It is the last day of the last month for this year. 2011. Hello, Goodbye. Ending, beginning. What have I done and what will I do? How much of the past do I need to remember to make the future better, brighter, more fun? Did I change things from this past year from the year before in a positive way? Am I just going day to day or do I have some kind of plan to progress?
Alright, already. Enough questions. How about a few answers.
What I have done.
I ran. I refused to train but started the first quarter of the year with a 2nd and 3rd place medal in my age group. I refused to train but ran as many miles as the year before that I did train. I didn't officially run a half marathon like the previous year but I went out that same weekend and ran that distance. I had run that exact same distance the previous weekend also.
I wrote. I put something down every day for the entire year. I put things down when I had strong ideas and I put things down when I didn't have a clue what I was saying. I turned gazing out my window thinking it might be a painting that I saw in my head and described it on paper. I wrote short fiction scenarios about a Train Station and an old Photo that were really good. I wrote two more of my Rules of Writing episodes which makes me happy whether anyone else can appreciate them or not.
I could have been killed in an auto accident in October after a few of the best days I have ever spent at my own personal paradise in a very long time. It shouldn't have been the case but we walked away without a scratch.
I became a grandmother.
What I will do.
I'll keep running. They say don't go on a diet but make it a part of your lifestyle. It's the way running is for me. It's just part of my lifestyle.
I'll keep writing. I don't know how to stop now. I don't know how to skip a day even if I only write something short and quick and nobody ever sees it.
I'll have to figure out how to get back to my paradise without being afraid of getting there or back.
I'll learn how to be a really great grandmother and mother and friend and...
I'm lucky that my birthday falls on the last day of the year. It's the same time I get to ponder where I've been, where I am, and what I want and need to do. It's the classic time for this type of thinking. I have plans and I will constantly try to find ways to make them work better, brighter and more fun. I'm lucky because: What better time for me to do all this than on the day I become older and wiser?
I am wishing everyone a Happy New Year! Can you believe it? 2012. 2012!
TT
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Show up
I've been going back and forth playing ping-pong in my head with the thought of what and if I should write this morning. I have some factors playing into this game I am playing with myself. The first is that I am, yet again, not thrilled with any ideas I am having about what to write. I know that many times what I publish here are random thoughts. I never thought this would be any more than an exercise and discipline in getting myself to write and learn how to (not) edit.
But maybe these ideas have been too random this past year. Maybe there are many days it would have been better to skip hitting the publish button and leaving some blank space and breathing room where I went ahead and put it out there. This thought has come up this morning since I have nothing much in the way of ideas to write about except that I have been cold. It's been a boring week at work and it's made me tired. Believe me, I know no one wants to hear me whine about that (again).
Another factor playing into my struggle about writing this morning is that I have two posts to reach 365 for the year and there are three days left. I hate math but even I know that means I have one day that doesn't get a post in the next few days. So I was thinking it would be today. It makes sense, doesn't it? I have no real ideas, I have a bye. So that is what is causing this ping-pong effect in my head this morning. Do I, don't I? Will I, won't I?
And yet after all the back and forth, looking over and under, it seems the discipline turned a white page splattered again with words I hadn't expected. Life is such a ping-pong game. It's always worth showing up to play.
TT
But maybe these ideas have been too random this past year. Maybe there are many days it would have been better to skip hitting the publish button and leaving some blank space and breathing room where I went ahead and put it out there. This thought has come up this morning since I have nothing much in the way of ideas to write about except that I have been cold. It's been a boring week at work and it's made me tired. Believe me, I know no one wants to hear me whine about that (again).
Another factor playing into my struggle about writing this morning is that I have two posts to reach 365 for the year and there are three days left. I hate math but even I know that means I have one day that doesn't get a post in the next few days. So I was thinking it would be today. It makes sense, doesn't it? I have no real ideas, I have a bye. So that is what is causing this ping-pong effect in my head this morning. Do I, don't I? Will I, won't I?
And yet after all the back and forth, looking over and under, it seems the discipline turned a white page splattered again with words I hadn't expected. Life is such a ping-pong game. It's always worth showing up to play.
TT
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Baby feet
I have been experiencing the simply joys of figuring out what I should be doing as a new grandmother. With the birth of Sonny and Selma's beautiful baby boy on 12/20/11, part of my responsibility is letting people know that Mr. L has arrived. That is only a small part but my problem is that I am not used to spreading the news. Any news. And then I'm not sure the rules for spreading the news. Not that there are actual rules but, to me, of course there must be. I've had to overlook my thinking about that and it seems I have been on the right track so far. I have released a few pictures and told a few people and gotten requests for more. I've had people tell me he looks like he or he looks like she and how precious he is. I have to admit I caught myself calling him "my precious" until I stopped and realized it was sounding a bit too much like Lord of the Rings. I mean, we don't need another ramekin incident.
So, I have sent pictures and let people know. I've gotten to hold and cuddle and be silly, kissy-face with Mr. L. He is very tolerant. He doesn't seem to mind. I like that.
But coming back to the pictures - I received a few more yesterday. I scanned through the lot and in only a few days...well...he hasn't changed a lot. He's got some excellent clothes and he sleeps a bit, although I hear it is mostly during the day and not so much at night. Hmmm...like his Dad.
There was one picture out of this new group that I especially thought was good and interesting. I saw quite a bit from this one particular frame. I don't know the narrative surrounding the taking of this picture and I haven't had a chance to get the backstory, if any, just yet. Maybe it was just a case of the typical five finger, five toes...except...well, like I said. I saw a bit from this one frame.
I think these are going to grow into some really excellent running feet!
TT
So, I have sent pictures and let people know. I've gotten to hold and cuddle and be silly, kissy-face with Mr. L. He is very tolerant. He doesn't seem to mind. I like that.
But coming back to the pictures - I received a few more yesterday. I scanned through the lot and in only a few days...well...he hasn't changed a lot. He's got some excellent clothes and he sleeps a bit, although I hear it is mostly during the day and not so much at night. Hmmm...like his Dad.
There was one picture out of this new group that I especially thought was good and interesting. I saw quite a bit from this one particular frame. I don't know the narrative surrounding the taking of this picture and I haven't had a chance to get the backstory, if any, just yet. Maybe it was just a case of the typical five finger, five toes...except...well, like I said. I saw a bit from this one frame.
TT
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Alien ramekins
I don't know if I can do this justice. I can't say if I will have the capacity to properly capture and relate this blindsidingly ridiculous flight of fancy that was woven. It might have actually started out being my fault since I was randomly thinking out loud and voiced something that had nothing to do with anything else that was happening at the moment. But it wasn't me that took it...well, wherever it went.
Jay and I were in the car on Christmas Eve returning to the house after being out. We talked and then would naturally fall silent the way people do. My mind must have wandering off on it's own and just about the time we arrived home I believe I said something to the effect of, "I need to get the ramekins out." It was a disjointed, disembodied thing to say since it was only a reminder to myself that I didn't especially need to vocalize. Nothing was said in return and we went inside.
Later that evening Jay asked me what I had said while coming home. "Nothing." "Yes, you did," he insisted. I shrugged, shaking my head, "I don't think so." I couldn't remember saying anything. I didn't recall the reminder to myself. Finally, after much persistence, I realized I had made the comment about the ramekins.
"That was it!" he exclaimed. "You can't take them out!"
Now I am puzzled. I am thinking, yes - I need to take them out so I can make the individual chocolate cakes for tomorrow. "Why can't I take them out?" I asked calmly.
Jay started to explain. He said Ramekins were invading from outer space.
"What?" Jay has embellished things with his crazy ideas at times before. He must have liked the way the word sounded and thought ...well...thought it sounded alien. So I didn't get overly excited about this development with the ramekins. I just asked a few questions to see where he would take it.
"Yes," he insisted. They are starting a community here so they will be ready for invasion. Aren't they like radon? Or no, they use radon guns and they live in the tall silo-like towers, the white ones that are on the way to Sonny's house.
He was on a roll and I didn't stop him. I wasn't sure where he might take it but I knew he was committed to the story so I let it go on. Maybe I shouldn't have encouraged him with my silence.
Finally, after he had gone on for a while, I got up and took the small cup-like container from the cabinet. I held it in my hand and said, "This is a ramekin."
He looked at what I held in my hand for a moment and said, "That's a funny name for it."
I took the rest out and thanked him for reminding me to do it.
I didn't hear about the alien ramekins again that night. The story had played itself out. Or so I thought. It was late on Christmas Day when family was gathered around the table and dessert was being served. The small chocolate cakes appeared on the table and Jay went into the story of the alien ramekins. Everybody was deadpan and shaking their heads. Everyone is looking to me while he went on about the white silo-like towers. The expressions on their faces to me was... Dad is being ridiculous again. "Eat your cake, Dad."
Ahhh. Family's together during the holidays. Where else can you cause a flight of fancy with a simple cooking utensil?
TT
Jay and I were in the car on Christmas Eve returning to the house after being out. We talked and then would naturally fall silent the way people do. My mind must have wandering off on it's own and just about the time we arrived home I believe I said something to the effect of, "I need to get the ramekins out." It was a disjointed, disembodied thing to say since it was only a reminder to myself that I didn't especially need to vocalize. Nothing was said in return and we went inside.
Later that evening Jay asked me what I had said while coming home. "Nothing." "Yes, you did," he insisted. I shrugged, shaking my head, "I don't think so." I couldn't remember saying anything. I didn't recall the reminder to myself. Finally, after much persistence, I realized I had made the comment about the ramekins.
"That was it!" he exclaimed. "You can't take them out!"
Now I am puzzled. I am thinking, yes - I need to take them out so I can make the individual chocolate cakes for tomorrow. "Why can't I take them out?" I asked calmly.
Jay started to explain. He said Ramekins were invading from outer space.
"What?" Jay has embellished things with his crazy ideas at times before. He must have liked the way the word sounded and thought ...well...thought it sounded alien. So I didn't get overly excited about this development with the ramekins. I just asked a few questions to see where he would take it.
"Yes," he insisted. They are starting a community here so they will be ready for invasion. Aren't they like radon? Or no, they use radon guns and they live in the tall silo-like towers, the white ones that are on the way to Sonny's house.
He was on a roll and I didn't stop him. I wasn't sure where he might take it but I knew he was committed to the story so I let it go on. Maybe I shouldn't have encouraged him with my silence.
