I got the news this morning that the little girl of one of my "Mom" friends from church has passed away. Sophie just turned five a couple of weeks ago, and has been battling a brain tumor for the past two years. It started when her mom picked her up from preschool and the teacher informed her that Sophie had been complaining of a headache. It was a headache that persisted and never really got better. Long story short, even though the pediatrician didn't think there was anything terribly wrong, mom persisted and finally got the right diagnosis for her little girl, which was unfortunately the worst news. This family, and this child, have been through hell the last couple of years. It is nothing anyone should go through, especially a little one. The only positive thing is that she's not suffering anymore, but her loss is a terrible blow to her family.
I keep thinking "what if?" What if this were my daughter? How would I explain this to her younger sister (Sophie has a little sister). It could just as easily been my five year old, or even my two year old to have this. I wish I knew the right thing to say or do, but only time and love will get them through this. It puts any aggravations or worries I might have right now right into their proper perspective.
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Banned from McDonald's?
Okay, since you've piqued interest with the striptease reference, I'll explain further. When I picked Roo up from school Friday, I could not bear the thought of being home all afternoon and stuck in the house (weather was very cold and windy). I decided to take both girls to McDonald's, that favorite indoor escape.
After the girls ate, they went to the other side of the play area where there's a little basketball net and ball there for the kids. There were several children of various ages there, including a seven-ish year old boy.
After a few minutes, I heard giggling and the boy say "Uh, what is she DOING??" My motherly instinct told me that must be my two year old (aren't I the suspicious one?). Indeed, as I'm rushing over there, I hear my older one say "Hee hee, put your clothes back on!!. There stood my little pride and joy, pull-up and pants around her feet. Apparently, she wet her diaper and decided she wanted it off right then and there! We've been introducing the potty training but not really pursuing it since it's so cold right now and it gets cumbersome taking all those clothes off. Frankly, we can't afford to turn the heat up much at this point, either! Anyhow, it looks like she's getting ready...if only she could reverse the order and use the potty first!
After the girls ate, they went to the other side of the play area where there's a little basketball net and ball there for the kids. There were several children of various ages there, including a seven-ish year old boy.
After a few minutes, I heard giggling and the boy say "Uh, what is she DOING??" My motherly instinct told me that must be my two year old (aren't I the suspicious one?). Indeed, as I'm rushing over there, I hear my older one say "Hee hee, put your clothes back on!!. There stood my little pride and joy, pull-up and pants around her feet. Apparently, she wet her diaper and decided she wanted it off right then and there! We've been introducing the potty training but not really pursuing it since it's so cold right now and it gets cumbersome taking all those clothes off. Frankly, we can't afford to turn the heat up much at this point, either! Anyhow, it looks like she's getting ready...if only she could reverse the order and use the potty first!
Wonderful News To Start the Weekend
My favorite cousin sent an update saying her father (and my favorite uncle) is recovering quite rapidly. Surgery on Wednesday and into rehab on Friday. Amazing!
I told her that I find it incredible the way surgeries and rehab are handled now. It's still rigorous, but not nearly as long and drawn out as it used to be and takes much less time to get back on one's feet.
I'm not surprised he is doing so well though. With his strength and determination, he will make this work if anyone can. This man is very special to me. He and my late aunt were my rocks when I was growing up and the examples I strived to emulate.
I am four years older than Cuz and one of my best memories is of the two of us sitting in their porch swing with me reading to her before she was old enough to read on her own. All three of them (as well as Cuz's husband and son) always have had and always will have a special place in my heart. And I'm absolutely delighted that my children feel the same way about them as I do.
Please continue to keep them in your prayers in the weeks ahead.
I told her that I find it incredible the way surgeries and rehab are handled now. It's still rigorous, but not nearly as long and drawn out as it used to be and takes much less time to get back on one's feet.
I'm not surprised he is doing so well though. With his strength and determination, he will make this work if anyone can. This man is very special to me. He and my late aunt were my rocks when I was growing up and the examples I strived to emulate.
I am four years older than Cuz and one of my best memories is of the two of us sitting in their porch swing with me reading to her before she was old enough to read on her own. All three of them (as well as Cuz's husband and son) always have had and always will have a special place in my heart. And I'm absolutely delighted that my children feel the same way about them as I do.
Please continue to keep them in your prayers in the weeks ahead.
Friday, January 30, 2009
R-rated McDonald's?
Thirtysomething, exactly where can one find the McDonald's where the "strip-tease" took place? Maybe others would like to see the "show" too. :)
I made it back early last evening and I was so glad to get here I felt like kissing the parking deck when I parked!
