Blue skies

Speaking of paring down my bags...I've decided to nix the lunch tote, and just put my lunch in a plastic bag and put it IN my possibilities bag. One down. Next, my gym bag will just stay in my car and I'll bring it in when I need to wash or change out the contents. Since I haven't been working out every day, that should be about 3 times a week.

Next, keys. I need the key to my car and the key to the house, yet I have 7 keys on my key ring! One is the key to my mom's house, so I do need that one too...but that means I have 4 keys that I have no idea what they are for. Jingle, jangle...

I had to work all day today. Luckily, I didn't take a lunch and was able to leave at 4 pm. It was an absolutely beautiful day here in T-town...high of 77F, blue, blue skies, not a cloud in sight. Tomorrow promises much of the same. I will get a walk or a hike in - it would be a shame not to. I can probably even wear shorts and a t-shirt! Glen has to work, so the day is pretty much mine.

We'll go to my sister's house tonight for a small gathering. She doesn't live very far from us, so the drive won't be too bad. Glen will be the designated driver. Not that I'm a drinker, and I haven't had any alcohol for a while, so I'm sure it'll be a sober night. I hate to have a hangover!!

Talk soon...

Paring down...

I need to pare down. No, not pounds, although I need to do that too. I'm talking about bags. I have way too many that I use on a daily basis. First, my purse. I only have what I absolutely need - wallet, checkbook, hand sanitizer, nail file, tissue, cell phone, sunglasses, gum, hand cream, compact, 3 lipsticks plus a gloss, pill box, travel size first aid kit, pen, paper, bag of M&M's (or a candy bar of some type - I'll explain that one later). Then there's my lunch tote that I pack daily for work. Since its soup weather, I'll use a Corningware type soup bowl, a real soup spoon, plus the container to carry the soup. If I pack a salad, there's the dressing to consider, a small bag of croutons; gotta have snacks, yogurt, pretzels, maybe some carrot and celery sticks, crackers. I try to keep my metabolism working by eating every 3 hours or so. My gym bag contains workout clothes, at least 3 different outfits because the weather here is so unpredictable...it may be cold, but it may be warm...never know, but I'm prepared. Then there's my possibilities bag (got that from Heather at the Corset a while ago). The possibilities bag contains items I may possibly need on any given day. An umbrella (duh), a full bottle of water (in case I work out), my daytimer (so I can plan stuff while I'm working), a pair of needle nose pliers (our stapler at work jams...sorry, honey I have the blue handled pair), my camera, a small bag of make-up bare essentials in case I need to freshen up; a small dental bag with toothpaste, toothbrush, gum cleaners, floss, mouthwash (if you've ever worn braces, grungy teeth are nasty...besides I still wear a permanent retainer), at least 2 books I'm currently reading; my dream journal, assorted papers with notes of what not (grocery lists, songs, etc.); some CD's, old mail, several zip loc baggies that I plan to recycle. When I get to work and walk from my car to the office, I carry my purse, lunch tote, gym bag and the possibilities bag. Thats 4 bags - I have 2 arms. Like I said, I need to pare down.

I have this weird habit of craving a candy bar. My favorite is Payday. I'll want it, think about nothing else, until I buy it. But then I don't eat it - because I have it? I don't know why, but I've done this for a very long time. I have a Payday in the cupboard that is more than 2 years old at least. The M&M's in my purse are at least 6 months old, and I probably won't eat them...but they're there...just in case. Luckily, I don't have these cravings very often...

Talk soon...

Post Christmas...

Glen asked me this morning if I was ever going to blog again. I think I said "yes, when I get around to it". Its not that I don't have anything to say, I just don't remember it all...call it a senior moment, memory lapse, or just a boring life! Glen has been working every single day, still, and we've seen each other only sporadically here and there. We did spend all of Christmas day together (he took the day off), and we managed to watch The Bucket List, then we both fell asleep and woke up in time to start dinner. Merry Christmas.

