Every night the Hallmark channel runs 2 hours (or more maybe!) of The Golden Girls. I have loved that show for as long as I can remember. And now that I am old enough to understand, the jokes are even funnier! Every night when I go to bed I watch one episode (sometimes only half of one) then watch the theme song from the next episode, turn the TV off and close my eyes. I haven't fallen asleep so quickly and slept so well in a very long time.
So, to my lullaby, The Golden Girls, thank you for being a friend!
Friday, July 30, 2010
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
I heart my Dansko Shoes THIS Much
In addition to my temperamental knee, I have been suffering from Plantar Fasciitis for more than 4 years. I think it's about 80% better in that it doesn't make me cry anymore but I still have to be VERY careful with my shoe choices. You will rarely see me in flip flops unless my toenail polish is wet or I am on my way to the pool or beach. Even running shoes/sneakers/tennis shoes can cause excruciating pain for me if I wear them for longer than my exercising time.
But I have found and fallen in love with Dansko shoes. Have you tried them? They are durable, non-smelly (or in technical terms, antimicrobial), clean easily and can be quite fashionable...in the winter. They are the shoes you will often times see nurses wearing because they are REALLY good for your feet. So, as soon as I come home from the gym or a run, I change into my Danskos!
Here's the result. Sweet. I know! The best part...I walk around all day looking like this. I even walk the dogs in shorts and Danskos! I probably won't win any fashion awards unless the complex decides to give out the "attempting to replicate Punky Brewester but missing the pig tails and a Golden Retriever named Brandon" award.
But my foot doesn't hurt! That's all I really care about!
But I have found and fallen in love with Dansko shoes. Have you tried them? They are durable, non-smelly (or in technical terms, antimicrobial), clean easily and can be quite fashionable...in the winter. They are the shoes you will often times see nurses wearing because they are REALLY good for your feet. So, as soon as I come home from the gym or a run, I change into my Danskos!
Here's the result. Sweet. I know! The best part...I walk around all day looking like this. I even walk the dogs in shorts and Danskos! I probably won't win any fashion awards unless the complex decides to give out the "attempting to replicate Punky Brewester but missing the pig tails and a Golden Retriever named Brandon" award.
But my foot doesn't hurt! That's all I really care about!
Monday, July 26, 2010
December as a Child
Do you remember how exciting the month of December was when you were a child? It was a time of parties, seeing Santa, candy canes and being on your best behavior. And the TV shows... I mean the classics. The Peanuts (I was always a fan of Freida because of her hair!) Merry Christmas Charlie Brown and Frosty the Snowman...I am talking about the real ones before animation was of the quality it is today and back when the spirit of the season was so deep and rich in tradition that everyone could feel it (or maybe it just seems different now that I am older!).
But nothing could beat the Sears Wish Book. My brother and I would wait and wait and wait for the book to arrive then spend HOURS thumbing through the pages and imagining all the toys in Santa's workshop. I even remember looking at the pages with the swing sets endlessly day dreaming about all the fun those kids in the picture must have been having. It never occurred to me that it was staged. I envisioned someone's yard!
I tell this story because it seems that while I may have outgrown the Sears Wish Book, I have not outgrown the imagination that would keep me awake at night thinking of all the incredible toys in Santa's workshop. Only now instead of December it's July and instead of swing sets it's furniture, and paint and tables and chairs. Oh Pottery Barn Catalog, how I love/hate/love/hate you.
But nothing could beat the Sears Wish Book. My brother and I would wait and wait and wait for the book to arrive then spend HOURS thumbing through the pages and imagining all the toys in Santa's workshop. I even remember looking at the pages with the swing sets endlessly day dreaming about all the fun those kids in the picture must have been having. It never occurred to me that it was staged. I envisioned someone's yard!
I tell this story because it seems that while I may have outgrown the Sears Wish Book, I have not outgrown the imagination that would keep me awake at night thinking of all the incredible toys in Santa's workshop. Only now instead of December it's July and instead of swing sets it's furniture, and paint and tables and chairs. Oh Pottery Barn Catalog, how I love/hate/love/hate you.
