Look out people, Carolyn is a very grumpy girl today. . .
One of my favorite bloggers, The Creative Junkie, posted a very funny blog yesterday. It was about how she is so indecisive when it comes to making decisions on buying clothes and things for herself. I laughed till I snorted coffee out of my nose. And although it hurt like hell, I was also a little bit thankful, because it was minty and helped clear my sinuses out. But I digress. . .
Anyway, one of the things she bought during that whole Black Friday thing (which I avoid at all costs, but now I feel guilty because I didn't do my part to contribute to getting our economy back on track) was a designer bag. Like an adult bag. And I'm so jealous I could spit.
I have always wanted a designer handbag. A GROWNUP purse. I have never once owned one. All my bags come from (oh gosh this is so embarrassing), Target. Or Kohls. Or some other pathetic store that wouldn't know a designer handbag if it came up and poked it in the eye. Oh wait. Stores don't have eyes. Well the buyer for those stores wouldn't know if a designer bag came up and poked him in the eye. And notice I am saying that the buyer for Target is a guy. It must be. Why, you ask? Because if the buyer were a girl THEN TARGET WOULD SELL DESIGNER HANDBAGS. Can you tell I'm bitter?
It's sad when I go purse shopping. I only go once every ten years or something. And I only go when my previous purse either breaks, or when I finally notice that it is filthy and looks absolutely horrid. So I trudge over to Target. Don't even get me near the nice malls, because all I'll do is hold my broken or dirty purse in both hands and drool all over the beautiful Coach, Guess, and Kate Spade bags. Then security will ask me to leave. So like I say, I hike my ass over to Target and I start looking at all the bags. And because I only ever buy one purse at a time, I immediately cancel out any of the at least semi-cute colorful bags. Because I need either a black or a brown bag. So that it goes with everything. And so that it hides dirt well.
I look through and try to find one that is genuine leather. I am usually unsuccessful in this because, don't forget, I'm in Target. And if I do luck out and find a leather bag, it's more than the twelve dollars I am willing to shell out for it. It'll be like fifteen dollars. Whoa. Slow down there, Nellie. Don't want to break the bank or anything.
I finally find a bag (it's usually black), and guess what? It looks amazingly similar to the broken or dirty black bag in my hands. Sigh. Go to the register feeling depressed. Take black bag home. Switch contents over. Repeat in ten years.
So, I admit it. I totally want a really super nice designer handbag. And not the smallest one in the store because that's all I can't afford. (Yes, I said can't afford. Because even the micro-purse would probably go on the credit card. And that's just a big no-no in this house.) I want a nice decent sized bag. Something like this: My Dream Handbag. Siiiiiiiiiiiiiiigh.
Did you see how much it was? Holy cow! OK, maybe I'll take the black one. It's almost $200 less. And it would go with everything. But still. I totally want one. And honestly. It wouldn't have to be a Coach bag. I'd be happy with almost any grown up, real purse. With faux nothing on it. As long as it looked like it was in style and could have been bought somewhere other than Target or Kohls. Just sayin'.
So to my Creative Junkie friend, I hope you enjoy your lovely bag. Think of me from time to time when you go to open it. I'm off now to go into my living room and have a full-on temper tantrum. Then I have to clean the house. Good times.
Happy day folks!
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
A Good Thing. But Also A Bad Thing.
Soooooooo, after yesterdays blog post, I sat down and wrote a little more on my book. And I started to feel better. We had company last night for dinner - a friend of Jamey's (well and mine too!) - so once I got Joshua to bed, I had some more free time. And I decided to write again. I also received a lovely, encouraging comment from my buddy, Lisa, which cheered me immensely. (Thank you Lisa. And have I mentioned how much I love Peppermint Mocha creamer on here before?!?!?)
So I wrote some more. And guess what? I got some good momentum going! That was nice. It was so good that I didn't want to go to bed, but I made myself turn the computer off and go upstairs at 11pm. Then I lay in bed until sometime after 12am. Wiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiide awake. Thinking about the book (and a few other things). And guess what else? I had to go downstairs at some point during that hour to get a pad of paper and a pen to write down an idea. So pad of paper and pen now once again reside on my bedside table. And that was good, right?
But then - oh yes - it was bad. Around 4am, I woke up and had to go to the bathroom. I came back in and got back in bed. And then I had a lovely bout with my Restless Leg Syndrome. If you don't know what that is, it is an odd condition that lots of people have. It sounds weird, and to some, unbelievable even. But it's true! Google it if you don't believe me! My mom has it too. You can't get your legs comfortable. They don't hurt. But they are positioned one way and then you start to feel like, "I am uncomfortable. If I just move my legs to this position, that feeling will go away." So you move them. And they are OK for a minute. And then the irresistible urge to change positions comes again. Over and over again. It's not fun. Sigh. So once I finally got through that, I started dozing off.
And then the storm came. The wind and rain blew so hard that it woke me out of my dozing state. And Jamey got up (this was around 5am), because he was going to the gym for a spin class (yes, he is crazy). And I lay in bed listening to the storm. I was sure it was going to wake Jman up. But he slept right through it.
I, of course, did not sleep right through it. Instead, I got scared and went downstairs and turned on the news to watch the storm move through. I thought for sure we were going to have a tornado.
Living in Texas, we had lots of scary storms. The silliest three stories I have about Texas and its weather are as follows:
When we first found out we were moving to Texas, I said something to Jamey about tornadoes. He assured me that Texas did not get that many. So after we moved there, Jamey and I went in to get our insurance stuff taken care of. And we are talking to the agent and I am super surprised that the cost is so much higher than in Richmond. I'm talking about four times as much! And I ask why. And the guy says, "Well we have a good amount of hail damage. But the real issue we have is tornadoes." And I can see Jamey out of the corner of my eye wildly making the "cut across the throat" gesture in an effort to get him to shut up. And I look at the guy and say, "I thought Texas didn't get many tornadoes?" And the guy says (I think I'm quoting verbatim here. . .) "Well little lady, actually, you are now living in the tornado capital of the world!" And he says it like he's all proud of himself and this fact! Needless to say, Jamey was busted, and I was not happy. Should have been our first clue that we would want to come back home to Richmond the first chance we got.
