Tuesday, September 30, 2008......
Today, I decided to tackle this small little room off my bedroom that has six windows, a great refinished secretary and storage containers worth of clothes.
My initial thought when I bought this house would be my room to sit, read, pay bills and journal. Although, it is still my room, it is more of a living closet. The secretary so jammed with stuff, that I took the chair and brought it into another room where I would actually use it.
Typically, when I go through things, I take my time and read old letters or look at photos and try to pinpoint where I was at that stage in my life. Today was no different, but there was a slight twist to it.
I discovered that I own a "hook" to hook rugs. As I sat there looking at this hook, I really could not remember a day or time in my life that I was going to hook myself a rug. I remember starting a handmade quilt and throwing it out because it resembled nothing that one could even call a napkin. However, a hooked rug? Not quite sure.
I also loved discovering the Christmas photo cards where my friends only have their first child in the picture as the second or third had not arrived.
I discovered I had an insane amount of return address stickers which I promptly pitched since my name is changing in about 12 days and I don't have 20,000 items that need mailing.
Throughout the process, I realized that over the years, one hardfast thing to be true.....I collect too much stuff for this very small house.
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Monday, September 29, 2008
PETA and Ben & Jerry's
Monday, September 29, 2008.....
I know this has been in the news for days, but seriously, PETA promoting human breast milk for Ben & Jerry ice cream???????
So many wrongs with that statement.....taste and...redefining the workplace. I guess it could be the first workplace where the statement "she has nice jugs" would not be considered sexual harassment.
Thank heavens Ben & Jerry's said no to the suggestion.
I know this has been in the news for days, but seriously, PETA promoting human breast milk for Ben & Jerry ice cream???????
So many wrongs with that statement.....taste and...redefining the workplace. I guess it could be the first workplace where the statement "she has nice jugs" would not be considered sexual harassment.
Thank heavens Ben & Jerry's said no to the suggestion.
Wedding Registry
Monday, September 29, 2008.....
After many months of people asking where are we registered, we finally went and registered about a week or two ago.
You should understand, when asked where registerd, we would respond "what's the big deal?" I learned that if we didn't register we would probably get stuff we didn't want and have to return. The prospect of receiving items I might have to return spoke to me. I'm an Internet shopper when I can be. However, there are still certain stores I like to go into and others I like to go into, but avoid because I overspend. However, returning via the Internet is much easier than going to the store....So, I guess my motivating factor for registering was the possibility of having to return an item. [Note: married before and trekked into NYC to return many glass duplicate items from Tiffany's]
After I crossed the first hurdle with my fiance, letting him know that we were not going to register at Fisherman's World, it was off to Crate and Barrel and Williams-Sonoma.
Apparently, my logic for registering is common. The C&B person heard our wedding date and stated the obvious "you're here because someone told you to register so you wouldn't have to do so many returns". Busted. However, that is not to say I don't love C&B, or any cooking type store for that matter, but knew we would find some things we'd like.
The fiance picked out a coffee maker. I own a french press.....correct assumption if you guessed I never drink coffee. The fiance does and mocked the french press as one time hot coffee maker. I guess if I had a microwave, the cold coffee in the french press wouldn't be so bad, but having to rewarm it in a saucepan, lost its charm.
Personally, I'm glad I wasn't left with this task because he was excited over some gold filter feature. Whatever....
Most of the items I picked, but was surprised when he picked some funky colorful dessert plates (wait...dessert....his favorite part of the meal...hmmmm, maybe I shouldn't be so surprised). I went for funky plates. Although I collect pottery, in my mind, I believe everyone should own several different types of everyday dishes. It makes eating very fun.
I will laugh if no one buys off the registry after my sister's insistence. I also wonder if it is still in fashion to give glass candlesticks as a wedding gift. I'm hoping that fad has passed as I still own several pair which I don't use.
j
After many months of people asking where are we registered, we finally went and registered about a week or two ago.
