Hi everyone...I hope you are now following me over on WordPress and especially via my new website.
My new website is almost ready - www.GeminiRedCreations.com and I could not be happier.
My friend Kristen from K.Leigh Creative has done an amazing job make it beautiful.
Be sure to check me out there!
heather@geminiredcreations.com
Sunday, September 23, 2012
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Oops - I moved and didn't tell you
So, I recently discovered that I won a prize on another bloggers site - and upon realizing this I noticed I had never told any of my dedicated followers that I have moved.
Because I am now trying to set up my own website for selling my crafty creations via Wordpress I decided to use their platform for blogging. I'd love it if you'd follow me there - http://geminired.wordpress.com/
Also, you can find my crafty items at www.GeminiRedCreations.com. I give 10% of everything I sell to the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation.
See you over there!
~heather
Because I am now trying to set up my own website for selling my crafty creations via Wordpress I decided to use their platform for blogging. I'd love it if you'd follow me there - http://geminired.wordpress.com/
Also, you can find my crafty items at www.GeminiRedCreations.com. I give 10% of everything I sell to the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation.
See you over there!
~heather
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Turning 40...
Originally I planned on writing something as soon as I turned 40, and then...well, life got in the way. And then my memory got the best of me. No one told me that as soon as I turned 40 (which was in May) I would start forgetting everything unless I had it written down (and even that's not a guarantee I won't forget since I then have to remember I wrote it down and where I put the note).
Life has pretty much been a whirlwind...not just because I turned 40, but in general. Busy at work, had a month long celebration of turning 40 including many nights out with friends, been helping my friend Heather with her amazingly fabulous business - Rinse Bath & Body, visited my grandmother in CT twice (one of those times included my mother and I taking a road trip with the dog) and recently trying to get back into the gym. Oh...and throw in a few doctor's appointments, volunteer activities, etc and life is B.U.S.Y!
I was not at all afraid of turning 40, and I'm still not upset about crossing that threshold. What I am upset with is no one telling me that time truly does go by faster as we get older, my back would instantly feel worse, my brain would be feebler, and I would suddenly see crow's feet where there weren't any the day before.
The goal I have now is to embrace 40 and start back to working out regularly so that 50 feels better than 40!
Cheers! Here's to another 10 years (and hopefully more)!!
Life has pretty much been a whirlwind...not just because I turned 40, but in general. Busy at work, had a month long celebration of turning 40 including many nights out with friends, been helping my friend Heather with her amazingly fabulous business - Rinse Bath & Body, visited my grandmother in CT twice (one of those times included my mother and I taking a road trip with the dog) and recently trying to get back into the gym. Oh...and throw in a few doctor's appointments, volunteer activities, etc and life is B.U.S.Y!
I was not at all afraid of turning 40, and I'm still not upset about crossing that threshold. What I am upset with is no one telling me that time truly does go by faster as we get older, my back would instantly feel worse, my brain would be feebler, and I would suddenly see crow's feet where there weren't any the day before.
The goal I have now is to embrace 40 and start back to working out regularly so that 50 feels better than 40!
Cheers! Here's to another 10 years (and hopefully more)!!
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Another fruity story...
By now you probably realize that I like to take pictures of odd things including apple cores, a tomato, and now my latest is a banana.
This lonesome banana was in the parking lot at Cumberland Mall near the mall entrance next to Fresh 2 Order. First, how do you not realize you lost your banana? I'm just sayin'... Second, why do people (me included) just pass it by rather than put it in the trash?
Instead of picking up random pieces of trash, or food as the case may be, I find myself taking pictures to document their last journey on this earth. Perhaps this banana ended up being pecked at unmercifully by wild birds or other such animals. Perhaps it met it's demise from the weight of a vehicle tire running over it. Or perhaps even some silly kid jumped up and down on it to see it squash out of the peel.
I will never know the end results as I did not have the opportunity to go back and give it a pulse check. However, here are the pictures from that day.
This lonesome banana was in the parking lot at Cumberland Mall near the mall entrance next to Fresh 2 Order. First, how do you not realize you lost your banana? I'm just sayin'... Second, why do people (me included) just pass it by rather than put it in the trash?
Instead of picking up random pieces of trash, or food as the case may be, I find myself taking pictures to document their last journey on this earth. Perhaps this banana ended up being pecked at unmercifully by wild birds or other such animals. Perhaps it met it's demise from the weight of a vehicle tire running over it. Or perhaps even some silly kid jumped up and down on it to see it squash out of the peel.
I will never know the end results as I did not have the opportunity to go back and give it a pulse check. However, here are the pictures from that day.
Saturday, February 13, 2010
It's been a while...
It's been a while since I've written and I'm sure there is so much I have to catch up on. Let's see where I should start.
Besides my recent post regarding Haiti, the last time I wrote was in September about the tomato at work. Life has been pretty hectic with work plus the 1/2 marathon I was training for and completed at the beginning of December. Mid January I signed up for 4 weeks of training with Max from Fit2DMax and spent 3 days a week working out more than I had in a long time. I'm now starting to work out 3 days a week with a co-worker at one of the local gyms.
I haven't necessarily set a goal saying I'm losing X number of pounds or getting down to a certain size. I just decided that this time the focus needs to be on including a healthy habit in my life. If, by default, weight loss and smaller sizes happen...then I will be that much better off.
