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.
Friday, September 11, 2009
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
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.
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.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
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.
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.
Monday, September 7, 2009
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?
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?
Friday, September 4, 2009
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.
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.
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
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.
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.
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
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.
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.
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