I read this quote this morning on my little daily Oprah email and was inspired:
We begin to find and become ourselves when we notice how we are already found, already truly, entirely, wildly, messily, marvelously who we were born to be.
- Anne Lamott
This week has been nuts yet again in the office, but I can't say I mind it. It's more interesting to solve problems and see results of some hard work than be bored and surfing the web all day. All things considered, however, I'm ready for the weekend. My adventures in Eastern NM "singledom" will end as of Sunday evening and I'm not one bit upset about it. The Cap will finally be home. Ahhh that's fun to say.
Naturally the last week of awaiting someone's arrival is the longest and absolute worst because A. it's all you can think about and B. it's all you want. None of the here and now junk matters--it's all about what's to come. To try to break it up, I had some friends over for dinner last night. A friend whose Cap gets home this morning was staying with me so I threw a pot roast in the crock pot and whipped up some dinner for a few friends. I love the motley assortment of people who show up when you're in the mil' life. What's interesting is that no one really knew each other that well last night but we all ended up giggling like little school girls in the living room by the end of the night. That's what I love about good people--their ability to embrace what's good in a situation and laugh about it. I had 1 mother+baby, 1 newly-living-together couple, 1 goofball, 1 anxious ladyfriend of a friend and 1 random new gym rat/mil friend. Combined it worked out to be one pretty fantastic group. Or maybe it was the gigantic bottle of wine + Black Box we crushed . . . tomato tomato.
Needless to say, these people all know who they are and seem to be loving the lives they live. These are my kind of people. All right, back to the countdown . . . two . . . more . . . days . . . and my one person, favorite person, will be home. Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh boy. I'm jazzed.
1/6/12
1/5/12
holy wednesday.
Yesterday was . . . hellacious. I think that's a word. Like, one of those days that makes you want to scream obscenities into a pillow. OK, I've never actually thought that works, but as a Counselor-in-training I guess that's a technique I'd imagine I'll be employing in future therapy sessions. I digress. Yesterday every single mole hill I've ever come across in the biz was turned into a mountain. Why? I blame incompetence and ignorance. That sounds harsh, but it's actually just a fair assessment. Instead of being the super mega B that I could have become, I chose to focus my energy on what was right. Here's what I came up with:
1. In four days (now THREE, hellsyes) my fiance will be home.
2. After a brief pump-up conversation with my Pops, I remembered that we're tight and I'm a lucky daughter.
3. I got a $32 check from working at the coffee shop. I'm just ROLLING in monayyyy!
4. I have a friend coming into town tomorrow (tonight) and I'm having people over for some roast beef (mmmm), tomato/artichoke deliciousness and mashed potatoes . . . and wine, lots and lots of wine.
5. At the post office I had a Doc Martin siting. I could spot that yellow stitching a mile away. There's just nothing like the fine leathered detail of a good DM loafer. I even snagged a picture for proof:
It's amazing what can make a sour day sweet.
1. In four days (now THREE, hellsyes) my fiance will be home.
2. After a brief pump-up conversation with my Pops, I remembered that we're tight and I'm a lucky daughter.
3. I got a $32 check from working at the coffee shop. I'm just ROLLING in monayyyy!
4. I have a friend coming into town tomorrow (tonight) and I'm having people over for some roast beef (mmmm), tomato/artichoke deliciousness and mashed potatoes . . . and wine, lots and lots of wine.
5. At the post office I had a Doc Martin siting. I could spot that yellow stitching a mile away. There's just nothing like the fine leathered detail of a good DM loafer. I even snagged a picture for proof:
1/1/12
new year weekend.
I know New Year's is a holiday on the calendar and everything . . . and it's a pretty big deal in China, buuuttttt it's not that big of a deal for a mellow (well, usually) twentysomething whose fiance is overseas. I actually had made plans twice, but after it all fell through I succombed to chilling out at home and starting to get the house ready for mi amor to get home in . . . wait for it . . . ONE . . . WEEK.
So last night I rung in 2012 third-wheeling it with my two good friends. It was a mildly somber evening because their puppy was really sick and was literally given about a 1% chance of survival. I took it upon myself to comfort the little guy during his last moments, which made me think: Could this be a new career idea? Animal whispering/nannying/hospice? I could be the next Cesarrrr. Just a thought. All things said, it made me feel very grateful to have my two healthy babes waiting at home for me this morning.
Today I worked from 6:30 until about right now on house-y things, with of course a few necessary breaks in between to watch Jersey Shore and The Twilight Zone, skype'd-a-lot and hit the gym. Other parts of my day included the following:
I took a deep breath and went to Walmart (woof) to stock up on good foods. The holidays got me a wee bit off track but starting today it was ON with good stuff again. When I got home I put everything away and even cleaned out the refrigerator. Ohhhhhhhhh I love me a clean fridge. Isn't it pretty?