I turn 40 this May. I had mentioned the whole exercise thing to my BGF and the fact that 40 is creeping up on me. His comment was "Your turning 40 in a few months. 40 isn't creeping up on you...it has opened the door, walked in, and tapped you on the shoulder." NICE! So, as I let that thought sink in I made an eye appointment. It has been since December 2004 since I had LASIK and for the year following I was very good about follow up visits, but hadn't been to the eye doctor since at least 2006. I spend a lot of time on a computer for work - I have a laptop and 2 monitors I work from and I read a lot. The doctor determined I need reading glasses. I said, "what kind should I buy at CVS." And she says, "your prescription isn't that strong so you will need prescription glasses." Oh joy! I now have reading glasses that need to be worn while on the computer (I'm not as good about doing that) and for reading!
And on top of the eye issues...my knee is driving me crazy lately. In December I had 3 injections of Synvisc in my knee (1 a week for 3 weeks) and thought I was doing really well. Got back to exercising and shoot my knee is bothering me! I just hope that knee surgery (for the 2nd time) isn't in my future!
All I can say is...with my 40th year going this great so far I better have a fun birthday party!!
Looking for some fun to come my way in May!!
Besides my recent post regarding Haiti, the last time I wrote was in September about the tomato at work. Life has been pretty hectic with work plus the 1/2 marathon I was training for and completed at the beginning of December. Mid January I signed up for 4 weeks of training with Max from Fit2DMax and spent 3 days a week working out more than I had in a long time. I'm now starting to work out 3 days a week with a co-worker at one of the local gyms.
I haven't necessarily set a goal saying I'm losing X number of pounds or getting down to a certain size. I just decided that this time the focus needs to be on including a healthy habit in my life. If, by default, weight loss and smaller sizes happen...then I will be that much better off.
I turn 40 this May. I had mentioned the whole exercise thing to my BGF and the fact that 40 is creeping up on me. His comment was "Your turning 40 in a few months. 40 isn't creeping up on you...it has opened the door, walked in, and tapped you on the shoulder." NICE! So, as I let that thought sink in I made an eye appointment. It has been since December 2004 since I had LASIK and for the year following I was very good about follow up visits, but hadn't been to the eye doctor since at least 2006. I spend a lot of time on a computer for work - I have a laptop and 2 monitors I work from and I read a lot. The doctor determined I need reading glasses. I said, "what kind should I buy at CVS." And she says, "your prescription isn't that strong so you will need prescription glasses." Oh joy! I now have reading glasses that need to be worn while on the computer (I'm not as good about doing that) and for reading!
And on top of the eye issues...my knee is driving me crazy lately. In December I had 3 injections of Synvisc in my knee (1 a week for 3 weeks) and thought I was doing really well. Got back to exercising and shoot my knee is bothering me! I just hope that knee surgery (for the 2nd time) isn't in my future!
All I can say is...with my 40th year going this great so far I better have a fun birthday party!!
Looking for some fun to come my way in May!!
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Help for Haiti
We have a company wide BLOG where I work and this week's topic was helping Haiti. Please understand...I am all for helping people, but I do have a few of my own opinions. This is the response I gave to the initial post this week.
I am so amazed at how quickly people came together and formed groups to collect money, resources, and anything else that could possibly help the people of Haiti.
As Jim mentioned, these people live on the edge everyday and while it seems as though what we are doing is HUGE (because in basic terms it is huge) it is unfortunately not enough.
I guess the problem I have with this or any other relief situation is WHY we wait until something like this happens to even step up and help. As a person/group of people/nation, why aren't we inclined to help on a regular basis? Realizing, of course, that money is tight could we not still come up with a few dollars each week to help people in our own country, in Haiti, and anywhere else that is needed? Can you imagine what a small amount on a regular basis would add up to over time? How is it people suddenly come up with $100 to help one time but can't come up with $2 a week that could offer people help on a regular basis instead of when they have a crisis?
Also, while I appreciate what "Hollywood" and it's people are doing has anyone ever stopped to think about not only the amount of money they earn (heck - Conan O'Brien is being given $32 million to QUIT his job) but the FREE gifts they receive?? Imagine you just got paid $25 million for a movie and now you are up for an Oscar and because you go to the award ceremony you are given a goody bag full of $30 thousand worth of gifts you could have purchased yourself!! Take the number of gift baskets times $30k and imagine what that could do for a country like Haiti! I'm not saying people don't deserve free gifts here and there or that actors don't deserve the money they earn, but I'm actually tired of hearing that someone gave $1 million dollars of their own money in a time of crisis! That's only 1/30th of what Conan is getting or 1/20 of what some are paid for one movie. People making a lot less money are sacrificing for others to be helped. I have a friend whose children dumped out all the money in the piggy banks to send to Haiti! That's a sacrifice!
Again...not saying we need to sacrifice to help, but give up a coffee or a donut or whatever and help people ALL THE TIME! If you can't help with $$ help with time! We have volunteer events sponsored by ING and it seems as though it's the same people volunteering every time. Is it really that hard to give something up once in a while to help others? That is what we as people are called to do. We are called to use our talents for good and to help others.
I just hope that we will stop waiting for events like the Tsunami, Katrina, and now this event in Haiti to realize people need our help all the time!
I am so amazed at how quickly people came together and formed groups to collect money, resources, and anything else that could possibly help the people of Haiti.
As Jim mentioned, these people live on the edge everyday and while it seems as though what we are doing is HUGE (because in basic terms it is huge) it is unfortunately not enough.
I guess the problem I have with this or any other relief situation is WHY we wait until something like this happens to even step up and help. As a person/group of people/nation, why aren't we inclined to help on a regular basis? Realizing, of course, that money is tight could we not still come up with a few dollars each week to help people in our own country, in Haiti, and anywhere else that is needed? Can you imagine what a small amount on a regular basis would add up to over time? How is it people suddenly come up with $100 to help one time but can't come up with $2 a week that could offer people help on a regular basis instead of when they have a crisis?
