Little did I know when I started this blog that the title would expand, requiring me to ask this question of so many new situations in my life....

Monday, March 31, 2008

This little red bag......



packed full of that special magic that somehow gets me going in the mornings (and can even relax me some evenings) is soon going to be costing more.

It always surprises me that I can buy our local coffee cheaper in Alabama. Why is that, I wonder? I guess I'll have to start taking regular trips to the Alabama Gulf Coast to buy it. Of course that means I'll be spending more on gas, but....coffee and the beach? A winning combination. Right?

BTW....my new coffeemaker does indeed make a yummy cup of coffee. The only word I can think of to describe it (especially that important very first cup) is creamy. That's how coffee shop coffee tastes different than home coffee to me. Creamy.

Saturday, March 29, 2008

I hadn't even finished my first margarita......



before realizing that I'm getting older. Happens to all of us I know but since I don't pay attention to numbers my age has a way of sneaking up on me -- surprising the hell out of me! I forget how old I'm becoming until a doctor or some such spoil sport insists I figure out exactly how old I am. I hate that! Takes me a day or two to forget the number and get back to normal -- for me.

Today it wasn't my age in years that was the culprit, it was realizing how the things I now like to do (and don't like to do) have changed. J. and I have been working outside the last two days (he on his Fiat and me on stuff around the yard. We called it quits early today, cleaned the dirt off and were deciding where to eat when a couple we haven't seen in a while stopped by. They were headed to Superior Grill. Sounded good to us, so we piled in the car and met them there.

We ordered and started chatting and catching up and the conversation soon turned to football -- no surprise around these parts. LSU's spring game is next Saturday and J. and the other guy were talking about going. All of a sudden (while I had been sipping my drink and talking to my lady-friend) I tuned back into the guy's conversation and heard that I was not only going to the spring game with J. and the other couple, but also a baseball game at noon, then tailgating until the spring game at 5 pm. Sheesh! All day. All day -- outside -- in the heat. No air conditioning. No conveneint bathrooms. Just heat, sweating, sweating drunks wandering around in the heat, more heat, and baseball. I hate baseball.

Now I love my Tigers, but not enough to risk heat stroke. I may do the football game because it's at five and things start cooling down around then (hopefully). No way am I gong to sit in the sun watching a baseball game though. Besides, LSU's not so good in baseball this year. I'm still not sold on the football game -- they're playing themselves for gawd's sake!

Thankfully the other wife feels the same. We'll decide this week if we're going to back out entirely or join our husbands on campus later in the day. Anywho....as I enjoyed the meal and the company I couldn't help thinking how I've changed. And you know what? It doesn't bother me one bit.

Friday, March 28, 2008

When you buy something new......



or receive a gift, do you tear into it right away or savor knowing it's waiting for you to relax and really enjoy leisurely opening and admiring it? My daughter (A.) likes to open her presents as soon as she sees (or hears about) them --even if the occasion for which she's to receive them is days or weeks away. And....when she buys something for someone else she wants them to open it as soon as she gives it to them -- even if the occasion for which she bought the gift is days or weeks away. I guess you could say she doesn't do delayed gratification well. Her dad's the same way. That's one of the ways that we are different. I like to wait until nothing's pressing and I can be fully there -- if you know what I mean.

Yesterday when UPS delivered my new coffeemaker I thought about that difference as I was trying to find a place for the box where J. wouldn't see it, ask what it was, and then ask why I hadn't opened it and if I wanted him to open it for me. I wasn't ready to open it last night. I was tired and didn't feel like washing it and reading the instructions. And....I had used my coffee press yesterday and since it makes good coffee I was in no hurry.

Well, the box is still waiting and I'm finally ready to tear it open. I'll let you know if the coffee's as good as others say....

Thursday, March 27, 2008

Come on over and sit a spell......



I just cleaned my front porch so -- if we hurry -- we can enjoy sipping sweet tea while watching the world go by. We must hurry because the stinging caterpillars will soon be here. Those pesky things drop from the ceiling and crawl up your arms and legs if you settle anywhere too long. By the time they are gone it'll probably be too hot to venture outside for longer than it takes to dash to your air-conditioned car. I guess we can always sit outside in the evening -- basking in the overwhelming smell of insect repellent so the mosquitoes don't carry us away.

Welcome to paradise. This time of year it just keeps getting better and better.

BTW....that's not my front porch. I just wish it were.

Tuesday, March 25, 2008

This & That......



