Wordless Wednesday....My Favorite Place in the Whole Wide World....KW, FL...

My Mid-Life Crisis.....Politics!



I am having a mid-life crisis with my love of politics. Honestly….what is happening to our country? I used to love to know that I was part of the democratic process. I loved the opportunity to vote and the feeling that I was one out of millions that was actually making a difference. I have always voted….ever since the year I was eligible to do so, I have voted in every election for President....and in many local offices, to boot. No excuses….I was brought up to believe that if I didn’t vote, I couldn’t complain. Lately, I’ve been feeling like it doesn’t matter. We have no real leaders in our country. Nada…no one stands out and makes me want to believe again. Instead, I hear a lot of double talk, a lot of fluff, and a lot of “pure-t” bullshit. Lies and more lies. It truly makes me wonder where our country is headed. Really….on days like today, I don’t even want to think about our future….

I’ve been feeling this way for some time, but why blog about it now? Well, I climb on my soap-box tonight because when I came home and turned on the nightly news, what did I hear? First of all, the DOW fell 419 points today! For someone who is fortunate enough to have a good job, I believe in investing in our country by building a retirement account. By believing in the U.S. economy. However, when you see your retirement accounts lose thousands in a matter of days, you wonder why you invest in the first place. I work hard for my money. When I see drops like we’ve seen in the past couple of weeks, it makes me want to put everything in a shoebox and bury it in the yard. (Please don’t come dig holes in my yard because Jon would never let me do that!) Anyway, after having this initial reaction, reality sets in and it really does make you wonder if the retirement account you’ve worked so hard to build, well, will it be gone before your very eyes? Poof. Nothing. Zero.

The second reason I’m on a roll tonight? I heard that our President arrived on his first day of vacation at Martha’s Vineyard today. I’m not saying that he doesn’t warrant a vacation. Sure…everyone deserves some time off work. However, I think what bothers me most about his vacation, is that this isn’t a long-weekend trip to Myrtle Beach with a hotel room at the Red Roof Inn. Instead, he chooses to take a 10-day vacation to one of the most elaborate islands in the Cape Cod area of New England (the third time in three years, by the way) and he does so while there are so many people out of work, struggling to make ends meet, and who haven’t been on a vacation of their own in a very long time. To me, this vacation is unforgivable. I mean – who wouldn’t want a 10-day vacation? I do!  You do!  We all do!  But that just isn't realistic for us....or our pocketbooks!  It clearly shows that this administration does not think our economy is a priority. I’m sure if the shoe were on the other foot; our President would hope that his leader would be busting his/her ass to make this country what it use to be. I just don’t see that happening. What happened to his slogan of CHANGE? I see no change here. It’s the same selfish, dysfunctional White House that we’ve seen for some time.

But let’s not pick on our President alone….because it certainly isn’t his load alone to bear. Our Congress sucks too. They argue, they are divided, they are reactive. They are more concerned with beating the opposite party that they have disconnected themselves from the people who put them in office. They, too, have lost sight of what this country is about. And they, too, do not think our economy is a priority. It’s exhausting.

I could ask that you email or call your congress person tomorrow. Put the word out. But, really….would it matter? What is it going to take to make us stand up for what this country deserves? For what we deserve?  I hate to imagine what it is that will finally get us there.  However,  I think the first step is to find a real leader. Someone who not only talks the talk, but walks the walk. Someone who isn’t in it for themselves or their political agenda or their political party. Someone who thinks that this country is the priority. This country’s economy is the priority. Someone who believes in the American Dream. Someone who wants to put Americans back to work. Someone who wants to give Americans the opportunity to keep their homes or buy new homes. And someone who wants to give Americans the financial security to take a vacation of their own……

Wordless Wednesday....

I really do have a lot to say....

"Time is making fools of us again"  ~ J.K. Rowling

I like the saying above so much more than "time flies when you're having fun" because quite honestly....time has been making a fool of me recently.  I know it's been a while since I've posted.  And for those of you who care, I'm sorry that I've been taking an extended vacation (I wish....).  I know it has actually been longer than "a while" if you're going to look at my absence in months, but the truth of the matter is, I needed a break.  A break from what, you ask?  I am really not sure, but it seems whatever it was, it's made me realize I miss my own personal therapy.....blogging!!!!  So, here I am.  This time I am planning my return to the blogging world in a non-committal kind of way.  I plan to blog as often as I have something to say - or anytime there is something (or someone) that I need to laugh at.   Which is pretty often.  For those of you who know me, I'm sure you're letting out a little giddity-giggle right now...since you know how much I like to share.  And fortunately (or unfortunately), for those of you who don't know me....well, I'm really into sharing, so hold on tight.....it may be a bumpy ride.  I really do have a lot to say.  But for now, that's all I have to say about that......

