Weirdness in My Life

There have been a few weird occurances in my life lately. First off, I stopped at the bank window last Friday to get some cash. The teller was friendly and chatted a bit. She gave me my envelope of money and I drove over to Macys.   I grabbed the envelope to put the cash in my wallet and it felt heavy. Opening it up, there with my cash was someone's debit card. Ashley...hmm same name as the teller.

I promptly returned to the bank and handed back her card. How very strange. Made me wonder why she had her card out while working unless she was Internet shopping. She said thanks and I was on my way.

Tonight there was a much more major occurrence.   Got home from work, changed then made my way to the garage. I've been needing to replace the bulb in the garage but haven't so I grabbed my flashlight. I opened the door and flashed the light around. Next to the door on a shelf is an open bag of bird seed. I heard some noise and it was some seed falling out of the bag. I slowly shined the light into the bag. Swear to God I saw a tail.  Mouse!!!

I quickly slammed the door and ran inside. Started hyperventilating, crying, and a wave of anxiety set in. I do not like mice. I abhor mice.

Immediately texted son Sam for help; thankfully he said he'd be right over. I then texted farm girl sis Julie, bestie Lynn, and Steve for advice.   Julie said suck it up and buy a cat along with mouse traps laced with peanut butter, Lynn echoed Julie's advice, and Steve offered to come help.

At this point I'm shaking. Sam and his buddy Jimmy showed up and ventured to the garage while I cowered in the family room. Sam hit the bag a few times, rolled it up, double bagged it, and took it to the trash. He said there was no mouse in. But of course that's what the mouse wants me to think, to give me a false sense of security.

Talked to both Lynn and Steve to get me off the ledge. For some reason they both felt compelled to tell me their personal stories with mice. I think their point was to show they were still alive and well and I have nothing to fear. At least, I hope that was the reason other than to impart visions in my head from which nightmares evolve.  I did put two towels under the garage door to the house to ensure that furry rodent devil would not have access to enter.

Sam volunteered to set up traps tomorrow in the garage.  What a good son. I have now regained my composure and all is right in the world. Well, at least enough so I was able to make dinner and hide out in the living room!

A final message to the rodent in my garage (because I know you are still there):

I don't know what you are. I don't know what you want. If you are looking for a warm place to sleep, I can tell you I don't have one for you.  But what I do have is a very particular set of anxiety that I have acquired over a long period of time. Anxiety that makes me a nightmare for mice like you.  If you leave my garage now, that will be the end of it.  I will not look for you. I will not pursue you.  But if you don't, I will look for you.  I will find you.  And I will kill you. Or I will have a psychotic break in the process.

Giving Love Another Chance

Perhaps I'm fickle, perhaps I'm an eternal optomist, or perhaps I'm a die-hard romantic, but for whatever reason I'm taking the plunge to give love another try.

Steve contacted me on Friday and wanted to meet to talk about our relationship. To be honest I've missed him. I prayed about our relationship, for wisdom, guidance and strength. Then boom he text me to talk.

I sat down Saturday morning and made a list of the good, the bad, and what I need from a relationship. He came up bright and early Saturday and we talked, and cried, and talked, and laughed, and went over the list in detail, examining each item. He is willing to give 1000% to make our relationship work.  I searched my heart and decided to give love another chance.

So here's to starting this Monday with hope and a positive attitude.  And taking it all one day at a time. ❤

A Day With Laughter Is A Great Day Indeed

Nothing puts me in a better mood than being with my two sons. They are each very humorous in their own right but together they put me in stitches.  Such was the case today while we celebrated Thanksgiving at Jordan and Candy's house. Great food and tons of laughter made for a special day.

A Little Holiday Amusement

There's a Nap in my Future!

I went to bed at midnight and this morning I woke at 4am!  And I'm not even hosting Thanksgiving!!

Last night I was of course crafting.  I dug out the CD player and listened to and sang along with, very loudly, Rogers and Hammerstein's Cinderella - twice!  This morning I'm repeating that same process with Michael Buble as I clean.   Good times.

Here's to everyone having a wonderful Thanksgiving today.  I have much to be grateful for this year, least not that I'm having dinner at Jordan and Candy's place which means there are no dirty dishes in my future!

Stephen King's Christmas

Saw this display in Target. No thank you!!  Nutcrackers are right up there with clowns as one of the most disturbing items. Who would think these were cute?  Not I!

Stencils and Sparkles

Tuesday night around 10:30 I got the sudden urge to paint an old table that was hanging around the house. It was just a small junky table but I figured I could give some life to it again. I painted it chalk black and left it to dry overnight.

