There are many things to love this Thursday <3 The three day weekend is upon us (almost) and I have been able to refill the refrigerator so that I do not starve in my own house.
I decided to give my page a much needed face lift - Change is good, I am trying to embrace change more, but also not lose myself to the working world. I rediscovered some parts of myself that had certainly gone dormant this past year as the corporate world sucked out my soul and through my lack of time I felt that my creativity receded into the abyss....quite depressing, so I have taken it upon myself to maintain who I am and not let my work (currently or in the future) change me into a lifeless zombie.
My new decorations that were inspired by my trip to The Aviary last weekend turned out very well. As soon as I receive the new storage piece that I have ordered than I will be able to display the rest of the treasures that I have acquired. No matter what the appraiser says about my house...I feel comfortable here and at peace with my surroundings. Decorating for me is key - much like those who suffer from seasonal affective disorder - if I live in a sea of chaos with poor decorative qualities I do not feel the same sense of happiness in my home. True story.
I continue to overindulge in the Netflix and have recently discovered that there is a Kate Winslet movie that I have yet to see!!! The description and picture look scandalous and I am dying to watch it - being called Quills it seems to be about a crazed writer. Kate has never let me down before so I am anxious to view this new discovery of mine.
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
The Birds That Live In Flowers
I have a few new neighbors...on my patio...in my hanging begonias. A mother bird has decided that my hanging flowers, complete with aqua globe, are the perfect place to raise some eggs.
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All I can think now is that I must keep the flowers alive and also brace myself for the massive amounts of poo that will surely come along as the chicks hatch and grow. Every time I must refill the aqua globe the mother bird flies away in anguish watching my every move as I carefully take down the basket to refill their (and the flowers) water source. I noticed today that one egg is not quite in the nest, but next to it, her aim may have been a bit off. I dare not try to move the egg myself as I do not want her to abandon that cute speckled egg. I am certainly rooting for it!
The weather today is gorgeous and I must begin the long and unpleasant task of cleaning the house (much like exercise it is the results that I am after) and am hoping that I will have the chance to venture outside with Chloe later on.
The weather today is gorgeous and I must begin the long and unpleasant task of cleaning the house (much like exercise it is the results that I am after) and am hoping that I will have the chance to venture outside with Chloe later on.
The Magic Effects Of Crepes
This weekend has been absolutely fantastic! I decided on a mini vaca to visit my friend in my old college town. With my distressed state over the misery of the working world lately...this was just what I needed! A fun-filled trip down memory lane reminded me of how I survived in this town for 4 years. In general it leaves much to be desired, but there were always a few "treasure spots" and I am happy to say that they are multiplying at a rapid rate (lucky college people still here). I still prefer my city of permanent residence, but its been a magical escape from reality.
Last night we visited my favorite and most run-down Chinese food establishment in the entire city. THE SAME WOMAN was there and took MY SAME ORDER!!! It was glorious and the food was just as cheap and wonderful as the last time I was there. Afterwards we ventured downtown to have Bailey's cheesecake and some much needed "thank god its Friday drinks". A melon martini and raspberry lemonade concoction later we embarked on our usual intimate conversations that I truly miss being able to have in person. The day included all of the usual charm of campus - community showers (that may or may not be haunted...) and sleeping on a bunk bed (so glad that I did not roll off).
The following morning brunch was in order at the most charming restaurant that I have ever been to - The Aviary (aka: place of crepe deliciousness!). I was completely intoxicated by the decor and the endless hot tea and best crepes that I have ever eaten, of the "salted caramel with bananas" variety. I did not want to leave and after seeing the restroom have decided to incorporate some of the decorating style in my own home.
Exploring the city afterwards was very sentimental, many of the old standbys still intact along with some new additions. I must confess that this exploration involved an uncanny amount of shopping as I ran across not one, but several must-have unique items (all of which will fit right in with my new inspiration from the crepe restaurant). Happiness only continued with gelato and nice weather.
Authentic Italian deliciousness was in order that evening as well as we embarked on dinner. The following morning I went for a quite hot and humid run, but exercise nonetheless. Heading back to reality and work the next day was nothing shy of a gruelling challenge - but I am just keeping the happy memories of crepes and friendship fresh in my mind.
Last night we visited my favorite and most run-down Chinese food establishment in the entire city. THE SAME WOMAN was there and took MY SAME ORDER!!! It was glorious and the food was just as cheap and wonderful as the last time I was there. Afterwards we ventured downtown to have Bailey's cheesecake and some much needed "thank god its Friday drinks". A melon martini and raspberry lemonade concoction later we embarked on our usual intimate conversations that I truly miss being able to have in person. The day included all of the usual charm of campus - community showers (that may or may not be haunted...) and sleeping on a bunk bed (so glad that I did not roll off).
The following morning brunch was in order at the most charming restaurant that I have ever been to - The Aviary (aka: place of crepe deliciousness!). I was completely intoxicated by the decor and the endless hot tea and best crepes that I have ever eaten, of the "salted caramel with bananas" variety. I did not want to leave and after seeing the restroom have decided to incorporate some of the decorating style in my own home.
