Weird Weather
February 4th, 2011 § 3 Comments
Day Thirty-Five: Feb. 4, 2011
So, I’m a little late this morning – especially seeing that it’s now afternoon. I tried to resist every urge to snap a ridiculous amount of photos of the snow but when something so unbelievable like this happens, you just have to go with it.
While this certainly isn’t the first time the great state of Texas has been dusted in the white stuff, I find it ironic that I moved from a state known for this weather thinking I’d never see it again. Wrong, wrong, wrong.
As expected, schools were closed, government workers got the day off and people acted like general fools. It’s nearly melted now but freezing temperatures are sure to make this evening and tomorrow morning some interesting ones.
I did venture out my front door, but I liked this shot the best. Just a sliver of the chill, white and bundling. Perfect.
Since it’s Friday, I’m actually going to post three photos today. I know, how lucky can you get? Better go out and play the lottery tonight kids – just don’t forget the snowshoes.
Even Buddha thinks you’re all crazy. It’s just snow!
I’m off to continue doing some Behind the Blog (BTB) work. If you’re in Reader, click on over! All this snow has got me thinking clean and simple is the way to go. Special thanks to Alex for walking me through some technical issues this morning. I said I’m a writer, not Steve Jobs!
How’s the weather where you are? Stuck inside for days? Rocking the flip flops laughing at crazies trying to imagine what it’s like to be cold?
Fluff
February 11th, 2010 § 13 Comments
Well it certainly has been interesting around here with this whole snow thing. I am sure y’all are as sick of seeing it – if not in person then on the Internet, blogs, etc – as I am. It has really screwed with daily life this past week. Here in the ‘Burgh we’ve been topped off with several more inches in the last few days. Being that I work about a half an hour north of the city and where I live, my drives to work equate to a progression of more serious conditions with every mile I clock. As I like to keep work and blog lives separate, I am not going to go into any detail as to what I do, etc. but just know that I have a somewhat authoritative position that leads me to have to fill in when others can’t.
Yes, this is real. He lives on my block and is like, 12 feet tall. Cute and all, but really, CAN WE BE DONE WITH THE SNOW, BUDDY? Just melt. Please. I keep having dreams I see grass when I look out the window.
For that reason, I am playing the waiting game right now as to when I must make the trek to my place of employment. What does this mean for you dear readers? It means this shall be a post of utter fluff and nothing too thought-provoking! I have received a few of the blogger awards/tags in recent weeks (who am I kidding, months) and today I am going to roll them all into one and do another addition of Seven Things You Did Not Know About Me brought to you by Abby’s nomination. Thank you beautiful blend Abby!!! I figured I might as well post this, I mean, who doesn’t like a little fluff on their Thursday afternoon?
1.) I am a decedent of one of the Pilgrims. You know, that group of radical Europeans who got on three boats and flipped the bird to the King as they sailed off in search of a new life? One dude, William Bradford, was elected to lead them all after the first governor died. He held the title for most of the rest of his life. If you trace my maternal family tree for about the next seven-ish generations, your finger will be brought to an abrupt stop at none other than Ms. 25th.
Hmm…I think I see a striking resemblance. Do you think we look alike?
2.) I like to sing. I don’t just mean my ghetto jam on the drive to work or when I hit the club with my best gals. I mean everywhere. As in homegirl will sing in conversation. Not songs- the actual conversation. A lot of times I do it to reiterate a point. Sometimes I just bust out – like when driving, “Burger KIIIIIING!!! WHOPPA!!” It’s kind of like when Oprah does it on her show, but instead of going down an octave or two, I will go up. This happened a lot during Cabin Fever about the snow and conditions outside, “Whiite out! Buffalo chicken dip!” Yeah, shit makes no sense. But it’s entertaining in person, I promise. It’s a very sub-conscious thing. Sometimes I just do it and then when someone laughs I realize that I was, in fact, just singing out my thoughts.
