Friday Fill-Ins

1. When I’m sick: Unless I have a fever I am at work. If I have a fever I am in bed and do not want to be bothered by anyone!
2. When I take a walk: I concentrate on all the beauty that surrounds me and the opportunities that have been put in my life. It is a time to clear my head and focus on what I need to do. I walk early in the mornings when the city is just stirring. Some times I can even watch the sun rise.
3. Money can’t buy happiness: but it can buy yarn! Lots and lots of yarn!!!!
4. Cotton makes me: feel comfortable and leather makes me: want to own/ride a motorcycle, like this or this or this. The first two I could own, but the third I would have to be the passenger.
5. The strangest person/character I’ve had lewd thoughts about was: Sean Connery at any age, but older is actually sexier!
6. My favorite color these days is: red because it makes me feel alive, but brown is close because it makes me feel attractive.
7. And as for the weekend: tonight I’m relaxing because the afternoon was special. Saturday I am helping celebrate a new friend's birthday with her partner and one of my new friends. Sunday, I think I might go visit an old co-worker and his family and cook out or I will spend time with Trouble or Munchkin. Monday, I will check on Gustav, make the necessary preparations, and most likely chill and knit.

Thoughts from Thursday

Well, fancy that! We have made it to the end of another week. Some of us will not work tomorrow and will have a four day weekend. Some of us will work a few hours or half the day and then start the Labor Day weekend. Either way, it is a much anticipated holiday for me. Don't forget the new traditions post already. It was just last Tuesday.

What are the odds of the point for landfall for Gustav? I hope for the sake of Louisiana in general that he changes directions. We will all be watching, because Tuesday next week could be really wet. Will it bother me? No, not really. I am prepared. I will make sure that I take all the necessary precautions and that is all I can really do.

Now that the Olympics are over, what is everyone watching on TV? I am getting geared up about these:

• Ugly Betty - 7PM CST - Season Starts 09/25/2008
• Grey Anatomy - 8PM CST - Season Starts 09/25/2008
• Desperate Housewives - 8PM CST - Season Starts 09/28/2008
• Brothers and Sisters - 9PM CST - Season Starts 09/28/2008

Another thing I was thinking about, do we really care that Hillary Duff's dad was arrested in court today? Do we really care what Linsday Lohan's dad thinks about Sam? Do we really care who dumped who Jen versus John? Why did any scientist waste brain power thinking about who owns the moon? Are we really so shallow that we care that Brangelina wants more kids? Sorry, I guess I get sick and tired of all of this smut drama. Yes, everyday a husband screws with a wife in a divorce. Does the court care, not unless you will get print time. If you give birth to your sixth kid, will you get press time, not likely. If you get dumped by your man or gal will you make the news? Not unless you go postal. Can't we research how to get every apartment complex outfitted for recycling? Or how to recycle stuff cheaper? Or how to get all plastic containers made of materials that can be recycled. I mean really....

Sorry, I seem to be a bit soap box inclined this week. I guess evolution can get you that way from time to time. When the fog clears, it is easier to think.

I hope that everyone relaxes and spends time with friends and loved ones this weekend. Enjoy good food and be safe.

Tuesday Temptations

Yes, it is time again for another installment of Tuesday Temptations!

Before I dive into them, thanks to everyone that sent me PM for soup recipes! I am SO excited about getting them!

And I have a soap box issue, just a small one. Many of you are aware that there are a variety of stat tracking tools for blogs. I have discovered, by checking my stats, that I have a visitor that is actually spying on me and reporting back to she who cannot be named (Legal Stuff best left alone). Can you believe that? WTF?! I have been digging into the IP address info and the person's IT staff would be shocked if they knew how much the program I use provided me about their firewall and software. No to mention that this person has been to the site about 38 times since July 7th, and they are all on this person's work computer.....playing on blogs while on company time.....tisk tisk. Okay, climbing off soap box. Hopefully, she who cannot be named (Legal Stuff best left alone) will call off the spy so that all with the universe can return to the correct balance.

Now, where was I?

