Rant and Rave Wednesday

Wednesday, September 30, 2009....


Any readers following me on a regular basis know if it's Wednesday, it's time to Rant and Rave about the past week. Without further adieu, here are my Rants and Raves from the past week:

Rave: Spent a couple of days in Rhode Island with hubby for our birthdays. The weather, food and company was great. It was a nice break to get away and clear my head.

Rant: Stupid Rude Guy. He exists and was at the gas station yesterday. He insisted I move my car so he could get my space. Initially, I thought he just wanted me to move up so he could go around me and exit the station. But, noooooo. He just wanted my space. I purposely parked where I did because I had to go in the gas mart and buy ice after filling up. Stupid Rude Guy gets this title because there are 18 pumps at this station and we were the only 2 there.

Rave/Rant: Knew I had a bad week food wise, but still went to weigh-in. In the past, I would have not gone because I wouldn't want to see the bad news. My hubby convinced me to go and he was right. I gained, but not to the extent I imagined. For everything I ate last week, I thought it was going to be 5 to 7 pounds heavier and was surprised to see only a 1.2 weight gain.

Rave: Got to spend an evening with a dear friend last Friday night. It's not often we are able to get together as she is a single mom, but it was great to just catch up and see one another.

Rave: I was bestowed three more awards last week and want to thank Miss Nobody Scribbles who has recently returned from an extended blogging break and given me the Heartfelt Award:



AND...

Leah at Life Letters gave me the Super Comment Award. Until recently, I was an excellent blogger, but have been a bit of a slacker in the blogging world. I swear I will be coming back...




AND....

The Honest Scrap Award from Sunshine Mama who is all aspiring with her goals and obtaining them. I know I had a hiccup last week, but have already made the necessary changes to be as a successful as her.



I will be properly paying these forward in separate posts....thinking Blogger Award Sundays where I get to wear what I want and no one will be interrupted when accepting the awards.

Seriously, I feel honored that I have been the recipient of several awards over the past few weeks. I'm just happy you enjoy my little space because I do enjoy visiting you.


That's it for me. Good week with the Raves outweigh the Rants. Any Rants and Raves you want to share? I would love to hear them.

Oh wait, one more Rave or Rant? Not sure yet. Otin thought my life would be easier if I put up a linky thing. This way, I won't miss a person that wishes to post their own R&R Wednesday. I just hope it works.

Mish Mash Monday

Monday, September 28, 2009....

I had 2 experiences the past few days which don't correlate to one another, but I want to write about. Since the title of my blog is "A Little Blog About Nothing" I guess I can.

#1 Mish Mash - The other night I dreamt I was in a small motorboat, actually it was a rowboat with a small motor, and I couldn't control the boat. It kept going in circles. As hard as I tried to steer the boat straight, it just wouldn't.

Eventually the dam levee that I needed to go over began to rise. It was imperative that I cross the levee, but as hard as I tried, I couldn't. I don't know why I had to cross, but knew if I didn't, I would sink or drown.

Out of nowhere, this woman appeared walking on the other side of the levee. I have never seen her, but she extended her hand to assist me. For a split second I paused because I had never seen her and ultimately gave her my hand. She lead me to safety and when I went to ask her if I could do anything, she said 'no' smiled and walked away.

I've had this same dream for the past 3 nights. Why?

#2 Mish Mash - Many days I don't answer the phone from an unknown caller, but today, I answered a call from the 813 area code (I'd put the whole number in, but Skype automatically puts a hyper link into my blog entry). The initial recording told me I could lower my credit card rate to 6% and to press 9 to speak to a representative. I did.

The representative started his speech and when I asked which company he was calling from he said 'Mastercard, Visa, American Express'. Really? I don't think so. I actually said this with my out loud voice.

When I asked again, 'which company are you calling on behalf of' he told me he had all of my info and just needed to know which card I wanted to lower. My response 'FAT CHANCE'.

I told him I didn't believe him and couldn't believe others fell for this scam. Told him to have a nice day and then hung up.

Seriously? If you're going to scam someone out of their personal information at least be a little prepared. Know if the innocent consumer has a Capitol One or Citibank card? If not that, at least know my name.

Geez....so disappointed to know that scam artists are really pretty stupid.

