A few months ago, I won a silent auction for $100 gift certicate from a salon. I thought, "Great, I'll get a haircut and maybe a facial" with the certificate. No, no, no, Wrong! It was a $100 Haircut!! Yes, Really! I mean it's a nice haircut and all, but my first reaction was "Get the eff outta here". I am so, so glad I got this certificate for like $20 bucks. And of course I had to tip the guy.
When do the heck did I move to Beverly Hills?
Speaking of personal grooming, I have a situation with my eyebrow threading lady. I had an extra new compost bin that I gave to her last Fall. She was so appreciative, she emailed me and offered me a free eyebrow threading. Gee, that's nice. Except when I went to her last time to get my brows cleaned up, She Charged Me!!!! I was so annoyed that when I got home from my appointment I returned her email with a new one asking her how the compost bin was working! She replied all was fine and not a word about her offer. Should I mention this to her in person when I go back to her?!? Which I am not even sure I want to do even though she does a nice job on the brows. What do you all think, dear blog friends?
I just got an email from a friend inviting me to join her Canasta group. Holy crapola, am I really getting That OLD!? Gee, isn't it bad enough I have to go through PMS and perimenopause every month!?! Now, I am being faced with having to join a regular card game, it's downright frightening. Hey, ladies, call me for a hike or walk, or lunch, not Canasta or Mah Johng.
What's got you raising your eyebrows and thinking Really?
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Sunday, January 24, 2010
12 years of Perfect Moments
12 years ago today at approximately 10:52 am, (or was it 11:17 am?), my Dh and I met our youngest son, S., and welcomed him into this wonderful world.
I still remember the first three things I said when I saw our baby-
"It's a Boy!"
"He's so Beautiful!"
"He looks just like his brother!"
Twelve years later, he's still a boy, still beautiful, and still looks A Lot Like his older brother. (Hey, we like the one model, it's a winner.)
Thank you, son, for twelve years of perfect moments. I look forward to many more, including hearing you play the rock and blues songs at your piano recital today. I am proud of you in so many ways, especially your good hearted nature and always striving to do your best.
For more perfect moments, please visit Lori of Weebles Wobblog.
I still remember the first three things I said when I saw our baby-
"It's a Boy!"
"He's so Beautiful!"
"He looks just like his brother!"
Twelve years later, he's still a boy, still beautiful, and still looks A Lot Like his older brother. (Hey, we like the one model, it's a winner.)
Thank you, son, for twelve years of perfect moments. I look forward to many more, including hearing you play the rock and blues songs at your piano recital today. I am proud of you in so many ways, especially your good hearted nature and always striving to do your best.
For more perfect moments, please visit Lori of Weebles Wobblog.
Friday, January 22, 2010
My New Couches for the Color Carnival and Orange Ya Glad
Please behold the colorful, lovely, and Yes, Orange Hued spectacle of my new couch, (loveseat too!), that took 5 months to be delivered. I finally had to go to the furniture store to pick out new fabrics after nagging them week after week and getting free delivery and mucho discounts. They were delivered last month in time for the holidays.
Thank you to Martha@Menagerie for The Color Carnival and Yaya for Orange Ya Glad, and to You, for providing me an opportunity to share them. (Also one of my pair of mid century modern teak bench/coffee tables from the original owners, my parents.)
Any new things in your home that are bringing you enjoyment?
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Heart Your Heart, Pancreas too
I am getting all clinical over at The Motivation Station today where I discuss such topics as Body Mass Index and Total cholesterol and the risk of heart disease and diabetes in civilian language. Please stop by, your heart and pancreas will be glad you did, and so will I! Thank you!
Monday, January 18, 2010
Dear Lovelies Letters - Holiday Post Mortem
Dear Video Game Department Sales Guys,
Thank you so much for all your help during my shopping this holiday season. You must have seen my "deer in headlights" look when I was standing at the array of video games and accessories. I may not know video games but I know the right questions to ask, and I appreciate you telling me the "Must Haves" for games and gadgets. You made me look like a really smart Santa to our teen boys.
So a Shout Out in language you can understand- You Rock, Dude! I'm stoked and feelin it. Peace Out.
Signed, Square yet Savvy Shopper
Dear Cell Phone Carrier Customer Service,
Thank you so much for helping me pick out new phones for my sons and myself for the holidays. I wouldn't know a good texting phone if it bit me in the backside and I love the fact all this stuff is free, well, sort of.
Signed, My Life Away for Free Fones
Dear Online Shopping, Gift Card Kiosk, and Delivery Service Guys,
How Did I Ever Survive Holiday Shopping Without You?
