Has it really been that long?

Over the weekend I was thinking about how much I've been neglecting this little blog. I knew it had been quite awhile, but I was shocked to see that it has been over five months since I posted.

I feel like I need to explain my absence, but the truth is so boring. The truth is that work has been insanely busy, I spend a minimum of two and a half hours a day commuting, and we have a couple of side projects going. All true, but just boring as hell.

So, I've decided to give you a range of options for where I have been.

1. While vacationing in the Arctic I was adopted by a clan of polar bears.

2. I am secretly a famous movie star and was doing the Greta Garbo "I want to be alone" thing.

3. I discovered time travel and went back to the Middle Ages where I promptly got bitten by a flea carrying the bubonic plague. 

4. I discovered that I am actually the long lost princess of a small but wealthy island nation. I have been getting to know my subjects and having all the postage stamps reprinted with my face on them.

So, which do you prefer? I think I'm going with the princess story. My curls would look really cute in a tiara!

Veteran's Day

Happy Veteran’s Day to all those who have served, or are currently serving, in the Armed Forces.  From the Revolutionary War right on up to the present day, our veterans have always been there to answer the call. It is with deep and profound gratitude that I say a humble “Thank You” to all of them – past, present, and future.

On Veteran’s Day I also feel a different kind of gratitude. I am incredibly grateful for the eight years that I served in the Army. It made me understand what I was capable of and made me realize my own strength. The person that I was while I was in the Army was the best that I have ever been.  The Army enabled me to have experiences that I never would have had otherwise. It turned me from a small town girl into a citizen of the world. It brought me life-long friendships and introduced me to the love of my life.  I would not have the life that I have today if it was not for those incredible eight years.

So, to Uncle Sam I say a heartfelt “Thank You” and to all my friends and comrades from the old days – Hooah!

*Today's post is a repeat from 2013

When Did Road Trips Get So Complicated?

Back when I was young (a really, really, long time ago), road trips were so easy. If my college aged self got a chance to go on a fun road trip, I pretty much just tossed a toothbrush in my purse and off I went. Now that I'm an old woman I still love a good road trip, but it is so much more complicated!

I am currently on a very short road trip. It is literally down one day and back the next. My total time away from home is about 36 hours. Yet, I still wound up packing TWO full bags of toiletries! Twenty year old me was fine with sleeping in my makeup. Old lady me is very particular about having all of the appropriate lotions, potions, toners, cleansers, and serums. The fight against wrinkles can never pause!

Of course, technology makes travel easier, but it definitely adds to the packing.  I always have my phone, iPad and Kindle with me when I travel. I have to be well stocked with audio books and TedTalks to amuse myself in the car. Of course, all those things have their chargers that you can't forget!

Old lady me also likes to be well prepared for any minor inconveniences that might come up. I'm well stocked with headache medicine, allergy meds, antacids, and pretty much every other type of over the counter med you can think of.  I've also got to be sure I have a change of shoes and a sweater or jacket in case the weather turns chilly. There is no rain in the forecast, but my umbrella is packed just in case!

Sometimes I miss my free spirited younger self. It was nice having the spontaneity to just jump at opportunities. But, I have to admit that road trips are much more comfortable when I have my magic bag of tricks with everything I could possibly need.

How about you? What are your road trip essentials?

Hot!

So, I woke up at 4:00 a.m. today and was convinced I had died and gone to hell. It was so hot in my house that surely Lucifer himself had to be in residence. I've always thought I was basically a good person, so I was a little surprised to find myself in the pits of Hades.

After my head cleared a bit I realized that the air conditioner had gone out. I should have know it. Even hell couldn't be as hot as Texas in the summer with no central air.

Thank goodness the repair company that we called was able to come out quickly and get it running again. It wasn't even that expensive a repair. Of course, I would have paid any price just to get that wonderful cold air blowing again.

Now, pardon me as I go dowse myself in water and lay under a vent with a glass of ice cold lemonade.

