every morning but Sunday. Sausage patty, sausage link, steak, country ham, chicken and cheese biscuits. After I had been there for several months she quit, leaving an opening............I had been cooking on Saturday mornings and had a bit of a following..................I got a call, "Patti, if you want the position it's yours...." I was in Florida visiting my parents..had to cut the vacation short. But it was worth it...............I began a journey that ended too soon, a journey that has created great memories, and created the desire to go back to the basics of baking and cooking for people who lined up at 6am to grab a biscuit, a cup of coffee and a smile from the girl in the kitchen who was up to her elbows in flour.........
I loved the job. Loved getting to work at 5am, long before most people even thought about getting out of bed, especially on cold winter mornings But get up I did, at 4am. I loved being up and out and brewing coffee, mixing and patting each batch of dough as if it was a fragile newborn. I made an average of 120-140 biscuits every morning by 7am.......in addition to doughnuts....For a special treat every once in awhile I would whip up blueberry biscuits dipped in a sugar glaze........they flew out the doors.
Lunch would bring pork barbeque, either chicken, meatloaf, salisbury steak, fries, two vegetables and more biscuits.............I made ham sandwiches, turkey sandwiches, bologna sandwiches. And hotdogs, the good german kind. Up to 6 dozen every day
I loved getting up earlier than most people would be willing or able to, knowing that I would be the first person most of the people coming in would see. Coffee, a biscuit, a smile, a kind word, I loved it.. My daughter was young, 3,4,5 years old. She was our official little mascot for the station She would sit with the customers, I believe that her exceptional people skills were born in that little place.
Life went on, a single mom needed to make more money......but over the years, as I get older I realize that my heart belongs to that little kitchen that I called my own all those years ago. I am successful in my field, and I don't regret any path I've taken.
But I do know that if I ever get a chance to get back to the simple joy of baking for the masses, or maybe just for a small following, I would hang up my hat in a minute and move on.............
I made biscuits...........and I am proud of the biscuits I made.....................
I loved the job. Loved getting to work at 5am, long before most people even thought about getting out of bed, especially on cold winter mornings But get up I did, at 4am. I loved being up and out and brewing coffee, mixing and patting each batch of dough as if it was a fragile newborn. I made an average of 120-140 biscuits every morning by 7am.......in addition to doughnuts....For a special treat every once in awhile I would whip up blueberry biscuits dipped in a sugar glaze........they flew out the doors.
Lunch would bring pork barbeque, either chicken, meatloaf, salisbury steak, fries, two vegetables and more biscuits.............I made ham sandwiches, turkey sandwiches, bologna sandwiches. And hotdogs, the good german kind. Up to 6 dozen every day
I loved getting up earlier than most people would be willing or able to, knowing that I would be the first person most of the people coming in would see. Coffee, a biscuit, a smile, a kind word, I loved it.. My daughter was young, 3,4,5 years old. She was our official little mascot for the station She would sit with the customers, I believe that her exceptional people skills were born in that little place.
Life went on, a single mom needed to make more money......but over the years, as I get older I realize that my heart belongs to that little kitchen that I called my own all those years ago. I am successful in my field, and I don't regret any path I've taken.
But I do know that if I ever get a chance to get back to the simple joy of baking for the masses, or maybe just for a small following, I would hang up my hat in a minute and move on.............
I made biscuits...........and I am proud of the biscuits I made.....................
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Decisions, decisions.
So here I sit, trying to decide what to do for Thanksgiving....
It's not that I have too many invites and can't decide what to do
It's just that the options have presented themselves to me in a way
that I want to sit and do nothing.............
There's option A---Brunch with Jim (my sig other), daughter Emily
and her fiancee Steve. Steve works at noon, so if we choose option A
he could join us............
Option B----Make a small quiet dinner. In atttendance would be Jim
Emily, my Mom (she doesn't like brunch......) and the plethora of dogs
and cats that allow us to live with them. Come to think of it they would
attend the brunch as well. And let's not forget Wallace, the beta that sits
patiently on the kitchen counter watching me bake, cook, brew, chop and
grill my way into Jim's heart.
Option C---MARGARITAVILLE Myrtle Beach. Parrotheads would jump
in the Ram and chow down to the Island Tunes at Broadway at the Beach
A mere 3 hour drive, and we could undulge in some early shopping at the
gift shop as well as have a Buffett style Thanksgiving watching the big blender
blend the perfect Margarita...................
I am not good at decisions...........not that any of these are any more appealing
or torurous than the other, it's just that I am not good at making decisions that
involve the comfort and happiness of the people I love. They will all do any of
them (except mom and brunch, I got nothing on that)
So what to do???????
I am going to put this out in the great void of cyberspace and see what I get back.
Happy Thanksgiving........I am thankful that I have the opportunity to have these
choices............but damn, I still can't decide what to do......................
It's not that I have too many invites and can't decide what to do
It's just that the options have presented themselves to me in a way
that I want to sit and do nothing.............
There's option A---Brunch with Jim (my sig other), daughter Emily
and her fiancee Steve. Steve works at noon, so if we choose option A
he could join us............
Option B----Make a small quiet dinner. In atttendance would be Jim
Emily, my Mom (she doesn't like brunch......) and the plethora of dogs
and cats that allow us to live with them. Come to think of it they would
attend the brunch as well. And let's not forget Wallace, the beta that sits
patiently on the kitchen counter watching me bake, cook, brew, chop and
grill my way into Jim's heart.
Option C---MARGARITAVILLE Myrtle Beach. Parrotheads would jump
in the Ram and chow down to the Island Tunes at Broadway at the Beach
A mere 3 hour drive, and we could undulge in some early shopping at the
gift shop as well as have a Buffett style Thanksgiving watching the big blender
blend the perfect Margarita...................
I am not good at decisions...........not that any of these are any more appealing
or torurous than the other, it's just that I am not good at making decisions that
involve the comfort and happiness of the people I love. They will all do any of
them (except mom and brunch, I got nothing on that)
So what to do???????
I am going to put this out in the great void of cyberspace and see what I get back.
Happy Thanksgiving........I am thankful that I have the opportunity to have these
choices............but damn, I still can't decide what to do......................
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