Finally, after he had gone on for a while, I got up and took the small cup-like container from the cabinet. I held it in my hand and said, "This is a ramekin."
He looked at what I held in my hand for a moment and said, "That's a funny name for it."
I took the rest out and thanked him for reminding me to do it.
I didn't hear about the alien ramekins again that night. The story had played itself out. Or so I thought. It was late on Christmas Day when family was gathered around the table and dessert was being served. The small chocolate cakes appeared on the table and Jay went into the story of the alien ramekins. Everybody was deadpan and shaking their heads. Everyone is looking to me while he went on about the white silo-like towers. The expressions on their faces to me was... Dad is being ridiculous again. "Eat your cake, Dad."
Ahhh. Family's together during the holidays. Where else can you cause a flight of fancy with a simple cooking utensil?
TT
Monday, December 26, 2011
Tiramisu
I needed a dessert for Christmas dinner and there had been previous talk among the family about Tiramisu recently. I hadn't tried to make it before but was eager and willing to give it a try. I know - they say to never serve a recipe you haven't tested before but what was I going to do? Make up a Tiramisu and eat it all myself! Uh-uh. No. I've skipped enough work-outs this month as it is. I wasn't going to load up on an entire Italian dessert!
So, I put aside the idea of serving a new recipe without testing it first and started on Christmas Eve since the recipe I found needed it to be in the fridge overnight. Here is how it went...
Here are all the ingredients.
Six egg yolks (only yolks)
1/4 cup of sugar
1 1/2 cups brewed espresso
1/2 cup rum
30 ladyfingers (Savoiardi)
16 oz mascarpone cheese
Optional toppings: Confectioners sugar, shaved chocolate, ground hazelnuts
The recipe called for whipping the egg yolks and sugar together but didn't cook them. I know the recipe works that way (I think) but I was already swaying from the printed instructions and decided I would use the same egg and sugar to make a Sabayon sauce since I preferred to cook the mixture and not leave it raw. Sure, why not change a recipe I never even used before? For a holiday meal. What can I say? I'm crazy that way.
Use a double boiler. (I used a saucepan with boiling water underneath and a small stainless frying pan on top. Don't let the water touch the bottom of the frying pan). Add the sugar and egg yolks and whip. I set the timer for 5 minutes and yes...I stirred the entire time. Workouts have been scarce this month so I'm counting this one. It should start to ribbon and turn a lighter yellow. Keep whisking! You don't want sweet, scrambled eggs!
Take the pan off the heat and pour the mixture into a separate bowl. Add all the mascarpone cheese and 1/4 cup of rum and 1/4 cup of espresso and whisk together until smooth. Whisk! You will see a difference in the consistency. It will be worth the aching arm, believe me. Workout, remember?
Now leave the custard mixture and move on to a 9 x 12 x 2 baking pan. Mix the remaining 1/4 cup of rum into the remaining espresso. Dip the bottom half of the ladyfinger into the espresso/rum mixture and line them up in the pan. These little biscuits are thirsty so careful not to soak them through! Once you have a layer of ladyfingers in the pan, pour half the custard mixture over them and dip and make another layer of soaked ladyfingers on top. Then pour the remaining custard cream over the second layer. Cover with plastic wrap and put in the fridge.
I took the prepared cake out the next day and topped it off with a coating of confectioners sugar, grated semi-sweet chocolate and ground hazelnuts. I think cocoa power could replace the confectioners sugar for a contrast but I went with the chocolate instead. Then I thought the hazelnuts would give the soft cake some crunch.
So, I put aside the idea of serving a new recipe without testing it first and started on Christmas Eve since the recipe I found needed it to be in the fridge overnight. Here is how it went...
Six egg yolks (only yolks)
1/4 cup of sugar
1 1/2 cups brewed espresso
1/2 cup rum
30 ladyfingers (Savoiardi)
16 oz mascarpone cheese
Optional toppings: Confectioners sugar, shaved chocolate, ground hazelnuts
The recipe called for whipping the egg yolks and sugar together but didn't cook them. I know the recipe works that way (I think) but I was already swaying from the printed instructions and decided I would use the same egg and sugar to make a Sabayon sauce since I preferred to cook the mixture and not leave it raw. Sure, why not change a recipe I never even used before? For a holiday meal. What can I say? I'm crazy that way.
I took the prepared cake out the next day and topped it off with a coating of confectioners sugar, grated semi-sweet chocolate and ground hazelnuts. I think cocoa power could replace the confectioners sugar for a contrast but I went with the chocolate instead. Then I thought the hazelnuts would give the soft cake some crunch.
Tiramisu! It means "pick me up" in Italian.
How easy is that! Not too bad for a first time attempt!
TT
Christmas 2011
Christmas Day, 2011, came and went in a flurry of busy good cheer. If I had time to sit here a few minutes yesterday morning that was the only time. An early phone call requesting our attendance curfewed my sitting and thinking there would be time for that. There were gifts to be opened! Why was I thinking that would wait? Silly me. It went on from there. Laughing, sitting, cooking and being together. The day was clear and not the rainy, rainy of the day before and even now. It cleared for the day. Of course, it did. It was Christmas!
There was plenty of time and not enough. The day started early and ended late. And then there was food...
A trio of dips consisting of (from left to right) Artichoke Pesto, Black olive and sun-dried tomato tapenade and Cannellini Bean style hummus. There was the star attraction of simply boiled Gulf Shrimp with horseradish dipping sauce. Just enough to nosh while the main attraction roasted in the oven.
Prime Rib roast out of the oven and perfect temperature. Let it rest and then cut into it. We like our beef rare so don't fidget at the sliced meat.
I made a white sauce separately. Sonny cooked down fresh spinach then we added the white sauce and prosciutto. Have you had creamed spinach like this? Mmmmm...
Then dessert. My first try at Tiramisu and everyone, yes, everyone liked it! Jay said he didn't. But then he ate all of his and then half of mine!
Then the chocolate molten cakes...They sat just a little too long...got a little dry...but were eaten just the same. Sweet chocolate...easy recipe. I should have cut into it so you could see the creamy center. Oops.
There was plenty of time and not enough. The day started early and ended late. And then there was food...
A trio of dips consisting of (from left to right) Artichoke Pesto, Black olive and sun-dried tomato tapenade and Cannellini Bean style hummus. There was the star attraction of simply boiled Gulf Shrimp with horseradish dipping sauce. Just enough to nosh while the main attraction roasted in the oven.
Salad of fresh spinach and curly endive started the meal. It was dressed with home-made Italian dressing, pecorino-romano cheese and home baked croutons.
Prime Rib roast out of the oven and perfect temperature. Let it rest and then cut into it. We like our beef rare so don't fidget at the sliced meat.
Asparagus and artichoke hearts sauteed in olive oil and fresh garlic.
Oven roasted red potatoes. They were popping them in their mouths before the meal!
Have a plate. We did!
You see, I dunked a square of white chocolate into the center that melted and stayed inside.
All in all, good food, great day!
Merry and Happy for all!
TT
Saturday, December 24, 2011
What's the menu?
Amidst all the chaotic confusion of this past week I have somehow managed to get here. I am right here, Saturday morning, Christmas Eve, already up and out of the house and taken care of three stops and back again. Now I can have my (well not my first) cup of coffee and I will continued to figure out the next steps. I think it's been a while since I have had time to sit and prioritize instead of just going and doing with only the slightest impression of a plan somewhere tucked into my subconscious. It is not the way I usually work but, hey, maybe I should take a lesson since here I am this morning with things getting done.
But there was one thing I hadn't done, I admit. I thought about it early yesterday morning. I realized I needed to come up with a plan of action and I couldn't rely on my usual team of experts for feedback and inspiration. I was going to have to make an executive (chef) decision. What were we going to eat for Christmas Dinner?!
I wasn't left completely out in the cold since Sonny had already decided and I had already purchased the Prime Rib Roast. At least I had the centerpiece of the meal to work out from. Prime Beef and I think and I try to imagine a plate. Okay, We have this elegant, rich, stab of meat. Potatoes yes, but I want it to compliment and not compete, so roasted red potatoes-halved-to retain soft center but caramelized outers. Creamy element...spinach with pecorino romano white sauce to stand up to the beef. Should have another...asparagus and artichoke hearts in lemon butter. Maybe another element to play with the tart, tang if you don't want horseradish that traditionally goes with beef. Start with a spinach salad with bitter curly endive. Use some blue cheese, candied walnuts and crispy prosciutto to balance the sweet/savory aspects. That might work. Don't doubt at this point, no time, go with it. I filled in a grocery list...added some ideas for appetizers...then dessert. Needed wine and pelligrino, black cherry soda. I shopped for it all yesterday and here is what I am working toward for tomorrow's Christmas Menu.
Cannellini White Bean dip - hummus style
Black olive and Sun-Dried Tomato Tapenade
Artichoke Pesto on Crustini
Boiled Gulf Shrimp
Fresh Endive, Walnut and Blue-Cheese Salad
Prime Rib Roast
Pecorino-Romano Creamed Spinach
Roasted Red Potatoes
Lemon-Butter Asparagus and Artichoke Hearts
Soft Buttered French Bread
Home-Made Tiramisu
Chocolate Molten Cakes
I may need to make some adjustments as I go along but that will be determined at a later date (like tomorrow). I can start my prep today and even take care of some entire items to have ready. I seemed to have kept it fairly simple but it sounds good. We shall see.
TT
But there was one thing I hadn't done, I admit. I thought about it early yesterday morning. I realized I needed to come up with a plan of action and I couldn't rely on my usual team of experts for feedback and inspiration. I was going to have to make an executive (chef) decision. What were we going to eat for Christmas Dinner?!
I wasn't left completely out in the cold since Sonny had already decided and I had already purchased the Prime Rib Roast. At least I had the centerpiece of the meal to work out from. Prime Beef and I think and I try to imagine a plate. Okay, We have this elegant, rich, stab of meat. Potatoes yes, but I want it to compliment and not compete, so roasted red potatoes-halved-to retain soft center but caramelized outers. Creamy element...spinach with pecorino romano white sauce to stand up to the beef. Should have another...asparagus and artichoke hearts in lemon butter. Maybe another element to play with the tart, tang if you don't want horseradish that traditionally goes with beef. Start with a spinach salad with bitter curly endive. Use some blue cheese, candied walnuts and crispy prosciutto to balance the sweet/savory aspects. That might work. Don't doubt at this point, no time, go with it. I filled in a grocery list...added some ideas for appetizers...then dessert. Needed wine and pelligrino, black cherry soda. I shopped for it all yesterday and here is what I am working toward for tomorrow's Christmas Menu.