Dealing with juvenile delinquency and recalcitrant bureaucrats takes a lot out of one. Those "in charge" kept telling me they could not adjust the $326 water bill even though it was not my fault. Of course, the faucet turned on and left to flood the yard was one that was not on the yard meter and half the bill is for sewer that wasn't even used.
No matter that the guy who turned it off is willing to tell them what happened, they don't even want to take the sewer portion off the bill. They don't take into account that I paid a $72 bill for the 13 days I was there in December when this happened before. I only left it on because someone was supposed to come in and clean the house and carpet.
This time I filed a police report and the officers responding told me they hadn't realized I had moved or they would have been checking more closely. I did tell the chief but apparently he didn't bother passing the word on to them. Disappointed? Maybe. Surprised? No. Guess I should have put it in writing!
I haven't finished yet. I'm going to crawl up inside their skin and stay there until they run screaming at the very mention of my name (those who don't already). Maybe a class action suit on behalf of all the other people they've ripped off might be in store. At the very least, the letter I am writing to the editor will turn into a scathing editorial if the bill isn't reduced.
The mayor knows I will do it. She wasn't happy when I wrote about her tantrum at a county commission meeting a while back but she "ain't' seen nothing" yet! Maybe if I p*** them off enough, they will take up a collection and buy my house so I don't ever have to go back there again. Heck, I'd gladly pay the darn water bill if they would do that!
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Possible Job Opportunites
Well, DH may have a couple of job opportunities come to fruition in the next week or two. One would be low-paying with potential to earn commission within a few months, while the other is with a reputable, strong company for a lot more money and responsibility. Unfortunately, it is also two states away. We are praying that the right choice will be revealed (if there is even a choice involved) and he will be able to return to work soon. The latter has some exciting possibilities, but it breaks my heart to think of leaving here. I have not even had a chance to enjoy my mom being in closer proximity to us, and being in the position to watch my girls grow up close by. It's a very tense and nerve wracking time right now, though I know we are fortunate to even have any possible options right now. Who knows, neither of them may work out. I'm feeling very melancholy, I suppose, so I think I'll wait 'til later to post again.
Water under the bridge...and all through the yard
Well, Life should have some interesting things to write/vent about when she gets back to the city. Seems like some little hoodlums decided to turn her outside water on full at her house in south GA. Of course, it wasn't discovered until quite a bit later by a neighbor who turned it off. The bill is now in excess of $300, and she's having quite a bit of trouble with the so-called "powers that be" to at least negotiate it down a little.
On a good note, our Uncle made it through surgery okay and we're all praying for his continued healing and complete recovery. We love you!!
On a good note, our Uncle made it through surgery okay and we're all praying for his continued healing and complete recovery. We love you!!
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
A Serious Request
Before I leave this morning, I wanted to share an email from my family. My favorite cousin, the one I refer to as Cuz, has sent out a special request to family and friends and I wanted to ask everyone who reads the blog to please join us in prayer for her father (also my wonderful uncle), the doctors who will be taking care of him, and her as she deals with this.
"My father fell at his home today and has broken his hip/thigh in several places. He is hospitalized at Coffee Regional and is scheduled for surgery early Wednesday morning. The orthopedist says that they will be putting in a long rod and some plates to stabilize the bones. He says that his recovery will be a lengthy process. Tomorrow he's having several pre-surgery tests to check on his medical stability, since he is diabetic and has had some heart problems in the past. Please hold him close in your prayers. He is strong and very independent and this is going to be so very hard for him. At 81, he lives alone and does his yards and his neighbor's yards and also works part-time at the courthouse. One of his primary concerns tonight, despite being quite uncomfortable and in traction, is that I be sure and call his job first thing tomorrow to let them know that he won't be in on Wednesday! He is a wonderful father, grandfather, neighbor, and friend. Again, please include him in your prayers."
Thank you.
"My father fell at his home today and has broken his hip/thigh in several places. He is hospitalized at Coffee Regional and is scheduled for surgery early Wednesday morning. The orthopedist says that they will be putting in a long rod and some plates to stabilize the bones. He says that his recovery will be a lengthy process. Tomorrow he's having several pre-surgery tests to check on his medical stability, since he is diabetic and has had some heart problems in the past. Please hold him close in your prayers. He is strong and very independent and this is going to be so very hard for him. At 81, he lives alone and does his yards and his neighbor's yards and also works part-time at the courthouse. One of his primary concerns tonight, despite being quite uncomfortable and in traction, is that I be sure and call his job first thing tomorrow to let them know that he won't be in on Wednesday! He is a wonderful father, grandfather, neighbor, and friend. Again, please include him in your prayers."