Signed, So Not Into Shopping, Ever
Thank you so much for all your help during my shopping this holiday season. You must have seen my "deer in headlights" look when I was standing at the array of video games and accessories. I may not know video games but I know the right questions to ask, and I appreciate you telling me the "Must Haves" for games and gadgets. You made me look like a really smart Santa to our teen boys.
So a Shout Out in language you can understand- You Rock, Dude! I'm stoked and feelin it. Peace Out.
Signed, Square yet Savvy Shopper
Dear Cell Phone Carrier Customer Service,
Thank you so much for helping me pick out new phones for my sons and myself for the holidays. I wouldn't know a good texting phone if it bit me in the backside and I love the fact all this stuff is free, well, sort of.
Signed, My Life Away for Free Fones
Dear Online Shopping, Gift Card Kiosk, and Delivery Service Guys,
How Did I Ever Survive Holiday Shopping Without You?
Signed, So Not Into Shopping, Ever
Sunday, January 17, 2010
The Not So Terrible Teens
People including my own Mom and Dad warned me about the "teen years". I certainly know mine were tough, tough, tough for me and my parents with my mother reminding me that she stopped my dad from kicking me out of the house when I was 14 y/o. Gee, thanks, Mom, I do appreciate it and I guess I didn't realize it at the time, I was thisclose to becoming a ward of the state or worse, homeless. I guess I had forgotten in the intervening 34 years since my hellish youth, what an eff up I was, and that my parents, especially my Dad, who I always held in the highest esteem, was really ready to throw in the towel. My mother reminded me of this over our recent Thanksgiving dinner when she marveled at how "together you are now when you were such a messed up kid." Lovely holiday dinner conversation, no?
My crappy choices as a teen gave me serious schooling and I paid attention. As my dear friend, Kris says, "We know what it walks like, talks like, and smells like, we're not in the dark like our parents who had no clue." Even though I can't change my past decisions and journey, including all the pain and tough lessons, I don't think I would if I could. I have been tempered by the fire, traveled the hard road of insight, making amends, and been introduced to the healing effects of change and empathy. I also realized that part of my mom's difficulty in reconciling the person I was then, with who I am Now, is her lack of ownership or taking responsibility in my teen hell. Even though I was still at my childhood home, I was on my own, which gave me the gift of self reliance and independence, but it certainly carried a very High Price.
Someone should have warned my parents about the teen years, and also told them, hey, you didn't have it that Bad- I never got arrested, held back in school, or WORSE.
It is always startling and hurtful when those like our family, maintain a current image of you focused on the past, instead of the present. I hope and will work to let my boys know, that I cherish them not only for who they are as children, but also the adults they are becoming. Even when we butt heads, I know, (the hard way of course!), this is part of the journey as they transition from boys into men.
Thank you for sharing in my thoughts, teen angst and all.
My crappy choices as a teen gave me serious schooling and I paid attention. As my dear friend, Kris says, "We know what it walks like, talks like, and smells like, we're not in the dark like our parents who had no clue." Even though I can't change my past decisions and journey, including all the pain and tough lessons, I don't think I would if I could. I have been tempered by the fire, traveled the hard road of insight, making amends, and been introduced to the healing effects of change and empathy. I also realized that part of my mom's difficulty in reconciling the person I was then, with who I am Now, is her lack of ownership or taking responsibility in my teen hell. Even though I was still at my childhood home, I was on my own, which gave me the gift of self reliance and independence, but it certainly carried a very High Price.
Someone should have warned my parents about the teen years, and also told them, hey, you didn't have it that Bad- I never got arrested, held back in school, or WORSE.
It is always startling and hurtful when those like our family, maintain a current image of you focused on the past, instead of the present. I hope and will work to let my boys know, that I cherish them not only for who they are as children, but also the adults they are becoming. Even when we butt heads, I know, (the hard way of course!), this is part of the journey as they transition from boys into men.
Thank you for sharing in my thoughts, teen angst and all.
Friday, January 15, 2010
The quality of mercy is not strained
Pray for Haiti and her people, and if you feel inclined to donate, please read this excellent article about avoiding donation scams. During sad and desperate times, not only do we see the best in people, but unfortunately also the worst.
Sitting here in the comfort of my home, with every modern convenience in the earthquake country of Southern California, you can't help but think about that last week, a 6.5 earthquake hit Northern California with a dozen or so people displaced and No Injuries or Death and now, Haiti, with a 7.0, (6 times larger in intensity than a 6.5 per the Richter scale), tens of thousands of people are dead, including many missionaries and relief workers stationed there, possibly 10% of that country's population. Think about it, one out of every ten individuals, GONE, essentially in a single moment.