Also, while I appreciate what "Hollywood" and it's people are doing has anyone ever stopped to think about not only the amount of money they earn (heck - Conan O'Brien is being given $32 million to QUIT his job) but the FREE gifts they receive?? Imagine you just got paid $25 million for a movie and now you are up for an Oscar and because you go to the award ceremony you are given a goody bag full of $30 thousand worth of gifts you could have purchased yourself!! Take the number of gift baskets times $30k and imagine what that could do for a country like Haiti! I'm not saying people don't deserve free gifts here and there or that actors don't deserve the money they earn, but I'm actually tired of hearing that someone gave $1 million dollars of their own money in a time of crisis! That's only 1/30th of what Conan is getting or 1/20 of what some are paid for one movie. People making a lot less money are sacrificing for others to be helped. I have a friend whose children dumped out all the money in the piggy banks to send to Haiti! That's a sacrifice!
Again...not saying we need to sacrifice to help, but give up a coffee or a donut or whatever and help people ALL THE TIME! If you can't help with $$ help with time! We have volunteer events sponsored by ING and it seems as though it's the same people volunteering every time. Is it really that hard to give something up once in a while to help others? That is what we as people are called to do. We are called to use our talents for good and to help others.
I just hope that we will stop waiting for events like the Tsunami, Katrina, and now this event in Haiti to realize people need our help all the time!
Sunday, September 20, 2009
The Tomato
I didn't get a chance to update everyone on "the tomato." I arrived at work one day to see a tomato in the parking lot very close to the back tire of someone's car. I thought it was interesting that a tomato had gotten loose in the parking lot.
That afternoon it was still there when I left for the day and I took a picture of it (Tuesday).
The next morning I showed up and there was the tomatoe again...it still was hanging in there. On my way home it was still there although a little worse for wear (picture below).
I was really looking forward to Thursday morning to track it's life...unfortunately I was in an accident on the way to work and did not get to follow-up on my little tomato. I heard from a co-worker it had finally lost it's life to a tire. My experiment was over!
Grammy's Boots
Many of you know that every month I call my Grammy to go over her bills and balance her checkbook for her. She is in CT and it is heartbreaking that she is so far away, but she always manages to make me laugh with her repetitive stories and the little things she says.
The beginning of September I went through the typical ritual and everything seemed fine. I did notice that she wrote a check to Comfort Moccasins. I didn't think much about it at the time. I figured she probably ordered something out of one of her magazines of the newspaper.
Well, Friday she called my mother to ask her if she sent her some boots. My mother said, "No, why would I send you boots? I don't even like boots or anything about boots so I wouldn't send you any." My Grammy proceeds to tell my mom that earlier in the week she received an odd box and inside were some rubber soled thick lined boots. She said the book was like a plastic material and inside was an invoice that said zero on it so she threw it all away and the trash had already been picked up. My mom asked if they fit and she said yes. Of course, there is still no clue as to where they came from.
So, my mother tells me the story and I say "She sent a check for them." And my mom starts saying "What are you talking about?" I look at the check register and there it is 8/23/09 a check to Comfort Moccasins. My mother can't stop laughing, and quite frankly neither can I. I call my Grammy and say "I hear you got some boots." And she says, "Yes, I have no idea where they came from." And I say, "You ordered them." To which she says, "I did?" (read that with a high level of shock) "Let me get my checkbook." As she puts the phone down on the table I hear her say "Oh Lord, oh Lord." I am trying really hard to contain myself at this point. She comes back to the phone and I tell her to go to the date of 8/23/09 and look for check number 2395 and there in front of her are the words Comfort Moccasins. She now says she is blushing and hanging her head in shame and tells me to never get old (well, it's too late for that - we are all headed in that direction). After she goes on telling me all about the boots and that she forgot all about them since they didn't show up right away (she doesn't realize it takes a while to mail a check, process the check and the order and then ship the product unlike shopping online or using a debit/credit card on the phone). I ask her if she likes them and she says "Oh yes!" So I say, "Well good, because you have new boots." By-the-way, she keeps calling them boots, but I'm thinking they are probably slippers with a rubber sole so that if you need to run to the mailbox they won't get ruined and you don't have to chance shoes.
As the southerners say "Bless her heart!"
The beginning of September I went through the typical ritual and everything seemed fine. I did notice that she wrote a check to Comfort Moccasins. I didn't think much about it at the time. I figured she probably ordered something out of one of her magazines of the newspaper.
Well, Friday she called my mother to ask her if she sent her some boots. My mother said, "No, why would I send you boots? I don't even like boots or anything about boots so I wouldn't send you any." My Grammy proceeds to tell my mom that earlier in the week she received an odd box and inside were some rubber soled thick lined boots. She said the book was like a plastic material and inside was an invoice that said zero on it so she threw it all away and the trash had already been picked up. My mom asked if they fit and she said yes. Of course, there is still no clue as to where they came from.
So, my mother tells me the story and I say "She sent a check for them." And my mom starts saying "What are you talking about?" I look at the check register and there it is 8/23/09 a check to Comfort Moccasins. My mother can't stop laughing, and quite frankly neither can I. I call my Grammy and say "I hear you got some boots." And she says, "Yes, I have no idea where they came from." And I say, "You ordered them." To which she says, "I did?" (read that with a high level of shock) "Let me get my checkbook." As she puts the phone down on the table I hear her say "Oh Lord, oh Lord." I am trying really hard to contain myself at this point. She comes back to the phone and I tell her to go to the date of 8/23/09 and look for check number 2395 and there in front of her are the words Comfort Moccasins. She now says she is blushing and hanging her head in shame and tells me to never get old (well, it's too late for that - we are all headed in that direction). After she goes on telling me all about the boots and that she forgot all about them since they didn't show up right away (she doesn't realize it takes a while to mail a check, process the check and the order and then ship the product unlike shopping online or using a debit/credit card on the phone). I ask her if she likes them and she says "Oh yes!" So I say, "Well good, because you have new boots." By-the-way, she keeps calling them boots, but I'm thinking they are probably slippers with a rubber sole so that if you need to run to the mailbox they won't get ruined and you don't have to chance shoes.
