Nothing like waiting until the last minute to finish the challenge....
Is there a woman...
Who you wish was still here with you?
I think I waited to do this one last because I knew I'd get all emotional and sappy. I wish that GRANNY was still here with me.
I'm so lucky that my maternal grandmother, better known as Granny, was in my life until I was well into my forties. Bless her heart, she lived to the ripe old age of 94! All I can say is that I hope in the great gene pool of life, I inherited those long-life genes from her!
She was a simple woman, never wanted much but to be happy and have her family be happy. She raised three daughters on her own, sending them to private school while she worked as the head seamstress in a local boys' orphanage. Her house was a small, 3-room shotgun (in New Orleans, shotgun houses are long and narrow, with one room behind the other - you can shoot a shotgun in the front door and the bullet will go right out of the back door, so the story goes) but it was a home, filled with love, happiness and lots of good cooking.
Oh, yes, being of French Cajun descent, Granny was a helluva cook. Gumbo. Jambalaya. Biscuits. Seafood. Red Beans. You name it, she could probably cook it. And she always cooked for an army, even when it was just a couple of us going over to her house to eat with her.
Our family was small compared to some. When we were all younger, there were always 12 of us gathered in her tiny kitchen for Thanksgiving and Christmas: Granny, Aunt Loretta; Mom, Dad, me and Jamie; Aunt Janet and Uncle Jerry, Lonnie and Susie; and always present, Auntie and Uncle Jr. (Granny's sister Bernice and her husband, Junius). Good thing there were no more grandkids - I don't think they would have fit!
She lived in her little house until 1989, when she moved into an apartment in a Senior-Retirement community. It was a small, studio apartment on the 9th floor, where she lived on her own just about until the day she departed this Earth. She continued to cook and play bingo and would hop in anybody's car that was heading to a casino. She could sit for hours upon hours playing video poker. And she was good at it!
The older I got, the closer I got to Granny. When I decided to move to California, I was afraid to tell her, but when I did, she didn't give me grief. All she said to me was "Cher, go and live your life and have a good time. And call me every once in a while." That call became a once-a-week event that we both looked forward to. At first, I'd call her on Thursday nights, because she said there wasn't anything on tv to watch. Then, as she got older and went to bed earlier, I switched to Sunday evenings after she returned from the local bingo game. We'd stay on the phone sometimes for over an hour, even though she'd tell me how much she hated to talk on the phone. We would laugh and giggle like a couple of twelve year olds and she'd make jokes about the "old people" that lived in her apartment complex. One day, I pointed out to her that she was probably one of the oldest living there and she just said "yeah, and I'm probably the ugliest. So what?" Her quick-witted humor was very unique.
Granny always kept a spotless, clean, very neat home. That was something I always admired, and it's something that I didn't inherit from her (or my Mom!). She'd always tell me "Kel, find your courage and do your work." Hmph. I'm still looking for my courage after all these years.
I miss Granny so much, but feel so lucky that this special woman was a part of my life for so long. I think of her every day and sometimes get a chuckle when something she said crosses my mind, especially if it relates to something someone else says or does in my presence.
Gran, if I had a glass of Anisette, I'd raise it to you right now!
Until Next Time,
Kel
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Monday, March 30, 2009
Special Women #6
Is there a woman...
...Who taught you a skill that you use often?
That's an easy one: MY MOM, CAROLYN.
My Mom is a very strong woman. She's a role model that every young girl should have: tough when needed, always gentle, smart as a whip and generous and kind to those in need.
She taught me many skills, but first and foremost, she taught me to be strong and independent. I've learned negotiating skills from her - what's the old saying? "She can sell ice to an eskimo" or something like that. Yep. I'm a really good negotiator, thanks to her. I've learned to stand up for myself (or my family) in any situation. I learned a lot of my creativity from her. For more than 20 years, she sewed costumes for me and my sister Jamie's dance revues every spring. Her creativity and talent in that arena were unbelievable; she also spent time making and sometimes selling her crafts (burlap butterfly magnets in the 80's and denim purses with wooden bottoms before that).
I wouldn't be where I am today if my Mom had been a typical, demure, southern belle wife.
Until Next Time,
Kel
...Who taught you a skill that you use often?
That's an easy one: MY MOM, CAROLYN.
My Mom is a very strong woman. She's a role model that every young girl should have: tough when needed, always gentle, smart as a whip and generous and kind to those in need.
She taught me many skills, but first and foremost, she taught me to be strong and independent. I've learned negotiating skills from her - what's the old saying? "She can sell ice to an eskimo" or something like that. Yep. I'm a really good negotiator, thanks to her. I've learned to stand up for myself (or my family) in any situation. I learned a lot of my creativity from her. For more than 20 years, she sewed costumes for me and my sister Jamie's dance revues every spring. Her creativity and talent in that arena were unbelievable; she also spent time making and sometimes selling her crafts (burlap butterfly magnets in the 80's and denim purses with wooden bottoms before that).
I wouldn't be where I am today if my Mom had been a typical, demure, southern belle wife.
Until Next Time,
Kel
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Special Women #5
Is there a woman...
...Who you've been greatly encouraged by?
This answer came to me quickly and easily: my personal trainer, DENISE.
When I first met Denise, I was most impressed by her friendly, welcoming attitude. I was attending a workshop she was conducting on proper use of fitness balls. As usual, I was the biggest person in the room and very intimidated by this fit, gorgeous instructor, thinking that I had made a huge mistake coming to the class. My experience was quite the opposite.
Denise led the class and never once made me feel like I didn't belong in it. When I had trouble doing a certain move, instead of pointing me out, she would just make a general statement to the group like "if this isn't working for you, try this instead."
Last June, she offered the first of many Boot Camp sessions: 3 mornings a week at 6:00 a.m. for 3 weeks of intense workouts. I gingerly signed up and once again was quite relieved that she made me feel welcome and 'one of the girls' even though the skinny girls stared at me and sneered quite a bit. Denise never for a minute treated me any differently than she did the skinny girls.