Thank you.
Monday, January 26, 2009
Slipping
Wow! I can't believe I let two days go by without commenting. It's just that I've been so laid back since I got here, the days slip right by. Most of the time I have to check a calendar if I want to know the date and I frequently don't know what day of the week it is without really deep thinking.
Since being here, I've slept better (and more) than I have in eons. Last night was an exception as you may have figured out from my posting before 5 a.m.! I have to leave tomorrow to take care of some business in "Podunk" and I really don't want to go.
No Internet at my house there so I will be isolated once again.It will be a rush trip with one full day of taking care of business and doing stuff in the house so maybe the time will go by quickly there too. As if!
Anyway, Thirtysomething did something weird to her back so she has an excuse not to post (for now). She needs to take care of herself though because I mostly likely won't do any blogging for the three weeks I am in England in March.
Since being here, I've slept better (and more) than I have in eons. Last night was an exception as you may have figured out from my posting before 5 a.m.! I have to leave tomorrow to take care of some business in "Podunk" and I really don't want to go.
No Internet at my house there so I will be isolated once again.It will be a rush trip with one full day of taking care of business and doing stuff in the house so maybe the time will go by quickly there too. As if!
Anyway, Thirtysomething did something weird to her back so she has an excuse not to post (for now). She needs to take care of herself though because I mostly likely won't do any blogging for the three weeks I am in England in March.
Friday, January 23, 2009
Strange Wish
The gorgeous 65-degree weather here today was quite a change from last week's 10 degrees.Thirtysomething brought the girls over to visit and they really enjoyed feeding the ducks and playing in Piedmont Park.
I have to wonder if Mom isn't fudging a tad about Little Bit's antics though. She was good as gold here until she got tired and was only a little cranky then. Maybe part of that was due to my carrying her on my shoulders for that last uphill stretch before we got back to the apartment. In any case, I don't doubt her Mom enough to want to find out for sure firsthand! We had a good day with lunch and the other activities and I won't push my luck.
Looks like a quiet weekend for me but I'm fine with that. I reluctantly turned down the play invitation because I didn't want to give the person who asked me to go the impression there could ever be more than friendship between us. As much as I wanted to see Smokey Joe's Cafe, I know I wouldn't appreciate it if the shoe were on the other foot.
I've been accused a couple of times of being "commitment shy" but I finally made a huge one. I am definitely going to England in March. Thirtysomething was so excited about my upcoming trip that she made a strange wish. She said she hopes if the plane I'm on crashes, it will happen on the way back! Now that's what I call thoughtful!
I have to wonder if Mom isn't fudging a tad about Little Bit's antics though. She was good as gold here until she got tired and was only a little cranky then. Maybe part of that was due to my carrying her on my shoulders for that last uphill stretch before we got back to the apartment. In any case, I don't doubt her Mom enough to want to find out for sure firsthand! We had a good day with lunch and the other activities and I won't push my luck.
Looks like a quiet weekend for me but I'm fine with that. I reluctantly turned down the play invitation because I didn't want to give the person who asked me to go the impression there could ever be more than friendship between us. As much as I wanted to see Smokey Joe's Cafe, I know I wouldn't appreciate it if the shoe were on the other foot.
I've been accused a couple of times of being "commitment shy" but I finally made a huge one. I am definitely going to England in March. Thirtysomething was so excited about my upcoming trip that she made a strange wish. She said she hopes if the plane I'm on crashes, it will happen on the way back! Now that's what I call thoughtful!
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Toddlers' Top Ten (with apologies to David Letterman)
TOP TEN WAYS TO SEND YOUR MOTHER TO AN EARLY GRAVE...OR AT LEAST A PADDED ROOM,
courtesy of my two-year-old:
10. Take a huge gob of peanut butter and smear it all over your face and into your ears, proclaiming "beautiful!"
9. Sneak food from the pantry and stuff it into hard to find crevices. At least, hard to find until the smell starts emanating from strange places.
8. Throw yourself over your toys when a friend and her child visit, saying "Mine, mine, mine."
7. Protest bedtime mightly, trying to convince mom and yourself that "It not night, it morning!!"
6. Get your sister's pot of purple sparkly lip gloss and smear it all over the mirror, the floors, and the television set.
5. Take said pot of lip gloss and eat it. The entire thing. In front of your mother. Just out of her reach while she's on the potty and trying vainly to wrestle it out of your little hands.
4. Take all of your carefully organized, folded clothes out of your dresser drawers and fling them everywhere. Then use the drawers as beds for your stuffed animals or a makeshift stepstool to get to the socks in the basket on top and fling them, parachute-style, into the foyer.