When we moved into our house in Fort Worth, we lived at the end of a cul-de-sac. And we had an entire wall of windows in our family room. You could see the storms approaching. It was like a wall of weather. Really cool and pretty informative if you are a storm chaser. Not really for a girl who is now not happy to know she is living in the tornado capital of the world. (The WORLD, people.) And we hadn't been in the house all that long. Jamey had gone out of town on business. He was a purchasing manager for Carmax at the time, and he went to the Denver Auto Auction every week. And so this one particular week, he was gone and it's starting to storm and I hear what sounds like a siren. And it's loud. So I go outside and I am standing in my driveway. And I'm looking around, but I don't see any rescue squads, police cars or fire trucks anywhere. And I am still looking around, and then my neighbor across the street, who happens to be a native Texan, opens his front door a little. And he's shouting at me like he's mad. Like he's mad at me. He says, "WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING?" And I say, quite innocently and politely, I might add, "What are all those sirens about?" And he looks at me like I am crazy, and then he says, no - he shouts again, "THOSE ARE THE TORNADO SIRENS! THAT MEANS THERE IS A TORNADO CLOSE BY! GO INSIDE NOW!!!!!"
You can imagine the look of surprise on my face. I am sure he will probably never forget it. I run inside and slam the door and the only thing I can remember about tornadoes is to be in an interior room. So I grab Harley, and I go into our guest bathroom. And lucky for me, about the time I get in there, the sirens stop. That was a fun day.
And so the last story kind of ties in with the previous story. Jamey went to that same auction every week. And for the next month, on the night he was gone, we would have the same type of storm go through. And funnily enough, there were three other ladies on our street who either had a husband who was out that night, or they didn't have a husband. And I would have the same conversation with all these ladies. It would go like this:
Them - "Where are you right now?"
Me - "I am in my bathtub, in the hall bathroom with Harley. Where are you?"
Them - "I am in my coat closet. The dog is in here with me. He's slobbering and it's hot. He's panting."
Me - "Come down here. My bathroom is big enough that I could fit a couple more people in here and it wouldn't be so hot."
Them - "No. I'm too scared. You come down here."
Me - "How are you going to fit another person and a dog into your coat closet? Besides, I'm scared too. By the way, this bathtub is really uncomfortable. I'm hungry. I think I have room to fit a little fridge in here for next week so I can have snacks."
And it would go around and around to each house till we'd all talked to each other and the storms were over.
I finally told Jamey that since he was the purchasing manager, he had to find someone else to go to that auction because I was tired of being home by myself in those storms. So he did that. And guess what? We never had another storm on that night of the week after that. Nice.
So there are my Texas tornado stories. Good times. Hope you enjoyed the humor in them. Me? Not so much. . .
Have a great, tornado free day. And in the spirit of Texas, y'all come back now, y'eah?
So I wrote some more. And guess what? I got some good momentum going! That was nice. It was so good that I didn't want to go to bed, but I made myself turn the computer off and go upstairs at 11pm. Then I lay in bed until sometime after 12am. Wiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiide awake. Thinking about the book (and a few other things). And guess what else? I had to go downstairs at some point during that hour to get a pad of paper and a pen to write down an idea. So pad of paper and pen now once again reside on my bedside table. And that was good, right?
But then - oh yes - it was bad. Around 4am, I woke up and had to go to the bathroom. I came back in and got back in bed. And then I had a lovely bout with my Restless Leg Syndrome. If you don't know what that is, it is an odd condition that lots of people have. It sounds weird, and to some, unbelievable even. But it's true! Google it if you don't believe me! My mom has it too. You can't get your legs comfortable. They don't hurt. But they are positioned one way and then you start to feel like, "I am uncomfortable. If I just move my legs to this position, that feeling will go away." So you move them. And they are OK for a minute. And then the irresistible urge to change positions comes again. Over and over again. It's not fun. Sigh. So once I finally got through that, I started dozing off.
And then the storm came. The wind and rain blew so hard that it woke me out of my dozing state. And Jamey got up (this was around 5am), because he was going to the gym for a spin class (yes, he is crazy). And I lay in bed listening to the storm. I was sure it was going to wake Jman up. But he slept right through it.
I, of course, did not sleep right through it. Instead, I got scared and went downstairs and turned on the news to watch the storm move through. I thought for sure we were going to have a tornado.
Living in Texas, we had lots of scary storms. The silliest three stories I have about Texas and its weather are as follows:
When we first found out we were moving to Texas, I said something to Jamey about tornadoes. He assured me that Texas did not get that many. So after we moved there, Jamey and I went in to get our insurance stuff taken care of. And we are talking to the agent and I am super surprised that the cost is so much higher than in Richmond. I'm talking about four times as much! And I ask why. And the guy says, "Well we have a good amount of hail damage. But the real issue we have is tornadoes." And I can see Jamey out of the corner of my eye wildly making the "cut across the throat" gesture in an effort to get him to shut up. And I look at the guy and say, "I thought Texas didn't get many tornadoes?" And the guy says (I think I'm quoting verbatim here. . .) "Well little lady, actually, you are now living in the tornado capital of the world!" And he says it like he's all proud of himself and this fact! Needless to say, Jamey was busted, and I was not happy. Should have been our first clue that we would want to come back home to Richmond the first chance we got.
When we moved into our house in Fort Worth, we lived at the end of a cul-de-sac. And we had an entire wall of windows in our family room. You could see the storms approaching. It was like a wall of weather. Really cool and pretty informative if you are a storm chaser. Not really for a girl who is now not happy to know she is living in the tornado capital of the world. (The WORLD, people.) And we hadn't been in the house all that long. Jamey had gone out of town on business. He was a purchasing manager for Carmax at the time, and he went to the Denver Auto Auction every week. And so this one particular week, he was gone and it's starting to storm and I hear what sounds like a siren. And it's loud. So I go outside and I am standing in my driveway. And I'm looking around, but I don't see any rescue squads, police cars or fire trucks anywhere. And I am still looking around, and then my neighbor across the street, who happens to be a native Texan, opens his front door a little. And he's shouting at me like he's mad. Like he's mad at me. He says, "WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING?" And I say, quite innocently and politely, I might add, "What are all those sirens about?" And he looks at me like I am crazy, and then he says, no - he shouts again, "THOSE ARE THE TORNADO SIRENS! THAT MEANS THERE IS A TORNADO CLOSE BY! GO INSIDE NOW!!!!!"
