Thought Provoking

Happy New Year's Eve!

Black Coffee and Blood Work

Coffee without creamer....ugh!  Or should I say UGH!  But that is the requirement for today, well at least this morning.  I've been putting off getting my periodic blood tests done so now I've ended up on the last day of the year having to go in this morning to get them completed, especially so the bill can hit my 2012 deductible.  The lab opens at 7:30 so this task will be over and done with this morning just in time for me to have a little vanilla creamer in my coffee.

Life Lessons Learned With Mop in Hand

This weekend has been filled with cleaning, cleaning and more cleaning!  I started with laundry then the kitchen then moved on to the back pantry room.  I stripped it bare then rearranged it to be more organized.  I also cleaned out Stub's litter box area as it needed to be mopped.  Unfortunately, after dumping bleach on the floor I realized there were some serious pee pee ammonia spots.  As we all know (but I forgot) bleach and ammonia are not to be mixed!  Therefore, it was a good sign my mop broke just as I started scrubbing the floor, which led to my removal from the room before permanent brain damage could occur.   Running to the store after showering, I picked up a new mop along with some ornament storage boxes.  Michael and I spent a relaxing evening at home then this morning I was at it again, breaking in my new mop by finishing up the laundry, back room, and kitchen.  Michael left for home and, with the boys with their dad, I have the day to myself to pack up the Christmas decor.

As always, life is a lesson and one was taught to me this weekend.  I've always been so used to doing tasks on my own that I forget Michael is willing and able to help me.  In fact, he yearns to help me and be my partner with everything, including cleaning and organizing.  But since my old habits are hard to die, I often forgo asking him to help with household tasks.  I made up for that this morning; before he left for home he helped me move some items from the top kitchen shelves then we tackled together the bathroom light bulb that refused to budge.  And we were victorious as a team!!  Life IS easier when you have a willing partner to help carry the load.  Thank you babe!!!

Here's to having a clean and organized 2013!!

It's Friday!!!

Christmas After Glow

It's the day after Christmas and I'm still basking in the glow of such a wonderful holiday.  After waking, grabbing coffee, then urging the kids to awaken, we opened our gifts.  Tons of goodies brought smiles to our faces, including two new pairs of shoes and a purse for me!  Following the gifts, Michael, Jordan and I got ready for the movies while Sam played his new PS3 game.  Leaving Sam at home to bond with his game, we three hit the road for Gresham for Jordan and I to see Les Miserables while Michael checked in on his apartment and visited friends.

The movie was epic but filled us with tears.  Jordan and I sat close to the front among the throng of attendees, thankful it was so dark to hide our crying.  It was quite the cathartic 2 1/2 hours of emotion.

Following the movie, Michael picked us up and we returned home to make dinner.   Fried chicken, macaroni and cheese, butternut squash, green bean casserole, and homemade buttermilk biscuits - it was a feast! 

We hit the hay early last night and, at almost 10am, haven't pried ourselves out of bed yet.  While part of me wants to check out the 50% off deals at various stores, another part of me wants to kick back and enjoy the couch all day long.  We'll see which side wins!!

Introspective Christmas Eve

"If I say something or do something people (including my friends, family, children, and loved ones) don't like or do something people don't agree with, I won't be loved."

The above statement is the biggest lie I've believed for many years.  After serious soul-searching and contemplation, along with the help of a qualified therapist, I've come to learn that my life decisions should not be made based upon the approval of others.  Instead of saying what I believe others expect of me, I'm learning to verbalize my point of view and what matters to me.  Seeking approval from everyone as well as putting myself at the bottom of my priority list, after all these years, just hasn't worked for me.  It's made me unable to clearly state my expectations of life and allowed everyone else to have control over the choices I've made because I've given them the right to approve or disapprove.

The first few times I threw caution to the wind, stepped out and stated how I truly felt to a loved one, I was scared.  Beyond scared - fearful to the core that my honest truth would get me into trouble, I would be sternly judged, and all the love in my life would be lost.  This co-dependent behavior was so deeply rooted since my childhood and my adult life it steered my life course, turning my path so everyone's approval was what I sought. 

My kids became my first guinea pigs.  Would they still love me if I told them "No"?  Would they respect me?  Or would the world as I knew it come to a screeching halt? 