Cannellini White Bean dip - hummus style
Black olive and Sun-Dried Tomato Tapenade
Artichoke Pesto on Crustini
Boiled Gulf Shrimp
Fresh Endive, Walnut and Blue-Cheese Salad
Prime Rib Roast
Pecorino-Romano Creamed Spinach
Roasted Red Potatoes
Lemon-Butter Asparagus and Artichoke Hearts
Soft Buttered French Bread
Home-Made Tiramisu
Chocolate Molten Cakes
I may need to make some adjustments as I go along but that will be determined at a later date (like tomorrow). I can start my prep today and even take care of some entire items to have ready. I seemed to have kept it fairly simple but it sounds good. We shall see.
TT
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Short circuiting
This week just doesn't want to come to the end of the allotted work time. I still have another day to go to finish out this week and it seems like it should be over already. It should or feels like it should and that is even with me taking a day off this past Tuesday. Don't you hate it when that happens!
I know, I know. I've got plenty of vacation time and everyone wants to know why I'll be working next week, too, but it just worked out that way. And I will be, too. Working all next week. Although working out isn't something I've been doing much of at all this entire month. Month.
What happen to this month? I can't get past the fact that it seems like I should still be somewhere in the middle of October. That is when I was supposed to be on vacation. Then what happened?
Lots. Lots happened. And it's Dec 20th already and wha...I... Wait. No, it's not. It isn't Dec 20th. It's Dec 22nd...for a few more hours. Oh gosh. It's worse than I thought.
Don't mind me. Ignore it. These are not the droids you are looking for. Move along, move along...
TT
I know, I know. I've got plenty of vacation time and everyone wants to know why I'll be working next week, too, but it just worked out that way. And I will be, too. Working all next week. Although working out isn't something I've been doing much of at all this entire month. Month.
What happen to this month? I can't get past the fact that it seems like I should still be somewhere in the middle of October. That is when I was supposed to be on vacation. Then what happened?
Lots. Lots happened. And it's Dec 20th already and wha...I... Wait. No, it's not. It isn't Dec 20th. It's Dec 22nd...for a few more hours. Oh gosh. It's worse than I thought.
Don't mind me. Ignore it. These are not the droids you are looking for. Move along, move along...
TT
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Yes way
I've had a few people react to me being a new grandma. Yes, it's true. I am officially a grandmother with the birth of my son and his wife's baby boy yesterday. That is how that works. I really didn't have all that much to do with it but there it is. And people have congratulated me about becoming a grandmother and I appreciate that but then...like I said...it wasn't anything I did.
There is another reaction that a few people have given me. I had one friend say Grandmother?!? No way! And there was another friend that said they wouldn't call me grandma since I certainly didn't look like a grandma. Um..thank you? I'm not sure what exactly I'm supposed to say.
What do grandmothers look like, anyway? I mean, really? I've let the gray grow out in my hair. I've got enough wrinkles to keep the moisturizer companies in business. I do needlework and crochet. I wear a size two and drive a convertible sportscar. Isn't that a grandma?
It's this grandma. Thanks for the congrats.
TT
There is another reaction that a few people have given me. I had one friend say Grandmother?!? No way! And there was another friend that said they wouldn't call me grandma since I certainly didn't look like a grandma. Um..thank you? I'm not sure what exactly I'm supposed to say.
What do grandmothers look like, anyway? I mean, really? I've let the gray grow out in my hair. I've got enough wrinkles to keep the moisturizer companies in business. I do needlework and crochet. I wear a size two and drive a convertible sportscar. Isn't that a grandma?
It's this grandma. Thanks for the congrats.
TT
Slow it
It is only 5:40am and already I know I need to slow down on my coffee intake. I can feel the beginnings of jittery craziness creep through my bloodsteam. I need to keep it on the down low. I need to be mellow and stay still. I need to remember to stay quiet. Breathe deep.
It's back to work today. The holiday is this weekend. I have a new grandson that will be coming home Thursday afternoon. I will be going to the hospital after work today to see if I can get a closer look at him. Jay is over the moon.
Pause, breathe, smile.
There.
TT
It's back to work today. The holiday is this weekend. I have a new grandson that will be coming home Thursday afternoon. I will be going to the hospital after work today to see if I can get a closer look at him. Jay is over the moon.
Pause, breathe, smile.
There.
TT
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Landmarks
What are my landmarks and how have they changed? How is it that it is so easy for me to forget the feeling of making it to a certain spot. Then later as I progress again, beyond that spot, I seem to encounter that same feeling again. That forgetfulness that I've already reached farther than I originally thought I would. I forget. Why do I feel like I've started again and haven't accomplished so much? I have a very short memory when it comes to things I've done. It is as if my landmarks are all mirages. The closer I get to them the more I believe they are farther away. Are they moving or do I keep putting them out of reach? If I reach a landmark do I immediately dispel it and put another harder, farther one there in it's place? And then immediately forget that I have accomplished a landmark at all since I haven't reached the next harder one? Careful. This can be treacherous.
Actually, what made me think of this is I found (surprise) some index note cards I wrote up. I found one where I had written Landmark at the top and below it had - 200 posts. I think that was a landmark. Who writes 200 posts? me. Who writes 901? me. Does it matter no one reads them? Well, it doesn't seem to stop me from writing them. Should it? Also on that index card I wrote...no random wanderings (ok maybe occasionally). How accommodating of me. I grinned at that one.
So, chalk this up to a random wandering. I'm allowed them occasionally since it doesn't matter if anyone reads it. It hasn't stopped me from writing them anyway.
TT
P.S. I had wandered around writing this bit a few days ago. Since I'm headed to the hospital this morning I thought this might save me time this morning. That little Mr. L is supposed to arrive this morning. Talk about landmarks.
-------------------
6:14pm
New baby, Mr. L, arrived 12/20/11 at 9:21am. He weighed in at 6 pounds 15.8 ounces and was a length of 19.25 inches. He is Sonny and Selma's new baby boy and my grandson - born today. I am very happy about it and even happier that everyone is safe and healthy and doing fine.
Actually, what made me think of this is I found (surprise) some index note cards I wrote up. I found one where I had written Landmark at the top and below it had - 200 posts. I think that was a landmark. Who writes 200 posts? me. Who writes 901? me. Does it matter no one reads them? Well, it doesn't seem to stop me from writing them. Should it? Also on that index card I wrote...no random wanderings (ok maybe occasionally). How accommodating of me. I grinned at that one.
So, chalk this up to a random wandering. I'm allowed them occasionally since it doesn't matter if anyone reads it. It hasn't stopped me from writing them anyway.
TT
P.S. I had wandered around writing this bit a few days ago. Since I'm headed to the hospital this morning I thought this might save me time this morning. That little Mr. L is supposed to arrive this morning. Talk about landmarks.
-------------------
6:14pm
New baby, Mr. L, arrived 12/20/11 at 9:21am. He weighed in at 6 pounds 15.8 ounces and was a length of 19.25 inches. He is Sonny and Selma's new baby boy and my grandson - born today. I am very happy about it and even happier that everyone is safe and healthy and doing fine.
Monday, December 19, 2011
A week
A week before Christmas and all through the house. Yes, it has been going on all throughout the entire house. I don't think there is a room that hasn't been affected. I know there isn't a room that hasn't been affected. It truly is a case of all throughout the house. And only a week before Christmas. Should I start my shopping? And what exactly am I shopping for? It will be easy to say that things have been more than slightly out of kilter. There isn't a routine this year that I can say I have been able to stick to. I would have already made my list and checked it twice by now. I would have had ideas of what was for whom and everything neatly listed and decided upon. The other odd part about this is that I'm not especially worried about it. Should I be? Probably, maybe? I'm not. Really. Not this time. Can't tell you why. No stress, no fuss.
I did manage to pick up the Prime Rib Roast for Christmas dinner. The butcher looked at me a little quizzically when I told him what I wanted. "Give me a roast with five ribs." "Five ribs?" he repeated. "They usually run 2lbs or over each rib and it's over $11 a lb?" he went on. I didn't realize he was thinking price and I was thinking...one rib could serve two people but the boys eat really well on these occasions... He did finally go off and came back with a wonderfully cut piece of meat that he tied and made ready for me beautifully. He was smiling, I was smiling...over a piece of beef. It wasn't difficult and I got it done. It will happen. It does every year.
And the house? Casi, casi. Almost. At least it isn't the night before Christmas.
TT
I did manage to pick up the Prime Rib Roast for Christmas dinner. The butcher looked at me a little quizzically when I told him what I wanted. "Give me a roast with five ribs." "Five ribs?" he repeated. "They usually run 2lbs or over each rib and it's over $11 a lb?" he went on. I didn't realize he was thinking price and I was thinking...one rib could serve two people but the boys eat really well on these occasions... He did finally go off and came back with a wonderfully cut piece of meat that he tied and made ready for me beautifully. He was smiling, I was smiling...over a piece of beef. It wasn't difficult and I got it done. It will happen. It does every year.
And the house? Casi, casi. Almost. At least it isn't the night before Christmas.
TT
Sunday, December 18, 2011
What I do
Why do I forget that if I do what I do without the worry and added expectations I put upon myself that it comes back to me in joyous multitudes? I have to think about that at this moment because...oh yeah, sure it's the season...but no. I would be thinking of these things even if it was any other time. These are things that just seemed to have happened right now and they are making me think about it.
I had an extremely good day yesterday. How could I not feel good about delivering an order of cookies to strangers and possibly making a memorable occasion for them? I felt privileged to have been a part of it and it was my simple cookies that made the difference. They are only cookies but I do them because I just love to. When I wrote the story up yesterday (cookie romance) I got a comment on the piece, too. Added bonus. I already felt great about the cookies and then I got a compliment on the piece. I couldn't have planned it and I wasn't expecting it.
