Sad Day

It was a sad day in my home yesterday...my favorite hair brush broke. At first I thought I had easily had this brush for 8 years, but when I look back at it, I'm thinking I have possibly had it closer to 14 years!!! This hair brush has seen me through good dates and bad dates; boyfriends and break ups; good hair cuts and even helped me to survive some bad ones. This hair brush got me through my 20's and has helped me to survive the jump into my 30's. I've tried to change hair brushes over the years, but I've always come back to my old reliable.

I know, I know...it was time to let it go. I even know there are some that think my holding on to things for a long time is because I don't like change. Actually, that's not it at all. When it comes to purses, wallets, shoes, etc. it's because I'm really picky about these things and it can take a long time for me to find a suitable replacement. And when it comes to things like alarm clocks, head bands, or hair brushes it becomes more of an iconic thing for me. I like being able to look at something and say "wow, I've had this ___ # of years and it still works." So few things last long anymore, so I like it when I possess something that has withstood the test of time.

So Ulta, hear I come! You just better have a hair brush that can meet my high expectations! FYI, I've had my pick since I was in high school and the head band I use to wash my face since I was in Jr. High.

Tulip Watch 2010

Tulip Watch 2010 has begun. I have tried planting tulips every year for the last 9 years. Only once have they come up and bloomed. I even tried daffodils once, and even though they came up every year, I only got one bloom ever. Tulips are not supposed to be this hard. Matter of fact, my mom digs hers up all the time trying to keep them from growing in a particular area of her yard…but they always come back. I on the other hand am lucky if they make it more than 2 inches above the ground. BUT this may just be my year!

Last fall my mom and I dug up tulips in her back yard and brought them home and started a flower bed around my bird bath since grass really wasn’t growing there anyway. Well, last weekend I was looking out the window and much to my surprise there were at least ten tulips starting to peak their heads through the soil. Seriously, you would have thought someone just gave me $1000 I was so excited!

Now I just have to hope that 1) the mole and the squirrels leave them alone; 2) the weather doesn’t hinder their growth (I’m told it shouldn’t, but that has not been my experience in the past); and 3) the landscapers don’t mow over or weed eat them (which is why flowerbed border is an impending purchase for me).

So here we go. The first picture of what I hope will be a beautiful tulip garden come spring.

All those little green spots...those are tulips!!!

Close up shot to prove it.

Now I need to think of other things to plant in that garden so it doesn’t look like a weedy mess when the tulips are gone. Thinking creeping flocks.

Cruel Dream

I had this wonderful dream last night that I was dating Jim Clancy (you know Melinda’s husband on Ghost Whisperer) and he was being super sweet and making me feel super special and I think he was about to propose…just as my alarm went off. For a girl who has been struggling with the reality of my reality lately, this was just down right the CRUELEST thing my subconscious could have done to me. You’re supposed to wake up and say “oh good, that was just a dream” not “oh crap! It was just a dream.”

Could It Be?

Could it be? Is it possible that my neighbors are moving out? Is it too good to be true? Could I finally get some peace and quiet? If the U-Haul in their driveway last night and the fact that they kept me up until 2 a.m. doing what sounded like throwing furniture down the stairs is any indication...I think they might be moving. No more piano. No more tomato plants in front of my house. No more weird stuff in jars on my front walk. No more blue "ziplock bag" looking things attached to their front door. Oh wait...one less topic for my blog. I'll survive. Hopefully if I'm getting new neighbors, they'll be more like my first ones (who gave me the awsome mirror in my living room) and not worse than the current ones.

Pathetic Attempt

Yes, my blog has become too often neglected these days. What can I say, there is nothing to write about. Attic is currently pest free. Car is running (knock on wood…I’m almost afraid to say it out loud). It’s too cold to do any home renovations right now. Dating (or lack there of) and work are not acceptable topics of conversation. And my opinions in most cases are better kept to myself. And my birthday…well we’re not going to go there. So sadly, you are left with this pathetic attempt at saying I’ve updated my blog.

Some Days

Some days it doesn't pay to be a home owner. I'm thinking this is one of those days. I went to switch my laundry from the washer to the dryer this morning and found a piece of plastic laying on the bottom of the washing machine. After some investigation, I discovered it came off the piece in the middle of the washer (the thing that agitates the water...that I'm now "agitated" about).

First thought was to ignore it, quickly followed by the fact that there is now a sharp edge in my washing machine and I can't imagine that will be good for the life of my clothes. So I'm thinking of attempting the following (in this order): 1) Super glue. Hey, it's worth a try. 2) sanding down the sharp edge...it could work. 3) Check into what it would cost to replace the part. Part of me is thinking that it will cost more than I paid for the washer and dryer since I bought them, practically new, from family members who made me a REALLY good deal.