Hurry. Offer Expires Midnight Tonight!

Tuesday, September 22, 2009......

I liked the title of my blog, but not sure it captures the spirit of the entry because I'm NOT giving one thing away today. Sorry.

Today, besides the first day of Fall and the Fall Solstice, is my actual birthday and the last day of LMB National Birthday week. Tomorrow is hubby's birthday and it would be wrong to over shadow his special day with continuing MY birthday celebration.

Besides shouting from the blogsphere rooftops that it was my birthday week for the past 7 days, I bet you wondered what else I did to celebrate National LMB Week.

Well......

It meant that for the past 7 days I forced myself to stop my daily routine and do something just for me. In theory it sounds easy, but not always. Here's a snapshot of what I did just for me this past week:

- Starbucks. Went a couple of times. For some this is an everyday trek, but not for me. I only like fake coffee and although I like their drinks, I also find them sweet and don't think I could have them everyday for this reason.

- Went to a Movie in the Middle of the Day. Yeah, I can do that unemployed, but don't too often. I enjoyed it. It was as if I had my own private screening.

- Birthday Dinners. A friend cooked for me Friday night and I cooked for Yoga Girl Saturday night. I hadn't seen my friend since her trip to Arizona and my sister since Father's Day (YIKES). Yoga Girl gave me a great gift -- a cooking class at The Silo in New Milford. It is a small cooking school that attracts cookbook authors and teachers for lessons and demonstrations. I am seeing Rick Rodgers, an amazing teacher AND author of several cookbooks. He does an amazing Thanksgiving class and this year's menu is no exception (bacon mashed potatoes - how can you go wrong).

- Lunch with a gf. She is one busy mom and our schedules don't sync up often, but when they do, we have a great time together. I've known my gf since second grade and consider myself one lucky person. Her birthday is tomorrow, which makes me more mature ...I wish.

- Introspective Time. This past week I basically forced myself on a daily basis to look at me. Look at what I want and need to be happy. Unfortunately, I wasn't the happiest at what I saw. I was drifting and becoming more and more negative about any and almost things.

I admit, I'm happy I'm starting to enjoy the process of doing something and not backing down from a challenge because of my own fears of failure or success. It has really has shifted my attitude about dieting. In the past, I would have dreaded it, now, not so much. I recognize I won't be perfect, but as I continue to try and make necessary changes for a healthy lifestyle, I know I'll be fine.

However, this one change wasn't enough. Because I forced myself daily to do one special thing, I realized I hadn't a clue what I really wanted for me. I was thinking of 'early retirement' the same way I do when in a doctor's waiting room -- a period of limbo.

Typically, when I go to a doctor's office (I've been to too many the past decade) I know to bring a book to pass the time. I don't want to just pass time. I want to be an active participate during this phase of it.

In order to do this, I created a vision board (Oprah.com has an online one that is easy to use and pretty cool). It helped me focus on what I want for me.

I also got a brilliant idea from McGillicutty to do 44 new things this upcoming year. For me, that means trying new foods, doing new things or going to new places (I've never been to my town's library and that's a crime). What a simple and amazing way to open one's eyes and mind. Thanks McGillicutty!

I'm also, outside of death or coma, keeping my daily gratitude journal. List 5 things I'm happy for. I have kept one on-and-off for several years, but I stopped some time back and really need to do it again. It does shift my perspective for the day and I want that.

So, that's what I did for National LMB Birthday Week. Today, I'm off to Newport RI with hubby to celebrate our birthdays. I will not be posting a Wednesday Rant and Rave, but rxBambi, Green Eyed Momster and Matty usually do. Please check them out.

Thank you everyone for the birthday wishes and a shout out to Yoga Girl for an amazing Birthday present!

Shifting My Perspective

Monday, September 21, 2009....


A couple of weeks ago, I wrote an entry about a passage I read in Lovely Bones (Crayons) which had me thinking of why I was basically stuck in status quo.

I've noticed that I have a tendency to quickly access a situation and before I even start, I always imagine the worst possible outcome and give up before I even begin.

Ever since I wrote that entry, I've noticed I actually enjoy focusing on just the 'process', but have still yet to shift my perspective on anything.

Until today.

