When I left the gym this evening, I glanced up at the televisions which were displaying some shocking news... ..that Michael Jackson was dead. Now, I am sitting here in stunned silence, watching the assorted coverage of his life.
Love him or hate him, he was one of the world's top performers. Remember the MoonWalk, and that silver glove, and Thriller.
I will mostly recall him as the adorable little guy with the Jackson 5. He was one of the five brothers who went on to be something huge.
Yes, he had a sordid past which overshadowed everything else that was possibly positive. Yes, he was a child molestor. Yes, he was a little strange. But he was also incredibly generous, probably almost to a fault. Remember Neverland.
He will now join Farrah Fawcett, who also left this earth today. Though her passing was expected, the beloved Charlie's Angel is now at peace.
Two great people gone in one day. Life is short and oh so fragile.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Scratcher
I may have coined a new term here. A new term for me that is.
One of my favourite hobbies is making my own cards from scratch. I use scrapbooking materials, but I also like to use other things as well, hence the scratch term. Now, in most circles, and Sue is the most knowledgeable about this, the term Scrapbooking is used, and the people who practice it are known as Scrapbookers or Scrappers. These folks also work their creative magic and turn precious mementos into scrapbooks.
I don't enjoy doing this as much as making cards.
So, I guess that makes me either a Scrapcarder or a Scratcher.
....but feel free to coin a proper term for what I do....
One of my favourite hobbies is making my own cards from scratch. I use scrapbooking materials, but I also like to use other things as well, hence the scratch term. Now, in most circles, and Sue is the most knowledgeable about this, the term Scrapbooking is used, and the people who practice it are known as Scrapbookers or Scrappers. These folks also work their creative magic and turn precious mementos into scrapbooks.
I don't enjoy doing this as much as making cards.
So, I guess that makes me either a Scrapcarder or a Scratcher.
....but feel free to coin a proper term for what I do....
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Bits and Bites
I acquired My Sweetie's tools....many of them....most of which I haven't a clue what to do with. I do know that some of them weigh a ton. and may need a small forklift in order to move them around...kidding! Now I am okay with some tools, usually the manual kind, but the electric rechargeable scares me a bit (did you get the word pun there?!?).
The first part of this fear dealt with the fact that the drill only had one drill bit. Of course, the screws that I had needed different bits. Unable to find the rest of them, I bought a neat set of 'things'....since there is no instruction manual (and I am really into instruction manuals, since that is what I create for a living) I was at a loss as to what these pieces all do. The guy in the store rattled off the purpose of each (he is smaaaaart...like most men when it comes to tools and such), but once I arrived home, I sat on the couch and stared at the box...unable to even open it.
So, I did my evening routine, and after dinner, I started to tinker with the drill and the 'bits'. Not so bad. This goes here. That goes there. This attaches to that. Simple right? Well, yes, pretty much. I have a piece of wood that is now my test piece, and I am not doing too badly.
So I have a couple of projects which will require me to use The Drill. No sweat ;)
p.s. - I also plan to visit Home D when they have their courses For Ladies Only....
The first part of this fear dealt with the fact that the drill only had one drill bit. Of course, the screws that I had needed different bits. Unable to find the rest of them, I bought a neat set of 'things'....since there is no instruction manual (and I am really into instruction manuals, since that is what I create for a living) I was at a loss as to what these pieces all do. The guy in the store rattled off the purpose of each (he is smaaaaart...like most men when it comes to tools and such), but once I arrived home, I sat on the couch and stared at the box...unable to even open it.
So, I did my evening routine, and after dinner, I started to tinker with the drill and the 'bits'. Not so bad. This goes here. That goes there. This attaches to that. Simple right? Well, yes, pretty much. I have a piece of wood that is now my test piece, and I am not doing too badly.
So I have a couple of projects which will require me to use The Drill. No sweat ;)
p.s. - I also plan to visit Home D when they have their courses For Ladies Only....
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
A Voice from a Window
First of all, I want to thank those who have returned to visit my blog. It is nice to see followers once again, and to follow on a regular basis.
In a past post, I talked a bit about where I now live. The area has a mish-mush of residents. Some are single (actually a LOT are single), but there are also quite a few families (I know this because the school bus route passes by my window, and I get to see the little buttons meeting up with their Mommies).