Then later I got a text from Selma, saying she had read the post and had made a comment. Oh...another comment about the cookies. It wasn't until this morning that I went in to my blog and saw that she wasn't referring to the cookies. She had gone back and read an older post called (gift) -(that link will take you there). It was about the crocheted baby blanket I made for her. She had put a comment on that post not the other. I explained in that post that the needlework is something that I love to do. The fact that it is not thought out or worried about might have been the key to why it turned out the way it did. Because I did it because I love doing it and get passionate about it. Like the cookies and cooking. Like running 13 miles just because. Like doing it because I want to and love to not because it is something I am stressing and worrying over or trying to fulfill some crazy expectation I've put upon myself. Then I get surprised by joyous multitudes of wonderfully great feelings I wasn't expecting because I was just doing something I truly wanted to do.
'Tis the season. All year. At any time.
Why do I forget that?
I don't have a lot on my agenda today (or do I)? I might just do a few things because it's what I want to do. And oh, yes... I have a gift to deliver today. Now that Selma has seen it...I'm going to give her the baby blanket.
TT
I had an extremely good day yesterday. How could I not feel good about delivering an order of cookies to strangers and possibly making a memorable occasion for them? I felt privileged to have been a part of it and it was my simple cookies that made the difference. They are only cookies but I do them because I just love to. When I wrote the story up yesterday (cookie romance) I got a comment on the piece, too. Added bonus. I already felt great about the cookies and then I got a compliment on the piece. I couldn't have planned it and I wasn't expecting it.
Then later I got a text from Selma, saying she had read the post and had made a comment. Oh...another comment about the cookies. It wasn't until this morning that I went in to my blog and saw that she wasn't referring to the cookies. She had gone back and read an older post called (gift) -(that link will take you there). It was about the crocheted baby blanket I made for her. She had put a comment on that post not the other. I explained in that post that the needlework is something that I love to do. The fact that it is not thought out or worried about might have been the key to why it turned out the way it did. Because I did it because I love doing it and get passionate about it. Like the cookies and cooking. Like running 13 miles just because. Like doing it because I want to and love to not because it is something I am stressing and worrying over or trying to fulfill some crazy expectation I've put upon myself. Then I get surprised by joyous multitudes of wonderfully great feelings I wasn't expecting because I was just doing something I truly wanted to do.
'Tis the season. All year. At any time.
Why do I forget that?
I don't have a lot on my agenda today (or do I)? I might just do a few things because it's what I want to do. And oh, yes... I have a gift to deliver today. Now that Selma has seen it...I'm going to give her the baby blanket.
TT
Saturday, December 17, 2011
Cookie romance
This is how it happened.
Since I created my cookie website and use my cell phone as a contact number I answer it with a Hello or Good Morning and give my name when I don't recognize the caller's number. This has proven to be a successful way of handling things since I have had inquires about the cookies. I had one caller that asked where my bakery was located since she needed cookies by 3:00 that day and wanted to pick them up. I had to explain that I bake to order and maybe she could please keep me in mind for another date? I had another client call to follow up on an order to make arrangements for delivery. Then I had this client.
I answered my phone knowing the area code was not local. She asked me about the cookies and if I delivered. I answered positively but I was wary and knew I would have to hear more in order to accommodate. She explained she was from out of town but wanted to order cookies for her boyfriend that lived here locally. Oh, I thought, that would work and how interesting. What was his zip code? It turned out to be the same as mine so I went on to say it would be no problem at all since she wanted them delivered to him on Saturday morning...early. I can do that. She asked if I could include a card? Of course. "What did you want on it?" She said, "On the seventh day of Christmas my true love sent to me..." "Okay, I said, and how do you want to sign it?" She said, "don't - he will know who it's from."
I told you it was interesting.
I made the arrangements, took her cookie order and processed her payment. I told her I would have them delivered 8:00 Saturday morning which is what she wanted me to do.
I got a text from her Friday afternoon with his number and she asked me to text him when the delivery was going out. That worked out well since I realized he lived very close to me but in a gated community. I sent him a text before I left the house. I said, "Morning. I am in the area with delivery for you from true love. Directions show gate access req. Will I be able to deliver in approx 20 mins?" Ten minutes later I received a response with the gate code.
Off I went...In my silver sportscar and chef jacket. He happened to be outside retrieving something from his truck when I pulled up. I got out of the car, handed him the package and wished him a Happy Holiday. He looked a little surprised. I got back into the car and left feeling so giddy! I bake cookies. Who knew I could get caught up in the middle of this happy little scenario! Not only did I succcessfully take, bake, and deliver my first order of cookies strictly from the website, but I got this wonderful chance to play a part in a bit of romance during the holidays. I felt great!
Afterward I pulled up into my drive at home and I got a text from my client. She wanted to know if I had been able to make the delivery. She was obviously curious since she lives so many miles away. I told her yes, and he looked a little surprised. She told me this..."Awww, u know, I was in love with him in high school and we started seeing each other after 26 yrs. Just that I live so far. Hopefully it will work out for us! Thanks again."
I wished her all the best.
I couldn't have asked for a better experience. The cookies have done it again! They say you have to make yourself vulnerable in order to make a connection. I sort of put myself out there with this cookie business and being open to what it might bring. I mean I'm hopping into my car and delivering cookies I've come up with and baked myself. It's already paid me a huge return and I'm not talking dollars. Now this isn't fiction. I'm not making this story up. It really happened.
Besides, this client, this one that made me so happy...she asked if I mailed cookies.
I answered, "U bet."
TT
Since I created my cookie website and use my cell phone as a contact number I answer it with a Hello or Good Morning and give my name when I don't recognize the caller's number. This has proven to be a successful way of handling things since I have had inquires about the cookies. I had one caller that asked where my bakery was located since she needed cookies by 3:00 that day and wanted to pick them up. I had to explain that I bake to order and maybe she could please keep me in mind for another date? I had another client call to follow up on an order to make arrangements for delivery. Then I had this client.
I answered my phone knowing the area code was not local. She asked me about the cookies and if I delivered. I answered positively but I was wary and knew I would have to hear more in order to accommodate. She explained she was from out of town but wanted to order cookies for her boyfriend that lived here locally. Oh, I thought, that would work and how interesting. What was his zip code? It turned out to be the same as mine so I went on to say it would be no problem at all since she wanted them delivered to him on Saturday morning...early. I can do that. She asked if I could include a card? Of course. "What did you want on it?" She said, "On the seventh day of Christmas my true love sent to me..." "Okay, I said, and how do you want to sign it?" She said, "don't - he will know who it's from."
I told you it was interesting.
I made the arrangements, took her cookie order and processed her payment. I told her I would have them delivered 8:00 Saturday morning which is what she wanted me to do.
I got a text from her Friday afternoon with his number and she asked me to text him when the delivery was going out. That worked out well since I realized he lived very close to me but in a gated community. I sent him a text before I left the house. I said, "Morning. I am in the area with delivery for you from true love. Directions show gate access req. Will I be able to deliver in approx 20 mins?" Ten minutes later I received a response with the gate code.
Off I went...In my silver sportscar and chef jacket. He happened to be outside retrieving something from his truck when I pulled up. I got out of the car, handed him the package and wished him a Happy Holiday. He looked a little surprised. I got back into the car and left feeling so giddy! I bake cookies. Who knew I could get caught up in the middle of this happy little scenario! Not only did I succcessfully take, bake, and deliver my first order of cookies strictly from the website, but I got this wonderful chance to play a part in a bit of romance during the holidays. I felt great!
Afterward I pulled up into my drive at home and I got a text from my client. She wanted to know if I had been able to make the delivery. She was obviously curious since she lives so many miles away. I told her yes, and he looked a little surprised. She told me this..."Awww, u know, I was in love with him in high school and we started seeing each other after 26 yrs. Just that I live so far. Hopefully it will work out for us! Thanks again."
I wished her all the best.
I couldn't have asked for a better experience. The cookies have done it again! They say you have to make yourself vulnerable in order to make a connection. I sort of put myself out there with this cookie business and being open to what it might bring. I mean I'm hopping into my car and delivering cookies I've come up with and baked myself. It's already paid me a huge return and I'm not talking dollars. Now this isn't fiction. I'm not making this story up. It really happened.
Besides, this client, this one that made me so happy...she asked if I mailed cookies.
I answered, "U bet."
TT
Thursday, December 15, 2011
Birthday dinner
It wouldn't be a proper Birthday without the food. So I will get right to it. Or at least I did last night for Sonny's 30th Birthday...
Appetizers were simply Sharp Provolone and Hot Capocollo. The wafer crackers I picked up were strange tasting and I won't get those again but you can't beat the other two ingredients.
The main course was grilled sirloin. I had peeled and cleaned the shrimp the night before so I only needed to flour dredge, egg wash, and then bread crumb the breaded shrimp. Then fry, of course. Twice baked potato were stuffed with bacon, butter, cheese and sour cream after I scooped out all the inside of the cooked potato, mixed it all together and then put it all back again. Then there was lemon butter baked asparagus.
Sonny got to take home his dessert. He prefers the Chocolate Hazelnut Biscotti and Chocolate Chip Cookies with walnuts instead of cake.
It went well. Birthday Dinner on a Wednesday Night. Of yes...and he did get gifts.
TT
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Listen
The rain was dripping off the eaves of the roof. I realized it was still raining because it was a continuous patter and not just the last remaining remnants of moisture acceding to the pull of gravity. This was a slow, measured pour that would be going on for a while.
It's a nice thing to listen to when it's still dark out and you are covered snugly in bed. When it is early enough to lounge a little longer and suspend everything that has been going on before heading out and facing whatever this day might bring. Quite the welcoming cleansing, much needed, without leaving the bedroom. And then, once left, the calm continues.
It was raining softly this morning. Just softly enough for me to hear.
TT
It's a nice thing to listen to when it's still dark out and you are covered snugly in bed. When it is early enough to lounge a little longer and suspend everything that has been going on before heading out and facing whatever this day might bring. Quite the welcoming cleansing, much needed, without leaving the bedroom. And then, once left, the calm continues.
It was raining softly this morning. Just softly enough for me to hear.
TT
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Bday rule
TT: Hi there, Do you have an idea of what you might like to eat on your Bday?
Sonny: Yea..steak, lobster, caviar, sushi, veal parma, and capicola and sharp
provolone..with vino
TT: Terrific. I guess you'll be really hungry.
Sonny: Is that because I wont be getting ne of that?..haha
TT: I'll probably need to pare it down just a bit for a Wednesday night. 'Ya
think? We can start with the capicola and sharp provolone for appetizer? w/a
glass of vino, of course. Then main course...probably not so much the caviar
or sushi...so maybe you pick a protein?
