This is the other side of the stove. For some reason the picture sucks but whatever - you get the idea of what I'm doing...

So the magnetic primer is charcoal grey. Not only is it grey but I need about 7-9 coats of it to get the amount of magnetic grab I want.

This will be a long night...

Less To Carry

This past week I have lost the weight of one Auriou Chairmaker's Adze.  That means I have lost the weight of one Panasonic BT-LH1700W HD/SD LCD Monitor since the last October.

 

*jumping around*

Today

The lilac smell wafted gently through the air this morning as I trudged out my garbage can to the curb.  It made the unpleasant task a bit easier but I still didn’t care for it. 

 

Last night I got the kitchen wall sanded and ready to be primed.  Tonight is the night I test out the magnetic primer.  It should be a bit different painting with magnetic paint I think.  I mean, the quart that I have weighs three times more than a regular quart of paint.  I can only imagine that it has pieces of metal in it. 

 

I also went through one of the bins from my closet.  For some reason I have 800 million different picture frames with 335,690,902 pictures not hung up.  I will be traumatizing my den walls after they are painted with all of them.  I will be making it my shrine to friends and family – even the ones I don’t talk to anymore.  It should inspire me to create my paintings I want to do.

 

The room I envision for that space is starting to come together in my mind.  I’m kinda excited to get started on it.  It should be fun but I don’t know what color to paint it.  I suppose I have plenty of time considering I can’t get to most of the walls yet with all the crap still in there.  In time I will though.

 

In time…

Monday Disguised as Tuesday....

I can’t say that I’m happy to be back here because I’m not.  I hate it actually. 

 

Blah.

 

I have a dentist appointment later today and I forgot my medication. I had to run home to grab it on my lunch hour. 

 

Ugh.

 

My sunburn itches.

 

Ouch.

 

I’ve had 4 meetings today and have one left before I leave early for the dentist.  I hate meetings.

 

Crap.

 

I’m crabby today.

THE WEEKEND...

This side had a ton more work to have done but I think I should be able to sand this smooth in no time.

I want it to dry so I can try out that primer....HURRY UP!

After some digging in the garage and having some boxes fall on my head - I finally found the joint compound to repair the wall.

When I pulled off the old back splash it pulled off the paper from the sheet rock. That is why I needed to repair it. Now I just have to wait for it to dry and then sand it prior to trying out that magnetic primer.

This side needs a lot of help too....

So instead of getting more burnt and sweating even MORE of my guts out I have opted to stay inside today. I have gone through all my tupperware covers and matched them up with their counterpart.

I know, I know - how can life get anymore exciting right?? Ya, I aim to please but a girl must organize when she has the time. Plus all the other covers will go in the garage sale. What if there are other people out there that are missing covers?

Seriously?!

So while I was doing that I realized that one of the things that I am supposed to do this weekend is paint the last of my backsplash in the kitchen. See how ratty it looks?

I went to scrap off what was left of the wallpaper that was still left on it and realized it needs to be mudded in certain spots before I can paint.

UGH!

While I do that I will have to test a bit of the new magnetic paint. That paint cost me an ARM and a LEG but is still cheaper than the stainless steal backspash that I originally wanted.

I want to put my spices in little magnetic jars and stick them up there to save on cabinet space...

It's 90 degrees out. I hate it but it seems my brand new Tiger Lilly's are enjoying it. Last night when I planted these in the ground they hadn't opened yet but this morning they popped.

Aren't they pretty?

I spent the early morning taking the rest of my indoor plants and placing them on the patio. I didn't take a picture however. I'm sure you'll be ok trying to imagine what it looks like.

Right?

You know what I like about staying home on the holiday's like this?

There is no traffic - anywhere- I mean, like, there are hardly any cars. I can get to a store 5 miles away in like, 10 minutes and not in 25. I can get ACROSS TOWN to Eagan or St. Paul in 20 minutes instead of 60 or 90 minutes.

We even went to the HOME DEPOT paint desk in the middle of a Sunday afternoon in one of the busiest HOME DEPOT's in the Minneapolis area (St. Louis Park) with an order of 13 gallons of paint and it was done in 20 minutes. TWENTY MINUTES PEOPLE!!!

Usually my street has a car or two on the road every minute or two and I skated my warm up and cool down here for a total of ten minutes and not one car interrupted me.

So all you "goin' up nort' to the cabin people" I'm here to tell you that you are dumb and are gluttons for punishment. You are going where every other sucker is going 'to get away' from people. In reality all the people are going where you're going and there is nothing but traffic and hurry up and relax where you are. Back home - there is nothing but peace and quiet and easy days.

I love the Holidays.....

So TODAY is MONDAY!! It's 9:20 am and it's already 81 degrees outside. So I got up this morning and took an early morning blade hoping to miss the heat. It was only 77 degrees then but quickly rising.

My Physical Therapist told me that I could skate three miles total this weekend. Well, I haven't had the time so I figured I would test out the knee and see how it did.

I got a mile out of me before I had enough. I didn't want to push the leg and not be able to do more tomorrow. It's sore but tollerable.

See the white skin verses the red 'almost ready to blister' skin?