Okay, I love slogans and this shirt really cracked me up. I also fell in love with this and I think it sums up my emerging feelings about relationships. I think that this shirt is a great gift for any mother with daughters, enough said. And how many of you have ever felt like this or this? I know that many of my fellow Catholics will love this one, even if they don't admit it out loud! As for the black dress post, what about this one, a bit pricey, but it looks sassy! This (in black) might be cute too, but the pockets worry me a bit. This is perfect for not just me, but for most women I know!

I'm not sure I would ever wear this myself, but I love the romance of it. The combination of these stones into jewelry is perfect for me since both daughters are represented together. Perhaps I can get them to buy it for me in place of a traditional Mother's Ring? I'm not sure I could ever wear this top and be comfortable, but it is divine. The same for this one, I think it would make a great holiday party item....And last, but not least, I would love to have this to wear with jeans.

So, now that you see where my mind has been today with the temptations, let me know of any that you know of that I may need to become enlightened with knowledge of!

Have a GREAT Tuesday!

TGIF!

Thanks to my sister for sharing this one with me today. This almost looks like George and Gracie could have been used as the babies for the photo.

I hope every one's week is ending on a positive note. The crown is still a bit sensitive, but I am feeling much better. I am going to go with friends to watch the Texans play the Cowboys tonight (an annual pre-season game) and then I have a ton of things to get done if we actually can get some sunshine in the forecast. If not, I may just have a knitstoneage day.

Thank all the gods that I know how to knit and it is football season. Don't forget to cheer on the US Basketball teams! Yes, I am partial to the Women, but I am excited for both teams.

Thoughts from Thursday

Ouch is all that I can say. Having just safely maneuvered my way home in the pouring rain from getting my first crown, I am soaked to the bone and my mouth hurts! I hope that I don't need too many more crowns, or else I might just opt for false teeth. Okay, maybe I'm exaggerating just a bit, but my mouth really does hurt, and the rain doesn't help.

Before I take a nap to let the numbness wear off, I wanted to remind all of you that the US Women will be playing the Aussies Saturday morning for the gold medal in basketball! I believe that the game will be on television at 9:00 AM CST, but check local listings to be sure. You can bet that I will be hooping and hollering (as much as my mouth will allow)!

Second, I am searching for soup recipes. So, send 'em my way. I don't care if they are crock pot ones or otherwise. I don't care if they are vegan or loaded with meat. I just want some for fall and winter so that I can make a batch and then freeze some for later. I love good soup and cornbread.

Finally, why is it so hard to find a little black dress for weekend wearing? Oh sure, I can find a ton of them for cocktails and formal events. Any suggestions for one that I can wear to the museum on Thursday evenings when it is free, or to a sports bar with friends to watch the college game we have selected to support, or to simply run errands in? Surely there has to be some out there. I saw two at Wal-Mart, but they looked too cheap. I want something that looks classic but doesn't break the bank at the same time. So, for all you savvy shoppers, spill it and let me know what you know.

Sharing a Poem

A very dear friend sent me this poem early on in my voyage of self-discovery. Not to wax poetic, hah, I have decided that it is to beautiful to keep to myself. For a while it was written in lipstick on my mirror. I also wrote it in my journal and in my planner. There are times when it is the only thing that will comfort me and other times when it reminds me of all that still remains to be discovered. Enjoy and share it with others as you too see fit.

"The tide recedes, but leaves behind bright seashells on the sand.
The sun goes down, but gentle warmth still lingers on the land.
The music stops, yet echoes on in sweet, soulful refrains.
For every joy that passes, something beautiful remains."
Author: Unknown

Tuesday Temptations

Okay, first I need to say thank you to all those of you that gave me so many fine links for places to look for bedroom accessories. I have found a beautiful rug and some fabrics that will be purchased as soon as I get the dental work all paid for....yuk.