Since then, I've completed 3 more sessions of boot camp, a couple of sessions of cardio kick boxing and lots of personal training with Denise. Each time I think about trying something new in the gym, I always ask her "do you think I can do this? Her answer most often is "well, I think you can, but the question is do you think you can?"
She has encouraged me to work on being healthy and not obsess about numbers on the scale. Through her confidence in me and my abilities, I have built my own confidence and self-esteem in addition to strentghening and toning my body. I have become more at peace with my own body and the shape that it's in because she has taught me that it's ok to be a big girl. She pushes me beyond what I think are my limits and makes my try things that I would never even dream about trying on my own.
And, of course, she kicks my ass every time I go to the gym.
Until next time,
Kel
...Who you've been greatly encouraged by?
This answer came to me quickly and easily: my personal trainer, DENISE.
When I first met Denise, I was most impressed by her friendly, welcoming attitude. I was attending a workshop she was conducting on proper use of fitness balls. As usual, I was the biggest person in the room and very intimidated by this fit, gorgeous instructor, thinking that I had made a huge mistake coming to the class. My experience was quite the opposite.
Denise led the class and never once made me feel like I didn't belong in it. When I had trouble doing a certain move, instead of pointing me out, she would just make a general statement to the group like "if this isn't working for you, try this instead."
Last June, she offered the first of many Boot Camp sessions: 3 mornings a week at 6:00 a.m. for 3 weeks of intense workouts. I gingerly signed up and once again was quite relieved that she made me feel welcome and 'one of the girls' even though the skinny girls stared at me and sneered quite a bit. Denise never for a minute treated me any differently than she did the skinny girls.
Since then, I've completed 3 more sessions of boot camp, a couple of sessions of cardio kick boxing and lots of personal training with Denise. Each time I think about trying something new in the gym, I always ask her "do you think I can do this? Her answer most often is "well, I think you can, but the question is do you think you can?"
She has encouraged me to work on being healthy and not obsess about numbers on the scale. Through her confidence in me and my abilities, I have built my own confidence and self-esteem in addition to strentghening and toning my body. I have become more at peace with my own body and the shape that it's in because she has taught me that it's ok to be a big girl. She pushes me beyond what I think are my limits and makes my try things that I would never even dream about trying on my own.
And, of course, she kicks my ass every time I go to the gym.
Until next time,
Kel
Friday, March 27, 2009
A Scrapping Weekend Ahead!
You always hear warnings about the freaks, weirdos and axe murderers that will stalk you if you make friends on the internet. About how dangerous the internet and the people who are "on it" can be...
Well, I'm leaving first thing in the morning for a scrapbooking retreat with 20 of my freaky, weird, axe murdering internet friends AND I CAN'T WAIT!!!!
Yep, we're from a online community of internet friends that share at least one common interest: scrapbooking. Through our online friendships, we know about children, husbands, mothers-in-law, sisters, brothers, work, school and lots of really really personal stuff that I don't even know about my closest in-real-life friends....
Cathy is the hostess with the mostest, and does a wonderful job of wrangling all of us and organizing a fun-filled weekend. And let me tell you, wrangling 21 women wielding sharp cutting tools and sticky adhesives is no small feat!
I can't wait to get there and rekindle friendships with people I've met irl before, and make new found friendships with some retreat newbies.
Oh, and I might even get a few pages done!
Until next time,
Kel
Well, I'm leaving first thing in the morning for a scrapbooking retreat with 20 of my freaky, weird, axe murdering internet friends AND I CAN'T WAIT!!!!
Yep, we're from a online community of internet friends that share at least one common interest: scrapbooking. Through our online friendships, we know about children, husbands, mothers-in-law, sisters, brothers, work, school and lots of really really personal stuff that I don't even know about my closest in-real-life friends....
Cathy is the hostess with the mostest, and does a wonderful job of wrangling all of us and organizing a fun-filled weekend. And let me tell you, wrangling 21 women wielding sharp cutting tools and sticky adhesives is no small feat!
I can't wait to get there and rekindle friendships with people I've met irl before, and make new found friendships with some retreat newbies.
Oh, and I might even get a few pages done!
Until next time,
Kel
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Special Women #4
Today is a special day for the challenge... please read on!
Is there a woman . . . Who you laugh so hard you cry with?
The answer is: my friend ANGELA.
We met about 7 years ago when I transferred from my law firm's San Francisco office to the Palo Alto location. I wasn't happy about the move at the time and was determined to not make any friends because I didn't want to be there.
My first morning in my new office, in bounces the most annoyingly perky person I had ever met in my life. It was Angela. She was the office's admin assistant and just wanted to say hi and introduce herself and see if there was anything I needed. I thought ok, she seems nice enough even though she's way too perky for me, I think I could like her.
That first encounter proved to be a life chaning moment for me as day by day, I Angela and I became friends, pals and confidantes. Just a couple of months after we met, I told her I was heading home to New Orleans for my cousin Ryan's wedding and she promptly chirped "Hey, that sounds like fun. Can I come along?" And she did. We had the best time that week.
I owe her a lot of thanks because she has helped me to change my life for the better over the years. She's pushed me to make exercise a part of my life - it's because of her support that I'm now just crazy enough to try things like Boot Camp and Zumba AND stick with it. She introduced me to big scary tomatoes and all sorts of other fresh fruits and veggies (remember, I'm from the South, where corn is the most prominent vegetable). And, best of all, she's taught me to laugh not only at myself but at the world around me when I'm down.
Yeah, we laugh A LOT. Sometimes when we're together we just crack up at each other without saying a word. And if one of us does say something, it isn't long before we've lost our breath or have tears rolling down our faces. There are times when we're together that things happen around us that no one else would find the humor in, but we just have to exchange a glance and know that the other one is cracking up inside.
They say laughter is good for your health. If that's true, then I can say that my health has improved 2000% since Angela has become a part of my life.
Of course, there's always the Wendy-Connie story...
Today, Angela's life is about to change in the biggest, most exciting way. As I'm writing this, she's at the hospital giving birth to her first child! I'm so happy for her (and Reg!) and can't wait to spoil this new little person when (s)he arrives (no, I won't know the sex until Reg calls). She's going to be an awesome mom.
Wendy, here's to ya!