You should understand, when asked where registerd, we would respond "what's the big deal?" I learned that if we didn't register we would probably get stuff we didn't want and have to return. The prospect of receiving items I might have to return spoke to me. I'm an Internet shopper when I can be. However, there are still certain stores I like to go into and others I like to go into, but avoid because I overspend. However, returning via the Internet is much easier than going to the store....So, I guess my motivating factor for registering was the possibility of having to return an item. [Note: married before and trekked into NYC to return many glass duplicate items from Tiffany's]
After I crossed the first hurdle with my fiance, letting him know that we were not going to register at Fisherman's World, it was off to Crate and Barrel and Williams-Sonoma.
Apparently, my logic for registering is common. The C&B person heard our wedding date and stated the obvious "you're here because someone told you to register so you wouldn't have to do so many returns". Busted. However, that is not to say I don't love C&B, or any cooking type store for that matter, but knew we would find some things we'd like.
The fiance picked out a coffee maker. I own a french press.....correct assumption if you guessed I never drink coffee. The fiance does and mocked the french press as one time hot coffee maker. I guess if I had a microwave, the cold coffee in the french press wouldn't be so bad, but having to rewarm it in a saucepan, lost its charm.
Personally, I'm glad I wasn't left with this task because he was excited over some gold filter feature. Whatever....
Most of the items I picked, but was surprised when he picked some funky colorful dessert plates (wait...dessert....his favorite part of the meal...hmmmm, maybe I shouldn't be so surprised). I went for funky plates. Although I collect pottery, in my mind, I believe everyone should own several different types of everyday dishes. It makes eating very fun.
I will laugh if no one buys off the registry after my sister's insistence. I also wonder if it is still in fashion to give glass candlesticks as a wedding gift. I'm hoping that fad has passed as I still own several pair which I don't use.
j
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Speculating.....
Saturday, September 27, 2008.....
I was raised to mind your Ps & Qs, but this never stopped my family from speculating about others. As I got older, I learned that friends also "speculated" about neighbors that they did not know.
For example, after 911, my mother speculated that the neighbor across the street wore black everyday because he had worked for Cantor Fitzgerald and was mourning the loss of his colleagues. Several years later, my sister learned that he worked as an exterminator and he wore black everyday because it was the color of his uniform.
I'd like to say that mother was the only one that speculated about the neighbors. My sister speculates that her neighbor pulls down her blinds because she is up to no good. If that were true, my neighbors would also think that I'm up to no good. I close my living room curtains in the afternoons because it creates a major glare on the tv screen and heats up the house quickly in the dead of August.
I've learned that "speculating" about others is not limited to just family members, but some friends as well. No matter who is speculating, the results are always a story that could be the plotline for a soap opera or Desperate Housewives. For this reason, I'm a realist.
I've have never speculated why someone wears black all the time; or why a person closes their blind. However, this summer, things changed.
I started noticing this summer that my neighbors were never around at the same time, but thought I had too much time on my hands with being unemployed. However, my fiance noticed the same. We didn't mention anything to the other until late August and thought it odd that we both noticed this (it should be noted that my neighbors painted their house and a friend had to point that out to me one year). The fact we both had noticed this is when we began to speculate that they had separated.
Although I speculated this, I don't think I really believed it to be true. When I separated and divorced a number of years ago, I got to know them better. They were best friends in college and truly enjoyed one another's company. Their marriage was strong.
Last night, I called them as they had not sent a response to the wedding invite. I learned that our "speculation" was right and they were putting the house on the market shortly. The husband had already moved out and I understand that the wife wants to sell the house and move to a neighboring town that differs from mine (more upscale, lots of wealth and huge homes).
I truly like both the husband and wife and have to admit was shocked at the news. They went from separation to divorce in a matter of two months. This was the first time I had "speculated" about a neighbor and have to admit that I'm saddened I was correct. I'm saddened because of the breakdown of their marriage, saddened for their small son and because I'm losing some interesting neighbors.
Why couldn't my neighbors have just worn a lot of black and turned out to be exterminators?
I was raised to mind your Ps & Qs, but this never stopped my family from speculating about others. As I got older, I learned that friends also "speculated" about neighbors that they did not know.
