Me Oh My - What a Weekend!

I had such a crazy busy weekend.  It was SO worth it though. :)  I don't get much time to strictly set aside for what I want to do anymore so I wanted to fit it all in.  The majority of the weekend was spent relaxing, watching movies, hanging out with friends, running errands and doing stuff around the house.

A few blog-worthy experiences...

Black Swan

I treated myself to a $2.50 showing of The Black Swan.  I even bought myself a popcorn and pop for $6.  I know I went on such a spending spree!!  Going into the movie, I knew it was about ballet and had Natalie Portman in it.  (She won an Oscar for her role - Best Actress.)  I left thinking it was a really good movie but somewhat messed up.  A few times the movie caught me off guard, scrambling to figure out what just happened.  Once the movie has finished, you can add all the pieces together to understand the story in its' entirety.  It was sort of tragic but that is often the reality of performing arts.  Dancers, singers, actors/actresses invest so much of their lives into their performances that sometimes can lead to a permanent change of their personality or character.  It was rumored that Heath Ledger took the role of the Joker from The Dark Knight hard.  Sleeping very little.  Possibly taking prescription medications due to the psychological affects of the "getting into the role".  Dancers struggle more than singers or actors/actresses because of age.  Other performers are able to adapt as they age.  Taking on new roles, etc.  I'll leave it at that in case you haven't watched the movie yet.

Shoop's

"We went out last night."  Well not really... I just wanted to use those lyrics.  I actually went out Saturday night with some friends.  One of my friends had recently opened a bar in the old Union location.  I shamefully had not visited the establishment yet.  I just haven't been out in a long time.  It was nothing against him!  He is a classy guy so I knew the bar would be very similar and had no worries about actually entering the bar.  I would say Shoop's was a cross between the Union and Club Luna (if you remember that place).  Laid back but a little more upscale.  We got there relatively early for going out and stayed until 1 or so.  By the time we left, the bar was packed.  The DJ was playing really good music.  If I had stayed maybe another 30 minutes, I would have got up to dance.  Yes - there is a dance floor.  :)  I miss the days of shaking what your momma gave ya.  It was such a great workout!  In case you didn't know, I don't drink.  Therefore, I cannot comment on the quality of the bartenders.  However, they were very aware of my almost fish like consumption of water and of my friend's adult beverages.  They seemed really attentive to anyone that came up to the bar.  I enjoy people watching and it seemed like there was a really good variety of people there that night.  I would recommend it to anyone who is looking for a finer establishment to go hang out with friends or possibly meet someone new.  When you go, ask for Shoop and tell him I sent you.  He'll make sure you have a good time!

Monster Cookies

I had some extra time on my hands and wanted to get creative in the kitchen.  Usually my snicker doodles or chocolate chip cookies are requested.  This time, I was making something for me.  I LOVE oatmeal raisin cookies but hadn't found a good recipe yet.  Melissa found this one and gave it to me.  I don't know how many pans I baked last night but it was enough to fill up my cookie tin.  I still have half the mixing bowl left over.  I'll probably bake those tonight or tomorrow.  I slightly modified the recipe excluding the chocolate candies and chocolate chips.  I just added more raisins.  They are SOOOO good!  Did I mention it was a Paula Deen recipe??  Of course they are good!

Here's the direct link for your enjoyment!  Monster cookies

In order to save you from wasting another 30 minutes, I'll stop there.  Just want you to know that I had such a great weekend and hope you did as well.  WAIT - Can you believe it snowed on Saturday night??? I about froze!  Happy Monday all!


“We tend to forget that happiness doesn't come as a result of getting something we don't have, but rather of recognizing and appreciating what we do have.”

Health Care

I going to get on my soap box for a few minutes here.  What is going on with health care??

I've had a series of annoyances with medical professionals lately.  This is spurred by calling a doctor to have an "answering service" tell me to call back after 1:30pm.  They were at lunch.  I called at 11:45am.  REALLY?  You're going to lunch for almost 2 hours?

