That Curl can RUN!

I would love to say that the hubs and I are healthy eaters. We are, sometimes. But there are those days where we scarf cheeseburgers and chili-cheese fries. Also, I encounter days that I hassle the hubs for making poor choices, then find myself making even worse ones! Ack! The hubs usually agrees to anything I cook, even if it has tofu in it. So in an attempt to get healthier more often, I took a chance on 'Vegitarian, Sun-dried tomato stuffed pizza' one night. Here it is. Tofu and spinach I suggest using fresh spinach. The recipe called for thawed, dried frozen spinach. I don't like frozen spinach, and I do usually stray from recipes, but with a vegetarian tofu dish, I really wanted to try it verbatim first. It was beautiful in the bowl though.   As for sun-dried tomatoes, I was advised not to use the kind in oil. The grocery store had air tight packs, so that is what I got. I thought about soaking them but they weren't that hard. In retrospect, I ...

Hitting the road is so much fun. We went on our 2nd official life trip. This time it was the trout stream that runs near the dam a few miles away. The water is so clear that you can see the fish 20 feet away, just idling in the middle. It is ice cold though, so swimming can only be done in the hottest part of the hottest days. I went wandering through the woods looking for things to photograph. I am still working with a simple point-&-shoot digital camera, but I like learning how to manipulate the focus on it. Nature gives us wonderful things to look at. It's pure magic what has been created all around us. Get out there and explore! here comes the fog! As the sun lowered it created fog over the cold river. It was a bit creepy, but beautiful. The fog would waft slowly toward us, and as we navigated the slippery rocks to get closer, it ran away...like fog would do.   go get it hubs! ...and there it goes Life under water. Much more pea...

I seem to get so much more done at work on the days I am alone in the office. I still piddle around on the internet googling for information and ideas. But I am more efficient also. I don't know why this is. You would think when the 'boss' is around I would keep my nose down and work work work. However, in my situation, my 'boss' has been my friend for many years, and at one point I trained her to take my position when I was promoted at another office that we had together. So we don't really work like normal people, we just get along and get it done. The last two days I have been solo at work. I have gotten all of my paperwork caught up, everything entered, posted, stamped, filed, etc... I have paid bills (both work related and personal), googled how to increase my attraction to my husband, shopped online for cameras, read my favorite blogs, came up with 7 craft ideas, read the history of Taos, NM, re-read the course catalogs for 2 nearby colleges (only to re-...

Ok, so project Homemade Hairgel is going well so I have decided to take on a few small side projects. Just something little that I can do in a day or two. 1st on the list: redo Garlic Lamp. Garlic Lamp belonged to my beloved grandparents in Indiana. It was the most stand-out item in their unused formal living room. That was the room that I spent most of my time in, and therefore found my most favorite things in. Garlic Lamp sat atop a handmade marble side table in front of heavy cream drapes. Everyone else disliked it because of its over-the-top size and outdated design. I don't know if it was because of the shape, size, or fact that it looked like garlic (my fave flavor), but I loved it! I wanted to take it home everytime we went to visit. When my grandfather passed away last year, 15 years after grandmother, my uncle made sure to put my name on Garlic Lamp; not because it may have gone to someone else, but to save it from the trash. I went to Indiana for the funeral, and af...

Official Rules for the Game of Pididle Rules: 1. Definition: A pididle is defined as a set of lights where one is burned out, missing, or simply not working. The standard pididle is the front headlights of an automobile. In many circumstances, one light is simply dimmer than the other one. In these cases, no pididle is present. The term is called a "dimmer." A player may shout the term "dimmer" to distinguish this case; however, no points are awarded. A player who incorrectly labels a "dimmer" as a "pididle" is not penalized for his error. 2. Completion of a pididle: A pididle consists of two (2) parts. Both parts must be completed for a player to receive points. A player must first correctly shout out the name of the pididle he sees. He must also touch the roof of the vehicle. Both tasks must be finished to receive points. Failure to complete both tasks will be considered null-and-void. Therefore, if a player shouts a pididle but for...

Oh wonderful world. There you are! I have been looking for you, and you were waiting outside for me all along. Hubs and I are making an effort to get out and really live life more these days. God gave us this amazing planet to interact with. Unfortunately, most people only see it from behind a tv screen. Well friends, not us; not anymore. Inspired by fellow blogger aurajoon, I discussed the subject of adventure with hubs. We drove to a small lake near our previous rent house. I say lake only because that is what it says on the map. I considered it a pond. We sat on a bench, hand in hand, munching pickles and talking about life. I was flying out of state the next day and suddenly needed him to promise that when I got back we wouldn't waste anymore time. So fast forward a few weeks, and here we are on Official Life Trip #1. Not my favorite lake, but it was quiet. I didn't swim that day. I don't really like the water there. But hubs is a fearless man, so I got to pho...