Ok - so it wasn't that bad but ummmm hello?!?! It was dang hot out there. Notice how dirty my very white brand new t-shirt is? Impulsive gardening is not done in your best white t-shirt.

Ya know when I took this picture I didn't realize I had so much cleavage. Don't be looking at it.

So yesterday this is what I accomplished. The mulch in the garden, planting 5 flowers and cleaning off my patio. That is after spending the day with Queenie and helping him buy things for his place.

All I have to do now is the border for the garden. I'm unsure what type I want at this point so I will wait to make a move on it. I keep changing my mind.

When I took this picture it was about 7:30 or 8:00 and it was still 85 or 90 degrees or something. Basically in Minnesota terms that was 'Hot as Hell'. Maybe you have gathered that I hate the heat??

Anyway, I believe I sweat out 8 gallons of water. If I feel bloated now - well, there is no hope for me....

I cleaned off my patio and added some of my indoor plants outside. I need to get that Bistro patio table I have been wanting. Problem is that I want to do a mosiac tile on the top of the table and that will take time.

The right corner - back of the picture are my new red Tiger Lillies. I think they are so cute. Then I planted some Gerber Daisies (the red flower in the right corner front of the picture).

I also got a purple Africian Daisie and a Morning Glory vine. Do you see how the Gladiola's are taken in the back of the statue? All the Cala Lilly that I planted didn't come up. I'm thinking it was just too wet this season and they rotted. I'm hoping at least one of them makes it through....

Saturday I worked on my closets and didn't get very far as the pictures show you. I did however get a chance to meet up with some old friends E & B and went to dinner.

After dinner E explained he was part of a Masonic lodge and I was courious to find out what that was all about. I mean, all I have ever heard all my life is that it was a cult like establishment and being my family was Catholic - they didn't believe in the Masons. I'm not sure if 'believe' is the right word - more like approve?

Anyway, in an effort to help me understand E offered to take me to his lodge an show me around, explaining Masonary as we went. It was one of the most fascinating tours I have ever been on in my life. Finally, after all the years of wondering what it was all about - it was clear.

It was great to see my old friends and hope to keep in touch more often and my tour was great.

Sunday I got up early to meet Queenie at his place and head off the the Minneapolis Farmers Market. It was already hot and it was only 8:30 in the morning ya know?

Yesterday the tempature got to 97 degrees. Yes people, yes Minnesotians - we melt in that kind of weather. Especially when we are used to 60's and 70's type weather for this time of year.

Needless to say that even though I have been out all year trying to get a base tan already - I have burnt. (What a shocker with my pale skin)

After the Farmers Market we headed to his place - dropped off his stuff, then to Subway, then to my house - dropped of my stuff, ate, then to his brothers place, then to Home Depot, then to his place and then we collapsed.

Did you know it was hot outside???

While at Home Depot I picked up some mulch. I planted the four plants that I got at the Farmers Market and mulchified the space. My hosta's are coming in nicely.....

Here is the deep dark back closet. See all the stuff on the bottom of the picture? All that has to get out of there.

I think my blades are calling my name. "Oh Jacque?"

I took the extra dresses and I want to hang them in the other closet I have way back in a back corner but I have to clean out that closet first. Mainly because I have to pull out anything that is going to the garage sale.

Here is where I deposited all the hangers from the closet. Ummm, hello!?! I have like 800bazillion extra hangers. I think I need to have my sisters raid my hanger closet. They might appreciate the extra ability to buy more clothes or something. It's either that or I'm selling half of these in the garage sale....

I have been trying to clear out my den. That is the room that is full of crap from everything I think I need to keep but never use. This is the closet that I recently cleared out.

Well, I didn't really clear it out. I took out some hangers, old bridesmaid dresses & my old wedding dress. Once that was out of there I realized that I had stacks of bins to go through before the big garage sale in June.

Cripes. I thought I had most of this stuff done. Looks like I really need to hunker down and do this crap despite my urge to take my physical therapist up the fact that he told me I could blade 3 miles this weekend.

Maybe I will just blade for a little while and then come back to it???

This is how much I have left to scrap. I have to move the treadmill and the computer if I'm gonna get that little bit that is left.

Dang that was hard work....

It wasn't to hard but I was left with a small line of stuff that needed to be scraped.

The Cowboy border in the den has GOT to go.....

My Morning Banana Nut Muffin Called...

And I hung up on it.

 

I had fat free cottage cheese and pineapple instead and I liked it.

Just Incase UK People Wanted To Get Me A Gift...

If by any chance someone reading this in the UK sees this and wants to buy me some of this. (Spice it up) I would be most appreciative. 

TGIF

It’s FRIDAY!!  IT’S FRIDAY!!!

 

IT’S FRIDAY!

ITSFRIDAYITSFRIDAYitsfridayITSFRIDAY!

 

 

Did you know it’s FRIDAY?!

Dangit.

I need a hair cut.

Truths

Unless I work as an artist or for myself – I will always hate my job.

 

Unless I take an active roll in eating better and exercising – I will always be fat.

 

Unless I take the step and make myself available to people – I will always be lonely and single.