1. The dentist.  I had to go back to the dentist at the beginning of last week because I had chipped a tooth or broken part of a filling.  Before I made it to the dentist, I had part of another filling fall out.  Irritates me because I haven't had it that long.  I get to the dentist's office.  My appointment was at 10:30 am.  I think I finally got in the chair at 11am.  I asked him "How long are fillings supposed to last?"  He spouts off with some cover my butt type of response.  I understand that they can't last forever but to only last a few years...  Something isn't right.  Okay whatever.... He works on fixing the filling that had fallen out.  His assistant asks about the other tooth and he says well if we have to numb her you're not going to get a lunch.  UM, I'm sitting right here!  As they get closer to finishing my tooth, he keeps rushing the process.  He was able to fix both teeth.  However, the first tooth isn't quite lining up with my bite and feels rough in one spot.  So now I'm going to have to make another trip to Parkersburg to have them properly fix it.  After that, I'm finding a new dentist.  I'll gladly take recommendations.

2. The dermatologist.  I've always had issues with this one.  This is the medical practice that is taking a 2 hour lunch!  I have never seen the actual doctor, only the physician's assistant.  Okay whatever.  I've sat in their waiting room for HOURS before being seen for a 15 minute appointment.  I'm so over this one.  I just have a follow up appointment and I don't think I'm going back.  Don't care at this point.

3. New physician - When I got back from Jamaica in November, I had a letter from my regular doctor saying she was quitting her practice.  UGH.  The office said they would transfer my files and have the new doctor contact me to set up an appointment.  I don't hear anything.  Finally in January, I call, explain what I was told and they say well that isn't how it works.  Okay whatever.  I set up an appointment.  I get to the office early and sat in the waiting room maybe 15 minutes past my appointment time.  A nurse comes to get me and do vitals, little bit of background info, etc.  I go to the exam room and wait for 1 hour and 30 minutes!  The doctor comes in asks what medicine I'm on, if I need refills, wants to set up another exam appointment and off I go.  This took all of maybe 20 minutes.

What the crap is going on in health care?  Whatever happened to putting the patient first?  I have been blessed with "knowing" all my previous physicians by family connections.  However, the treatment I've received the past year is lacking.  I understand some of the difficulties that medical professionals face when it comes to exams, timing, planning, etc.  I get that things don't always go according to plan.  I get that sometimes things happen and others are affected.  I just don't get why physicians and other professionals aren't doing their best to rectify the situation.  Why don't they apologize for wasting my time and resources?  It is almost like they know that if you leave their practice, another patient will come in.  Did no one teach them that it takes more money to attract a NEW customer than it does to keep an EXISTING customer?  Maybe I should copy that page out of my marketing text books and share it with them.

Two Things

1. When is Lent over?
2. I'm finally feeling "normal".


1. Lent

April 23rd.  Over a month away.  I told everyone that I was not going to shop during Lent.  In my mind, this was for anything unnecessary.  However, I've come up to a few question marks.  I'm close to the bottom of my foundation bottle.  To me, this is a necessary purchase.  To most men, I'm sure they would say this is absolutely unnecessary.  Some women would agree or disagree.  I've been trying to hold out on making this purchase just to test my will power.  I'm not sure if I will be able to make it though.  You see, I've always worn make up.  I think mom finally let me start wearing in the end of my 7th grade year.  For roughly 15 years, I've had it on my face in some form or fashion.  When I was younger, I was more adventurous with colors using my face as a canvas for self-expression.  As I've aged and matured, I found one simple routine for my application of makeup.  Sure I have a lot of makeup (most of which is old and needs thrown away or was a "free gift" which also needs thrown away.)  I really don't use much.  However, I have advanced in the application methods (thankfully!) and collected several brushes which greatly outnumber the actual items used.  I think I have at least one brush for every item that I put on.  (Crazy - I JUST realized my brushes equal the number of items I use.)

Also, my mascara is about to run out.  For years, I've used a special color called Auburn by Max Factor.  Because I have red hair, black and even some brown mascara just doesn't look right with my coloring.  Of course, Max Factor had to quit selling the stuff in the States.  I stockpiled when I found out and have lasted about a year and a half.  Welp, I'm down to my last tube and it is drying up.  SO... my good friend Tia (who sells Mary Kay - If you need some, I'll hook you up.) found a website Just for Redheads!!  They sell a few different shades that I would like to try.  Question mark.  I could survive on my free gift black, BLACK mascara and look really goofy OR I could buy it as a necessary purchase.

Give me some advice here.  I'm floating back and forth.

On a side note, I've gone through my closet a couple of times and purged items that I never really wear anymore.  I have tons of casual clothes that are still in really good condition.  Generally, I am wearing business attire or come straight home to pjs.  I don't get the opportunity to wear them much anymore.  Since they are still in good condition, I can't justify just getting rid of them.  On another note, most of the casual clothes I have are solid colors or muted prints.  Nothing fad-ish.  So it isn't like I'm wearing shirts that show my midriff like the mid 90s.  But I have managed to part with clothes that are too short or ill-fitting.