For example, after 911, my mother speculated that the neighbor across the street wore black everyday because he had worked for Cantor Fitzgerald and was mourning the loss of his colleagues. Several years later, my sister learned that he worked as an exterminator and he wore black everyday because it was the color of his uniform.
I'd like to say that mother was the only one that speculated about the neighbors. My sister speculates that her neighbor pulls down her blinds because she is up to no good. If that were true, my neighbors would also think that I'm up to no good. I close my living room curtains in the afternoons because it creates a major glare on the tv screen and heats up the house quickly in the dead of August.
I've learned that "speculating" about others is not limited to just family members, but some friends as well. No matter who is speculating, the results are always a story that could be the plotline for a soap opera or Desperate Housewives. For this reason, I'm a realist.
I've have never speculated why someone wears black all the time; or why a person closes their blind. However, this summer, things changed.
I started noticing this summer that my neighbors were never around at the same time, but thought I had too much time on my hands with being unemployed. However, my fiance noticed the same. We didn't mention anything to the other until late August and thought it odd that we both noticed this (it should be noted that my neighbors painted their house and a friend had to point that out to me one year). The fact we both had noticed this is when we began to speculate that they had separated.
Although I speculated this, I don't think I really believed it to be true. When I separated and divorced a number of years ago, I got to know them better. They were best friends in college and truly enjoyed one another's company. Their marriage was strong.
Last night, I called them as they had not sent a response to the wedding invite. I learned that our "speculation" was right and they were putting the house on the market shortly. The husband had already moved out and I understand that the wife wants to sell the house and move to a neighboring town that differs from mine (more upscale, lots of wealth and huge homes).
I truly like both the husband and wife and have to admit was shocked at the news. They went from separation to divorce in a matter of two months. This was the first time I had "speculated" about a neighbor and have to admit that I'm saddened I was correct. I'm saddened because of the breakdown of their marriage, saddened for their small son and because I'm losing some interesting neighbors.
Why couldn't my neighbors have just worn a lot of black and turned out to be exterminators?
Monday, September 15, 2008
My Interpretation of My Sister's Trip to France....
Monday, September 15, 2008......
My sister returned from France on Saturday, but I was able to chat with her a good portion of her trip while she was in Paris (thanks to Skype).... I had posted about her learning the language with these ridiculous cds she purchased in which she learned the words/phrases for condom, I saw the large truck and they have a comfortable sofa.
Well, I must apologize. Apparently, she was able to use the phrase "I saw a large truck" while in the country side. She lucked out because most people spoke English. However, she mentioned that she tried using her french in the following scenarios:
- Outside the Louvre with an ice-cream vendor: She held up one finger, said scoop au chocolate;
- She was able to ask for a chocolate croissant in french; but my favorite is....
- She tried having a conversation in Sephora with the salesperson about foundation or concealer. She did not mention that as a successful conversation.
Here are the highlights from her trip as perceived by moi:
- Quest was to eat a crepe a day
- The US should have crepe stands
- Starbucks in Paris doesn't make ice-tea (they had to give them the recipe)
- Every woman wears a scarf; every man carries a manpurse
- She's decided no one works or cooks as they were out and about at restaurants
- Bread is very important to the French
- A travel journal is a great concept, but the execution of journaling daily stressful
- Although she owns a tremendous amount of fancy soap, it is important to buy Provence Soap while in Provence (not getting that logic)
- The Pope was in town, but because she couldn't see him, she took pictures of him that were posted on the videotrons located throughout the city (note - good friend has already made the comment that we will have better pics of him on the news than in her photos)
- The US markets are crashing because she has made a great contribution to the French economy with all her purchases; and
- Even when traveling international my sister's still enjoys calling me to tell me she got me a present just because she knows I have to know what it is.
Oh sis, if reading today, remember ONE week to my birthday....woo hoo...presents from France for me...
j
My sister returned from France on Saturday, but I was able to chat with her a good portion of her trip while she was in Paris (thanks to Skype).... I had posted about her learning the language with these ridiculous cds she purchased in which she learned the words/phrases for condom, I saw the large truck and they have a comfortable sofa.