As the southerners say "Bless her heart!"
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Car Window Stickers
As you know, a while back I posted that I don't like those stickers that people put on their car windows that say Rest in Peace or In Memory of...
I wish I had a really good reason for not liking them, but I really don't have one. I just don't like them. And two weeks ago as well as last week I was behind cars that had these stickers. The first one really bothered me because it was for a baby. I think the dates equated to a child around 6 months old at the time of death. I wonder if that's how that baby is best memorialized. Plus...I don't need to be distracted while driving because I'm trying to figure out the age of someone when they die or get all upset when I realize it's a baby! Then Friday I was behind a truck for a good bit of my ride home and it had 2 In Memory of stickers (one on each side of the back window) and in the middle of the In Memory of and the person's name and DOB and DOD was a big bass fish. Another distraction I don't need while driving!
Goodness people - can't you think of any other way to pay tribute to your dead friends or family? I'm just sayin...
I wish I had a really good reason for not liking them, but I really don't have one. I just don't like them. And two weeks ago as well as last week I was behind cars that had these stickers. The first one really bothered me because it was for a baby. I think the dates equated to a child around 6 months old at the time of death. I wonder if that's how that baby is best memorialized. Plus...I don't need to be distracted while driving because I'm trying to figure out the age of someone when they die or get all upset when I realize it's a baby! Then Friday I was behind a truck for a good bit of my ride home and it had 2 In Memory of stickers (one on each side of the back window) and in the middle of the In Memory of and the person's name and DOB and DOD was a big bass fish. Another distraction I don't need while driving!
Goodness people - can't you think of any other way to pay tribute to your dead friends or family? I'm just sayin...
I hate your Trash!
I've been meaning to post this for a while. I hate trash and when people throw their trash on the ground! Even if it is biodegradable!
Several months ago I was on my way to my car at work so I could head home for the day and this is what I found!
I just want to know why someone can't wrap this up in a napkin and throw it away when they get home! It's so disrespectful of the other people around you!Saturday, April 25, 2009
Do you know what today is???
Most of you won't be able to put 2 and 2 together to figure out what today is beyond the fact that it is a beautiful Saturday and it's April 25th! But, today is a sad day for me in some respects...it marks the one year anniversary of the first official day of my salon being closed.
Last year at approximately 4:00 pm on Thursday, April 24th I announced to my team that we would not reopen for business the next day and for the next 1/2 hour I had an utter breakdown and anxiety attack and thought I was having a heart attack. I convulsed and cried and carried on - on the salon's kitchen floor - for at least 30 minutes. I was a failure in my eyes...and I had failed my employees and our clients.
Today I realize I learned a lot from that experience. I am glad I tried it, and I'm ready for a new and better phase for my life. WHICH STARTS RIGHT NOW!! (Well, in my mind it started yesterday or 1 this morning when I was typing out my other posts.)
I can't believe it's been a year...it's been rough, but it can only get better. Right? Please say I'm right!
Last year at approximately 4:00 pm on Thursday, April 24th I announced to my team that we would not reopen for business the next day and for the next 1/2 hour I had an utter breakdown and anxiety attack and thought I was having a heart attack. I convulsed and cried and carried on - on the salon's kitchen floor - for at least 30 minutes. I was a failure in my eyes...and I had failed my employees and our clients.
Today I realize I learned a lot from that experience. I am glad I tried it, and I'm ready for a new and better phase for my life. WHICH STARTS RIGHT NOW!! (Well, in my mind it started yesterday or 1 this morning when I was typing out my other posts.)
I can't believe it's been a year...it's been rough, but it can only get better. Right? Please say I'm right!
Read with Me...
I just started reading 10-10-10 by Suzy Welch. It's about taking the time to think of the impact decisions will have on your life Now...a little while in the future...in the distant future.
- The first step is to determine your question (like...should I do this or that?).
- Then collect the data...be honest when asking yourself what the consequences will be of your options (in 10 minutes, 10 months, 10 years...or whatever time frame applies to you).
- The last step is analysis. Take all the information you've compiled and compare it to your innermost values, beliefs, goals, dreams, and needs.
I am still in the very beginning of the book...I will keep you posted of what I learn. I always enjoy reading something that makes me take time for self reflection...there is never any harm in looking within yourself!
Friday, April 24, 2009
You think you know me...
Some of you have known me for a short time and others of you have known me for [what seems like] an eternity. Each of you know me in a different capacity, know different things about me, know different personality traits, goals, thoughts, desires, etc.
I'd say that over the course of my life there have been lots of ups and downs and lots of changes...some good and some bad. But for the most part I'd say that I definitely learned from my life.
I have gone through phases when I have been very social and everything has been about being with people (at work or hanging out with friends) and I've gone through phases of enjoying my time to myself. I am content with either...I am perfectly content being home or socializing. If you've only known me in a social setting than it's probably hard for you to believe I have a side that desires being alone. My alone time usually involves reading...I'm not the type to spend hours in the tub or sleeping when I'm alone - instead I like to fill my mind.