OK I know this picture isn't that impressive, but oh my stars this was delicious [and yeah, that's a lot of meat (TWSS) so I saved some for breakfast tomorrow]. I looove Brussels sprouts so I threw them in a pan to saute for a little while then tossed in some steak and peppers. Seriously, this was so good.
After a bunch of organizing (I mean a BUNCH), I settled in to make some banana bread for my friends who lost their puppy. George and Stella decided it would be a good idea to hop up on the island and help me. I wasn't amazingly excited about their tushies on my counter but they're good company so I let it slide this time. And THAT'S how you ring in the year right! Tomorrow I'm planning on doing just about the same thing. Yeeeesssssss.
So last night I rung in 2012 third-wheeling it with my two good friends. It was a mildly somber evening because their puppy was really sick and was literally given about a 1% chance of survival. I took it upon myself to comfort the little guy during his last moments, which made me think: Could this be a new career idea? Animal whispering/nannying/hospice? I could be the next Cesarrrr. Just a thought. All things said, it made me feel very grateful to have my two healthy babes waiting at home for me this morning.
Today I worked from 6:30 until about right now on house-y things, with of course a few necessary breaks in between to watch Jersey Shore and The Twilight Zone, skype'd-a-lot and hit the gym. Other parts of my day included the following:
OK I know this picture isn't that impressive, but oh my stars this was delicious [and yeah, that's a lot of meat (TWSS) so I saved some for breakfast tomorrow]. I looove Brussels sprouts so I threw them in a pan to saute for a little while then tossed in some steak and peppers. Seriously, this was so good.
After a bunch of organizing (I mean a BUNCH), I settled in to make some banana bread for my friends who lost their puppy. George and Stella decided it would be a good idea to hop up on the island and help me. I wasn't amazingly excited about their tushies on my counter but they're good company so I let it slide this time. And THAT'S how you ring in the year right! Tomorrow I'm planning on doing just about the same thing. Yeeeesssssss.
12/27/11
game of things.
The holidays seem to present a huge down curve in the blog world, or at least for my blog. I'm not a big blog follower; I have my friends' and a few randos that I track, but I write only because I like to write. This past month has been absolute mayhem in my world, but I'm happy to report that I'm still afloat and even bobbing a bit . . . whatever that means. I was fortunate enough to spend my Christmas with my mom's family, something I know many people weren't able to do this year. My family is anything but dull. Where there's an open arm, a hug fits. Where there's quiet time, a fart falls in its place. This couldn't have been more evident than on Saturday night when my family was playing a game called Things. OK, I love to laugh, like LOVE to laugh, but I haven't laughed this hard in awhile.
Picture this: My mom, stepdad, brother A, brother B + 1 girlfriend and my grandparents all in the living room huddled around the coffee table. The family dog, Duke, who had found refuge in my company all weekend (bless his heart he misses Maddie dog), was sprawled out across my lap. The game goes like this: A reader poses a statement and each person provides an answer, then you go around the circle and try to guess who said what. It's. Completely. Ridiculous . . . at least when you involve the filthily incredulous minds of my family. Here's a sample of what we came up with:
Q: Name things you should not do on an airplane.
A: Fart
A: Fart and say "What a relief!"
A: Ask to borrow someone's chapstick
A: Make love overtly
Q: Name something that needs to be cleaned.
A: Brother A's underpants
A: Duke's bowels
A: The White House
A: Our minds
Q: Name things you call your significant other.
A: Bubbles
A: Numb nuts
A: Please
A: Sugarpants
Q: Name things you should not do when you're naked.
A: Eat a burrito then sprint
A: Case links of sausage
A: Jumping Jacks
A: Apologize
Q: Name what you'd do if you had super powers.
A: Rearrange city buildings
A: Travel to the 1970's
A: Fly
A: Fart sparkles
You get the point.
It's not everyday that I hear my grandpa say you shouldn't make love overtly on an airplane or that you shouldn't do jumping jacks while naked, says my grandma. Nor is it everyday that you picture a naked person eating a burrito then running a hundred meter dash. By the end of the night I was rolling on the ground laughing and had done about a week's worth of ab exercises.
As one can only imagine, getting on that plane to fly home yesterday was about the most difficult thing I've had to do in at least three months.
Picture this: My mom, stepdad, brother A, brother B + 1 girlfriend and my grandparents all in the living room huddled around the coffee table. The family dog, Duke, who had found refuge in my company all weekend (bless his heart he misses Maddie dog), was sprawled out across my lap. The game goes like this: A reader poses a statement and each person provides an answer, then you go around the circle and try to guess who said what. It's. Completely. Ridiculous . . . at least when you involve the filthily incredulous minds of my family. Here's a sample of what we came up with:
Q: Name things you should not do on an airplane.