Another one of those days to be highlighted by checking the Netflix queue to see what's next. Last week the first available on my queue were numbers 7 & 8 -- so I wasn't too hopeful. However, it ended up being a two-movie weekend and both movies were enjoyable. Dan in Real Life -- laughed lots. Mafioso -- laughed, yet felt so sorry for the poor dude. (If you've seen the movie you may understand why the sorry part could be seen as questionable.) It was a good weekend with lots of time -- not one of those that seem to fly by. Nice.

Son #3's birthday is a couple of weeks away. He has every game system known to man (if he doesn't have it, the sister and brother he lives with has it), yet he's hinting he wants a PSP (portable PlayStation). Why? While talking to A. yesterday, she told me he's trying to ask for money for the Disney trip the group's taking later this year, but....that PSP's tempting him. It's going to be interesting to see which choice wins this internal battle. ....I think he's going to receive the money.

I got a surprise email from the grad student whose apartment I rented at Columbia last summer. We never met (she had already left for Paris [lucky her] when I arrived), but we certainly communicated lots by email. She was so nice and helpful, so careful that I knew what to expect with her apt. I'm ashamed to say that a couple of times before I left BR I got suspicious because, you know, you're supposed to always get ripped off in NY. Right? Gotta be extremely careful. Well, she was/is a jewel. She and I were both cautious. Everything was handled through Columbia -- applications, approval, etc.

Well, before I forget where I was going with this....she sent me an email telling me if I make it to New York again to let her know because she'd like to meet up. I thought that was so nice. Sigh. I guess I'll have to go back now. ;)

Oh! I ordered a new coffeemaker. A Cuisinart. I've been using my Mr. Coffee for eons and I'm not really liking the cups it's putting out so I started looking around and found good reviews for this coffeemaker. Actually, what started the whole mess was a coffeemaker I saw on sale in a Williams Sonoma catalog. I went online to buy it, thought I should do a search and see if I could get it cheaper, and found the reviews on Amazon. I'm glad I did because after reading the reviews I understood why the thing was on clearance. So....I started looking around and found this one. It should be here later this week. I can't wait. I've never thought much about the coffeemaker having much to do with a good cup; I always thought it was the actual coffee itself. We'll see.

BTW, the day after ordering the new coffeemaker, as I was pouring my first cup from my Mr. Coffee, the top of the white plastic handle popped off. Thank goodness I was pouring over the sink. I took that as a sign.

Well, off to see if Netflix's made a decision yet. Such an interesting life!

Sunday, March 23, 2008

Happy Easter!



Above, is a picture of J's tin Easter basket. Filled with Garrett's cheese and caramel popcorn mix. I can't wait to scoop up a handful, because marriage is 50/50 and he must share. Right? (Maybe 70/30 in this case because I think I find Garrett's popcorn a bit more special than he does.) He can have the extra crab cake.

I hope your Easter is as spicy, salty, and sweet as mine will hopefully be.

Saturday, March 22, 2008

My daughter, the diva......



Celebrating her birthday this year at the NC coast surrounded by some people who are very special to her. Can you guess which one she is? Two clues: purple feather boa and tiara. :/ Son #3 (the dark haired one -- the one wishing he were anywhere but posing for a picture) is on one side and son #2 (comfortable performing and being photographed) is behind her. The gals behind and next to her are two of her closest friends -- amazing young women. A. is blessed to have her support group -- and they to have her.

BTW....A. doesn't wear and has never worn glasses. It's become a running joke with those that know her. The fact that she doesn't need glasses hasn't stopped her from wanting them. In elementary school for two years she fooled the people giving the eye tests into recommending that she be taken to an optometrist for glasses. Fooled me, too. Once. Hearing the doctor saying her vision was better than 20/20 fixed that.

(If my kids knew I'd posted a picture of them they'd throw a hissy fit, but what they don't know can't hurt them. Right?)

Anywho....I'm missing them this holiday. I'd probably be pissed aggravated with them if they were here. But, they're not. And I miss them.

Friday, March 21, 2008

Here's what you do......



1 small package of instant pistachio pudding (sugar free/fat free).

10 oz crushed pineapple (I used tidbits because that's what I had)

8 oz non-fat or lite Cool Whip

Mix pineapple and its juice with dry pudding. Fold in Cool Whip. Refrigerate.

Enjoy!