 

No one will do it for me and it’s gonna be hard.  Life is hard.  Lessons need to be learned and repeating mistakes need to be avoided.  I’m tired of not being who I want and it’s time to change.

Taylor Won!!!

I was right!  I was right from DAY ONE!  My boyfriend Taylor WON!!! 

 

 

HE HE HE

WATER OR COKE?

I know this is an email that is sent around but I felt the information was important enough to share with you all.  I make sure to guzzle as much water as possible a day and try to stay away from any kind of soda as much as I can.  (Harder at times than I wish it was) Coke is never a soda that I have enjoyed so I can at least be grateful for that.  I don’t want to be in my 60’s and breaking hips or anything because my bones are so brittle.


WATER
1. 75% of Americans are chronically dehydrated.

2. In 37% of Americans, the thirst mechanism is so weak that it is often mistaken for hunger.

3. Even MILD dehydration will slow down one's metabolism as much as 3%.

4. One glass of water will shut down midnight hunger pangs for almost 100% of the dieters studied in a University of Washington study.

5. Lack of water, the #1 trigger of daytime fatigue.

6. Preliminary research indicates that 8-10 glasses of water a day could significantly ease back and joint pain for up to 80% of sufferers.

7. A mere 2% drop in body water can trigger fuzzy short-term memory, trouble with basic math, and difficulty focusing on the computer screen or on a printed page.

8. Drinking 5 glasses of water daily decreases the risk of colon cancer by 45%, plus it can slash the risk of breast cancer by 79%, and one is 50% less likely to develop bladder cancer.

And now for the properties of COKE:
1. In many states (in the USA) the highway patrol carries two gallons of coke in the truck to remove blood from the highway after a car accident.

2. You can put a T-bone steak in a bowl of coke and it will be gone in two days.

3. To clean a toilet: Pour a can of Coca-Cola in! to the toilet bowl and let the "real thing" sit for one hour, then flush clean. The citric acid in Coke removes stains from vitreous China.

4. To remove rust spots from chrome car bumpers: Rub the bumper with a rumpled-up piece of Reynolds Wrap aluminum foil dipped in Coca-Cola.   (This works, I’ve seen it done)

5. To clean corrosion from car battery terminals: Pour a can of Coca-Cola over the terminals to bubble away the corrosion.  (This works too)


6. To loosen a rusted bolt: Applying a cloth soaked in Coca-Cola to the rusted bolt for several minutes.  (And this…)

7. To bake a moist ham: Empty a can of Coca-Cola into the baking pan, wrap the ham in aluminum foil, and bake. Thirty minutes before the ham is finished, remove the foil, allowing the drippings to mix with the Coke for a sumptuous brown gravy.

8. To remove grease from clothes: Empty a can of coke into a load of greasy clothes, add detergent, and run through a regular cycle. The Coca-Cola will help loosen grease stains.

9. It will also clean road haze from your windshield.


For Your Info:
1. The active ingredient in Coke is phosphoric acid. Its pH is 2.8. It will dissolve a nail in about 4days. Phosphoric acid also leaches calcium from bones and is a major contributor to the rising increase in osteoporosis.

2. To carry Coca-Cola syrup (the concentrate) the commercial truck must use the Hazardous material place cards reserved for Highly corrosive materials.

3. The distributors of coke have been using it to clean the engines of their trucks for about 20 years!

American Idol Boyfriend

So my pretend boyfriend Taylor Hicks is gonna win tonight.  I tried to vote for him but I couldn’t get through.  I think that is a good sign.

 

It’s too bad Katherine’s ‘My Destiny’ song completely SUCKED corn cobs because her ‘Somewhere over the Rainbow’ wasn’t half bad.  Sucks to be her…

ugh.

I think I need to find another job.

Hmmmm

Do you ever wonder what you are gonna look like when you’re old? 

 

Like, what if I look like a man and the only way they can tell that I’m a woman is by looking at the pink tennis balls on my walker?

 

Holy crap.

CONGRATULATIONS RONALD AND MARLYS!!!

50 years and still going strong!!!

Isn't this the cutest picture ever?!??!

I love you guys!!

FINALLY!! I got them for a picture together!! I convinced Ronald that I needed a picture of him kissing her on the cheek. Well, he did do it but my camera phone being as cheap as it is didn't capture it in time.

Here Ronald is going in the kiss. Trust me - it was precious!

We couldn't stand next to each other too long without gossiping and making each other laugh. I grew up helping Marlys with her doll business. (Everyone should visit Mrs. B's Doll's in Blaine)

We did trade shows and although it was a ton of work it was an experience in my life that I am so thankful for. I got to know a wonderful woman, her husband and family in a way I never would have otherwise. I also know a thing or two about dolls... he he he

Just thinking about them warms my heart.

After playing my accordion and enjoying the karaoke I finally ran into Marlys. Here I am with my second mother. Isn't she adorable?

Although I played my accordion at the party they also hired Karaoke so everyone could sing. Here Ronald is singing with some friends to a Hank Williams tune.

They did well!

Here I am with Ronald. It was tough getting pictures since they were running around busy, busy chatting amongst their friends. Isn't he sweet?

