Monday Creativity

Yes, I should be getting my things together and getting ready to leave but I couldn't help myself. I just had to sit down and work on creating something. When I'm finished my plans are for it to be a place to keep up with books I've read, books I want to read, etc....

Spring Break Agenda....sorta

There are many things I need to do and many things I want to do so now I must find a balance between them. I could spend the entire week purging and cleaning but what fun would that be? I could also spend the entire week on the go which would be fun...but also result in nothing done around here and could be detrimental to my bank account. My compromise is to do both.

I slept in this morning--yeah me--and could have slept more had I let myself. However today is not one I can spend lounging at home.

Today:
Chiropractor
Piddle around home a bit (if I can manage the time)
Rodeo
Spend the night at Wendy's

Tuesday:
Lunch with Donna
Piddle on the north side of town (since I'll be over there already)
Schwan's delivery (yes, it is important!)
Scrap

Wednesday:
Purge and clean (unless I get a better offer...LOL)
Scrap

Thursday:
I think I'll take the day to head down to Galveston to play a bit...take some pictures, go to Moody Gardens and such...play along the way--just a day trip

Friday:
open--rest possibly?...more cleaning and purging?

Saturday:
Rodeo

Sunday:
rest and prepare to return to work

Listed out that way it seems to be a full agenda. What's really nice is with the exception of chiro and rodeo, there is room for adjustment. And really even that leaves room for some modification. I hope to have some fun pictures to post as the week goes on....because I decided my blog needs visuals, eye candy of sorts. Something to break up all the words!

Off to the shower.......(yes I realize it's nearly 10:30a..this is the beauty of having a flexible schedule)...

Fun Weekend

Wow...where has the weekend gone? Seems as though it has flown. Friday I was off at 4pm and did a Walmart run. Saturday I had Dim Sum with Robin and then off to Carol's to make a junk binder. I didn't realize just how tired I was till I got home. Sunday I slept in then hit the ground running to meet Melissa for lunch that culminated in a run to Barnes and Noble.

Thanks to losing an hour (springing ahead), it's now just after 6p and I'm mentally going over the things I need and want to do this evening. Most important is laundry. Tomorrow it's chiropractor and rodeo. Planning to stay the night with Wendy then mess around on the north side a bit on Tuesday, have lunch with another friend, then head back to Wharton.

I have the feeling this spring break week is going to FLY.

Rodeo...Texas Style....

I'm gonna live, laugh, love....

Rodeo Recap....

Made it to Wendy's about 2p and we headed out...and immediately got stuck in horrendous traffic on 45. We finally were able to cut over to the toll road to 59 and be on our way.....so it took nearly an hour and a half for us to get to stadium! First stop was Pappsitos for a yummy late lunch/early dinner. I forgot just how good the scenary in that area can be this time of year (there was a table of cowboys not far from us).

We decided to chance parking on site and managed to get into the handicapped lot (I got carded--LOL) and it only cost $7 to park!--and we were practically at the door. Bonus. We walked the stock show but didn't see anything we absolutely had to have. Didn't see any fun or cute footware at the different boot vendors.

So it was off to the rodeo. We were there for the start--which has been rare for us in the past few years. We also opted to actually go to the section where our seats were located--and for the 500 section they weren't bad. We had a great view of the arena and video screens. In fact, we actually opted to stay up there for the show as opposed to moving down lower.

Naturally, Clay was wonderful but the set seemed short this year. And while there was energy, it was not up to what we've seen from Clay in past years. He mentioned he was fighting a cold. When he was mounting the horse to leave the stage/arena, Wendy noticed him stumble a bit and noted that he had difficulty getting his right leg over the horse. My guess would be he's experiencing some of the annoying MS symptoms on top of the cold. Poor guy...but he put everything he had into that performance. Go Clay!

Tonight at the rodeo...

Clay!!!

In today's mail....

In celebration of MS Awareness Week I chose an orange for my toesies.....it's not blaring but it is orange--trust me

Me thinks Sissy is channelling Willy...

