Life from a Diva's Point of View
Thursday, November 28, 2013
Happy Thanksgiving 2013
Enjoy your holiday!!!
This year I took the easy way out - bought a turkey breast along with already prepared potatoes, sweet potatoes, gravy, stuffing, rolls, and pumpkin pie!!! Should be the fastest prepared meal ever!!!
Wednesday, November 27, 2013
New Car and New Responsibility
Youngest son now has a job so
to make his work commute easier, yesterday I purchased a car for the young lad. After reviewing numerous Craig's List ads, we called a few then settled on previewing this model. Clean, well-cared for and well-running, and serviced regularly so we decided to buy. A 2003 Chevy Impala....yes, a V6 for him, which cost a little more for insurance but for the price as well as its shape makes me worry less about his safety. He's now on the responsibility train so I'm eager to see that he lives up to this mission.
Now, before anyone asks why oldest son does not have a car, he is not a driver. He doesn't want to get his license and prefers to be a rider as well as a walker so if that works for him, it works for me.
Now, before anyone asks why oldest son does not have a car, he is not a driver. He doesn't want to get his license and prefers to be a rider as well as a walker so if that works for him, it works for me.
Sunday, November 24, 2013
Smorgasbord Summary for Sunday
Friday night involved perusing Pinterest for manicure ideas. Here's what I duplicated; oh, nails are such a fun canvas for art.
Saturday involved car shopping. Son with license but no car....what to do? We had been tossing around the idea of buying him a cheap used car, then we looked at better used cars, which would involve a car loan, and then the thought came that perhaps I should get a new car and he could use my Kia. This turned into a trip, with kids in two, to Vancouver Dick Hannah yesterday morning to peruse a new vehicle.
Took one for a test spin then sat down to work out the details. Ugh….I just do not care for car salesmen and their process. I channeled my Michael and his straight-forward attitude, taking to heart we were discussing my money. After a few back and forth discussions, then being tag-teamed by the salesman and the financial dude, I finally broke. I told them I’d think about it and come back if I continued to be interested. The salesman asked if it was because I didn’t trust their discounts or him; I replied it was a little of both. Gathering my purse and my “bodyguards”, I thanked the salesman and we departed. Speaking with Michael later, it was clear his original advice to me that Sam needs a cheap used car rather than allowing him to drive my new Kia was a much better plan. Lesson learned and I'm committed to taking his practical advice rather than letting my stubbornness get in the way of being smart!
After the dealership ordeal, we ate lunch at Red Robin then hit Vancouver Mall for some browsing. I’ve been looking for a nice pair of leather knee high boots; unfortunately, due to my rather large and muscular calves, it’s hard to find a pair that will zip up past my ankles! Many, many years ago I purchased a very nice pair of cognac brown leather boots at Nordstrom, which I simply adored, so my first stop was there. I was pleasantly surprised to see tons of reduced, clearance boots available, including wide-calf models. After trying on four pairs, my selection was an Ecco pair of leather boots with buckles.
My final stop was at Old Navy, where I picked up a cute sweater along with a clearance-priced sweatshirt with rhinestone trim. Locating Sam and Jordan, we then departed the mall and made our way for home.
This morning sister Julie sent me a cute picture of her newly colored hair. It was the first time she had a “weave”, which turned out great! Really brings out her blue eyes!!! You are fabulous Jube!!! Speaking of hair, today may take me back to the salon to get my asymmetrical bob trimmed. The longer side just seems too heavy so a minor clip job is in order.
That’s it for my weekend before Thanksgiving!!! Have a fabulous Sunday Divas!!!
Saturday involved car shopping. Son with license but no car....what to do? We had been tossing around the idea of buying him a cheap used car, then we looked at better used cars, which would involve a car loan, and then the thought came that perhaps I should get a new car and he could use my Kia. This turned into a trip, with kids in two, to Vancouver Dick Hannah yesterday morning to peruse a new vehicle.
