Put this to music

My neighbors now have" three noisy boys, three loud trucks, two barking dogs, two motor boats, one old camper and a laden apple tree"....   What they don't have is a garage, dog house or two-car driveway. 

Flurries..

After several days soaking up the Arizona sun, I boarded a plane to return home.  There was plenty of time in Denver this time so no need  hurry, weather conditions created delay after delay.  Mother Nature truly slapped me in the face when I finally was able to board my little puddle jumper plane on the tarmack--cold wind, snow and ice.  It seemed rather funny that the ladder like steps for boarding were replaced with a steep slippery ramp.  I am beginning to think that traveling is becoming more and more like Survivor.

Routines

Yesterday, Saturday, was my first full day of vacation...I spent it doing exactly what I would do at home--sleeping late, reading a good book, snacking and drinking a few beers.  I fear I am so predictable.  BUT, it was much more enjoyable spending my predictable day in the sunshine!

The joys of travel...

When you live in South Dakota, winter vacations are a necessity to survival.  However, they are never a guarantee when the weather is considered.  Yesterday morning I boarded a little puddle-jumper airplane to travel to Denver where I would be connecting with friends and then flying to Arizona.  Apparently it was too cold overnight, because the plane was plugged in and being charged as we boarded.  We were assured it would only be a few minutes.  Fifteen minutes after backing from the airport, the plane sputtered and came to a standstill.  After another 20 minutes we finally took off.  Since I had only 52 minutes to make my connection I was not optimistic, but relieved that I had checked my luggage.  When the small plane landed, I had 24 minutes to make my connection.  A piece of cake--however, I deboarded the plane onto the ground, thus I had to run down hallways and around ground crew to get to the airport.  Out of breath, I arrived in the terminal to discover that my next flight was boarding 31 gates away.  It was a modern miracle that I made it in time to board...only to spend the next 20 minutes idling at the gate.  Gave me time to catch my breath and put myself back together.

Product

Since I got my hair cut earlier this year, I have struggled to find a look that isn't "old", "boyish", "over the ears" and mostly "not difficult or time consuming".  I have been a terrible failure...everytime I ask someone a bit younger they always tell me it is all about the product.   After purchasing everything from "short, sexy hair" to nexus to everything in between.   On mornings like today...it is just funny how much effort I put into looking presentable and by the time I get to work I resemble MOE....

Traveling Salesmen

Last evening I made the mistake of answering the doorbell after 7pm.  The young man handed me a package of kleenex and asked if anyone in the home used tissues.  I quickly responded "No" and prepared to close the door.  He started to dash away and called, "let me get what goes with them...I will only be a moment".   I debated whether to simply close the door and keep the tissues, but didn't want to be rude.  When he entered the house carrying a huge box containing the ever popular Kirby vacuum cleaner, I groaned!  I explained that I was  watching a tv show and didn't want to miss it.  So with a sincere tone, he promised to take only 10 minutes.   What he didn't say was that in 10 minutes another vacuum cleaner salesman would show up at the door to take his place.   Now the timer starts all over when the original salesman leaves "Charles" to close the deal.  He had at least 24 of those little circle filters, filled with disgusting dirt he had pulled from my clean carpet and was offering to clean the curtains when I finally stopped him.  He had also pulled my vacuum cleaner from the closet to demonstrate just how ineffective my product was--as effective as I was at getting rid of him!!  Anyway after 2 hours and 4 phone calls to his "boss" reporting that he was just packing up--he finally left.  Without a sale, I am happy to report.  But what a wasted night--for both of us!   At least I can laugh about it...suspect he was not laughing!

February 14

For many reasons, I have never been a fan of Valentine's Day.  There were many years that I actually took the day off to avoid the stream of floral deliveries to everyone in the office except me.  My niece, Tracy, used to call it "thank God I am not in a dysfunctional relationship day"...Warmed my heart and changed my attitude.  So some my equally "losers in love" friends joined me for the annual Celebrate VD with friends Day!    Always a great time.  Thanks to Skype I was able to celebrate this year with my friend, Cindy, in Missouri!   And this year there was no concern about falling off the bar stool, calling a cab or a huge bar tab....another heartfelt celebration!

Exercise

Back on the treadmill today....no heavy sweating, panic attack, heart attack or leg cramps.  Even able to manage without a fall.  Guess this means there is nothing physical preventing me from getting back into shape.    Tomorrow I may even start it up....

New neighbors--changes

Earlier this summer, my religious neighbors sold their home to a young couple with three noisy little boys, two barking dogs and one very obnoxiously loud truck (in addition to two others).  Think about it, a young couple with three pick up trucks...they have no concept of mileage and gas apparently.  Anyway, each time they leave or return they rev (really rev) the motor to the point that my windows vibrate.  So, after a rude awakening at 3:35am yesterday morning, I decided I had to at least rearrange my bedroom and move the bed away from the sound check area.  Let me start by saying, it is no easy task to move all the bedroom furniture.  Perhaps the worst moment occurred when my feet became tangled in the answering machine cord and I landed on my hip with both feet pounding into the wall.  Not a graceful maneuver and certainly not pain-free.  At least I didn't break anything...well, except the answering machine when I tossed it into the wall for good measure!  How will I survive summer when the windows are open, the dogs are barking and the kids are climbing the fence??

Whooops...

Have you seen the card that says "of all the things I've lost, I miss my mind the most!"?  I am beginning to identify with that quote.  I drove home from a conference today driving a car from work, which had to be returned to the office.  With a weather advisory looming, I quickly unloaded my belongings and headed north to the office.   When I am 23 miles from home, it occurs to me that in my haste, I have failed to bring my purse or my office keys.   Now what?  I can return home and try to explain the extra miles on the car or I can go to the office and ask security to let me in although I have no ID.  I have pulled over on an off-ramp pondering my options when I decide I should simply return home for keys.  It is not until I am back on the Interstate, that I realize I have returned to the Northbound lane....Not only am I forgetful but now I am confused as well.   I fear the nursing home may be just around the corner!  (Thank goodness I was able to reach a friend from work who lives nearby, collected her office keys, returned the car and found my way back home)

Meditation

I signed up for a free meditation class...have never mastered meditation nor have I taken a class before.   Attended my first class on Monday evening, what an experience.  I have never been "smudged" until now--no one explained but I think it has to do with negative energy entering the room.  I took my seat next to a 70 something woman from Ireland named Bridget.  I was surprised to see the room fill to at least 14 with one young man and women of many ages.  Thankfully, there was another meditation virgin attending her first class as well.  Everyone else knew each other well-perhaps too well.  The lights were dimmed, eyes closed and the relaxing music began with a recorded male voice directing the breathing in and out.  Within 60 seconds I realized that I had a death grip on the arms of my chair so I rested my arms on my lap.  I will say it was very relaxing--I think Bridget was sleeping next to me, although I did not hear any snoring.  The other "newbie" continued to chew her gum faster than a power nail gun, but I do think I relaxed.  The instructor said I seemed to melt-until it was time for the Tibet bowl.   (I will say no more as I am in my "positive, happy place"..

My mother's daughter

I have become more aware of my "quirks" --  choosing the Halmark Movie and commercials as priority television; putting the smallest bit of left overs into a clean margerine container; increasing the volume on the tv; forgetting what I ran downstairs to get and most disturbing--talking to my plants and calling them by name when I water them.   Thank goodness I can't whistle or I would certainly fear I was becoming my mother!!  Personally, I don't find this funny in the least!