After work I stopped off at the Chehalis Michaels to check out their stencils. Found an appropriate one and made my way to the register. The cashier asked what I was making. After I told her she said they all notice the neat materials I purchase so they all assume the items I'm making are pretty cute. So now I'm not only a regular at the craft store but a topic  of conversation!!

After Michaels I stopped at Walmart for a few items then made my way to Target. Target has the the neatest items when you first enter the store. They are usually holiday themed decor of great quality, all between $1 to $5.  I picked up a gray flannel wine holder which I cut down to fit over a vase at home along with a sparkle saying.  Added some 50% off rose gold twigs and it made a festive display.

Did anyone else notice the wind last night?  It was horrible!  I'm a little afraid to assess the damage this morning!!

You Got A Friend

An oldie but a goodie

Thanksgiving is here again. I have a ton to be thankful for this year; however, one of the biggest blessings I have had was to be able to reconnect with my best friend since age 14.

There's been a lot of history between us. Good times, bad times, party times, sad times, rough patches and finding our way back to friendship.  This year she became my rock, my therapist, my sounding board, and my mirror, letting me know the good, the bad, and the ugly as only someone who has known you for almost 40 years can.

Thank you to my bestie Lynn for helping dust myself off when life threw me in a tizzy.  It's an especially great Thanksgiving having you back in my life.

Ta Da!

Here's the work tree!  Drug all the fixings in today and let the sales team put it all together. Turned out pretty nifty!  Hope the voting guests agree!

Attempt #1

Here's my first attempt at something with the plant stand. Whipped up a burlap pillow to go on the short one. Was thinking footstool but not sure that was a success so we shall call it dog bed!! 😊

New Project In the Wings

Picked up these heavy metal basket holders from the dumpster area at work. Hey, free for the taking and this gal can't resist a potential craft project.

So what do think?  Ideas?  I need to mull them over and meditate before plunging ahead!

Patience Is A Virtue - Just Not Mine!

Took two Midol and slept like a log last night. Woke about 8am, got my coffee then off to church. Hit Goodwill after where I found a $1.99 Santa dog coat to use on another tree ornament below.  Can't wait to decorate it tomottow!

Tonight I made taco soup for dinner, a big batch which should last for several days. I also made a "cheaters" pie, using homemade graham cracker crust, sweetened cream cheese base, 4 sugar free pudding cups, and topped with sugar free cool whip. A cinch to put together. It's currently chilling in the fridge waiting for me to take a big bite later.

I've been working on a mask on driftwood. No matter what I did there was a certain scary quality about it. Ended up forgetting the mask and added some Christmas floral. Much better!

Also finished my kids desk. Painted the metal base chalk black and the rest chalk pink. Was a little overwhelming so painted the seat chalk brown then stenciled the top and back of seat. Much better.

Finally told Steve I was tired of the back and forth. Took a hard look at the relationship and came to the conclusion I wasn't getting what I want, what I need, or what I deserved.  The chapter is now closed on that book.

Holidays can be hard. All the nostalgia combined with a feeling of loneliness. Someone is out there for me - I just need to be patient on God to bring me that special someone.  Patience is definitely an area in which I need to work and God is telling me that in a big way. I will wait because I know He will bring me more than I could ever find with my own doing.

Let's make it a great week!!

Funkadelic Mood

Not sure if it was how busy and taxing my week was, the recent travel, the stress, or an ex-boyfriend who is trying my patience, but boy have I been in a funk. I think I need to pull out a tearjerker movie just so I can get it all out of my system.

Today I crafted, and crafted, and crafted. Painting a vintage childs desk and making ornaments for my departments Christmas tree. Going to be a beach theme so that spurred on my imagination.

No shower, haven't brushed my teeth, but had the foresight to take my prescriptions. Had to take a Benadryl due to allergies and that put me in a nappy mood.

Here's a pic of the desk in progress along with some of the ornaments. Driftwood sailboat, ornaments filled with sand and shells, sewn mermaid tails, messages in a bottle, and sand dollars. Here's also a pic of me in my no makeup, funky self.

Go Pink or Go Home!

My new pink, glitzy Christmas tree inspired me to add a little va va voom to my living room.

Couldn't find blush pink throws so picked up some plush pink and dark gray fabric and turned those into throwas for the couch. Added a few glitzy and furry gray pillows and it looks fabulous. Updated my rag garland by swapping out the coral color and replacing it with soft pink, gray, and mocha strips. Painted a mirror chalk pink with antiqued wax and threw in a rhinestone gray pillow from Goodwill. Added some pink candles and there you have it - a comfy living room accented in the Diva style!!