What occurred was at first a mystery to me.  When I said "No" and set down rules for which they must abide, it seemed they loved me even more.   How could this be?  None of the fantastical storyline in my head came true and in fact the opposite occurred.  My boys did what I expected and have learned to be more responsible.  My home has once again become my sanctuary.  Stating my honest opinion and not wavering on my expectations has resulted in far greater positive outcomes than I ever imagined. 

It also made me feel good.  Better than good, empowered and independent!   If my thoughts were so truly wrong about the reactions I expected from those whom I love the most - my children - then my new angle on communication could only bring a far more positive reaction inwardly than I ever expected.

Seeking approval from others and learning to communicate honestly without premeditation is a hard habit to break.  And, as with all new habits, takes dedication and perseverance to implement.  Sometimes I fall back into old patterns of communication then have to pick myself up, dust myself off, and start all over again.  I'm striving to sidestep those co-dependent potholes because in the end they cause more damage to my inner self than taking the healthy route.

Because I've behaved in a certain way for some many, many years, some people like me that way and expect me to continue in this self-destructive manner.  Is it selfish to vocalize my honest opinion?  To state what I do and do not like?  And who better to make a decision than me about what happens in my life?  Anyone can disapprove of my choices but it is my right to make decisions as I see fit.  While I always accept and appreciate well-thought advice, the bottom line is that the best decision to be made for me will be done by me.  Because the approval I've always sought I've now come to understand should be my inward approval, not the approval of others.  And for all those who love and respect me should do so regardless of the choices I make, the opinion I voice, or my honesty. 

Enough introspection for this wonderful Christmas Eve!  This 2012 has brought me wonderful blessings and I truly wish for continued blessings to occur for my family and many friends in the new years to come.

Merry Christmas Eve!!!

Aww, it's hard to believe it is only one more day until Christmas.  After sleeping in this morning, the vote was three against one (me) that we all open a Christmas Eve gift.  Sam ended up with a sweatshirt, Jordan a movie, Michael a goodie basket and me a cute pair of flats.  Here's to hoping we can hold out until Christmas morning to rip into the rest of our presents under the tree!!

TGIF!

Heaven Welcomes a Hearty Fisherman

Goodbye to my father Jerry Shepard, who passed away peacefully in his sleep yesterday evening.  I pray you are catching that big steelhead in heaven!

Shepard Family Christmas 2012

Saturday we spent with my large family, celebrating Christmas and enjoying everyone's company along with the great food.  The $10 gift game was fun, although I ended up returning home with a hand-held back massager.  Hard to believe another year has passed!

 

It's Friday Divas!!!

Awwww... Friday is here!  It's been a long week - Safety Potluck on Tuesday, doctor appointment on Wednesday, and Admin Potluck/Ornament Exchange on Thursday. Since we're gearing up for the annual Shepard Family Christmas party on Saturday, in that honor I took today off from work.  Unfortunately, I woke up at 3;30 am stuffy with a headache; although this early wake up call allowed me to watch the ending of Project Runway, I've already gone through 1 1/2 rolls of toilet paper blowing my nose.  Gave up and popped half a Benydryl, which no doubt will provide me with unintentional nap time.  I need to get some blood work done this morning but, in my stuffed up stupor, my coffee ended up having creamer which cancels out the blood draw.  Dang it - perhaps Monday will be a more fitting day to be poked and prodded.

Once my foreseen nap is over and nose is clear, my first stop will be for a mani/pedi, which hasn't occurred in forever!  No acrylic nails - too damaging - but a good cuticle push-back is in order.  Then a bit of Christmas shopping before returning home to pull goodies from the freezer so they can thaw for the family soiree tomorrow. 

Here's to a wonderful weekend Divas filled with much love and even a few surprises! 



 

 

I'm going to do this!!

We've Come a Long Way Baby

Brother Todd shared several ads from the Mad Men days, all of which make you go "hmmmm."  Here's a small sampling of them - enjoy in horror!!

We Need A Little Christmas Right This Very Minute!

Today I was feeling the holiday spirit so I pulled out all the stops to jingle in the merry at work.  The only thing missing was an ugly Christmas sweater!!!

Awwwww......

Not My Victory But His

When plans don't go the way I desire, I often fault myself.  What I should really be doing is thanking God that He has another plan in mind for my future.  And it will have an even bigger and better outcome than anything I could have foreseen on my own.