You can imagine the look of surprise on my face. I am sure he will probably never forget it. I run inside and slam the door and the only thing I can remember about tornadoes is to be in an interior room. So I grab Harley, and I go into our guest bathroom. And lucky for me, about the time I get in there, the sirens stop. That was a fun day.
And so the last story kind of ties in with the previous story. Jamey went to that same auction every week. And for the next month, on the night he was gone, we would have the same type of storm go through. And funnily enough, there were three other ladies on our street who either had a husband who was out that night, or they didn't have a husband. And I would have the same conversation with all these ladies. It would go like this:
Them - "Where are you right now?"
Me - "I am in my bathtub, in the hall bathroom with Harley. Where are you?"
Them - "I am in my coat closet. The dog is in here with me. He's slobbering and it's hot. He's panting."
Me - "Come down here. My bathroom is big enough that I could fit a couple more people in here and it wouldn't be so hot."
Them - "No. I'm too scared. You come down here."
Me - "How are you going to fit another person and a dog into your coat closet? Besides, I'm scared too. By the way, this bathtub is really uncomfortable. I'm hungry. I think I have room to fit a little fridge in here for next week so I can have snacks."
And it would go around and around to each house till we'd all talked to each other and the storms were over.
I finally told Jamey that since he was the purchasing manager, he had to find someone else to go to that auction because I was tired of being home by myself in those storms. So he did that. And guess what? We never had another storm on that night of the week after that. Nice.
So there are my Texas tornado stories. Good times. Hope you enjoyed the humor in them. Me? Not so much. . .
Have a great, tornado free day. And in the spirit of Texas, y'all come back now, y'eah?
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Writing Can Be SOOO Hard!
Today I am taking a minute to talk about how my writing is going. . .and well. . .it's not really.
I have been working on my second book. I haven't forgotten about the first book, I promise. I have it ready to enter that contest I told you all about. Mostly anyway. But I figure since I had the urge to write on the second one I should start, right?
And it's been harder. Much harder than the first one. With the first one, I couldn't keep the words from popping into my brain. I would write almost all the time. If I wasn't sitting in front of the computer, I would be writing on my blackberry. (And trying to play with my son at the same time. That's not easy.) Or writing on a scrap of paper I kept by my bed. I'd sneak into the bathroom with an idea, close the door, turn on the light, and write down the basics so I wouldn't forget it. I had future pieces/parts of my first book that I'd have to write down because they wouldn't leave me alone. Then later I'd join them together with the rest of the book. I mean, it was like I was glued to some device with a keyboard.
This book has been more difficult for me. I start. Sometimes I only get a page or two out. I stop. I look at the screen. Ideas don't pop into my head at all kinds of crazy times. I don't need a scrap of paper by my bed this time.
Is this bad? I have no idea. I just know the process for this one is so much different than the first. I will say that I think this one is better than my first. And that's a good thing, right? I am trying not to panic. I am trying to let myself enjoy the process. But when the words and ideas don't come quite as easily, it is sometimes not really fun. But I want to keep doing it. I still enjoy it overall.
I also have found myself going back to look at my first book again. Edit a little. Read pieces of it. Tweak it. I feel like that is good. Because if I am lucky enough to have it selected as a finalist in this contest, then I want the rest of the book to be in good shape. The first 50 pages are ready. I am going to submit it by next week. But when I go back and look at the first book, it makes me wish for the second book to come as easily. I don't know if I should wish for that. What do you think?
I also am going through some challenges in my personal life. And I think this is affecting how I am writing right now. Holidays, family health issues, and other things are causing me some anxiety. So maybe that is not helping my writing brain. I am a little depressed. I would so like to have my book (either one of them) published. And I don't know if they ever will be. And that is hard. Because you work so hard on them, and what if it is all for "nothing"?
I know it's not really for nothing. I can enjoy them for myself. But, like most any other writer out there, I really want to share it with others. I want others to want to read it and enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it. And the thought that it might not happen, well that's a big downer.
So I am sorry that my post is a bit whiny and depressing today. But it helps to get that out. If I can't be honest with you fine people, then who can I be honest with? :) Thanks for listening. . .
I have been working on my second book. I haven't forgotten about the first book, I promise. I have it ready to enter that contest I told you all about. Mostly anyway. But I figure since I had the urge to write on the second one I should start, right?
And it's been harder. Much harder than the first one. With the first one, I couldn't keep the words from popping into my brain. I would write almost all the time. If I wasn't sitting in front of the computer, I would be writing on my blackberry. (And trying to play with my son at the same time. That's not easy.) Or writing on a scrap of paper I kept by my bed. I'd sneak into the bathroom with an idea, close the door, turn on the light, and write down the basics so I wouldn't forget it. I had future pieces/parts of my first book that I'd have to write down because they wouldn't leave me alone. Then later I'd join them together with the rest of the book. I mean, it was like I was glued to some device with a keyboard.
This book has been more difficult for me. I start. Sometimes I only get a page or two out. I stop. I look at the screen. Ideas don't pop into my head at all kinds of crazy times. I don't need a scrap of paper by my bed this time.
Is this bad? I have no idea. I just know the process for this one is so much different than the first. I will say that I think this one is better than my first. And that's a good thing, right? I am trying not to panic. I am trying to let myself enjoy the process. But when the words and ideas don't come quite as easily, it is sometimes not really fun. But I want to keep doing it. I still enjoy it overall.
I also have found myself going back to look at my first book again. Edit a little. Read pieces of it. Tweak it. I feel like that is good. Because if I am lucky enough to have it selected as a finalist in this contest, then I want the rest of the book to be in good shape. The first 50 pages are ready. I am going to submit it by next week. But when I go back and look at the first book, it makes me wish for the second book to come as easily. I don't know if I should wish for that. What do you think?
I also am going through some challenges in my personal life. And I think this is affecting how I am writing right now. Holidays, family health issues, and other things are causing me some anxiety. So maybe that is not helping my writing brain. I am a little depressed. I would so like to have my book (either one of them) published. And I don't know if they ever will be. And that is hard. Because you work so hard on them, and what if it is all for "nothing"?
I know it's not really for nothing. I can enjoy them for myself. But, like most any other writer out there, I really want to share it with others. I want others to want to read it and enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it. And the thought that it might not happen, well that's a big downer.