3. If you forget to protest bedtime mightly, do not despair! Make up for it in the middle of the night by pounding on your door and trying to convince everyone in the household that it's morning.
2. Stand on the side of the tub while mom has her back turned to get a towel out of the linen closet. Jump. Hit your head on the faucet (one of the small handles that they don't make covers for; not that it matters since you take protective covers off everything anyway) and scare aforementioned mother out of ten years of her life.
And, number one...
1. If you live somewhere where there is no snow, no worries! Take the pillow sham off your parents' bed and use it for a sled down their very long flight of stairs. Don't fret about stopping; the wall at the bottom will break your fall. Then you'll have a nice goose egg on the left side of your head to match the other one incurred by number two.
Repeat as necessary!
Coming soon: Driving mom crazy by expressing your artistic talents...
courtesy of my two-year-old:
10. Take a huge gob of peanut butter and smear it all over your face and into your ears, proclaiming "beautiful!"
9. Sneak food from the pantry and stuff it into hard to find crevices. At least, hard to find until the smell starts emanating from strange places.
8. Throw yourself over your toys when a friend and her child visit, saying "Mine, mine, mine."
7. Protest bedtime mightly, trying to convince mom and yourself that "It not night, it morning!!"
6. Get your sister's pot of purple sparkly lip gloss and smear it all over the mirror, the floors, and the television set.
5. Take said pot of lip gloss and eat it. The entire thing. In front of your mother. Just out of her reach while she's on the potty and trying vainly to wrestle it out of your little hands.
4. Take all of your carefully organized, folded clothes out of your dresser drawers and fling them everywhere. Then use the drawers as beds for your stuffed animals or a makeshift stepstool to get to the socks in the basket on top and fling them, parachute-style, into the foyer.
3. If you forget to protest bedtime mightly, do not despair! Make up for it in the middle of the night by pounding on your door and trying to convince everyone in the household that it's morning.
2. Stand on the side of the tub while mom has her back turned to get a towel out of the linen closet. Jump. Hit your head on the faucet (one of the small handles that they don't make covers for; not that it matters since you take protective covers off everything anyway) and scare aforementioned mother out of ten years of her life.
And, number one...
1. If you live somewhere where there is no snow, no worries! Take the pillow sham off your parents' bed and use it for a sled down their very long flight of stairs. Don't fret about stopping; the wall at the bottom will break your fall. Then you'll have a nice goose egg on the left side of your head to match the other one incurred by number two.
Repeat as necessary!
Coming soon: Driving mom crazy by expressing your artistic talents...
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Feeling Flattered
Jim Wooten, Associate Editorial Page Editor and long-time columnist for the Atlanta Journal/ Constitution, is also a native of the county I just left behind so I decided to contact him to see if there might be an opportunity for me to occasionally contribute an article. Even though the paper is downsizing big time and there's nothing available, he took time to send a nice personal note.
Imagine my surprise, when I learned he still reads the paper I write for and has been reading my articles. Who woulda thought!
This is an excerpt from his email: "Thanks for the note and for the contact, Judy. I read the nicely-done column in the Telfair paper and knew you were moving up here. Quite adventurous of you, but you did seem sufficiently upbeat about the move to make it possible to confront the new routines of life...In any event, welcome to Atlanta. My best to you as you get settled in. Jim"
Imagine my surprise, when I learned he still reads the paper I write for and has been reading my articles. Who woulda thought!
This is an excerpt from his email: "Thanks for the note and for the contact, Judy. I read the nicely-done column in the Telfair paper and knew you were moving up here. Quite adventurous of you, but you did seem sufficiently upbeat about the move to make it possible to confront the new routines of life...In any event, welcome to Atlanta. My best to you as you get settled in. Jim"
Monday, January 19, 2009
One More To Go
It's snowing a little again tonight, not heavy enough to stick, but snowing nevertheless. If it sleets, the weather will have run the whole gamut in the month I've been here, certainly the most variety in weather I've seen in years.
I've been invited to see a production Smokey Joe's Cafe on Friday night and I will probably go. It would be my very first play and I'm excited about the prospect of seeing one. It's a musical theatrical revue that showcases rock and roll and rhythm and blues tunes. It won a Grammy when it was on Broadway and is also the longest running musical revue in Broadway history so it sounds as though it's right up my alley.
On a more colorful note, I decided to suspend cleaning paint mist off the carpet for a while and spent a big portion of the day shopping for and hanging a clock 6 inches wide by four feet long. It's perfect on the little narrow wall my bar is attached to. I finally got a coat rack to go by the door too. And last, but not least, I fulfilled my itch to go into the Junkman's Daughter shop at Little Five Points. I don't know who the heavy guy with long, wild hair manning the cash register was, but not anyone's daughter for sure! Some of the merchandise is a real eyeopener for a small town girl too. Ver-r-r-y interesting.