Until next time,
Connie
*****UPDATE******
Angela and Reg welcomed little Maxwell Charles at 8:15 this morning! He's 7 pounds 9 ounces and Mom, Max, Dad and big brother Sean are all doing well! Yippee!!!!
Is there a woman . . . Who you laugh so hard you cry with?
The answer is: my friend ANGELA.
We met about 7 years ago when I transferred from my law firm's San Francisco office to the Palo Alto location. I wasn't happy about the move at the time and was determined to not make any friends because I didn't want to be there.
My first morning in my new office, in bounces the most annoyingly perky person I had ever met in my life. It was Angela. She was the office's admin assistant and just wanted to say hi and introduce herself and see if there was anything I needed. I thought ok, she seems nice enough even though she's way too perky for me, I think I could like her.
That first encounter proved to be a life chaning moment for me as day by day, I Angela and I became friends, pals and confidantes. Just a couple of months after we met, I told her I was heading home to New Orleans for my cousin Ryan's wedding and she promptly chirped "Hey, that sounds like fun. Can I come along?" And she did. We had the best time that week.
I owe her a lot of thanks because she has helped me to change my life for the better over the years. She's pushed me to make exercise a part of my life - it's because of her support that I'm now just crazy enough to try things like Boot Camp and Zumba AND stick with it. She introduced me to big scary tomatoes and all sorts of other fresh fruits and veggies (remember, I'm from the South, where corn is the most prominent vegetable). And, best of all, she's taught me to laugh not only at myself but at the world around me when I'm down.
Yeah, we laugh A LOT. Sometimes when we're together we just crack up at each other without saying a word. And if one of us does say something, it isn't long before we've lost our breath or have tears rolling down our faces. There are times when we're together that things happen around us that no one else would find the humor in, but we just have to exchange a glance and know that the other one is cracking up inside.
They say laughter is good for your health. If that's true, then I can say that my health has improved 2000% since Angela has become a part of my life.
Of course, there's always the Wendy-Connie story...
Today, Angela's life is about to change in the biggest, most exciting way. As I'm writing this, she's at the hospital giving birth to her first child! I'm so happy for her (and Reg!) and can't wait to spoil this new little person when (s)he arrives (no, I won't know the sex until Reg calls). She's going to be an awesome mom.
Wendy, here's to ya!
Until next time,
Connie
*****UPDATE******
Angela and Reg welcomed little Maxwell Charles at 8:15 this morning! He's 7 pounds 9 ounces and Mom, Max, Dad and big brother Sean are all doing well! Yippee!!!!
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Thank You. Have a Day!
There's a Subway sandwich shop about 3 blocks from my house and lately, I've been hooked on their sandwiches. The people who work there are generally nice and do a really good job of following directions when making my sandwich.
Today, I had to run home on my lunch hour and let the little 4-legged fur child out because I'll be working late tonight - don't want to come home to "presents" on the floor. I figured one of the quickest ways to fit in grabbing some lunch to bring back to the office was to stop at this particular Subway because it's never really busy. When I pulled in the parking lot, I was pleased that my assumption was right - no waiting!
The young man who made my sandwich was very cordial and very careful about getting the ingredients just right, which I totally appreciated. I could tell that English wasn't his first language, and I did have to ask him to repeat himself a couple of times, but it was more that he spoke softly than his accent.
When I finished paying for my lunch and he handed me the bag, he smiled brightly and said "Thank you, Miss. Have a day!"
(Me, shaking head quickly, like I wasn't paying attention) "Pardon me?"
"Thank you, Miss. Have a day!"
I smiled politely and said "You too!" Of course I was thinking HUH???????
Have a day. Not a nice day. Or a crappy day. Or a sunny day. Just a day.
I've been pondering that statement all the way back to the office and while I'm munching on my delicious sandwich. Have a day. Does he maybe mean 'have a _______ day' where the customer is left to fill in the blank with whatever kind of day they're having? That might work. Or, what if secretly, in his mind, he's wishing you a crappy day and just doesn't have the nerve to say it?
I don't know. It's just one of those things that make you go hmmmmm.
So, have a day!!!
Until next time,
Kel
Today, I had to run home on my lunch hour and let the little 4-legged fur child out because I'll be working late tonight - don't want to come home to "presents" on the floor. I figured one of the quickest ways to fit in grabbing some lunch to bring back to the office was to stop at this particular Subway because it's never really busy. When I pulled in the parking lot, I was pleased that my assumption was right - no waiting!
The young man who made my sandwich was very cordial and very careful about getting the ingredients just right, which I totally appreciated. I could tell that English wasn't his first language, and I did have to ask him to repeat himself a couple of times, but it was more that he spoke softly than his accent.
When I finished paying for my lunch and he handed me the bag, he smiled brightly and said "Thank you, Miss. Have a day!"
(Me, shaking head quickly, like I wasn't paying attention) "Pardon me?"
"Thank you, Miss. Have a day!"
I smiled politely and said "You too!" Of course I was thinking HUH???????
Have a day. Not a nice day. Or a crappy day. Or a sunny day. Just a day.
I've been pondering that statement all the way back to the office and while I'm munching on my delicious sandwich. Have a day. Does he maybe mean 'have a _______ day' where the customer is left to fill in the blank with whatever kind of day they're having? That might work. Or, what if secretly, in his mind, he's wishing you a crappy day and just doesn't have the nerve to say it?
I don't know. It's just one of those things that make you go hmmmmm.
So, have a day!!!
Until next time,
Kel
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Queen of the Procrastinators
I'm attending a wonderful scrapbooking retreat this coming weekend, hosted by my wonderful friend Cathy. I look forward to this event each time she holds it, and am praying that the danged phone system in the office gets fixed before the weekend (I missed last year because of a server malfunction 3 days before the retreat!) so I can go.
There are 21 of us scheduled to attend, all having met through an online community we all belong to. I've probably met at least 15 of these axe-wielding murders at retreats and other scrapbooking events in the past, so I'm quite comfortable spending the weekend with them and look forward to meeting some new friends in real life.