Sonny: Fried shrimp and steak
TT: Awesome. Sounds really good!
Sonny: Asparagus and twice baked potatoes plz
TT: Okay. And chocolate hazelnut biscotti and chocolate chip cookies with
walnuts?
Sonny: That sounds great Mom
The birthday rule for many years in our house is that you get to pick the menu for the meal. It can be a cook at home or you can pick the restaurant of your choice on that day. My oldest sons birthday is this Wednesday, 12/14, so I sent him an email to find out what his choice was going to be for this year. The above conversation was what transpired and it wasn't a chat...these were e-mails going back and forth between us. I do have to say...they were rocketed back and forth almost at the speed of chat. He didn't seem to have any problem making up his mind about what he wanted. He knows the rules.
TT
Sonny: Yea..steak, lobster, caviar, sushi, veal parma, and capicola and sharp
provolone..with vino
TT: Terrific. I guess you'll be really hungry.
Sonny: Is that because I wont be getting ne of that?..haha
TT: I'll probably need to pare it down just a bit for a Wednesday night. 'Ya
think? We can start with the capicola and sharp provolone for appetizer? w/a
glass of vino, of course. Then main course...probably not so much the caviar
or sushi...so maybe you pick a protein?
Sonny: Fried shrimp and steak
TT: Awesome. Sounds really good!
Sonny: Asparagus and twice baked potatoes plz
TT: Okay. And chocolate hazelnut biscotti and chocolate chip cookies with
walnuts?
Sonny: That sounds great Mom
The birthday rule for many years in our house is that you get to pick the menu for the meal. It can be a cook at home or you can pick the restaurant of your choice on that day. My oldest sons birthday is this Wednesday, 12/14, so I sent him an email to find out what his choice was going to be for this year. The above conversation was what transpired and it wasn't a chat...these were e-mails going back and forth between us. I do have to say...they were rocketed back and forth almost at the speed of chat. He didn't seem to have any problem making up his mind about what he wanted. He knows the rules.
TT
Monday, December 12, 2011
Present
It feels as if things are now in some sort of downward countdown. I need to change that feeling. I don't want to think of things hitting a certain mark and then hitting another until it all ends. It is being spurred, of course, by the fact that I am quickly approaching the end of this year. I would think it's a common thing for people to feel this countdown about now. It's put into everything we see, like how many shopping days left. Shopping days. I haven't had a chance to think about the holidays yet. I did manage to send my sister flowers on her birthday which was Dec 5th. I hadn't talked to her but gave it a shot that she would be home and had them delivered since I live out of town. I was glad when I got an email from her letting me know she had received them. My oldest, Sonny, will have his 30th birthday this Wednesday. I believe they will come here that evening for dinner, although I haven't talked to him about what he would like to eat. It's always their choice on those occasions. December 20th is the scheduled date for his first child to be born. Isn't it something when your child has a child? But, of course, he isn't a child. Not at 30. He wasn't many, many years before that either. Christmas is the same day as every year on the 25th and then there is New Years Eve.
I don't need to enumerate them all. Everyone knows how this month goes and how it all feels rushed. I need to do something to remember to be able to stop and appreciate these things as they happen and not get caught up in the overwhelming downward countdown. It isn't about hitting the mark and then hitting the next. It is about what happens on those days, with those people. It really doesn't matter if I've prepared for it majestically or just barely made it in time. It's about being there, any way I can.
There are only so many days left this year. I'd like to be present at as many as possible.
TT
I don't need to enumerate them all. Everyone knows how this month goes and how it all feels rushed. I need to do something to remember to be able to stop and appreciate these things as they happen and not get caught up in the overwhelming downward countdown. It isn't about hitting the mark and then hitting the next. It is about what happens on those days, with those people. It really doesn't matter if I've prepared for it majestically or just barely made it in time. It's about being there, any way I can.
There are only so many days left this year. I'd like to be present at as many as possible.
TT
Sunday, December 11, 2011
Hello
I said I wasn't talking about my book. That book would be my fiction novel project that I have been writing but can't seem to work on long enough to finish. I've never forgotten about it. I've worked on it sporadically for what seems like a millennium. I've used the excuse that it's taken me so long as a reason to stop. It shouldn't take this long. I should have finished. It's because it isn't worth spending time on. All the excuses go on and on. And I don't want to talk about it. I want to do it. I keep saying I will and then I put it aside. I think I'll work on it then - at that time later. But then that later time comes along and something else gets done instead.
With all this painting and flooring and work that has been going on in the house, some items had been put away by workers that I hadn't noticed. Yesterday I went into the closet here in my upstairs workroom to store some things from downstairs. I was able to clear a space for what I needed to stash away but also found something that I didn't realize had been put aside. I found my story cork board. This is something I had put together a millennium ago to help me at the beginning of my writing. It was to clarify each of my story characters identities and I made one index card describing each character that is in my fiction. I pinned each card with each character onto the cork board. When I found it there I have to say it was a little awkward. It was that feeling you might get when you were supposed to meet someone at a certain time but you don't. Then you let time pass instead of saying a simple hello so when you run into them again accidentally it becomes slightly awkward.
There they all were. Still there, still wanting to know what was going on. Looking to me.
I said hello.
TT
With all this painting and flooring and work that has been going on in the house, some items had been put away by workers that I hadn't noticed. Yesterday I went into the closet here in my upstairs workroom to store some things from downstairs. I was able to clear a space for what I needed to stash away but also found something that I didn't realize had been put aside. I found my story cork board. This is something I had put together a millennium ago to help me at the beginning of my writing. It was to clarify each of my story characters identities and I made one index card describing each character that is in my fiction. I pinned each card with each character onto the cork board. When I found it there I have to say it was a little awkward. It was that feeling you might get when you were supposed to meet someone at a certain time but you don't. Then you let time pass instead of saying a simple hello so when you run into them again accidentally it becomes slightly awkward.
There they all were. Still there, still wanting to know what was going on. Looking to me.
I said hello.
TT
Saturday, December 10, 2011
Wool gathering
Up an hour already and it's only 6:06am. Trying to figure out my day. Muscles need to be stretched and mind needs a break. Stay positive. Time to do whatever but what exactly is that? Coffee is amazingly good this morning but I really shouldn't drain the pot. Gym doesn't open for another 50 minutes. I could sweep. Should put away a coupla things. Haven't put the tree up yet but living room is a mess. Tomorrow?
When I asked last night what I was supposed to do today I was told I've been handling it for 60 years I would do fine. "But I'm not 60 years old yet." Watching junk e-mail accumulated in my inbin. Delete. Enough nonsense. Pick something and do it. Run first. Good choice.
TT
TT
Shower and a bagel. Feel so much better. Time to start picking up around the house. I've got a living room to clean up. Floor to sweep. Side table to unpack.
10:55am
TT
I've sweep up, picked up and vacuumed. Electrician number two arrived and is working. Gave an outrageously cheap price! Need to do laundry, vacuum upstairs and staircase. Electrician is working!
1:09pm
TT
Electrician is finished. We have recessed lighting! Except I need to buy light bulbs. Weather is awful now. Temperature dropping and raining. I'll get them tomorrow. Oh...I forgot to eat lunch.
4:14pm
TT
Grabbed half a sandwich and some nuts. Took fish out of the freezer to defrost for dinner. Got laundry into the dryer. There he is...giving Dante a ride over to his office Christmas party.
5:26pm
TT
Crispy fries, breaded flounder and simple cucumber and tomato salad. A few beers before.
When I asked last night what I was supposed to do today I was told I've been handling it for 60 years I would do fine. "But I'm not 60 years old yet." Watching junk e-mail accumulated in my inbin. Delete. Enough nonsense. Pick something and do it. Run first. Good choice.
TT
This mornings view from the gyms dreadmill. Five miles is five miles, right...not. I should get bonus miles for this but won't. I need a scrub down. I stink.
9:48amTT
Shower and a bagel. Feel so much better. Time to start picking up around the house. I've got a living room to clean up. Floor to sweep. Side table to unpack.
10:55am
TT
I've sweep up, picked up and vacuumed. Electrician number two arrived and is working. Gave an outrageously cheap price! Need to do laundry, vacuum upstairs and staircase. Electrician is working!
1:09pm
TT
Electrician is finished. We have recessed lighting! Except I need to buy light bulbs. Weather is awful now. Temperature dropping and raining. I'll get them tomorrow. Oh...I forgot to eat lunch.
4:14pm
TT
Grabbed half a sandwich and some nuts. Took fish out of the freezer to defrost for dinner. Got laundry into the dryer. There he is...giving Dante a ride over to his office Christmas party.
5:26pm
TT
Crispy fries, breaded flounder and simple cucumber and tomato salad. A few beers before.
Day is about done. A little reading and then lights out. Feel like I should have fit a bit more in but I'm not allow to say that.
'nite.
9:02pm
TT
Friday, December 9, 2011
No issue
Yesterday I said something to the effect that I would pay any price to get this work completed and done. Despite my eagerness to throw money at the situation, Jay didn't think it was a wise decision. I met the electrician yesterday afternoon after rushing from work. I had put in a full day working an event that took me away from my desk the entire day. It was something different from my normal work and it went on all day so as the afternoon got late I had to watch the clock to make sure I left in time as the event was still going on.
Well, I met him and he checked things out and gave us a bid. It didn't seem to be any huge problem in the work itself that would hold us up or cause any special problems. He seemed to know exactly what needed to be done and it wasn't going to be an issue. Then he gave us the price. Then there was an issue. I was on the phone with Jay and he immediately shot the guy down and I had to send him packing. No. No.
Right. No electrician. But without a moments pause, Jay is on the phone again letting me know he has another electrician lined up to give us a bid today at 4:30. I would like to think this will be it. I'd like to think the price will be somewhere reasonable and this will proceed as planned. I'd like to think that but I think I'll put off thinking until later. I've got another full day at work with things to do I didn't get to yesterday. I can't even begin to think about 4:30 this afternoon yet. Not now..not yet.
Although. I could probably skip ahead and think about 5-5:15 or so instead. There wouldn't be any issue there.
TT
Well, I met him and he checked things out and gave us a bid. It didn't seem to be any huge problem in the work itself that would hold us up or cause any special problems. He seemed to know exactly what needed to be done and it wasn't going to be an issue. Then he gave us the price. Then there was an issue. I was on the phone with Jay and he immediately shot the guy down and I had to send him packing. No. No.