Wednesday, Christmas Eve, they let us go from work at 2 pm, so I was able to get home in time to get ready for the gathering that night at mom's. We stopped my SIL's for a couple of hours before going to mom's, and it was relatively quiet there. Lots of good stuff to eat...she makes the best cheesecake! 'Course I had a piece and she packed a to-go slice :) We got to mom's and all the family was there. The kiddos made out like bandits again...honestly they just get so. much. stuff. I'm to blame too, I admit that. Instead of exchanging "gifts", the rest of us, siblings, our kids, etc., started exchanging ornaments least year. We pick names at Thanksgiving, so it gives you a month to make or purchase an ornament, plus write a short paragraph on why you appreciate that person. At first, groans and moans about "just an ornament", and having to write something, but everyone got into it last year, and this year, was even better. Although not many "wrote" their appreciation piece, the ornaments spoke volumes. Most were handmade by the giver, and much effort was put into the piece. I admit I did not make the ornament I gave my DIL, rather I bought it, but it was personal and thought out. It was an ornament of Dirty Dancing (the movie), and came with batteries so it recites a couple of lines from the movie. She liked it. She, in turn, took a clear, round ornament and decorated it with George Strait pictures, kind of a collage, but not a cluttered look...really cool, and personal!

Alisha and I went to the movies last night to see Marley & Me. I haven't read the book and the local newspaper gave it 1 1/2 stars, but it was a cute movie...tear jerker. I had a headache from trying not to cry, but it became evident from the sniffling I heard all around me, that I wasn't the only one crying. Another reason I don't like to go to walk-ins, I cry at just about anything.

I started out with the best intentions this morning. I made a list of all I wanted to accomplish around the house...then I signed on. Now I've spend the better part of an hour reading blogs and posting my own. Gotta get back to it!

Talk soon...

Much to do...

Everything I had to do yesterday, got done! Sam's Club was an excursion into chaos...lots of cars in the parking lot, very few carts left for the people coming in, aisles packed with people who don't know what they're looking for. The one main thing I don't like about going on the weekend, is the taste testing stations placed throughout the store, touting this producte or that. I think people go eat lunch there, because they stop at every single station to pick up a sample. Of course, they leave their cart parked in the middle of the aisle, blocking it for the rest of us. I don't ever taste test anything, but I am amazed how many people do. I had my list, knew exactly what I needed, got it, and walked up to a cashier, not even a line...everyone was still eating!

I got home, dropped everything off, then had to go get groceries! I don't get many perishables at Sam's because its just the two of us and I don't need a vat of this or that. As it is, I picked up some bread, 2-pack, that I'm sure will spoil before we use it. I've tried freezing bread, but I don't like how it gets crumbly when it thaws. I'll use the leftovers for bird food. I ended up making lasagne for dinner as that is what Glen requested. He has been working so much lately, how can I not honor his request?? It actually turned out really good, and now we have lasagne for the whole week! I may have to freeze some of it because I don't think we'll eat it all.

I baked some cookies for the cookie party today. We had to wear a tag with our name and our favorite Christmas toy. Later, when we were having dessert, we shared the story surrounding the toy. Mine was a doll named Velvet. She had a knob in the middle of her back that turned to make her hair lengthen or shorten. I can't say we ever got too many toys, but this one stands out in my mind. Later on we shared our worst gift experience. Mine was pots and pans from my ex. Hmmm, may be a reason he is an ex! I baked oatmeal raisin cookies from the recipe on the inside lid of Quaker Oats, which is the best recipe for this cookie I've ever tried...and I've tried several. Oatmeal raisin is my (& Glen's) favorite cookie...chewy please. I don't like hard, crumbly cookies - overbaked for my taste. Pair an oatmeal cookie with a tall glass of milk...mmmm, mmmm! Anyway, only 2 of us showed up for the cookie party! The hostess had so much food!! She gave us all take away baggies, so now in addition to the lasagne, we have all this other food. Guess we won't be cooking too much this week.

I stopped in to see mom after the party right at dinner time. She wasn't too keen on the chili beans, cornbread, sliced cucumbers and chocolate pudding...so I gave her some of the take away food from the party, and some dessert stuff. She looks really good, is moving around with ease, and cannot wait to go home, which will be on Tuesday, 12/16.

Tomorrow, Alyssa has the holiday concert at school. She has been playing the flute this year, and is enjoying it. I remember from years gone by, first year music students' concerts are mostly noise, but it is important to her.