Now, to follow up with part of the previous post from yesterday. I got to thinking about some new traditions. I read a really excellent article about how the number of people living alone is rising and they are all making new holiday traditions for themselves. That got me to thinking about the remainder of this year. We have quite a few: Labor Day, Patriot Day, Columbus Day, National Boss Day, Halloween, All Saint's Day, Daylight Savings Time Ends, Election Day, Veteran's Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas, and New Year's Eve. That is 12 holidays. Not to mention that I could celebrate each Full Moon too if I wanted. Why not?

Okay, how does this have anything to do with Tuesday Temptations? Well, let me tell you. I can do this to celebrate a holiday. I can do this to celebrate one as well. This has also crossed my mind for an idea as well. Since I actually do own an artificial tree and I have decorations, I though about this too. And why not this one year for Thanksgiving? And reuse those Fourth of July decorations and host a Veteran's Day party.

The more I thought, the more creative I got. Did you know that the Full Moons have things associated with them? Like these from this site. So why can't I host a party around one of them? Especially since as the moon rules my zodiac sign it is totally appropriate.

Instead of being more depressed about being alone on holidays, I can create new traditions and invite new friends to celebrate life with me. Will I miss the old traditions? Of course, I am human and I cling to memories from the past. But, realistically, I must continue to evolve and new traditions will help me with that evolution.

Now, share some of your holiday traditions with me so I can get some more ideas!

Brave New World

Yes, that is the title to a book by Aldous Huxley. I do not use it lightly. This is one of my favorite Dystopian novels. Check out this for more on the term dystopia. I use the title more to describe where I am in my evolution.

Yes, the separation is a kind of evolution for me. The definition of evolution can be best laid out here. The last 73 days have been the start of my self-discovery. It has been painful and joyful all at the same time. I must admit, as a person that really doesn't like to take too close of a look into my own psyche, I can honestly say that I have looked and it is not so bad.

I have discovered that I am very intelligent in many areas and lacking in others. Does that make me bad or weak? No, it leaves me room to grow and develop those areas. I have discovered that I am very eloquent and that writing seems to be an excellent outlet for me. I have discovered that once I looked into the mirror that I really did like the woman that stared back. I discovered that she is quite attractive and warm. She has an inner strength that she had forgotten. She is passionate and wants to share. She has much to offer and much to learn. She has also discovered that she needs to be more outgoing and let others learn about her, truly what makes her tick and not just what she wants them to know. She has also learned that it is safe to let others know her imperfections and that they will most likely love her just the same. I have learned that Mary Poppins is just a fictional character and that I cannot be her.

I have also discovered that it is important for me to be able to express myself and my wants and needs and expect that they will not be discounted or that I will not be called selfish and/or self-centered. I have learned that I am an excellent cook and that I like to cook when there is no pressure. I have a passion for new foods as well. I am getting fond of Moroccan food and I LOVE my clay pot cooker. I have also discovered that I like going to listen to good music and don't have to drink alcohol to enjoy the show. Actually, truth be told, I don't drink much at all any more. Not to say that I have sworn off it all together. I just decided that I don't need to be numb to enjoy life.

I have also learned that I need social interaction with people that share interests in what I like. Things like charity events, volunteering, music at local pubs, and dancing at Country Western night with people that actually know how a true two step and Waltz should be done to good Texas music. I have learned to be comfortable in my own skin and that my past should never be used against me in a hurtful way to win an argument.

I have learned that my family is no more dysfunctional than any other family and that I should not be made to feel that they way I was brought up is any less important than that of my partner. I have also learned that I cannot let a partner dictate how my life should unfold. If we are a team then there should be a "marriage" of everything. That would include social activities, friends, food, vacations, holidays, and beliefs on how we want to behave together. Letting one person dictate everything based upon the fact that they were brought up better than me is no longer an option. I have also learned that I want a partner that is proud of me for everything that makes me who I am, faults and all. That my imperfections and short-comings are not something that need to changed and that I should be loved in spite of myself.

I have learned that I have friends that are my friends through this wonderful word of blogging. Many of them have been the best life savers through this beginning of my evolution. Now that the butterfly is emerging from the chrysalis, she needs to unfurl her wings and let these special people know just how much they mean to her. Life is short and we need to share our souls and passions with those that dare to want to share.