Took one for a test spin then sat down to work out the details. Ugh….I just do not care for car salesmen and their process. I channeled my Michael and his straight-forward attitude, taking to heart we were discussing my money. After a few back and forth discussions, then being tag-teamed by the salesman and the financial dude, I finally broke. I told them I’d think about it and come back if I continued to be interested. The salesman asked if it was because I didn’t trust their discounts or him; I replied it was a little of both. Gathering my purse and my “bodyguards”, I thanked the salesman and we departed. Speaking with Michael later, it was clear his original advice to me that Sam needs a cheap used car rather than allowing him to drive my new Kia was a much better plan. Lesson learned and I'm committed to taking his practical advice rather than letting my stubbornness get in the way of being smart!
After the dealership ordeal, we ate lunch at Red Robin then hit Vancouver Mall for some browsing. I’ve been looking for a nice pair of leather knee high boots; unfortunately, due to my rather large and muscular calves, it’s hard to find a pair that will zip up past my ankles! Many, many years ago I purchased a very nice pair of cognac brown leather boots at Nordstrom, which I simply adored, so my first stop was there. I was pleasantly surprised to see tons of reduced, clearance boots available, including wide-calf models. After trying on four pairs, my selection was an Ecco pair of leather boots with buckles.
My final stop was at Old Navy, where I picked up a cute sweater along with a clearance-priced sweatshirt with rhinestone trim. Locating Sam and Jordan, we then departed the mall and made our way for home.
This morning sister Julie sent me a cute picture of her newly colored hair. It was the first time she had a “weave”, which turned out great! Really brings out her blue eyes!!! You are fabulous Jube!!! Speaking of hair, today may take me back to the salon to get my asymmetrical bob trimmed. The longer side just seems too heavy so a minor clip job is in order.
That’s it for my weekend before Thanksgiving!!! Have a fabulous Sunday Divas!!!
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| Lookin good Sis!!! |
Friday, November 22, 2013
Thursday, November 21, 2013
The Mind Says Thirties but The Back Says Not!
This week has been exhausting with a capital E! After a week of backache and pains, I finally broke down and made a doctor's appointment on Monday. My lower back had been in distress for almost a week - there was no reason for it, simply got out of bed and was in pain. It was ignored, it was deluged with Tylenol, but alas nothing worked so the doctor was my last resort, mainly for prescription pain killer.
Meeting up with the doctor at the urgent care clinic, I described my lower back agony, which had began spreading to my gluteus maximus area. After getting big points following his comment of "are you in your thirties?", the doctor prescribed muscle relaxants and anti-inflammatory painkillers. He also put me on two days of bed rest to recuperate.
Sharing in my back pain, literally, was sister Julie, who was also experiencing the same ailment. Perhaps we had a "twin" sister bond, and my pain was her pain. We traded texts regarding our agony, home remedies, and of course plenty of whining.
Today brought a return to work, along with the ability to shave (more aptly described as weed whacking) my legs once again, which had been ignored for a week because bending over was out of the question. My back is much better but my cold is still hanging on. In fact, the cough has intensified, including the old "wet your pants when you hack" syndrome. The highlight for today was performing sexual harassment avoidance training in a packed room when you aren't sure if the room was uncomfortable due to the topic or because the participants could smell the perfume of urine and cough drops exuding from my being. The end of the day couldn't come fast enough!!
Here's to another workweek ending tomorrow and my aches and pains disappearing very soon!!!
Meeting up with the doctor at the urgent care clinic, I described my lower back agony, which had began spreading to my gluteus maximus area. After getting big points following his comment of "are you in your thirties?", the doctor prescribed muscle relaxants and anti-inflammatory painkillers. He also put me on two days of bed rest to recuperate.
On top of my back ache, a cold decided to descend upon my pain-riddled body. Tuesday and Wednesday were spent in a drug induced fog, including but not limited to a nose running like a faucet, chronic cough, and numerous naps. The only excursion made from my bed or the couch was a short trip to Walmart on Wednesday, wearing the same sweatpants that adorned my posterior all week. It was not a pretty or pleasant-smelling fashion moment!