*******************************************************

I made that last night and it was good. Today I'm going to plop a strawberry or two on top of the leftovers. You can put it in a pretty parfait glass and it makes it a little bit special -- it doesn't scream diet as loudly. It's a Weight Watchers dish. Those people are so creative with Cool Whip and Diet Coke.

For Sunday I'm going to slice some strawberries and layer them with Cool Whip mixed with instant white chocolate pudding (dry) (sugar free/fat free). That should be pretty. Penance for the crab cakes and gumbo....

Thursday, March 20, 2008

Nice and easy......




Today's one of those days that just seem easy. Maybe it's the weather. Beautifully sunny and cool. Whatever it is, I'm savoring it. I woke up feeling at peace. I didn't dread going to Target for some much needed shopping. In fact I looked forward to it (and the Starbucks). There wasn't too much I had to get, so it left the visit open to leisurely wend my way through the store. I started in the book section, chose a birthday card for son #3's upcoming birthday (along with some gag gifts that were on clearance), and checked on several other odds and ends before heading to the grocery section.

I was buying ingredients for some new recipes so that relieved a bit of the usual routine. I was hoping to pick up a deli roasted chicken but they weren't ready so on a whim I picked up a pot roast. It's in the oven now, prepared according to Pioneer Woman's pot roast recipe. It smells heavenly. Of course, soon after I put it in the oven, J. called telling me he'd had a big lunch -- barbeque. Sigh! I thought about calling him before I fixed it, but --since I felt like going to the trouble to fix it today, I did. He'll either have a small plate or have it tomorrow with veggies. And the left-overs will be waiting for barbeque sandwiches this weekend. :)

Yesterday I popped in Chris' and picked up some seafood gumbo (and a couple of crab cakes) for Sunday. Along with some tamales, meat pies, corn and shrimp soup, stuffed jalapenos.... So Easter dinner's set. Feels good.

Before leaving Target I made a stop at Starbucks for a soy Caffe Mocha. 5 points on Weight Watchers -- but who's counting? The only problem so far today was driving the shopping cart with one hand while trying not to spill the magic (hot) Starbucks brew. I haven't perfected it yet, but I'm getting better.

Wednesday, March 19, 2008

Wind, darkness, and no flashlights......



Weather-wise, it was quite a day yesterday. It wasn't the horrible weather our TX neighbors experienced, but we had many of the horrible weather after-effects. Without the actual horrible weather. Odd.

The day started with warning of what was to come later in the evening and overnight. Bad warnings. The kind that have you stepping out into your backyard taking a *look-see* for things in need of securing from the winds. But....since it wasn't rainy it was hard to take things really seriously. Until the winds started. Then, even though it wasn't stormy, you felt the anticipation in the air as you went about your business and tried to not be blown away. Seriously. Pretty strong winds.

I made it home just after lunch and about an hour later the power went out for the next couple of hours. Again, no rain, no storms. Just the wind, I guess. Since the air has been on for days now, after the power popped I headed to the hall, where the thermostat lives, to turn off the air so when the power came back on the air wouldn't short out and leave me to die in these swamps that are heating up day by day. (whew! THAT was quite a sentence.) *We worship our air conditioners in these parts. You might be surprised the lengths we'd go to to protect them.

So, for the umpteenth time living in this house I find myself standing in the dark hall ready to slide the thermostat to off and only then remembering I can't see a thing without a flashlight. I guess I've conditioned myself not to grab a flashligt in situations like those. Yesterday it wouldn't have helped if I had remembered because....after I went back and got a flashlight, it didn't work. Neither did the two others I tried. And here's why. J. likes to keep anything he's ever touched or laid eyes upon broken things around for parts. Not in a special box marked BROKEN/PARTS or anything sensible like that mind you. Nope. He puts them exactly where the working ones should be.

I finally found a working flashlight (covered with grease from J.'s never-ending *restoration* of his beloved Fiat) and turned off the thermostat. I controlled my aggravation and anger because, you know, I'm practicing this *letting go* thing, and proceeded to do all the stupid things I do when we loose power. I walked into the kitchen to make a cup of tea, flipped the light switch and turned the knob on the stove before realizing -- big surprise! not gonna work.

I don't do well in dead quiet. We live close to the interstate so, if it had been cool enough, I could have opened a window and door and had the road noise playing in the background. But I wanted to keep whatever cool air I had trapped inside, so open windows and doors were out of the question. Then I remembered the hand-cranked radio in son #3's closet. Yes! Noise. Back I headed to grab that -- without a flashlight of course, but because his room has windows, that was doable.