Seriously she has been out of one thing and into another all night--just as Willy always did. Most nights she finds someplace and curls up and sleeps...but not tonight. Tonight she has followed me from room to room...she has roamed from room to room on her own...she's crawling all over everything. Trying to pull things off shelves, looking for things to get into. Don't know what's gotten into her tonight!

March Sunset

I snapped this on the way home from the chiro. The sky was so pretty....and the orange color made me think of MS Awareness week...so this is my "MS Skyshot"....I crack me up!

Today's MS info break.......

What does MS do?
When a person has MS, he or she loses myelin in more than one, or multiple, areas. The resulting scar tissue is called sclerosis. Sometimes the nerve fiber itself is damaged or broken. When myelin is destroyed or damaged, the nerves can't conduct electrical impulses to and from the brain as well. This breakdown is what produces the symptoms of MS.

The symptoms of MS are unpredictable and various. Here are a few of the more common ones.

Fatigue
Difficulty in walking
Vision problems
Emotional changes
Problems with memory, attention, and problem-solving
Bladder/bowel dysfunction
Dizziness and vertigo
Numbness/pain
Sexual dysfunction

MS Awareness Week

Multiple sclerosis (or MS) is a chronic, often disabling disease that attacks the central nervous system (CNS), which is made up of the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves. Symptoms may be mild, such as numbness in the limbs, or severe, such as paralysis or loss of vision. The progress, severity, and specific symptoms of MS are unpredictable and vary from one person to another.

Different people are likely to experience very different symptoms.

MS is different from muscular dystrophy (MD), which is a group of disorders that cause progressive and irreversible wasting away of muscle tissue. Although MD has some symptoms in common with MS—such as weakness and problems with walking—MD affects the muscles directly while MS affects the central nervous system.
MS is not contagious and is not directly inherited

Party weekend

It was a weekend of parties....Saturday was Vicki's 50th birthday party....Sunday was Lynsey's wedding shower.....I didn't really do anything other than attend but I'm beat. Those two things don't really sound like that much and yet I feel I've been on the go pretty much all weekend.

What I can say is that I accomplished nothing around here. That's okay. I keep telling myself I can rectify that next week since it's spring break. One more week of work, work, work and then I have a week of my own.

For those of you keeping up, this week (March 2-8) is MS Awareness Week. If you have one, put on your bracelet and if you don't and would like one, contact me.

Local Theatre

I went to a local production of Little Shop of Horrors last night at the Plaza. Fun evening. They did a phenominal job on Audrey II-wish I could have gotten a picture or two.

I first saw Little Shop in college. I remember seeing the movie with my suitemate-Vicki-at the Showplace Cinema. Wish I knew where Vicki was these days...she was always so much fun. After that viewing we would often throw out the phrase...Feed Me Seymour....in fact I've used it quite a bit over the last twenty plus years (ugh, that makes me feel old). I saw the stage production at the Alley sometime in the 90's. Fun stuff.

It's only the second production I've attended (sad considering I've lived here for ten years) and once again, I am determined to see more. Next up they will be doing Greater Tuna and I can hardly wait. It's a show I WILL be seeing. It's nice being able to see shows locally at an affordable price.

Join the Movement

Make your mark: www.makeyourmark365.org

March 2-8, 2009 is MS Awareness Week

Newsworthy???

I would like to say I had something newsworthy but I just don't believe that to be the case. Life is moving along which is a good thing. Not too many aches and pains to report--thankfully.

Next week is MS Awareness week and I've been noticing the MS society gearing up for that. I've never really been on a bandwagon for anything and yet I feel compelled to get involved. Maturing? Personal stake? I'm even more excited about getting to see Clay Walker at the rodeo next Thursday. I've always liked him but now having something in common makes me more excited. Maybe it's knowing we go to the same clinic and hoping to see him there one day??--wouldn't that be cool! And to think, we almost had the exact same doctor.

Crazy weather...