On Sunday I headed up to Lino Lakes or a 50th wedding anniversary for my second parents. Marlys and Ronald lived across the street from us when we grew up.

They have four sons - Scott, Randy, Brad and Dennis. Here are Dennis and Brad being happy for the camera. Don't you like Dennis's wig? He is trying to be just like his older brother. Folks, these two dudes were the closest thing to brothers I've ever had.

He he he....

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DYLAN PICTURES!

Here E is reading him what all my gift certificates say. I opted to give him the gift of my time like, a two night sleep over at my house, I will take him to a movie, I will go to his house for an art play date and crazy things that kids like to do. He seemed to like it a whole lot. I can't wait until he cashes them in...

Unfortunately these are the only pictures I have. I will have to take more next year....

Here is D's b-day party. Here he is just getting done with the gift openings. He realizes he has one left to open and is heading my way...

The Weekend

This weekend was crazy busy and I had lots of fun.

 

Saturday was spent face painting for my nephew D’s b-day party and Sunday was spent at a 50^th wedding anniversary for ‘my second set of parents’. I had a great time at both places and I have pictures from each event but of course they are at home and I’m at work.  It was good to see everyone again. 

 

My accordion playing debut was ok.  I don’t think I messed up all that much but I know I still did.  I’m hoping the people at the party were not listening to those notes.  I’m kinda glad that is behind me as I was pretty nervous to play in front of so many people after so many years of not playing.

 

Today at work I’m a bit bleh. It’s a Monday so I guess I can’t expect too much.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DYLAN!!!

I love you!

Today.

My afternoon walk was very nice but it’s a little warm to be wearing the jacket I am today.  I’m sweating. 

 

Ewwww.

 

I’m not sure if the 15 minute walks during the day are helping my plight of weight loss but it’s nice to get outside when I can.  Work has been slow and I’m craving candy.  I need to drink some water and just forget that food exists.

 

Stupid craving.

Taylor Is Gonna Take It!

Taylor, Taylor, Taylor Hicks–

 

You did so great this past show.  I loved it! I know you were singing “You Are So Beautiful” to me.  I could feel it deep in my soul.  Although I’m not a part of your ‘SOUL PATROL’ I have voted for you when the lines have been free enough to accept my call.

 

Despite my wishy-washiness this past season with you it is apparent that I was right all along.  I know you are gonna win this thing and I am so happy for us. 

 

Good Luck on the final show and get rid of that awful Katherine chick.  She’s gross.

 

With Temperamental Love,

 

Day Dreamer

 

Posted For A Friend

To my friends and family.... I normally don't send things like this out, but it's a very important issue to me. I think most of you know that my partner (T) and I are not allowed back in the US as a couple. This is ONLY because we're homosexuals. There is NO law in place where a couple of the same sex can sponsor their foreign partner to come over (as you can in a heterosexual relationship) and live with them in the states. We have had to make the decision (and a VERY expensive one, I might ad) to live together in the UK. Even though the UK can be a little behind on certain things, they are much more advanced in the rights for same sex bi-national couples. T and I dream of the day we can live in the states. We both miss it very much and would love to come back. You can do your part in various ways. You can write/email your government officials, you can oppose any attempts to ban gay marriages, you can vote "yes" to gay marriages should it be on a ballot, you can tell all your friends to do the same, etc. So every little bit will help. Please take notice.

Thank you!

J & T

Visit HERE to tell your senator to stop the Federal Marriage Amendment (FMA) this June. 

America's Next Top Model

I’m so glad Jade was sent packing prior to the final runway finals.  She was such a crazy full of herself chick.  Pretty yes, but she was cocky and arrogant about it.

 

Joni was nice but she never really had an edge like Danielle did. Finally - they finally picked someone that deserves it. 

 

Way to go Danielle!

TOP CHEF BULLCRAP!

So Dave forgot a plate.  SO WHAT?! Crap happens! Hello!?!  He won two challenges.  TWO!  He deserved to go to the finals.

 

That Tiffany girl got in by default. She was sooooo mean all season and now all of a sudden she watches herself and says she has changed?  WHATEVER CHICK!  YEA, RIGHT!  I hate that chick. 

 

Harold – you better win this thing…

ON a crapper note....

Today I packed a lunch and a pair of shorts for the physical therapist appointment I have.  I swear I brought the lunch with me and placed it in my truck but when I got to work – it was missing.

 

Yea.  Missing - like someone had stolen it or something.

 

Did I place it on top of the truck bed cover?  If I did – did it fall off my truck?  Did I set it down in the garage?  Did I forget it all together? 

 

I need to focus people.

 

Focus.

'Fer Cripes Sakes.

I’ve been a bit frazzled since my phone call earlier in the week.  I’ve been thinking about my past and everything that has happened since our break up.  My life spiraled out of control after certain events.  He was a major part of my young life.

 

I wish he would have waited.

 

Nothing I can do about things now.  I need to get this out of my head.  It’s gonna eat me up.

IT'S GEORGOUS!!

People have you been outside?!?!?  Well?  HAVE YOU?!?!