Well, I walk into son #3's room and what do I find? I can't get to the closet until I move allllllllllllll the metal toolboxes filled with J.'s metal figures. !!!! But, still, even then, I turn and walk away, thinking how anger and aggravation isn't going to solve anything. How this can be handled in a more productive way. It felt good. (This *letting go* stuff's not so bad.)

Instead of calling or texting J. to tell him what a selfish bast**d he is how I wish he'd change a couple of things, I just let it go.... I didn't think about it -- didn't dwell on it and hold it close. It only came up later when he noticed a clock I had forgotten to reset. Ug! I hate resetting all those clocks. Anywho, it was only then that I mentioned the that the power had gone out. And that led to mentioning the flashlight situation, which led to suggesting he keep all the broken stuff he saves for parts in one box -- marked broken.

Our conversation went well. I think it would have gone even better if I hadn't made that comment about how he was just like his grandmom -- hanging on to broken things so you think it's there to be used, but it's realy useless. But, hey, it could have been much worse. I'm still learning.

Tuesday, March 18, 2008

Please join me in a hearty Alleluia......



Son #3 made a B on his algebra midterm. Alleluia! Alleluia!

He still hasn't recieved his grade on the final (he took the final two days after he took the midterm), but he tells me that points-wise he's okay to pass the course. We shall see. It appears he's good to go on applying to the two schools he's interested in attending. I'm trying not to allow myself to completely form the thought that I may have to go back to work to help with his expenses. I'll think about that tomorrow....

I'm going to spend the rest of the day in a state of grateful relief. Not just because he passed (that would be reason enough), but because if he hadn't passed I would have partially blamed myself. Maybe he would have too?? Since I homeschooled him from grade four on through high school, every test he's had to pass seemed like a test for me. Could he get into college? He did. Once accepted into a college, could he adjust and perform? He did.

I thought once he had two years of college under his belt all was fine, but noooOOOOoooo. He changes schools and majors. His new major requires more math. And....I was his math teacher for algebra, geometry, and trig. Me! An English Education major. Teaching math. He and I had done pretty good with the homeschooling thing until the math part. You see, son #3 (even tho I love him with all my heart) is lazy. It was like pulling teeth to get him to show his work in math. He wanted to figure it out in his head (and did a fairly good job of it). Frustrated me no end.

But, we made it through and I guess he has a decent foundation. Now....can I finally stop worrying? Can I let any mistakes and failures he makes be his -- alone?

Saturday, March 15, 2008

After the storm......



I love art (and artists). That's one of the reasons I fell in love with J. During our early getting to know each other period -- and for the first few years of our marriage, he was an artist. I never expected (nor did he I imagine) that in order to feed, clothe, and shelter a growing family he would end up in the engineering field.

Katrina did a job on many artists in the Gulf Coast. So very many lost their homes, studios, equipment -- everything. It's taking some longer than others, but more and more of the Gulf Coast artists are working again. And I'm so glad. I keep happening upon such beautiful and touching items. I've always felt artists (if they chose to accept it) had a responsibility to civilization. When times are bad, when humans are repressed, it's the artists who can tell the stories so they won't be forgotten. When I was student teaching I had the privilege to experience what was then called unit studies. Even though I was teaching English, I also taught history through literature. That experience deepened my views of artists and what they could contribute. I know some art is for art's sake -- for beauty. And that's fine. It's the other facet that interests me.

A friend of the Katrina Collection artist put it this way:

"Shortly after the hurricane, a friend told me that it was the responsibility of artists to begin creating as soon as possible. It was our job, she said, to help us all understand what had happened to our lives. I don’t know if my work can do that for anyone else. What I do know is that each of us, in our own unique fashion, has to find a way to believe again, to dare hope for our future."

Lori Gordon
October 2005

A couple of nights ago one of our local tv channels did a spot on Katrina Bowls. They are beautiful and I can't wait to search this artist out and purchase one. During Christmas at the coast I saw Katrina picture frames crafted out of Katrina debris by a tug boat captain. I wanted one so badly, but they were out of reach budget wise at the time. I want one of those, too -- later.

The following links give a taste of what's going on in the art world down this way. Actually just a nibble, but....



click here for the Katrina Collection


Katrina Bowls

Friday, March 14, 2008

The free margarita......