There was an opportunity I deeply desired that I found out yesterday would not be in the cards for me.  Although I was bummed, I decided to look on the bright side, knowing something just right for me would be coming my way. 

Despite my disappointment, I celebrated a personal win in my work yesterday.  Last week I had to represent the company during an unemployment appeal.  This is a normal occurrence in my life; however, this time I was up against the former employee and her attorney.  All by myself with my sole testimony, facts and figures to defend the company position. Over two hours of grueling testimony, pointed questions, and a healthy serving of disgruntled employee dishonesty thrown in to boot.   It almost felt like David versus Goliath. Yesterday the verdict arrived in the mail and.....I won.  Yep, I won!  It was a sweet victory for truth and justice (yes, please let me channel Wonder Woman on this one!)

In the end, when one door closes another opens.  I may have lost out on a new venture but I was rewarded for my work performance.  So it balances out.  And I will continue to trust that God has a plan for me that will put my plans to shame! 

Here's to a great rest of the week, Divas!!!

Channeling Martha Stewart

The holiday cheer is definitely in the house!  This weekend I spent baking the following Christmas goodies:

• Chocolate/Peanut Butter Pretzels
• Chocolate/Sprinkle Dipped Pretzels
• Red Velvet Whoopie Cookies (using the new Cool Whip frosting as filling)
• Chocolate/Peppermint Bark
• Cardamom Shortbread

All of these items were immediately enrobed in plastic wrap, tucked in a tub, and hidden in the garage freezer in wait for the Shepard Family Christmas this coming Saturday.  I learned my lesson last weekend when the shortbread bites disappeared along with a large majority of the cheese crackers.

Also this weekend, Sam began his senior community project by volunteering at the local Habitat for Humanity.  He spent six hours Saturday staining wood and other projects at the local store. 

Along with working, Jordan spent his weekend performing in Journey to Bethlehem, his fourth year in a row participating in this community event.  Michael and I went to see it last night; we enjoyed the experience but not the two-hour wait to begin the Bethlehem tour.  \As always, Jordan kept in character when we passed him on the show.

Now today is Monday.  I woke up at 4am, unable to return to sleep due to being stuffed up, blowing my nose continuously.  Fearing Michael's rest would be destroyed, I snuck downstairs, cleaned the kitchen, read my email, and am now working on my blog.  However, my nose is still running!!  Benydryl is calling but this may be a recipe for sleepiness on my commute to work so I will have to forgo relief. 

Love Can Be Hard But It's Worth It!

Relationships are a bundle of emotions - joy, exasperation, laughter, love, anger, impatience, and passion.  And sometimes those emotions are hard to work through to reach a conclusion.  But that happened this week when my Michael and I talked and came to the conclusion that being together gives us so much happiness that being apart simply didn't make sense.  And thus we are back together.

Now for the fallout.  Unfortunately, in my high tech world, spontaneity overcame me and I changed my status on Facebook to Single.  Oh Facebook - a site similar to the corner grocery store from days past where each local who passed by shared and passed on to each other tiny to large pieces of trivia, gossip, and news.  Within minutes from my status change my wall began chiming along with my phone with texts asking how I was, what happened, etc.  Some judged, some expressed sweet sentiments, and some seemed to revel in my situation.  The best message I received was from my sister Eilene, who simply stated "I want you to be happy."   And isn't that what we should want for each other? 

Updating my FB status back to "In a Relationship", I chuckle at myself as I've become one of those posters who frequently update their status.  Married to Single to It's Complicated to Single to In a Relationship.  Oy vey!!  And I've learned a valuable lesson that perhaps my co-workers, my friends from grade school, and my high school classmates, the majority of whom I rarely if ever see, shouldn't be privy to such private information.  And given the chance to judge, comment, approve or disagree when, in matters of the heart, it is only my opinion which counts. 

So in this holiday season filled with hustle and bustle, let's remember the root cause for so much activity - love.  Give it, receive it, and spread it unconditionally among your family and friends.  Because when you find it, it's the greatest gift you could ever share with another person.

TGIF!!!

Homemade and Cheap - My Kind of Bargain!

Niece Maressa posted this homemade dishwasher detergent on Facebook, which she found from Simply Fine Print.  It's quite the bargain and I'm going to try it when my Cascade runs out!!