As part of my infamous birthday week, I spent yesterday afternoon writing in my journal for close to an hour. I've been keeping journals for 3 decades and although I do not write in them daily, I can't imagine not writing in them on a semi regular basis. It's a great place for me to rant, work out a situation or just cry on a page. After each entry, I'm always left with same feeling I have after I meditate. Today was no different.

Today, after I finished, I realized that I needed to shift my perspective on how I view a situation. Lately, I've only focused on the negative and have forgotten the positives of a situation (e.g., unemployment).

I could easily list all the negatives of being unemployed, but I need to shift my perspective and realize that I've been given a great gift; the gift of time. Time to explore what I need to be happy.

Granted, I miss traveling, but I also realize there was so much I took for granted because money afforded me the opportunity to buy or do something. I honestly don't know if I ever really stopped to think if what I bought or did brought me happiness.

While I'm enjoying my stint of early retirement (sounds more positive than saying unemployment), I will think pay more attention to what I really want or need to be happy. I will begin to see what I have instead of what I don't.

I am hopeful by shifting my perspective on this one issue, I will be able to do it on all issues.

Rant and Rave Wednesday

Wednesday, September 16, 2009....


Any readers following me on a regular basis know if it's Wednesday, it's time to Rant and Rave about the past week. Without further adieu, here are my Rants and Raves from the past week:

Rave: Hello? It's National LMB's Birthday Week. So far, called a gf last minute and had lunch with her yesterday outside by the Saugatuck River. I've known her forever and we never run out of things to talk about. AND....Ben & Jerry's sent me a coupon for a free scoop of ice cream because it is my birthday this month.

Rant: Why is it that people can't read or obey the traffic sign 'right or left lane closed ahead'. Two times this past week I've watched idiots think they are better than others and zip ahead to the last possible moment and cut off drivers. Freakin idgits.

Rave: Survived first week of WW with a 4.6 lb weight loss. I'm so excited that a food shelter is being helped because of my efforts.

Rave: Had Spidey Man over for dinner the other night. He cracks me up. He brought me brownies that his electrician brought him as a thank you marketing gift. Is it me, or are brownies a strange marketing gift?

Rant: My bad blogging behavior. Ca-Joh was generous enough to include me in a Tuesday Tribute post in which several bloggers were asked 2 simple questions. He sent us the email with the questions last week and I read the first question as if I were on the game show Jeopardy (a fantasy of mine to be on it and win or at least know a majority of the answers before they've moved on to the next question). I read the question "Why do you follow my blog" as "Why do I blog" (Jeopardy speed reading at my best). After I read his entry I emailed him and he politely changed my answer to reflect the question. Thank you Ca-Joh.

Rave: Finding my voice with my neighbor. My neighbor has 3 dogs. She's never home and leaves her living room window open and one dog positions himself with his face in the window to BARK. He's a doberman and his bark is loud and deep. I know dogs bark, but her dog barks for long clips of time (we're talking minimum of 30 minutes to 1 1/2 hours). It's ANNOYING. The other night, I had it (this has been going on for the past 6 to 8 months). I called and left a message (she wasn't home) asking if the dog was ill or maybe he was just really lonely, but I was tired of hearing him bark for 1/2 hour to 1 hour clips. Yesterday, got up, went out and noticed the living room is now closed. Guess what. No barking at all hours of the day and night (and I mean ALL hours).


That's it for me. Any Rants and Raves you want to share? I would love to hear them. Matty's Thoughts, rxBambi and Green Eyed Momster have posted their own R&R Wednesday. Check them out.

National LMB Birthday Week...

Tuesday, September 15, 2009.....


For many, this marked the week football started. For others, school is back in full swing, but for me, I've earmarked this the start of 'National LMB Birthday Week'.

Before you start checking your calendar to see if you'll be enjoying any days off, I'll just give you the heads up and tell you won't.

Basically, this week is only fantastic to me! For the next seven days, I will celebrate me. For the next seven days, I will do something that would only put a smile on my face -- something I know I like.

It doesn't have to big, it just has to make me smile. It could be hanging out the park for an afternoon with a good book to picking up a yummy ice tea from Starbucks.