Air Car

Riding On Air is basically what you would be doing in this vehicle!  This car drives on compressed air.  Being I will need to fill my tank tonight this sounds like a good deal.  I’m sure it will be well over the $55.00 I spent last time I filled up.

 

 

Ugh.

Stupid Suburbanites

This man died on Tuesday after being struck by a car.  It happened too close for comfort to my home.  I’m not shocked that it happened though.  When I go on my walks, blades or bike rides I have had a lot of trouble crossing the roads due to cars not stopping like they should.

 

I would assume that the people in the area are not used to watching out for pedestrians. It’s a shame really.  In order for me to stay on any path in my area I have to cross two busy streets.  I have been nearly hit myself due to some jerk not stopping in front of the cross walk.

 

When I walk to the same Cub Foods I have to cross over a major highway.  This intersection is the absolute worst.  Most times I have to wait through two crossings because someone always seems to run the light.

 

My heart goes out to the family of this man.  I’m sorry for your loss.

Odd

Why is that four light bulbs have burnt out in my house in the last five days?

I hate that guy.

Today I had my first physical therapy session. My knee is numb from the workout.  It doesn’t really hurt but it aches.  The good news is that they don’t think it’s a ligament but a damaged nerve.  I’m not sure how that is good news but I think it has something to do with not having to have surgery.  I have to do a billion exercises and I could be rollerblading again by the end of the week… maybe.

 

He gave me some other exercises for my problematic stomach area.  It hasn’t been the same since the crew at the Mayo clinic did their magic.  Apparently the pain I feel is from my back muscles compensating for the muscles that were cut. 

 

In the middle of the session the dude felt it was ok to tell me that I’m fat.  He didn’t come right out and say, “Your fat.” but he got his point across loud and clear.  Maybe I’m being sensitive but it hurt my feelings. I try my best to stay active and try even harder to eat right.  I wanted to hit him.

 

 

Whatever. 

Woah.

Last night I talked to my very, very first boyfriend ever.  We haven’t talked in over 15 years.  It was crazy but like time had stood still in some weird delusional way. I’m still a bit wowed by it. 

 

I can’t believe it.

Life Sucks Today.

I’m still sick. I’m on my second round of antibiotics and I think it’s finally doing the trick. I’m slowly getting better. The older I get the more frightening getting sick can be. I’m tired today. I’m tired and depressed – for so many reasons.

I have been cleaning my house like a crazy person but mainly I’m going through boxes of old things. It doesn’t look all that clean yet. It looks like I have been tearing into everything and making piles everywhere. I still can’t get over how much CRAP I have. Still - after all the sorting I have been doing.

Sometimes the sorting is painful. I come across old letters and cards from past friends, boyfriends & my ex-husband. There are so many things I would do differently knowing what I know now. I regret so much and there is nothing I can do about it.

Nothing but learn and not repeat it.

Meet my Raccoon... "Coonie"

See that little spec that looks like a raccoon? Well, it is a raccoon. This picture was taking in my back yard while standing on my patio.

Ummmmm... HELLO!?! It's a fricken raccoon! Don't raccoons get all mean and stuff? Am I even safe outside anymore?

They other day it was like 2 feet from my patio door. TWO FEET PEOPLE! Next thing I know that danged raccoon is gonna be sneaking IN my house when I'm not looking.

I need to breath.... in... out... in - out..... OMG! It's 6:30! Is Extreme Makeover Home Edition on early this week? I can't be blogging at a time like this....

C-YA!

Chilly Weather.... nummy....

The other day I was driving along and it was chilly out. Not that it's wierd for it to be chilly but I love that kind of minnesota weather where it's about 50 degrees and you need a light jacket. I thought I would do some hand surfing while I drove home. The second it hits 70 degrees I'm dissappointed so I have to enjoy it while it lasts....

Pictures of The Garage Episode....

He got the door open, I backed out my truck and he closed it the best he could so we could be on our way. No time to fix it - we both had to get to work.

My Hero....

Luckily, I could call my dad and he was my hero and got me out of the jam I was in. Notice how my truck was still in the garage? I'm late to work at this point but not for long....

Remember when my garage was all broken??

Well, here are the pictures I took but haven't had a chance to post. Here you see it's crooked and refusing to move.

ART PROJECT # 2

Here they are drying and waiting for me to be creative and do something with them. First I have to wait for them to dry and that is gonna take a while.

I must be starting to feel better - I'm starting projects again. I guess the second round at the doctor and the second round of antibiotics are finally doing some good.

Let's hope it stays that way.

So I started cleaning caps...

Art Project #2 is well on it's way to being started. The Grip Dip can in the middle of the picture is the liquid rubber I found to dip the caps in but before I can test it out I need all the caps to be cleaned.

Weekend Movie Madness

North Country <--The movie takes place in Hibbing Minnesota which is about 4 hours or so north of where I grew up and is based on a true story. I was touched by this movie and recommend it to everyone especially anyone living in Minnesota.

They finally got the accent down not like that atrocity Fargo. They got the livestyle, the mannerism and feel of minnesota people in this movie. It was a pleasure to see someone finally get it right.