Cha...Cha...Cha...CHANGES!

For those of you who didn’t know, or haven’t already heard it through the grapevine, I have – ONCE AGAIN – changed jobs. I wasn’t really looking to leave my position with the county and I do miss some of my colleagues there, but an opportunity came my way to get back into state government/higher education and I eagerly took it. Not to mention, that I have gotten a second chance to work under someone that I think is brilliant. I know I will learn a lot from her. In fact, everything about the opportunity is right.

Nevertheless, that’s not why I’m here. I don’t want to write about the old job or the new job or the work that I do. Instead, I want to discuss career choices, paths taken, and how one can easily be misunderstood. In the case of me changing jobs, I realized that my reputation outside of my working circle might be that of  a “JOB HOPPER”!

You see, I was recently at a marching band function when one of Jon’s band parents learned of my pending move to the new position. That's when she asked….“Good Lord, Cindy, isn’t this like five jobs in five years? Can’t you stay put in one place?” and I replied “Actually, it’s five jobs in three and half years and I call it upward mobility”….But there it was….at that very moment was when I realized I had been labeled....I AM A “JOB HOPPER”. Funny......actually putting this down in writing makes me laugh out loud because I do not think of myself in this way at all. Yes…. I’ve had several different jobs in my career. However, I have stayed on the same career path and never given up on it. Each move has been upward. Each move has been educational. And most of all, I've never - ever -  taken a job with the intention of leaving it in a short amount of time.

Now I’m sure some people wonder….Is it because I am an opportunist? Do I thrive on change? Why do I keep moving around?  Taking new jobs?  I won’t answer those questions because….in truth….I don’t care what other folks wonder. The only thing I really know is that I am not afraid to make a move that I feel is for the positive in my life. To me, this characteristic is an asset. In fact, I don’t understand the person who has worked in the same job for twenty years…in the same position….doing the same work forever. I personally think “job hopping” is a good thing to do - for anyone - in their careers. It shouldn't just be for the fresh faced twenty-something’s who are just starting to figure out what path they want to take.  For one thing, changing jobs is a way to maintain the passion (yes….I said passion) in your work. Seriously….changes keep your learning curve at a high level and more importantly present challenges to your abilities and skills. A good example of continued growth for me….right now, I come home exhausted every night because I’m learning a new accounting system….a new funding processes….a new chart of accounts…a new budget. Yes…I may be tired, but it’s also exhilarating because my brain is constantly thinking and being used to learn new things….therefore work is not just a process of the same old, same old. Learning new skills and utilizing  strengths result in high performances….which equal successes. Which is a good thing....

Another factor I find appealing about taking chances in a new position is that it allows you to meet new people. I can honestly say that from each job I’ve been in throughout my career, I’ve built and maintained a professional network that is strong. I still stay in touch with many of my former colleagues. In fact, it’s because of this network that I’ve encountered most of the new opportunities and been given the prospect to prove myself in new positions….each time growing tremendously.   You see, these people know my work, my work ethic, and most of all....know that I am loyal to my job.  The other bright side of meeting so many new people is that I have gained many personal relationships along the way. At each new job, there have been co-workers that have truly become my friends. People that I know will touch my life forever.

I find it interesting that when people learn that I’ve taken a new job, they want some sort of crazy explanation of why. Instead of hearing about my accomplishments and my desire to move forward….that I love change and new challenges….they want to hear why I failed or who I didn’t get along with or that I have no attention span (and those who know me, know this simply isn’t true). You see….this is not how I feel at all….despite the experiences at each place of employment, despite what prompted me to leave….I’ve never been afraid to make the change. And although I do feel guilty about leaving people, I never feel guilty about leaving the job itself. I know that I have - most likely - left a job in better shape than it was when I started. Recently, I read somewhere that “Loyalty to your job is about the delivery”. Meaning that no matter how long you’re in a place, what matters most is what you do while you’re there. Making a contribution to a job while you’re there is what’s important. I’ve said many times that we spend the majority of our time at work……you need to be happy, enjoy it, and “be there”. Your resume should not be a listing of "duties" you’ve had along the way, instead it should be a story of contributions you’ve made to your employers through your performances and accomplishments.