I know many people don't like their birthdays, but I do. Not only do I love mine, I love others. I know come next Wednesday, birthday week will be over for me and I will be celebrating hubby's birthday. A man who didn't care about birthdays while dating, but now, reminds daily how many days until his and always asking the never ending question: Are we going to get a black forest cake for my birthday?*

Happy Birthday Week to Me!**

* Seriously, Black Forest Cake? Not only are they impossible to find (last year one bakery made one with a buttercream frosting and no cherries on top - really?), but I haven't found a recipe for one. Also, have you ever have one baked by a German baker? Yikes. You can get drunk off the cherries with the special liqueur they use.

** I hope YogaGirl has a great gift for me. We're having dinner on Saturday (very excited because I haven't seen her since Father's Day).....

Family Traditions....

Friday September 11, 2009.....

I know that every family has its own traditions. Some I envy, some I don't. In my family, I've learned that some of our traditions are not normal. I mean I hadn't a clue till outside people (not members of our family pointed this out to me). Two that come to mind include:

Moving Holidays: My family celebrates a holiday when it is most convenient to everyone. I understand Christmas. Many times the 25th falls mid week and it is easier for out-of-town family members to celebrate with local loved ones on the actual day and then spend time with siblings in CT the weekend before or after the 25th.

However, the year I learned that Thanksgiving was moved a week before the new date (which was earlier than Thanksgiving) was a bit disturbing. Apparently, my mother changed the date and told my sister Yoga Girl. If I hadn't talked with YG daily, I would have never known that 10 people were showing up at MY house earlier. Yeah, MY house. Mom had told all the other guests, but forgot to tell the hostess.

Willing Things to Loved Ones: Ever since I was in the 2nd grade, my mom would go around the house and say stuff like "Oh, I'm going to leave the pearls to your sister and my engagement ring to you". I was 7. I didn't grasp the concept of death or wills. I hadn't a clue that other families would not be doing this.

As time went on, this became a sick family joke amongst some of the siblings. In fact, if my parents got some ugly statue that all of us hated, I would plant the seed in mom's head that so-and-so should get it because she was admiring it one day. I'd go further and even comment how great it would look in her den. Weeks or months later, my mom would announce to said sibling that she'd be getting the ugly ass bronze cowboy statue because she had heard how much my sister had wanted it. When my sister would ask her where she got that information, she would say LMB told me. Of course, my sister wouldn't want to hurt mom's feelings and say you're right. Later she would tell me she'd get me back with something uglier that she'd have mom will to me.

September is My Birthday Month, What Are You Getting Me?: This is one tradition that is shared only with Yoga Girl. Here's the rub: I'm not a big surprise girl (I may have even mentioned that before in this blog) and Yoga Girl is. In fact, if I wrapped a box of shit and didn't tell her what was in the box, she'd probably love it. Not me. Just because a box of shit is wrapped beautifully doesn't mean I want it. Over the years, a new tradition has emerged around my birthday because I fear the box of shit and NEED to know what I'm getting.

Unlike many other family traditions, mine is not warm and loving, more like a whiny little record that keeps skipping. Starting September 1st until my birthday, it goes a lot like this:


Me - X shopping days until the big event.

The response is varied. Some years I hear:

YG - I don't know what to get you...

or this year I heard

YG - "Don't make plans for the weekend of November 14th-15th".

Me - Why? Are we moving Thanksgiving again?

YG - No. But, we really need to do that again, it's been awhile.

Me - Hubby really wants to know what you've gotten me(at this point I've asked hubby to mention he needs to know in case he's gotten me the same thing next time he talks with her)

YG - Oh really, why?

Me - Because he doesn't want to duplicate it.

At this point there is silence and I know to drop the subject till our next conversation which is later in the day. This time, I put hubby on the line....

Hubby - What are you getting LMB

YG - She's in the room (phone is on speaker and I make fake stomping sounds - for some reason, YG is smarter than a drunken sailor and doesn't believe me).

Hubby - She's gone.

YG - No she's not. (I realize no convincing her I'm out of the room and begin whining).

This tradition lasts for 21 days in the month of September because I get my present on the 22nd!

Now, before you say, LMB you're a whiny little brat and should appreciate anything YG gives you (oh pleasseeeee...one year my dad gave us pet rocks thinking we'd love it - she probably did because it was a surprise. Me, not so much. I was very young at the time and still knew it was a freakin rock), she gets PURE enjoyment calling me or emailing and saying "I got your gift and am not going to tell you because I know it drives you nuts".