My problem? We all contribute an item to the retreat goody bag. AND MY GOODIES ARE NOT DONE!!!! Aaaaaarrrrrrggggghhhhh. Here it is, Tuesday afternoon. One part of the project is in the living room, one part is in the kitchen, another couple of parts are out in my workshop. Why can't I just sit down and do it?
It's not like what I'm planning will be difficult to do. And it's not like I haven't known that the retreat was scheduled for March 28 since, like, a couple of months ago.
Why oh why do I wait so long to get things done?
Maybe I shouldn't go to the gym tonight. After all, I have to make goody bag treats. Yeah, that's it. Can't work out because I need to take care of this project. Uh-huh. No elliptical, only paper and glue for me tonight. Woo-hoo!
And if you're a betting person, you should take the odds that tomorrow I'll report that not only did I not go to the gym tonight, but the goody bag treats still aren't done.... You'll be rich.
I'm the Queen of the Procrastinators. Wanna join my club?
Until Next Time,
Kel
There are 21 of us scheduled to attend, all having met through an online community we all belong to. I've probably met at least 15 of these axe-wielding murders at retreats and other scrapbooking events in the past, so I'm quite comfortable spending the weekend with them and look forward to meeting some new friends in real life.
My problem? We all contribute an item to the retreat goody bag. AND MY GOODIES ARE NOT DONE!!!! Aaaaaarrrrrrggggghhhhh. Here it is, Tuesday afternoon. One part of the project is in the living room, one part is in the kitchen, another couple of parts are out in my workshop. Why can't I just sit down and do it?
It's not like what I'm planning will be difficult to do. And it's not like I haven't known that the retreat was scheduled for March 28 since, like, a couple of months ago.
Why oh why do I wait so long to get things done?
Maybe I shouldn't go to the gym tonight. After all, I have to make goody bag treats. Yeah, that's it. Can't work out because I need to take care of this project. Uh-huh. No elliptical, only paper and glue for me tonight. Woo-hoo!
And if you're a betting person, you should take the odds that tomorrow I'll report that not only did I not go to the gym tonight, but the goody bag treats still aren't done.... You'll be rich.
I'm the Queen of the Procrastinators. Wanna join my club?
Until Next Time,
Kel
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Holy Scrap!
I love all things scrapbook related, so when I found Two Chicks Designs recently, it was an easy decision to buy several scrap-related t-shirts. My favorite is the bright red one with "HOLY SCRAP" in bold, white letters on the front (no, I don't have a picture of me in the shirt so don't ask!). I wear it to the gym and always get asked about it and have to explain that 'holy scrap' is a scrapbook-related term.
So yesterday, I met with 5 of my closest scrapping buddies at the day-long Scrapbook Expo and decided that it would be the most appropriate place to wear the shirt. I got lots of compliments on it and lots of questions about where to buy one. There were even a couple of people who asked if they could take my picture in it (no, I didn't ask them to e-mail me a copy). I went through the whole day without seeing another shirt like mine.
Then, about 11:00 p.m. during the crop, I spotted someone else wearing a Holy Scrap insignia. Unfortunately for her, she shouldn't have been wearing it: she had on a pair of sweat pants with the words emblazoned across her butt.
What's wrong with that, you might be asking yourself? Well, words across the butt on flat-assed teens are one thing (and I'm not crazy about those, either). But this woman was clearly well into her forties and had a big butt. So big that the "S" in "Scrap" was swallowed by her crack. Yes, folks, she proudly wore "HOLY CRAP" on her ass. It was kinda funny in a way (holy crap on your butt - get it?), but then it kinda wansn't. For a brief moment, I just stood there staring in disbelief as she bent over the Cricut happily cutting shapes and shaking her groove thing to the disco music that was playing in the background. I mean, you couldn't help but notice her!
So here's my PSA: if you're old enough to drink and your butt is bigger than a postage stamp, please don't wear words on your rear end.
Holy Crap - errr, Scrap.
Until Next Time,
Kel
So yesterday, I met with 5 of my closest scrapping buddies at the day-long Scrapbook Expo and decided that it would be the most appropriate place to wear the shirt. I got lots of compliments on it and lots of questions about where to buy one. There were even a couple of people who asked if they could take my picture in it (no, I didn't ask them to e-mail me a copy). I went through the whole day without seeing another shirt like mine.
Then, about 11:00 p.m. during the crop, I spotted someone else wearing a Holy Scrap insignia. Unfortunately for her, she shouldn't have been wearing it: she had on a pair of sweat pants with the words emblazoned across her butt.
What's wrong with that, you might be asking yourself? Well, words across the butt on flat-assed teens are one thing (and I'm not crazy about those, either). But this woman was clearly well into her forties and had a big butt. So big that the "S" in "Scrap" was swallowed by her crack. Yes, folks, she proudly wore "HOLY CRAP" on her ass. It was kinda funny in a way (holy crap on your butt - get it?), but then it kinda wansn't. For a brief moment, I just stood there staring in disbelief as she bent over the Cricut happily cutting shapes and shaking her groove thing to the disco music that was playing in the background. I mean, you couldn't help but notice her!
So here's my PSA: if you're old enough to drink and your butt is bigger than a postage stamp, please don't wear words on your rear end.
Holy Crap - errr, Scrap.
Until Next Time,
Kel
Friday, March 20, 2009
Special Women #3
Today, I'm using 2 questions from the list for one person, just because both of these questions made me think of her!
Jamie can be tough as nails when the situation calls for it. Don't mess with her or anyone in her family. But, then to the contrary, she has the kindest heart of anyone I know. She'd give you the Cat's Eye Chalks out of her craft stash if you needed them.
Yes, Jamie is truly an inspiration to me. I wish that we could spend more time together. If we did, I'm sure we would probably just get into lots of trouble wherever we went. Especially at scrapbook stores, Michael's and Hobby Lobby.
Is there a woman... Who you could invite over to your messiest house? and Who inspires you?
There's only one person in my life who perfectly answers both of these questions: my "little" sister JAMIE.