There are also a few century homes here. At first, I thought that these homes were inhabited by a single family. I later learned that these places have been converted into multiple apartments. One of these buildings is across the street from me, containing four apartments. All of the residents are quiet, in fact. I have only seen one of them.
Until today....when I heard a voice from one of the upper windows.
The building is for sale, and the owner is usually there to try and fix one thing or another. While he was there today, I looked out and saw him looking up and talking to one of the upper windows. The voice was asking for something cold to drink ?!? Now, I have been here almost a month, and have never seen anyone there.
Maybe vampires?!?
In a past post, I talked a bit about where I now live. The area has a mish-mush of residents. Some are single (actually a LOT are single), but there are also quite a few families (I know this because the school bus route passes by my window, and I get to see the little buttons meeting up with their Mommies).
There are also a few century homes here. At first, I thought that these homes were inhabited by a single family. I later learned that these places have been converted into multiple apartments. One of these buildings is across the street from me, containing four apartments. All of the residents are quiet, in fact. I have only seen one of them.
Until today....when I heard a voice from one of the upper windows.
The building is for sale, and the owner is usually there to try and fix one thing or another. While he was there today, I looked out and saw him looking up and talking to one of the upper windows. The voice was asking for something cold to drink ?!? Now, I have been here almost a month, and have never seen anyone there.
Maybe vampires?!?
Sunday, June 21, 2009
New Hobbies
A few months ago, I began meeting up with one of my cousins at an establishment which featured a Blues Jam. What is a Blues Jam you may ask. Well, it is an afternoon of, mostly, blues music, with the stage featuring a core group of talented musicians. In addition, anyone can get up and join in, either in a vocal capacity or with any instrument they play. On any Sunday there might be sax players, trumpet players, slide guitars, and the list goes on. Lately, there have been two very talented young guitarists - one who is 16 and plays like the next Stevie Ray, and the other who is classically trained, but can play anything. Both of these fellows always command the attention of the audience. We also have a keyboard player who used to play with the band Max Webster.
Now, for the longest time, I would just be a part of the audience. I would order a light lunch and become immersed in the music, escaping the world for a few hours. It was also a fine opportunity to bond with my cousin. Then one day I was asked if I could sing backup on a song or two. Now, I can sing. I sang in the Sears choir for 5 years. I sing in the shower and in the car, but have never sung into a microphone...in front of people....until this one day. But, when I finally did this, I had a blast. I even had a few people come up to me later saying 'I didn't know that you could sing'. I was thrilled. After that, I continually kept coming out to the Blues Jam, and would pick up the odd percussion instrument...tambourine, shakers, maracas, whatever was handy.
Today, the jam was at one of the band members homes in the country, with the stage set up on his deck. What a perfect day. I was onstage for the entire afternoon. I played various percussion instruments. I sang backup a few times. But, the greatest part of this is that I learned that I am going to have a dedicated mike for me!!!
woohoo!!!~
Stay tuned.....
Now, for the longest time, I would just be a part of the audience. I would order a light lunch and become immersed in the music, escaping the world for a few hours. It was also a fine opportunity to bond with my cousin. Then one day I was asked if I could sing backup on a song or two. Now, I can sing. I sang in the Sears choir for 5 years. I sing in the shower and in the car, but have never sung into a microphone...in front of people....until this one day. But, when I finally did this, I had a blast. I even had a few people come up to me later saying 'I didn't know that you could sing'. I was thrilled. After that, I continually kept coming out to the Blues Jam, and would pick up the odd percussion instrument...tambourine, shakers, maracas, whatever was handy.
Today, the jam was at one of the band members homes in the country, with the stage set up on his deck. What a perfect day. I was onstage for the entire afternoon. I played various percussion instruments. I sang backup a few times. But, the greatest part of this is that I learned that I am going to have a dedicated mike for me!!!
woohoo!!!~
Stay tuned.....