Monday Makeup and MOD

Tonight I was scheduled to work the pm MOD shift, which really throws me for a loop.  Slept in this morning, cleaned the kitchen, and picked up all of my crafting supplies. Took a shower around 1pm then got to work about 3pm. Thankfully, the Security Manager offered to take over my shift so I was able to leave around 8 and home by 9 instead of having to work until 11pm.  It was a very quiet evening.

One thing that occurred - I had a good makeup day. Not sure what I did different; perhaps it was catching up on my sleep.  One of the gals at work asked if I had colored or cut my hair or changed my makeup because it all looked good. So that was flattering.  Perhaps I should chalk it up to the new shirt I'm wearing which I got from Goodwill.

I also received another compliment from a different employee. She said I was the best HR person with whom she had ever worked. Organized, understanding, and on top of things. That felt good to hear.

It's late and it's time for bed. Here's to a happy Tuesday!  And by the way, there's only 40 days til Christmas!!

Shitty Sunday

Blushing For Christmas

When Michaels was having its big sale (50% off Christmas decor plus 20% off total purchase) I indulged myself and picked up a fabulous Christmas tree.  It is one of the trees decorated by the staff and is in a vintage blush theme.  It is gorgeous!!  So what if it isn't Thanksgiving - it's up in my living room!  Because we all need a little Christmas, right this very minute!!

I Shaved My Legs For This???

Despite my high hopes for a successful craft bazaar, it didn't pan out.  Poor location and majority of customers were in their twilight years which resulted in a grand total of two sales.  Such is life. Did receive some very nice compliments on my items, including one lady who called them entrancing.  Highlight was Jordan and Candy along with friends Stan and Susan stopping by.  I also ran into my retired dentist and a construction worker I knew from over 20 years ago from my last job. He recognized me and knew I had two sons. We chitchatted for awhile and I still can't believe he remembered me after all this time.   Small world.

I'm now celebrating the finish of the bazaar by treating myself to a Chinese dinner along with a drink - Smith & Kirns, my favorite. It's been a long day and the only thing I ate was a yogurt, cheese and crackers so this is going to hit the spot!

Tomorrow I may post my items on a few Facebook for sale sites which may stir up some interest in them.

P.S. Here's my fortune from dinner.  Hey secret admirer - show yourself!! 😊

Friday My Favorite!!

Had today off but I still put in a full day working.

Hit Willow Grove this morning with Stubbs to shore up my supply of driftwood. Stubbs just loves the riverbank.

Stopped by Walmart on way home to grab some plastic containers to transport crafts to the bazaar.

Crafted, made a couple more bottles, started creating a driftwood art piece, then tagged and packed up all my items to sell.

Finally took a shower, loaded up the car, carefully drove all to the church to set up my table.

Luckily enough I was on the top floor of the church right by the entrance so did not have to navigate the stairs. Funny enough I was placed in the "Cry Room" - I hope I will be smiling when it's all over not crying.

Once done, hit Target and right now I'm getting a full set of nails on and a pedicure. This has been a rough week and boy does this mani/pedi feel good!!

Once the bazaar is over, I will begin on my new project - a vintage desk I'm going to paint that I picked up the other night.  The seller also gave me a cheap deal as it needs some TLC to put it back together. I just love creating something unique and beautiful from old,  beaten up items!!

Here's keeping my fingers crossed that tomorrow is a success!!!

It's After Midnight And I'm Letting It All Hang Out

My horoscope for tomorrow - well actually today as its almost 1am Friday - was very insightful. I don't put much stock into horoscopes but they are fun to read. After a busy evening, I just hit the hay and am surfing the Web before I fall asleep. Here's what Mr. Astrology  has to say about Friday:

Aquarius horoscope for Nov 11 2016

People who have a passion for flea markets or garage sales or antique auctions frequently fall in love with the objects they see in their travels. They collect certain things - porcelain plates, clocks, old records, or whatever they find most interesting - and they bring it home and relish it. But they know that they can only keep so many things before they can go out in search of something new. You won't have space in your life for something new and exciting until you free yourself of something that no longer captures your fancy, Aquarius, or doesn't bring you happiness. It may be time to move on.

I'm ready for new and exciting so here's to tossing out the old to make room for the new!!

First Time For Everything!!

What a day this has been and its only 10:41 am Pacific time!!

Woke at 3:30 am and up at 4am. Shuttle was late but got to airport fine. Read boarding pass wrong. Delivered to E terminal but took sky bus to C terminal for C1. Walked, forever to discover there is no C1 plus I'm in the American Airlines terminal. WTF due to the fact I'm flying Alaska Airlines.  I began to feel I was in the Twilight Zone - Trump elected President and no terminal C1!!!