The messy house? Yeah, that's both of us. Somehow, we missed the gene that makes you want to have a perfectly clean, neat house. Our Mom has it - that's why her nickname is "Patty Pickup." But me and Jamie? Naaaah. Granny used to always say to us "find your courage and do your work." I know my courage is lost somewhere in the mess and Jamie tells me all the time that she's still looking for hers....
Jamie has become a source of inspiration for me. Growing up, we were typical sisters: screaming arguments, hair pulling, scratching, not speaking, being friends, playing together. I think for a long time I just took her for granted and never really expected much from our relationship. It took a move to another state for me to realize what a wonderful person she truly is.
She's been married for almost 17 years now and is raising 2 great sons with Clif. The boys are both thriving teenagers in private high schools and are the loves of her life, even if they do give her (and Clif!) a run for their money. I'm in awe at what a wonderful Mom she is.
In her work life, Jamie completed her R.N. while her kids were young and in school and has worked her way up through the hospital since she was a Candy Striper in high school. Today, she is the clinical manager of a psychiatric emergency room at the hospital and is well respected throughout the place. She's smart as a whip when it comes to her job and has the patience (patients? ha!) of an angel when dealing with people in distress and their families. She truly shines in her field.
At home, when she's not shuffling the boys to some activity, you can usually find her in her scrapbook room being creative. Not only does she turn out wonderful pages documenting the life and times of her family, but she uses her amazing crafty talent for other projects and decorating her house. She's been having a lot of fun lately altering items and I bow to her creativity.
Jamie can be tough as nails when the situation calls for it. Don't mess with her or anyone in her family. But, then to the contrary, she has the kindest heart of anyone I know. She'd give you the Cat's Eye Chalks out of her craft stash if you needed them. And finally, she's got a wicked sense of humor. She can make a joke about anything or anyone at any given time. When we're together we could get into some serious trouble; sometimes when we're talking on the phone, she makes me laugh so hard that I can't breathe.
Yes, Jamie is truly an inspiration to me. I wish that we could spend more time together. If we did, I'm sure we would probably just get into lots of trouble wherever we went. Especially at scrapbook stores, Michael's and Hobby Lobby.
And we wouldnt' fight along the way - except about who pays for lunch!
Until Next Time,
Kel
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Wearing O' the Green
Well, HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S DAY!!!
Are you wearing green today? With a name like mine, I'd better be or my half-Irish Grandmother will return from the grave to smack me on the head! St. Patrick's day was one of her favorite holidays, after Christmas and Mardi Gras. She always decked herself out in as much green and white as she could find. She'd even paint her fingernails a lovely shade of Kelly green for the day.
I remember the little shamrock pin she'd wear and as a child, I secretly wished she would give it to me. Well, one year, that's exactly what she did, and when she pinned it on my shirt, she told me "Dawlin', wear this every year on St. Patty's day and it'll bring you luck for the rest of the year." Here it is, nearly 40 years later, and I still wear that pin every March 17th. And when I take it out of it's little cardboard box and pin it on my shirt, I say "Grandmaw, dawlin', let's go celebrate together!"
I hope that today Grandmaw is doing her best Irish jig in Heaven!
Until next time,
Kel
Monday, March 16, 2009
Special Women #2
"Is there a woman...Who you could trust to point out the lettuce stuck in you teeth from lunch?"
Ha - my 'partner in crime' JOYCE fills the bill.
Joyce and I have been friends for a very long time. I'm not going to mention how many years because it makes me feel old, and she and I had a conversation about growing old yesterday. Not gonna go there again.
We tell each other just about everything, and she's always willing to hop in the car and go on adventures with me. We're kinda like Thelma and Louise, especially when we go to a scrapbook store.
I count on Joyce to tell me when I've got something stuck in my teeth. And when my hair looks funky (like the time it turned purple when I dyed it!). And when I'm wearing something that I shouldn't. And when an outfit makes my already larger-than-life butt look bigger.
And luckily, she does!
Until next time,
Kel
Ha - my 'partner in crime' JOYCE fills the bill.
Joyce and I have been friends for a very long time. I'm not going to mention how many years because it makes me feel old, and she and I had a conversation about growing old yesterday. Not gonna go there again.
We tell each other just about everything, and she's always willing to hop in the car and go on adventures with me. We're kinda like Thelma and Louise, especially when we go to a scrapbook store.
I count on Joyce to tell me when I've got something stuck in my teeth. And when my hair looks funky (like the time it turned purple when I dyed it!). And when I'm wearing something that I shouldn't. And when an outfit makes my already larger-than-life butt look bigger.
And luckily, she does!
Until next time,
Kel
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Wicked Was.... Well, Wicked!!!
If you haven't seen it, GO AS SOON AS IT COMES TO A CITY NEAR YOU!!!!!
All I can say is that was the best 2 hours and 45 minutes I've spent in a long time. The cast was fabulous. The story is wonderful. The music was perky and fun.
I'm ready to go see it again. And again. And again. Too bad I'm not rich...
Until Next Time,
Kel
All I can say is that was the best 2 hours and 45 minutes I've spent in a long time. The cast was fabulous. The story is wonderful. The music was perky and fun.
I'm ready to go see it again. And again. And again. Too bad I'm not rich...
Until Next Time,
Kel
Friday, March 13, 2009
Feeling "Wicked" on Friday the 13th!
Back in October, while at a scrapbooking retreat, I mentioned to my friend Maryanna that I was dying to see "Wicked" when it returned to San Francisco in January. As luck would have it, Maryanna and a group of people from my old office (she's my former boss!) were buying a block of tickets to the show and she asked me if I'd like to get in on it. Well, of course!!!
It seemed like March would never get here, much less Friday the 13th. I remember paying for my ticket back in December and feeling like it was forever until the performance.
When I woke up this morning at 5:00 a.m. to get ready for Jump Start, I had an unusual spring in my step - it's here! It's here! Tonight we're seeing "Wicked"!!! It made getting up early just a little easier...
And adding to my excitement about tonight: I took the afternoon off from work so that I'd have plenty of time to go home, relax, spend some time with my furry friend and get to San Francisco without having to rush. BONUS!!
So now I'm off to enjoy my afternoon and my evening. Toodles!