Sharing in my back pain, literally, was sister Julie, who was also experiencing the same ailment. Perhaps we had a "twin" sister bond, and my pain was her pain. We traded texts regarding our agony, home remedies, and of course plenty of whining.
Today brought a return to work, along with the ability to shave (more aptly described as weed whacking) my legs once again, which had been ignored for a week because bending over was out of the question. My back is much better but my cold is still hanging on. In fact, the cough has intensified, including the old "wet your pants when you hack" syndrome. The highlight for today was performing sexual harassment avoidance training in a packed room when you aren't sure if the room was uncomfortable due to the topic or because the participants could smell the perfume of urine and cough drops exuding from my being. The end of the day couldn't come fast enough!!
Here's to another workweek ending tomorrow and my aches and pains disappearing very soon!!!
Monday, November 18, 2013
Friday, November 15, 2013
When Christmas is a Mixed Blessing
It's apparent with all the commercials, store décor, and tales of Black Friday that Christmas is coming. Instead of feeling uplifted, wandering through the aisles upon aisles of holiday décor make me feel.....depressed. Christmas brings to mind thoughts of childhood and memories that we are unable to repeat. That spirited, believe-in-anything frame of mind inherent to children is now gone, replaced by a jaded sense of commercialism and bittersweet thoughts of family who are no longer with us either by death or by choice. Both my mother and grandmother passed away in December 1996 and the upcoming month can't help but remind me of wonderful memories but also the absence in my life of these beloved matriarchs. My children are now grown, maturing beyond the magical wonder of the holiday, happy simply with a wad of cash as opposed to stuffed animals, action figures, and sugar cookies.
How does one recapture the magic of Christmas? Perhaps by simply reflecting upon memories of the past, shuffling through the photo albums, praying and breathing can you enhance the holiday season. Instead of making the day bigger and better, you can make it smaller and cozier, intimate enough that it becomes special once again. Give to those in need when it's least expected rather than giving by obligation only. Express appreciation. Say thank you. Smile. And revel in the blessings God has bestowed upon you in the last year. Replacing the Christmas blues with a thankful heart may just be the ticket to recapturing the holiday magic.
How does one recapture the magic of Christmas? Perhaps by simply reflecting upon memories of the past, shuffling through the photo albums, praying and breathing can you enhance the holiday season. Instead of making the day bigger and better, you can make it smaller and cozier, intimate enough that it becomes special once again. Give to those in need when it's least expected rather than giving by obligation only. Express appreciation. Say thank you. Smile. And revel in the blessings God has bestowed upon you in the last year. Replacing the Christmas blues with a thankful heart may just be the ticket to recapturing the holiday magic.
Thursday, November 14, 2013
Tuesday, November 12, 2013
A Weekend of Indulgence, Forgiveness, and Funky
Michael and I spent another wonderful weekend together, this time enjoying the free night's stay and dinner at Quinault Beach Resort. We arrived early and luck was on our side when we were able to check in at 11am rather than 3pm. The room was similar to the suite we previously had, just smaller. It also included a beach view and fireplace so we had no complaints. We gambled, took a soothing nap, gambled some more, then made our way to Emily's for dinner. The certificate was worth $100 so we planned to put the feed bags on. Appetizer of crab cakes, dinner of steak, then dessert to go (along with good size portions of our dinner - we were stuffed after the crab cakes, soup and salad!)
Sunday morning Michael indulged me by getting up with me at 4am so we could sneak downstairs to gamble while the casino was relatively empty. And indeed it was empty....only a few gamblers along with a crew removing the cash banks from each slot machines. The machines seem to pay better when only few are used....I ended up scoring a tidy sum before making our way back to our room. My poor Michael was so tired; he ended up going back to sleep while I read the paper and watched Moonstruck on HBO.