Fun With Dick & Jane <-- I love Jim Carrey but I have to say this wasn't his best movie. I mean...well, it just wasn't all that great. It was ok and I did laugh a few times but I got over it.

Memoirs Of A Geisha <-- This movie is brilliantly done. It's a beautiful work of cinnematography. I'm blown away. The winter dance scene was my favorite. Wow.

Shop Girl <-- This movie was silent but deadly with it's message and I adored it. I think Steve Martin did a wonderful job writting and acting in this film. I know a few people that should watch this movie to see what their actions do to other people. Maybe they'd learn something...

Yours, Mine and Ours <-- Eh. It was ok but nothing worth renting. I'm surprised I watched all of it.

Happy Mothers Day Mom

I love you.

A link that could save your children....

National Sex Offender Registry  ß You need to go to this link and enter your address and zip code.  You will be taken to a map of where you live and see how many and how close sexual offenders live near your home.  If you have a child – please go here and be aware of what dangers live nearby.

Link

Ok, Ok.  I know I have posted a bunch today but that is the way it is sometimes.  Sometimes I feel like it and sometimes I don’t.  Today, I feel like it.

 

Check out Remember To Tip The Pizza Delivery Driver and read all of the Real Pizza Delivery Stories.  They are interesting to say the least. 

 

Enjoy!

He's Totally Winning....

Here’s proof.

WOO HOOO!!!

All of us girls here at work are planning to go to Science Museum of Minnesota - Body Worlds Exhibit!!!  I’m so excited!!  I can’t wait until the day!!!!

Danny is one of them?!?

According to goldenfiddle.com Danny Masterson is a scientologist.  I’m heartbroken.  I mean, he was my pretend boyfriend for a while and he never shared this information with me.  It’s possible that this man could become as crazy as Tom Cruise. 

 

It’s over Danny - despite your being totally and utterly hot as hell. What is left to say?

TOP CHEF

OK, so did all of you people watch the TOP CHEF reunion show last night like I did?  I hope so. I mean, it was like, the only show worth watching right?

 

Can you believe what a crazy liar that Tiffany is?  I mean, blatant??  It’s like she doesn’t even know she is doing it or something.  I still believe that Leanne should have been in the final three and they should have gotten rid of that Tiffany girl. She pisses me off and HELLO!?!  Who the heck was that dude in the back corner that got kicked off on the first episode?  What a wanker he was!! Screaming and yelling at everyone he could.  It was nice to see that Steven actually learned something from watching his behavior.  I mean, he is still a jerk but he seemed a bit humbled by watching how big of a jerk he really is. 

 

My pick for the win is Dave.  Yes he is a complete emotional wreck but he is a real person and he tries so damn hard.  Harold would be my next pick.  If Tiffany wins it all I will never, ever watch the show again.  The second season would be hard to stomach knowing what a farce the first season was.

Dear Taylor Hicks

FINALLY!

 

It’s been a while since you have rocked my world with your soulful voice.  I was stunned with goose pimply flesh as you threw your heart into your Elvis Presley songs.

 

Maybe it’s time we thought about getting back together?  I mean, we could go to a movie?  You could serenade me while you feed me grapes?  I’m even open to you rubbing my feet while you sing. 

 

Let’s talk…

 

Yours for a fleeting moment,

Day Dreamer

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Isn't it Ionic?  ß  I guess my air purifiers are going in the garage sale after all. 

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Check this out!

Why I'm Walking

My Name is Steve Vaught, (born Stephen James Liller in Youngstown, Ohio). I am a 39 year old, happily married father of two great kids and I have a pretty good life here in Southern California. You would think that I would be happy because of these things, but I am not. I am not happy because I am fat and being fat makes every day unhappy.

His story hits very close to home with me. He is an inspiration and I admire him for doing something.

My Hero!!

This morning I was locked inside my garage.  I’m not even kidding you.

 

Apparently some cable thingy broke and the door became jammed in the track refusing to move.  I was forced to call my Dad and have him leave work and come to my rescue.  Luckily, when I moved I moved near where my Dad works so it wasn’t far for him to go.

 

After I worked on the door for a good 15 minute he came over and had it open in less than 5 minutes.  Of course that wasn’t enough time to actually fix the door but my truck got to see the light of day and I wasn’t forced to take a cab.

 

Life is full of small miracles…

Funniest. Video. Ever.

My Love For Crap

Having been out all week I hadn’t had a chance to pick up the bottle caps that everyone was saving for me.  This morning I went around and picked up the stash.  I have plenty of caps to start on my project and I’m excited to go and pick up the materials needed to go forward with everything.  I really haven’t put a whole lot of thought into it as I usually go on what is in my head.  I don’t need a diagram but it will save explaining it 1,000 times to everyone that asks, “What the hell is that you’re working on now?”

 

I have been slowly working on emptying out the extra bedroom so I can make it into my music/art room.  I have been sorting things for the garage sale my family is having in June.  Most of it though has gone into the garbage.  I mean, I use my treadmill so that isn’t leaving the space but as for all the other junk?  It’s been sitting there on a pile for two years since I moved and if I haven’t used it since then – I’m not gonna, right??

