Just as I entered the 21st Century by updating my hair style, I am edging closer to the 80's again with my wardrobe. But its the "new" style now so I'm good.
Yesterday I bought my first pair of.....leggings.
Yes, leggings. They were my standard style of dress in the 80's. Remember the stirrup pants? I always felt like going out and riding a horse when I wore those (though I have never been on a horse before). Do people who ride horses actually wear stirrups or did I just feel like riding a horse because of the name "stirrup"? Things that make ya go "hmmmm"......
Anyway, I forgot how comfortable legging are!! Wow! So cozy, soft and flexible. The complete opposite of jeans. Then of course, a person can get the best of the leggings world AND the jeans world and wear the ever ambiguous "jeggings". No, I don't think I will go that far, but Yes, yes, I may start wearing more leggings.
However, I am not completely comfortable in them yet so not sure I will wear them around my work crew just yet. For now, they will be my day off attire.
So, moving forward with the hair and backward with the clothes :)
Thursday, December 15, 2011
Friday, December 9, 2011
The Energy of the Moon
Bundling up on a frigid Winter night to face the bitter cold is a fun challenge. There is just something about putting on enough layers to feel toasty warm when the temperature says 2 degrees. Sure, a person might feel a bit like Ralphie's brother, Randy, in the movie "A Christmas Story", but its like an act of defiance.
Mother Nature, or maybe Jack Frost, dares you to get out and experience the chilly air. Add to that a full moon and cloudless night, and its an unavoidable temptation.
A temptation I succumbed to tonight. The moon was crazy gorgeous as it was rising so I put on my snow pants, my down jacket, hat, boots, mittens, and all the necessary winter gear and ventured out for a full moon experience. Last year I wanted to experience every full moon of the winter, but succeeded in only enjoying about 3 full moon lit nights.
Off to Enger Tower I went, good buddy in tow. Peering down over our beautiful city under a full moon was awesome. The silvery moon shone down on the calm Lake, perfectly highlighting a single ship waiting to enter the Harbor. Just below, the lights of Bentlyville (a Christmas light show spectacular) twinkled and blinked to unheard Christmas carols.
Spooky shadows danced upon the frozen ground as we made our way back to the vehicle. Though it was brisk, we took refuge beneath our furry hoods which served as a wind shield for our faces. Yes, we beat the cold. We won. The cold did not prevent us from taking in the beautiful sights our city has to offer. And, in fact, we stayed warm.
Each full moon brings about a new found energy. Rumor has it nursing homes and.....mental health units....are a bit more unsettled during the full moon. I certainly feel how this could be true since I become exhilarated from soaking up the energy of the moon.
Like last year, I again intend to appreciate each full moon of the season.
Mother Nature, or maybe Jack Frost, dares you to get out and experience the chilly air. Add to that a full moon and cloudless night, and its an unavoidable temptation.
A temptation I succumbed to tonight. The moon was crazy gorgeous as it was rising so I put on my snow pants, my down jacket, hat, boots, mittens, and all the necessary winter gear and ventured out for a full moon experience. Last year I wanted to experience every full moon of the winter, but succeeded in only enjoying about 3 full moon lit nights.
Off to Enger Tower I went, good buddy in tow. Peering down over our beautiful city under a full moon was awesome. The silvery moon shone down on the calm Lake, perfectly highlighting a single ship waiting to enter the Harbor. Just below, the lights of Bentlyville (a Christmas light show spectacular) twinkled and blinked to unheard Christmas carols.
Spooky shadows danced upon the frozen ground as we made our way back to the vehicle. Though it was brisk, we took refuge beneath our furry hoods which served as a wind shield for our faces. Yes, we beat the cold. We won. The cold did not prevent us from taking in the beautiful sights our city has to offer. And, in fact, we stayed warm.
Each full moon brings about a new found energy. Rumor has it nursing homes and.....mental health units....are a bit more unsettled during the full moon. I certainly feel how this could be true since I become exhilarated from soaking up the energy of the moon.
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
My Favorite Night of the Year!
Cozy Pajamas.
Paper hats.
Delicious food.
Hearty laughs.
Hot Cocoa.
Christmas lights.
Fun Friends.
Make for one Fun Elf Night!
Sunday, November 27, 2011
Feeling the Spirit
Pissed as I am about having to work on yet another Christmas, I keep reminding myself how unforgettable last year's Christmas was which eases the amount of anger even if for a little while. As an act of rebellion, I vowed to not put up my tree or any decorations. That would sure show them! Besides that, it somehow seems pointless to put up a present-less tree for the cats. They just undecorate it and chew on the power cords anyway. Its just a bunch of unnecessary work putting up a gawdy tree in a teeny tiny living room. So no tree or lights for me this year.
Then something happened after listening to some Christmas songs on the radio (Little Drummer Boy, anyone?) Perhaps like the Grinch, my "heart grew three sizes" after hearing that song, but the spirit came over me.
The Spirit of Christmas and the Spirit of Elf. Yes, Elf. Its time for my annual Elf party on Tuesday. Usually I like to decorate for my buddies to help us get into the Spirit of Elf. I was going to consider not decorating, but I am just so excited to host Elf that I decided to decorate!