Batch 1  The first batch of homemade hair gel. This one was a bit more 'set' than  I had hoped for, but as you saw in the previous post, it did it's job. I had to smush it in order to get it in my hair. It came out of the bowl in big blobs. Big, very cold blobs. After letting it sit out on the counter it became more jelly-like and easier to handle. The second batch was more like hair gel. It did set up nicely, and because I let it sit out on the counter for most of the night, it was clearer. I added vanilla extract to this batch instead of lavendar essential oil hence the tan shade. It worked very well, but was still a little chunky, which made it difficult to get in the hair. Alot of the gel rolled off of my hair and ended up in the sink! The third batch came out similar to the second, but I poured it into a large measuring cup to set up. The next morning I let it warm up on the counter, then whisked it. I was able to almost pour it on my hair which was...

I find it delightful how I lived 27 years without having my half-sister in my life, but after meeting her and staying with her for 48 hours, I can't imagine ever being apart again. Something changed in me as the years went by. I always knew about my sister; we had even talked through email and on the phone. We hadn't ever met but always planned to. One day, I couldn't wait any longer. I had to get to know her, or find out that we wouldn't ever be friends. After picking a weekend and coordinating the flight time, I packed my bags and headed to the coast. I had butterflies for weeks, but now, I had hawks flying around in there. I gingerly bounced out of the terminal to find her and her 2 children waiting for me at the end of the sidewalk.  !!!!! What an amazing feeling. It's like the final bottle was slipped into the wine rack. Complete! We naturally took to each other. Riding through town, chit-chatting, laughing, agreeing, "I-know"-ing,  uh-huhing... ...

The plot: My first order of business in getting back to nature is my hair. I haven't used 'shampoo' in many years, and have only used mainstream conditioners a few times. I was using more 'natural' gel for a while, but when money gets tight I have had to buy the cheap drugstore kind. Even my no-poo and condish were super expensive, so I didn't always have that. But I never gave in to regular shampoo. Never. Organic and natural products can be pricey but that doesn't mean they are the only way to be organic or natural. So, I've gone back to my baking soda wash, acv or hemp powder condish (although, I am testing Tate's Miracle Conditioner from my local health food store), and have made my first batch of homemade gel! Behind the scenes: Gel is pretty easy to make. There are many recipes online, too many to try them all in fact. Last night I did a simple one: unflavored gelatin powder, water, aloe vera gel, and a few drops of lavendar essential oil....

I started this blog many years ago as a personal journal while I was in therapy for depression, self-esteem issues, and anger. Over the years it evolved into a rant board for myself of all the things and people that annoy me. And occasionally, I would post something uplifting or funny. What I wanted it to become was a place that I could discover where I was going, and how I wanted to direct my future. A place that I could be me, without getting the sideways glances I get from people in person. Somewhere my friends and family would be able to go and find out what was really going on with me. Some place special. I haven't done that. I have designed it properly. I haven't posted the real truth. I have spent milliseconds composing posts that aren't even worth reading. I rush through them just to get them posted, but don't put any real thought into them. No one knows who I really am by reading this blog, if anyone ever reads the blog. I read it, and I can't get an id...

Why do they frustrate me so? I know they are there to help. Even if they speak English, they still make my blood boil. I called my bank today and the rep was very nice. Maybe that was it, she was too nice. But she kept pausing and I didn't know what to say. I needed help with freezing my account because my card is missing. I don't know what they need from me or what to do, so I am nice and try to let her talk but she wasn't saying anything! I got so frazzled! I told her my card was missing and she just said "OK". OK what?! Tell me what to do! That is your job!! I hate when people call my office and tell me who they need, what department they work in, what they do for a living, what they need to talk to the person about... and so on. This is my job, let me do it. Just give me a name and let me work. So, it return, I am passive when I call customer service or any business. Why, oh why, can't other people lead me through the steps? That's what they get paid t...