Until next time,
Kel
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Jump Start Day 2
I still can't get used to calling boot camp 'Jump Start.' It just seems wrong on so many levels.
Today was day 2 of this session. I have always thought that this was the hardest day of the 3 weeks to get up and get moving. Knowing how I usually feel and how easy it would be to talk myself out of going this morning, I made it difficult to miss it: last night, I packed my bag with the essentials for a shower, work clothes and other grooming items I use when getting ready for work and put the bag in the car. Yep - it all stayed out in the car last night, leaving me with only my workout gear to wear this morning and no hair products on hand!
Why? Well, I know that I won't go outside in my pajamas, unless the house is on fire or there's a really hot guy out there... so I knew there was no way I'd go out to the car at 6:30-ish to retrieve my stuff. And you know what? It worked! I didn't get up when the alarm first went off, but by the second time, my feet hit the floor because I knew the only way I could get ready for work was to go to the gym, work out and take my shower THERE.
It's crazy. But then I'm just a little crazy - you already knew that, right?
And I survived Day 2.
Until Next Time,
Kel
Today was day 2 of this session. I have always thought that this was the hardest day of the 3 weeks to get up and get moving. Knowing how I usually feel and how easy it would be to talk myself out of going this morning, I made it difficult to miss it: last night, I packed my bag with the essentials for a shower, work clothes and other grooming items I use when getting ready for work and put the bag in the car. Yep - it all stayed out in the car last night, leaving me with only my workout gear to wear this morning and no hair products on hand!
Why? Well, I know that I won't go outside in my pajamas, unless the house is on fire or there's a really hot guy out there... so I knew there was no way I'd go out to the car at 6:30-ish to retrieve my stuff. And you know what? It worked! I didn't get up when the alarm first went off, but by the second time, my feet hit the floor because I knew the only way I could get ready for work was to go to the gym, work out and take my shower THERE.
It's crazy. But then I'm just a little crazy - you already knew that, right?
And I survived Day 2.
Until Next Time,
Kel
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Special Women #1
This is the first of seven posts for Traci's March Challenge - Special Women.
I decided just to start at the top with the first question: "Is there a woman...Who you wish you spent more time with or talked to more often?"
This was an easy one for me: Linda.
We met several years ago (more years than I can remember) on a scrapbooking community, sharing our thoughts and feelings about our home-based scrapbook businesses. What started as a couple of e-mails has blossomed into a friendship that I truly treasure.
We're modern day pen-pals, mostly communicating through e-mail. Every once in a while, we'll call each other and chat it up. But we've only met one time in real life: one evening at Disney World for dinner when our vacations overlapped by a day. That was a night I'll treasure forever.
Linda is one of my most supportive friends. I feel like I can tell her anything or ask her advice and she'll be honest with me. She's given me many much-needed slaps on the head over the years. :-)
There are times when I think of her and wish that we lived closer and could hang out, scrapbook together or go to Michaels or the local scrapbook stores to shop or just do anything together. You see, she lives in Virginia, and with me in California, that whole country between us thing is a real problem.
But, if I ever win the lottery . . .
Yeah, I wish I could spend more time with Linda.
Until Next Time,
Kel
I decided just to start at the top with the first question: "Is there a woman...Who you wish you spent more time with or talked to more often?"
This was an easy one for me: Linda.
We met several years ago (more years than I can remember) on a scrapbooking community, sharing our thoughts and feelings about our home-based scrapbook businesses. What started as a couple of e-mails has blossomed into a friendship that I truly treasure.
We're modern day pen-pals, mostly communicating through e-mail. Every once in a while, we'll call each other and chat it up. But we've only met one time in real life: one evening at Disney World for dinner when our vacations overlapped by a day. That was a night I'll treasure forever.
Linda is one of my most supportive friends. I feel like I can tell her anything or ask her advice and she'll be honest with me. She's given me many much-needed slaps on the head over the years. :-)
There are times when I think of her and wish that we lived closer and could hang out, scrapbook together or go to Michaels or the local scrapbook stores to shop or just do anything together. You see, she lives in Virginia, and with me in California, that whole country between us thing is a real problem.
But, if I ever win the lottery . . .
Yeah, I wish I could spend more time with Linda.
Until Next Time,
Kel
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Boot Camp...No, "Jump Start" Starts Tomorrow
Tomorrow morning at 6:00 a.m. you know where you'll find me: at the gym. Being tortured in a group setting before the sun comes up by Denise.
And she's not calling it Boot Camp this go-round. It's "Jump Start." I guess BC is too scary sounding, so we're pretending that it's going to be something fun and exciting and I don't know what.
I asked Denise if it was going to be as tough as BC had been last year. "Oh, yeah, it's boot camp alright. Just with a pretty name." Aha! Pain before dawn. Oh happy day.
If you don't see a new post from me tomorrow, call the cute paramedics. It means "Jump Start" jumped up and kicked my ass.
Until next time,
Kel
Saturday, March 7, 2009
I Think That Was a Compliment...
This morning, I took a fitness ball how-to workshop at the gym. I have a fitness ball at home and use one when I'm doing personal training with Denise, but I figured maybe there's more to it that I should learn. I was quite happy to see that Nora, the tiny, perky little Zumba teacher, was leading the workshop.
So, we went through a lot of "this is how you do this" and "if you do it this way, you'll work this group of muscles more" instruction for about the first 30 minutes of the workshop. Then, we sat on the floor on our mats and it was question and answer time. No problem, I thought, I could still learn something.
One lady in the group mentioned that she couldn't do a particular move because of her size. Much to my surprise, Nora launched into a speech about how your size should not stop you from at least trying. She went on to say that since she started teaching classes at this gym (which, by the way, is a size-positive place and you won't find a scale or mention of diet anywhere!), she's had to learn to work with larger people and their limitations and let go of her prejudice against them. Hmmmm, I kept thinking, this is goint to be an interesting conversation...