I've been invited to see a production Smokey Joe's Cafe on Friday night and I will probably go. It would be my very first play and I'm excited about the prospect of seeing one. It's a musical theatrical revue that showcases rock and roll and rhythm and blues tunes. It won a Grammy when it was on Broadway and is also the longest running musical revue in Broadway history so it sounds as though it's right up my alley.
On a more colorful note, I decided to suspend cleaning paint mist off the carpet for a while and spent a big portion of the day shopping for and hanging a clock 6 inches wide by four feet long. It's perfect on the little narrow wall my bar is attached to. I finally got a coat rack to go by the door too. And last, but not least, I fulfilled my itch to go into the Junkman's Daughter shop at Little Five Points. I don't know who the heavy guy with long, wild hair manning the cash register was, but not anyone's daughter for sure! Some of the merchandise is a real eyeopener for a small town girl too. Ver-r-r-y interesting.
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Cross your fingers
Well, DH has another job interview tomorrow. It sounds promising, he and the owner hit it off really well in the phone "pre-interview," so although we're trying not to get our hopes up, it's tough. Almost two months without a paycheck gets old REALLL fast. Still no callbacks from any of the places I've applied to, but it sounds like a media position may be open with the local school system this fall. If the job materializes and I'm selected, I'm going for it. Especially with the economy, we need some income coming from another place, and it doesn't look like I'm going to hit anything retail in the off-hours anytime soon.
By the way, I never knew Petsmart required such an extensive personality test of job applicants. Who woulda thought?
By the way, I never knew Petsmart required such an extensive personality test of job applicants. Who woulda thought?
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Life Lesson #2
If you violate Life Lesson #1 about spray painting inside a small apartment, do not kneel down on the object you put on the floor to catch excess paint, especially while wearing your good jeans.
Friday, January 16, 2009
Neither Rain Nor Snow Nor...?
After getting down to 10 degrees this morning, it's up to a balmy 18 now (10:25 a.m.). Unfortunately, the wind chill makes it feel like 9 but even that's an improvement of a wind chill of zero earlier. At least it isn't raining!
Weather-wise, I suppose you could say I've had my trial by fire, so to speak, since moving here a month ago. Funny thing though, it hasn't bothered me in the least. No so long ago, I might have freaked out with all this constant weird stuff going on but it hasn't fazed me at all so far. I just feel relaxed and comfortable (and warm) in my little apartment, just letting the world go by. I have plenty of stuff to microwave, lots of protein bars, an abundance of beverages, and even a few things I would have to actually cook if push came to shove. Now if the electricity just stays on...
On another note, it's been very quiet from the "Rita" guy. (Thank heavens for little blessings.) And yes, Cuz, I know "a rose by any other name" but I am not changing my name to Rita!
Weather-wise, I suppose you could say I've had my trial by fire, so to speak, since moving here a month ago. Funny thing though, it hasn't bothered me in the least. No so long ago, I might have freaked out with all this constant weird stuff going on but it hasn't fazed me at all so far. I just feel relaxed and comfortable (and warm) in my little apartment, just letting the world go by. I have plenty of stuff to microwave, lots of protein bars, an abundance of beverages, and even a few things I would have to actually cook if push came to shove. Now if the electricity just stays on...
On another note, it's been very quiet from the "Rita" guy. (Thank heavens for little blessings.) And yes, Cuz, I know "a rose by any other name" but I am not changing my name to Rita!
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Cold & Other Stuff
I think it's safe to say winter has finally arrived in the Atl. Temperatures are really dropping fast and the wind cuts like a sharp, cold knife. Brr!! It's nights like this you appreciate someone to snuggle with. If you have someone, that is.
Hopefully this cold will freeze W's tongue and he won't ramble on and on tonight in his "final" speech. I hope he has enough conscience about the mess he led this country into that his retirement won't be peaceful but I seriously doubt it. All those men and women who have lost their lives in that ridiculous war don't seem to worry him at all, much less the terrible mess the economy is in now.
Getting off my soapbox, I'd go out for a cup of coffee or something while he's speechifying if it weren't so icy cold here. The servers at Flying Biscuit treated me to dinner last night so I suppose it would be hard to top that anyway. Thank goodness for the microwave!
Hopefully this cold will freeze W's tongue and he won't ramble on and on tonight in his "final" speech. I hope he has enough conscience about the mess he led this country into that his retirement won't be peaceful but I seriously doubt it. All those men and women who have lost their lives in that ridiculous war don't seem to worry him at all, much less the terrible mess the economy is in now.