Last night I met a friend for supper and catch-up time. Both were good. But....the neatest thing happened. To me. As we sipped our margaritas and studied the menus, the server placed the requisite tortilla chips and dips on the table -- red and green salsas and an oval plate with something cheesy in it. As he placed the oval dish down he said what you've probably heard a million times: don't touch the plate. it's hot.

Well, if you're anything like me, the first thing you want to do is gingerly touch the plate. I don't know why this is. I believe it when they say the plate's hot. Maybe it's human nature? Anywho....(I didn't pay much attention to this at the time but..) the server stood there tapping the toe of his shoe.

It was only as I was reaching out to touch the stupid plate that I became fully aware of the server. I looked at him looking at me. His head was back and he was looking down his nose at me, gently shaking his head with a knowing smile on his face. I raised my eyebrows. He shrugged his shoulders. And I quickly touched the frickin' plate. That's when it happened.

All of a sudden a zillion (or so it seemed at the time) servers and other staff were standing around our table singing (to the tune of Happy Birthday): a free margarita for you, a free margarita for you, you touched the dish, you burned your hand, a free margarita for you. (Those are as close as I can come to the actual lyrics -- since I was so stunned.) I learned that every hour the first person to touch a hot plate (intentionally) won a free drink.

Later that night I realized that it was validation of my trying to live my life more intentionally. Okay....maybe that's a stretch, but....if you believe that there are no coincidences and that everything that happens to you is for a purpose -- you could see it that way. Couldn't you?

....

Wednesday, March 12, 2008

Thank you (again)......

Once again I extend my thank-yous to our esteemed USPS. (not meant to be taken personally by actual mail carriers)

It's happened again. I ordered an item. I waited. And I waited. And I waited. I waited twice and three times the estimated length of time in which my package should arrive (because I know how our mail *service* is around here). Then I contact the seller -- knowing, just knowing the package will be here the next day.

The sellers (both times)say, yes! your package should have been there long ago! They apologize and send a replacement -- which I will have to go to the trouble of mailing back to them because the original package did indeed arrive the very next day (the first time) two days after (the second time).

Merde!

My latest online purchase......



I ordered two -- due to arrive early next week. I don't know exactly how I feel about this though. Part of me feels silly, and part of me feels like it's the right thing to do. But, by taking these precautions I'm admitting that where I'm living isn't as safe as it used to be -- or as I used to think it was.

The worse of the changes haven't touched my actual neighborhood. It's just that they are all around -- getting closer and closer as time goes by. In the last month I've heard a local business owner talking about stopping at a stop sign (during broad daylight) on a residential street near here and seeing two guys pull hoods over their heads and walk toward his truck. He said that he has a gun but keeps it at home, but after that he'll never be caught in a similar situation without protection. And another neighbor said that as he reads of the murders and home invasions moving closer and closer, he's going to buy himself a gun.

I want to be safe, but I don't want to get caught up in all the emotional stuff and react foolishly -- in ways in which an innocent person could get hurt as easy as a bad guy. I try not to (over)listen to the news, but you need to be informed about what's going on around you. I guess it boils down to the fact that I can't imagine anything bad actually happening in my very own home. But, still, I ordered the silly safety bar-thingies, and I'll use them. So there.

Tuesday, March 11, 2008

Boring day so far......



Biggie of the day, so far, is waiting to check my Netflix queue for what they will be shipping next. My top 7 have Very Long, Long, or Short Waits -- so I'm not very hopeful. It's that kind of day. But....it's still early. And this time change? Don't like it. Takes me forever to get used to it.

Oh, I do have to order a couple of those door security bars -- those long bars you put under your door knob and they have a rubber (I guess) door stop-type-thing on the bottom. The local police say those are good. We've had several home invasions in my area (not to mention all the murders and drive-bys). The home invasions are happening when people are home. Wouldn't it be easier to wait until people have left? So....since there's been a run on things like this locally, I'm going to order a couple off the net so my daughter will stop bugging me. :) Since the storms -- Mayberry isn't what it used to be.

Oh, and since I couldn't figure out what in the heck those two PayPal charges were (they didn't show up on either my or J.'s PayPal accounts) the gal at the bank suggested a new check card -- which I received yesterday. So, now, I have to go to all those online bill paying sites I use and change my card #. I just did this January. The day keeps getting better....