Exploring the city afterwards was very sentimental, many of the old standbys still intact along with some new additions. I must confess that this exploration involved an uncanny amount of shopping as I ran across not one, but several must-have unique items (all of which will fit right in with my new inspiration from the crepe restaurant). Happiness only continued with gelato and nice weather.
Authentic Italian deliciousness was in order that evening as well as we embarked on dinner. The following morning I went for a quite hot and humid run, but exercise nonetheless. Heading back to reality and work the next day was nothing shy of a gruelling challenge - but I am just keeping the happy memories of crepes and friendship fresh in my mind.
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
The Relativity of the Universe
Learning to roll with the punches is not always easy, but I take comfort in the fact that looking at pictures of good times and enjoying/acknowledging the things in my life that are good, helps me along the way. Today was quite interesting as I came to a panicked state at the fact that I may have to once again change careers...not a fun task. This realization was followed by my observing a beetle trek across someone's salad while at lunch at one of my favorite restaurants (that I will not name as I love that place and can not ruin it for the rest of you). Need I mention that my appetite from the two combined happenings was pretty much non-existent afterwards.
Seeing that my harried state was not boding well for sales I returned home feeling very downtrodden and in need of yet another vacation from reality. Good thing "Property Virgins" was on, nothing like a good home-buying show to distract me. Feeling lethargic I roused myself for a good ole run at the gym and after returning home yet again began to think on my predicament. So I then did what I do best...shop. Luckily this shopping was on a very small scale and involved me ordering some new prints for my frames - I do try to change them out once a year to get fresh scenery for the house. Looking at all these happy moments that I had captured helped to make me grateful for what I have and realize that I have been through a lot already in my life and I have made it this far. I knew that I could persevere through this surprisingly bumpy time in my life (and now slightly less bumpy as they have finished the repaving of the street which was in dire need).
I am grateful for the wonderful people in my life who have stood by me and taught me many things along the way. I am trying to keep in mind that things that happen each day need to be taken in perspective, after all everything is relative.
Seeing that my harried state was not boding well for sales I returned home feeling very downtrodden and in need of yet another vacation from reality. Good thing "Property Virgins" was on, nothing like a good home-buying show to distract me. Feeling lethargic I roused myself for a good ole run at the gym and after returning home yet again began to think on my predicament. So I then did what I do best...shop. Luckily this shopping was on a very small scale and involved me ordering some new prints for my frames - I do try to change them out once a year to get fresh scenery for the house. Looking at all these happy moments that I had captured helped to make me grateful for what I have and realize that I have been through a lot already in my life and I have made it this far. I knew that I could persevere through this surprisingly bumpy time in my life (and now slightly less bumpy as they have finished the repaving of the street which was in dire need).
I am grateful for the wonderful people in my life who have stood by me and taught me many things along the way. I am trying to keep in mind that things that happen each day need to be taken in perspective, after all everything is relative.
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
The Revamping Of The Street And Happy News
This morning I awoke to the sound of very loud street equipment, but I must say it is the most welcome sound of asphalt grinding and loud beeping that I could imagine. The street had developed the most horrendous pothole that you could imagine and it surely has rendered a few cars' suspension useless. After months of waiting and worsening of the street, they are finally getting down to business today to correct it! It will be nice not to have to drive in the middle of the street to avoid having to realign my tires.
After a year of endless waiting and mailing of paperwork...I FINALLY got the news that my "first time home-buyers tax credit" has been approved! Praise the lord!!! And now I just have to wait another 6-8 weeks time to receive the check, but the happy news is that I will be receiving interest for all the time I have been waiting. The bureaucratic nightmare of dealing the with IRS is coming to a close and I couldn't be happier.
I have begun a new love affair...this time with Netflix. The dream come true for a movie lover such as myself. I have watched no fewer than 8 hours of Pillars of the Earth - the fantastic book that went TV mini series and indulged in other "instant stream" movies. This godsend of a program is surely what sent Blockbuster and other rental establishments straight into the ground.
Today is the first day of summer and as I head out to my next meeting I continue to be grateful for the AC in the car - the humidity is out in full force!
After a year of endless waiting and mailing of paperwork...I FINALLY got the news that my "first time home-buyers tax credit" has been approved! Praise the lord!!! And now I just have to wait another 6-8 weeks time to receive the check, but the happy news is that I will be receiving interest for all the time I have been waiting. The bureaucratic nightmare of dealing the with IRS is coming to a close and I couldn't be happier.
I have begun a new love affair...this time with Netflix. The dream come true for a movie lover such as myself. I have watched no fewer than 8 hours of Pillars of the Earth - the fantastic book that went TV mini series and indulged in other "instant stream" movies. This godsend of a program is surely what sent Blockbuster and other rental establishments straight into the ground.