Getting off my soapbox, I'd go out for a cup of coffee or something while he's speechifying if it weren't so icy cold here. The servers at Flying Biscuit treated me to dinner last night so I suppose it would be hard to top that anyway. Thank goodness for the microwave!
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
A Good (?) Day
I had to make a trip to Target to get cleaning stuff that hopefully will take the black paint out of the carpet. As if that isn't bad enough, I don't like the chest painted black so I have start over. Oh, well, it will give me something to do during the cold days ahead, especially if it gets to single digits as predicted.
My friend from England called this afternoon and wants to me to come over for a big birthday celebration in March (and stay three weeks). I said I'd think about it. I have to admit that it sounds quite tempting.
Since Cuz gets a kick out of my social life, I will share this so she can read it. I met a guy a while back and even though he was interested, I wasn't, and told him so bluntly. That didn't deter his emails even though I ignored them. I thought he had given up but yesterday I got a note saying he was "interested" in me and wanted me to have dinner with him. The only hitch was that the salutation said, "Hi Rita." After I finally stopped laughing (almost anyway), I sent back a note saying, "Who's Rita?"
Today, he sent a note apologizing for a "senior moment" and said he still wanted me to have dinner with him. Even though I did not plan to answer him again, I couldn't resist sending one last note. I waited a few hours and sent this: "Why? Did Rita turn you down?" So far, he hasn't sent anything else. Too bad ~ I can always use a good laugh but this one should be good for at least a few more days.
My friend from England called this afternoon and wants to me to come over for a big birthday celebration in March (and stay three weeks). I said I'd think about it. I have to admit that it sounds quite tempting.
Since Cuz gets a kick out of my social life, I will share this so she can read it. I met a guy a while back and even though he was interested, I wasn't, and told him so bluntly. That didn't deter his emails even though I ignored them. I thought he had given up but yesterday I got a note saying he was "interested" in me and wanted me to have dinner with him. The only hitch was that the salutation said, "Hi Rita." After I finally stopped laughing (almost anyway), I sent back a note saying, "Who's Rita?"
Today, he sent a note apologizing for a "senior moment" and said he still wanted me to have dinner with him. Even though I did not plan to answer him again, I couldn't resist sending one last note. I waited a few hours and sent this: "Why? Did Rita turn you down?" So far, he hasn't sent anything else. Too bad ~ I can always use a good laugh but this one should be good for at least a few more days.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Excitement everywhere
While Life has been busy painting the town red, so to speak, things have been pretty busy here, too. DH has a job interview Friday, so we're crossing our fingers hard that things will work out. It's been six weeks since a paycheck, and we're starting to get a little antsy. I've applied to a dozen retail-type places in addition to a couple of ones in my field, but nothing is happening so far. You don't realize how dire the economy situation really is until you apply everywhere and no one has the money to hire you. A year and a half ago, I could have had my pick of positions waiting tables for some extra cash, but now people who have been laid off (like DH) have these jobs. Hopefully, something will turn up, and soon.
Wish I Had Known
I discovered today that the red paint fiasco was not so bad. Or wouldn't have been if I had only known that the pain would dry into a fine powder rather than soaking into the tile. I started to wipe up a little spot I'd missed when I discovered this. It would have saved me a lot of mopping and scrubbing if I'd known about it then!
Glutton for punishment that I am, I tacked the black painting job today. All I can say for now is that I'm grateful I bought water based enamel. I have to go back and give the chest of drawers another coat so it's futile to clean up the mess until I finish. And I have made my usual mess. In spades.
Sunday was very nice. I had a nice time and "Gran Torino" turned out to be a good movie. The ending was a surprise, definitely not the usual Clint Eastwood fare, but very good anyway. And yes, I went out with the same person I saw the other movie with. Tall, nice looking, and treats me like a lady so I may have to reassess my opinion. Or not.
Glutton for punishment that I am, I tacked the black painting job today. All I can say for now is that I'm grateful I bought water based enamel. I have to go back and give the chest of drawers another coat so it's futile to clean up the mess until I finish. And I have made my usual mess. In spades.
Sunday was very nice. I had a nice time and "Gran Torino" turned out to be a good movie. The ending was a surprise, definitely not the usual Clint Eastwood fare, but very good anyway. And yes, I went out with the same person I saw the other movie with. Tall, nice looking, and treats me like a lady so I may have to reassess my opinion. Or not.
Sunday, January 11, 2009
This & That
It's cloudy and windy out and the temperature is dropping like a rock but at least it isn't raining. Not yet anyway!