For those who know my "social" side you probably also know me as a girl who likes to date and has had my share of "first" dates...and just a few long term relationships. The truth is...I have no problem being alone and don't mind it. It doesn't depress me or worry me...I can be content either way.
My phases have been...socializing in High School and working after school, weekends, and summer breaks. I had a good time with friends as a teenager should and dated one guy for almost 2 years. After HS I went to work full-time instead of off to college like most of my friends. This was fine with me and I formed a lot of great friendships over the years. While working at my 2nd "real" job I met the guy I dated for 4 years. We had our problems of breaking up and getting back together, but I learned a lot about myself and very little about relationships. I was probably about 25 when we broke up. For a little while after that I just concentrated on work (and during one of our breakups I moved to OK for 3 months) - I worked 2 jobs most of the time from 11th grade until 1998 when I moved to GA. Right before moving to GA I went through a phase of going out with a friend from the salon (where I was working) on a regular basis just about every weekend. And I also went back to school for a short time in 1995-1996. I dated a "much" younger guy for a short time in 1996 around the time I had surgery on my knee. I was feeling crappy about myself and he was young and cute and made me feel better about myself, but only for a short time. After him I didn't date anyone up until moving to GA...I had a few dates here and there, but never with anyone I could see myself with. While not dating anyone I spent quite a bit of time doing my own thing. Working, staying at home, and going out from time to time. I was absolutely fine with not dating anyone. I moved here in 1998 and didn't date anyone for the first 2 years of being here. I went back to school, joined the gym, and worked. I earned a cruise from my employer and took the trip alone...it was quite liberating. I met a group of girlfriends and some sisters traveling together and we all hung out and enjoyed "girl" time out on the ocean. I then "secretly" dated a guy from work for a year - dating within our company was frowned upon so we never told anyone. That was around 2001 - and after that I didn't date at all again until 2005...not even a first date. I was working my ass off! I did a marathon and a 1/2 marathon during that time, traveled for work, traveled up to CT a few times to check on my dying grandfather and then back up for his funeral. Dating was not even on my mind...hell, I went to PR a few times, CA, Jamaica, Greece - who needed dating. For approximately a year I dated another guy I worked with (a different company) and again no one could know - this time it was because I was the Operations /HR Manager and he "sort of" reported to me. It was a relationship I knew would end up no where because he wanted children and I can't have any. And then I started putting together a business plan to buy my own salon and I got really caught up in that...again I was back to the no time for dating or anything else. I spent all my time researching information and putting together my plan. After I finally signed on the dotted line for my salon I thought I could at least consider dating someone - I figured my life was finally coming together and since my goal of owning a salon had come to life I could work on finding someone to share it with. In 2007 I joined Match.com and had mixed results in the dating world. I signed up for a month here and there never really concentrating on anything... Then in the beginning of 2008 things were not looking good for my salon and the depression was starting to take a toll on me. April 2008 I closed my salon and spent many, many nights going out with friends to ignore my life and the downturn it had taken. A few months after closing I started back on Match.com - again with mixed results and then in the fall I ended up joining POF. I had many first dates and prefer not to discuss the specifics.
Most of what I have written is to get to this point...I have realized that I spent the last year (and many past years) wasting a lot of time and money and the girl I used to be was always a goal-setter, a go-getter, and someone who got stuff done. The past year I went out too much and wasted so much money that could have been put to good use. I have decided to get back on track...going out will not be a regular occurrence (and this includes going out to dinner - I will limit it) and saving money will become my focus! I have goals to meet and things to do! When Mr. Right joins me I will have my stuff together...I'm going to be 39 next month and I'm ready to be a grown up! It took me long enough!!
I'd say that over the course of my life there have been lots of ups and downs and lots of changes...some good and some bad. But for the most part I'd say that I definitely learned from my life.
I have gone through phases when I have been very social and everything has been about being with people (at work or hanging out with friends) and I've gone through phases of enjoying my time to myself. I am content with either...I am perfectly content being home or socializing. If you've only known me in a social setting than it's probably hard for you to believe I have a side that desires being alone. My alone time usually involves reading...I'm not the type to spend hours in the tub or sleeping when I'm alone - instead I like to fill my mind.
For those who know my "social" side you probably also know me as a girl who likes to date and has had my share of "first" dates...and just a few long term relationships. The truth is...I have no problem being alone and don't mind it. It doesn't depress me or worry me...I can be content either way.