We had some rain today...yeah!! It was about 50F when I finally ventured out...chilly. I love the smell of burning chimney's...while it may not be good for my lungs, I like it! A couple of weeks ago we saw some neighbors had a bon fire going in their back yard...and they live on one of the main roads! I thought that was against the law...something about pollution...

Talk soon...

Bring on the weekend...

Here it is the end of the work week...Friday! Work continues to be slow, head count that is. For me, in the Executive office, it never ends. The administration of the business continues, and that is our role. Our CEO sent out a couple of articles earlier in the week about the affluent shopper, and how even they are holding on to their money. The article appeared in Newsweek, and refers to Fifth Avenue in NYC, the half mile from Rockefeller Center to Central Park, where the crowds are sparse this holiday season. Even the tree in Rockefeller Center is a mere 72 feet, compared to 84 ft. in 2007. Bergdorf Goodman's is cold calling shoppers with deep discounts. Of course a discount of 40% on a wool sweater marked down from $1075 to $649 is a deal you just can't pass up! One may have to show their portfolio to even gain access to the store! The writer quipped that the salespeople can tell whether you can afford to shop there by looking at your shoes!

There was another article in Newsweek about high-end spas feeling the pinch of the economy. There is a spa in Paradise Valley, AZ that offers a catnap on a heated platform, followed by a black soap body cleansing. then the steam room, a deluge of freezing water, a Spanish whirlpool and sauna, finishing up with a 90 minute massage, for $350. At another spa, there is a facial that uses lime tonic, pear, poppy seed, grapefruit, cucumber and plum...for a facial? I'd want to taste it first! How about an Eight Hands Massage (4 therapists each massage a limb). The premise of these high end businesses is that while we can't control the economy, we can control how we react, breathe, eat and think. People are not getting any younger or any less stressed,

Back to reality in T-town...Glen and I went out to dinner tonight. Our favorite Mexican restaurant in Oracle Junction where the portions are huge, the food is spicy and the margaritas are frozen! My face was numb after just drinking half...I didn't even finish the salt all the way around the rim! I'm not feeling any pain right now, but I may have a tinge of a headache in the morning.

Glen works tomorrow. He has worked every single day since the middle of November due to the computer upgrade and conversion of inventory in to the new system. I plan to hit Kohl's at 6 am (ok, maybe 6:30), and finish the last few things I have to get. Then I'll go visit mom in the rehab center and give her a manicure. She wants pink nail polish this week. I'll come home, bake a few dozen cookies for a cookie party/potluck I'm attending on Sunday! Somewhere in all of that I have to find time to do laundry, get groceries, go to Sam's Club, clean the house, and cook a nice dinner for Glen. Oh, and there is a the winter street fair that I love to go to, and haven't for the last couple of years due to something else coming up. Whew...no wonder I'm tired on Monday's!

I've worked out 11 days out of the last 12 - half way through the fitness challenge of working out every day in December. I have to tell you, walking the 2 mile loop at noon has been rough! It just doesn't cool off during the day. On the contrary, today it was 78F during my walk. On the return portion of the loop, the trail runs parallel to Sabino Creek, which is dry as a bone right now, and even with all the dead vegetation, it was so humid! Or maybe it was the long sleeve shirt I was wearing...in any case, once you are on the trail, you are committed to going all the way. I suppose I could turn back, but that would defeat the purpose of "working out". I don't think I've lost any weight or pounds...but I do feel good, and my clothes is fitting better. At least I can breathe.

Talk soon...

Sunday Musings...