2. Sickness

Sickness doesn't even begin to describe it.  I felt like I had the plague!  It all started a couple Fridays ago with a headache.  I finally went to the doctor on Wednesday after taking the week off.  I had a sinus infection and received prescriptions for antibiotics and nose spray.  (I HATE NOSE SPRAY.)  I was excited to be back in the world and medicated.  Thursday, I survived the day at work.  I got home, had dinner and started feeling nauseous again.  Woke up in the middle of the night sick.  Friday, I was miserable to say the least.  The antibiotics were making me feel worse than I had been feeling.  Thankfully, they were able to switch the meds.  I took Friday evening off so my stomach would have a break and started again on Saturday.  I'm still really exhausted but feeling much more normal!  My appetite is starting to pick back up too.  So happy for that because I love food! :)


But.... It is finally SPRING!!  I have a guy coming to look at the basement this weekend.  After that, I'll decide on how much yard work I'll be able to accomplish this year.  For now, simply cleaning up what is already there.


"An optimist is the human personification of spring." ~ Susan J Bissonette

Sorry Sack of Potatoes

I don't know if I have heard that before or just made it up.  Either way, that is what this blog is titled. :)

This weekend I went to Seth's.  I should have known that it wouldn't go well when I had to leave work for a splitting headache.  I rarely have a headache so bad that medication will not alleviate.  However, this one was a doozy.  Even with my eyes closed and head down, it would not go away.  So I left an hour early.  I felt like I was in a haze the rest of the evening.  Who knows what time I fell asleep on the couch.  Seth carried me to bed.  (He's so sweet like that.)  Saturday morning, I was the last to get up.  I was actually awake around 7am but thought everyone else was still in bed.  So I just played games on my phone.  Eventually I walk out and SURPRISE... everyone is awake including the baby!  We kind of lounged around for a while.  The boys went to Lowe's.  (Seth's parents bought a house in the fall and are slowly but surely remodeling to suit their needs better.)  So off to the attic I went to prepare for carpet.  It was a family affair getting it laid but the room is so close to finishing now.

It was such a beautiful day so we took the afternoon off.  Seth took me to an overlook of the lake and then to the dam which was actually pretty cool.  Of course, I took a few pictures.  None of us this time.  We were pretty gross from the housework. : P 

It was nice to get out and enjoy the weather though.  Josh, Bethany and I stayed home in the evening and surprised everyone with dinner.  I took a shower and sat down to just hang out and was out as soon as I sat down.  Again, Seth woke me up to put me to bed.  At some point in the night, IT got me.  I woke up with a scratchy, sore throat due to drainage.  I had a fever and was achy.  I skipped church to stay in bed.  I don't think I've got that much sleep in such a long time.  The rest of the day I was pretty lazy.  Other than being sick, it was good to spend time with Seth and his family.  It was also nice to get away from the hustle and bustle. ;)

I had already taken today off to go to the dentist.  It sucked that I did so much driving but it was good to know I didn't have to do a lot today.  I'm feeling better but my voice comes and goes.  I've spent most of my afternoon/evening napping and getting organized.  I finally got my Thirty One merchandise which I'm super excited about.  I already used some over the weekend!  LOVE IT!

On a side note... giving up shopping will not be easy for Lent especially when I got 2 different Macy's catalogs and 1 clearance catalog from Victoria's Secret.  I knew this would be a test of will power.  I didn't know it would happen so quickly!


A long but AWESOME quote...

"I've learned that no matter what happens, or how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow.  I've learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way he/she handles these three things: a rainy day, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights.  I've learned that regardless of your relationship with your parents, you'll miss them when they're gone from your life.  I've learned that making a living is not the same thing as making a life.  I've learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance. I've learned that you shouldn't go through life with a catcher's mitt on both hands; you need to be able to throw some things back.  I've learned that whenever I decide something with an open heart, I usually make the right decision.  I've learned that even when I have pains, I don't have to be one.  I've learned that every day you should reach out and touch someone.  People love a warm hug or just a friendly pat on the back.  I've learned that I still have a lot to learn.  I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." ~ Maya Angelou

Lent

Normally I'm not one to participate in Lent.  It has never been part of my religious practices.  I do understand and agree with the practice of Lent.  It is normally the fasting of something from our lives in exchange for prayer, meditation, sacrifice for/to God.  It is a time to acknowledge the sacrifices that God gave in order to save people from their sin and spend eternity in Heaven.  This year I think I'm going to give it a shot. 