Not once have I ever felt that changing jobs has held me back….if anything I have become a better employee because of it. I’ve learned to meet new people, encountered new technological systems, taken on responsibilities that are out of the norm, and been there completely. I know there will always be the people who will never understand my career choices or the path that I've taken….they will always think I’m just a little flakey for moving around….However, I must say….I’m proud to be labeled a “JOB HOPPER”.

The Reality of War....

Today I had a very humbling and heartfelt experience.  An email was sent out to all employees in our building that Army Specialist Will Rabon's body was being returned home to Lexington County this morning.  Specialist Rabon was killed in Afghanistan last week when the vehicle he and another SC soldier, Staff Sargeant Willie Harley, were riding in was attacked by insurgents with an Improvised Explosive Device.  Both men were killed.  The email stated that the processional of Specialist Rabon's return home would include his family and loved ones and would be traveling past our office building.  The email asked that we step out to the road side and line the main streets of Lexington to show our respects to a hero coming home. 
 
I didn't ask anyone else in my office if they were going to step outside, but when I did so on this beautiful autumn day, I was truly in awe of what I saw.  There were at least a hundred people already lined up along the street.  At the same time as I stepped onto the sidewalk, I noticed there were many others filing out of all the Main Street offices too.  The mood was somber and reflective.  Some were holding American flags, some were waiting silently....
 
When the processional approached, I put my hand over my heart and with an overwhelming feeling of respect and sadness, I watched as each vehicle passed by.  First, Army Specialist Rabon's body, draped by an American flag.  And then vehicle after vehicle of family, friends, military, and law enforcement.  When the last vehicle passed us by, all of the office workers turned and silently went back to their jobs and their daily responsibilities. 
 
Today I realized that the majority of us truly take our freedom for granted.  I think we get so caught up in our over-scheduled lives, our desire to have more and be more, and our overly secure feeling of being an American that we forget....We forget that there are people - men and women - fighting to protect our freedom.  Fighting to protect our over-scheduled lives, our desire to have more and be more, and our overly secure feeling of being an American.  And no matter how we feel about political agendas, the war itself, or the military....we are free because of people like them.  
 
I wish more people would take the time to do what I did today.  I didn't know Specialist Rabon personally.  I didn't have to.  I do know that he is my hero.  Among the many other soldiers whose lives have been lost protecting each and everyone of us.  As I said above, it was a very humbling and heartfelt experience.  It was the reality of war....
 
Lastly, and so you'll know, Specialist Rabon was survived by his wife and four young children.

The Class of 1985

Tonight there is a shindig for my twenty-fifth high school reunion from Statesboro High School.  Home of those awesome Blue Devils! I'm melancholy that I'm not going to be able to attend, but everyone who knows me, knows this is the busiest time of the year in our house.  Anyway, I am bummed I won't be there....especially since it's 25 years!  Yes, really....I said 25 years!   Now....I know it must be hard to believe since I'm so young and vibrant and haven't changed at all. (You can laugh now!)   In this post I want to share a little about the wonderful experience high school was for me!   When I say this I am being completely honest.  My high school experience was a good one.  I know many people will tell you they hated high school and just thought it was awful.  However, I am not one of those people.  I REALLY REALLY DID HAVE A WONDERFUL HIGH SCHOOL EXPERIENCE!

You see, my parents moved me from Columbia, SC to Statesboro, GA when I was going into the 8th grade.  I was traumatized for having to leave my friends, my neighborhood, and my school in Columbia.  And to make matters worse, we moved in the summer when there was no chance I would meet anyone my age.  When I did start school - at William James Middle School - I was terrified.  It was an overwhelming feeling to walk into a place I had never seen before or where I knew no one at all.   In my home room, I got stares.  You know the look...."Who's the new girl?".  But then, in my very first class, something magical happened....I was sitting in the room all by myself and waiting for my other classmates to arrive and in walks this girl with long dark hair.  She came right up to me and asked "Are you new here?".....when I said "Yes"....she said "Well, my name is Vicki Marsh and I'll be your friend."  And that was that.....I had a new friend who ended up being one of my best friends ever. 