So I am sorry that my post is a bit whiny and depressing today. But it helps to get that out. If I can't be honest with you fine people, then who can I be honest with? :) Thanks for listening. . .
Monday, November 29, 2010
I Just LOVE Good Deeds. Don't You?
I apologize for being away for so long. It was busy leading up to and over the Thanksgiving weekend. But I am back now, and I can't wait to write my blog today.
I was thinking all weekend about my "Thankful" list. And I realized that I didn't put something else on there. The way I got to it was thinking about good deeds. I've done a few in my life. And I was thinking about those. But then I got to thinking about stuff that others have done for me. And I realize that people can be pretty darn nice.
I personally like the good deeds that I've done that I haven't really told anybody else about. Like the time I. . .aaaahhhhhh! Gotcha! But seriously. Don't you think those are really the best? Good deeds are all about paying it forward. My parents have done some super good deeds (and no I won't name them because they aren't braggers about it. And in fact, I didn't know about some of the things they've done until I was an adult. Like in the last couple of years even.) And so I hope to carry it on for them, and one day I'll tell Joshua so he can do the same.
Now I can tell you some of the things people have done for me that I consider to be above and beyond in kindness. If we all did stuff like this, not for recognition, but because we all recognize that we are human beings, and we need to be nice to each other, think about where we'd be. Here are just a very few good deeds that were done for me to show you what I mean.
Grocery Store Lines
This has happened to me several times. Particularly when Joshua was a baby. A screaming crying baby. And I'm at the grocery store. And I know he's hungry. And I am doing everything I can to keep him calm and quiet, but it's hard. I'm struggling. And guess what? The person in front of me lets me go first. And OK, maybe they are doing it so they don't have to hear the fussing, but I still totally consider that a good deed. I have always been so appreciative of people who have done that for me.
The Aquarium Coin
When Joshua started preschool last year, we had just gotten back from the Outer Banks. And while we were there, one of the things we did was go to the North Carolina Aquarium. They have one of those machines there where you can put 51 cents in, and then you pick a design and it presses the penny into a little keepsake of your time there. And Joshua wanted to do one. So I dug through my purse and found 51 cents, and Joshua made a coin. He was so excited. So excited in fact, that he wanted to take it to school to share. And so he put it in his bag and took it to school.
When he came home, guess what? No coin. We looked through his bag again. Not there. I asked his teachers about it the next day. They asked around and looked around, but they couldn't find it. Joshua was so very disappointed. So I went on Facebook. I posted and asked if anyone was going to the Outer Banks, and more specifically, the aquarium, and if they were, could they please bring back one of those coins. A very lovely couple, Mr. and Mrs. Colavita (lovingly known as Mr. and Mrs. C. to Jamey and me), said they would be going very soon, and that they would be happy to get Joshua a new coin.
Now let me just tell you. Mr. and Mrs. C. had no reason at all to go alllllllll the way to the aquarium. It's a good drive away from their cottage. And I was afraid (and still am afraid) that they would have to pay to get in just to get a coin. But they swear they didn't. They drove all the way from their cottage down to Manteo just to get Joshua his coin. They say that they explained the situation and the aquarium folks let them in to make the coin. Two in fact. But all that time and effort, just to get a coin for a little boy? So nice. Joshua was thrilled. He still has those coins. THAT is a good deed.
But here is my favorite. . .
Flat Tire
So Jamey and I lived in Texas for a couple of years. And our first dog, Harley, was there too. And it was time for Harley's regular checkup. I did not have a job yet. Jamey was working, and he was a pretty good drive away from the apartment we were living in when we first moved there.
I get in the car and get Harley in the car, and we pull out from the apartment. It's a short drive from the apartment to the veterinarian's office. It's raining like gangbusters. I mean it was some serious rain. And I have to get on I-20. Only for a few minutes. But the traffic on I-20 is hellacious. And just as I'm gaining speed I hear it. Thump thump thump thump. Flat tire. Are you kidding me?
I pull over. I am a wreck because I have Harley in the car and I am afraid he'll get out when I get out to change the tire. So I'm really careful, and manage to get out of the car. I look at it, and I know I have to change it. I've never changed a tire in my life. But I go around to the trunk to get out the spare and the jack thingie, and as I do, I see a car pulling up behind me. Now I'm nervous. Who is this? I see a lady in the passenger side of the car and I can just make out a car seat with a kid in the back, and then a guy gets out of the driver's side. He comes up to me and says, "Hi. Get in the car. I'll change your tire for you."
I'm like - "What? I can't let you do that." And he says, "Absolutely you can. Please get in." So I turn and get in the car and I swear it starts raining even harder. And the guy. . .an absolute stranger. . .changes my tire for me. I'm in a nice warm car and he's in the cold,cold rain getting absolutely soaked, and he changes my tire. He comes up to my window when it's done. I have rummaged in my purse and gathered up all the money I have, which I think was only about $25, but I open the window and try to hand it to him. And he says, "You are all set. I don't want your money. I'd hate it if I knew my wife was on the side of a busy highway in the rain trying to change a tire and no one stopped to help her. Have a great day." And I try to yell after him, but he just smiles and waves and then turns back around and gets in the car. He sits there and I finally roll my window up. He is waiting for me to drive off. So I shake my head and get going. And that was it.
I have no idea who this guy was. But I am still thankful to him. How nice was that? Of course I told Jamey when he got home. And I could tell that Jamey really appreciated it. THAT is DEFINITELY a good deed. Thank you again Texas Tire Dude!
I have more good deeds done for me that I could share. But let's face it. I don't have enough room to write them all in here. You'd be reading for weeks. Heyyyyyyy. . .maybe that's a whole book idea. Hmmmmmm. . . Anyway.
So please. . .let's all start doing good deeds. Whatever we can. And not in the spirit of the holiday season that is upon us. Let's do it because it is the right thing to do. Because we are all human beings and we all deserve to be treated well. And let's do them often. And let's not tell anybody about them. That's the best kind. shhhhhhhhh. . .
I was thinking all weekend about my "Thankful" list. And I realized that I didn't put something else on there. The way I got to it was thinking about good deeds. I've done a few in my life. And I was thinking about those. But then I got to thinking about stuff that others have done for me. And I realize that people can be pretty darn nice.