Well, I must apologize. Apparently, she was able to use the phrase "I saw a large truck" while in the country side. She lucked out because most people spoke English. However, she mentioned that she tried using her french in the following scenarios:
- Outside the Louvre with an ice-cream vendor: She held up one finger, said scoop au chocolate;
- She was able to ask for a chocolate croissant in french; but my favorite is....
- She tried having a conversation in Sephora with the salesperson about foundation or concealer. She did not mention that as a successful conversation.
Here are the highlights from her trip as perceived by moi:
- Quest was to eat a crepe a day
- The US should have crepe stands
- Starbucks in Paris doesn't make ice-tea (they had to give them the recipe)
- Every woman wears a scarf; every man carries a manpurse
- She's decided no one works or cooks as they were out and about at restaurants
- Bread is very important to the French
- A travel journal is a great concept, but the execution of journaling daily stressful
- Although she owns a tremendous amount of fancy soap, it is important to buy Provence Soap while in Provence (not getting that logic)
- The Pope was in town, but because she couldn't see him, she took pictures of him that were posted on the videotrons located throughout the city (note - good friend has already made the comment that we will have better pics of him on the news than in her photos)
- The US markets are crashing because she has made a great contribution to the French economy with all her purchases; and
- Even when traveling international my sister's still enjoys calling me to tell me she got me a present just because she knows I have to know what it is.
Oh sis, if reading today, remember ONE week to my birthday....woo hoo...presents from France for me...
j
Thursday, September 11, 2008
The Bonnie Hunt Talk Show.....
Thursday, September 11, 2008.....
Okay. I bet you're thinking why did I dedicate a blog entry to The Bonnie Hunt Show? No, I don't work for her, nor do I know her personally. However, it beat the alternative title of "why I consider talk shows to be a possible car wreck"?
You know how most drive by a car accident and look, but turn their head as soon as they see a possible victim, well, I don't. I either look or I'm busy cursing why I'm stuck in stupid traffic. Seriously, people slow down causing a standstill traffic jam because they "think" they have to look when they really don't want to. It's just annoying to me. If you're that curious to look then look and be grossed out. Don't pretend, slow down traffic and not look. That's just wrong.
However, I have a different version of a car wreck. They are new talk shows. Ever since the Chevy Chase talk show, I'm hooked to watch the beginning of some new talk shows. The Chevy Chase talk show, if any remember, was so horrible that I couldn't stop watching. If it were a car accident, many people would drive by pretending to look, but would have to turn their head. I, secretly hoped that the medics could revive him, but nope.
I have to admit, I don't watch every new talk show that comes out. Some, I actually know will work because of their established fan base, their hot factor, but others, I wonder about. I knew they could be a hit or miss. Megan Mullally's show was another car wreck and I knew it was to be short lived after week one.
I dvr'd the Bonnie Hunt show because I felt she could straddle the fence of being a car wreck, but I am happy to report she's not. She has an ease about her that makes her real and very enjoyable to watch. I hope that she's on the air for a long time.
j
Okay. I bet you're thinking why did I dedicate a blog entry to The Bonnie Hunt Show? No, I don't work for her, nor do I know her personally. However, it beat the alternative title of "why I consider talk shows to be a possible car wreck"?
You know how most drive by a car accident and look, but turn their head as soon as they see a possible victim, well, I don't. I either look or I'm busy cursing why I'm stuck in stupid traffic. Seriously, people slow down causing a standstill traffic jam because they "think" they have to look when they really don't want to. It's just annoying to me. If you're that curious to look then look and be grossed out. Don't pretend, slow down traffic and not look. That's just wrong.
However, I have a different version of a car wreck. They are new talk shows. Ever since the Chevy Chase talk show, I'm hooked to watch the beginning of some new talk shows. The Chevy Chase talk show, if any remember, was so horrible that I couldn't stop watching. If it were a car accident, many people would drive by pretending to look, but would have to turn their head. I, secretly hoped that the medics could revive him, but nope.
I have to admit, I don't watch every new talk show that comes out. Some, I actually know will work because of their established fan base, their hot factor, but others, I wonder about. I knew they could be a hit or miss. Megan Mullally's show was another car wreck and I knew it was to be short lived after week one.