I feel a bond with Haiti having lived in South Florida for many years and where there is a large immigrant population of Haitians. I mourn for them and with them, and I will do what I can do to help.
The quality of mercy is not strained.
It droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven,
Upon the place beneath.
It is twice blessed.
It blesseth him that gives and him that takes.
Sitting here in the comfort of my home, with every modern convenience in the earthquake country of Southern California, you can't help but think about that last week, a 6.5 earthquake hit Northern California with a dozen or so people displaced and No Injuries or Death and now, Haiti, with a 7.0, (6 times larger in intensity than a 6.5 per the Richter scale), tens of thousands of people are dead, including many missionaries and relief workers stationed there, possibly 10% of that country's population. Think about it, one out of every ten individuals, GONE, essentially in a single moment.
I feel a bond with Haiti having lived in South Florida for many years and where there is a large immigrant population of Haitians. I mourn for them and with them, and I will do what I can do to help.
The quality of mercy is not strained.
It droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven,
Upon the place beneath.
It is twice blessed.
It blesseth him that gives and him that takes.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Staying awake is the hardest part
I have been low key in bloggy commentland because I am in the throes of reading A Case Manager's Study Guide. This book is not gripping reading. If you have insomnia, I highly recommend this book. You will be fast asleep within three pages, in a deep sound sleep. Not conducive to studying, however.
I am taking the test for Case Manager Certification in approximately 8 weeks and all pleasure reading and crafting are on "hiatus". I have been a case manager for over 8 years and I am excited to be getting ready for the privilege of being tested. (And at a handsome sum to boot!) Crazy, isn't it?
I am not nervous, just a little rusty at test taking and areas outside my disease management expertise.
I hope you have been reading something much more "stimulating" and almost as gratifying.
Friday, January 8, 2010
Ooodles of Orange for Orange Ya Glad and Color Carnival
Welcome to Orange You Glad hosted by the delightful Yaya, and The Color Carnival hosted by the equally delightful, Martha@Menagerie.
Orange is such a happy color, and it also signals Wintertime in Los Angeles as seen on this tree by the entrance of the Community Magnet School in Bel Air, California.
The school was a veritable Orange Festival with this map painted on the school courtyard entry.
Here's a very colorful mural on a school building.
Laugh is a most favorite word of mine too, especially when it's on an Orange Bench!
This is the aptly named Fire Agave plant in bloom. I will call it the Yaya plant in honor of her redhead temper.
Wishing you many Happy Colors to you and yours.
Orange is such a happy color, and it also signals Wintertime in Los Angeles as seen on this tree by the entrance of the Community Magnet School in Bel Air, California.
The school was a veritable Orange Festival with this map painted on the school courtyard entry.
Here's a very colorful mural on a school building.
Laugh is a most favorite word of mine too, especially when it's on an Orange Bench!
This is the aptly named Fire Agave plant in bloom. I will call it the Yaya plant in honor of her redhead temper.
Wishing you many Happy Colors to you and yours.
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Care to be in a TV Studio Audience or on a Reality Show? Emails across my computer
Here are a couple emails I recently received, the first is looking to Cast a Family Reality Show filmed in U.S.National Parks, and the other, soliciting groups to be in a studio audience as a fundraiser. This is very common btw in Los Angeles, my oldest son has been both to the filming of Nickelodeon Slime Time, (yes, he came home SLIMED OF Course), and Family Feud with the host, John O'Hurley as part of a school group.
What do you think about being on a reality show or in a studio audience? Thank you.
Now Casting Outgoing Families!
Are you looking for the ultimate family adventure? Are you eager to ditch the typical family vacation and experience a truly unique and exciting bonding experience? Do you wish you could bring your family even closer together?
The producers of "Amazing Race," "The Biggest Loser," and "The Office"
are currently searching for America’s most outgoing families to compete in exciting outdoor challenges in the nation's most beautiful national parks.
To be considered, please submit the following to greatoutdoorscasting@gmail.com:
1. Name and Ages of all family members
2. City/state where you live (please include this in subject line) 3. Contact Information (including cell #) 4. Current Pictures 5. A brief description of your family dynamic 6. What do you love about being in the great outdoors with your
family? What are the biggest challenges about being in the great
outdoors with your family?
7. Please indicate if any of you suffer from seasonal allergies.
*Families should have at least two children living in the home between the ages of 13-18*
Family Compensation: $5,000.00
We have a celebrity comedy TV Special that your group can attend as a
fundraiser this January!