Insert Clever Title Here
I wanted to start out by saying that I have the greatest blog readers EVER! You all made such great points. And in case you are all curious, Chris and I put our notice in on Saturday. We were informed that on August 24 we will be required to vacate the apartment and turn in our keys by 6:00 pm, regardless of the status of our new home. It's a calculated risk and we are willing to take it!
Then we went and bought a washer and dryer. Of all the things in all the world that I would love to shop for, those appliances don't even make the list. It's difficult to spend money on something I know I will never love. Needless to say, we didn't buy expensive ones. But did opt for new rather than used.
Now for this week. It should be rather busy with several month-end projects to wrap up by Thursday, and my in-laws coming for a visit on Friday afternoon. They'll stay with us through the weekend, then have their own plans for the week. It will be great to see them.
Oh, and my good friend Lisa had her baby on Saturday night. So I should probably add a visit to meet baby Koen one night this week. They also have 17 month old Kyler. For those moms out there, if I make a dinner to take to them, what should I make for a munchkin? I know that he likes graham crackers, macaroni and cheese and pickles. Maybe I'll just take those things!
I hope everyone has a great week!
Then we went and bought a washer and dryer. Of all the things in all the world that I would love to shop for, those appliances don't even make the list. It's difficult to spend money on something I know I will never love. Needless to say, we didn't buy expensive ones. But did opt for new rather than used.
Now for this week. It should be rather busy with several month-end projects to wrap up by Thursday, and my in-laws coming for a visit on Friday afternoon. They'll stay with us through the weekend, then have their own plans for the week. It will be great to see them.
Oh, and my good friend Lisa had her baby on Saturday night. So I should probably add a visit to meet baby Koen one night this week. They also have 17 month old Kyler. For those moms out there, if I make a dinner to take to them, what should I make for a munchkin? I know that he likes graham crackers, macaroni and cheese and pickles. Maybe I'll just take those things!
I hope everyone has a great week!
Friday, July 23, 2010
Karma, the Universe and Procrastination
Chris and I still have not submitted out 30-day notice to our apartment complex and I am struggling with the reasoning behind our delay. I believe very strongly in signs, that everything happens for a reason and in Karma. I try hard to create an environment around me that is kind and loving in the hope that places I go are kind and loving in return (that's the Karma part). My life feels very in tune and balanced with the exception of this apartment thing.
But me being me, I could just be procrastinating. But typically when I procrastinate I know that's what I am doing and I am willing to face the music. This isn't procrastination.
Then I get all cosmic about it and think that maybe the feeling of not having time to get the leasing office to do it is the universe telling me that I shouldn't because the house is going to fall through and we don't want to be homeless. Even I think that's a bunch of hooey! Not. Very. Likely.
So, here's another theory: Fear. Our seller has to bring $36,000 to closing because she was one of the many on the rim of the housing bubble that financed 100% of the value of the home when she purchased it. When the bubble burst all homes across the country lost value. ALL of them. Our seller understood this, listed her house for what she believed it to be worth, and we are paying full price. It's still a great deal...with the appraisal the way it was, she's only leaving about $5,000 on the table (appraised value less the sale price). She seems to be OK with all of this. But we are freaking out a little. What if she enjoys the casinos? What if she hasn't been telling the truth all along and doesn't have the money? What if she only has half of it?
We submitted the last of our oddball requirements this morning for final approval of our loan. We are all track to close on August 13 and I have called 3 movers for estimates on moving our stuff to the other side of the city. But we haven't put our 30 day notice in. Our Realtor said when we met the last of the odd ball conditions he would ask her for verification of funds. But what if she won't give it? Or doesn't have it?
Maybe today will be the day we put in our notice. Or maybe one of you wonderful readers will have the ultimate words of wisdom for me.
But me being me, I could just be procrastinating. But typically when I procrastinate I know that's what I am doing and I am willing to face the music. This isn't procrastination.
Then I get all cosmic about it and think that maybe the feeling of not having time to get the leasing office to do it is the universe telling me that I shouldn't because the house is going to fall through and we don't want to be homeless. Even I think that's a bunch of hooey! Not. Very. Likely.