Dontcha just loooooooooovvvvvvvvvveeeee how it's cold one day and blazing the next? I had to turn on the ac this morning as I thought I was going to fry while trying to get ready for work. Just a few short days ago I was bundled up under several blankets. You would think I'd be used to this by now having lived my entire life in Texas. I've love the longer days of summer, etc. but loathe the heat and humidity that comes with it.

Need some Mojo...

I am dragging lately. I think maybe I've been on the go a bit too much and it's all catching up with me. I spent yesterday sleeping....a-l-l d-a-y.....and I swear given the chance, I could do the same today. But I can't so I have dragged myself into the office and will try to throw myself into my work. Perhaps that will perk me up as well as make the day fly by.

Ready....

Ready for Friday...ready for the weekend....well, sorta. As is the norm for me, I am happy today is Friday and I have a weekend ahead of me. Once again, this one appears to be packed.

I'm signed up for another cooking demo at Williams Sonoma tomorrow morning but at the moment I'm not certain if I'm going to make it. I need to drop some things by Robin's and I need to be at Carol's around noonish. From there we're headed across town to shop at By Design and eat at the Fish Place (yum). At some point we head back across town to Archivers to crop. Seems like forever since I've been to one with them.

Sunday is College Goal Sunday which means I'll be at a local high school helping families complete the financial aid process. That will take a huge chunk out of the afternoon.

In the blink of an eye it will be Monday again!

Join the Movement...

...over the next week I will be distributing MS Awareness bracelets to be worn during MS Awareness Week (March 2-8) and any other time you desire. I have thought about this and have decided that I am going to do a little giveaway.

Here's the scoop....wear your bracelet during MS Awarenss Week and send me a picture of you wearing it--or post a picture of you wearing it on your blog if you have one and send me the link (or post it in my comments section) and I will enter your name into a drawing. At the end of the week I will draw a name and that person gets a treat from me for showing your support.

Heavenly hour....

I treated myself to a massage last night...and as usual, I really needed it. I was later getting away from the office than I thought I would be and just barely made my 6p appointment. In fact, it was actually 6:02p when I sprinted into Massage Envy....Emily had just stuck her head out to look for me. I didn't stop to take a breath till I was on the table. Once there I allowed myself to just be in that moment.

I knew I'd been feeling stiff and even a bit sore for some reason and the massage told me just how much of both. But oh what bliss as Emily's fingers moved over the muscles. I think I was actually on the verge of falling asleep! The hour always seems to fly but last night seemed to go even faster. I do look forward to that hour every month.

They're here!!

Tuesday night creation

Another one down...

Another weekday down, another day closer to the weekend. Do you detect a theme here? Lately it seems I live for weekends...the ability to do whatever I want---even when the weekend is packed (much as this one will be).

Tonight I head to Bay City for a sewing class. Should be interesting/fun. My machine seemed to be playing nicely last night so hopefully it will continue to do so tonight. I'm look forward to creating something from mere fabric and thread. Hopefully this will be the jump start I need to start sewing again. There are some things I would like to make...ideas I've been kicking around for a while.

On a visit to Hobby Lobby I picked up a flyer with home decor items in blacks and pinks and greens that looked soooo cute. Maybe I'll gain enough confidence to try a few things along those lines...I think the 'studio' would be cute decorated that way (I'll have to post a pic of the flyer). With spring break just around the corner I have the opportunity to work on such a project. How wonderful would it be to finally have everything cleaned and organized. Perhaps that should be my goal for spring break....I'll think about it!

Ok...off to work....happy Tuesday.

Sunday creation....

I still need to do the journaling but I've been kicking around this idea in my head for a day or two. I've had this picture of Clay for some time and wanted to do something with it....took it a few years ago at the rodeo. The events of the last year prompted me to take the BAMS logo from his website and incorporate it into my layout.

Grooming time...

Frustrated!!

I have not been able to get my printer to cooperate with my Kodak software which translates into no pictures printed. I wanted to print my 12 on the 12th pictures...no luck....some standard size pictures of other things...no luck. I've updated all sorts of software, uninstalled and reinstalled hardware....nothing. Thus far my only result has been a great deal of frustration....but I'm not giving up yet.

Happy Friday the 13th....