Friday, June 19, 2009
The Cottage
Two weeks ago, I moved away from Barrie and closer to the city, but still outside in a relatively small town. My house is referred to as The Cottage, and the surrounding nearby area is referred to is similar to a cottage community.....small, quaint, and friendly. This is not suburbia with cookie cutter homes. The houses are all quite old, and have their own sense of character (and, yes, there is a melange of characters that may dwell here). There are big, old trees everywhere. I have a woodpecker who lives on top of the telephone pole just outside my house. There are cardinals and bluejays, squirrels, and many neighbourhood cats.
I have a garden and a backyard that I am not quite sure what to do with yet, in fact, I am slightly intimidated by all of it. Maybe there are garden teachers out there who give lessons on these things.
BJ has settled in pretty nicely. He spends the nights with me, and part of the day. He has found a neat spot of ducting, and there he prefers to hide when strangers visit. I am okay with this. I can always go and see him whenever I want, since I know where that spot is. He is happy and I am happy if he is happy. He has also discovered the windows, which allow him to see 'stuff'. I think he likes that too.
This afternoon, I spent some time with a Contractor who is going to do some work for me. This is Contractor #2, however. Contractor #1 was supposed to be doing the work once I moved in, but there were a few problems. For one, he never returned my phone calls, and for another, due to his nationality, I could not understand him (and I have the strong feeling that he could not answer me as well). Contractor #2 came as a referral through another referral. So far, I am quite happy with what he has been doing.,,,and he is Irish...so I understand him (yay!). He even came shopping with me today to pick out a new door for the side of the house, and window blinds (since most of my windows were bare, and I was tired of feeling that I was living in a fish bowl). He even installed 4 of the crucial ones for me....another yay! I think that Contractor #2 is going to work out fine.
Have a good weekend peeps....
I have a garden and a backyard that I am not quite sure what to do with yet, in fact, I am slightly intimidated by all of it. Maybe there are garden teachers out there who give lessons on these things.
BJ has settled in pretty nicely. He spends the nights with me, and part of the day. He has found a neat spot of ducting, and there he prefers to hide when strangers visit. I am okay with this. I can always go and see him whenever I want, since I know where that spot is. He is happy and I am happy if he is happy. He has also discovered the windows, which allow him to see 'stuff'. I think he likes that too.
This afternoon, I spent some time with a Contractor who is going to do some work for me. This is Contractor #2, however. Contractor #1 was supposed to be doing the work once I moved in, but there were a few problems. For one, he never returned my phone calls, and for another, due to his nationality, I could not understand him (and I have the strong feeling that he could not answer me as well). Contractor #2 came as a referral through another referral. So far, I am quite happy with what he has been doing.,,,and he is Irish...so I understand him (yay!). He even came shopping with me today to pick out a new door for the side of the house, and window blinds (since most of my windows were bare, and I was tired of feeling that I was living in a fish bowl). He even installed 4 of the crucial ones for me....another yay! I think that Contractor #2 is going to work out fine.
Have a good weekend peeps....
Thursday, June 18, 2009
It's Been A Long Time Coming
Gonna be a long time gone.....
Those were some lyrics from a CSNY song....and with that, something to signal my return to the blogworld.
Now, what to talk about. Well, I could discuss the weather...the crappy and cold weather that has befallen us. But no. Not the weather.
I could discuss work. Nah. Work is work, and besides, everybody seems to find it necessary to discuss work for some reason. So no. Not work.
Hmmm. This leaves me with a few hot options for possible topics. Like Farmer's Markets. Yes, the Farmer's Markets are opening everywhere. I went to my very first one last Saturday. It was very cool, especially since I can walk there. So I grabbed my travel cup of tea and my knapsack and headed out. The old downtown here is quite small and quant. The vendors were all friendly and managed to have something in store for everyone. I picked up a basket of veggies containing an orange pepper, small cucumbers, 2 tomatoes and 4 potatoes. Cool. This menagerie provided for some nice salad fixings throughout the week. I also picked up a blueberry streudel and a raisin sourdough bread, which I sliced, bagged and stored in the freezer to be enjoyed throughout the week. Sweet.
Wow...so glad that I got that off my chest :)
Those were some lyrics from a CSNY song....and with that, something to signal my return to the blogworld.
Now, what to talk about. Well, I could discuss the weather...the crappy and cold weather that has befallen us. But no. Not the weather.
I could discuss work. Nah. Work is work, and besides, everybody seems to find it necessary to discuss work for some reason. So no. Not work.