Right. No electrician. But without a moments pause, Jay is on the phone again letting me know he has another electrician lined up to give us a bid today at 4:30. I would like to think this will be it. I'd like to think the price will be somewhere reasonable and this will proceed as planned. I'd like to think that but I think I'll put off thinking until later. I've got another full day at work with things to do I didn't get to yesterday. I can't even begin to think about 4:30 this afternoon yet. Not now..not yet.
Although. I could probably skip ahead and think about 5-5:15 or so instead. There wouldn't be any issue there.
TT
Thursday, December 8, 2011
Get it done
That last bit of work was the recessed lighting we wanted above the built in shelves on either side of the fireplace. You can see the holes have been drilled and electrical wires from the walls. That is were it stopped. It seems the recessed lighting was blowing the circuit breakers. It seems the contractor isn't a licensed eletrician. It seems this is my living room since we found this all out. That was Tuesday.
Well, so. An electrician is supposed to show up today at 4:30 to give us a bid. I'm afraid I will pay any price at this point to just get it done. Hurry up, finish it...let me get these things put away, cleaned up, get out of my house and leave me alone. (I won't mention the fact that my heightened foul mood is intensified by the friggin' consecutive days of 30 degrees we keep having)! Enough already.
But on a brighter note...you can see the accent chairs have arrived. The carmel colored, perfectly sized set of two chairs are in the photo and I am happy about them. They go well with the boldly striped sofa I have, which you can't really see since everything from the shelves is stacked on it. But you can see the pillow from the sofa on the new chair in the bottom right hand corner of the picture. The properly sized, modern, neutral colored chairs work well in the room.
Now if I could only get this other last bit of work completed in the room. (and if the weather could warm up). Sorry, I said I wouldn't mention that fact.
TT
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
One of those
I'm starting out today as one of those days. That little bit in italics means nothing. It has been used and reused so many times that nobody is actually sure what it means anymore. You know it has a negative connotation but aside from that vague bit of knowledge it doesn't tell you anything else. What are one of those days?
First of all, you might realize when someone says that, it isn't good. You will glance over at them to see if you can read their face to gauge the badness factor. Where does the severity level come in on the badness scale? Is this a tiny irritation one of those days or a major tension-bundled one of those days? Depending on how strongly it is said will sometimes give you an indication of whether you should inquire to find out more about it or turn-tail and scoot out of range. I mean, save yourself. There might be some fall-out if you stay. It might be contagious and who wants to inherit one of those days?!
Second, you might inquire and find it isn't really an entire day of badness. The day might have just started and the person experiencing the badness might be projecting negativity early on and live to prove it throughout the day. That could turn it into an entire one of those days instead of a brief passing bit of negativity. Maybe you should inquire about it and flush that idea out of that persons mind before they go and possibly spread contagion throughout the day. Never a good thing - spreading negative contagion.
Thirdly, you might have to reconsider bringing up the entire idea of starting out early and claiming you are having one of those days. The best cure is to realize you don't have the illness in the first place. Even if you start out with one of those days doesn't mean you can't turn it around, right?
Okay. I get it.
I started out today as one of those days. But now I decided it isn't as high on the badness scale as I originally thought. I won't spread an entire day of negative contagion and I'm only experiencing minor symptions but have no real illness. It could have been one of those days.
Now it's just a Tuesday.
TT
First of all, you might realize when someone says that, it isn't good. You will glance over at them to see if you can read their face to gauge the badness factor. Where does the severity level come in on the badness scale? Is this a tiny irritation one of those days or a major tension-bundled one of those days? Depending on how strongly it is said will sometimes give you an indication of whether you should inquire to find out more about it or turn-tail and scoot out of range. I mean, save yourself. There might be some fall-out if you stay. It might be contagious and who wants to inherit one of those days?!
Second, you might inquire and find it isn't really an entire day of badness. The day might have just started and the person experiencing the badness might be projecting negativity early on and live to prove it throughout the day. That could turn it into an entire one of those days instead of a brief passing bit of negativity. Maybe you should inquire about it and flush that idea out of that persons mind before they go and possibly spread contagion throughout the day. Never a good thing - spreading negative contagion.
Thirdly, you might have to reconsider bringing up the entire idea of starting out early and claiming you are having one of those days. The best cure is to realize you don't have the illness in the first place. Even if you start out with one of those days doesn't mean you can't turn it around, right?
Okay. I get it.
I started out today as one of those days. But now I decided it isn't as high on the badness scale as I originally thought. I won't spread an entire day of negative contagion and I'm only experiencing minor symptions but have no real illness. It could have been one of those days.
Now it's just a Tuesday.
TT
Monday, December 5, 2011
Blink don't blink
Sunday flew and barely said hello goodbye. That was it...it started and then it was over. Did I blink? When did time accelerate to lightspeed? Again. But only on my days off. That's seems to be the way it goes. Totally unfair but who ever said...
I tried to stay home as much as possible. I managed to get the kitchen cleaned up and sanitized for baking up some sample cookies. Selma wanted me to get some for her since she would be taking them to work after she got co-workers interested in them by sending them to my site. I got them all baked and packaged up. I think they turned out looking pretty good. All the time Dante and I spent on label designs seems to have worked out. These, of course, are only for the sample cookies, but we thought the small individual cello's would work best for marketing.
Seeing them there, behind glass, up on the wall...I didn't realize they would look so good. Did I take those pictures? Am I allowed to say, they are pretty good? I guess he thought they were.
I tried to stay home as much as possible. I managed to get the kitchen cleaned up and sanitized for baking up some sample cookies. Selma wanted me to get some for her since she would be taking them to work after she got co-workers interested in them by sending them to my site. I got them all baked and packaged up. I think they turned out looking pretty good. All the time Dante and I spent on label designs seems to have worked out. These, of course, are only for the sample cookies, but we thought the small individual cello's would work best for marketing.
So I managed to get that all done without leaving the house. Then Jay wanted to go through our old artwork. I knew there were some pieces we didn't particularly want to keep and we needed to see what needed to go and what would replace them or be moved around. He insisted I go out to look for artwork. I very grudgingly got dressed and went out into the cold and rain against my wishes (I made that well known).
We didn't find any artwork but then Jay had already been searching things online so I'm not sure why he made me go out. We did end up purchasing some new frames since he said he had an idea. I was just glad the excursion was over and we headed home. That is when he asked me about all the photo's I had taken of our trips to paradise. (You know my paradise...that place by the water I retreat to whenever I can get away). My photos? Okay. I pulled out my laptop and let him go through what I had. He found some interesting choices and he filled the frames we had purchased. Oh!
Seeing them there, behind glass, up on the wall...I didn't realize they would look so good. Did I take those pictures? Am I allowed to say, they are pretty good? I guess he thought they were.
I can't seem to stop the lightning fast passage of time. I have no control in blinking and finding myself thrust into another work week with my free time behind me. I might think I want it to be different, to hold onto that time for a little longer. Truthfully? When I have a day that goes as fast but goes so very well? Isn't that what free time is all about? I think so.
TT
Sunday, December 4, 2011
Gift
I am taking a pause from the renovation activities that have permeated my atmosphere for what seems like an incredibly substantial amount of time. It hasn't really been as long as it seems with the amount of work that has been going on considering the amount of disruption I have endured....
I said I was taking a pause so I won't get started on that except to say that yesterday was very long with workers here from 9:00am until a little after 7:00pm. They will be back on Monday...
That being said (or not said) I started and have now finished a small project that made me feel very good and tranquil while this was all going on. I pulled out my crochet hooks, got some yarn and patterned a very nice bit of warmth. This needlework is something that comes second nature to me. It hasn't been something I have done recently and by recently I mean in at least the past few years. It still is that comfortable something that I can pick up again at any given time and remember exactly how it's done. It's sort of like that saying about riding a bike. I think it's like that. I'm trying to remember but I couldn't sleep and woke up at 4:30 this morning so you'll have to give me a break on that one and I'm not in the mood to look it up right now.
The simple action of pulling yarn through my fingers, onto a hook, weaving it in and out, over and across is very settling. I can sit still and while away time that I might normally be up and about. I've needed that sit still and settled time lately. This small project gave me that opportunity and eased my guilt of sitting still since I was still working. Make sense? In my little world of made-up rules I'm not allowed to sit still if there are things to do, right? (Say yes here) This follows my rules. I'm tired so I'm sitting but I'm still doing something. It helps that while working on it I remembered how much I enjoy it. I've finished it now and trying to think of another I could start. To work with those hooks and patterns and yarn. To feel it thread through my fingers on one hand and appear in a different form in the other.
This is what I ended up with or more accurately what Selma will end up with for the new baby boy that is scheduled to arrive on Dec 20th. If she sees this before I give it to her...well, it's hers anyway.
I said I was taking a pause so I won't get started on that except to say that yesterday was very long with workers here from 9:00am until a little after 7:00pm. They will be back on Monday...
That being said (or not said) I started and have now finished a small project that made me feel very good and tranquil while this was all going on. I pulled out my crochet hooks, got some yarn and patterned a very nice bit of warmth. This needlework is something that comes second nature to me. It hasn't been something I have done recently and by recently I mean in at least the past few years. It still is that comfortable something that I can pick up again at any given time and remember exactly how it's done. It's sort of like that saying about riding a bike. I think it's like that. I'm trying to remember but I couldn't sleep and woke up at 4:30 this morning so you'll have to give me a break on that one and I'm not in the mood to look it up right now.
The simple action of pulling yarn through my fingers, onto a hook, weaving it in and out, over and across is very settling. I can sit still and while away time that I might normally be up and about. I've needed that sit still and settled time lately. This small project gave me that opportunity and eased my guilt of sitting still since I was still working. Make sense? In my little world of made-up rules I'm not allowed to sit still if there are things to do, right? (Say yes here) This follows my rules. I'm tired so I'm sitting but I'm still doing something. It helps that while working on it I remembered how much I enjoy it. I've finished it now and trying to think of another I could start. To work with those hooks and patterns and yarn. To feel it thread through my fingers on one hand and appear in a different form in the other.
This is what I ended up with or more accurately what Selma will end up with for the new baby boy that is scheduled to arrive on Dec 20th. If she sees this before I give it to her...well, it's hers anyway.