Homemade Dishwasher Detergent

Ingredients - all available in laundry detergent section of Walmart.
3 cups Borax (under $4)
3 cups washing soda -NOT baking soda. (under $4
1 1/2 cups salt
1 1/2 cup Lemi-Shine (or entire 12 oz bottle)

Mix all together.  Keep in a tub and use 2 Tbs per load.

A Wednesday Filled with Crackers, Cookies, and Cows!

Ouch!!

There's nothing like lunch with your son that makes you forget how your lips are so very chapped! 

For the last few days, my lips have increasingly grown drier, flakier, and downright painful!  Tuesday afternoon my bottom lip erupted into a cold sore, which is not only painful but the opposite of divaness. In addition, my lips had swollen so much I felt I was channeling an OC Real Housewife!

To treat my sore lips, I swung by Walgreens on the way home from work and picked up Carmex along with lip ointment which guaranteed to heal my chanker in half the time.  After swathing my lips with both all Tuesday night, there was some relief when I woke up Wednesday morning.  However, in addition to my infected lips, my neck bore a bathroom battle wound - a self-inflicted burn incurred by my large curling iron that was self-inflicted.  So not only did I have oozing lips but a burn that resembled a hickey.  Paleez!!! I felt truly like the definition of the local high school ho - diseased lip and hickied neck.  I might as well as topped it off with mononucleosis!  Thankfully, I had taken Wednesday off so my day could be spent incognito wrapped in a scarf and swaddled with Campho Phenique, which I am sure clashed with my Juicy Couture perfume!

After taking care of some business in the morning, Jordan then joined me as we stopped for his appointment then we made our way to one of our favorite lunch spots - Country Folks Deli.  My meal consisted of broccoli soup and a half veggie sandwich; Jordan inhaled a Cordon Bleau sandwich along with a Peanut Butter/Chocolate shake. 

It was so nice to sit and discuss work, friends, and life in general with my oldest son.  I'm so proud of him for overcoming many obstacles in order to mature and now hold a job.  It's cool to see him becoming so responsible.  It's also enjoyable to trade war stories from each of our jobs.  That Cow Deli lunch was quite the bonding moment with my oldest son and for that I'm truly blessed.

Following lunch we browsed a few shops in downtown Longview before hitting Target pharmacy, Safeway gas, then home.  Jordan took a nap while my next adventure was baking!  My recent shortbread bites were such a big hit I decided to make a double batch to share at the family Christmas party.  Tweaking the design a bit, I added bright pink to one batch and bright green to another, then put them together to result in exceedingly colorful shortbread bites.  Not only yummy but visually entertaining!

Crackers and Cookies

Along with the shortbread, I dug out a recipe from one of my Taste of Home cookbooks - Crispy Cheddar Crackers.  Doubling that batch resulted in a HUGE recipe; my rolling pin has never seen such action.  At that point I was truly grateful one of my recent purchases included an $8 trio of baking sheets!

All of my baking goods received big thumbs up from the resident food critics, Sam and Jordan.  So much so that the shortbread bites may not make it to the family party and I'll be forced to make another double, or even triple, batch.  

It's back to work today.  Lips still on the mend and my faux hickey has faded significantly so perhaps I can leave my scarf at home.  Enjoy your day, Divas, and may you not be mistaken for the town tramp!!!

Love Actually.....Love It!

Clip from one of my favorite movies!!!



 

Lovin Me Some Charlie Brown

Shopping and Shortbread Eases the Blues

Sometimes in life, no matter the connection, no matter the fit of personality or spark of love, events occur that simply make what once seemed so absolutely right unfortunately wrong.  And for this reason Michael and I are no longer together.  We both continue to be fabulous, intelligent, and humorous people but, perhaps due to the stars, destiny, or simply, in Hollywood terms, irreconcilable differences, we broke off our relationship today. 

Instead of moping at home, watching holiday movies sure to invoke a sob fest, I cleaned myself up and took to the streets.  To be exact, the streets of the mall, zoning out with my favorite scavenger hunt activity...browsing for clearance treasure.  Pier One took up almost an hour of my time; I hadn't been in there for months.  Packed to the rafters with Christmas displays, it ate up a big chunk of my retail therapy quest.  It was then on to the soon-to-be-closed Sears store (only 20% off...no thanks) then onward to JC Penny, Payless, and Pac Sun, which was also going out of business.  Nothing caught my eye.