Hmmm. This leaves me with a few hot options for possible topics. Like Farmer's Markets. Yes, the Farmer's Markets are opening everywhere. I went to my very first one last Saturday. It was very cool, especially since I can walk there. So I grabbed my travel cup of tea and my knapsack and headed out. The old downtown here is quite small and quant. The vendors were all friendly and managed to have something in store for everyone. I picked up a basket of veggies containing an orange pepper, small cucumbers, 2 tomatoes and 4 potatoes. Cool. This menagerie provided for some nice salad fixings throughout the week. I also picked up a blueberry streudel and a raisin sourdough bread, which I sliced, bagged and stored in the freezer to be enjoyed throughout the week. Sweet.
Wow...so glad that I got that off my chest :)
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Friday, April 10, 2009
The End.....
When I first began this blog, I had high hopes for it. I certainly didn't want it to become one of those blogs where I ended up discussing what I ate for lunch, but I am afraid that is how it may have sounded sometimes. To me, that is just plain droll.
Along the way, things changed. I went from being an anonymous writer to a writer with a name, and a family, and a personality. In retrospect I prefer the anonymity.
My life is quite upset right now, and I have reverted to more personal areas for writing. I have no need to publicize anything online. There really is no purpose in that.
Suffice it so say that it is now time to re-evaluate things.....what my blog's purpose is, if indeed it has one, and what my purpose is.
The title was always the direction that I wanted to take. It was about time...time was, for me, the indicator and driver of my posts, but the well is a bit dry these days, and I need new inspiration.
Perhaps when things settle down I will return, but for now my blog and I need a break.
Along the way, things changed. I went from being an anonymous writer to a writer with a name, and a family, and a personality. In retrospect I prefer the anonymity.
My life is quite upset right now, and I have reverted to more personal areas for writing. I have no need to publicize anything online. There really is no purpose in that.
Suffice it so say that it is now time to re-evaluate things.....what my blog's purpose is, if indeed it has one, and what my purpose is.
The title was always the direction that I wanted to take. It was about time...time was, for me, the indicator and driver of my posts, but the well is a bit dry these days, and I need new inspiration.
Perhaps when things settle down I will return, but for now my blog and I need a break.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Tag!
It has been a long time since I have dine this. Fellow bloggers, I have been tagged by Sue's Blog
You are all familiar with the drill. Answer the following 10 questions and then tag 6 other bloggers.
I now tag the following blogger folks:
My Spirit's Journey
Skittles' Place
Dork-O-Rama: The Random Thoughts of a Total Goofball
Down River Drivel
The Quarter Life Chronicles
Calabar Gal
You are all familiar with the drill. Answer the following 10 questions and then tag 6 other bloggers.
- Diamonds or pearls?
- What was the last movie you saw?
- What do you eat for breakfast?
- What is the second first name on your birth certificate?
- What are the foods you would never eat?
- Coffee or tea?
- If you were a colour, which one would it be?
- Who was the last person you spoke on the phone to?
- What is your favorite day of the week?
- If you could take off on a plane today, where would you go?
Diamonds. Pure and simple.
Ferris Bueller's Day Off
OJ, and tea are the mainstays. It then varies from oatmeal to cereal mix to English muffin and peanut butter.
Ann
Oysters...olives
Tea
Yellow
A friend.
Wednesday...I always like to have something to look forward to...the end of the week.
Hawaii
I now tag the following blogger folks:
My Spirit's Journey
Skittles' Place
Dork-O-Rama: The Random Thoughts of a Total Goofball
Down River Drivel
The Quarter Life Chronicles
Calabar Gal
Sunday, March 08, 2009
I Am A Home Owner!!!
I just bought my first house...on my own. ...just me and the Agent.
...and I am ecstatic!!!!
......over the moon ecstatic!!!
This is the first time that I will be living alone and on my own. This is a new experience for me, but I feel as though I am being guided throughout this process....perhaps through past experience, or maybe just through faith, but wherever that assistance is coming from, it is making me a stronger person.
There had been much hunting prior to this little gem, and I viewed some pretty bad properties, but yesterday I found my space...my deal. I knew from the moment that I stepped on the outside steps that this felt right...and I was not disappointed when I went inside. It felt warm and inviting, cozy and comfortable. I felt connected.