My phases have been...socializing in High School and working after school, weekends, and summer breaks. I had a good time with friends as a teenager should and dated one guy for almost 2 years. After HS I went to work full-time instead of off to college like most of my friends. This was fine with me and I formed a lot of great friendships over the years. While working at my 2nd "real" job I met the guy I dated for 4 years. We had our problems of breaking up and getting back together, but I learned a lot about myself and very little about relationships. I was probably about 25 when we broke up. For a little while after that I just concentrated on work (and during one of our breakups I moved to OK for 3 months) - I worked 2 jobs most of the time from 11th grade until 1998 when I moved to GA. Right before moving to GA I went through a phase of going out with a friend from the salon (where I was working) on a regular basis just about every weekend. And I also went back to school for a short time in 1995-1996. I dated a "much" younger guy for a short time in 1996 around the time I had surgery on my knee. I was feeling crappy about myself and he was young and cute and made me feel better about myself, but only for a short time. After him I didn't date anyone up until moving to GA...I had a few dates here and there, but never with anyone I could see myself with. While not dating anyone I spent quite a bit of time doing my own thing. Working, staying at home, and going out from time to time. I was absolutely fine with not dating anyone. I moved here in 1998 and didn't date anyone for the first 2 years of being here. I went back to school, joined the gym, and worked. I earned a cruise from my employer and took the trip alone...it was quite liberating. I met a group of girlfriends and some sisters traveling together and we all hung out and enjoyed "girl" time out on the ocean. I then "secretly" dated a guy from work for a year - dating within our company was frowned upon so we never told anyone. That was around 2001 - and after that I didn't date at all again until 2005...not even a first date. I was working my ass off! I did a marathon and a 1/2 marathon during that time, traveled for work, traveled up to CT a few times to check on my dying grandfather and then back up for his funeral. Dating was not even on my mind...hell, I went to PR a few times, CA, Jamaica, Greece - who needed dating. For approximately a year I dated another guy I worked with (a different company) and again no one could know - this time it was because I was the Operations /HR Manager and he "sort of" reported to me. It was a relationship I knew would end up no where because he wanted children and I can't have any. And then I started putting together a business plan to buy my own salon and I got really caught up in that...again I was back to the no time for dating or anything else. I spent all my time researching information and putting together my plan. After I finally signed on the dotted line for my salon I thought I could at least consider dating someone - I figured my life was finally coming together and since my goal of owning a salon had come to life I could work on finding someone to share it with. In 2007 I joined Match.com and had mixed results in the dating world. I signed up for a month here and there never really concentrating on anything... Then in the beginning of 2008 things were not looking good for my salon and the depression was starting to take a toll on me. April 2008 I closed my salon and spent many, many nights going out with friends to ignore my life and the downturn it had taken. A few months after closing I started back on Match.com - again with mixed results and then in the fall I ended up joining POF. I had many first dates and prefer not to discuss the specifics.
Most of what I have written is to get to this point...I have realized that I spent the last year (and many past years) wasting a lot of time and money and the girl I used to be was always a goal-setter, a go-getter, and someone who got stuff done. The past year I went out too much and wasted so much money that could have been put to good use. I have decided to get back on track...going out will not be a regular occurrence (and this includes going out to dinner - I will limit it) and saving money will become my focus! I have goals to meet and things to do! When Mr. Right joins me I will have my stuff together...I'm going to be 39 next month and I'm ready to be a grown up! It took me long enough!!
Sunday, February 8, 2009
What is Love?
I have lots of friends who are happily married (and some that are "just" married). Love is usually the the thing that brings these people together.
I met someone recently and I can't get him out of my mind when we aren't together. We spent Friday, Saturday & Sunday of the past 2 weekends together. He even picked me up yesterday to go to his house and brought me home today. How impressive is that?
He dropped me off today because I am supposed to meet up with a friend so she can go over my 2007 taxes (UGH...they should have been done a long time ago). I haven't been able to stop thinking about him and wanting to be with him since he left.
I think I'm falling in love already. When I am with him I just don't care about anything else. I have never felt that before. Man...I didn't want to come home today.
I met someone recently and I can't get him out of my mind when we aren't together. We spent Friday, Saturday & Sunday of the past 2 weekends together. He even picked me up yesterday to go to his house and brought me home today. How impressive is that?
He dropped me off today because I am supposed to meet up with a friend so she can go over my 2007 taxes (UGH...they should have been done a long time ago). I haven't been able to stop thinking about him and wanting to be with him since he left.
I think I'm falling in love already. When I am with him I just don't care about anything else. I have never felt that before. Man...I didn't want to come home today.
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Porn and the Super Bowl
Just in case you don't pay attention to what's going on in the world (or even the U.S.) there was a little incident in Tuscon, AZ where in the middle of the Super Bowl 10-30 seconds (I don't recall exactly and I don't even think it matters at this point) of porn interrupted the football game.
Imagine this...families in Tuscon are huddled around the TV talking about the game, drinking beers, hanging out with grandparents and kids alike and suddenly porn is on the big screen! Yep! Right there for all to enjoy.
This subject got the DJs on QBert talking and they asked people to call in about the most embarrassing experiences with porn. I couldn't help but laugh because it reminded me of a story involving my (then) teenage cousin and my grandmother.
My aunt and cousins were staying at my grandparents for a while and my grandparents are die-hard Christians and church-goers. There are some things my grandmother won't tolerate and porn is one of them (along with what she calls filthy language). My grandparents had gone out of town for a while and my cousin had some friends over (my aunt worked long hours so my cousin had a lot of free time).
After my grandparents returned home my grandmother was in the living room one day and realized there was a tape in the VCR so she decided to see what it was. Much to her shock and dismay it was a porn flick. And she was NOT happy! She immediately took it out of the VCR, headed to the kitchen sink, filled it with hot water and proceeded to baptize the tape. She dunked it and prayed and then pulled the tape out of the inside. And she also grabbed one of my cousin's rap cassettes and baptized it too.
When he came home and saw her doing this he asked what was going on. When she told him about the video from the VCR he flipped out. He started saying "Grandma...that wasn't mine. That belonged to a friend and he has to return it to the rental place." My grandmother basically told him that if he was going to let that smut be in her house it was her's to do with what she wanted.
I don't think that story will ever NOT be funny to me. Nothing like seeing your grandmother baptize a video and cassette and then rip the guts out!
Imagine this...families in Tuscon are huddled around the TV talking about the game, drinking beers, hanging out with grandparents and kids alike and suddenly porn is on the big screen! Yep! Right there for all to enjoy.
This subject got the DJs on QBert talking and they asked people to call in about the most embarrassing experiences with porn. I couldn't help but laugh because it reminded me of a story involving my (then) teenage cousin and my grandmother.
My aunt and cousins were staying at my grandparents for a while and my grandparents are die-hard Christians and church-goers. There are some things my grandmother won't tolerate and porn is one of them (along with what she calls filthy language). My grandparents had gone out of town for a while and my cousin had some friends over (my aunt worked long hours so my cousin had a lot of free time).