Apparently this is the first of three this year...I haven't checked the calendar...I just saw the statement on yahoo's main page. I am thrilled that it's Friday! That is my focus. Just a few more hours and I have two days to myself! I can sleep in....stay up late (yeah, right)....do whatever I want....sleep late.....might go see Little Shop of Horrors tonight--local theatre production.

12 on the 12th

I did take my 12 photos today--even though I realized this morning I'd left my camera at home....so no pictures of the first part of my day. Unfortunately I am having some difficulties with printing my picture montage so I'll have to do that in a day or two when I have more time to figure just what is going on. In the meantime, here are a few of the shots....

A Simple Request...

March 2-8, 2009 is MS Awareness Week. I will provide you with a MS bracelet (similar to those started by Lance Armstrong for cancer awareness) if you promise me you will wear it during that week (at least) and do your part to make others aware of MS and 'join the movement' to eradicate it. And just so you know...the bracelets are orange as that is the color of the MS Society. (I hope to have the bracelet in a week or so.)

Click here for more info on the MS Society.

In my mailbox...

If you're so inclined....support the fight against MS....it doesn't appear to get the same attention and support other causes do....and to my friends, I will be hitting you up to participate in the MS walk later this year either as a walker or contributor!

On a side note.....I've always been a reader and I remember in junior high taking part in a 'read-athon' to raise money for MS.....I really had no idea what it(MS) was but reading was involed so I was in.....

Stay tuned for 12 on the 12th tomorrow....

Old habits die hard....

When I would take mom to the doctor we'd usually have dinner before heading home and one of the places we would go was Olive Garden. Today after my doctor appointment I decided to stop at Olive Garden for a bite to eat (since it was after 3p and I'd not had lunch). Though not the same location, I did stop and have cheese ravioli--one of my favorites there. Just a little treat for myself after a good appointment.


















Dr. Brod seemed pleased with how things are progressing...in this case, not progressing. He asked how I'd been, what's been bothering me--if anything, checked on my fatigue level, how I'm tolerating the various meds, etc. Oh and he had me do what he refers to as the drunk walk and was pleased that I was better than previous times. When I mentioned experiencing some of the annoying symptoms he asked if I thought I needed a round of steriods and I quickly let him know things were no where near that bad and I did not want steroids unless I absolutely had to have them. He appeared happy with that answer/outlook...asked if there was anything I thought I needed, checked my lab results from last time, ordered blood work and told me he'd see me in six months.

I know that if I need him in the time leading up to that he is just a phone call or email away.

Wednesday eve...

How can it seem the days drag on and yet they seem to fly by?? Yesterday and today are a bit of a blur and yet at times during the day it didn't seem the day would end---at least not the work day. I guess that's why it's called work....it isn't necessarily something that's going to make the time fly and sometimes it doesn't.

Okay...I'm rambling. I felt the need to post something but I guess I don't really have much to say. Maybe I'll have something more exciting tomorrow---but nothing too drastic since I have a neuro appointment. Here's hoping for a good, positive visit. :)

Monday, Monday...

Jury duty selection this morning started off with a break---yeah, go figure---so I went to the local coffee shop, The TreeFrog Cafe and relaxed over a drink (they're only open till 6p in the evenings but I think I can live with that--open Saturdays too but closed Sunday)


















HEY CAROL....look what I had with my dinner!

Scrap that Cat....

Dis.....missed....

Took half the day but I was dismissed from jury duty......

Busy Week Ahead...

Several things going on this week...jury duty on Monday (hope I avoid being picked)....neurologist appointment on Wednesday (hope he doesn't order an MRI)....outreach at a local high school on Thursday (filling out applications).....

Sissy at Play

Weekend Activities

Saturday morning I went to Williams-Sonoma for the Chocolate Obession cooking demo--rich chocolate desserts..YUM. While there I found these wonderful heavy chili bowls and couldn't resist picking up a set. A girl deserves to buy nice kitchen things for herself every once in a while and these are practical as I know I will get much use out of them. Check out the cute container they were packed in. Thinking of ways I can 're-purpose' it! After that was a trip to Sephora for some new foundation--thanks Robin for hooking me on Laura Mercier.