It is a small detached bungalow, also referred to as a Vet's house...homes which were built during the War time for the Veteran's who came back from the war. My parents had an opportunity to buy one of these homes when my Dad returned from WWII, but they never followed through. I guess that I am fulfilling that.
The house has a front porch, which is also a entry mud room.
The living room has a gas fireplace, 2 windows and another teeny window.
The living room leads to the kitchen, a sweet little kitchen with 2 windows, 3 appliances, and a side door to the private driveway and detached garage.
(Note that I can see the entire house from the kitchen!!).
The kitchen, of course, leads to the cozy dining room.
There is one bathroom, a bedroom which will be my office.
The highlight, for me, is the Master which has an entire wall of patio doors which open out to the HUGE backyard, complete with beautiful big trees.
The basement is a full basement that is partially finished, but which has loads of storage space (but I really wish they would leave the punching equipment :)))
When I said that this was THE deal for me, I wasn't kidding. Everything has been done....new CAC, new roof, new windows and doors, new floors, new furnace, nicely painted.
The place is only waiting for me to 'bring it'....and I plan to.
Wish me luck!
...and I am ecstatic!!!!
......over the moon ecstatic!!!
This is the first time that I will be living alone and on my own. This is a new experience for me, but I feel as though I am being guided throughout this process....perhaps through past experience, or maybe just through faith, but wherever that assistance is coming from, it is making me a stronger person.
There had been much hunting prior to this little gem, and I viewed some pretty bad properties, but yesterday I found my space...my deal. I knew from the moment that I stepped on the outside steps that this felt right...and I was not disappointed when I went inside. It felt warm and inviting, cozy and comfortable. I felt connected.
It is a small detached bungalow, also referred to as a Vet's house...homes which were built during the War time for the Veteran's who came back from the war. My parents had an opportunity to buy one of these homes when my Dad returned from WWII, but they never followed through. I guess that I am fulfilling that.
The house has a front porch, which is also a entry mud room.
The living room has a gas fireplace, 2 windows and another teeny window.
The living room leads to the kitchen, a sweet little kitchen with 2 windows, 3 appliances, and a side door to the private driveway and detached garage.
(Note that I can see the entire house from the kitchen!!).
The kitchen, of course, leads to the cozy dining room.
There is one bathroom, a bedroom which will be my office.
The highlight, for me, is the Master which has an entire wall of patio doors which open out to the HUGE backyard, complete with beautiful big trees.
The basement is a full basement that is partially finished, but which has loads of storage space (but I really wish they would leave the punching equipment :)))
When I said that this was THE deal for me, I wasn't kidding. Everything has been done....new CAC, new roof, new windows and doors, new floors, new furnace, nicely painted.
The place is only waiting for me to 'bring it'....and I plan to.
Wish me luck!
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Lent 2009
Lent is upon us. It happens every year, right after Shrove Tuesday, starting on Ash Wednesday, as a pre-cursor to Easter.
Quote "a period of 40 days that Christians observe before Easter. During Lent, Christians imitate Jesus’ withdrawal into the wilderness for 40 days before his trial and crucifixion. It is a time of soul-searching, fasting and repentance. It is a time when Christians pause and refresh their souls."
As a youngster in a Catholic school, this meant that we observed Lent, and went to church for Ash Wednesday (and were so proud of the Ash imprint on our foreheads)a regular part of going to a Catholic school. We had been blessed.
As an adult, these teachings harbored a place in my being, and Observing Lent has always been something that I did....that is to say that I gave up some vice.
But, since I do not have a lot of vices, it becomes more difficult each year to find something to give up. One year it was chocolate (THAT nearly drove me crazy!). One year it was peanut butter (also nearly drove me insane). This year it is coffee and french fries. Not too bad, right?
I need to clarify. I am not a big coffee drinker, in fact I have one tea in the morning, and I used to have an instant cappuccino coffee in the afternoon (you know the one...the little packets to which you add boiling water). Not a biggy, but by 3PM, I usually look forward to that hot capp.
The french fries are maybe a weekly treat that I enjoy with my Happy Meal....*sniff*...now those I will miss, for the time being anyway.