On a side note, my man does so much for me, asking nothing in return; unfortunately, there are times when I don't return the favor, instead focusing solely on what I want. That happened a few times this past weekend and for that I apologize. When two people are so close you sometimes take each other for granted or hurt your partner without even realizing it. I'm glad Michael has been blessed with a wonderful ability to not only communicate but forgive his woman when she hurts his feelings.
Arriving home, we hit the hay for a long nap. It had already been a very long day but by the time The Walking Dead came on at 6pm, I was up and ready to watch.
Monday was a vacation day for me; after bidding goodbye to my Michael, my first stop was the hairdresser. My hair was getting shaggy and straggly and needed some shaping up. One of the hairstyles, which I actually sported in the late '80s, was an asymmetrical cut. Browsing Pinterest, there were many cute examples; the rebel in me came out and I decided "why not?"
After finishing my cut, at first I had hairstyle remorse...what had I done? Is this cute, chic, and in? Or was this a big mistake that may lead to the ultimate pixie on my head to fix the damage. After making a pitstop at Sally's Beauty Supply, I arrived home and streaked my hair with a high dose of blonde. Hey, if I'm going to go funky, I'm going to go all the way! Washing, drying, and straight ironing my hair gave me a sigh of relief that all would be right in the world. It's unusual yet chic, blonde yet tasteful, and topped with a sense of humor. What's not to love??!!
Sunday morning Michael indulged me by getting up with me at 4am so we could sneak downstairs to gamble while the casino was relatively empty. And indeed it was empty....only a few gamblers along with a crew removing the cash banks from each slot machines. The machines seem to pay better when only few are used....I ended up scoring a tidy sum before making our way back to our room. My poor Michael was so tired; he ended up going back to sleep while I read the paper and watched Moonstruck on HBO.
On a side note, my man does so much for me, asking nothing in return; unfortunately, there are times when I don't return the favor, instead focusing solely on what I want. That happened a few times this past weekend and for that I apologize. When two people are so close you sometimes take each other for granted or hurt your partner without even realizing it. I'm glad Michael has been blessed with a wonderful ability to not only communicate but forgive his woman when she hurts his feelings.
Arriving home, we hit the hay for a long nap. It had already been a very long day but by the time The Walking Dead came on at 6pm, I was up and ready to watch.
Monday was a vacation day for me; after bidding goodbye to my Michael, my first stop was the hairdresser. My hair was getting shaggy and straggly and needed some shaping up. One of the hairstyles, which I actually sported in the late '80s, was an asymmetrical cut. Browsing Pinterest, there were many cute examples; the rebel in me came out and I decided "why not?"
After finishing my cut, at first I had hairstyle remorse...what had I done? Is this cute, chic, and in? Or was this a big mistake that may lead to the ultimate pixie on my head to fix the damage. After making a pitstop at Sally's Beauty Supply, I arrived home and streaked my hair with a high dose of blonde. Hey, if I'm going to go funky, I'm going to go all the way! Washing, drying, and straight ironing my hair gave me a sigh of relief that all would be right in the world. It's unusual yet chic, blonde yet tasteful, and topped with a sense of humor. What's not to love??!!
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| Inspiration |
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| Ta Da! Top looks really dark but that's from the camera, not me! |
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| Inspiration |
Friday, November 8, 2013
TGIF!!
Here's to a great weekend! Michael and I will be enjoying my free stay with dinner at Quinault on Saturday. I always pack too much but in the end it's fun to get away!!
Wednesday, November 6, 2013
Big Wednesday Yawn
This time change is killing me! Nothing like waking up at 4am the last few days. The early bird gets the worm and all that but it sure makes me tired at the end of the day! Also, the end of the work day arrives and I'm driving home in the dark.
One nice thing that has occurred is Sam has taken up cooking. Whether it's because he enjoys it or is simply trying to butter me up because he hasn't found a job, he's been making dinner the last few nights. Monday was Korean barbecue stir fry and last night was stuffed hamburgers. Son Jordan has returned to the roost so he has been pitching in with laundry.
Happy Hump Day everyone!!!