Departing the mall, my final stop was Fred Meyer, which seemed to be quite the Sunday shopping meca.  A good majority of my time was giving advice to a former co-worker who crossed my path and who had recently been laid off.  Between unemployment, Cobra, and on-line job sites, this soaked up a good 30 minutes, which helped keep my mind off affairs of my heart.

After arriving home, putting away the groceries, and grabbing a bite to eat, my next task was to clean my room.  Can you see how very desperate I was to keep my mind occupied?  Hung apparel, put away tees, then made the bed, all while watching Cupcake Wars on Food Network. 

Shortbread Bites

Subliminally the food channel spurred me to make Shortbread Bites from Delish.com.  I was even inspired to use the convection oven setting (for the first time!) to cook these little buggers.  While they baked, I painted my toenails a lovely dark green with sparkly green topcoat in honor of the holiday season. These will go nicely against my hands, which were painted last night red on eight nails with accents of the sparkly green on each ring finger.  Anything to bring a little merry into my life.

And thus here I arrive, writing my blog.  I'm determined to set aside some me time in the coming weeks, not only to enjoy the holiday but to ponder what may lay ahead for me in the next chapter of my life.

A Little Christmas for Friday!!!

TGIF!!!

You Had Me at Monday

Blazers to Black Friday to Big Snowman

This weekend has been a wild ride but as always fun! 

Thanksgiving involved a yummy dinner eaten after Jordan got off work.  Friday morning equaled sleeping in - no Black Friday for us.  Michael and I later pried ourselves out of bed, cleaned up, then made our way to Portland.  First stop was the Adidas Employee Store with the 50% off coupon - picked up a few things for Christmas along with some new sneaks.

We then made our way to the Rose Garden for the Blazer's game against Minneapolis.  Big lines, rowdy crowds, and was it me or were the seats smaller than I remember?  This may have been due to my free tickets being far up in the nosebleed section.  No complaints, mind you, as in the end it was still free.  We were also able to have some breathing room as two seats next to us were empty so we weren't squished next to drunken fans.  As always the odd ones kept us laughing.  Across the aisle was a middle-aged man, bald on top but long hair in the back.  He had a striped sweatband across his head and wore a sweat jacket in which he carefully had written "Rip City" across the back - with duct tape.  Nothing was stopping him from showing his team spirit, including his ability to bellow "deFense" (note the accent) at odd times during the game.  In the end the Blazers came from behind to beat the Timberwolves; we were thankful to have left at the fourth quarter, easily avoiding the crowd and hitting the freeway for home.

Saturday meant grocery shopping at Walmart.  Along with eggs and dishwasher soap, we browsed a few of the left-over Black Friday sales.  We loaded up the cart then made a pit stop at the price checker to determine what prices would be charged for our holiday goods.  Several prices had increased so we dropped those off at the nearest aisle. Michael then grabbed the dressing room clerk to determine what the exact price was of sweatshirts on sale.  The box said $4, the balloon said $6, but the price rang up at $7.96.  Receiving clarification from the nearest "ZSM" (Zone Service Manager for those of you not in the know with Wally's lingo) we were able to score the items at $4.

This is why Michael and I get along so well....we aren't afraid to get silly in stores as well as in front of the camera!!

Finished with Walmart, we then hit Big Lots looking for, of all things, whole nutmeg.  I like to use this for baked goods but most especially for fettuccine alfredo.  No nutmeg at Walmart, we wandered around Big Lots in search of this spice, which I ended up finding (ground not whole) for $1. 

Arriving home, we put away the groceries then watched some of Michael's favorite movies - "Krush Groove" with Run DMC and Sheila E and "Gridlocked" with Tupac Shakur.   Both entertaining and it was fun to see the rap fashion from the 80's and 90's.

Today was dedicated to Christmas!  I wrangled Sam into climbing up into the attic to grab the Christmas decorations, the tree, and my Mr. Big Snowman.   Michael and I tag-teamed on the tree to get it not only set up but achieve all lights glowing.  After he departed for home, I then cleaned off the front porch then added some Christmas cheer.  Jordan kindly volunteeered to place ornaments on the tree while I added a snowman here and a Santa there until we ended up being 90% set for the holiday.  Adding outside lights will be the finale to our holiday efforts but that will have to wait until next weekend!