Now, in retrospect, giving up these little things is really just that....little. Some people have nothing, and can hardly afford any luxuries or extra amenities.
My sacrifice is small in comparison.
Quote "a period of 40 days that Christians observe before Easter. During Lent, Christians imitate Jesus’ withdrawal into the wilderness for 40 days before his trial and crucifixion. It is a time of soul-searching, fasting and repentance. It is a time when Christians pause and refresh their souls."
As a youngster in a Catholic school, this meant that we observed Lent, and went to church for Ash Wednesday (and were so proud of the Ash imprint on our foreheads)a regular part of going to a Catholic school. We had been blessed.
As an adult, these teachings harbored a place in my being, and Observing Lent has always been something that I did....that is to say that I gave up some vice.
But, since I do not have a lot of vices, it becomes more difficult each year to find something to give up. One year it was chocolate (THAT nearly drove me crazy!). One year it was peanut butter (also nearly drove me insane). This year it is coffee and french fries. Not too bad, right?
I need to clarify. I am not a big coffee drinker, in fact I have one tea in the morning, and I used to have an instant cappuccino coffee in the afternoon (you know the one...the little packets to which you add boiling water). Not a biggy, but by 3PM, I usually look forward to that hot capp.
The french fries are maybe a weekly treat that I enjoy with my Happy Meal....*sniff*...now those I will miss, for the time being anyway.
Now, in retrospect, giving up these little things is really just that....little. Some people have nothing, and can hardly afford any luxuries or extra amenities.
My sacrifice is small in comparison.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Tini's
There's a practice happening around town which seems to be pretty popular nowadays. Special and personal 'tini' drinks. I don't recall this being a happening thing until recently. A couple of friends have celebrated milestone birthdays, and these 'special' drinks were served at the party....I guess the idea is to make some concoction of various alcohols, when blended together yield a martini of some sort....hence a Lynn-tini, a Carol-tini, a Barbara-tini.
I am not sure how popular my Mau-tini would be. It wouldn't have any alcohol in it.
I am not sure how popular my Mau-tini would be. It wouldn't have any alcohol in it.
Monday, February 09, 2009
Grammy-Phone me would ya?
Every year I tune in to The Grammy's. Been watching them for as long as I can remember getting into music. I remember as a child, before the days of PVRs and VCRs, I would sit as close to the TV as I possibly could, just so that I wouldn't miss anything. Nowadays, Ilook for my faves to make an appearance, that is unless they have gone to the big Grammy-Phone in the sky. Paul McCartney is still rocking as is Stevie Wonder and Smokey Robinson. Of course, there are many new performers on the scene.....rappers, hip hop, blues, rock. Some of the rapper and hip hop types I even recognize, and like, from my BodyJam classes. Way cool.
Last night, there were 2 highlights for me. One was Sugarland, starring Jennifer Nettles. She has a magnificent set of pipes. Sad song, but what a voice. Now, I am not a country fan, but I do like this....
The other was Robert Plant and Alison Krauss who walked away with a boat load of Grammy awards. Now, while they did not perform the following, it has to be my favourite at the moment.....Please Read the Letter
Happy listening....cheers.
Last night, there were 2 highlights for me. One was Sugarland, starring Jennifer Nettles. She has a magnificent set of pipes. Sad song, but what a voice. Now, I am not a country fan, but I do like this....
The other was Robert Plant and Alison Krauss who walked away with a boat load of Grammy awards. Now, while they did not perform the following, it has to be my favourite at the moment.....Please Read the Letter
Happy listening....cheers.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
The Whole Tone Has Changed
When I wrote my last post, A New Year, A New Direction, I wrote that regarding my personal life. That new direction also seems to apply with the inauguration of President Barack Obama. It is not my place as a Canadian to yay or nay American politics (though I must say that I absolutely adore President Obama), but I did want to comment on the change of tone that is detected in the air. With the previous government out, and the new government in, there is a whole new feeling in the air. Definitely a feeling of hope. A feeling of change. A feeling of inclusion. But mostly a fresh feeling....fresh new faces who are willing to get started to make changes.With this fresh feeling, I was also struck with a reminiscent feeling...reminiscent of the Kennedy years.
Here's to you Mr.President. Your people are there to support you, and may you have a successful reign.