Today is the first day of summer and as I head out to my next meeting I continue to be grateful for the AC in the car - the humidity is out in full force!
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
The Dream of The Wanna-be-world-traveler
This week I am experiencing the joy of being a brand new customer to Netflix. Being able to indulge myself in endless movies is very exciting in itself as renting movies from stores is becoming archaic and I need to back off my trigger happy "on demand" usage (the cable bill just came a few days ago...). So I was finally able to watch Eat, Pray, Love - I had high expectations from the beginning as the author of the book, who also wrote Under the Tuscan Sun, is fantastic. The story, besides the main character having a divorce and mid-life crisis, of traveling to three different countries on a seemingly endless budget, is my dream. The section of the movie that takes place in Italy had me drooling in front of the screen at the food and scenery that I crave to enjoy and also taught me that I have a new dream destination on my list...Bali. Yes, I did have to google Bali to see what country it is in, but I was very impressed and am excited that I now have a new tropical paradise country on my bucket list (which is constantly under construction).
Watching such a movie makes me long for more freedom to travel (both expense wise and time wise). There must be more to life than endlessly toiling away at work and fighting off cicadas. I intend to find some way to be able to enjoy life more and am seriously considering the possibility of retiring in Italy (hopefully before I am so old and decrepit that I can not really enjoy it). Other countries have it made in the leisure time department.
For now I will have to be content with watching my sentimental travel movies and buying gelato at the local supplier.
Watching such a movie makes me long for more freedom to travel (both expense wise and time wise). There must be more to life than endlessly toiling away at work and fighting off cicadas. I intend to find some way to be able to enjoy life more and am seriously considering the possibility of retiring in Italy (hopefully before I am so old and decrepit that I can not really enjoy it). Other countries have it made in the leisure time department.
For now I will have to be content with watching my sentimental travel movies and buying gelato at the local supplier.
Sunday, June 5, 2011
The Thermostat Adventure
As a homeowner you discover many things through the process of updating and maintaining your home. Mainly you discover, everything is harder to do and takes longer than the instructions claim... The thermostat has always been an eyesore in the hallway of my home - I believe it is original to the building which is pushing 45 and when the house got a much needed makeover - the thermostat remained in its unsightly state. Being an HGTV junkie and first time home-owner, problem veteran, I decided it was time for a new thermostat.
Besides being absolutely hideous, the old thermostat was not at all accurate for adjusting the temperature - the old "lever" if you will was hard to move to an exact temperature...or even 5 degree ballpark. As the temperatures push record highs, I am in favor of AC usage, but not to the point of bankruptcy. The trip to Lowes to purchase said advanced thermostat involved the usual searching through aisles and feelings of utter disappointment at the employees incompetence. We chose a digital thermostat with the new fangeled ability to program the temperature and when it changes through the day, and were off!
The installation instructions warned of mercury in old thermostats and I was not surprised to find that the old one did indeed contain a vile of mercury. The warnings and instructions for mercury cleanup (should the vile break) where enough to make anyone paranoid...the cleanup tools spanned a massive list and listed among them were such things as: shaving cream, cardboard, ziplock bags, duct tape, etc. Lucky for me the vile did not break as we removed it with extreme caution as to avoid the hassle and apparently, health risk of the century. Now I am to contact the "proper authorities" to dispose of the mercury so they are on my call list for tomorrow. Interesting how extreme caution is needed from something that has been perched on my wall for decades - I will be glad to have it out of the house.
The new thermostat is pretty (as thermostats go anyway) and now controls the temperature in glorious accuracy. I feel like Bill Gates, being able to have the house begin cooling itself before my arrival home from work. Technology has most definitely spoiled me.
Besides being absolutely hideous, the old thermostat was not at all accurate for adjusting the temperature - the old "lever" if you will was hard to move to an exact temperature...or even 5 degree ballpark. As the temperatures push record highs, I am in favor of AC usage, but not to the point of bankruptcy. The trip to Lowes to purchase said advanced thermostat involved the usual searching through aisles and feelings of utter disappointment at the employees incompetence. We chose a digital thermostat with the new fangeled ability to program the temperature and when it changes through the day, and were off!
The installation instructions warned of mercury in old thermostats and I was not surprised to find that the old one did indeed contain a vile of mercury. The warnings and instructions for mercury cleanup (should the vile break) where enough to make anyone paranoid...the cleanup tools spanned a massive list and listed among them were such things as: shaving cream, cardboard, ziplock bags, duct tape, etc. Lucky for me the vile did not break as we removed it with extreme caution as to avoid the hassle and apparently, health risk of the century. Now I am to contact the "proper authorities" to dispose of the mercury so they are on my call list for tomorrow. Interesting how extreme caution is needed from something that has been perched on my wall for decades - I will be glad to have it out of the house.
The new thermostat is pretty (as thermostats go anyway) and now controls the temperature in glorious accuracy. I feel like Bill Gates, being able to have the house begin cooling itself before my arrival home from work. Technology has most definitely spoiled me.
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