I personally like the good deeds that I've done that I haven't really told anybody else about. Like the time I. . .aaaahhhhhh! Gotcha! But seriously. Don't you think those are really the best? Good deeds are all about paying it forward. My parents have done some super good deeds (and no I won't name them because they aren't braggers about it. And in fact, I didn't know about some of the things they've done until I was an adult. Like in the last couple of years even.) And so I hope to carry it on for them, and one day I'll tell Joshua so he can do the same.
Now I can tell you some of the things people have done for me that I consider to be above and beyond in kindness. If we all did stuff like this, not for recognition, but because we all recognize that we are human beings, and we need to be nice to each other, think about where we'd be. Here are just a very few good deeds that were done for me to show you what I mean.
Grocery Store Lines
This has happened to me several times. Particularly when Joshua was a baby. A screaming crying baby. And I'm at the grocery store. And I know he's hungry. And I am doing everything I can to keep him calm and quiet, but it's hard. I'm struggling. And guess what? The person in front of me lets me go first. And OK, maybe they are doing it so they don't have to hear the fussing, but I still totally consider that a good deed. I have always been so appreciative of people who have done that for me.
The Aquarium Coin
When Joshua started preschool last year, we had just gotten back from the Outer Banks. And while we were there, one of the things we did was go to the North Carolina Aquarium. They have one of those machines there where you can put 51 cents in, and then you pick a design and it presses the penny into a little keepsake of your time there. And Joshua wanted to do one. So I dug through my purse and found 51 cents, and Joshua made a coin. He was so excited. So excited in fact, that he wanted to take it to school to share. And so he put it in his bag and took it to school.
When he came home, guess what? No coin. We looked through his bag again. Not there. I asked his teachers about it the next day. They asked around and looked around, but they couldn't find it. Joshua was so very disappointed. So I went on Facebook. I posted and asked if anyone was going to the Outer Banks, and more specifically, the aquarium, and if they were, could they please bring back one of those coins. A very lovely couple, Mr. and Mrs. Colavita (lovingly known as Mr. and Mrs. C. to Jamey and me), said they would be going very soon, and that they would be happy to get Joshua a new coin.
Now let me just tell you. Mr. and Mrs. C. had no reason at all to go alllllllll the way to the aquarium. It's a good drive away from their cottage. And I was afraid (and still am afraid) that they would have to pay to get in just to get a coin. But they swear they didn't. They drove all the way from their cottage down to Manteo just to get Joshua his coin. They say that they explained the situation and the aquarium folks let them in to make the coin. Two in fact. But all that time and effort, just to get a coin for a little boy? So nice. Joshua was thrilled. He still has those coins. THAT is a good deed.
But here is my favorite. . .
Flat Tire
So Jamey and I lived in Texas for a couple of years. And our first dog, Harley, was there too. And it was time for Harley's regular checkup. I did not have a job yet. Jamey was working, and he was a pretty good drive away from the apartment we were living in when we first moved there.
I get in the car and get Harley in the car, and we pull out from the apartment. It's a short drive from the apartment to the veterinarian's office. It's raining like gangbusters. I mean it was some serious rain. And I have to get on I-20. Only for a few minutes. But the traffic on I-20 is hellacious. And just as I'm gaining speed I hear it. Thump thump thump thump. Flat tire. Are you kidding me?
I pull over. I am a wreck because I have Harley in the car and I am afraid he'll get out when I get out to change the tire. So I'm really careful, and manage to get out of the car. I look at it, and I know I have to change it. I've never changed a tire in my life. But I go around to the trunk to get out the spare and the jack thingie, and as I do, I see a car pulling up behind me. Now I'm nervous. Who is this? I see a lady in the passenger side of the car and I can just make out a car seat with a kid in the back, and then a guy gets out of the driver's side. He comes up to me and says, "Hi. Get in the car. I'll change your tire for you."
I'm like - "What? I can't let you do that." And he says, "Absolutely you can. Please get in." So I turn and get in the car and I swear it starts raining even harder. And the guy. . .an absolute stranger. . .changes my tire for me. I'm in a nice warm car and he's in the cold,cold rain getting absolutely soaked, and he changes my tire. He comes up to my window when it's done. I have rummaged in my purse and gathered up all the money I have, which I think was only about $25, but I open the window and try to hand it to him. And he says, "You are all set. I don't want your money. I'd hate it if I knew my wife was on the side of a busy highway in the rain trying to change a tire and no one stopped to help her. Have a great day." And I try to yell after him, but he just smiles and waves and then turns back around and gets in the car. He sits there and I finally roll my window up. He is waiting for me to drive off. So I shake my head and get going. And that was it.
I have no idea who this guy was. But I am still thankful to him. How nice was that? Of course I told Jamey when he got home. And I could tell that Jamey really appreciated it. THAT is DEFINITELY a good deed. Thank you again Texas Tire Dude!
I have more good deeds done for me that I could share. But let's face it. I don't have enough room to write them all in here. You'd be reading for weeks. Heyyyyyyy. . .maybe that's a whole book idea. Hmmmmmm. . . Anyway.
So please. . .let's all start doing good deeds. Whatever we can. And not in the spirit of the holiday season that is upon us. Let's do it because it is the right thing to do. Because we are all human beings and we all deserve to be treated well. And let's do them often. And let's not tell anybody about them. That's the best kind. shhhhhhhhh. . .
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Things I Am Thankful For
OK, so in light of the fact that it is the day before Thanksgiving, and because I know myself well enough to know that I will probably not be coming on here tomorrow to post because, let's face it, it is going to be very busy, I thought I would write a post today. And also because it is Thanksgiving tomorrow, doesn't it just make sense to do a "Thankful for" list? Of course it does.
And so I am going to write one right now. Some of them may be a little silly. And some are not. I hope you enjoy my list. I also hope you have one of your own.
I am thankful for. . .