The great thing was...everyone at my new school was like this.  So many nice people who made me feel welcome to a new place.  I continued into high school and had some of the best adventures ever.  Football games, parties, sleepovers, working at Medical Center Pharmacy, beach trips, hanging out in the Piggly Wiggly parking lot, coon hunting with Vicki and her dad....good times with good friends.  Not to mention that the school was great too.  I liked my teachers, my classes, my classmates, and the administration.  For a girl who is not - and has never been - a "joiner", it was an experience to be had for me.  I truly feel the move to Statesboro helped me come out of my shell.  I still have several friends who I stay in touch with more often than not and since the Facebook phenomena has occurred I've connected with people from high school that I haven't talked with in years.  People that I really liked a lot back then.  People who were my friends back then.  People who I wished I would have known better back then.  People who made me enjoy my years at good 'ole Statesboro High!

Now....I'm not saying that I would like to go back and re-live high school.  No way.   I love being an adult and I love my life now.  But when other people tell me they had an awful high school experience, I think back and enjoy all the memories of those times.  With all those interesting people.  I do think I was a very lucky girl.  And how very fortunate I am to have those fond high school memories....

So, to all my 1985 Statesboro High School classmates.....who were very much like family to me.....here, here.....have a great time tonight and make some more memories for me! 

Wordless Wednesday....New Uniforms, Two Performances, and 97 Degree Heat!

A new goal (and runner's legs too)....

I'll be the first one to admit that I hate structured exercise.  I've always been the type that would rather get my exercise from working in my garden or trekking a few miles to a beautiful beach where I could sit in a chair and sip a cocktail or two.  I'll also be the first one to admit that when I don't exercise regularly, I am completely and utterly out of shape.  I can go from being toned, fit, and full of energy to a flabby "bum" in a matter of weeks.  This is the case now.  I'm a flabby "bum".  I've mentioned in earlier posts that I injured my back in early spring.  It actually started in February and continued through June.  Since then I've had a couple of small flares up that were as painful.....but luckily, lasted for a much shorter period of time.  Regardless, I went from going to the gym four to five times per week to nothing.  I went from working out on an elliptical machine for an hour at a time and spending quality time on the weight machines to barely being able to walk.  I felt great and then......was in the most excruciating pain I've ever felt.  Since then, I've been too afraid to do anything.  Especially exercise.   

The doctor suggested I get back into the game.  He advised to stay off the elliptical.  Evidently, its a back breaker.  He said walking or running would be a great way to make my back stronger and if I did it slowly enough, I would prevent injury.  So here I am....contemplating running.  Its just something that I've never even considered for exercise.  I don't know why since I've always been envious of runners.  I've always wanted runner's legs.  I've always wanted runner's stamina.  And since I know so many people who run, I've always wanted to know what it was that made them crave it.  My brother runs every day.  My sister in-law runs every day.  I know several people at work who run......every day!  And everyone I talk to about it loves it.  They also tell me the truth.....that until I establish my pace and ability, I will most likely hate it.  But if I stick too it, I will love it entirely.  So here I am....contemplating running. 

I knew I had an old copy of "The Beginning Runner's Handbook" on my library bookshelf that I had read but never followed.  It's a 13 week walking/running program where you work yourself into running.  You are only required to do three sessions per week, with each week increasing your running time.  By the end of the 13 weeks, you should be able to run for an hour or complete a 5K.  I am now on my first week.  And it feels GOOD!  No back pain and more energy already.  Really!  So here I am....contemplating running!

Book or Nook?

Technology.  I have to admit that I have a love/hate relationship with most of technology.  Computers, printers, iPods, copy machines, fax machines, DVD players, digital cameras, smart phones....I love that I have them in my life, but hate that I don't know how to use them to their fullest capacity.  There are times when I definitely think they are smarter than me.  And Good Lord....if something goes wrong with any of them, the best I can do is shut it down and turn it back on....and hope among hopes that it will work without any issues once it boots back up....