One nice thing that has occurred is Sam has taken up cooking. Whether it's because he enjoys it or is simply trying to butter me up because he hasn't found a job, he's been making dinner the last few nights. Monday was Korean barbecue stir fry and last night was stuffed hamburgers. Son Jordan has returned to the roost so he has been pitching in with laundry.
Happy Hump Day everyone!!!
Tuesday, November 5, 2013
Happy 50th Birthday Diva Lynn!!
Happy 50th Birthday today to Diva Lynn!!!! It's a celebratory day but it also means I'm one step closer to turning 50 myself in January!!!! Enjoy your day!!!
Before is Always So Sad!!
"Oh honey, you look great without makeup. I just don't understand why you wear it." So are the words I've heard from my man. In order to prove my point, as well as to justify my extensive cosmetic and hair product collection, I texted him these pictures yesterday morning. Don't tell me makeup doesn't make a difference (although a smile also works in everyone's favor!)
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| During |
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| Before |
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| After |
Monday, November 4, 2013
Counting Down to the Weekend!
Monday again....but at least waking up wasn't so painful due to the time change. This weekend was spent apart from my beau, who is trying to shake off an illness before we set out for our next adventure this coming Saturday. We will be using my free stay and dinner at Quinault Beach Resort so we need him in tip top shape to make that trip. However, I couldn't help myself so I surprised my Michael on Saturday to deliver him a sick basket filled with necessities such as 7-Up, crackers, warm pajama pants, and a DVD. It's no fun being sick and I was happy to hear he felt much better Sunday.
Yesterday after cleaning my room (which actually means hanging up a ton of clean clothes...ugh), my next trip was to Ross for some browsing along with Fred Meyers to pick up a few groceries. In addition, because my car had been sporting a big patch of white bird doo-doo on the driver side door, it took a spin through the car wash.
Beef Bourguignon was on the menu for dinner last night; however, after so much running around, my head hit the couch and I was out for an hour nap. There's nothing worse than waking up drooling and feeling groggy to take the gourmet chef out of someone. To that end, dinner would up being a packet of instant Uncle Ben's wild rice.
Time to hop in the shower and get ready to start my day. Here's to a great week everyone!!!
Yesterday after cleaning my room (which actually means hanging up a ton of clean clothes...ugh), my next trip was to Ross for some browsing along with Fred Meyers to pick up a few groceries. In addition, because my car had been sporting a big patch of white bird doo-doo on the driver side door, it took a spin through the car wash.
Beef Bourguignon was on the menu for dinner last night; however, after so much running around, my head hit the couch and I was out for an hour nap. There's nothing worse than waking up drooling and feeling groggy to take the gourmet chef out of someone. To that end, dinner would up being a packet of instant Uncle Ben's wild rice.
Time to hop in the shower and get ready to start my day. Here's to a great week everyone!!!
Sunday, November 3, 2013
Getting Serious About Sirius
Renewed my Sirius satellite radio about a month or so ago as I couldn't pass up the $25 for six months option. I used to listen to Cosmo Radio, especially when Dr. Jen Berman was on, answering all sorts of love, sex, and relationship questions. Unfortunately, Cosmo Radio was recently pulled so this has involved my scanning of other radio stations in order to find my listening groove.
There is one radio station that is titled Radio Sex; no, I didn't purposely seek this station, out, just stumbled upon it as it was close to Cosmo Radio. The shows on this station are beyond raunchy! Clicking on this station at 7am and hearing female hosts moaning while a male caller narrates some sexual fantasy gives me graphic visions I simply do not want to endure for the rest of my day.
Instead of Dr. Jen, on the Stars network there is now Dr. Laura. This woman is so filled with hate, judgment, and vitriol that it turns my stomach. Does this make me stop listening? No, because it is indeed entertaining. However, the way she answers questions just floors me. You are having a problem with your child in daycare? It's all your fault, you should be at home with your child, not working you -single mom! Not getting along with your live-in boyfriend? It's because you are an unpaid whore, you trampy slut. The other day before spouting off her right-wing beliefs, she tried to read a military story, frequently interrupting to state "oh, my tears are flowing....I need some tissue" and "I don't know if I'll be able to get through this heartbreaking story." Nice fake tears, Dr. Laura.