God, do I love this birthday tradition. In December, I'll explain the reverse when it's her birthday and what I do to her.

Rant and Rave Wednesday

Wednesday, September 9, 2009....


Any readers following me on a regular basis know if it's Wednesday, it's time to Rant and Rave about the past week. Without further adieu, here are my Rants and Raves from the past week:

Rave: The weather. Except for the fact that it is starting to become overcast, the weather has been great. For readers who do not live in CT, out of the past 15 weekends 5 have been sunny and that is just the weekends. Many times the weeks have just been very rainy. Great weather is a gift from the weather gods.

Rant: While at the grocery store (I'm noticing many of the rude people I encounter are at the grocery store) this guy came barreling up behind me with his cart. I don't walk slow, but he was in such a hurry I moved to the side to avoid having wheel marks on my back. Same trip, different guy bumps into me because he too was in a rush -- hello -- go around. There is a reason I rarely go to Stew Leonard's.

Rave: Got some home projects done this weekend which needed to get done.

Rant: Lost 2 hours of my life at Taking Woodstock. It wasn't a bad movie, just not $10.25 worthy....and the first hour moved slowly. Although, the story was interesting and probably made a great read.

Rave: My arch nemesis, bunny, is back. I saw him. I saw my lack of cucumber leaves and saw another brussel sprout chomped on. I'm glad he's back, but what's wrong with the grass and clover he's allowed to eat?

Rave: In the past week, two bloggers nominated me for awards. Nina awarded me the Kreativ Blogger Award



and...

Funny Girl Goes Blog bestowed the Honest Scrap Award



I will acknowledge these properly in another post. However, I want to say thanks! I'm truly flattered.


That's it for me (I'm having a brain cramp on R&Rs today). Any Rants and Raves you want to share? I would love to hear them. Matty's Thoughts, rxBambi and Green Eyed Momster have posted their own R&R Wednesday. Check them out.

A Work in Progress

Tuesday, September 8, 2009.....

Yesterday, I mentioned how I'm struggling with the process of anything because of my fear of the outcome. I want to thank everyone who commented. Some left some great mantras and reading material which I plan on using and checking out.

In the meantime, I got a piece of Weight Watchers literature, asking me to come back by enticing me with reduced fees. Typically, I'd junk these offers (I'd love to say it's because I don't need them) but kept this one. Besides the reduction in fees, Weight Watchers is promoting its More to Lose Campaign. For every pound you lose they donate one dollar to a food shelter.

I admit, the campaign hooked me back in. Yes I really do need to lose weight, but if I can help others by shedding the fat, well, yay!

I signed up for 8 weeks (November 7th) and I may sign up for more, but for now, this is what I can wrap my brain around. For the next 8 weeks, I will attend meetings, plan menus, track points, drink water and exercise.

I will focus on the process and not let the outcome paralyze my ability to do it. This will be the first time I don't set a goal for myself and am curious/looking forward to what I experience during the process.

There is no way I'm telling you my starting weight, but I'll let you know my progress along the way.

Crayons

Monday, September 7, 2009....


I'm currently reading Lovely Bones (a wonderful read for anyone who hasn't already read it) and although the overall theme of the book is sad, there is one particular passage which struck a cord with me. The passage described how two young boys colored for so long that they were exhausted and fell asleep right at the table. After reading the passage, I began to wonder when did I stop doing this? When did I stop caring about the pleasure something brought me and only became focused on the outcome?

I've noticed over the years I just stop myself from trying something new because I have determined I will not reach the desired outcome I'm looking for. I've seemed to forgotten the process, the journey of getting from Point A to Point B.

It's not only a fear of failing, it's sometimes the thought of succeeding that scares me more. Instead of just doing something, enjoying the process, I stop and sabotage myself.

I want to be those boys in the book. I want to color like there is no tomorrow and not care if I fail or succeed. That's what I want.

Now, the real question is: How do I get passed me?

What do Uber Cool People do on a Long Holiday Weekend....

Friday, September 4, 2009....

I'm not sure what 'uber' cool people do on a long holiday weekend, but I'll share what I'll be doing. It's exciting. You'll be so jealous. I just know it.