First, it was just going to be lights. Then, I figured "what the hell" and got out the tree. Then the ornaments. Then the shelf of snowmen and Santas. Yes, it looks a little like Will Ferrel vomited Christmas in here :)
I am more excited for Elf Night than I am for Christmas, so why NOT decorate? Yet another newcomer will be making an appearance making the grand count at 5 humans, 3 felines, and one overgrown Elf.
Then something happened after listening to some Christmas songs on the radio (Little Drummer Boy, anyone?) Perhaps like the Grinch, my "heart grew three sizes" after hearing that song, but the spirit came over me.
The Spirit of Christmas and the Spirit of Elf. Yes, Elf. Its time for my annual Elf party on Tuesday. Usually I like to decorate for my buddies to help us get into the Spirit of Elf. I was going to consider not decorating, but I am just so excited to host Elf that I decided to decorate!
First, it was just going to be lights. Then, I figured "what the hell" and got out the tree. Then the ornaments. Then the shelf of snowmen and Santas. Yes, it looks a little like Will Ferrel vomited Christmas in here :)
I am more excited for Elf Night than I am for Christmas, so why NOT decorate? Yet another newcomer will be making an appearance making the grand count at 5 humans, 3 felines, and one overgrown Elf.
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| Tino had to help me decorate :) |
Saturday, November 12, 2011
Out of Care and Concern for my Brother
My brother called me up frantically asking if I could pick up a prescription for him. Since he had to pick up his girlfriend from the airport, he would not be able to make it to the pharmacy before it closed. Whatever medication it was, he could not wait until the next day to get it. So I obliged, and agreed to pick up his prescription for him.
Before calling me to get it for him, my brother called my parents' house to get my phone number. Of course, my mom questioned why he wanted my number so my brother told her about the prescription.
Now, my mom was unaware that my brother was on any kind of medication and was rather curious what he was taking especially because he has a reputation for misusing prescription medications. As any mother would do, she phoned me up and told me to be sure to let her know what this medication was that my brother needed so urgently.
After I picked up the prescription, I immediately wondered how on Earth I was going to tell my mom what I had discovered.
Would I be breaching my brother's confidence?
Would he want his mom to know (let alone his little sister)?
Could I keep a straight face when I told my mom that my brother was taking........
Viagra?
Before calling me to get it for him, my brother called my parents' house to get my phone number. Of course, my mom questioned why he wanted my number so my brother told her about the prescription.
Now, my mom was unaware that my brother was on any kind of medication and was rather curious what he was taking especially because he has a reputation for misusing prescription medications. As any mother would do, she phoned me up and told me to be sure to let her know what this medication was that my brother needed so urgently.
After I picked up the prescription, I immediately wondered how on Earth I was going to tell my mom what I had discovered.
Would I be breaching my brother's confidence?
Would he want his mom to know (let alone his little sister)?
Could I keep a straight face when I told my mom that my brother was taking........
Viagra?
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
My Momma and Me
Who would have thunk that such a tiny critter could cause such a huge scare for my family.
This is the culprit
Not the penny. The tick on the penny so shown to illustrate the size of the tiny creature who caused havoc on my momma.
My mom got sick. Real sick. So sick she called me to bring her to the ER on Saturday. After tests and more tests, they found "nothing" and sent her home with a "stomach ulcer" and prescriptions for Maalox and Prilosec.
Whatever.
Three days, 2 CT Scans, 1 Ultrasound, 2 Chest X-rays, 1 EKG, 3 urine tests, and about 30 vials of blood later, we have our answer. Erhiculosis. A tick borne illness similar to Lyme's Disease treatable with antibiotics. WHEW!
Though it isn't all hunky dory. In addition to Erhiculosis, she has pneumonia complicated by Emphysema, and another bacterial infection called H. Pylori. Other possibilities thrown around are concerning words like "diabetes" and "oxygen tank". Though the last two are unlikely, it remains scary stuff, but overall that news is way better than what could have been.
Yes, we thought she could be at death's door, and wow, did it age my ever youthful mom. Weak from dehydration and not eating for 4 days can do that to a person, but to see it done to my mom is petrifying. A glimpse into what the future could hold. Giving my mom a shower in the hospital is not something I ever thought I would be doing. Seeing her so weak and vulnerable saddened me. She is still in the hospital, but hopeful to be home soon with added strength and usual humor.
My dad has more important things to do, like keep the bar stool warm, so I have been running two households: my own, and my mom's. Dogs, cats, and fish to be fed and exercised. Never mind my dad; he can fend for himself. Though in his attempts to be helpful, he did unload the dishwasher. Too bad the dishes were dirty and needed to be returned to their original position in the dishwasher. It was a good attempt I guess.
If all of this has taught me anything, it has taught me that I am capable of handling a crisis situation. In fact, I do pretty darn good in the midst of a crisis, and take charge when other's won't. Especially when it comes to my mom.
See, she is more than my mom. She is, in every sense of the word, my Best Friend.
This is the culprit
Not the penny. The tick on the penny so shown to illustrate the size of the tiny creature who caused havoc on my momma.