I finally got most of the red paint off things the things it shouldn't have been on in the first place. Well, most of them anyway. My hair still has a couple of funny-looking litte burgundy highlights and I see occasional pink streaks on my cleaning cloths. Thank Heavens for small favors though. It is a deep, dark red and it could easily have been fire-engine red or some other weird color.
With that catastrophe behind me, I have another one looming. I have to paint a wicker chest of drawers but I've been putting that off at least until the red memories fade a little. I have to psych myself up before tackling black enamel paint!
I have movie/dinner plans tonight and I'm looking forward to it. It brings back memories of when I used to spend Saturday afternoons (Sunday too if I could scare up the quarter) at the Martin Theater in Douglas. Of course, we didn't see anything like Gran Torino but I like Clint Eastwood so I'm sure I will enjoy it.
My son asked me yesterday if a new dress I bought was "a little young." I told him to be grateful I actually bought a dress!
I finally got most of the red paint off things the things it shouldn't have been on in the first place. Well, most of them anyway. My hair still has a couple of funny-looking litte burgundy highlights and I see occasional pink streaks on my cleaning cloths. Thank Heavens for small favors though. It is a deep, dark red and it could easily have been fire-engine red or some other weird color.
With that catastrophe behind me, I have another one looming. I have to paint a wicker chest of drawers but I've been putting that off at least until the red memories fade a little. I have to psych myself up before tackling black enamel paint!
I have movie/dinner plans tonight and I'm looking forward to it. It brings back memories of when I used to spend Saturday afternoons (Sunday too if I could scare up the quarter) at the Martin Theater in Douglas. Of course, we didn't see anything like Gran Torino but I like Clint Eastwood so I'm sure I will enjoy it.
My son asked me yesterday if a new dress I bought was "a little young." I told him to be grateful I actually bought a dress!
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Lesson Learned
I don't care what the clerk at Home Depot or apartment maintenance supervisor says, never try to spray paint anything inside a small apartment!
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Rain. Again.
Still think Atlanta should put me on retainer for breaking the drought! Fortunately, it hasn't bothered me very much even though I did get soaked yesterday and a bit water-logged today.
I spent an hour later this afternoon assembling some little tables for the apartment and almost that long trying to scrub the grease from beneath my nails. Wonder which genius decided to grease the bolts?
I've also spent a good portion of the day reviewing a Statement of Purpose for a very special young man who is seeking admission into NYU's MA program in Educational Leadership. He is a deserving person and I was more than happy to do this for him.
The lady who is trying to get MM Magazine off the ground asked me to go with her to meet the realtor about office space for the magazine. I went but I really hope she isn't expecting too much. I haven't even agreed to write for her yet and I definitely don't want to get involved in the day-to-day running of the business!
I spent an hour later this afternoon assembling some little tables for the apartment and almost that long trying to scrub the grease from beneath my nails. Wonder which genius decided to grease the bolts?
I've also spent a good portion of the day reviewing a Statement of Purpose for a very special young man who is seeking admission into NYU's MA program in Educational Leadership. He is a deserving person and I was more than happy to do this for him.
The lady who is trying to get MM Magazine off the ground asked me to go with her to meet the realtor about office space for the magazine. I went but I really hope she isn't expecting too much. I haven't even agreed to write for her yet and I definitely don't want to get involved in the day-to-day running of the business!
Monday, January 5, 2009
The Night Life
Didn't someone used to sing the line, "The Night Life Ain't No Good Life, But It's My Life?" I haven't seen a lot of the night life here yet but it's been pretty good so far. However, I'm sure it could be much better if I could spend at least part of the time with someone whose company isn't duller than watching paint dry. I still have hope though. (Do I hear England calling?)
For strange reason I seem to attract conservative, bigoted men with money despite discouraging them as much as possible and still remain civil. Give me a penniless poet any time!
On another note, I went to the first movie in a theater since "Tootsie," and didn't have to drive 25 or more miles to get there. We saw "Frost Nixon" and it was worth the time spent, especially if you're old enough to remember when all those events occurred.
Hot and still rainy in the city. I had to revert to the a/c again today which leaves me wonder if it really is January.
For strange reason I seem to attract conservative, bigoted men with money despite discouraging them as much as possible and still remain civil. Give me a penniless poet any time!
On another note, I went to the first movie in a theater since "Tootsie," and didn't have to drive 25 or more miles to get there. We saw "Frost Nixon" and it was worth the time spent, especially if you're old enough to remember when all those events occurred.
Hot and still rainy in the city. I had to revert to the a/c again today which leaves me wonder if it really is January.