Comedians DL Hughley, Tom Papa, Carlos Mencia, Tom Arnold, Aries
Spears,
Jamie Kennedy, Sinbad, Paul Mooney, Daniel Tosh, Bobby Lee, Louie
Anderson
and many more guest star in The Supreme Court of Comedy. Justice and
comedy
collide in this wild television show where real-life disputes are
defended
by America's top comedians! And you can be in the ‘court room’ AND
make
money for your group! If you miss this opportunity you are guilty of
insanity.
The Supreme Court of Comedy is shot at the famous Laugh Factory in
Long
Beach with an intimate audience. The minimum age to attend is 18 and
you must
have at least 10 people in your group to qualify as a fundraiser. And
remember, the more people you bring to show, the more money your group
makes.
Take advantage of the BIG money (and the BIG name comedians)! The show
tapes
January 13th, 14th, 17th, 18th, and 19th. For show times and donation
amounts please read below.
DONATION AMOUNTS MEAN HOW MUCH THEY GIVE YOU FOR GOING. SO IF YOU CAN
GET TOGETHER A LARGE GROUP OF YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY, YOU WILL RECEIVE
ANYWHERE FROM $15 - $35 A PERSON.
Wednesday, January 13: 3 PM until 8:30 PM for a $15 donation.
Thursday, January 14 (2 shows): 1 PM until 3:30 PM for a $20 per
person
donation, 3 PM until 8:30 PM for a $15 per person donation, or you can
attend
both shows- 1 PM until 8:30 PM for a $35 per person donation.
Sunday, January 17 (2 shows): 1 PM until 3:30 PM for a $15 per person
donation, 3 PM until 8:30 PM for a $15 per person donation, or you can
attend
both shows - 1 PM until 8:30 PM for a $30 per person donation.
Monday, January 18 (2 shows): 1 PM until 3:30 PM for a $20 per person
donation, 3 PM until 8:30 PM for a $15 per person donation, or you can
attend
both shows - 1 PM until 8:30 PM for a $35 per person donation.
Tuesday, January 19: 1 PM until 5:30 PM for a $20 donation.
PLEASE CONTACT HELENA DIAMOND AT helenadiamond@aol.com
if you are interested.
What do you think about being on a reality show or in a studio audience? Thank you.
Now Casting Outgoing Families!
Are you looking for the ultimate family adventure? Are you eager to ditch the typical family vacation and experience a truly unique and exciting bonding experience? Do you wish you could bring your family even closer together?
The producers of "Amazing Race," "The Biggest Loser," and "The Office"
are currently searching for America’s most outgoing families to compete in exciting outdoor challenges in the nation's most beautiful national parks.
To be considered, please submit the following to greatoutdoorscasting@gmail.com:
1. Name and Ages of all family members
2. City/state where you live (please include this in subject line) 3. Contact Information (including cell #) 4. Current Pictures 5. A brief description of your family dynamic 6. What do you love about being in the great outdoors with your
family? What are the biggest challenges about being in the great
outdoors with your family?
7. Please indicate if any of you suffer from seasonal allergies.
*Families should have at least two children living in the home between the ages of 13-18*
Family Compensation: $5,000.00
We have a celebrity comedy TV Special that your group can attend as a
fundraiser this January!
Comedians DL Hughley, Tom Papa, Carlos Mencia, Tom Arnold, Aries
Spears,
Jamie Kennedy, Sinbad, Paul Mooney, Daniel Tosh, Bobby Lee, Louie
Anderson
and many more guest star in The Supreme Court of Comedy. Justice and
comedy
collide in this wild television show where real-life disputes are
defended
by America's top comedians! And you can be in the ‘court room’ AND
make
money for your group! If you miss this opportunity you are guilty of
insanity.
The Supreme Court of Comedy is shot at the famous Laugh Factory in
Long
Beach with an intimate audience. The minimum age to attend is 18 and
you must
have at least 10 people in your group to qualify as a fundraiser. And
remember, the more people you bring to show, the more money your group
makes.
Take advantage of the BIG money (and the BIG name comedians)! The show
tapes
January 13th, 14th, 17th, 18th, and 19th. For show times and donation
amounts please read below.
DONATION AMOUNTS MEAN HOW MUCH THEY GIVE YOU FOR GOING. SO IF YOU CAN
GET TOGETHER A LARGE GROUP OF YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY, YOU WILL RECEIVE
ANYWHERE FROM $15 - $35 A PERSON.
Wednesday, January 13: 3 PM until 8:30 PM for a $15 donation.
Thursday, January 14 (2 shows): 1 PM until 3:30 PM for a $20 per
person
donation, 3 PM until 8:30 PM for a $15 per person donation, or you can
attend
both shows- 1 PM until 8:30 PM for a $35 per person donation.