1. I just remembered I have to give away some of the $$ I don't have to some large corporation that has asked me for some. Heck, I'm generous like that. Hmmm...why can't the large corporation see my monthly payment as 'generous'? This way I could claim it as a charitable tax donation.

2. Remember to call for a hair cutting appointment. It was 6 months since my last hair cut (stop judging, at least I shower).

3. Sanding the basement outside door. Sure, it has a name, but who cares? I know I'll just be doing that for part of my time....well, until I get bored or distracted by anything that catches my eye.

4. Seeing that Woodstock movie that is out. Remember my strange ass dream where I told my hubby I didn't want to go to Woodstock in a motor boat. Well, some people who commented were correct. I had forgotten that hubby said he wanted to see it. Okay, I blocked it out. I so don't want to see it, but hey, marriage is a compromise and when I drag his ass to see All About Steve, I don't want to hear any whining. I don't care if a real man wouldn't see it. He will.

5. Other outdoor yard stuff. This includes pulling more bittersweet (horrible vine that grows faster than the Duggar family produces another child) from my trees and shrubs. It should be noted, pulling out bittersweet from the lilac tree includes a conversation that has not been pleasant between hubby and I. His need to destroy a lilac tree past it's prime and me convincing him that the tree still produces 3 or 4 lovely buds (see, he doesn't want to replace it with another lilac tree and that's why I'm whining).

Somewhere in the mix, we'll go out to dinner and not McDonald's or Burger King. Somewhere a bit more classy where they serve you at a table and booze is served.

I guess if I were Uber Cool, I'd be off to the Hamptons in some great new dress in a snazzy convertible. Since I'm not, I just hang out here in CT.

Rant and Rave Wednesday

Wednesday, September 2, 2009....


Any readers following me on a regular basis know if it's Wednesday, it's time to Rant and Rave about the past week. Without further adieu, here are my Rants and Raves from the past week:

Rave: The weather. Yesterday was the PERFECT day. Sunny, bright blue skies and 66 degrees. Not one ounce of humidity. Today another perfect day.

Rant: Why do people ask me for favors, but ask another person for the same? Seriously, if you ask me to do something, particularly a time consuming project, don't forget and ask someone else. It's obnoxious.

Rave: Two of my friends got jobs (yes, I have several friends out of work). Yay for them! One of my friends told me that things happened in threes. I quickly reminded him it was death and not jobs that happened in threes. We both had a very good laugh.

Rant: I've been horrible at responding to comments. I read them all and appreciate what everyone has to say, but I've been a slacker. I plan on working on that.

Rant: My arch nemesis, bunny, doesn't appear to be around anymore. You'd think I'd be happy, but I think the local cat (the one that pees in my flower bed) took care of him ...and not in a polite manner ---no cat showing bunny to the door (so-to-speak).

Rave: New gadget to help me with the abundance of zucchini I have. One of the blogs I read The Actor's Diet showed pictures of the Paderno Spiral Vegetable Cutter. This contraption makes perfect spaghetti noodles. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE it. No seeds, easy to use, easy clean up. Seriously, if you have an abundance zucchini (you can use other veggies) check out the pics from The Actor's Diet blog and go to Amazon and order it.


That's it for me. Any Rants and Raves you want to share? I would love to hear them. Matty's Thoughts, Green Eyed Momster and A Day in the Life of Bambi have posted her own R&R Wednesday. Check it out. That's it for me. Any Rants and Raves you want to share? I would love to hear them.

A Really Good Laugh

September 1, 2009...

Tomorrow marks my 16th month anniversary of being unemployed, but today marks the day I've had my best laugh about this situation. Today, I received in the mail my own special application for a Visa Black Card.

"For those who demand only the best of what life has to offer, the exclusive Visa Black Card is for you."

"The Black Card is not for everyone. In fact, it is limited to only 1% of U.S. residents to ensure the highest caliber of personal service is provided to every Cardmember."

You know what else, it's made out of a patent pending carbon.

I don't know whether to apply for shits & giggles or apply to their marketing department because I believe I'd weed out the unemployed from this invitation.

Funniest part of this elaborate invite (other than the obvious), I haven't a clue what the benefits are.

Thank you Visa for giving the best laugh about not having a job in a very long time.