Even so....even though I have this love/hate relationship with technology, I love getting new gadgets.  After all, they are convenient.  However, this is also why I am in a dilemma now.  You see....not long ago, my parents decided to buy electronic books for themselves.  My mother went online, researched the different name brands, and decided that they would like "The Nook" by Barnes & Noble the best.  An eBook that has 3G wireless and can hold up to 1500 books.  Amazing, huh?  So, once they brought them home, I balked and said "I WILL ONLY READ A REAL BOOK"! But....I also ran right over to their house, so I could inspect the eBook with great detail.  I must say....I'm quite impressed.   And truly amazed.  It's very very cool.  Amazing. 

Here's the thing....I love to read.  I love to read for knowledge.  I love to read for pleasure.  I love to read anytime.  I would rather read a book than watch television any day.   The dilemma I have is that even though this eBook is amazing (have I said this already), there is just something about holding a real book in your hands, feeling the spine of the book on your fingers, and turning that page.  I love to see the ink of the print.  I love a hard backed book or a soft cover.  I love everything about a book.  And that is part of reading that I love.  That is part of reading that makes me feel like I'm involved in the story.  It's still a book in my hands.  And I worry that if I break down and indulge myself with technology, I will be without that book in my hands, and it won't be the same.  So....I continue to ask myself....Book or Nook?

More Cowbell...

Sometimes you have weeks when life just needs more cowbell.  This has been one of them.....I'm looking forward to a great weekend of family, friends, band competitions, and a very special birthday!  Woo Hoo...its Friday!

Compromise....

When Jon and I started dating we lived in two separate cities about an hour and a half apart. We realized then that if we liked each other enough we would have to make some compromises. So….we took turns. One weekend at my place, the next weekend at his. When things became a little more serious and we wanted to see each other more often than weekends, he would come to my city on a weekday and the next week I would travel to his town during the middle of the week. Compromise.  The one thing I've learned in the almost 14 years together is that he and I, both, are constantly making compromises for each other.  I don't say this with negativity.  Instead, I say it with pride.  I feel certain that compromise is one of the reasons we work so well together.   We love each other enough to realize what is more important to each of us individually and to realize what is most important to us both....as a married couple.  Over the years we've made many compromises.....

• Do we keep the television on all night long like he prefers or do we keep the room dark and quiet like I want it?  Yes....to both.  We do keep it on, but with no volume and if the light bothers me, I can always wear an eye-mask like Eva Gabor did on Green Acres.
• Did we move back to Columbia because I was homesick for friends, family, and shopping near by?  Yes....even though Jon thought living in Beaufort was the 'bees knees' and he was in absolute fishing heaven.
• Does Jon let me rearrange the furniture every other month?  Yes....even though he bumps into things or has to sit "crooked" in his chair until I move it again.
• Do we eat at the table every night like I prefer or do we sit in front of the television while we eat?  In front of the television....because he likes TV trays and I've learned it gives me a chance to catch up with my favorite shows on the DVR.
• Do we have a zillion flowers in the yard?  Yes....because even though I hate to water them, I love to look at them.  And....Jon loves me enough to water them for me.
• Do we argue over cleaning the house or how to do chores?  No...because we split up responsibilities and we both know that we have to do them or else.  Or else...they just don't get done.
• Does Jon let me paint the rooms of our house like a crayon box....even though some of the colors have made us both want to scream, pull our hair out, or puke?  Yes....because he wants me to be happy making our house a home and he knows I'll re-paint again soon.
• Does it drive me nuts that his dirty clothes rarely make it all of the way into the basket?  Yes...but I pick them up anyway, because I'd rather have them hanging over the side of the basket or laying on the floor than not have them at all.

As you can see...most of the things that I mentioned above are small and simple things.  The little stuff.  But that's the beauty of it....those small and simple things help us to communicate, have taught us to listen, and give us the ability to never take each other for granted.  Its because of these small compromises in our life, that make it easy to deal with the big issues.  And we do so very well....we resolve the big things together!

Now, most of you who know me, know that I am very opinionated, stubborn, and have the knack of sticking my foot in my mouth.  So....I try to take the things I've learned from the successful compromises Jon and I make in our marriage into the other relationships that I have in my life.  I'll be honest, sometimes its hard....I cannot communicate as well with some other people.  But - through my lessons of compromise -that's when I step back and try to see the other person's point of view.  And then I compromise. 