Mr. Big Snowman

TGIF!!!

Happy Thanksgiving!!!!

Here's to no burned turkey on your Thanksgiving!!!  Enjoy and many blessings!!!

 

 

No Kidding!!

Time to Buy a Lotto Ticket!!!

Today was my lucky day!!  After work Michael, Sam and I were on our way to the grocery store when we passed by the Hostess store.  On Saturday when we stopped, there wasn't a Twinkie or a Suzy Q in sight.  However, a shipment must have arrived because the store, although far from full, was packed with Twinkies, Zingers, and Donettes!  No Suzy Q's in sight but plenty of Hostess supply for the freezer!!

Grocery shopping done, we came home, ate dinner, then I hopped onto Facebook to see what excitement there was in the world.  Last week Dick Hannah was having a contest for Blazer tickets - tell a joke and you could win.  Of course I couldn't resist so I used my standard "How do you make a Kleenex dance? You put a little boogie in it!".  And guess what....I won!!  Tickets for the Blazer game this Friday.  Yee Haw!!!  

As the cherry on top of this, yesterday at work we received coupons worth 50% off all items in the Adidas Employee Store in Portland.  Michael and I will be making a pit stop to check this out before we hit the game on Friday. 

It may have been Monday, but it was a very lucky day!!! 

Just Call Me Red

As always, it was an activity-filled weekend.  The theme for this weekend was "Diva Makes a Budget!"

Friday involved revising a few payroll deductions (i.e., tax, 401(k), etc.).  Then I moved on to cutting back on the cable channels.  Right now I'm usually the only one who watches the majority of TV.  In the spirit of saving money, I significantly reduced our cable channels but kept the Internet, which results in $75 monthly savings.  In addition, my beloved Bravo, Style, and Lifetime shows will still be available On Demand for free, along with a ton of movies, so nothing will really change in my viewing habits.

Next up - the car.  Although I truly love my Chrysler 300, it was time to dig in and get a more fuel efficient rig.  Michael surprised me by showing up Friday night so Saturday morning we hopped in rig and cruised into the Vancouver Auto Mall for a look-see.  The first rule of our investigatory efforts - Michael does all the talking.  He knew what I had in mind along with trade in and financing requirements, and he also plays the car dealer game with steel.  I simply sat back and watched the show. 

First stop was Mazda - nice but not me.  We then moved over to Dick Hannah Kia.  My original choice was the Soul (yes, funky looking but that's my style); however, the Forte offered much better MPG.  There was a Forte EX on the showroom floor - red, spoiler, tinted windows, and 36 MPG on the highway.  The salesman Mike gave us the scoop on the Forte.  Michael then did a little back and forth with Mike but in the end, we were unable to make a deal so we left the Auto Mall and headed to Kia in Gresham. 

After a lovely lunch at Heidi's of Gresham, we stopped off at Weston Kia to explore their inventory.  Michael had already browsed their dealership on Friday so I was already aware of what they had based upon his reconnaissance efforts.  Denny met us at the door and was eager to meet my needs.  He could get me any car in any color - he could even get me the red car from Dick Hannah at an even better price.  He was about a 6 on the Slick Willy scale and I didn't have a real good vibe from him.  I ended up test driving a black Kia Forte, without all the bells and whistles.  It was nice but not as nice as the red one in Vancouver.

It became apparent Denny could not obtain any color in the Forte nor could he obtain the red one I so desired.  He also wanted to charge me the same price for the black model as we saw for the red one with more features.  After plenty of bantering, back and forth, and game playing, it was finally too much and we called it a night.  It appeared slick Denny was not being honest or forthright about what he was able to offer; another salesman jumped in, trying to salvage a sale but it was not to happen.  We made our way back to the Chrysler, disappointed with Denny's dishonesty, and hit the road to home. 

Sunday morning we awoke refreshed and renewed.  I pulled out the laptop and we began crunching numbers to determine how we could achieve my goal - getting top dollar for my trade in and low dollar for a new vehicle.  We made a plan, checked it twice, then Michael called our Dick Hannah salesman.  He outlined a new deal, in which they had to meet our original trade-in amount from Saturday.  Mike the salesman got off the phone to receive verification from his boss and the trade-in amount was approved.