After my grandparents returned home my grandmother was in the living room one day and realized there was a tape in the VCR so she decided to see what it was. Much to her shock and dismay it was a porn flick. And she was NOT happy! She immediately took it out of the VCR, headed to the kitchen sink, filled it with hot water and proceeded to baptize the tape. She dunked it and prayed and then pulled the tape out of the inside. And she also grabbed one of my cousin's rap cassettes and baptized it too.
When he came home and saw her doing this he asked what was going on. When she told him about the video from the VCR he flipped out. He started saying "Grandma...that wasn't mine. That belonged to a friend and he has to return it to the rental place." My grandmother basically told him that if he was going to let that smut be in her house it was her's to do with what she wanted.
I don't think that story will ever NOT be funny to me. Nothing like seeing your grandmother baptize a video and cassette and then rip the guts out!
Skittles or Pharm Parties (Who Knew?)
This morning on QBert I heard of something that just shocked me! Apparently kids are attending parties called Skittles or Pharm parties.
It seems that tweens and teens (and some a little older) are attending Skittles parties which involves a bowl full of brightly colored ecstasy pills that people just take throughout the night and even mix with alcohol. The other is the Pharm party which involves people bringing a mix of prescription pills (their own or some stolen from friends and family) and everyone dumps what they have in a bowl. This bowl now could have anything from Xanax to Vicodin to who-knows-what! And again, they mix it with alcohol!
I am worried about these darn kids. Who ever thought that at 38 years old I would be thinking "these darn kids today." I am just amazed at what goes on these days. I am thankful I am no longer a teenager and no longer have these pressures.
Parents...please be very careful! Hide your medication. These parties are dangerous.
It seems that tweens and teens (and some a little older) are attending Skittles parties which involves a bowl full of brightly colored ecstasy pills that people just take throughout the night and even mix with alcohol. The other is the Pharm party which involves people bringing a mix of prescription pills (their own or some stolen from friends and family) and everyone dumps what they have in a bowl. This bowl now could have anything from Xanax to Vicodin to who-knows-what! And again, they mix it with alcohol!
I am worried about these darn kids. Who ever thought that at 38 years old I would be thinking "these darn kids today." I am just amazed at what goes on these days. I am thankful I am no longer a teenager and no longer have these pressures.
Parents...please be very careful! Hide your medication. These parties are dangerous.
Inappropriate Questions
Do you know that it really is NEVER okay to ask a woman if she is pregnant? You shouldn't say "Oh, when are you due?" or "Awww...are you having a baby?" or "So, is there a baby on the way?"
And I say this in the nicest possible way because I've been asked it a few times over the years. I am not a Barbie. I don't have long thin legs, big boobs (okay, well I do have that), and a teeny-tiny waist that makes it evident that I am NOT preggers.
Today in the ladies room I was asked if I had a baby on the way. The empire waist sweaters, tops and dresses are in style (again) and I tend to like them. They are a little better at accentuating nice boobs and hiding some flaws around the middle. But, apparently that's not always true.
Man...I need to get back to the gym! I hate being asked that question!!
And I say this in the nicest possible way because I've been asked it a few times over the years. I am not a Barbie. I don't have long thin legs, big boobs (okay, well I do have that), and a teeny-tiny waist that makes it evident that I am NOT preggers.
Today in the ladies room I was asked if I had a baby on the way. The empire waist sweaters, tops and dresses are in style (again) and I tend to like them. They are a little better at accentuating nice boobs and hiding some flaws around the middle. But, apparently that's not always true.
Man...I need to get back to the gym! I hate being asked that question!!
Feeling Quizical
Thanks to my friend Princess Sparkle Pants showing the results of her recent Myers-Briggs test I was feeling a wee bit quizical and Smarty McSmarty Pants (not in a Jeopardy kind of way though - I'm not that smart).
I decided to go online and take the test myself and this is what I found out...I am an ENTJ and according to this I am:
Possible jobs for someone of my "rating" are: Management in Business or Education, Miliatry Education, Politics, Law, Counseling, Engineering, Industrial Management & Manufacturing Management, High School Education, or Computer Programming.
I enjoy business management, have often contemplated politics on a local level (mayor), long ago thought about getting into law, often counsel others (Human Resources is my background), and I love to think of new ways to do stuff from a computer standpoint (although I like to come up with the ideas and have someone else do it).
I decided to go online and take the test myself and this is what I found out...I am an ENTJ and according to this I am:
- slightly expressed extravert
- moderately expressed intuitive personality
- slightly expressed thinking personality
- slightly expressed judging personality
Hmmm...is anyone surprised by these findings? I'm not. I don't know if that's good or bad!
I am Extraverted 22 / iNtuitive 25 / Thinking 12 / Judging 11
It says this on their site: Extraverted iNtuitive Thinking Judging
"I don't care to sit by the window on an airplane. If I can't control it, why look?"
ENTJs have a natural tendency to marshall and direct. This may be expressed with the charm and finesse of a world leader or with the insensitivity of a cult leader. The ENTJ requires little encouragement to make a plan. One ENTJ put it this way... "I make these little plans that really don't have any importance to anyone else, and then feel compelled to carry them out." While "compelled" may not describe ENTJs as a group, nevertheless the bent to plan creatively and to make those plans reality is a common theme for NJ types.
ENTJs are often "larger than life" in describing their projects or proposals. This ability may be expressed as salesmanship, story-telling facility or stand-up comedy. In combination with the natural propensity for filibuster, our hero can make it very difficult for the customer to decline.