It makes all the difference in the world....

Wordless Wednesday....

Married....with NO children...

disclaimer:  this post is not directed at anyone in particular or meant to cause anger or hurtful feelings; if you feel you cannot read without assuming that I'm talking about you personally....then please read at your own risk



Sometimes I feel like I’m Hester Prynne.  You know, the woman with the scarlet letter.  No, no, no....I am no way an adulterer.  Not at all….but, in a way, I have been branded.  I wear the letter "C".   The reason for my scarlet letter…. I’m over the age of 40, married, and childless.  Bless my heart....that’s right….I said CHILDLESS.  Some people assume I just don’t like children.  Some people probably think I’m just selfish or self involved.  And, worst of all,  some people just look at me sadly; like I'm missing some great secret of the world.  Now, unfortunately because of these assumptions, I do think I get treated differently by a number of people.  People I don't know.   People I  do know.   People I know well.   People I know well that have children….

It was not always in my plan to become an adult, get married, and to remain childless.  In fact, my mother tells me that when I was a young girl and people would ask me what I wanted to do when I grew up I would say…."have lots of babies and live at home with my mom and daddy".   Now, I’m certain my parents are happy that it didn’t turn out that way….especially since I never mentioned a husband at that time. Anyhow….I regress.

You see….there was a time after Jon and I got married that we didn’t take precautions for not getting pregnant.  We believed if it happened….great!  And, if it didn’t happen….great!  We didn’t want to plan anything and we certainly were not one of those couples that had a “roadmap” for having a child.  We did not think about it constantly.   If it was meant to be it would be.   However, it just didn’t happen. It just wasn’t something that was in our life’s plan….God's will....whatever you chose to call it.   We are okay with that.   Jon and I both feel secure in who we are and how much we love each other….without having children in our lives.  In fact, there are times when I’m thankful that I am not raising a child in our society and culture. It’s always other people that don’t understand why we seem so content….they think its tragic. 

An effect of that and the part of not having a child that makes me feel like I’m sometimes wearing the scarlet letter of childlessness is that it does isolate us from couples – and friends - who do have children.   I sense that some people think that Jon and I "shun" the idea of hanging out with them if their children are around.  Or attending functions with couples and children.  Family affairs.   It is a truthful statement to say that Jon and I rarely get invited to the family type BBQ’s or kid friendly parties.  Instead, we are the couple that “parties”…. the people to call if you want to get wild and crazy.  Or so everyone thinks.   So.....because of this, we get invited to the rare nights out on the town, drinking festivals, or the kid-free events only.   Now, granted, we do like to do those things too.   I think our reputations in our college years (and many years after) proceed us both in this aspect.   But now....rarely do we "party".   The reality of it all is that we lead a pretty laid back lifestyle.  And we like it.  And we like to be around our friends!  We like who our friends are...children and all! 

I do feel blessed that we have many children in our life through Jon's band programs, my nephews, and our friends who aren't afraid to expose their children to the Brady's.  And I know that children like us.  We still have many former band students that remain in our lives now - as adults - because we knew them as children.  It's usually our peers - people our age or older - who question our ability to socialize with children.  Unfortunately, its a horrible  stigma to bear....a scarlet letter of sorts....my letter "C"....and food for thought for those of you who don't understand.

Let them eat cake....

Why is it that every job I've ever had employs folks who love to eat? Is it really just because everyone loves to share quality time with their co-workers and food is a way to do that?  Or...is it simply because we Americans love to eat?  Either way, I'm usually pretty good about letting my willpower kick in and I am  able to decline - with ease - the Friday morning breakfast run or the call for having lunch delivered, but never (and I do mean NEVER) have I been able to resist "the cake".  I don't know what it is about the cake....that fluffy cake with lots and lots of fluffy icing.....that's when my willpower goes to pot!

The problem is that there is always cake.  Birthdays, marriages, babies, holidays, promotions, retirements, hirings, firings, any 'ole random day....co-workers always feel these are all valid reasons to have "the cake".  The bottom line is that I've never said no to the cake.  I decided last week - after eating a huge piece of cake that had white and purple flowers and lots and lots of fluffy icing - that I wasn't going to do this anymore....NO MORE CAKE FOR ME! 