Sunday, March 09, 2008

Luck



Do you look for meaning in your everyday experiences? Or do you find yourself just reacting to whatever happens. Saying..Yes, yes, yes, when things go your way. Saying..No,no, no, when they don't. This weekend I heard a talk on luck, but to me it was really a talk on living your life intentionally. Being in the moment. It's taken me a l-o-n-g time but I'm finally reallizing what it is to live in the moment.

I like to think that everything that happens to me, happens for a purpose. All the events of my everyday life are holding a message. Preparing me. It's taking the time (and having the smarts) to figure out the message that gives me a problem. I'm the type person who wants to go from A to B -- in as short of time as possible. So, once I buy into the "every experience contains a message" thingie I want to know what the message is after every frickin' experience! It drives me batty realizing that some messages come in their own time and are d-r-a-w-n o-u-t. Maddenly drawn out.

And, yes, I realized this points out several of the areas I personally need to work on. It's just so frustrating to me when I can't identify a problem. Make a plan. And then work the plan -- quickly and efficiently. But, alas, life doesn't work that way. For me at least. I needed to hear that talk.

What do you think of this comment, "Don't curse the darkness. Missing the bus may have been a blessing."

....I have such a hard time with that. I guess because I so don't want to practice being open to the bad things (the darkness of life). Call me a whimp.

Saturday, March 08, 2008

Happy Birthday to A.!



Today is my one and only daughter's birthday. She is such a blessing to me. Growing up with three brothers wasn't entirely easy for her at times. Potty training her (with two older brothers as role models) provided some challenges. She thought she should stand up to pee. But she quickly took charge (and remains in charge to this day). It wasn't unusual to see her brothers running to their rooms to hide behind closed doors after they teased her and she resorted to chasing them with a baseball bat (plastic). Their laughing behind closed (and locked) doors infuriated her. Trying to have a sister for her proved fruitless. She ended up with yet another brother.

She was a sports whiz. Select team in soccer, varsity volleyball, golf -- anything she tried. She's intelligent. She's kind. She's accomplished. She's a delight to me (most of the time). And, even though she can't boil pasta, I love her more than words can express.

She's spending her birhtday weekend at a North Carolina beach. The weather's supposed to be stormy and warm today. Freezing tonight. Clear and cool tomorrow. Back to freezing tomorrow night. But beach weather doesn't matter to her. You see, and this is someting that baffles me, as much as she loves going to the beach....she doesn't like sand -- much less water. So, this weekend will be spent searching for out-of-the-way shopping and restaurants. She'll spend her time in the company of her best friends (along with two of her brothers). I hope for her a perfect weekend.

Thursday, March 06, 2008

ummmm......

This cabin in the mountains thing? Might be a problem. The more I look, the more I realize I don't like cabin decor. I can do without pine (or some kind of wood) walls and antler chandeliers. They're charming in their own way. I just don't want to live with them.

Nor do I want to have to drive on icy roads to get places. Nor do I want a scary driveway.

I guess I'll have to rethink this whole thing. I like the views in the mountains and I like the idea of real seasons. But....

After today's search I think I have a better idea of what I do want. I want a big open airy space. Clean -- no clutter. I'd like poured concrete floors (maybe with some sort of design here and there, with area rugs for color. I'd like a view -- but it doesn't have to be mountains. Lights would do just fine. Or just buildings. I'd love a loft.

First choice would be living somewhere so I could walk to most places -- coffee shops, book stores, movies, everyday shopping. I don't need green space, but I'd like to have some sort of outdoors space -- a balcony would do. I guess my time spent surfing today wasn't wasted because at least I'm able to start a list now of what I'm looking for. J. would like the beach -- even tho we'd have to sell everything we own and still have a rather large mortgage to get there. And....we'd have to down-size at that. Doesn't make sense to me. Not to mention the insurance. !!

One would think my desires would limit me to big city life, but I'm not so sure. I've heard that we are going back to a life style similar to pre-WWII. One where you could walk more places. And even in my part of the world -- which is not a fore-runner when it comes to change -- you can actually buy today a home or condo in a multi-use development. My city has one and others are being constructed. The Wharf in Gulf Shores is another. These places are like small towns (I imagine). You can buy a condo over businesses or an actual home on the out skirts of the development -- but still within walking and biking distance. There are many businesses, theaters, libraries, and schools and medical offices are supposedly coming. You would still have to drive to town for your big shopping or a hospital and things like that. But that's not really a problem because you're still living in the city or town.

Off to rethink this. Maybe my wants are actually lining up with what's happening? How kewl would that be....

A feeling of change is in the air......