I've talked a little about being financially fit.  I am paid bi-monthly, as I am a state employee.  Part of adapting to this type of payment style was budgeting which bills I had to pay at the first of the month and which I would pay in the middle of the month.  This was actually pretty easy.  Anything due 1st - 15th, I pay the day after my paycheck comes through at the end of the month.  Anything due 16th - 31st, I pay the day after my paycheck arrives in the middle of the month.  With some of my bills, I was able to adjust the payment due dates so my bills would be distributed more evenly throughout the month.  That way I'm not scraping by one half of the month and living lavishly the next.

I have a few major debts in my life.  One being my car which is close to being paid off.  I've paid a little extra every month and it has cut a few months off the loan cycle.  I called at the beginning of the month to see what my balance was.  The lady stunned me by saying the amount that I had already paid.  I didn't realize this until I had got off the phone.  I thought no need to call back.  I know roughly how much the loan was for.  At the beginning of next month, I'll call again to see how much is owed if I pay it off that day.  One less thing to worry about. 

Once that is taken care of, all the money I was using to pay on my car will be transferred to credit cards.  Ugh... The dreaded credit cards!  I've come close to paying them off and then a wonderful vacation happens and I start back over.  Hopefully with that transfer of income, I'll be paying off those babies right quick!

Anyways, for Lent I'm giving up shopping for myself.  Clothes, accessories, random household items, etc.  I'm sure you all know how much of a clothing addict I am.  Not that I have to go out and buy something every day or every week.  I just love fashion.  Clothes, shoes, jewelry, purses, belts, etc. etc.  I rarely, if ever, purchase anything full price.  However, even sale/clearance purchases add up!  The past few months I've done really well with not shopping.  I have a ton of clothes and have just become more creative with my outfits. 

I am allowing myself a few exceptions.  If I need to purchase something for my Thirty One business, I'll allow it.  It is hopefully going to be used to help make money.  I find that a justifiable expense.  And of course, groceries and household items that are necessary like laundry detergent, paper towels, lightbulbs, etc.  Any of that stuff will be okay to purchase.

Now leave a comment with something that you're giving up for Lent!  Of course, I'll let you know how this goes once Lent is over.  I really think I can stick to this!!


And a quote to laugh about...

"The odds of going to the store for a loaf of bread and coming out with only a loaf of bread are three billion to one."  ~Erma Bombeck

Education Woes

I hope you have noticed all of the budget cuts that states are being forced to deal with.  I completely disagree with how many of them have chosen to reduce spending!

An Update on State Budget Cuts

This is a really good article by the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities.  It has a handy-dandy table near the bottom of the page giving each state and if they plan on making cuts to five different categories.  THIRTY FOUR (34) states not including the District of Columbia are planning to cut funding to 'K-12 and Early Education.'  FOURTY THREE (43) states have cut funding to 'Higher Education.'

Anyone else freaked out by all of this???

As a research analyst with the West Virginia Legislature, I have become more aware of frivolous spending.  Sometimes it is completely absurd at the things state agencies spend money on or the loop holes that they use to spend money.  I am not here to say that everything the state is spending money on is useless.  The majority of agencies spend the majority of its funds on legitimate expenses.  Do not be fooled, this type of thing also occurs in private sector businesses.  Corrupt employees and business practices (Enron, Bernie Madoff).  Most businesses run a tight ship though.

How many of you remember several years ago when studies showed that Americans were not the smartest in Math and Science fields?  Finally, a strong push was made to increase funding whether privately or publicly.  Math and sciences are the basis of so many different information and technology careers.  These careers are quickly becoming the force behind our developed economy. 

ABC News Article - American Kids Lag in Math, Science

(Apparently it wasn't so long ago.  Or this is just stating the most recent findings...)

I grew up in a family that placed a significant importance on education.  My mother has worked her way through most aspects of the education system.  My grandmother was an educator and later elected as the first woman to the county Board of Education.  Grandfather taught for a little while.  Most recently, my sister joined the ranks.  I taught for a semester and wouldn't be opposed to doing it again.  The list goes on and on.  Teaching is giving someone the gift of knowledge.  Giving them the academic intelligence and also life lessons that they will be able to carry through the rest of their lives.  My grandmother always told me.  "Get your education first.  Worry about boys later."  And so I did.