Follow along and I will be the wind beneath each of your wings as well.

Thanks for listening.....

Tuesday Temptations

Okay...I know that today is Wednesday. I was home sick yesterday afternoon with one of the worst migraines I have had in such a very long time that I can't even remember it. Good news, I'm over that, but today I broke a back molar and now I will be getting a crown. Not to worry, it's all good.

So, without any further adieu, here is what I have for this week's temptations:

I have set my sights to make my bedroom a Moroccan inspired retreat. With that in mind, I need this, at least two of these, at least one of these, at least two of these, a few of these, this for the bed would be fab, a MUCH cheaper version of this, as many of these as I have room for, two of these, and some fabric like this to make throw pillows to complete the look. Just so you understand the way it should look, check this out.

I am trying to decide on an accent paint that the apartment will let me use, so I have to gather up all the fabrics and accessories and then I can make my final choice. The whole evolution of the room is so liberating. I am using colors that are so rich and vibrant but not so alive that they are not relaxing. The feel of the fabrics is supposed to be soothing and inviting. According to the culture of the Moroccan people, the bedroom is the retreat where you regain your inner energy. They utilize alot of very rich fabrics such as silk and they love heavy woods and wrought iron. The use mirrors and candles since the tents and all the furniture was traditionally transported as the tribes wandered with the herds.

I can't wait to hear what you all think. Also, if you have other suggestions, please let me know!

Movie Review

If you haven't had the chance to see the latest Batman movie, The Dark Knight, you need to get it in gear. I went last night with a friend and it was well worth if money. The special effects were amazing and the cast of actors in the film is unbelievable.

I will also add that Heath Ledger deserves every award and accolade the industry has to offer. His performance was amazing. No offense to Jack Nicholson's version of the Joker, but Heath's was beyond just a role. He was so submersed in the role.

Any how, I am not going to give any of it away, but if you liked the other Batman movies, you need to see this one. Michael Cain and Morgan Freeman were simply wonderful.

Two Thumbs up, as two thumbs are all I have!

News Flash!

Okay Hang!

Yes, we were spared the worse from the latest Hurricane/Tropical Storm. It has made the work week even more hectic, but at least we dodged a bullet!

Guess what! It is true. I am headed to the North for a visit via plane. More details will be available as it gets closer. It will also mean a contest. I am still working out the details, so be patient. I am SO excited.

Additionally, I am also thanking a special friend for connecting me to SparkPeople. I have gotten some really excellent tips and fabulous recipes. I am now safely into size 14's and I am elated. I hope to have a the Munchkin honor me with a photo shoot soon, and I will have to post one.

I also want to thank all of you for your support. I seem to be coming out of the dark and into the light so to speak. I am happier and healthier than ever before. I have self-confidence and a piece of mind that I haven't had in a long time. As a result, my knitting has kicked up a notch. In addition to the Pay-It-Forward gifts I have, two special people will also get bloggy surprise gifts because they have been so supportive.

I will try to return to the Tuesday Temptations within the next two weeks. Again, thank you all so much for your friendship and support. I am not done evolving, but it happens daily. For those of you that like music, listen to Max Stalling or Greg Trooper for some new songs. Especially "This I'd Do" and "From Dancing to a Waltz". I am also liking "It's Not My Time" by 3 Doors Down. I'm still searching for my new theme song, so if you have any suggestions, send them my way.

Have a great Friday. I am trying to get to see "The Dark Night" finally and I am also going to a charity basketball event. Be safe and enjoy you weekend!

Guess What?

Okay gang! I am feeling stronger and a little better. I have been working on a book and I am unable to share any more details at the moment. Just be happy and know that I also had to get a passport ASAP to go to Canada to see a publisher. I have a certain friend that I will also have to make time to visit while I am there. I will need to get some more Maple candy......

I have promised some pictures. As soon as Edouard passes, I'll post them and you will see the new car and the knitting that has actually taken place.

Stay happy, especially those of you near Chicago....more later my friends!