TRADEMARK: -- "I'm really sorry you have to die." (I realize this is an overstatement. However, most Fs and other gentle souls usually chuckle knowingly at this description.)
ENTJs are decisive. They see what needs to be done, and frequently assign roles to their fellows. Few other types can equal their ability to remain resolute in conflict, sending the valiant (and often leading the charge) into the mouth of hell. When challenged, the ENTJ may by reflex become argumentative. Alternatively (s)he may unleash an icy gaze that serves notice: the ENTJ is not one to be trifled with.
Functional Analysis
Extraverted Thinking
"Unequivocating" expresses the resoluteness of the ENTJ's dominant function. Clarity of convictions endows these Thinkers with a knack for debate, or wanting knack, a penchant for argument. The light and heat generated by Thinking at the helm can be impressive; perhaps even overwhelming. Experience teaches many ENTJs that restraint may often be the better part of valor, lest one find oneself victorious but alone.
Introverted iNtuition
The auxiliary function explores the blueprints of archetypal patterns and equips Thinking with a fresh, dynamic sense of how things work. Improvising on the fly is something many ENTJs do very well. As Thinking's subordinate, insights are of value only insofar as they further the Right, True Cause celebre. [n.b.: ENTJs are capable of living on a higher plane, if you will, and learning to value individuals even above their principles. The above dynamic suggests less individuation.]
Extraverted Sensing
Sensing reaches out to embrace that which physically touches it. ENTJs have an awareness of the real; of that which exists. By stilling the engines of Thinking and iNtuition, this type may experience the Here and Now, and know things not dreamt of nor even postulated in iNtuition's philosophy. Sensing's minor role, however, puts it at risk for distortion or extreme weakness beneath the hustle and bustle of the giants N and T.
Introverted Feeling
Feeling is romantic, as the ethereal as the inner world from whence it doth emerge. When it be awake, feeling evokes great passion that knows not nuance of proportion nor context. Perhaps these lesser functions inspire glorious recreational quests in worlds that never were, or may only ever be in fantasy. When overdone or taken too seriously, Fi turned outward often becomes maudlin or melodramatic. Feeling in this type appears most authentic when implied or expressed covertly in a firm handshake, accepting demeanor, or act of sacrifice thinly covered by excuses of lack of any personal interest in the relinquished item.
Famous ENTJs:
Franklin D. Roosevelt, Richard M. Nixon, Benny Goodman, "Big Band" leader, General Norman Schwarzkopf, Harrison Ford, Steve Martin, Whoopi Goldberg, Sigourney Weaver, Margaret Thatcher, Al Gore (U.S Vice President, 1993-2001), Lamar Alexander (former governor, US Secretary of Education), Les Aspen, former U.S. Secretary of Defense, Candace Bergen (Murphy Brown), Dave Letterman, Newt Gingrich, Patrick Stewart (STNG: Jean Luc Picard), Robert James Waller (author: The Bridges of Madison County), Jim Carrey (Ace Ventura: Pet Detective, The Mask), Steve Jobs, and Penn Jillette.
Possible jobs for someone of my "rating" are: Management in Business or Education, Miliatry Education, Politics, Law, Counseling, Engineering, Industrial Management & Manufacturing Management, High School Education, or Computer Programming.
I enjoy business management, have often contemplated politics on a local level (mayor), long ago thought about getting into law, often counsel others (Human Resources is my background), and I love to think of new ways to do stuff from a computer standpoint (although I like to come up with the ideas and have someone else do it).
In Memory of (part 2)...
One other thing I thought of after posting my last comments about In Memory of stickers is the crosses, flowers and such on the side of the road signifying where someone was obviously in an accident and more than likely killed.
I don't like this either. I understand why people want to do it, but I actually think it could cause more damage because people are looking away from the road and trying to see what's on the side of the road or even trying to read what is written on the crosses.
And then, beyond being dangerous because it's a distraction, it ends up being just a bunch of dead flowers or rotting wood and plastic which to me is like littering.
There are much better ways to mourn your loved ones, bring attention to their lives, or even acknowledge their existence. How about a scholarship in their name? An organization baring the their name? Or something else of significance?
As always...just my opinion!
I don't like this either. I understand why people want to do it, but I actually think it could cause more damage because people are looking away from the road and trying to see what's on the side of the road or even trying to read what is written on the crosses.
And then, beyond being dangerous because it's a distraction, it ends up being just a bunch of dead flowers or rotting wood and plastic which to me is like littering.
There are much better ways to mourn your loved ones, bring attention to their lives, or even acknowledge their existence. How about a scholarship in their name? An organization baring the their name? Or something else of significance?
As always...just my opinion!
Sunday, January 25, 2009
In Memory of...
Do you ever drive down the road and see all the cars with the stickers on the back window saying "In Memory of..." or "In Loving Memory of..."?
I don't understand this new "trend" that people are doing. I sort of understood it when Dale Sr died because I would see all the stickers on the cars of the people who followed and worshiped him. But then it became a trend to do it for everyone who died.
I want to know how people decide to do this. Before the person dies do they say "You know, when I die I really wish you would put a sticker on your car with my name on it." I mean...how does one decide to do this?
Anyway, I saw the 5,000 car with a sticker on it this weekend and just thought I'd put it out there!
I don't understand this new "trend" that people are doing. I sort of understood it when Dale Sr died because I would see all the stickers on the cars of the people who followed and worshiped him. But then it became a trend to do it for everyone who died.
I want to know how people decide to do this. Before the person dies do they say "You know, when I die I really wish you would put a sticker on your car with my name on it." I mean...how does one decide to do this?
Anyway, I saw the 5,000 car with a sticker on it this weekend and just thought I'd put it out there!
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