Sunday, January 11, 2009
A New Year, A New Direction
It's probably too late for Happy New Year wishes, and if I wait long enough, I could probably sum up all of the year's wishes into one blog post. But, as with every other year, the same holiday celebrations happen every year, so what does it really matter anyway.
I haven't been here lately, because I have quite a few things on my plate right now. I also felt the need to re-establish the purpose for me keeping this blog. Re-focus. The title always summed it up for me...It's About Time. It was not intended to be a regular installment of what was happening in my life on a day-to-day basis. Gosh, if it was, you'd all be tremendously bored to tears.
So, this year promises to be a year full of change for me. You guys don't need all of the details, and because of the very personal nature of this, suffice it to say that they will not be published here, but, at the end of it all, I will either go insane or not. Hopefully not though.
So, if you wish to stick with me through this unknown journey, you are welcome to be my guest. It ought to be quite a story.
I haven't been here lately, because I have quite a few things on my plate right now. I also felt the need to re-establish the purpose for me keeping this blog. Re-focus. The title always summed it up for me...It's About Time. It was not intended to be a regular installment of what was happening in my life on a day-to-day basis. Gosh, if it was, you'd all be tremendously bored to tears.
So, this year promises to be a year full of change for me. You guys don't need all of the details, and because of the very personal nature of this, suffice it to say that they will not be published here, but, at the end of it all, I will either go insane or not. Hopefully not though.
So, if you wish to stick with me through this unknown journey, you are welcome to be my guest. It ought to be quite a story.
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
4th Time Lucky?
Well, mattress number four arrived yesterday. It's a Tempurpedic, meaning that it is a foam mattress that molds to your body impression. I think that it was the first style that I admired, but because of the price, we didn't opt for it. But, when we visited the store for what we hoped was the last time, we decided to go for it...seeing as there were so many problems with every other mattress so far.
Anyway, yesterday was the big arrival day. The truck pulled up, and two burly men carried the new monster into the house. They tried to get it up the stairs, but there was one problem. The mattress was frozen (apparently foam has a tendency of doing that), and that made it impossible to bend it in order to get it upstairs. So the newest baby had to be left on the main floor, in order to thaw, and the delivery people would return today (which they did), after the thaw, in order to get the beast upstairs.
Now, the mattress actually started thawing pretty much immediately, so we decided to get out the sleeping bags and sleep on it anyway. I must admit, it was a pretty comfortable night. Yes, the mattress has a 'smell' (it's a foam smell not a mold smell), but we were aware of this, and we also knew that the smell would dissipate with time.
Happy 2009 everybody! Here's hoping this mattress is 4th time lucky.
Anyway, yesterday was the big arrival day. The truck pulled up, and two burly men carried the new monster into the house. They tried to get it up the stairs, but there was one problem. The mattress was frozen (apparently foam has a tendency of doing that), and that made it impossible to bend it in order to get it upstairs. So the newest baby had to be left on the main floor, in order to thaw, and the delivery people would return today (which they did), after the thaw, in order to get the beast upstairs.
Now, the mattress actually started thawing pretty much immediately, so we decided to get out the sleeping bags and sleep on it anyway. I must admit, it was a pretty comfortable night. Yes, the mattress has a 'smell' (it's a foam smell not a mold smell), but we were aware of this, and we also knew that the smell would dissipate with time.
Happy 2009 everybody! Here's hoping this mattress is 4th time lucky.
Friday, December 19, 2008
Strike Three!!!
This post was certainly not in the cards. I had thought that when we received Mattress #3, that all of the problems would be finished.
Not so!
Mattress #3 smelled as well. I dare not venture into the world of mold, but it would not surprise me at all if this mattress was moldy as well.
What this means is that we are getting yet another new mattress....soon-to-be Mattress #4! Yes, you read it here, Mattress #4. To make things interesting, we have decided to throw all caution to the wind and not exchange the present mattress for a traditional mattress. No. This time we are going out on a limb and try a Tempurpedic mattress. If you want to learn more about this type of mattress, you can find it on the Web, but mostly it is a foam based mattress, also known as memory foam.
We are keeping our fingers crossed on this one, and hope for no more stinky mattresses.
Happy Holidays everybody!