From time to time, do you ever get the feeling that something's about to change? You just feel unsettled? I've had the feeling before, and lately I have the feeling again. It may just be that I'm ready for some sort of change, or maybe something's really in the works. I guess we'll see. I find my plans for today include an online search for mountain cabins for sale -- not to rent, but to buy. We'll see.

Son #3 takes his final today. He tests in North Carolina and then the test is mailed back to Baton Rouge to be graded and then his results are mailed back to him in NC. Sheesh! This means he doesn't know how he did on the midterm he took Monday. The boy drives me crazy sometimes! He seems to like pressure. Oh! I almost forgot. .....Letting go....

A. got her popcorn from Garretts yesterday. I had told son #3 to hide it in his room until her birthday -- on Saturday. But....I got a text last night from A. thanking us and telling us she had almost made herself sick she ate so much. I suspected as much. She likes to celebrate her birthday allllll week. They are going to Emerald Isle -- on Carolina's Crystal Coast for a long weekend. Sounds lovely. J., son #3, and I spent several weekends at Wilmington and Wright's (I think it was) beaches while J. worked in NC. J. almost drowned there. Story later, maybe -- since he's alive and kickin' it's not too exciting. Maybe A.'s roommates will wait and give her the card and little goodie bag I mailed her until her actual birthday! If she knows they are there, she'll open them. I noticed she waited to text me until she was headed to bed and turning off her phone. She knew I wouldn't call that late to scold chide for the popcorn.

J. and I watched "Waitress" last night. I loved it. Laughed out loud a few times. I was so cheering for her character to make her break. The overall movie reminded me of one of my favorite movies, "Chocolat."

Well, off to look at those cabins. (The bathrooms and leaves piling up in front of both doors will have to wait....)

Tuesday, March 04, 2008

After a very warm, humid, stormy night......



today has turned out to be sunny and chilly. That's unusual for down this way. Normally, if the sun's out there's no way it's gonna be cool -- much less chilly. But, today it is. I think two fronts blew through yesterday and last night. The biggie came through just as Oprah's online class started (wouldn't you just know?). And, of course, it ended as the class was ending. That wasn't a problem because about 20 minutes into the class the video started hanging up. Finally, the entire feed was lost. Oh, well. It's supposed to be available on her site so I'll catch it there.

I don't know if my problems were from the weather or Cox. I do know that I won't mention it to many people I know because they'll say that it was meant to be. The lines between religion and spirituality are often blurred down this way. I can't help but view it as fear.

J. is going to one of his music group practices. He's writing songs now. Actually the ones I've read are pretty good. A guy at work knows a former guitarist who worked with Jerry Garcia (or has some similar connection). Anywho....J. had shown this guy at work a couple of his songs and now the guy wants to help J. make a demo disc. So, of course, J. now thinks he'll make his fortune in song writing. ....Are there many writers (song or otherwise) who make money? I thought J. had learned that lesson with art.

I decided to catch up with my online banking today. I usually let it go so long I dread doing it. I saw two pending PayPal transaction I didn't recognize. Last week I order a couple of things for A.'s b'thday and paid through PayPal, but those have already cleared the bank. I called J. and he said he hasn't ordered anything. Neither of our PayPal accounts show transactions for those amounts. So....I sent off an email to PayPal requesting details (items ordered and from whom). I decided to call my bank and see if they had any details. They didn't, but since the transactions were pending they took them off. They canceled my debit card and are issuing me another one. Sheesh! I'm so afraid those charges are things I ordered and forgot about, but I can't think what they could be. Now to change the debit card #s on all the bill paying sites I use. I just did that the first of the year when I got my new card. Oh, well.

Son #3 feels he did pretty well on his midterm yesterday. We'll see. He takes his final Thursday. Come to find out he has to take these tests before next week. He's taking a correspondence course and that's the deadline. He now has residency in NC and after this course (if he makes the grade) he'll be able to start applying to colleges in the state. I truly don't think my kids will all be out of school before they put me in the ground -- or burn me to ashes (which is my wish).

I would be proud of myself today if it weren't for Sister Schubert's forzen rolls. I love them! J. has music practice tonight. I had plans to meet a friend for dinner, but she had to go out-of-town. So, next on the agenda was to pick up something really fattening to eat -- or order it to be delivered. But, I resisted the temptation. I thought I'd eat sensibly here -- until I spied that package of SS's rolls hiding in my freezer. I just popped three of them in the oven. So much for good intentions.