A gift for her but really...it was also a gift for me.
TT
Saturday, December 3, 2011
Please, please
The den...
The living room...
The kitchen...
All pictures taken this morning. The den...is now a catch all for everything that is not in the living room. The living room...is still awaiting final tile cleaning. The kitchen...please don't make me weep. Still no grout, loaded with extra furniture, needs a major cleaning, no way to bake.
I really hate to be a whiner and they say it's always darkest before the dawn but please, please...give me my house back!
TT
Friday, December 2, 2011
Always unexpected
I have a note to the right side of this blog that expresses what I do here. I read through it every now and again and since I am such a creature of constantly editing I am always thinking of ways I might change it up or re-arrange it or make it better. I think the one thing I've learned with all the times I have read through it, is that I don't think there is a better way that I could word or phrase that particular bit of information. I don't think I could make it any more accurate or express exactly what this is all about than what I have already written and have had posted there since the beginning.
I read it again this morning. There wasn't anything I thought needed to be changed again. Then I thought, maybe, I read this to myself because it has become a reinforcement, or a verification that that is really what this blog is all about. I've always stressed a little that a blog should have a theme. It should have a common topic of interest. It should stay on track to promote interest for a certain group also interested in that particular topic. There I go with all the rules. The funniest part of all of this is that everything I have ever done and accomplished I have done without realizing or thinking about the normal rules. I would do things without a thought that I couldn't do it. I would come out the other end of accomplishing something and realize I had done it because I was silly enough to just plain and simply think I could with never a thought there might be something to prevent it. That is exactly what happened with this blog. I didn't have a clue what it was all about. I recognized it as a tool for me to use and I knew, even from the beginning, that I didn't have a theme or a common topic or that it would garner any particular interest. I dove right in to an opportunity to do something plain and simply that I thought I could and used it as a tool. I didn't think I would still be here after more than 2 1/2 years and 885 posts.
So there will be no editing to my sidebar comment today and it still holds true now as much as it did at the beginning.
I read it again this morning. There wasn't anything I thought needed to be changed again. Then I thought, maybe, I read this to myself because it has become a reinforcement, or a verification that that is really what this blog is all about. I've always stressed a little that a blog should have a theme. It should have a common topic of interest. It should stay on track to promote interest for a certain group also interested in that particular topic. There I go with all the rules. The funniest part of all of this is that everything I have ever done and accomplished I have done without realizing or thinking about the normal rules. I would do things without a thought that I couldn't do it. I would come out the other end of accomplishing something and realize I had done it because I was silly enough to just plain and simply think I could with never a thought there might be something to prevent it. That is exactly what happened with this blog. I didn't have a clue what it was all about. I recognized it as a tool for me to use and I knew, even from the beginning, that I didn't have a theme or a common topic or that it would garner any particular interest. I dove right in to an opportunity to do something plain and simply that I thought I could and used it as a tool. I didn't think I would still be here after more than 2 1/2 years and 885 posts.
So there will be no editing to my sidebar comment today and it still holds true now as much as it did at the beginning.
I never know where my thoughts will take me. My ideas come from my everyday,
good or bad, but always unexpected.
TT
Thursday, December 1, 2011
Business boost
I've had a surge in my cookie business. A surge means someone has asked about it. I have left this venture on hold since I had so many other things going on. I knew I had my website up and running but it is purely informational at this point. I have purposely put off tackling any marketing and promotion of it until the first part of next year. I know there are things I should be doing to get the site more active and widespread but I haven't had the time to sit down and work on my marketing plan. I made a conscience decision to wait up.
Then I got lucky with a small opportunity. It turns out someone else was passing out a brochure for cookies where Selma and Sonny work. They were offering decorated sugar cookies and they were asking $25.00 for 12 cookies. Selma was appalled (I know because she called and told me the whole story). Her co-workers mentioned it to her and she mentioned to them that...My mother-in-law sells cookies...here is her website and she doesn't charge $25.00 for a dozen cookies and they taste terrific. It seems they looked at the site and were interested. Selma called me about the cookies and I will be making up some samples for her to take to work. I'm sure I will get a few orders from it.
Then I got a call from yellow pages.com. They were doing a marketing update and although I am listed, my ranking is low and yes...I let her talk through her entire spiel. What I realized afterward was how great I felt about the way I was able to respond and let her know, very professionally, my plan was to grow my business slowly at this point, how I am working on my marketing plan, and that I appreciated her contacting me so I could put her on my list of options. I was very articulate about what I was going to do and she was agreeing with me by the end of our short conversation. She gave me her name and direct line and said would make a note we had spoken. She advised me that they were constantly running specials and to ask specifically for what might be available when I call back. I hung up the phone and thought...wow, who was that talking to that company? I really sounded like an executive in a large office instead of a home-baker sitting with my shoes off (she didn't know that).
So I've had a surge in my cookie business.
Now if I can only get my kitchen back from under siege!
TT
Then I got lucky with a small opportunity. It turns out someone else was passing out a brochure for cookies where Selma and Sonny work. They were offering decorated sugar cookies and they were asking $25.00 for 12 cookies. Selma was appalled (I know because she called and told me the whole story). Her co-workers mentioned it to her and she mentioned to them that...My mother-in-law sells cookies...here is her website and she doesn't charge $25.00 for a dozen cookies and they taste terrific. It seems they looked at the site and were interested. Selma called me about the cookies and I will be making up some samples for her to take to work. I'm sure I will get a few orders from it.
Then I got a call from yellow pages.com. They were doing a marketing update and although I am listed, my ranking is low and yes...I let her talk through her entire spiel. What I realized afterward was how great I felt about the way I was able to respond and let her know, very professionally, my plan was to grow my business slowly at this point, how I am working on my marketing plan, and that I appreciated her contacting me so I could put her on my list of options. I was very articulate about what I was going to do and she was agreeing with me by the end of our short conversation. She gave me her name and direct line and said would make a note we had spoken. She advised me that they were constantly running specials and to ask specifically for what might be available when I call back. I hung up the phone and thought...wow, who was that talking to that company? I really sounded like an executive in a large office instead of a home-baker sitting with my shoes off (she didn't know that).
So I've had a surge in my cookie business.
Now if I can only get my kitchen back from under siege!
TT
Look at this...look at that
I have come to realize that Jay is an obsessive shopper. Don't get me wrong. He doesn't constantly shop at all times for any given thing. He doesn't buy and have to store items that will never be used. It isn't like that. His problem seems to arise when there is an actual need or want for something that he takes upon himself to find and fulfill. Relentlessly. Until he finds whatever it is that he is looking for. He does this by shopping the Internet. Obsessively. Until he finds whatever he might be looking for. He will do this with every possible waking moment.
I have come to know this is true due to me making a small mistake a few weeks back. When my multitude of home renovations started I mentioned I wanted to make some adjustments to the look of the living room. I had gotten rid of the china cabinet, an ornamental side table (catch all when you come through the front door), gave Selma the rocking chair and moved the accent chair upstairs because it looked better in the feminine french bedroom upstairs (as we have come to call it). I simply stated to Jay that next year I would like to find two conversation chairs with more modern lines that would somehow go with the existing heavily bold-striped sofa I already have. I wouldn't mind replacing the sofa but it is in almost new condition and it might work with the right chairs to bring it up-to-date. I don't think Jay ever heard the words...next year.
But the obsession didn't present itself to me right away. It started slowly.
We replaced all the blinds downstairs and removed all the drab draperies. This was a major step in cleaning up and starting sleeker lines. I knew we couldn't find proper blinds for the over sized window in the den and as we shopped I realized custom blinds were upwards to $250-$300 dollars for that single window. Jay ordered custom blinds to fit the window perfectly for $121.50 total including shipping...online. We put them up and they look and fit perfectly. He checked prices for the kitchen cabinets online, he priced carpeting, he researched and was looking for a buffet table (? his idea). I knew he was doing these things and they seemed good.
Then he started looking at conversation chairs for the living room. I tried to get him off that tract since I wasn't thinking of buying until next year. He kept at it. Online. He searched and would have me look at this one...look at that one. I told him the chairs were too big. I tried to tell him he had to find something with smaller dimensions. I told him I could not buy chairs from a picture thinking it would stop and deter him. Last Sunday he took me out to furniture stores to view, in person, yes - chairs. I was surprised to find that they don't sell conversation chairs. They have sofa and love seats and over sized chairs. I asked, doesn't anyone sit and talk anymore? I realized they don't. They sit and lounge and eat until they fit into over sized chairs. Boy, am I old-fashioned having a living room that doesn't even contain a television? Not that I don't have one, it's just that it is in the den with the over sized leather sofa and chair. Hmmm. But then I had a visual of chairs in general and since we didn't find anything I thought that would be the end of it until next year.
He kept searching the Internet when we got back. Look at this...look at that. I finally told him no more. I could not, would not, view any more chairs!
He came to me later that evening and said, please come look. My eyes are already rolling and he stopped me before I could go any further and said, "I've narrowed it down to three choices." Ah, goodness, what could I do? I picked my top choice and yea, it was his top choice, too. Sleek, modern, neutral color, correct dimensions, great price. Whew! That's out of the way! An end to the obsessive shopping. You would think that, right?
He then decided we would need a table to go in-between the chairs...look at this...look at that...
I think the shopping might be at an end. Maybe. We have two accent chairs arriving tomorrow, end tables arriving the middle of next week and a buffet table to be delivered Saturday. Jay bought them all. I guess I can't complain but I might have to do something about his shopping obsession.
Yeah. I need to keep my ideas of getting anything new to myself.
TT
I have come to know this is true due to me making a small mistake a few weeks back. When my multitude of home renovations started I mentioned I wanted to make some adjustments to the look of the living room. I had gotten rid of the china cabinet, an ornamental side table (catch all when you come through the front door), gave Selma the rocking chair and moved the accent chair upstairs because it looked better in the feminine french bedroom upstairs (as we have come to call it). I simply stated to Jay that next year I would like to find two conversation chairs with more modern lines that would somehow go with the existing heavily bold-striped sofa I already have. I wouldn't mind replacing the sofa but it is in almost new condition and it might work with the right chairs to bring it up-to-date. I don't think Jay ever heard the words...next year.
But the obsession didn't present itself to me right away. It started slowly.