Walmart run

Even though I don't need to be spending money and should stay away from Walmart I went tonight and picked up a few things....an apron pattern (not the original one I was looking at but one that should be simple to start off with), some fabric--for the apron, and some new cooking magazines that caught my eye

Time to learn...

I have a beautiful acoustic guitar that I've had for oh my gosh, about three years now, and I am finally going to take some lessons to learn to play it. I have a couple of books but they've not really provided much guidance so I'm seeking outside assistance. I've contacted the local music store (yep, there's one in Wharton) about taking lessons. Hopefully there will be an opening with one of their two teachers. Fifteen bucks per half hour doesn't sound too bad. I mainly want to learn the basics then I think I can take it from there.

Feeling crafty...

I'm in the mood to create and at the moment that means sewing--which I've not done in a-g-e-s. I've been seeing cute, cute, cute retro aprons and now I want to make some. Not sure if any of my friends would use them but the idea of making a cute apron appeals to me. I even almost made a Walmart run tonight for a pattern and material--but I restrained myself. I figured tomorrow is soon enough then I have the weekend to play and create. I've got an idea or two for a few other things but I'll keep that to myself till I know if it's going to work. Here's hoping I'm still in this crafty mood tomorrow when I get off!

Thursday's philosophical thoughts....

It's mid-day on Thursday and like many I'm dreaming of the weekend. At the same time I realize that is at conflict with living in the moment. Life happens so fast and is so busy we really, really need to live in the moment and enjoy now. Seems we spend so much time in anticipation that we forget to live for now. As a result we miss out on many things. So today, take time to live for and enjoy now.

Ok, off my soapbox for now....

Book Signing...

Murder by the Book hosted Kimberly Frost to debut her first novel, 'Would Be Witch'. It's set in Texas and is about...a witch...so naturally I had to check it out! Check out her website and read exerpts here. And Carol, if you're interested, it's available for Kindle!

Free stuff!

My hostess goodies from CTMH...seven stamp sets and a paper pack....

Shame on me....

It's February 3, (already--damn the days are flying by) and I have not changed the calendar in the studio. January is still prominently displayed. I'll have to rectify that tonight!

I could give reasons why it's not changed...like I've just been too busy.....I've not really spent much time in that room....but the truth is I'm lazy. It also probably doesn't help that it's hanging in a place that's not all that easy to get to--but it was the only place I could think of at the time to hang it...and it is in a place where it can easily be seen from either the computer or the drafting table.

On another note, I did do a little creating last night. The operative word is little but at least it's a start!

Momma's Jacket...

I opened the closet in the spare bedroom looking for some scrap things (one of these days I'll have it organized and will share pictures). Hanging there was one of mom's jackets that I kept. It's no surprise it was there as I had done some rearranging a few weeks ago and moved it then. But that was all.

Tonight the jacket caught my eye and I decided to put it on (I kept it because it fits me), thinking I might wear it sometime in the near future. I moved the jacket to my bedroom and put it on the end of my bed and went back to playing in the studio (sounds so much more than just a spare bedroom).

Later I picked up the jacket again and discovered it smells like mom. It's been five years and a move....and yet it still smells like mom. I inhaled deeply. I remembered the last time she wore the jacket....that last trip to Branson.

Weekend Off....

I basically took the weekend off.....meaning I really didn't....nothing. It started when Friday night I crashed...and then realized Saturday morning I had forgotten my shot. Opps.....it's the first time that has happened. At the point I realized I felt guilt and then decided to just pick up again Sunday on my regular schedule. Thus began my weekend off.

Saturday afternoon was card making with the girls and that was fun...but exhausting to me. I was wiped out by the time I got home. Sunday I didn't really do anything to speak of--though I did manage to get to the grocery store. That was about it. I got a massage in the afternoon and was even more useless after that. I was in bed by a little after 8p.

So in reflection, I took the weekend off because I did n-o-t-h-i-n-g.....