I wish the washing machine was my only immediate issue I encountered this morning. After switching the laundry, I went to turn on the light in the kitchen and "POP"! The last working light bulb in my light fixture burned out. I know what you're thinking...1) it's just a light bulb and 2) why hadn't I already replaced the other bulbs that were burned out? WEEELLLL...I tried that at Thanksgiving since I had another set of hands around (aka Mom), but the globe wouldn't come off the light fixture to change the light bulbs. There HAS to be a way to do it, but unlike most light fixtures, there isn't anything to unscrew. We tried just popping it off like my brother suggested, but it kept pulling the whole thing loose from the ceiling. I've never really liked this light fixture to begin with because it's ugly and it is hard to keep clean. I highly suspect that I will be purchasing a new light fixture this weekend and installing it. Not really what I had planned for this weekend, but I'll just add it to the list of "to do's" along with taking down the outdoor Christmas lights (sorry, but the weather has not been cooperative enough to do this sooner) and getting a jump on cleaning house for next weekend's Pampered Chef Party.

Stop Already

This is the conversation that took place when I went to the allergist this afternoon:

Allergist: Did you have a baby? (FYI, I've been seeing this doctor for 5 years)

Me: No.

Allergist: Do you have any children?

Me: No, but I still hope to someday.

Allergist: Are you trying to get pregnant?

Me: No, I'm not even married yet.

Allergist: So, that shouldn't stop you.

Me: Well, I would prefer to do it that way.

Allergist: Just remember, you're not getting any younger.

SERIOUSLY!?!?! Did I really need that reminder with the impending birthday coming up in less than 20 days? And even more, my child-bearing plans had absolutely no relevence to this appointment. I was just there so she could look up my nose. Sheesh!

Major Home Owning Don't

This is me, outside FREEZING my tail off...


This is my "other" hair dryer (the one I use when my good hair dryers bite the dust).


This is the garden hose I forgot to unattach this fall before it got cold that is now frozen to the faucet and MUST be removed before tomorrows cold front. I'm already fortunate that my pipes hadn't burst.

And this is the end result after standing outside for 20 minutes warming the faucet with a hair dryer so that I could remove the hose. Lesson learned!

To Bad, You Missed It

Well, I had this really long post typed up in MS Word explaining why I have been absent from blogging with a quick run down of everything that happened (and didn't happen) the month of December, but I've tried for two days now and this stupid (I'm an adult, I can say stupid) site won't let me copy and paste anymore and it is too long for me to retype (nor do I want to retype it). So I will leave you with this little story instead...

Unless you live under a rock (or in a state other than Oklahoma) you are highly aware of the blizzard that hit on Christmas Eve and squashed many Christmas plans (side note, I was in fact able to leave town before they started closing roads, but it was a nerve wracking trip home...but I made it safe and sound). Anywho, I returned home to find a 3 foot drift on my front porch and a slick, snow filled driveway. The porch I could deal with, the driveway not so much. My driveway is steep, so if it is the slightest bit slick, I can't get into my garage very easily. After some work I did manage to get in and decided to leave driveway maintenance for the next day.

Tuesday morning I got up and was shoveling the driveway when the mailman showed up. I was walking down to the mailbox when he says "Be careful. You fell last year." Much to my dismay, this was the same mailman who witnessed this escapade on my birthday last year. I obviously made an impression on more than just my tailbone!

Dear Santa

Dear Santa,
For Christmas, I really want one of these. No really, I'm serious. I could ask for a boyfriend for Christmas to help me with all of those projects around the house that require a second set of hands, but I think this will be more reliable. The only thing better would be a new car, but this will be easier for you to get in your sleigh, and it is much cheaper.

Your Friend,
Stacey

Because I Have THAT Kind of Humor

I can't even pick a favorite!

It's that Time of Year Again

What is my biggest pet peeve during the holiday season? Yep...people who decorate their cars. I saw my first wreath a week and a half before Thanksgiving, but today a saw one that takes the cake. A woman had actually put antlers and a red nose on her SUV. Yes, the woman made her car look like Rudolf the Red Nosed Reindeer! All i have to say is if you feel the urge, fight it!

Add This to My List of Favorite Songs

I don’t know how long this song has been out there, but I heard it for the first time yesterday on Slacker. Kind of one of those “right song at the right time” kind of things. The song is beautiful and so are the words.