Nora continued her speech, saying that she was shocked on her first day teaching Zumba at the gym when a 'big woman' stepped onto the floor for the class. Well, I knew that she meant me - I'm the biggest woman in the class. She said she kept thinking that this woman shouldn't be here, that she wouldn't be able to keep up and do the moves and should she ask her if she was sure she wanted to be there? At that point, she turned and looked at me and said "and you know what? I was very surprised to see that she could not only keep up with the class but was a very good dancer. So, I learned at that moment that a person's size isn't important when it comes to exercising. The point is, she's moving and having fun!" At first, I thought I'd die of embarrassment that she sorta called me out during her little speech. But then, I just grinned and said "my feet may not go as fast as yours at times, but I'm a lot more fit than you think."
Wow. She didn't think I should be taking her class. It isn't the first time I've had that reaction from an exercise class teacher. It happened when I used to go to the Y - the cute Capoeria teacher had the same reaction, even going as far as asking me if I was sure I was in the right place because his class was pretty intense. There was a dance aerobics instructor there, too, who kept watching me out the corner of her eye the first time I took her class. And the look on the trainer's face the day I walked into a spinning class and got on a bike was priceless.
Believe me, each time I sign up for a class, I have my own doubts about whether or not I'm up to the challenge presented (hello, can you say Boot Camp?). But, I'll try anything once. Twice if I survive the first session.
So, I think that Nora's comments were supposed to be a compliment. At least that's the way I'm taking them.
And I'll proudly be back to cha-cha-cha in Zumba on Wednesday.
Until Next Time,
Kel
So, we went through a lot of "this is how you do this" and "if you do it this way, you'll work this group of muscles more" instruction for about the first 30 minutes of the workshop. Then, we sat on the floor on our mats and it was question and answer time. No problem, I thought, I could still learn something.
One lady in the group mentioned that she couldn't do a particular move because of her size. Much to my surprise, Nora launched into a speech about how your size should not stop you from at least trying. She went on to say that since she started teaching classes at this gym (which, by the way, is a size-positive place and you won't find a scale or mention of diet anywhere!), she's had to learn to work with larger people and their limitations and let go of her prejudice against them. Hmmmm, I kept thinking, this is goint to be an interesting conversation...
Nora continued her speech, saying that she was shocked on her first day teaching Zumba at the gym when a 'big woman' stepped onto the floor for the class. Well, I knew that she meant me - I'm the biggest woman in the class. She said she kept thinking that this woman shouldn't be here, that she wouldn't be able to keep up and do the moves and should she ask her if she was sure she wanted to be there? At that point, she turned and looked at me and said "and you know what? I was very surprised to see that she could not only keep up with the class but was a very good dancer. So, I learned at that moment that a person's size isn't important when it comes to exercising. The point is, she's moving and having fun!" At first, I thought I'd die of embarrassment that she sorta called me out during her little speech. But then, I just grinned and said "my feet may not go as fast as yours at times, but I'm a lot more fit than you think."
Wow. She didn't think I should be taking her class. It isn't the first time I've had that reaction from an exercise class teacher. It happened when I used to go to the Y - the cute Capoeria teacher had the same reaction, even going as far as asking me if I was sure I was in the right place because his class was pretty intense. There was a dance aerobics instructor there, too, who kept watching me out the corner of her eye the first time I took her class. And the look on the trainer's face the day I walked into a spinning class and got on a bike was priceless.
Believe me, each time I sign up for a class, I have my own doubts about whether or not I'm up to the challenge presented (hello, can you say Boot Camp?). But, I'll try anything once. Twice if I survive the first session.
So, I think that Nora's comments were supposed to be a compliment. At least that's the way I'm taking them.
And I'll proudly be back to cha-cha-cha in Zumba on Wednesday.
Until Next Time,
Kel
Friday, March 6, 2009
March's Blog Challenge
I love participating in blog challenges. They make me take time to think and appreciate things that I normally take for granted.
I'm joining the March Blog Challenge from ScrapShare and it's hosted by Traci. The theme for this month is women - here are the details:
This month's challenge is of a different sort. March is Women's History Month. Since we are all women, it seems fitting to have a monthly challenge that honors the special women in our life.
Is there a woman...
Who you wish you spent more time with or talked to more often?
Who inspires you?
Who you can always talk to?
Whose story you're always in awe of?
Who touched your life in a major way?
Who taught you a skill that you use often?
Who you could trust to point out the lettuce stuck in you teeth from lunch?
Who you could invite over to your messiest house?
Who you want to be like when you grow up?
Who made you want to be a mom?
Who you've never met, but always admired?
Who you wish was still here with you?
Who you laugh so hard you cry with?
Who can finish your sentences for you?
Who has been your friend as long as you can remember?
Who you've been greatly encouraged by?
Who you'd love to have a one hour conversation with?
Since this is also the month of St. Patrick's Day, we'll throw in a little "luck o' the Irish" and make the rules unique:
-Pick 7 (get it "lucky number 7?) of the above writing prompts and roll with them. Write 7 meaningful posts about 7 special ladies. If you don't like my prompts feel free to substitute some of your own.
-Prizes will also be unique this month. EVERYONE who participates will get a special little prize. I hope to have a bunch of participants and I'm willing to give out oodles of prizes!
Remember to leave a comment and let me know you're playing!!! And if you finish before the month is over feel free to stop over early and let me know that you've participated!I look forward to reading about a bunch of special ladies! Happy Blogging Everyone!
Thanks, Traci, for putting forth such a wonderful challenge. I'm off to think about the women in my life who inspire me!
Until Next Time,
Kel
I'm joining the March Blog Challenge from ScrapShare and it's hosted by Traci. The theme for this month is women - here are the details:
This month's challenge is of a different sort. March is Women's History Month. Since we are all women, it seems fitting to have a monthly challenge that honors the special women in our life.
Is there a woman...
Who you wish you spent more time with or talked to more often?
Who inspires you?
Who you can always talk to?
Whose story you're always in awe of?
Who touched your life in a major way?
Who taught you a skill that you use often?
Who you could trust to point out the lettuce stuck in you teeth from lunch?
Who you could invite over to your messiest house?
Who you want to be like when you grow up?
Who made you want to be a mom?
Who you've never met, but always admired?
Who you wish was still here with you?
Who you laugh so hard you cry with?
Who can finish your sentences for you?
Who has been your friend as long as you can remember?