3.) One of the surefire ways to my heart is through purchasing me anything that is affiliated with mint. Mint lotions, mint bodywash, shampoo and conditioner, mint creamer, mint ice cream (not mint chocolate chip though). When Edy’s had the Peppermint ice cream, I thought I had died and gone to mint heaven. If you’ve been reading for awhile you know that I am more than obsessed with Starbucks Perppermint Mocha – which is available year around if you just ask! I also was thrilled when Coffee Mate announced its creamer boasting the same flavor would be available year round. It was like the mint angels opened up the heavens and sang, “Ahhhhhhh!” (with fresh breath, no doubt.) Anyone have any good recommendations out there? I have tried Origins mint products, Giovanni shampoo and conditioner, Williams & Sonoma lotion and Philosophy’s body wash. I am finding out (the hard, sad way) that mint products are few and far between outside of the holidays.
4.) I generally have no shame when it comes to acting like a fool in public. Now, I am not going to completely berate myself into looking like an ass (i.e. I will not bring other strangers into my debauchery, nor will I remove any article of clothing for a laugh.) I will however, talk loudly, dance anywhere – no alcohol necessary, playfully mock others, ask the “stupid seemingly obvious” questions no one else will and be that person that gives the group a little jolt – or feeds into the silliness. I love laughing and making others laugh.
5.) & 6.) I have an affinity for remembering weird, random and/or useless knowledge. If you tell me your birthday, even if we only meet once, I will probably remember it, or at least fall within the week in the month that it is in. Same goes for if you tell me about an article you read, a song we both like or a shirt you saw three months ago. I will be that person that calls and says, “You know that white button-up shirt with the french cuffs you were eying up at J. Crew in December? It’s on sale for 60 percent off and there’s one medium left. Shall I hold it hostage for you?” Or when I hear that favorite song of yours, I am no doubt sending you a text about it. Meanwhile you are on the other end, all “Huh?” in disbelief that I remembered. My best friend always tells me that I forget nothing. I beg to differ. At any one given time there is always one key thing in my life that is missing. It generally circulates between my Tiffany’s ring (a gift to myself which is something I recommend all women do at some point in their lives) my earrings, my zip drive, various important documents (i.e. registration and insurance paperwork when I put my car solely into my name) – you get the picture. Something is always misplaced in my life and if I could just remember where I stashed half my stuff, I wouldn’t always be stressed. By the way - right now it’s the zip drive.
7.) I love quotes. Really great quotes. Whether it’s a classic, a soundbite from a celebrity interview or something one of my friends said, there is power in great words. With that, I leave you with my favorite, which I now have on both a candle and a new coffee mug!
Peace. It does not mean to be in a place where there is no noise, trouble or hard work. It means to be in the midst of those things and still be calm in your heart.
**Update, I have jumped on the bandwagon – Go Ahead, Ask Me Anything and I will post about it next week! All this snow is making me crazy (aka bored).
Snow Day(s)
February 8th, 2010 § 11 Comments
Wow. Wow, wow! I am completely humbled by the outpouring of support, kindness and LOVE my last post generated. For every comment I thank you. For every person that took something from my story I am so grateful. For every new set of eyes to take the time to read my words I am touched. Remember how I said there were many lessons to be learned from this experience? Well, I think the best so far is that this community holds so much more goodness than I ever could have imagined. Despite another event on Friday that completely sealed the deal with the ex, I am feeling strong and empowered. And I know so much of that is because of all of you. Plus – I have made so many new blends! (In case you haven’t heard, a blogger friend = “a blend.” It’s the new thing.) If I had it my way, I would send you all a magazine and a cute pastry.
In case you’re wondering, this is how I spent my Sunday afternoon. Do you remember those Little Debbie’s from your childhood? I haven’t broken into one of those glorious $1.19 preservative-laden boxes since I was rockin’ braces. Somehow, it wasn’t as sweet as I remembered. However, that will not keep me from eating the rest of them. I work hard for my money, ya know? Can’t be wasteful!
I spent the last three days mainly around the homestead as we got pummeled with a massive snowstorm this weekend. And by massive I mean everyone was in unison shouting, “Get down to the grocery store NE-OW!!! Toilet paper, milk, bread, pastries!!” Everyone, that is, except for us who thought things were being blown way out of proportion. We had a party planned several weeks in advance – a Cabin Fever party no less – and we were sure that it was going to happen regardless of Mother Nature. I made the mistake of saying out loud Friday night, “I hope we get snowed in. Then we won’t have to work tomorrow!” It seems every time I mutter a “wish” of mine out loud, it comes true and I have to live with the consequences. (Lesson I should have learned when I said, “I need to go to the dentist” and was immediately inflicted with pain that took me out of work for a week and into the hospital with an abscessed tooth turned infection.) We woke up to more snow than my snow belt raised self can ever remember.