1. Evite. It makes invitation giving so easy.
2. Books. I love reading.
3. Curious George Movies. Well the one on PBS this morning. Cos I got to snuggle with Joshua while we watched it.
4. The beach.
5. Secret hiding spots for my stamps.
6. Online Bill Pay.
7. Thanksgiving meals. Specifically turkey, gravy, mashed potatoes, candied sweet potatoes, stuffing and pumpkin pie.
8. Coffee.
9. Ranch Dressing.
10. Ice Cream.
11. Catalogs, newspapers, and real estate magazines and those who sneak them to me.
12. Bad Bean Taqueria.
13. Blogs.
14. Yummy smelling shampoos, conditioners and bath soaps.
15. Scrub free shower cleanser and toilet bowl cleanser.
16. Cameras and Video Recorders. They capture so many good memories.
17. My kitchen aid mixer.
18. Christmas decorations.
19. Christmas cookies.
20. Coloring books and crayons.
21. Facebook.
22. Lollipops and free cookies at the grocery store to keep a little boy entertained during big shopping days.
23. Target.
24. Goody bags at triathlons and races.
25. Ginger Peach tea.
26. Screened in Porches.
27. Really good coupons, or get something absolutely free/no purchase necessary offers.
28. Really great haircuts.
29. Landing safely after flying. (WHEW.)
30. Restaurant gift certificates.
And now that I've listed out some of my sillier things I'm thankful for, I'll tell you what I am really thankful for. I am thankful that I have an absolutely fabulous set of parents. They really are so fabulous that I could never express it well enough here, so you'll just have to take my word for it.
I am thankful for my sister, even if we don't get to get together that frequently, and I hope that changes.
I am thankful that I have a great bunch of friends right here in my neighborhood. Y'all rock!
I am thankful for my BFF, Yvette. She is so awesome, and I pray every day that we won't always live so far away from each other. Love you big, girlfriend!
I am thankful to infinity and beyond that Jamey convinced me to have a baby. Because Joshua is such a joy to have in my life that I could cry with happiness every time I think of him.
I am thankful for Jamey. We have made it through some pretty tough times over the past almost 14 years of marriage. And I know we are in for more tough times. But the good times overshadow the tough times so much that it absolutely makes it all worth it. I am thankful that I choose to be married to a great man every day.
I am thankful that we have a warm house, food on the table every day and, although they might not be very stylish, clothes to put on our backs each day.
I am thankful that my little boy has a cozy bed with lots of babies in it to keep him company each night.
I am thankful that we were lucky enough to be born in a country that we don't have to be afraid to live in. We might get irritated with our leaders, but I don't think many of us realize how truly lucky we are to live here. I include myself in this.
I am thankful that we are healthy. Both physically, and somewhat emotionally.
I am thankful that I have found a love for writing this year. And I am thankful that some of you enjoy reading what I write.
I am thankful that I have a church where I don't have to hide how I feel and pretend that things are "fine" when they might not be. It is a community of real support. And I am most thankful that I have learned and continue to see that God loves me. Wherever I am in my journey.
Happy Thanksgiving.
And so I am going to write one right now. Some of them may be a little silly. And some are not. I hope you enjoy my list. I also hope you have one of your own.
I am thankful for. . .
1. Evite. It makes invitation giving so easy.
2. Books. I love reading.
3. Curious George Movies. Well the one on PBS this morning. Cos I got to snuggle with Joshua while we watched it.
4. The beach.
5. Secret hiding spots for my stamps.
6. Online Bill Pay.
7. Thanksgiving meals. Specifically turkey, gravy, mashed potatoes, candied sweet potatoes, stuffing and pumpkin pie.
8. Coffee.
9. Ranch Dressing.
10. Ice Cream.
11. Catalogs, newspapers, and real estate magazines and those who sneak them to me.
12. Bad Bean Taqueria.
13. Blogs.
14. Yummy smelling shampoos, conditioners and bath soaps.
15. Scrub free shower cleanser and toilet bowl cleanser.
16. Cameras and Video Recorders. They capture so many good memories.
17. My kitchen aid mixer.
18. Christmas decorations.
19. Christmas cookies.
20. Coloring books and crayons.
21. Facebook.
22. Lollipops and free cookies at the grocery store to keep a little boy entertained during big shopping days.
23. Target.
24. Goody bags at triathlons and races.
25. Ginger Peach tea.
26. Screened in Porches.
27. Really good coupons, or get something absolutely free/no purchase necessary offers.
28. Really great haircuts.
29. Landing safely after flying. (WHEW.)
30. Restaurant gift certificates.
And now that I've listed out some of my sillier things I'm thankful for, I'll tell you what I am really thankful for. I am thankful that I have an absolutely fabulous set of parents. They really are so fabulous that I could never express it well enough here, so you'll just have to take my word for it.
I am thankful for my sister, even if we don't get to get together that frequently, and I hope that changes.
I am thankful that I have a great bunch of friends right here in my neighborhood. Y'all rock!
I am thankful for my BFF, Yvette. She is so awesome, and I pray every day that we won't always live so far away from each other. Love you big, girlfriend!
I am thankful to infinity and beyond that Jamey convinced me to have a baby. Because Joshua is such a joy to have in my life that I could cry with happiness every time I think of him.
I am thankful for Jamey. We have made it through some pretty tough times over the past almost 14 years of marriage. And I know we are in for more tough times. But the good times overshadow the tough times so much that it absolutely makes it all worth it. I am thankful that I choose to be married to a great man every day.
I am thankful that we have a warm house, food on the table every day and, although they might not be very stylish, clothes to put on our backs each day.
I am thankful that my little boy has a cozy bed with lots of babies in it to keep him company each night.
I am thankful that we were lucky enough to be born in a country that we don't have to be afraid to live in. We might get irritated with our leaders, but I don't think many of us realize how truly lucky we are to live here. I include myself in this.
I am thankful that we are healthy. Both physically, and somewhat emotionally.
I am thankful that I have found a love for writing this year. And I am thankful that some of you enjoy reading what I write.
I am thankful that I have a church where I don't have to hide how I feel and pretend that things are "fine" when they might not be. It is a community of real support. And I am most thankful that I have learned and continue to see that God loves me. Wherever I am in my journey.
Happy Thanksgiving.
Monday, November 22, 2010
OK, Fine. I Have Some Peculiar Habits I Guess. (OCD Maybe?)
First of all, I wrote a post about my beautiful sleepy boy over the weekend. Hardly anybody has read it. And I love it. So please go read it.
Real quick, we decorated for Christmas yesterday. I know it's a little early, but we have a lovely guest coming for Thanksgiving dinner, and so I wanted it to be done before she got here. Plus, we are the type that are itching to take the decorations down, like, the day after Christmas. So we need to put them up earlier to enjoy them.