Adventures in Commuting

On my way home from work yesterday I stopped for gas. Not exactly an unusual occurrence, until a limousine pulled up to the pump next to me. Obviously limos need gas, too. You just don't expect them at a tiny little gas station in the middle of nowhere.  On this particular stretch of road it is usually me, a bunch of big pick-up trucks, and lots of rock haulers & dump trucks. Cool change of pace!

Limo fueling up

Observing Memorial Day

On Memorial Day I always feel compelled to say something deep and profound in honor of those who have lost their lives in service to their country.  This year I decided that any words of mine would just not suffice. So instead, I am sharing a stanza of the haunting and beautiful “For The Fallen” by Robert Laurence Binyon.

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:

Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.

At the going down of the sun and in the morning

We will remember them.

Remembering the fallen

Thoughts on Memorial Day

Ah, Memorial Day. The traditional start of summer. A day associated with BBQ, picnics, and sales. There is nothing wrong with enjoying those things, but as you do please remember the reason behind the day. Please take a moment to remember those men and women who gave their lives in service of their country. Regardless of our political beliefs, the one thing that we can all agree on is the respect due to those who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country and the families that they left behind. 

Although it isn't part of the traditional observance of Memorial Day, I also choose to use this day to remember those who service to their country left them with wounds (physical, mental, and emotional) that will impact them for the rest of their lives. To all of those who never made it home, and to those whose lives will never be the same, I send a humble and deeply felt “Thank you”.

Never Forget

Happy Earth Day

We humans are a diverse bunch. We come in all sorts of shapes and sizes. We all have our own unique beliefs, preferences, and values. There are so many things that we sometimes allow to separate us.  However, the one thing that we all share is that we live on this precious earth.  I think it is wonderful that we have a day that reminds us to celebrate and protect the earth. So, on this Earth Day, please remember to do your part. Recycle something, pick up some litter, or plant a tree. Every little thing helps. Remember, she is Mother Earth and if Momma ain't happy, nobody is happy!

Sunrise on the beach in Florida - taken during vacation a few years ago

Reduce - Reuse - Recycle - Replenish - Restore

Making Friends

So, yesterday I learned the quickest way to make friends with your neighbors in the wintertime. It is really quite easy.  All you need is a snow shovel on your back patio and a townhouse complex that didn’t plow the parking lot.  Almost immediately you will have neighbors beating a path to your door to borrow said shovel.

The view from my back patio

Random Thoughts on Super Bowl Ads

Overall, the commercials during this year’s Super Bowl were really not that exciting.  Of course, there are always a few that get people talking and set social media buzzing.

One of the most talked about is the Coke ad that featured “America the Beautiful” sung in multiple languages. While I was first watching it I thought that the song was incredibly beautiful in some of those languages. I was also reminded of the old “I’d Like To Buy The World A Coke” commercial and its message of harmony.  I was completely shocked when this commercial turned out to be controversial.  I am flabbergasted by those that assumed that every non-English singing person in the ad represented a first generation immigrant who refused to learn English.  What?  My assumption was that they were bilingual.  You know, it is quite possible for someone’s family to have been in this country for many generations and yet they still know another language.  Heck, I know Spanish and to the best of my knowledge there is not a drop of Hispanic blood in me.  Get over it people!

Another commercial that caused quite a bit of buzz, but in an entirely different way, was the Budweiser puppy commercial.  I always look forward to the Budweiser Super Bowl ad, and this year they really hit a home run (oops, wrong sport).  I am a dog lover, so it made me all kinds of squishy inside. Heck, even non-dog lovers found this one adorable. I detested the Bud Light ads, but Budweiser comes thru as usual.

One of my personal favorites was the GoldieBlox ad where the little girls take all of their pink girly toys, put them on a rocket, and blast them into space.  I love that there is a company that doesn’t assume all little girls are alike in their love of pink and/or fluffy toys. When I was a little girl, I was quite stereotypical in my choice of toys, but there wasn’t a whole lot of choice way back then. Congrats to GoldieBlox and thank you for giving today’s girls greater options in their play.