Sunday, January 17 (2 shows): 1 PM until 3:30 PM for a $15 per person
donation, 3 PM until 8:30 PM for a $15 per person donation, or you can
attend
both shows - 1 PM until 8:30 PM for a $30 per person donation.
Monday, January 18 (2 shows): 1 PM until 3:30 PM for a $20 per person
donation, 3 PM until 8:30 PM for a $15 per person donation, or you can
attend
both shows - 1 PM until 8:30 PM for a $35 per person donation.
Tuesday, January 19: 1 PM until 5:30 PM for a $20 donation.
PLEASE CONTACT HELENA DIAMOND AT helenadiamond@aol.com
if you are interested.
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
The Lion(ness) lays down with the Lamb for Almost Wordless Wednesday
The lion will lay down with the lamb, or in this case, the Manx cat, Abigail will lay down with the Labradoodle, Charley. Sunbathing somnolence is a wonderful thing in all species.
If you want to share what Moves you, please visit The Motivation Station where I am host on Wednesdays. Thank you so much.
Monday, January 4, 2010
Health and Fitness Challenge at The Motivation Station
Hi, my name is Martha and I'm a chocoholic.
This month at the interactive and supportive blog, The Motivation Station, we are hosting a challenge to take incremental and realistic steps to support and sustain a more healthful lifestyle and improved well being. Such a lofty high-faluting statement, but what it really means to me is I need to cut down on my consumption of my most favorite food, Chocolate, and replace it with more fruits and veggies. Simple as that. Instead of making Chocolate, especially good chocolate like See's or Ghiradelli, one of my five food groups or Sometimes All of my five food groups, I need to make it into an occasional treat. By the act of identifying and posting about this goal, I am making myself accountable and hopefully increasing my chance of success for long term positive changes in my diet.
Please stop by the Motivation Station if you would like to play along and do you have anything that you are ready to change?
This month at the interactive and supportive blog, The Motivation Station, we are hosting a challenge to take incremental and realistic steps to support and sustain a more healthful lifestyle and improved well being. Such a lofty high-faluting statement, but what it really means to me is I need to cut down on my consumption of my most favorite food, Chocolate, and replace it with more fruits and veggies. Simple as that. Instead of making Chocolate, especially good chocolate like See's or Ghiradelli, one of my five food groups or Sometimes All of my five food groups, I need to make it into an occasional treat. By the act of identifying and posting about this goal, I am making myself accountable and hopefully increasing my chance of success for long term positive changes in my diet.
Please stop by the Motivation Station if you would like to play along and do you have anything that you are ready to change?
Paperboard Perfect Moment Monday
Welcome to Perfect Moment Monday, hosted by the gracious Lori of Weebles Wobblog, and thank you for your visit.
I have many perfect moments to share from my survival, I mean, ENJOYMENT of the holidays, but one that really lightened my heart was watching our 11 y/o and 14 y/o sons, with No Less Than Three Game systems including a BRAND New P.S.P 3 in the House, take the discarded cardboard boxes and wrapping paper tubes and play with them for hours nonstop with their friends. They constructed shields and weapons of course, (cause they are boys and that is what they do), and used up every roll of packing, mask, and duct tape we had, but it is a true joy and one of the many highlights of my holidays to see the fun of friendship and imagination, and kids being kids.
I have many perfect moments to share from my survival, I mean, ENJOYMENT of the holidays, but one that really lightened my heart was watching our 11 y/o and 14 y/o sons, with No Less Than Three Game systems including a BRAND New P.S.P 3 in the House, take the discarded cardboard boxes and wrapping paper tubes and play with them for hours nonstop with their friends. They constructed shields and weapons of course, (cause they are boys and that is what they do), and used up every roll of packing, mask, and duct tape we had, but it is a true joy and one of the many highlights of my holidays to see the fun of friendship and imagination, and kids being kids.
Saturday, January 2, 2010
Pink Wall and Bench for Inspiration
Happy Pink Saturday and I send my best wishes for a Rosy 2010 to you!
Sometimes I feel like I "hit the wall" when it comes to finding inspiration for Pink Saturday and sometimes the Wall and Inspiration find me. I hope you enjoy these photos taken at the Community Charter School in Bel Air, California.
For more Pink in the New Year, please visit Beverly at How Sweet the Sound and Thank you.
Sometimes I feel like I "hit the wall" when it comes to finding inspiration for Pink Saturday and sometimes the Wall and Inspiration find me. I hope you enjoy these photos taken at the Community Charter School in Bel Air, California.
For more Pink in the New Year, please visit Beverly at How Sweet the Sound and Thank you.
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