 

I have games I have never played, books I have read once, toys from a collection obsession years ago, papers I think I should keep but never file, blank paper & photo-paper I don’t even have a fricken printer for, every hallway note that I received from friends from junior high and high school (I’m not kidding), art supplies I can’t find because they are piled under crap I don’t use, old notebooks from high school, old bridesmaid dresses from the early 90’s, holiday decorations that I haven’t used since I divorced 10 years ago, picture frames, mats, paper cutters & every kind of magazine I think I need to keep.

 

So why do I keep it??  It’s because I am emotionally attached to SHIT.    Yes, that’s right folks.  I love crap. 

 

While going through everything I had to ask myself:

 

Would this sell at a garage sale?  

Would someone take this if it were free?

 

If I answered no to both questions then it was obvious it was junk.  That sad part about this is that I owned whatever was in question.  Not only do I own the piece of crap poor people won’t even take for free but I can’t toss it out because I have some mentally challenged notion that I need to keep it for sentimental reasons.

 

What am I holding on too?  What am I afraid to let go of?  That material thing isn’t gonna make me feel any better or worse about my life.  I’m not gonna miss it when it’s gone.  I will never think about it.  I know that my memories are in my heart and mind and not in a cold lifeless piece of nothingness.  So then why is my pile still taking up half of my very small rooms’ space?

 

Going from a home with 1400 sq feet, a ¼ acre and an over sized two car garage to a condo with 1200 sq. feet, a 10 x 4 patio and barely a one car stall I have run into space issues. When I moved I gave things to friends and family, I had 3 garage sales and I even put things on the curb but I never had a chance to go through each item I owned because I was so busy fixing the house to sell.

 

Now I have the time and the process has been slow, not only because I have been sick and don’t have the energy but because I can’t seem to say, “I don’t need that anymore.”  At some point, I have too.  I have to face whatever it is that is holding me from a clean spacious home or I fear I will become the most dreaded thing ever – the pack-rat.

 

I can handle being single forever.

I can handle not having children ever.

I can even handle being chubby forever.

 

However, I can’t handle being labeled the crazy pack-rat lady.  This would be the ultimate low for me.  Why?  Probably because this is something I can actually control.  I can’t control a man and his feelings or the way my body was built but I can control this.  I don’t need to have a messy house.  

 

I’m on a mission.  The room is in disarray but still pretty full of junk. The garage sale is the first week of June and I have three boxes packed so far and ready for selling.  That room will be ready for its music/art room transition after that sale.  I guarantee it or my name isn’t Alfred E. Newman…

My Tarot Card Reading

At this hour I’ve wasted 40 hours of vacation on being sick.  I’m at work now but seriously don’t want to be. 

 

This morning when I got in and took a look at my email I was surprised to see that I finally got my reading I have been waiting for from the Psychic Dumb-Dumb.  She read my cards.  Tarot cards that is.

The reading she did for me is very accurate in the aspect of the purchase.  I have sold my house and purchased a condo.  I have been remodeling the condo in hopes to increase the value.   I mean, I bought my condo nearly two years ago and the reading said I was still in transition.  I can understand simply because my remodel isn’t complete but it’s nearly finished. 

The second part of the reading is something I’m HOPING is true.  I’m a little excited that the reading brought up an opportunity for work but that also doesn’t mean it’s gonna happen.  I have always wanted to stop what I’m currently doing and paint for a living but have never done it due to financial reasons.  I’m not sure what the future holds but if this opportunity comes to me I may be more confident following my gut instinct.

It’s possible that once that is finished this other opportunity will come a long?  As for the two women – the only people that come to mind are my two sisters.  N is the persistent energy one and L is the observer wise person. They aren’t twins but L is a Gemini so you never know. 

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Drift <-- I loved this. The music is from my favorite genre and I love what he did with the interpretation.

Enjoy!

Morning.

I had this really crazy dream. I slept 'til 9:00 just so I could see what happens. I need to get some fresh air I think.

Today I was supposed to do the 5 mile Walk for Animals with a friend but I can't. I'm really kinda upset about it. The good news is that I only got up three times last night.

I'm on the road to recovery I hope.

Good Times.

My house is a mess. I guess when your home a lot you mess your house up.

My kitchen is a mess. I guess when your home a lot you eat at home and make a lot of dishes.

After the doctor I went and got an oil change. My truck is screwed up. The scan they initially run to see if your car is ok freaked out twice now. I have to go back tomorrow to talk to the manager and have him run a diagnostic.

At least I had time to figure out that I'm gonna be more broke than I already am.

I'm sick of being sick.

I've got a sinus infection and a double ear infection thingy. It was starting to go into my chest but I caught it just in time.

I've wasted 4 days of vacation for sick time.

This sucks.

My PIGINI...

Here it is - the PIGINI. In the world of accordions, the PIGINI brand of accordion is the best you can buy. My parents sacrificed a lot in order to purchase it.

At the time I received this accordion I didn't realize that. To me, it was the ball on my chain. I practiced most days 1-3 hours. I played in a band that had practice once a week for one to two hours. I had half hour to hour lessons once a week. I competed once a year with the option to go twice but never wanted too.