Maybe all of these educators' DNA running through my body has somewhat compromised my unbiased, fair understanding of what is going on.  I just don't see how cutting funding to education (especially K-12) will benefit Americans in the future.  Basic principle of economics is that you constantly run in the short run but need have the long run in mind.  Seems to me that Legislatures are only thinking of the short run.  Go back to the drawing board.  Cut your per diem.  Find new ways to increase revenues without burdening the already burdened American worker.

Regardless, I am anxious to see what will truly happen with education for children.  My mom has the itch to retire.  Maybe my hypothetical future children will be visiting grandma for home-schooling.  Who knows!

*This is written as the opinion of an American citizen.  This in no way shape or form reflects the opinions of my position as a Research Analyst or the opinions of my employers.*


“If you are planning for a year, sow rice; if you are planning for a decade, plant trees; if you are planning for a lifetime, educate people”

End of the Month Craziness!

Why does it seem that the end of every month is crazy hectic?  A new month starts and things are just strolling along.  Middle of the month turns the corner and it is 100 miles a minute again!  Sheer madness I tell you!

So much has happened lately where do I begin?

HOUSE PROJECTS

I'm trying to figure out what color to paint my kitchen.  I wanted to do a bright yellow but after some counseling, a lighter color may be a better option.  But in the back of my mind, I'm thinking I should just buy a 5 gallon bucket of the same color I've used in the hallways and living room.  That way every room will be a typical tan/beige-ish color.  You can accessorize with color, right?

I helped Seth change most of my light fixtures.  I say "helped" in the sense that I picked them out and told him where I wanted them.  Maybe once or twice he let me hand him a tool.  :)  Who knew he was so handy?  He did a great job considering the circumstances.  The electric in my house need to be gutted and start from scratch.  Of course, that isn't something I can do.  Regardless, I have a ton of 1970s light fixtures in the basement.  I have to figure out what to do with the glass.  I've pitched the rest of them already.

New light fixtures. :)  The chandelier is in the living room.  Flush mounts are throughout the rest of the house with the exception of the bathroom and part of the kitchen.  I haven't figured out what to do with those yet.

I have one wall unfinished in my living room.  It is a wonderful wall of wood paneling.  It did come complete with built in bookshelves and fake fireplace with electric flickering logs.  Don't get too excited.  I already gave someone the electric flickering logs.  I don't know how I ever managed to just give them away.  ENOUGH SARCASM!  I figured out that the fake fireplace was just held in place with screws.  Seth helped me take that out.  Again "helped" in that I told him what I wanted to do and he did it!  So now I have a wood paneled wall with bookshelves.  My plan is to paint different colored stripes on the wall.  First, I have to figure out how to get the bookshelf off without damaging it so I can get it back on the wall at a later time.

This is a horrible picture of myself...  BUT you can see my paneled wall, ugly fake fireplace and old light fixture!  Two of the three are gone.  I'm working on the third.

I took ANOTHER load of stuff to Goodwill on Friday.  Part of this was from my mother.  The majority of it was from my house.  I am literally amazed at how much stuff I just have sitting around, wasting space.  I already have another box started.  I'm starting to think with spring coming that I should go through my clothes to see what I haven't wore in a while.

RECENT EVENTS

I hosted girls day on Saturday.  There were 4 of us and a baby.  Although he's not going to be a baby much longer.  He's growing so quickly!  It was a wonderful day though.  I always enjoy spending time with my friends.

I was going to have a Thirty One party later that evening but a lot of people had cancelled.  So... It turned into a catalog order.  (If you are interested in ordering, get back to me before Friday!)  In addition to the catalog order, I decided to become a consultant.  I've never wanted to sell anything unless I believed in it and would use the product myself.  I am in love with Thirty One!  So if you would like to have a party, let me know.  I've received most of my enrollment kit and am ready to start selling. :)



I had Monday off to celebrate President's Day.  It will be my last "holiday" from work in a few months.  It is hard to go from having a free day at least once a month to nothing!  I know I know... Be thankful that I get paid holidays.  Trust me.  I am VERY thankful!  It really was a good weekend though.  I had cleaned most of the week before so I had very little to do.  Monday was filled with napping and a NCIS marathon.

As of right now, I don't have much going on in March but man sakes alive, April is filling up quickly!  Do not fear March.  I'll find plenty of things to do.  Probably some outdoor activities.  I've missed the sunshine and warmer weather!

“Don’t ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.” ~ Howard Thurman