My only worry is this....can I really say no to "the cake"?  For those of you that watched "SEINFELD", think back to the episode where Elaine is confronted with cake from two separate celebrations at her workplace. Unlike me with the breakdown in willpower, she is tired of the forced socializing. So....she decides to boycott "the cake" by calling in sick the next day.  Upon her return, her coworkers give her a cake to celebrate her return to work from being sick! It is at this point she loses it and refuses to take part in any future celebrations.  A few days later Elaine misses the 4 o'clock sugar rush that she had gotten used to from all the celebrations, so she decides to raid her boss, Peterman's, refrigerator, where she finds a piece of cake.  Because she's eaten a large piece out of the cake, she tries to even it out, but gets swept up in the moment and finishes it off.  She later finds out from Peterman that the piece of cake he had in his refrigerator is worth $29,000 because of its historical significance.  When it comes to "the cake", this would be my luck....

Simple Woman Daybook....on a Friday

Outside My Window....there is a fall feeling in the air. Mornings are 'crisp and cool', but afternoons are downright hot! Looking forward to the perfect day of cool mornings, warm days, cold nights...

I am thinking....I really need to get back to the gym. Ever since I hurt my back in the spring, I've become a lump! And its no excuse....I know what's good for me - I just don't always do what's good for me...

I am thankful....that I have such an amazing family. Its nice to come home to such a wonderful, secure, and happy place...

Someone who made me happy....Ted. He is an amazing little dog. I've never seen an animal that actually tries to hug you....sincerely....every time you come home...

How I made someone happy....Jon. His 40th birthday is coming September 25th (and for those of you who didn't know - YES - I robbed the cradle!). Anyway....knowing he couldn't have a party due to a band competition that day, I let him pick out a new fishing rod and some fishing lures from Tackle Warehouse. I'm still deviously planning some other things......he he he ha ha ha! I mean it is the BIG 4-0!

I am going....to the Riverbanks Zoo Daylily Sale tomorrow morning with my in-laws. Not only do I plan on indulging on flowers, but I'm really excited about visiting with my family from Charleston...

I am hoping and praying....for my friends and past-colleagues who are out of work right now. Its time to get this country up and ALL of us working again...

On my mind....Marching Band! I am really excited to see the Dutch Fork Silver Spirit Band's show next week. It always amazes me how it just seems to come together when its time to. Not only is the show amazing, but they will be premiering new uniforms and instruments too! GO DFHS SILVER SPIRIT BAND!

From the yard....it is truly the dog days of summer. Everything looks so TIRED. In the next few weeks, I do plan to spend some evenings cutting some things back and getting things cleaned up and ready for Fall/Winter...

Around the house....Have several projects looming. For one, I want to redo the Master Bathroom. Although its been painted and has lovely window treatments, I'm still not happy. I think I'm going from bright turquoise and browns to a more subdued tans and whites. I want a relaxing, embalming spa feeling....aaahhhh...

I am reading....As noted in my previous blog entry I am currently reading "Eat, Pray, Love" By Elizabeth Gilbert - an exceptional memoir....

Pondering these words...."It is better to live your own destiny imperfectly than to live an imitation of somebody else's life with perfection." ~ Bhagavad Gita

Off the Bookshelf....

I love to read. There is nothing like a good book in your hands and a story that you can't tear yourself away from. At the moment, I am reading "Eat, Pray, Love" by Elizabeth Gilbert.

I know....I know. For someone who loves to read, why am I just now reading this book? A New York Times Best Seller? An Oprah Book Club book? A "Now seen in Theaters" book? Well, believe you me, I saw it on the shelves in all the book stores I frequent, but for some reason the word PRAY in the title was throwing me off. Not that I don't pray. I just assumed that I wouldn't care for it because of the portion of the book that was geared as more spiritual than I'm accustomed to reading. Not that I'm not spiritual. I just didn't know how I would feel about it. Anyway, it just goes to show you....I didn't peak a real interest in the book until the movie trailers started playing....and it was then I decided - as I always do - that I wanted to read the book before I saw the movie. And I'm so glad I did.....

The book is a true memoir about and by Elizabeth Gilbert. Recently divorced, she decides to travel across the world to Italy, India, and Indonesia in her personal search for.....well, EVERYTHING! She writes "I wanted to explore one aspect of myself set against the backdrop of each country, in a place that has traditionally done that one thing very well". She continued in writing "I wanted to explore the art of pleasure in Italy, the art of devotion in India and, in Indonesia, the art of balancing the two."