Welcome to my ‘hood circa Snowmageddon 2010.
He had a little too much to drink the night before methinks.
In true form, we continued on with the party. Thankfully I live a skip away from a grocery store that was actually open when the rest of the city was shut down. We stocked up and the four of us proceeded with celebration. Just what do you do at a cabin fever party when you really do have cabin fever you ask? Well you spend time dressing indoor trees – I mean, they need to keep warm, too.
You also waste spend a half an hour throwing cards in the air to get the perfect money shot. I’m not sure if y’all knew this, but I am a baller around these parts.
So hard.
I was supposed to see RENT yesterday with a friend of mine, but this darn snow once again held up plans as she was plowed in. Needless to say, this whole weather thing really put a damper on some pretty fun plans. Last night, we decided it was only right to break open a bottle of bubbly and toast away the week and weekend that were.
I’d be lying if I said I didn’t want just one more day off. Really I should know better – that greed is a product of the just one more syndrome. Just one more time to hit snooze. Just one more drink before I go. Just one more Little Debbie.
The Just one more syndrome is known to produce no good side effects and is very hazardous to your health. For that reason alone, I shall return to the working world. Because if I had it my way – and thank goodness I don’t – I would probably turn into a Little Debbie. Maybe that’s why I haven’t had these for a decade?
Keeping Tabs
December 10th, 2009 § 3 Comments
Happy Thursday from a very snowy Pittsburgh. I think today is the first “real snow” of the season – at least in the time I’ve been in town. But it is absolutely freezing! Right now I am posted up in Starbucks, enjoying sitting fireside, drinking my Peppermint Mocha and watching the snowfall from inside.
Now that I only zip through the SB drive-thru once a week, I forgot that sitting inside means overhearing lots of job interviews and “business speak.” I couldn’t help but listen in on a powerful female exec interview a man who looked to be in his late-50s. I could only hope he was only looking for a new opportunity and not out of work. I think I have a tendency to make faces and generally stare a bit too much, but sometimes I can’t help it, ya know?
Anyway, onward and upward. How are y’all doing with your December to Remember challenge? Here’s an update on mine.
1. Water – while I am really making an effort here, deep down I know I am not drinking the 64 oz. I loved all of your suggestions, and I think I figured out my solution – I need a straw. That’s right, your friend here is just straight up lazy. If I invest the $2.59 in some plastic disposable straws, I will have no problem sucking down the H20 like a Mohave Desert Camel.
2. Donate – I attempted to participate in a toy drive, but once I looked it up, I discovered it was ending the next morning at 10 a.m. Anyone know of a good charity or cause to donate to this month? I still do the obligatory, “Would you like to donate $1 to xyz today?” at stores, but I want something more.
3. Finances – I am doing just as well with this as I was before the challenge. Chase is still living in my freezer and I am budgeting and asking myself if I truly need every purchase I wish to make. I did go a little overboard last weekend purchasing myself some things with all the store coupons that crowd my inbox and mailbox every week, but I ended up returning them when buyer’s remorse hit me the following day. Christmas is not the time to be greedy, self.
4. Me time – this one is going well. I had the massage last week and now I am taking my day off to just escape my house where I have nagging responsibilities and just chill for a bit. Yay!
5. Shake up workouts – this one, unfortunately is not going as well as planned, either. I was all lined up to return to hot yoga Tuesday and the day before I got smacked with whatever has decided to take up space in my immune system. Fluids, soups and ice cream aside, homegirl has been hitting the cough syrup like Lil Wayne. As soon as I don’t feel like my head is going to float off my shoulders, I will be back at it. Plus, when I go back to Texas in a week and a half, I can run outside – sweet!
So, a week into my goals, I am not where I want to be. Looks like it’s time to walk the walk instead of just talk the talk.
I’m off to enjoy the rest of this blustery day!!
Update me on how you’re doing with your goals! It’s not to late to start if you didn’t already!