However, I am on edge until after Christmas this year. We bought our pre-lit Christmas tree, ohhhhh let's seeeeee. . .I think in 2000? So it's going on its 10th year. And the pine needles all over the floor are impossible. It is shedding worse than a real tree that hasn't been watered for the entire Christmas season. And those pre-lit lights? Well I am waiting with nervous knots in my stomach till after Christmas. Because three separate rows of branches had massive portions that did not light up when I plugged them in. They finally flickered on; however, that does not bode well for the remainder of the season. Hopefully it will last, and then we have to think about getting a new one. Anyone like to go shopping the day after Christmas? And if you do, would you pick us up a new Christmas tree? I'll give you the money and everything. Thanks.
So we were at church on Saturday night and I got to talking with a friend of mine. She was upset because someone was sitting in her and her husband's seats. Now, I know that we are supposed to be good Christians and should be happy that there are new faces coming to our church and all, but I knew exactly what she was talking about. As a church, we talk about how we all don't like change. It is scary and uncomfortable, but it is also necessary for transformation.
That said, I can relate to her. I have scared people out of "our seats" just by "teasing them" about it. Because frankly, those are my seats. I'm OCD that way. I can't help it. There are lots of things I can't control in my life. But if I don't get to sit in my same seat at church on Saturday nights, I'm really kind of cranky. I know this is not making a good showing for my Christianity, but I am just trying to be honest and real. I recognize it is a large character defect of mine. I'm working on it, OK?
Want another example? Years and years ago, when Jamey and I were just dating, we were paying bills together. He had brought his over to the apartment I shared with my good friend Jen, and we sat there doing our own bills when he asked me for a stamp. I handed him the book of stamps I had with all my stuff. I watched as he started to take one out of the book. On the wrong side. So I said, "Jamey, please take it out in order." He looked at me like I was crazy. "What do you mean?" he said. So, I showed him how on the other side I had taken one row out already, and then I said that he needed to take the one on the left in the next row. And he started laughing at me. And then he did something truly horrible.
He flipped over the book of stamps, and he took one directly out of the middle of the book.
I immediately grabbed the book of stamps back and also the stamp he had taken out. I proceeded to line it up perfectly and put it back in the book. (Although that book of stamps was ruined now, as far as I was concerned, but I was poor so I had to use it up.) I asked him how many he needed (in a not very nice voice). And he was all, like, "Are you kidding me?" and laughing even harder now. Which made me even more angry. Then he realized I was quite serious. And he stopped laughing. I think I scared him a little. Kind of like the people I teased about sitting in our seats. Anyway, so now, some fifteen or sixteen years later, he still has to ask me for stamps. And I get them from their little secret hiding place and will give him however many he needs.
Is that wrong?
I don't think so.
Do you all do anything like that? I will not apologize for it or think I'm crazy. Stamps need to come out in the right order!!!! And there should be assigned seating at church. That's all there is to it. :)
Real quick, we decorated for Christmas yesterday. I know it's a little early, but we have a lovely guest coming for Thanksgiving dinner, and so I wanted it to be done before she got here. Plus, we are the type that are itching to take the decorations down, like, the day after Christmas. So we need to put them up earlier to enjoy them.
However, I am on edge until after Christmas this year. We bought our pre-lit Christmas tree, ohhhhh let's seeeeee. . .I think in 2000? So it's going on its 10th year. And the pine needles all over the floor are impossible. It is shedding worse than a real tree that hasn't been watered for the entire Christmas season. And those pre-lit lights? Well I am waiting with nervous knots in my stomach till after Christmas. Because three separate rows of branches had massive portions that did not light up when I plugged them in. They finally flickered on; however, that does not bode well for the remainder of the season. Hopefully it will last, and then we have to think about getting a new one. Anyone like to go shopping the day after Christmas? And if you do, would you pick us up a new Christmas tree? I'll give you the money and everything. Thanks.
So we were at church on Saturday night and I got to talking with a friend of mine. She was upset because someone was sitting in her and her husband's seats. Now, I know that we are supposed to be good Christians and should be happy that there are new faces coming to our church and all, but I knew exactly what she was talking about. As a church, we talk about how we all don't like change. It is scary and uncomfortable, but it is also necessary for transformation.
That said, I can relate to her. I have scared people out of "our seats" just by "teasing them" about it. Because frankly, those are my seats. I'm OCD that way. I can't help it. There are lots of things I can't control in my life. But if I don't get to sit in my same seat at church on Saturday nights, I'm really kind of cranky. I know this is not making a good showing for my Christianity, but I am just trying to be honest and real. I recognize it is a large character defect of mine. I'm working on it, OK?
Want another example? Years and years ago, when Jamey and I were just dating, we were paying bills together. He had brought his over to the apartment I shared with my good friend Jen, and we sat there doing our own bills when he asked me for a stamp. I handed him the book of stamps I had with all my stuff. I watched as he started to take one out of the book. On the wrong side. So I said, "Jamey, please take it out in order." He looked at me like I was crazy. "What do you mean?" he said. So, I showed him how on the other side I had taken one row out already, and then I said that he needed to take the one on the left in the next row. And he started laughing at me. And then he did something truly horrible.
He flipped over the book of stamps, and he took one directly out of the middle of the book.
I immediately grabbed the book of stamps back and also the stamp he had taken out. I proceeded to line it up perfectly and put it back in the book. (Although that book of stamps was ruined now, as far as I was concerned, but I was poor so I had to use it up.) I asked him how many he needed (in a not very nice voice). And he was all, like, "Are you kidding me?" and laughing even harder now. Which made me even more angry. Then he realized I was quite serious. And he stopped laughing. I think I scared him a little. Kind of like the people I teased about sitting in our seats. Anyway, so now, some fifteen or sixteen years later, he still has to ask me for stamps. And I get them from their little secret hiding place and will give him however many he needs.
Is that wrong?
I don't think so.
Do you all do anything like that? I will not apologize for it or think I'm crazy. Stamps need to come out in the right order!!!! And there should be assigned seating at church. That's all there is to it. :)
Saturday, November 20, 2010
My Sleepy Beautiful Boy
Joshua woke up a little on the early side this morning. Of course. He had been waking up every day this week between 7:15 and 7:30. But then this morning, on the first day that Jamey didn't have to be up for a training run, Joshua woke up at 6:30. And we had a big morning.