What Faith Can Do
by Kutless

Everybody falls sometimes
Gotta find the strength to rise
From the ashes and make a new beginning
Anyone can feel the ache
You think it’s more than you can take
But you are stronger, stronger than you know
Don’t you give up now
The sun will soon be shining
You gotta face the clouds
To find the silver lining

I’ve seen dreams that move the mountains
Hope that doesn’t ever end
Even when the sky is falling
And I’ve seen miracles just happen
Silent prayers get answered
Broken hearts become brand new
That’s what faith can do

It doesn’t matter what you’ve heard
Impossible is not a word
It’s just a reason for someone not to try
Everybody’s scared to death
When they decide to take that step
Out on the water
It’ll be alright
Life is so much more
Than what your eyes are seeing
You will find your way
If you keep believing

I’ve seen dreams that move the mountains
Hope that doesn’t ever end
Even when the sky is falling
And I’ve seen miracles just happen
Silent prayers get answered
Broken hearts become brand new
That’s what faith can do

Overcome the odds
You don't have a chance
(That’s what faith can do)
When the world says you can’t
It’ll tell you that you can!

I’ve seen dreams that move the mountains
Hope that doesn’t ever end
Even when the sky is falling
And I’ve seen miracles just happen
Silent prayers get answered
Broken hearts become brand new
That’s what faith can do
That's what faith can do!
Even if you fall sometimes

You will have the strength to rise

Ban

I think I'm going to petition the networks to ban all Zales, Kay, or any other jewelry retailer who has a sugary sweet Christmas commercial with some over the top wonderful guy giving some girl a piece of jewelry. Can't handle it right now and I can't afford to replace my TV when I succumb to the knee-jerk reaction to throw something at it.

What Was I THINKING?!?

That pretty much sums it up. My first Etsy sugar cookie order was a learning experience (that’s the nice way to put it).

First, how long does it take to make, decorate, and individually wrap 84 red Volkswagen sugar cookies with flames on the back? Answer: 20 hours approximately (maybe a little more).

I mixed the dough up Friday night, and then got up early Saturday morning to starting working on them. Naïve me thinking “oh, I’ll get these done early so I can do some house cleaning this evening.” Uhhh, didn’t happen. I started at 7:30 a.m. and finished decorating them at 9 p.m. I did take two short 15 minute breaks and had to get up and move a few times during the day, but I basically spent the entire day making cookies. And other than a small bowl of cereal and a handful of pretzels, I didn’t eat either. By 9 p.m., this is how things were looking:

My kitchen at 9 p.m.

This is how much space 84 cookies (actually there are 97 I think) take up on my kitchen table.

Almost finished product. Those look like flames right? Say "yes".

You would think from there I would have gone to bed. I WISH!!! I was having my bible class over for dinner the next evening, so I did some house cleaning while the icing set up. At midnight, I was putting cookies in little plastic sacks and tying them with a bow. Bedtime came at 1 a.m. I SOOOO didn’t charge her enough.

Fast forward to Sunday night. Bible class group left at 7:30 p.m., so I’m thinking “YES! I can curl the ribbon, box them up, and make it to bed by 10:00.” I go to retrieve the container of cookies and much to my dismay, the wheels had bled on over half of them! WHAT?!? I’ve never had this happen before. At first I’m thinking it’s just one or two. Oh no, well over half of them had black icing bleeding a good half inch onto the red. Shoot me now! I’m panicked. I want to cry. I can’t redo all of these cookies. Not only is there not enough time, but my hand is killing me still from the day before.

I’m now doing this mental check list in my head…“what did I do differently this time that I haven’t done in the past?” I had just used the same black icing the weekend before to decorate Halloween cookies and they didn’t bleed. Maybe I didn’t let the red icing set long enough. I have no idea, but it was too late at that point.

Cookies Saturday night, wrapped and ready to go.

Cookies Sunday night. Thankfully they were not all THAT bad.

This morning I emailed the lady and explained the situation. I told her I could keep them and refund her money (my office would have been eating sugar cookies for a LONG time) or I could ship them and if she’s not happy with them I would refund half her money. I’m praying she’s nice and that doesn’t happen because if it does, I will maybe break even on the deal. Why you ask? Because even though I did some research, I way underestimated the cost of shipping. My expenses came to almost half of what I charged her.

Did I mention I did NOT charge her enough? And for all of you out there that said I should be charging more, please don’t say “I told you so.” I get it. Lesson learned. LOTS of lessons learned to be exact.

Cookies, Glasses, and a Flashback to the 80’s

Cookies
These are the Halloween sugar cookies I made this weekend. Believe it or not, it’s the first time I actually made Halloween sugar cookies. I bought a new “boo” cookie cutter and had a fun with it. I named the green cookie “Frankencookie”. It was actually an accident, but my favorite once I was done. I took pictures so that I could it to my Esty site next year.