Friday, January 2, 2009
One Mystery Solved
Just in case you ever wondered, I learned tonight that you won't die of boredom. You might wish you (or the other person) would, but it won't happen without some outside assistance. Much more of it though, and I might have given him or me a helping hand.
I only thought my date last weekend was dull. It was a fancy dress ball compared to this. This guy not only has "I" disease, he also has "opera syndrome" (as defined by Thirtysomething): "me-me-me."
With all such "scintillating" conversation, plus a very good Margarita, it was all I could do to keep my eyes open through dinner. Another date or two like this and I might give up the night life altogether!
I only thought my date last weekend was dull. It was a fancy dress ball compared to this. This guy not only has "I" disease, he also has "opera syndrome" (as defined by Thirtysomething): "me-me-me."
With all such "scintillating" conversation, plus a very good Margarita, it was all I could do to keep my eyes open through dinner. Another date or two like this and I might give up the night life altogether!
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Looking back and forward
Well, we are back from our trip to Louisiana and somewhat still recovering. We decided to be very daring and attempt and all-night drive home and it was surprisingly successful. I think DH and I are the ones suffering the most ill effects since we're still tired. It actually felt kind of exciting to drive all night. I volunteered to do most of it, since I enjoyed having more than two seconds of consecutive silence.
It was a good trip but had some pretty tense moments. DH's grandfather is not very patient these days and although I know he loves the children, he has a pretty short and unpredictable fuse with them. I thought it was just the dementia, but according to the rest of the family he has always been like this. Apparently, the dementia has just kicked it up a notch and made it more intense. It was distressing to me since I've never seen this side, and sad as well. The girls had a good time, but I think we're all relieved to be home and have our own "stuff" around us.
We celebrated the New Year by trying to get some sleep. We were invited to a neighbor's party and were considering asking Life if she'd mind babysitting, but decided not to since we were too exhausted to enjoy it anyway. We made it back so much earlier than we thought we had already declined the invitation besides. Glad I didn't ask since she sounds like she had a good time meeting and greeting with neighbors, anyway ;-)
My wish is happiness, health, and love for everyone in the New Year. I hope with the new presidency that our country is on the road to some positive changes for us and for our planet.
BTW, this is a very funny commentary by Robin Williams on Obama, etc., if you have ten minutes to watch it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=puMz1Q3E000
It was a good trip but had some pretty tense moments. DH's grandfather is not very patient these days and although I know he loves the children, he has a pretty short and unpredictable fuse with them. I thought it was just the dementia, but according to the rest of the family he has always been like this. Apparently, the dementia has just kicked it up a notch and made it more intense. It was distressing to me since I've never seen this side, and sad as well. The girls had a good time, but I think we're all relieved to be home and have our own "stuff" around us.
We celebrated the New Year by trying to get some sleep. We were invited to a neighbor's party and were considering asking Life if she'd mind babysitting, but decided not to since we were too exhausted to enjoy it anyway. We made it back so much earlier than we thought we had already declined the invitation besides. Glad I didn't ask since she sounds like she had a good time meeting and greeting with neighbors, anyway ;-)
My wish is happiness, health, and love for everyone in the New Year. I hope with the new presidency that our country is on the road to some positive changes for us and for our planet.
BTW, this is a very funny commentary by Robin Williams on Obama, etc., if you have ten minutes to watch it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=puMz1Q3E000
A Good Start
Today has been a good start to a much anticipated New Year. I've just been laid back, taking it easy on this gorgeous, sunny day. I remember an old superstition when I was growing up, admonishing people to be careful what they did on New Year's Day because that was what they would be doing all year long. If it's true, I'm not in any danger of overworking during 2009!
New neighbors a few houses away hosted a New Year's drop-in party and graciously included me on their guest list. They served all the traditional foods associated with the holiday, along with some new ones. They are an attractive couple and were friendly, gracious hosts. I thoroughly enjoyed meeting them and some other neighbors.
With Georgia shining in the Capital One bowl this afternoon, I've about gotten over being embarrassed by Tech's bowl performance from yesterday. It got so bad that I finally stopped watching and wrote an article for the paper that I had been promising.
New neighbors a few houses away hosted a New Year's drop-in party and graciously included me on their guest list. They served all the traditional foods associated with the holiday, along with some new ones. They are an attractive couple and were friendly, gracious hosts. I thoroughly enjoyed meeting them and some other neighbors.
With Georgia shining in the Capital One bowl this afternoon, I've about gotten over being embarrassed by Tech's bowl performance from yesterday. It got so bad that I finally stopped watching and wrote an article for the paper that I had been promising.
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