First we ate "poptops" (aka poptarts. And actually Jamey and Joshua did. I drank coffee.), and then Joshua and Jamey built forts out of the furniture and blankets in the living room. Then we all got dressed and went to Lowe's for a Build and Grow workshop. Joshua loves going to those. Today's project was a snowman that you can put a gift card or picture in a little slot on the back. After that, we went and tried out new bikes for Joshua because his first bike is just too small for him. I think Santa will be bringing him a new one for Christmas. Then it was back to the house where Jamey and I got changed, Joshua packed up some toys, and after popping Jman in the Chariot with his toys and a snack, we headed out for a family run.
I always have to laugh because Joshua says his legs are tired when we are finished. You know, from all that running he does sitting in the Chariot while Daddy pushes him for all six miles. We figured it out today - Daddy's pushin' about 75 pounds. That's a lot to push for six miles. Anyway, we got back and then decided to go blow it out and eat Chick-Fil-A for lunch. Um, yummmmmy.
So we got back and it was quiet time for Joshua. And Jamey went out to do yard work. And I was sitting in here looking on Craig's List for bikes and Christmas Trees when I realized something. It was quiet in here. Like really, really quiet. So I snuck to the doorway of the family room. And my baby was asleep on the sofa.
I could stand there forever and watch him sleep. Why I wonder? I don't know. He just looks so, soooooo. . .beautiful. Don't get me wrong. I know I'm biased, but I think he's gorgeous all the time. But he's extra special when he is sleeping for some reason. I love him when he's awake and silly and goofy. But when he's sleeping, maybe it is that he is so still, that I finally get the chance to really look at him. And just look and enjoy him.
I sometimes wonder what he dreams about. I hope they are all good dreams.
I also love watching him fall asleep in the car. If Jamey and I are driving somewhere and Joshua is falling asleep, I put my visor down and adjust my mirror so I can discreetly watch him drift off. Maybe it reminds me a little bit of when he was a baby.
We are talking about going on a family tacky light tour. Just the three of us. And drive around and look at Christmas lights. And we'll put him in his jammies, and he can eat his bedtime snack in the car, and then we'll just drive around and look at all the lights. (Probably not the official tacky light tour. Too crowded and busy. Just drive around looking at all the gorgeous lights and go downtown too.) He may or may not fall asleep when we do this. But I am almost hoping already that we do it and he does fall asleep. Because watching that is just delicious. And how much more magical to watch him drift into dreamland while driving him around in his cute little Christmas jammies looking at Christmas lights?
We go in every night and check on him before we go to bed. And now that he's out of pull ups at nighttime, we also take him to go potty one more time too. I shouldn't be lifting him out of bed anymore (that little guy is heavy when he's dead weight!), but sometimes I have to. It's so cozy that I can hardly stand it. I cuddle him tightly as I take him into the bathroom. And I help him go potty and then cuddle him all the way back. I put him back in bed and tuck him all in nice and cozy, and I swear I could stand there all night and watch him sleep. Or climb in with him. Jamey and I have never slept with him in our bed (or his bed for that matter). But it is so very tempting sometimes.
So I love watching my little guy sleep. I hope it never changes, because it is so special to me.
First we ate "poptops" (aka poptarts. And actually Jamey and Joshua did. I drank coffee.), and then Joshua and Jamey built forts out of the furniture and blankets in the living room. Then we all got dressed and went to Lowe's for a Build and Grow workshop. Joshua loves going to those. Today's project was a snowman that you can put a gift card or picture in a little slot on the back. After that, we went and tried out new bikes for Joshua because his first bike is just too small for him. I think Santa will be bringing him a new one for Christmas. Then it was back to the house where Jamey and I got changed, Joshua packed up some toys, and after popping Jman in the Chariot with his toys and a snack, we headed out for a family run.
I always have to laugh because Joshua says his legs are tired when we are finished. You know, from all that running he does sitting in the Chariot while Daddy pushes him for all six miles. We figured it out today - Daddy's pushin' about 75 pounds. That's a lot to push for six miles. Anyway, we got back and then decided to go blow it out and eat Chick-Fil-A for lunch. Um, yummmmmy.
So we got back and it was quiet time for Joshua. And Jamey went out to do yard work. And I was sitting in here looking on Craig's List for bikes and Christmas Trees when I realized something. It was quiet in here. Like really, really quiet. So I snuck to the doorway of the family room. And my baby was asleep on the sofa.
I could stand there forever and watch him sleep. Why I wonder? I don't know. He just looks so, soooooo. . .beautiful. Don't get me wrong. I know I'm biased, but I think he's gorgeous all the time. But he's extra special when he is sleeping for some reason. I love him when he's awake and silly and goofy. But when he's sleeping, maybe it is that he is so still, that I finally get the chance to really look at him. And just look and enjoy him.
I sometimes wonder what he dreams about. I hope they are all good dreams.
I also love watching him fall asleep in the car. If Jamey and I are driving somewhere and Joshua is falling asleep, I put my visor down and adjust my mirror so I can discreetly watch him drift off. Maybe it reminds me a little bit of when he was a baby.
We are talking about going on a family tacky light tour. Just the three of us. And drive around and look at Christmas lights. And we'll put him in his jammies, and he can eat his bedtime snack in the car, and then we'll just drive around and look at all the lights. (Probably not the official tacky light tour. Too crowded and busy. Just drive around looking at all the gorgeous lights and go downtown too.) He may or may not fall asleep when we do this. But I am almost hoping already that we do it and he does fall asleep. Because watching that is just delicious. And how much more magical to watch him drift into dreamland while driving him around in his cute little Christmas jammies looking at Christmas lights?
We go in every night and check on him before we go to bed. And now that he's out of pull ups at nighttime, we also take him to go potty one more time too. I shouldn't be lifting him out of bed anymore (that little guy is heavy when he's dead weight!), but sometimes I have to. It's so cozy that I can hardly stand it. I cuddle him tightly as I take him into the bathroom. And I help him go potty and then cuddle him all the way back. I put him back in bed and tuck him all in nice and cozy, and I swear I could stand there all night and watch him sleep. Or climb in with him. Jamey and I have never slept with him in our bed (or his bed for that matter). But it is so very tempting sometimes.
So I love watching my little guy sleep. I hope it never changes, because it is so special to me.
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