Glasses
Because of too much extra money I have in my cafeteria plan this year, I decided this would be the year to replace my frames. I’ve had the same frames since I got glasses seven years ago. Since I don’t have to wear them all the time they’ve held up well, but I was bored with them. Plus I also needed new prescription sun glasses because the ones I have give me a headache because they’re too tight and they couldn’t loosen them up. To my delight, EyeMasters was having a “Buy One, Get One Free” sale with no exclusions. Score! Of course, I couldn’t pick out glasses on my own, so I had to call in reinforcements.

Saturday morning, my friend/fashion advisor met me at the mall to help me pick out glasses. No joke, I think at one point we had close to 20 pairs of frames in our hands. Just randomly trying to narrow it down wasn’t working, so we divided them up by style and narrowed down each style, then narrowed down what was left. It took us a while, but we finally found a winner (sunglasses were thankfully easier).

One of the sales people asked me on numerous occasions if I had finally found frames. He was laughing by time I took the final selection to him.


Flashback to the 80’s
My bible class had an 80’s Party on Saturday night. It was actually a lot of fun. (Side note, anyone else notice lately how “80’s” many of the current styles are. Scary!) Here are a few pictures from the event. I didn’t do a great job of getting very good pictures, but you get the gist. Awe, the good ‘ol days.

Date

I know that title has some of you excited. Don’t get your hopes up. Friday afternoon I had my yearly date with Cody. Cody is the guy who inspects my house for termites. He’s the kind of guy I’m often attracted to, but would never let myself date. He has that cute “bad boy” thing going for him, but what little I’ve learned about him over the years tells me that our “values” are very different. I do have to give him props…he doesn’t smell like cigarettes anymore. I didn’t like that much. So thank you Cody for the date. It may be short and sweet, but they’re the best dates I have all year long. How sad is that?!?

Ugh!

Besides the fact that I’m having one of those “frustrating” days/weeks for reasons I won’t go into (because I’ll get more frustrated), my attempts at a cheap…because that’s all I can afford…80’s Party Costume have not been successful. The skirt I bought one size larger than I normally wear at Goodwill because I didn’t want to try it on turned out to be two sizes smaller. Ugh! Back to the drawing board. I just emailed a friend and told her I was going to make my hair stand on end, spray paint it a neon color, go naked, and be a Troll Doll. It might come to that!

Very Funny

My co-worker/friend Sarah sent this picture to me.

They are "ear cuffs" designed to protect you from burning your ears when curling your hair. Sadly I am infamous for burning myself with with heat styling tools (and sadly, not just in the head region). And the fact that I have no feeling on the upper tips of my ears made burning the tops of my ears a common occurrence. So sad I didn't think of it first.

De-li-laaah

I won’t even beat around the bush. I CANNOT STAND Delilah (you know, the radio show host). Her voice bugs me. Her “oh-so-thoughtful” act (that I don’t buy) bugs me. Her “life is a bowl of cherries” attitude bugs me…it doesn’t feel genuine. And normally her advice/relationship counseling bugs me. If I have the option and I will turn the radio station as soon as I hear her voice. But last night for some strange reason, I didn’t change the station. Maybe because I had a feeling the caller who was requesting a song for her and her fiancée had one of those stories that makes you think “oh brother, where do they find these people.” Whatever the reason…I didn’t change the station.

The caller asked Delilah to pick a song to play for her and her fiancée (remember, she gave Delilah permission to pick the song). The woman went on and on about how great her fiancée was. How he took such great care of her and her kids. In true Delilah fashion, she probed for more information. The caller had two kids. The caller and her fiancée had been together for 4 months and were getting married Mother’s Day of next year. The caller’s youngest child was 4 ½ months old.

Delilah expressed her concerns (I don’t think the girl quite had a counseling session in mind when she called…she just wanted to dedicate a song to her honey for the world to hear). Delilah was already telling the girl to take it slow. To not be so quick to jump in to a relationship. That getting engaged so quickly was a risky thing to do, especially when she was already so young with two children from other relationships. Delilah was justifiably concerned that maybe this girl only THOUGHT she found her knight in shining armor. And when she found out that she and this guy has only been together 4 months and she had a 4 ½ month old child, she flat out told her “so you jumped from one relationship into another”. Can’t believe I’m saying this, but GO DELILAH! She wrapped up her phone call by advising the girl to take it slow and not rush into anything.

And the song that Delilah played for this girl and her fiancée…“You Can’t Hurry Love” by Diana Ross.

LOVE IT!!!!