My mom had her right knee replaced on Wednesday, 12/3 with a brand spanking new titanium knee!! The 2-hour surgery went as expected. She had the left knee replaced 4 years ago. She is out of knees now, so we're done with that type of procedure. Day 1 post op, she was on some heavy pain meds, Oxycontin and Percocet. Totally out of it, hallucinating, talking weird stuff, reaching for things that were not there, falling asleep instantly. While trying to eat, she would be holding her fork and fall asleep, thus dropping the fork and any food that was on it. I helped her as much as I could, though hospital food is unappetizing, I felt guilty for feeding it to her. It was surreal to see her laying there, knowing this is my mom, yet what she was saying and doing, was unrecognizable. It is so hard watching our parents age. Mom is a strong woman, physically and emotionally, and her vulnerability under the influence of these drugs that were supposed to help her, was very difficult. She wasn't in any pain, though. Day 2 post op, she was doing so much better! Although, at one point during the night, she got up by herself (she does not like to ask for help) using the walker, to go to the bathroom, and when she put weight on the right leg, a pain shot through her, that made her lose her balance. She fell backward but the bed caught her...2 nurses ran into the room and scolded her for trying to get up by herself. The rest of the day was spent doing some therapy and sleeping. By the end of the day, a case worker told her she was going to a rehab center for a "little while", to aid in her recovery. It wasn't an option. I could tell she was afraid, and she didn't say anything then, but when we were alone, she said she didn't want to go to a place that "smelled like pee" and where people were screaming (she watches way too much TV). She arrived at the health center yesterday, and it is a decent place. No room mate yet, but she may get one later today. She looks great, although she is concerned about how her hair looks after laying in bed for so long. When dad walks into the room, he gets a huge smile on his face, it makes me tear up. I don't think she will be there for very long. Her goal is to be home by Christmas...I think she will be home much sooner than that.

Last night was the UA vs ASU football game, "Duel in the Desert". While it wasn't a great football game as far as execution, the outcome was fabulous!! UA is headed to a bowl game for the first time in I don't know how long, 10 years maybe?? ASU has some of the rowdiest fans, next to USC, and the ribbing between the fans is good natured, though when ASU is leading, they can get pretty obnoxious. I would love to go to a game in Tempe, just to experience "their" turf. Glen left the game in the 3rd quarter because he had worked most of the day, and was really tired. I stayed until .08 seconds left...right before the students stormed the field! Many ASU fans had already left as the band played "Viva Las Vegas"!

Which brings me to today...I have so neglected my husband, our home, my chores. I am doing laundry right now...and I do have so much to do, so I better get my butt in gear and git r' done!

Talk soon...

Trails & trials...

I started my workout routine yesterday at lunch. There is a 2-mile loop that circles the property at the resort. It is a winding trail with inclines, gravel in some places, blacktop when crossing the road, flat areas...the scenery is beautiful! It is a great workout. At the offset, there is an incline that goes and goes and goes. My theory or how I trick myself to not pass out before reaching the summit, is not to look up, just keep on walking and I'll eventually get to the top. If I look up, it seems unsurmountable, truly, it does!! I downloaded 10 new songs onto my iPod, so I can do the whole loop in the time it takes to play the 10 songs. My gym bag contains a pair of shorts, long workout pants, and a pair of yoga mid-calf pants, a t-shirt, a sweatshirt, and of course the other undergarments necessary to workout. This is Arizona...it is 40F in the morning, and 80F at 1 pm. I've worn shorts all week, but I have options just in case it drops into the 60's - maybe in January! I did get into a pair of pants today that I haven't worn in quite a while cuz they were a bit snug and causing difficulty in breathing. Watching my carb intake, well, besides the pumpkin pie with whipped cream yesterday, I'm doing ok. I even had celery and carrot sticks with a salad for lunch! Man, I was hungry when I got home...thus the pumpkin pie! There is one slice left...Glen and I are fighting on who will eat it - neither one of us wants it!

My mom has surgery tomorrow, 11:30 am. I took the day off to be there...not that there is anything I can do, but it is kind of expected...maybe to keep dad company. My sis, Isabel, is going out of town with her boyfriend on Thursday, so she isn't scoring any points on that front.

Most of my Christmas shopping is done. It is going to be a rather frugal holiday for us. I haven't told the kids that yet, and the grandkids got clothes. I may not even put up a tree - just seems like so much trouble...then you gotta take it down. I hope to bake a few treats this weekend...Glen has never had a Rice Krispie treat...can you believe that?? He must be from Pluto. Speaking of planets, have you seen Venus and Jupiter in the sky? Very cool, and yesterday just above these two planets was the moon! Absolutely beautiful...

Talk soon...