Who you've been greatly encouraged by?
Who you'd love to have a one hour conversation with?
Since this is also the month of St. Patrick's Day, we'll throw in a little "luck o' the Irish" and make the rules unique:
-Pick 7 (get it "lucky number 7?) of the above writing prompts and roll with them. Write 7 meaningful posts about 7 special ladies. If you don't like my prompts feel free to substitute some of your own.
-Prizes will also be unique this month. EVERYONE who participates will get a special little prize. I hope to have a bunch of participants and I'm willing to give out oodles of prizes!
Remember to leave a comment and let me know you're playing!!! And if you finish before the month is over feel free to stop over early and let me know that you've participated!I look forward to reading about a bunch of special ladies! Happy Blogging Everyone!
Thanks, Traci, for putting forth such a wonderful challenge. I'm off to think about the women in my life who inspire me!
Until Next Time,
Kel
TGIF!!!!
Friday! Friday! Friday!!!
Friday! Friday! Friday!!!
Remember Snoopy doing the happy dance? Well, that's me today! The people in my office think I'm nuts - but that's an every day occurrence.
Remember Snoopy doing the happy dance? Well, that's me today! The people in my office think I'm nuts - but that's an every day occurrence.
I don't know why I'm so happy that it's Friday... It's 'get tortured by Denise' day. But even that's okay because it's Friday!
Did I mention that I LOVE FRIDAY?
Until next time,
Kel
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Well That Made Me Smile!
My house is on a very busy corner, a block down from the county hospital. Besides the vehicular traffic, the side street is very busy with pedestrian traffic coming and going from the hospital. There are doctors, nurses, technicians and other assorted workers who walk from there to the local Starbuck's (only 3 blocks down) or other businesses in the area; and then, there are the patients. Some normal, some not-so-normal and kinda scary.
Well, last night, Aero and I were out in the side yard for our fourth potty break in two hours (he really doesn't go that often - he's just nosey and likes to sniff around the yard and watch the goings on of the world). Of course, I'm annoyed by this point and fussing with him to hurry up. I notice that he's staring intently at something behind me and not moving. I turned to look over my shoulder and spotted a woman in scrubs heading down the sidewalk toward us. Of course, I fussed at Aero because I knew he'd try to scoot through the fence as the woman walked by....
Much to my surprise, the woman stopped briefly and said "you have a beautiful home!" and just kept walking. It caught me completely off guard. I shouted "thank you!" to her as she made her way down the street.
Wow. A stranger being kind. That doesn't happen much in the world today. I smiled for the rest of the evening.
And Aero only need to go out one more time.
Until Next Time,
Kel
Well, last night, Aero and I were out in the side yard for our fourth potty break in two hours (he really doesn't go that often - he's just nosey and likes to sniff around the yard and watch the goings on of the world). Of course, I'm annoyed by this point and fussing with him to hurry up. I notice that he's staring intently at something behind me and not moving. I turned to look over my shoulder and spotted a woman in scrubs heading down the sidewalk toward us. Of course, I fussed at Aero because I knew he'd try to scoot through the fence as the woman walked by....
Much to my surprise, the woman stopped briefly and said "you have a beautiful home!" and just kept walking. It caught me completely off guard. I shouted "thank you!" to her as she made her way down the street.
Wow. A stranger being kind. That doesn't happen much in the world today. I smiled for the rest of the evening.
And Aero only need to go out one more time.
Until Next Time,
Kel
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Finding My Way Out of "The Dark Place"
In January, I proudly logged 1270 minutes of exercise for the month. Quite a feat for me, the exercise hater. February wasn't bad at 760 minutes, but still not quite where I wanted to be.
Last Friday, while working with Denise during my personal training session, I mentioned that it was the first time I had stepped foot in the gym all week and how I was furious with myself for not coming in and logging the minutes like I did in January. The more we talked, I finally got to the point where I admitted to her and to myself: I had ventured into that dark place in my head where I don't like myself and find fault with everything I do or fail to do. As the month went on, I just sunk deeper and deeper into those dark recesses, being perfectly content to go home and hide from the world each night.
I kept fighting the 'why am I killing myself at the gym when I'm not seeing results' demon. That, among other self-doubt issues, was at the top of the darkness list. Down deep inside, and as Denise reminded me, I have seen results from my workouts. Oh, they may not be visible to you because my size hasn't changed much, but yes, they are visible to me. And she also reminded me that I needed to be proud of the fact that generally, I've changed my lifestyle over the last 9 months and exercise has become the rule and not the exception. Those 760 minutes in February were probably about 750 minutes more than I had done in February of 2008.
So, now that March is here, I'm scratching and clawing my way out of the dark place. I'm trying to be at peace with myself, my body and that demon that seems to rear its ugly head so often. I'm not quite out of the dark place just yet, but I'm seeing the light through the darkness.
Maybe Zumba will help.
Until Next Time,
Kel
Last Friday, while working with Denise during my personal training session, I mentioned that it was the first time I had stepped foot in the gym all week and how I was furious with myself for not coming in and logging the minutes like I did in January. The more we talked, I finally got to the point where I admitted to her and to myself: I had ventured into that dark place in my head where I don't like myself and find fault with everything I do or fail to do. As the month went on, I just sunk deeper and deeper into those dark recesses, being perfectly content to go home and hide from the world each night.
I kept fighting the 'why am I killing myself at the gym when I'm not seeing results' demon. That, among other self-doubt issues, was at the top of the darkness list. Down deep inside, and as Denise reminded me, I have seen results from my workouts. Oh, they may not be visible to you because my size hasn't changed much, but yes, they are visible to me. And she also reminded me that I needed to be proud of the fact that generally, I've changed my lifestyle over the last 9 months and exercise has become the rule and not the exception. Those 760 minutes in February were probably about 750 minutes more than I had done in February of 2008.
So, now that March is here, I'm scratching and clawing my way out of the dark place. I'm trying to be at peace with myself, my body and that demon that seems to rear its ugly head so often. I'm not quite out of the dark place just yet, but I'm seeing the light through the darkness.
Maybe Zumba will help.
Until Next Time,
Kel
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)