The newest station on my listen-to list is Martha Stewart. Lots of good home and gardening info. The other day she was describing how she lays out color-coordinated towels on all of her furniture in order to keep the animal hair off her couches and chairs. She then described all these animals she owns (which are apparently welcome in the house) along with 26 birds she keeps in the kitchen. Twenty-six birds!!! She espoused how she keeps a towel underneath the bird cage in order to catch the bird seed and droppings. Ugh! All of that in her kitchen!! Finally, despite her proclamations of perfections, she has a habit that is simply disgusting and not at all admirable.
The best stations are Heart & Soul as well as Soul Town, which are the two my Michael and I listen to when we are on our road trips. No narrated sex scenes, no name-calling, just simple love songs and R&B to make our drive enjoyable.
There is one radio station that is titled Radio Sex; no, I didn't purposely seek this station, out, just stumbled upon it as it was close to Cosmo Radio. The shows on this station are beyond raunchy! Clicking on this station at 7am and hearing female hosts moaning while a male caller narrates some sexual fantasy gives me graphic visions I simply do not want to endure for the rest of my day.
Instead of Dr. Jen, on the Stars network there is now Dr. Laura. This woman is so filled with hate, judgment, and vitriol that it turns my stomach. Does this make me stop listening? No, because it is indeed entertaining. However, the way she answers questions just floors me. You are having a problem with your child in daycare? It's all your fault, you should be at home with your child, not working you -single mom! Not getting along with your live-in boyfriend? It's because you are an unpaid whore, you trampy slut. The other day before spouting off her right-wing beliefs, she tried to read a military story, frequently interrupting to state "oh, my tears are flowing....I need some tissue" and "I don't know if I'll be able to get through this heartbreaking story." Nice fake tears, Dr. Laura.
The newest station on my listen-to list is Martha Stewart. Lots of good home and gardening info. The other day she was describing how she lays out color-coordinated towels on all of her furniture in order to keep the animal hair off her couches and chairs. She then described all these animals she owns (which are apparently welcome in the house) along with 26 birds she keeps in the kitchen. Twenty-six birds!!! She espoused how she keeps a towel underneath the bird cage in order to catch the bird seed and droppings. Ugh! All of that in her kitchen!! Finally, despite her proclamations of perfections, she has a habit that is simply disgusting and not at all admirable.
The best stations are Heart & Soul as well as Soul Town, which are the two my Michael and I listen to when we are on our road trips. No narrated sex scenes, no name-calling, just simple love songs and R&B to make our drive enjoyable.
Friday, November 1, 2013
Good Fairy and Goblins
Another Halloween has come and gone. There was a potluck at work to celebrate, so my dish was "finger cookies"....meaning actual fingers. Well, shortbread fingers colored a ghoulish purple, smudged with red frosting, and capped off with an almond fingernail. Not only were they apropos for the day but darn tasty as well!In the spirit of the day, I just couldn't resist putting my costume on to have some fun. This year, after piecing together a sequined dress, Goodwill gown, white gloves, and crown, my transformation into the Fairy Godmother was complete. The piece de resistance was a Cinderella wand picked up from Target, which lit up and made a lilting "bling" when the button was pushed. I was in my element driving my co-workers crazy with that noisy little wand!
Arriving home, the trick or treaters began arriving around 5:30. Michael kept me company as I passed out goodies to the kids. It's odd the new habits children now have.....some wanted to put their hands in the bowl themselves; some asked for the candy they liked, rather than receiving what was given; several kids as well as parents had extra bags for "the child at home"; and, after being given candy, some even stood there and looked at me as if to say "hey, that wasn't enough....give me more!" Although the weather was nice, there weren't as many trick or treaters as last year. Around 8:30 the crowd died down, we turned off the porch light, and went to bed.
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| Me and my wand! |
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