My mom got sick. Real sick. So sick she called me to bring her to the ER on Saturday. After tests and more tests, they found "nothing" and sent her home with a "stomach ulcer" and prescriptions for Maalox and Prilosec.
Whatever.
Three days, 2 CT Scans, 1 Ultrasound, 2 Chest X-rays, 1 EKG, 3 urine tests, and about 30 vials of blood later, we have our answer. Erhiculosis. A tick borne illness similar to Lyme's Disease treatable with antibiotics. WHEW!
Though it isn't all hunky dory. In addition to Erhiculosis, she has pneumonia complicated by Emphysema, and another bacterial infection called H. Pylori. Other possibilities thrown around are concerning words like "diabetes" and "oxygen tank". Though the last two are unlikely, it remains scary stuff, but overall that news is way better than what could have been.
Yes, we thought she could be at death's door, and wow, did it age my ever youthful mom. Weak from dehydration and not eating for 4 days can do that to a person, but to see it done to my mom is petrifying. A glimpse into what the future could hold. Giving my mom a shower in the hospital is not something I ever thought I would be doing. Seeing her so weak and vulnerable saddened me. She is still in the hospital, but hopeful to be home soon with added strength and usual humor.
My dad has more important things to do, like keep the bar stool warm, so I have been running two households: my own, and my mom's. Dogs, cats, and fish to be fed and exercised. Never mind my dad; he can fend for himself. Though in his attempts to be helpful, he did unload the dishwasher. Too bad the dishes were dirty and needed to be returned to their original position in the dishwasher. It was a good attempt I guess.
If all of this has taught me anything, it has taught me that I am capable of handling a crisis situation. In fact, I do pretty darn good in the midst of a crisis, and take charge when other's won't. Especially when it comes to my mom.
See, she is more than my mom. She is, in every sense of the word, my Best Friend.
 |
| My mom and I at my Aunt's Hawaiian themed wedding. |
 |
| At yet another wedding |
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Becoming Pinocchio
My emotions have been front and center lately. This is very peculiar for someone who had to force tears at a Make-A-Wish Foundation training session while watching movies of children with terminal illnesses. Don't get me wrong, I'm not cold hearted by any means. Its just that my emotions are pretty stuffed controlled, and I tend to choose when and where to let them loose. That occurs usually only once or twice a year.
Lately, that is not the case.
Just today, I found myself in tears on three separate occasions, and more seem to be at the brim. Overall, I am rather happy, but certain images or stories will elicit strong emotions within me where normally I would think, "oh, how touching", and move on with my day. Unless its a Disney cartoon with a human/animal or animal/animal bond, I remain pretty dry-eyed in the most heart wrenching movies. I shed not one tear during Stepmom or My Sister's Keeper (But throw in Ice Age or Brother Bear and I sob uncontrollably).
So it was rather odd to feel the tears travelling down my cheek after watching J.R Martinez's performance on Dancing With the Stars. A Dancing show made me cry! Me! Very strange.
http://www.thehollywoodgossip.com/2011/10/jr-martinez-on-dancing-with-the-stars-an-inspiring-tear-jerking/
Then, while watching a video clip of a young woman hear for the first time after getting hearing implants, the tears fell again.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LsOo3jzkhYA&feature=player_embedded
Most would agree that both stories are touching, and most would even shed a tear. Its just a little out of the ordinary for me. And just the other day, my mom informed me that she was saying nightly prayers for a friend of mine. Good thing I had my sunglasses on because my eyes welled up with tears and that familiar lump surfaced in my throat.
Perhaps its because my life has been a little more emotional. Not necessarily my life, but several of those who are close to me.
Or perhaps, like Pinocchio, I am becoming a real girl.
Lately, that is not the case.
Just today, I found myself in tears on three separate occasions, and more seem to be at the brim. Overall, I am rather happy, but certain images or stories will elicit strong emotions within me where normally I would think, "oh, how touching", and move on with my day. Unless its a Disney cartoon with a human/animal or animal/animal bond, I remain pretty dry-eyed in the most heart wrenching movies. I shed not one tear during Stepmom or My Sister's Keeper (But throw in Ice Age or Brother Bear and I sob uncontrollably).
So it was rather odd to feel the tears travelling down my cheek after watching J.R Martinez's performance on Dancing With the Stars. A Dancing show made me cry! Me! Very strange.
http://www.thehollywoodgossip.com/2011/10/jr-martinez-on-dancing-with-the-stars-an-inspiring-tear-jerking/
Then, while watching a video clip of a young woman hear for the first time after getting hearing implants, the tears fell again.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LsOo3jzkhYA&feature=player_embedded
Most would agree that both stories are touching, and most would even shed a tear. Its just a little out of the ordinary for me. And just the other day, my mom informed me that she was saying nightly prayers for a friend of mine. Good thing I had my sunglasses on because my eyes welled up with tears and that familiar lump surfaced in my throat.
Perhaps its because my life has been a little more emotional. Not necessarily my life, but several of those who are close to me.
Or perhaps, like Pinocchio, I am becoming a real girl.
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