Our family vacations were my competitions. (My sisters never let me forget it - trust me) If we went out of town to our relatives the accordion came with. There was no break. I lived and breathed the accordion. I was an accordion advocate. My world was the accordion simply because there was no room for anything else.

I started playing when I was nine years old. I was watching The Lawrence Swelk show and was admiring the accordion player Myron Floren (whom I got to meet) when I mentioned that I wanted to play the accordion. That Christmas, my neighbors accordion was on the couch and a certificate for lessons was in my stocking. In fact, it's the very neighbors that I will be playing for at their 50th wedding anniversary.

My mother explained to me that her sister had lessons when she was young and then proceeded to pick up the instrument and play a tune herself. I was in awe. I had no idea she could play but she taught herself when she could. Her fingers danced around the keyboard and the bellows started to move open while she played. I pratically ripped it from her so I could try it. From that moment on I was played every free chance I had.

Until I quit.

Eventually, I stopped playing. I was 19 and life was changing. Fast. I needed a break and the accordion was put away for safe keeping. I played here and there but nothing like I used too. Who was I playing for? There were no competitions - no more gigs. I had enough....

Until now.

I'm excited again to play it. It's fun now that there is no pressure to play it. I'm enjoying it for the first time in a long time if not ever and I realize the investment my parents made in my talent so long ago. My PIGINI is one of the best instruments you can buy in the accordion world. This was recently confirmed when I had it fixed. It didn't even compare to what he had in his shop.

When I visited the PIGINI website was just weird. The music you hear playing in the background are songs I grew up listening too at the studio I was taught at. A lot of the other kids (and some teachers) at the studio were competing at the world levels in Europe and those songs are songs they would play - except most were even harder.

Classical accordion. It's what I studied for so many years. The songs were masterpieces and absolutely hard as hell to play. If you visit different parts of the website you will hear two or three different songs and every one of them I am familiar with. Of course, I can't play them because I wasn't to that level just yet but I came awfully close. Very close for kid like me.

I'm pretty proud of that... now.

Thanks Mom & Dad for this wonderful gift. You supported this gift of mine when I rejected it over and over. I will be able to enjoy playing for the rest of my life if only for my own pleasure and I have you to thank for it.

You're the best!

My ACCORDION IS BACK!

Notice all the stacks of music piled up? Yea. Me too. I guess I should probably get my tired butt up off of this thing and get to practicing huh?

Not before a nice nap. This chick is exhuasted....

We made it home safely and here it sits waiting for me to play it....

I lasted until 2:00pm at work (a lot longer than I thought) and I headed over to Castle Accordion in uptown to pick up my baby. I had a nice chat with Randy and off I went.

Feeling the way I did I was still excited. I couldn't wait to get it back and play again.

Here you can see it riding home with me in the front seat next to me.

The Sickly Saga...again...

I have made it through the rough patch but I’m fading fast.  I’m coughing so much, I feel like collapsing and I can’t do this much longer.  I am leaving in 25 minutes so I can sleep & hack my guts out in private. 

 

I tried…

The Sickly Saga

It’s 9:13am in the morning and I feel as if I have completed an 8 hour workout on no sleep.  So far today I have gotten up, prepared for work, driven here, sent some emails and sat at my desk pushing papers around.

 

I’m exhausted.

 

I’m still whooping it up with my lovely cough but I made it in.  I’m here.  I’m not wasting my vacation but I doubt I’ll make it till noon.

 

Good news is that my accordion is fixed and is ready to be picked up.  Yippee!

My Toilet Has OD'd

Being unable to enjoy the lovely weather without hacking my guts out I have resorted to searching through my things with a fine tooth comb. I came across my hall closet and decided to pull out the old medications.

I tend to hold on to prescribed medication longer than I should. I'm not sure why I do that but I do. What it sad is that I found a box full of meds from my surgery back in 2002. This is crazy. I mean, having that much medication in one place? I know it losses it's potency with age but I had a ton of it.

I can't even tell you what all that crap was for. In fact, a lot of the meds were almost full. I mean, I do remember not taking a lot of some things because it would make me sick or it had bad side effects. The good thing is that I am not on any one of these drugs any longer.

I know I'm sick now but it's just a cold. I'm happy that this is all I'm dealing with. Throwing out these drugs makes me think back to how it used to be. I have a lot to be thankful for that is for sure.

I threw it all in my toilet and made the big flush. My toilet is probably in convulsions right now. Here is a list of what I tossed....

3 Albuterol Inhalers - Expiration 2001
13 vials of Albuterol Sulfate - Expiration 2002
Ultram - Expiration 2002
Zofran - Expiration 2002
Docusate & Casanthranol - Expiration 2002
Sulfameth/Trimethoprim - Expiration 2003
Prochlorperazine - Expiration 2002
Acetaminophen/COD - Expiration 2002
Lexapro - Expiration 2004
Amoxicillian - Clav - Expiration 2003
Effexor - Expiration 2004
Propoxyphene - Expiration 2002
Amoxicillian - Clav - Expiration 2004
Hydrocodone/APAP - Expiration 2002
Advair - Expiration 2003