Not so!
Mattress #3 smelled as well. I dare not venture into the world of mold, but it would not surprise me at all if this mattress was moldy as well.
What this means is that we are getting yet another new mattress....soon-to-be Mattress #4! Yes, you read it here, Mattress #4. To make things interesting, we have decided to throw all caution to the wind and not exchange the present mattress for a traditional mattress. No. This time we are going out on a limb and try a Tempurpedic mattress. If you want to learn more about this type of mattress, you can find it on the Web, but mostly it is a foam based mattress, also known as memory foam.
We are keeping our fingers crossed on this one, and hope for no more stinky mattresses.
Happy Holidays everybody!
Thursday, December 18, 2008
I Am, But I'm Not and I Do, But I Don't
....a whole lot of nothing...........
I love bluegrass, but am not a Country music fan.
I like purple, but not mauve.
I am smell sensitive to women's perfumes, but not to men's colognes.
I collect keychains from every place I've ever visited, but I never use the keychains for keys.
I adore the music of Jakob Dylan, but was never a huge fan of Bob Dylan.
I am a huge Survivor fan, but I could never be on the show because I wouldn't eat bugs!
I am excited to try snorkeling, but I am afraid of fish!
Nighttime sailing is fine, but I am afraid of the dark.
I love bluegrass, but am not a Country music fan.
I like purple, but not mauve.
I am smell sensitive to women's perfumes, but not to men's colognes.
I collect keychains from every place I've ever visited, but I never use the keychains for keys.
I adore the music of Jakob Dylan, but was never a huge fan of Bob Dylan.
I am a huge Survivor fan, but I could never be on the show because I wouldn't eat bugs!
I am excited to try snorkeling, but I am afraid of fish!
Nighttime sailing is fine, but I am afraid of the dark.
Saturday, December 13, 2008
My Mother's Trunk
My Mother had a storage trunk. It was nothing out of the ordinary. Just a navy blue trunk in which she would store her keepsakes and build her wedding trousseau. Once she was married, her trunk became a repository for important papers, family pictures, and treasures.
Through my childhood, I would get the odd opportunity to peek into the trunk. It always sat in a very inconspicuous spot in the house. Because Mom loved to sew, she had made a special cover for that trunk, and stored extra blankets underneath.
When my Mom passed away, I inherited her trunk. It was carefully moved from her apartment into my house and then to my current house. Because it was, and still is in my mind 'her trunk', and housed her personal possessions, I never felt comfortable going into it. In the past 3 and a half years, I have only gone into it twice....once to locate important papers that were required when she passed away....and a second time, to satisfy my curiosity, and look.
During that second visit, I spent quite a few hours living in her world. I was very careful to put things back where I had found them, almost as if I was afraid that Mom would notice of things were out of place. She had treasures from all of her past....my Grade School report cards, assorted cards for various occasions, old family pictures, clothing from my Christening and babyhood. Aside from the 'things' that she kept, I was keenly aware that she had spent her life storing away the odd memento. Whether she meant it for herself, or for me to find later, these things were collected and stored with love and thought.
I also became aware of where my packrat nature stems from.....and this is a good thing.
Through my childhood, I would get the odd opportunity to peek into the trunk. It always sat in a very inconspicuous spot in the house. Because Mom loved to sew, she had made a special cover for that trunk, and stored extra blankets underneath.
When my Mom passed away, I inherited her trunk. It was carefully moved from her apartment into my house and then to my current house. Because it was, and still is in my mind 'her trunk', and housed her personal possessions, I never felt comfortable going into it. In the past 3 and a half years, I have only gone into it twice....once to locate important papers that were required when she passed away....and a second time, to satisfy my curiosity, and look.
During that second visit, I spent quite a few hours living in her world. I was very careful to put things back where I had found them, almost as if I was afraid that Mom would notice of things were out of place. She had treasures from all of her past....my Grade School report cards, assorted cards for various occasions, old family pictures, clothing from my Christening and babyhood. Aside from the 'things' that she kept, I was keenly aware that she had spent her life storing away the odd memento. Whether she meant it for herself, or for me to find later, these things were collected and stored with love and thought.
I also became aware of where my packrat nature stems from.....and this is a good thing.
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