So, here's another theory: Fear. Our seller has to bring $36,000 to closing because she was one of the many on the rim of the housing bubble that financed 100% of the value of the home when she purchased it. When the bubble burst all homes across the country lost value. ALL of them. Our seller understood this, listed her house for what she believed it to be worth, and we are paying full price. It's still a great deal...with the appraisal the way it was, she's only leaving about $5,000 on the table (appraised value less the sale price). She seems to be OK with all of this. But we are freaking out a little. What if she enjoys the casinos? What if she hasn't been telling the truth all along and doesn't have the money? What if she only has half of it?
We submitted the last of our oddball requirements this morning for final approval of our loan. We are all track to close on August 13 and I have called 3 movers for estimates on moving our stuff to the other side of the city. But we haven't put our 30 day notice in. Our Realtor said when we met the last of the odd ball conditions he would ask her for verification of funds. But what if she won't give it? Or doesn't have it?
Maybe today will be the day we put in our notice. Or maybe one of you wonderful readers will have the ultimate words of wisdom for me.
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Some things never change
I have had the same BFF since 5th grade. It seems like it was spring time when Angie showed up in school. The first weekend she lived in Mt. Pleasant I asked her to stay the night at my house. It was the beginning of a friendship that I had no idea would stand the test of time.
Sure, there were times as teenagers when boys or mean girls or sports or something created a space in our friendship, but never a void. After we graduated from high school, Angie moved to Italy, Chicago, New York, Paris, Germany and who knows where else. All I know is that Europe comes to a standstill in August and Angie always came home for the month. I would spend as much time in Ludington as possible to see her while I could.
Since then, Angie moved back to MI, I moved to TX, then she moved to Cleveland and I moved to Denver. You know you have found your BFF when miles between homes and time between chats only means we appreciate every moment we get together that much more.
Angie now has three kiddos under the age of 3 which limits her geographic mobility and I have a job that doesn't take me to Ohio anymore. We've been trying so hard for me to get to Cleveland, but airfare has been absolutely outrageous lately.
Tonight, unlike so many other nights, we were able to talk on the phone and caught up for nearly an hour (thanks sleeping kids!). When we got off the phone I knew now was the time. I need to get to OH to see Angie and Mike and those beautiful children. So I booked a ticket. Thankfully the price has come down substantially. It's still a little more than I should spend, but the way I see it, my BFF is worth WAY more than a new outfit and a fancy dinner out.
So, Cleveland, I'll see you on September 24th!
The Dark
I know. Another dog blog. But this is so cute, and has been going on since she was a puppy, so I thought I'd share.
Abby is probably part lizzard. She loves the heat. She looks for the sunbeam to come through the window every afternoon and will sit in it until her black hair is on fire. And every morning when we get up, Abby runs to the love seat for "good mornings" and waits for us to "make the dark." That's all crazy human-dog speak for "say hello then put the red blanket on a pillow on the love seat and cover up the beagle." Here's how it looks when complete:
She's really in there, on top of a pillow on the love seat. We lost the furniture battle long ago, but at least she will only be on the furniture if she's on the red blanket. When I decided to blog about this and snap a quick photo I had to turn on a light...the first photo was lucky, because here was the response I got:
And finally, after she was aware that I had not only disturbed the dark, but I was exploiting her reaction, Abby decided to look for another place to take her post-wake-up-pre-walk morning nap:
She's always this cute until she pukes somewhere in the middle of the night. But that was last week!
Abby is probably part lizzard. She loves the heat. She looks for the sunbeam to come through the window every afternoon and will sit in it until her black hair is on fire. And every morning when we get up, Abby runs to the love seat for "good mornings" and waits for us to "make the dark." That's all crazy human-dog speak for "say hello then put the red blanket on a pillow on the love seat and cover up the beagle." Here's how it looks when complete:
She's really in there, on top of a pillow on the love seat. We lost the furniture battle long ago, but at least she will only be on the furniture if she's on the red blanket. When I decided to blog about this and snap a quick photo I had to turn on a light...the first photo was lucky, because here was the response I got:
And finally, after she was aware that I had not only disturbed the dark, but I was exploiting her reaction, Abby decided to look for another place to take her post-wake-up-pre-walk morning nap:
She's always this cute until she pukes somewhere in the middle of the night. But that was last week!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)