So, what about you?  Were there any Super Bowl ads that really struck a chord with you?

Changing Focus

I was looking back at my last few posts and realized that this blog has become a very sad place.  Sure, the last six months of my life have been very challenging, but I have just gone overboard with the gloom.  My intention when starting this blog was for it to be a fun and happy place. Recently it has turned into the exact opposite.  So, it is time to shift my focus.

I hereby resolve that I will stop trying to send the internet into a black pit of despair.  I will stop my whining and start celebrating the joy that is in my life.  I will no longer be that cartoon character with the personal rain cloud that follows me everywhere.  I can’t promise that I will always be little Mary Sunshine, but I will start sharing the fun parts of my life and not just the sad ones. 

Farewell Mr. Mandela

When I first heard the name Nelson Mandela, apartheid was still the law of the land in South Africa and Mr. Mandela was in prison. I remember when he was released, when he won the Nobel Peace Prize, and when he became president of South Africa. Has there ever been a more inspiring story? 

I’m not going to give you a history lesson. There are lots of news articles out today that will tell you all the details of this man’s amazing life.  Instead, I’ll just share a few of my favorite Nelson Mandela quotes.

Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.

If you want to make peace with your enemy, you have to work with your enemy. Then he becomes your partner.

It always seems impossible until it is done.

After climbing a great hill, one only finds that there are many more hills to climb.

There is nothing like returning to a place that remains unchanged to find the ways in which you yourself have altered.

To deny people their human rights is to challenge their very humanity.

It is wise to persuade people to do things and make them think it was their own idea.

Rest in peace Mr. Mandela.  It was truly an honor to walk this earth at the same time as you. Thank you for showing us all that one person can always make a difference.


*Quotes sourced from http://www.brainyquote.com

 

You Call That an Antique?

I was unpacking a box last night (yes, I'm still unpacking. Don't judge) and I found one that said it contained an "antique camera". I was very excited, as I didn't remember owning one of those. I happily tore through the box until I discovered my 35mm. Apparently cameras that take actual film are now "antiques". I feel so old.

Veteran's Day from a Veteran's Point of View

Happy Veteran’s Day to all those who have served, or are currently serving, in the Armed Forces.  From the Revolutionary War right on up to the present day, our veterans have always been there to answer the call. It is with deep and profound gratitude that I say a humble “Thank You” to all of them – past, present, and future.

On Veteran’s Day I also feel a different kind of gratitude. I am incredibly grateful for the eight years that I served in the Army. It made me understand what I was capable of and made me realize my own strength. The person that I was while I was in the Army was the best that I have ever been.  The Army enabled me to have experiences that I never would have had otherwise. It turned me from a small town girl into a citizen of the world. It brought me life-long friendships and introduced me to the love of my life.  I would not have the life that I have today if it was not for those incredible eight years.

So, to Uncle Sam I say a heartfelt “Thank You” and to all my friends and comrades from the old days – Hooah!

Signs and Superstitions

No other day sparks as much talk of superstitions as Friday the 13^th.  The water cooler talk this morning was all about black cats & broken mirrors, even though very few people will admit to being superstitious.  

I am not a superstitious person.  I have owned black cats multiple times in my life, but I have never considered them unlucky. Unless you count the bad luck of having to scoop the kitty litter box.  I try not to walk under ladders, but that has more to do with fear of falling paint cans than fear of bad luck.   I do cross my fingers for luck, but that is because of habit, not belief.

Although I don’t believe in superstitions, I am a very firm believer in signs.  I believe that sometimes there are things that you are meant to do and if you look closely the universe will let you know.  Heck, sometimes you don’t even have to look that closely.  Have you ever thought about relocating and suddenly the name of the town you are thinking of starts coming up everywhere you turn?  Have you thought of adopting a pet, then a stray kitten turns up on your patio? 