I dvr'd the Bonnie Hunt show because I felt she could straddle the fence of being a car wreck, but I am happy to report she's not. She has an ease about her that makes her real and very enjoyable to watch. I hope that she's on the air for a long time.
j
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Detoxification....
Wednesday, September 10, 2008.....
Several weeks ago, I was talking my friend who thought she wanted to do a detox. After we went through her lifestyle (healthy eating, yoga instructor, etc) it was determined that maybe she didn't really need to try a detox program. However, I couldn't say the same about me.
I'm the perfect candidate for a detox program, but at the time of our conversation, dismissed the idea. However, last night, I changed my mind. I'm at a point that I need to detox both the food I consume, but also my environment. So, starting this Saturday, I'm going to start a detox program.
For 10 days, I'm going to try the Lemon Cleanse program (my sister did it, so I know I'll survive), but also clean out closets and the attic to make room for my fiance moving in. When my ex moved out seven years ago, he never wanted to go through his stuff. I went through alot of his stuff, boxed it and offered it to him. He sifted through things, took what he wanted and left me with the remains. Not having the energy to deal with things, I repositioned things to the garage, basement and attic. Out of sight, out of mind.
I guess I could have taken care of these items over the years, but my life became complicated. I had some health issues which led to several surgeries and I have to admit it was the last surgery in the Fall of 2005 that led me to feeling sluggish...all....the...time since then.
Now I finally have the time to address my health concerns and notice the stuff I so properly stashed away, I think this is the perfect time before the wedding to detox my life.
I'm excited about getting rid of the excess, but think I probably should put a warning label on me for innocent bystanders (aka friends) that states "woman cranky for only food is cayenne pepper flavored water and only fun is hours of cleaning and reorganizing".
Seriously, I've timed this detox to end on my birthday and what an excellent way to start a marriage with a clean empty house (okay, as empty as small NE Cape Cod can be).
j
Several weeks ago, I was talking my friend who thought she wanted to do a detox. After we went through her lifestyle (healthy eating, yoga instructor, etc) it was determined that maybe she didn't really need to try a detox program. However, I couldn't say the same about me.
I'm the perfect candidate for a detox program, but at the time of our conversation, dismissed the idea. However, last night, I changed my mind. I'm at a point that I need to detox both the food I consume, but also my environment. So, starting this Saturday, I'm going to start a detox program.
For 10 days, I'm going to try the Lemon Cleanse program (my sister did it, so I know I'll survive), but also clean out closets and the attic to make room for my fiance moving in. When my ex moved out seven years ago, he never wanted to go through his stuff. I went through alot of his stuff, boxed it and offered it to him. He sifted through things, took what he wanted and left me with the remains. Not having the energy to deal with things, I repositioned things to the garage, basement and attic. Out of sight, out of mind.
I guess I could have taken care of these items over the years, but my life became complicated. I had some health issues which led to several surgeries and I have to admit it was the last surgery in the Fall of 2005 that led me to feeling sluggish...all....the...time since then.
Now I finally have the time to address my health concerns and notice the stuff I so properly stashed away, I think this is the perfect time before the wedding to detox my life.
I'm excited about getting rid of the excess, but think I probably should put a warning label on me for innocent bystanders (aka friends) that states "woman cranky for only food is cayenne pepper flavored water and only fun is hours of cleaning and reorganizing".
Seriously, I've timed this detox to end on my birthday and what an excellent way to start a marriage with a clean empty house (okay, as empty as small NE Cape Cod can be).
j
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Education Through Movies
Tuesday, September 9, 2008......
With the wedding a little over a month away, I decided that Friday nights when my fiance comes to my place for the weekend (we have 2 separate houses in 2 separate states) we like to be low key. Sometimes, being low key means movie night.
I have this extensive collection of movies (thanks Columbia House) and decided for weeks preceding the wedding, all movies shown will be about weddings, marriage, etc...
Last Friday, marked the kickoff of my themed movie night with an educational one..."Fatal Attraction". It was perfect, I hadn't seen it in years and my fiance had never watched it.