We replaced all the blinds downstairs and removed all the drab draperies. This was a major step in cleaning up and starting sleeker lines. I knew we couldn't find proper blinds for the over sized window in the den and as we shopped I realized custom blinds were upwards to $250-$300 dollars for that single window. Jay ordered custom blinds to fit the window perfectly for $121.50 total including shipping...online. We put them up and they look and fit perfectly. He checked prices for the kitchen cabinets online, he priced carpeting, he researched and was looking for a buffet table (? his idea). I knew he was doing these things and they seemed good.
Then he started looking at conversation chairs for the living room. I tried to get him off that tract since I wasn't thinking of buying until next year. He kept at it. Online. He searched and would have me look at this one...look at that one. I told him the chairs were too big. I tried to tell him he had to find something with smaller dimensions. I told him I could not buy chairs from a picture thinking it would stop and deter him. Last Sunday he took me out to furniture stores to view, in person, yes - chairs. I was surprised to find that they don't sell conversation chairs. They have sofa and love seats and over sized chairs. I asked, doesn't anyone sit and talk anymore? I realized they don't. They sit and lounge and eat until they fit into over sized chairs. Boy, am I old-fashioned having a living room that doesn't even contain a television? Not that I don't have one, it's just that it is in the den with the over sized leather sofa and chair. Hmmm. But then I had a visual of chairs in general and since we didn't find anything I thought that would be the end of it until next year.
He kept searching the Internet when we got back. Look at this...look at that. I finally told him no more. I could not, would not, view any more chairs!
He came to me later that evening and said, please come look. My eyes are already rolling and he stopped me before I could go any further and said, "I've narrowed it down to three choices." Ah, goodness, what could I do? I picked my top choice and yea, it was his top choice, too. Sleek, modern, neutral color, correct dimensions, great price. Whew! That's out of the way! An end to the obsessive shopping. You would think that, right?
He then decided we would need a table to go in-between the chairs...look at this...look at that...
I think the shopping might be at an end. Maybe. We have two accent chairs arriving tomorrow, end tables arriving the middle of next week and a buffet table to be delivered Saturday. Jay bought them all. I guess I can't complain but I might have to do something about his shopping obsession.
Yeah. I need to keep my ideas of getting anything new to myself.
TT
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Banned
I am banned from my kitchen. They put the tile in the kitchen yesterday and when I came home I was instructed that it was still drying and I could not go into the kitchen or it would mess up the order or depth or something would happen that would make the process longer and more tedious and cause me more frustration than being told I couldn't go into the kitchen when that is exactly where I wanted to go. It was hard for me to register what they might be trying to tell me except that I could not go into the kitchen.
They still need to apply the grout but I guess that is done after the tile dries? Then it dries again? I'm thinking if they attempt the living room today where am I supposed to step? I could go to the back door and enter from the kitchen (if it's dry) but then I'm stuck in the kitchen because it leads to the living room. I don't have another door to enter except the front door which leads directly into the living room. I don't think I should be trying to figure it out right now. I've got too much going on at work. There are things I can't do at home. But maybe this is just because I can't go into the kitchen and make any coffee!
That's it. I'm going on in to work but stopping to get some premium brew on the way. I'll deal with whatever happens later later.
TT
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Not very apt
It's late for me today this morning. I would normally be up and around, banging through a few things much earlier. I was awake but didn't want to venture out of bed. It seems to be getting to that time of year when I need to rejoin that small society that absolutely deplores this cold weather. Actually, if there were such a society it wouldn't last long. The participants in a group like this would find no solace in community. They would not be heartened to hear the stories and experiences of others going through this traumatizing section of miserable months that is called winter. Winter. Just the word itself sends shivers shocking through my body. No. I, being an expert in this loathing passion for temperatures daring to dip below 60 (okay, maybe 55), would know that this society would disband immediately after the first group session. There is no way we would continue to venture out when we could stay huddled at home. There is no way we would attempt to find enough layered clothing to wear to make it possible to not feel the piercing pins of icy chill and frozen digits. There is no amount of self hugging maneuvers that can bring enough warmth to dispel the frozen knives that drive deep into our defenseless bodies. Such an unfair season, stripping us of the ability to pleasure in the outdoors and forcing us to become (even more) solitary and hidden away in an attempt to survive life while the world decides to turn and barr us from joining.
I don't much care for Winter. I never have. I never will. There is no solace in hearing how much colder it is somewhere else. It's too cold for me here, what would I care about anywhere else? So, I'll muddle through another of these dastardly seasons and survive as best I can. You would think as many years as I have done this already I would be better apt at it. It doesn't seem to work that way for me.
TT
I don't much care for Winter. I never have. I never will. There is no solace in hearing how much colder it is somewhere else. It's too cold for me here, what would I care about anywhere else? So, I'll muddle through another of these dastardly seasons and survive as best I can. You would think as many years as I have done this already I would be better apt at it. It doesn't seem to work that way for me.
TT
Monday, November 28, 2011
Day delay
I have one day left of reprieve. It seems a little funny for me to look at this last bit of home renovation in that way. To look at it as a reprieve, a delay in punishment, a relief or deliverance for a time. I shouldn't think of it that way but I can't help it.
We have done some things to the house that we have talked about and talked about some more and for some reason, this time, it all seemed to fall into place to actually get it done. A quick list would be to mention, we had all the popcorn texture removed from all the ceilings of our two story house. We had the entire interior of the house re-painted. We had the staircase railing sanded and stained. We re-carpeted the upstairs bedrooms, staircase and downstairs master bedroom with some high quality plush stuff that is heavenly under my bare feet. We replaced light fixtures and installed new 2" blinds throughout downstairs. We trashed our ancient and crumbling kitchen cabinets with new and clean ones that gave me one extra bit of counter space that actually opened up the kitchen visually. We replaced two bedroom doors upstairs. I'm sure there are other small odds and ends I haven't mentioned. One of the best parts was although this work caused such mess and displacement of everything, I was able to get the house in a clean, comfortable place to be for the Thanksgiving holiday. (Oh, yes...we also gave away a bit of furniture and moved a few other pieces). I've had this wonderful weekend of being able to enjoy all the things that were completed. I've been able to appreciate and sit in a few rooms I wouldn't normally spend so much time in. It's funny how it worked out that way.
Now I have one more day to enjoy this place we have upgraded and made better. One more day of reprieve and I now am acting like something terrible will happen starting tomorrow when it's just another addition to how much better it will be afterward. Our downstairs tile begins installation tomorrow, Tuesday. We will have all the downstairs living room, bathroom and kitchen done and all floor moldings replaced. I don't know how long it will take but I am happy I won't be coming home today to face whatever I might once the work begins. This is the hard part and it doesn't make it any easier to know that things will be in total disarray for a while again. Then, later, whenever it is finished, I will have this completion of major work that I know will be wonderful. It's just the next few days. It's tough knowing I will have a tough few more days coming home when I've started to get used to the calm in-between.
Ah well. At least I still have one day left of this reprieve.
TT
We have done some things to the house that we have talked about and talked about some more and for some reason, this time, it all seemed to fall into place to actually get it done. A quick list would be to mention, we had all the popcorn texture removed from all the ceilings of our two story house. We had the entire interior of the house re-painted. We had the staircase railing sanded and stained. We re-carpeted the upstairs bedrooms, staircase and downstairs master bedroom with some high quality plush stuff that is heavenly under my bare feet. We replaced light fixtures and installed new 2" blinds throughout downstairs. We trashed our ancient and crumbling kitchen cabinets with new and clean ones that gave me one extra bit of counter space that actually opened up the kitchen visually. We replaced two bedroom doors upstairs. I'm sure there are other small odds and ends I haven't mentioned. One of the best parts was although this work caused such mess and displacement of everything, I was able to get the house in a clean, comfortable place to be for the Thanksgiving holiday. (Oh, yes...we also gave away a bit of furniture and moved a few other pieces). I've had this wonderful weekend of being able to enjoy all the things that were completed. I've been able to appreciate and sit in a few rooms I wouldn't normally spend so much time in. It's funny how it worked out that way.
Now I have one more day to enjoy this place we have upgraded and made better. One more day of reprieve and I now am acting like something terrible will happen starting tomorrow when it's just another addition to how much better it will be afterward. Our downstairs tile begins installation tomorrow, Tuesday. We will have all the downstairs living room, bathroom and kitchen done and all floor moldings replaced. I don't know how long it will take but I am happy I won't be coming home today to face whatever I might once the work begins. This is the hard part and it doesn't make it any easier to know that things will be in total disarray for a while again. Then, later, whenever it is finished, I will have this completion of major work that I know will be wonderful. It's just the next few days. It's tough knowing I will have a tough few more days coming home when I've started to get used to the calm in-between.
Ah well. At least I still have one day left of this reprieve.
TT
Sunday, November 27, 2011
Got it
An absolute day of quiet is what I got yesterday. After sitting at my desk upstairs, sipping coffee yesterday morning the rain paused enough for me to make a trek to the grocery store. The store was deserted at that hour. It was the best time to shop. I got everything on my list and will have enough groceries to cook and carry me through most of the coming week. I checked out and the rain was pouring down. Hard. I went right out into it and got soaked. It felt good. I've been soaked running before and it isn't so bad. Really.
I didn't do much all day. I had done the cleaning and laundry before the holiday. I sat and crocheted. I piddled around the house without tackling anything. I finally went to the post office and then stopped to buy another skein of yarn and a bottle of wine for dinner. Comfort food for a comfortable day. Something slow braising and non-complicated. Like my day.
I've made it many times.
So I sat and smelled the aroma swirling around the doorways, catching me sitting and pausing. The only activity was my busy fingers pulling and tucking yarn into small and intricate patterns. I'm almost finished. Another half inch or so to go but the day wound down absolutely quietly and refreshingly.
It's what I needed. It's what I got.
I didn't do much all day. I had done the cleaning and laundry before the holiday. I sat and crocheted. I piddled around the house without tackling anything. I finally went to the post office and then stopped to buy another skein of yarn and a bottle of wine for dinner. Comfort food for a comfortable day. Something slow braising and non-complicated. Like my day.
I've made it many times. So I sat and smelled the aroma swirling around the doorways, catching me sitting and pausing. The only activity was my busy fingers pulling and tucking yarn into small and intricate patterns. I'm almost finished. Another half inch or so to go but the day wound down absolutely quietly and refreshingly.
It's what I needed. It's what I got.
TT
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