At this blog entry, I have only read half of the book.....all of the EAT section.....and half of the PRAY section. I can totally relate to the EATING part. Oh, what we wouldn't give to spend months in Italy eating...and eating...and eating. Carbs....what carbs?

And.....believe it or not, I am gaining a lot of insight from the PRAY section. Honestly. Its made me think about my own spirituality and how it relates to how I live my life. How I feel about others and how I feel about myself. And its made me realize that you don't always have to be in control. Its okay to let go.

The pleasant surprise of the book is that I've found that even though the author and I are profoundly different, we are so much alike. So much that it's scary. We both have control issues (yes....I can admit this) and we both have an over active mind. Even though I haven't finished "Eat, Pray, Love", I would recommend reading this book for the first portion alone - when I say portion, I'm meaning the EATING portion(s)! Anyway, I find the memoir extremely compelling. The honesty of the author is admirable and touching. It makes me wish that I could experience a trip such as this....only to find.....well....of course, PASTA!

Wordless Wednesday...

Rush, Rush, Rush....

I'm not sure if its because I'm getting older or because I'm becoming more apathetic to meetings, appointments, and deadlines, but I have recently discovered that every time I hit the road, other people are always rushing around like they are on fire. And worse than ever....they are tailgating. Now granted, I switched from driving an SUV to a small sports car in the last few years and I do get a totally different experience because of it. It can be very intimidating when a huge SUV comes barrelling up on your rear end. And I have to ask myself......WAS I THAT OBNOXIOUS AS A SUV DRIVER? Really. I don't get it. I've found that both men and women who drive SUV's are equally at fault when it comes to terrorizing small cars. And just as obnoxious. Just recently, I pulled out of my neighborhood by taking a right into a 35 mph zone. When I initially pulled out, there was no traffic coming from the left at all. Not one car could be seen down the good stretch of road. Then.....MAGICALLY (and at a rate of speed of approximately 50mph)....right on my tail was a HUGE Ford Expedition who obviously wanted me to go faster than the 35 mph speed limit. But I didn't. And she got closer. By the time we got to the stop-light, I couldn't even see her headlights in my rear view mirror. So...was there an emergency? Was she late for church? Was she a "hitman" out to get me? WHY WHY WHY was she following me so closely? When the light changed, we proceeded up the hill, with her continuing to push me along. I knew she was just dying to give me a little tap. We finally got to the next stop-light where there was a split in the road with two lanes going straight. That's when she pulled up beside me, unrolled her window, and proceeded to curse me out for going too slow. Really...can you believe the nerve of her? And on a Sunday morning, to boot? Now....I do not condone "road rage" in any way. But I did respond by politely rolling down my window, smiling at her, and waving. My special wave. So the moral of this story is....YOU PEOPLE NEED TO SLOW DOWN! Enjoy life a little more, take in the beauty of the day, and most importantly.....get off my ass! Its obnoxious and frightening....and just down right rude......

Always Remember....

I'll never forget how I felt 9 years ago today when our country was attacked on a beautiful fall day. I had just recently started a new job at the Bursars office at the University of South Carolina. A coworker came into my office and asked if I could pull up the Internet because she had just heard on the radio that the World Trade Center had been hit by a plane. Instead, we went down the hall to an office where a television was located. It was true. As we stood there and watched as the second building was hit and as the buildings fell, and witnessed the news coverage that a third plane had hit the Pentagon in Washington DC, it came over us all that no students had come into the office. None. An office that is usually bustling with activity in September. It was the most eerie feeling in the world. We eventually all went back to work - quiet and solemn - caring to each others fears and sadness. All making phone calls to check on our loved ones and friends. Scared of what might happen next. It was truly one of the longest days of my life. That night, I remember Jon and myself sitting on the couch together, watching the news, and holding each other. Thankful that we were okay, but terrified and sad for the thousands of families that were touched by this. So, as we go about our lives this September 11th.....REMEMBER. Remember September 11, 2001. Remember that we are free....free to go to college football games, to shop at the mall, to grill out and enjoy the beautiful day. But most of all, remember that we are free to love our families. Free because we are the United States of America.