Back to skybus, back to terminal E.  Looked all over for arrival and departure gates and times screen and coukd not find a one!!  What the hell was wrong with this ass backwards Texas airport!!  Finally found the monitor, found the gate number, then rushed, jogged, and sweated until I got to my gate.  Was I too late?  Yes.  Voice cracking I asked"how do I get home?"  The clicking of my heels three times did not work.  Was able to book changed flight to Seattle with connection to Portland.  This meant backtracking and rushing to the right gate.  All of this with very minimal caffeine in my system.

Got on the flight, got in the seat, and arrived in Seattle. Connecting flight leaves at noon; however, I'm now on standby to see if I can catch the earlier one at 11am.  Update - As I am typing this, the earlier flight became closed so here I sit waiting to board my original connecting flight for 12 noon.

The sweat in my hair has finally dried.  The clammy wetness on my back has gone, although it's left a bit of sweaty stiffness in its place. I'm ready to get on a jet plane and arrive to Portland to then hop on the shuttle to take me to bumf#%k Egypt economy parking to get my car.  Damn - this experience may just force me to drive to either Vancouver Mall or Goodwill for retail therapy!!

Really? I Mean Really?

Happy 60 Jay and Julie!!!

Happy big 60 birthday to my brother and sister Jay and Julie. Wow - 60 happened so fast!!!  May your birthday be blessed and filled with all your wishes!!!

Meetings, Margarita, and Mountains

Meetings over, most of the team departed to return home. I, however, must spend another night as there were no suitable flights home after 5pm. I spent the evening meeting up for a cocktail (blue coconut margarita) with a few of the others who are leaving in the morning, then got dinner to go and ate in my room. Trying to zone out the election results, I spent my time ordering prints of the gorgeous mountain photos I took on my flight out of OR/WA. I also ordered my Christmas cards. Yes, I was that bored.

Tomorrow morning I'm up at 430 am to catch my shuttle at 6am to catch my 7:20 flight. I've been assured I will arrive with plenty of time to spare - they better be right!!

Alert Will Robinson Alert

So the rain continued on today in formerly sunny Texas.  Was in side all day at meetings but attended a barbecue tonight outside - but thankfully covered. During dinner I received the following text alert:

Isn't that just comforting?  I remember being in the Boston area a year or so ago and received a similar alert, warning of a tornado!!  Nothing like disaster warnings during my travel time!!!

Mountain Reflections

Got up early this morning, in fact too early as I woke up at 4am, went back to sleep and got up at 5 am. Thankfully I had the sense to pack last night.  Hit the road about 7 am for the airport to Dallas.

Parked at economy way back in the north forty as the lot was full, full, full. Security line was swamped but it moved surprisingly fast.

Full flight but at least I got my window seat!  Sitting next to the window on the plane  (my favorite spot as it allows me to hug the side and snooze) I eavesdropped on my seat mate'so conversation. Sitting in the middle seat was a  good-looking college student and on the aisle was an older lady from Canada. They were discussing their various travels around the world - she with her husband and he with his parents and sister. Grand Tetons, Jackson Hole, Europe, and planning a hiking trip back to Europe as a family when he graduates from college.

The conversation gave me a whisper of envy and inadequacy. Did I do enough for my sons?  Should I have given them more travel, more adventure, and more life experience?  I'm not sure. I did what I was able to do -car trips, camping, Arizona, Las Vegas, and the Grand Canyon.

It's funny reflecting on another person's life and comparing it to your own or if what you did was good enough. I have to be accepting of that fact that, since there is no changing the actions in the past, I must accept that what I did had to be enough.  And one of the best gifts of all they received from me is my unconditional love. And you know what makes me feel even better?  I know Jordan and Sam would agree with me!!

On another note, the view on the way out of Washington/Oregon was amazing!  Spectacular view of Mt. Hood, Mt. Adams and Mt. St. Helens!

Driftwood Art at a Bargain Price!

Was browsing Pinterest (as always) and ran across the following inspirational driftwood picture:

It was for sale - for over $7,000!!!  You've got to be kidding me!!!

Decided to make my own driftwood art based upon the above. I first started with a thin round shell as the moon.  Decided it wasn't big enough so picked up a metal pizza platter at Walmart for 88 cents. Painted it, dried it, then decided I liked the shell better. Painted a black branch silver that was leftover from Halloween, added some acrylic baubles and voila! !

If anyone is interested,  I'll sell for a steal of $5,000!!! 😉