Sure, some people say that those kinds of things are just a coincidence.   But I believe in the magic and wonder of life and I choose to believe that there are road signs from the universe that propel us towards where we need to be.

Where Were You That Day?

It seems like every generation has their defining tragedy.  That one moment when everyone seems to remember exactly where they were and what they were doing.  For my parent’s generation it was the Kennedy assassination.  For my generation it is 9/11.

This morning at work everyone has been talking about what they were doing when they learned the towers had been hit. It is amazing that after twelve years the memories are still so crystal clear.  

I learned about it when a co-worker came out of his office and said that one of the World Trade Center towers had been hit by a plane, but that nobody knew whether it was an accident or an attack.  A few minutes later he came back out, his face completely drained of color, and said that another plane had hit the second tower.  At that moment we knew the terrible truth.  I remember the whole office going silent, completely in shock.  After that there was a flurry of activity with everyone trying to get on the internet or crowding into the offices that had radios.  I remember the frustration of not knowing what was happening, and the fear of not knowing what was to come.   Mostly I remember this terrible feeling of sorrow and vulnerability.  It was unlike anything I have ever experienced, before or since.

Going Public With The Blog

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

I have been debating with myself for awhile if I wanted to keep this blog as my own little on-line diary, or if I wanted to go public with it. As you can tell from the link above, I have decided to go public.  You can now follow me on Bloglovin.

I have no intention of using this blog as anything more than a hobby. I don't plan on pursuing advertisers or sponsors, and I don't consider it to be a secondary career. However, I know I can't be the only middle-aged, plus-sized woman in the world who is trying to find a way to manage life a little more successfully.  If any of my experiences can help someone, I feel it is my duty to do so.

So, here I am world.

I’m a Bad, Bad Blogger

Back when I started this blog I had grand ambitions of it being a place where I could foster my creativity and grow my writing skills.  I swore I would write insightful, funny posts and do my very best to be a devoted and authentic blogger.  I didn’t do too bad the first month or so.  I wasn’t blogging as much as I wanted to, but I was at least getting some stuff out there.  Then, life happened.

The month of January was an incredibly stressful time.  Some of it good, some of it bad, but all of it very intense and anxiety provoking.  I’ve already written about losing my sweet puppy dog.  I thought I was prepared for it, but it was much harder than I anticipated.  Then, I came down with the flu. Also during that month I found out that I was being moved to a new team at work and I had to move to a new office space twice within three weeks.  Hubby accepted a new position that would entail him being out of town for a solid month.  Oh, and we also had to have our roof replaced.

By the time hubby left for his month long business trip I was feeling completely frazzled.  I really planned on using my time alone to get the chaos under control.  I had a plan and it seemed fool-proof.  Unfortunately, by that time I had nothing left.  No gas in my tank. I was physically and mentally exhausted.  So, I gave myself a break.  Oh, I still went to work and kept the house livable.  But I watched a lot of television and ate a lot of fast food.  I kept thinking that I should blog, but I just didn’t have the gumption to do it.

When hubby finally got back we took a vacation to Florida.  It was great spending some time away and great having him home.  I kept thinking life would calm down, but it just kept getting more and more hectic.  Between his crazy schedule and my job it seemed like every week was just a race to survive until the weekend.  I kept thinking that I should blog, but who could find the time?

I finally started thinking that maybe I should just stop even trying to blog.  I should just take down the few posts I had written and call this a failed experiment.  After all, my life is totally chaotic and out of control right now.  Could I really justify taking time to just sit at my computer and write?  Just when I was about to kill the blog, I got to thinking that maybe this would actually be the best time to write.  I wanted a creative outlet, maybe giving myself one would allow me to start taking back control of my life. Maybe enforcing some disciple around my postings would help me to start taming the chaos. 

So, I am back.  I’m glad that I never really decided on a theme or a direction for this blog.  Because it looks like for now it is going to be about bringing you along on the journey as I try to get to get my house and my life organized again.  Wish me luck!