We then hopped in the 300 and made our way back to the Auto Mall, where they had the red Forte all ready to go.  Following the test drive, we went back and forth on the final details before finalizing the transaction in under two hours.  The red 2013 Kia Forte, with spoiler and tinted windows, was mine!  With Michael's negotiation, I received an excellent trade in and a super reduction on the new vehicle price.  There's no leather, but this new vehicle will give me significant cost savings in gas ($200+ per month) and my monthly payment is staying virtually the same.  In addition, I'll be saving an additional $10 per month for my car insurance!

Thanks to my Michael for his excellent negotiation skills, inability to put up with salesmen B.S., and for keeping my best interests at heart.  I love you babe....let's go for a ride!!!

TGIF and Farewell My Sweet

The news this morning is that Hostess Brands Inc., the maker of iconic treats such as Twinkies and traditional pantry staple Wonder Bread, is shuttering its plants and liquidating its 82-year-old business.

Forget the Twinkies.  Forget the Ho-Ho's and Ding Dongs.  What will really be missed is my most favorite, nutritionally empty treat - the Suzy Q!! 

Such a sad day. 

Going French for a Day!

Monday night before bed I was brushing my hair and decided to put it into a french braid, which I haven't done in quite some time (mainly because it's been too short.)  It looked really cute!  I decided to wear it that way to work on Tuesday.   Getting ready in the morning, I braided it once again then hairsprayed the living *&%$ out of it to keep it together.  Normally always wearing bangs, it was weird for me to have my hair completely off my face.  I finished getting dressed then had to rebraid my hair because some had fallen out during my morning fashion show.  At that point I wasn't thinking it was so cute anymore but it was too late - with so much hairspray and product, there was no going back.  Pinning a flower in my hair, I called it good.

Despite my misgivings, everyone at work thought it was a cute style.  In addition, they were very impressed that I could actually french braid my own hair!  French braid was good for a day but this morning I'm so looking forward to washing my gunk filled hair!

Back view...look a that little tail!

Oooh, looking like cranky Diva here!
See my new purple sequined lanyard from Michaels??

For a Chuckle

Gettin Smelly!

My car air freshener

Michael's (the store) was my destination last night, stopping by to pick up some beads and fragrance oil in order to make one of the car air fresheners I saw at one of the bazaars over the weekend.  The store was packed with holiday crafts and home decor; what was supposed to be a quick trip turned into over an hour as I browsed, wandered, and shopped.  Along with the beads and oil, I also returned home with some very fine colored glitter to creatively use on my nails, two parachute cord bracelets for the boys for Christmas (the bracelet unwraps to 10 feet of cord for emergency situations), and a tiny snowman ornament with "Michael" (the man) scripted across the front.  Once home, I whipped together the air freshener, inserted pieces of sponge, then dripped vanilla fragrance oil onto to the bead openings.  It smells divine and the rhinestone accents should sparkle plenty in my 300. 





Tis the Season!

Saturday found Michael and I browsing through a few Christmas Bazaars.  First off was the Red Lion bazaar, which I remember being large and filled to the brim with a variety of gifts and decor.  My friend Jan had a booth there so I was anxious to view her wares.



Jan and her friend Connie
offering their wares

The bazaar, which wasn't as large as what they've had in the past, was filled with knitted hats, jewelry, hair clips, quilts, and Christmas wreaths.  Jan was selling handmade jewelry, which keeps her busy in her retired life.  Newer items for sale included duct tape headbands and rolled older book page wreath.  A few $2 holiday ornaments along with an Avon catalog was my score from this bazaar.

We then ventured over to the Longview Christian School, which was holding a Christmas Store bazaar.  There was live music, hot cider and coffee, and happy atmosphere.  We ran across friend Amanda, who was selling recycled goods - bowls made from vinyl records, earring holders made from chicken wire and frames, and blackboards using older cabinets as the base.  One booth held a multitude of hanging, beaded chains; inside one of the wired baubles included a piece of sponge used as a receptacle for scented oil.  Thus, a car freshener was born!  These were way over-priced but provided me with inspiration to make my own, which I may just do on this soggy Sunday.