Monday, March 03, 2008

This *letting go* stuff?



Letting go of stuff you've been carrying around for so long can take work, but.... it's worth the effort. This weekend (my big tests seem to come on the weekends) I faced a midterm exam -- so to speak. I did okay. At least I learned and will do better on the next test. Areas I need to work on were pointed out to me.

During this Lenten season I've been focusing on letting go of resentment. Did you know that letting go of resentment includes letting go of judgment? For me at least. A little lagniappe. When you realize that what someone is doing or saying to you isn't really personal, that we're all wounded souls striking out in pain, it's easier to step back and get a grip. Put things in focus. Then the question becomes, why am I in this situation. Was it intended. Is there a lesson here for me. Can I help this other person. Can they help me. How long do I stay. That, to me, is the hard part. Finding the answers to those question, because I fully believe I can't escape my problems-to-be-solved/lessons-to-be-learned by running away. Those problems/lessons will be wherever I go -- waiting for me. Believe me.

So, that, along with some good reading was my weekend. How about yours?

Oh. I also watched "The Brave One." Didn't really like it. I got frustrated with Jodi Foster's (who I usually love) character. How she got all bothered after killing someone. I mean, if you kill someone and feel badly afterwards -- DON'T DO IT AGAIN! Of course I think that was one of the points of the movie -- a vigilante who felt bad instead of justified after doing her deed. The only reason I finished watching was to see the city -- it was set in and around NYC. Same as "Gone Baby Gone." I watched it last week. Really didn't like it. But....I did find the areas of Boston it was set in interesting. My daughter kept bugging us suggested we rent "Stardust." We did. Watched it over the weekend, too. It was okay. I normally don't enjoy those kinds of movies, but this one did hold my interest til the end.

That's about it. Except that son #3 will be taking an algebra midterm at 1 pm est. He'd appreciate all good thoughts, wishes, vibes. If the front coming my way this evening doesn't knock out my power, I'll be in Oprah's virtual classroom tonight. Anyone else?

Saturday, March 01, 2008

The Christmas Tree & the Argument



Has anyone else ever had a family dispute while Christmas tree hunting? According to one family member, the tree another famiy member likes is too big, too small, too fat, too skinny, has an unacceptable hole here -- or there. You know what I mean. Anywho....since we spent last Christmas at the coast I wanted to keep things simple. I thought maybe we'd buy a little tree and decorate it with a beach theme (before I found out how outrageous the prices were for beach theme ornaments!) and then throw the tree out before we left. Nice and simple. Next on the list was a little tree decorated with ribbon and a few shells we'd collected on our beach walks nestled in the branches. We'd still be able to throw the whole thing out before we left. Nice and simple. No arguments. Maybe that could have happened if I'd just bought that little tree when I found it. Instead of waiting to show J.

You see, on some of my wanderings around the Gulf Shores area I spotted what were billed as Fort Morgan Christmas Trees -- like the one I have a picture of. That one's mine. (smile) Now. I want to ask you. Do you love it like I do, or do you think it looks like a wood pile (like J. does)?

When I first showed it to J. and told him that's what I wanted for Christmas, he asked me if I were joking. ?? No. I said. I told him it was made of driftwood from Fort Morgan (which we have to visit e-v-e-r-y time we're in Gulf Shores). He said....sure it is. He went on to say that the artist probably used driftwood from all over the island. He's very suspicious.

So....I said forget it, and thought that was the end of it. But, it wasn't. J. said he'd make me a tree like the one I wanted. (Remember, he does have a MFA, but still....) I said it was fine with me. I'd call it my Gulf Shores Christmas tree. On our walks he actually started collecting driftwood to haul back to BR and make a frickin' tree.

But in the end, for some reason, he surprised me by saying, "Let's go get you one of those Ft. Morgan trees." We found one and I really do like it. One time when I caught J. looking at it and shaking his head, I told him to think about the spirits of all the Confederate soldiers who had gathered round those pieces of driftwood on a drab, chilly Christmas. Maybe they sang Christmas songs to lift their spirits. (He poured himself another drink.)

Our Ft. Morgan tree did prove to be a problem when we left. We'd collected so much stuff during our month's stay that for a while I thought I was going to have to take a picture of the tree, dismantle it, and reassemble it at home. We looked like Ma and Pa Kettle driving down the interstate. But it was worth it. I plan to love my little tree for many Christmases to come.