At the end of the movie, I asked what did you learn from the movie (thinking his response would be NEVER CHEAT ON YOUR WIFE).....instead, I received the following response "If you going to sleep with someone, make sure she's not a crazy bitch".
Nice. I can tell he's not open to the wonderful education movies can provide. Just wait, I'll have him watch "Maid of Honor" with Patrick Dempsey.....he'll never get the message of that movie. Personally, the message I'd like him to get from that movie is "Sometimes, my wife is going to make me watch movies just because there is an eye-candy actor in it for her to stare at". The fact that it is a wedding movie, just let's me sneak it into the mix.
j
With the wedding a little over a month away, I decided that Friday nights when my fiance comes to my place for the weekend (we have 2 separate houses in 2 separate states) we like to be low key. Sometimes, being low key means movie night.
I have this extensive collection of movies (thanks Columbia House) and decided for weeks preceding the wedding, all movies shown will be about weddings, marriage, etc...
Last Friday, marked the kickoff of my themed movie night with an educational one..."Fatal Attraction". It was perfect, I hadn't seen it in years and my fiance had never watched it.
At the end of the movie, I asked what did you learn from the movie (thinking his response would be NEVER CHEAT ON YOUR WIFE).....instead, I received the following response "If you going to sleep with someone, make sure she's not a crazy bitch".
Nice. I can tell he's not open to the wonderful education movies can provide. Just wait, I'll have him watch "Maid of Honor" with Patrick Dempsey.....he'll never get the message of that movie. Personally, the message I'd like him to get from that movie is "Sometimes, my wife is going to make me watch movies just because there is an eye-candy actor in it for her to stare at". The fact that it is a wedding movie, just let's me sneak it into the mix.
j
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
The Lost Weekend
Tuesday, September 2, 2008.....
I can't believe where the weekend, or the past week, went. Some of the nicest weather seen and I was cranky, sick and on the couch. Mind you, I could and should of done something last week when I first felt ill, but thought a little bite wasn't going to stop me. Well, it did.
After a swollen arm accompanied by stomach aches, fever and a lost lunch, I finally promised the fiance I would go to the doctor today. Although I was feeling better, I still felt blah....
Turns out the the doc diagnosed me in minutes (cellulitis from spider bite), he prescribed antibotics and then tortured me with political talk for the next 25 minutes. It is one thing to talk about the current candidates, but did I really need to hear about Mondale's VP choice or the senator from NC during the Watergate scandal? Not only did I not care, but I barely remember anything other than what I remember studying about them in college.
I wonder if the 25 minute torture session was to teach me to come in sooner when feeling ill, or was it because this doc was divorced (he informed me of this) and has no one to talk to when he goes home at night (oh yeah, he mentioned the name of the street he lives on). Maybe, he needs a dog. Maybe, someone should tell him it's okay to talk to one self so he doesn't torture patients that feel ill. Maybe, this is why I wait forever before going to the doctor for help.
j
I can't believe where the weekend, or the past week, went. Some of the nicest weather seen and I was cranky, sick and on the couch. Mind you, I could and should of done something last week when I first felt ill, but thought a little bite wasn't going to stop me. Well, it did.
After a swollen arm accompanied by stomach aches, fever and a lost lunch, I finally promised the fiance I would go to the doctor today. Although I was feeling better, I still felt blah....
Turns out the the doc diagnosed me in minutes (cellulitis from spider bite), he prescribed antibotics and then tortured me with political talk for the next 25 minutes. It is one thing to talk about the current candidates, but did I really need to hear about Mondale's VP choice or the senator from NC during the Watergate scandal? Not only did I not care, but I barely remember anything other than what I remember studying about them in college.
I wonder if the 25 minute torture session was to teach me to come in sooner when feeling ill, or was it because this doc was divorced (he informed me of this) and has no one to talk to when he goes home at night (oh yeah, he mentioned the name of the street he lives on). Maybe, he needs a dog. Maybe, someone should tell him it's okay to talk to one self so he doesn't torture patients that feel ill. Maybe, this is why I wait forever before going to the doctor for help.
j
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)