After lunch at our hometown favorite, the Cow Deli, we made a final bazaar stop at the Cowlitz Expo Center.  More wreaths, more jewelery, and some commercial booths but nothing to write home about.

These Christmas bazaars made me long for the Portland Expo World's Largest Christmas Bazaar, which begins the day after Thanksgiving.  Tons of booths, chocolate samples, and rum cake make for a much more memorable event than what Kelso/Longview offered yesterday.

Giving Thanks to a Very Wise Man

Regardless of the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday, I must simply state that I am very thankful to have such a wise boyfriend.  Tonight one Sam's friends (we'll call him Larry) and his mother stopped by to discuss a situation regarding Larry.  What originally started as a conversation ended up being a therapy session with Larry and his mother, as guided by my Michael.  He made Larry think; he enforced the mother's rules; and he made my sons feel valued all at the same time.  He has a way of outlining situations, breaking them down into easily understood parts, then reiterating points home so everyone has a greater understanding of the choices available to them.  All this he does in a calm, cool, collected tone.  He has a way of explaining events that make you want to listen further.  The bottom line is, he impresses me.

When Larry and his mother left, I know their experience with Michael opened doors for them to better be able to communicate.  And it made me love him that much more.  Thank you, Michael, for being such an insightful and wise person - you are so very much appreciated.

Give Me Da Bunny George!

Much in the same way as you all have experienced, I often overhear random people talking on their bluetooth while at a store.  You could also refer to this as eavesdropping but it isn't intentional although the conversations overheard can be mighty entertaining.  Unfortunately, I've become one of those people.

For a very long time I would use my cell phone via the standard mode - held up to my ear with my hand.  Which isn't practical or even legal during my commute.  For my safety, Michael encouraged me to get a bluetooth, which has been a lifesaver (probably in a literal way.)  Conversations on the road are much more enjoyable and the possibility of a ticket is out of the way. 

However, with bluetooth in place, I frequently stop by stores, usually the Chehalis Walmart, before continuing on home.  In most cases I'm conversing with Michael.  Such was the case yesterday.  We were deep in discussion so I left my bluetooth in as I wandered the Walmart aisles, picking up necessities.  And I became "one of them."

As always, Michael and I were talking about everything under the sun and laughing together.  I forgot my bluetooth was in but perhaps I should have taken all the stares in my direction as a sign that I was being a tad bit too loud.  Which is par for the course - talking loud.  It wasn't until I began my imitation of Lenny from Mice and Men, whom Michael incorrectly (in my opinion) refers to as Elmer Fudd, that the stares began to grow.

As I browsed through the chicken sausage section, I uttered "I wub the bunny George, I wanna pet da bunny.  Oh give me the bunny George."  I realized my voice may have been just a tad too loud when Michael said "honey, don't forget you are in a store full of people."  Uh, right, but to be honest, I didn't care.   Stares and odd smiles from the Walmart regulars were frankly entertaining!  I threw in a few more "I wanna pet da bunny George" before we changed the subject.

Here's to all of us having a little Lenny aka Elmer Fudd in us! 

TGIF....and Happy Birthday!!

Happy birthday today to my brother and sister Jay and Julie.  And a belated happy birthday to my BF Lynn, who celebrated her birthday on Monday!  Have a wonderful weekend all!!

Congrats Jordan!

Yesterday my allergies overcame me so I took a day off from work in order to battle dripping nose, red eyes, and sneezing.  However, my day off turned in to a blessing for son Jordan.  He got a job!

Yep, on Monday he informed me he had filled out 11 applications and was determined to obtain a position in the working world.  Winco called on Tuesday and set his interview for Wednesday.  One of his buds dropped him off for the interview; he then called an hour later, needing a ride to the drug screening facility, which I knew meant a job was at hand!  Thankfully, due to my allergy attack, I was at home to be able to give him a ride.

Grabbing my Kleenex,  I picked him up, drove to the lab, and waited outside while he did the pee test.  Inside, he had a conversation with a Brazilian transfer student; her stateside mom encouraged them to exchange email and numbers because she needed friends.  It was Jordan's lucky day - not only did he get a job but a Brazilian girl's number as well! 

The young man was on cloud nine!  It was so exciting to see him so stoked over getting this job on his own.  Kudos to you Jordan and I'm hoping for your great success!!