My husband and I are facing 'homelessness' by the end of the month. We have chosen to terminate our lease as our roommate moved out and the home (and rent) are above our level of necessity. We now face the decision of  whether we want to find a smaller, cheaper rental, or store our belongings and couch surf for a while. We choose: couch surf. This is by far the smartest choice for us. We have no children, just 2 dogs. And they are house broken and crate trained. We have plenty of family with room to spare, so we aren't exactly out on the street. I was asked if I would feel unsettled living this way. What really is settled? I think it is just something people say to make themselves feel better, or to wear someone down with a different idea of what is okay in life. Case in point: my in-laws. They can't stand that the hubs and I haven't bought a home yet. They tell us all the time that we need to 'settle down' and buy a home. Why? So I can have a mortgage...

This is not a business you get into to be rich. I'm here because I love this job, and you couldn't get by without the laughter I create.  :) It's lonely though, because my husband has to stay back home and work. He doesn't do it because he has an awesome job, no no. He does it because someone has to pay the damn AT&T bill. That is one crazy expensive bill. And we don't even have an iPhone! Just lame old-school phones, with no internet . But you have to have them. And wasn't it always the cool thing to be "in"? Remember the Cingular ads? "you in?" Yeah, well, we got in, now we can't get out. Because every 2 years we get an upgrade! And that is so exciting. You check your online account twice a week for your upgrade eligibility, like it matters. Then its time, you get the new phone, and in 2 months, you're counting down to upgrade time again. "If my phone can make it another 22 months, I can get a new one.... for free!!!...

Sweet "Members Only" bomber jacket on ebay. Want it!

Things for you to consider: When you call a business, the person who answers the phone probably can't help you with your problem. Most likely it is a receptionist, or someone like me who comes in early and has to answer the phone until the receptionist gets in. Don't schmooze me on the phone. Don't ask how my day is going. Don't thank me when I reciprocate your stupid "how are you" question. I don't care how you are, and I don't want you to thank me for asking; I'm busy. Just get on with your inquiry, request, or name of person you need. I don't want to know your story. I don't want to hear your complaint. Don't be talking to someone else when I answer the phone. I don't want to have to repeat myself, nor do I want to talk over you so you remember you dialed the phone. Know who you're calling for. If you can't remember what you needed, I surely won't know what it is you forgot.

I knew he had loved me at one time. I was wishing it was still true, maybe it could be. As we prepared for the gala ball I couldn't resist approaching him and sharing my feelings. He would be so happy to know that I had fallen for him too. We sat facing each other on the couch while the others gathered for our departure. I slowly made my way to his lap on the couch, and placed my lips next to his ear. "Please love me", I said. "Tell me you still love me, that it isn't too late." He turned slightly, but not quite enough to look me in the eyes. "I'm sorry my dear, it's too late."  I began to sob into his shoulder. "I can fix this, you can fall in love with me again", I begged. But I knew I had missed my chance. My heart ached worse than ever. I had no idea that love, or lack of love, could be so physically painful. I had to clean my self up. We still had a event to attend. I had gotten to my feet somehow, and while hiding my fac...

Again I have stuck my foot in my mouth. I always ask too many questions, assume too early, and unfortunately, am too right too often. The hubs wanted to surprise me for my birthday by installing a new radio and speakers in my car. Early yesterday I spotted 2 audio  connectors on the kitchen counter, and began to suspect. Then early yesterday afternoon, hubs woke up from a nap and realized he had been sleeping on his keys in his pocket. However, I had his keys as I had driven his car to the store earlier that morning. I began to formulate an idea. Later yesterday evening I awoke from my nap to find he was not in the house, nor was my car in the garage. And I have figured it out. I should've simply mentioned that I was hungry when I called him, but I had to , absolutely HAD TO, ask if he was doing what I thought he was doing. Because I must know if I'm right, always. I was right, and he was hurt. Because again, it was supposed to be a surprise, and again, I ruined it. Like...

Here is the first run at my book. Big font, gypsy tingles, and other fish tales. Smoked salmon - the party years Cod-tradictions - numerous conflicting opinions in one brain Holy Mackerel - religion Nice Hali-butt - lame pick up lines and feeble attempts to wow me Tuna Down - depression, or maybe rules? Stink bait - crap happens Piranahs! - friends, foes, and in-laws You put down your rock, I'll put down my swordfish - marital issues

Nothing better....

It's been one year, and the tears still well up in me. I never met him, but he was my best friend. He was everyones best friend. Guilty or not, he had amazing music, and an amazing spirit. Michael, wherever you are, we love you! Thanks for what you gave us.