A: Fart
A: Fart and say "What a relief!"
A: Ask to borrow someone's chapstick
A: Make love overtly
Q: Name something that needs to be cleaned.
A: Brother A's underpants
A: Duke's bowels
A: The White House
A: Our minds
Q: Name things you call your significant other.
A: Bubbles
A: Numb nuts
A: Please
A: Sugarpants
Q: Name things you should not do when you're naked.
A: Eat a burrito then sprint
A: Case links of sausage
A: Jumping Jacks
A: Apologize
Q: Name what you'd do if you had super powers.
A: Rearrange city buildings
A: Travel to the 1970's
A: Fly
A: Fart sparkles
You get the point.
It's not everyday that I hear my grandpa say you shouldn't make love overtly on an airplane or that you shouldn't do jumping jacks while naked, says my grandma. Nor is it everyday that you picture a naked person eating a burrito then running a hundred meter dash. By the end of the night I was rolling on the ground laughing and had done about a week's worth of ab exercises.
As one can only imagine, getting on that plane to fly home yesterday was about the most difficult thing I've had to do in at least three months.
12/21/11
cheers for you.
First say to yourself what you would be; then do what you have to do.
-Epictetus
Keep this close to your heart. Wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas!
-Epictetus
Keep this close to your heart. Wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas!
12/15/11
another wednesday in the books.
Yesterday was a pretty special one in the Land of Enchantment. I actually had been dreading it for a couple of weeks because I knew I'd be inundated with meetings, but thankfully it's over now and I'm ALIVE. During lunch my coworkers and I headed to the local steakhouse (ahh such an endearing little joint) for our Christmas party. I've been pretty red-meat-depleted lately so I ordered a bruschetta burger with asparagus. Delish. Anyway, we did a little gift exchange and here's what mine was! Mini cupcakes! Yahoooo!
The cheese section really helped me to appreciate all that I have and all that I do, especially on Wednesdays like yesterday.
When I got home from the gym (at 8:30 because I worked until 7:00--woof), this package was on my doorstep from my future parents-in-law. Can I just say that I am one really super lucky lady? Here was the note and what was inside! . . .
The cheese section really helped me to appreciate all that I have and all that I do, especially on Wednesdays like yesterday.
12/14/11
wednesday wonders.
This morning I awoke to a lovely headache (yet another reminder of the dryness of the desert--must drink agua!) so I took a little happy pill and chugged a Nalgene and now . . . I. FEEL. GREAT. Anyway, I have this "new" habit of waking up late, like 7:15 when I'm suppose to be at work at 8:00 late. Good thing my commute is a quick 9-minute jaunt across town. I was needing a little musical goodness to brighten my morning so I turned on the radio and fell on the country station (another "new" thing--country is nice in the mornings, people. Don't judge.). During the news brief they unveiled the results of the big TOWN VOTE last night in Portales. Are you ready for the results? Here you go!:
You can NOW order alcoholic beverages in restaurants on Sundays. Waaaaahooooooooo!!
I nearly wet my drawers laughing. I know I'm being a butthead, but really New Mexico? Wasn't Jesus's first miracle turning water into wine? Juuuuuuuuuuust sayin. I live in the real Southwest.
Next I came into work (only a couple minutes past the hour) and called my mom to tell her to be on the lookout for my brother's Christmas gift coming via Postal Serv. Funnily enough he called her last night to tell her the exact same thing. I guess great (and biologically similar) minds think alike. Ahhh life's wonders. I then proceeded to chat her ear off while she was making Christmas baklava (ohhhh maaaahhhh gawwwwd YES) and other delicious cookies which will no doubt hurt my waistline next week. Once I mentioned the headache + happy headache pill remedy she said, "Ohhhhhhhhhhh so THAT'S why you're so chatty today!" Ouch, Mom. I responded with a really mature, "Oh yeah? Well you made me so you clearly made me chatty." Good one. Point: Mom.
She ended the conversation by telling me that it was almost time for the Price is Right to come on and I nearly burst into tears. I do miss the days of hearing el capitan get out of bed and watching him put on his flight suit through my baby bird morning eyes, then trudging to the kitchen to make us a coffee and yogurt breakfast . . . followed by some serious couch and PiR time, gym, lunch with el cap', then more randomness until el cap' came home. All things considered, it's probably heathier for me to have a job. I could feel myself becoming a Hermit with each drop of the Plinko chip . . .
Today is a pretty wild day in the non-profit world. I'm busy advocating (one of our overused words, like "synergy" or "historically" or "get exciiiited!" in other lines of biz . . . ) for a couple of my clients today and will be here until a healthy 6:30 this evening. I've never been more ready for mountains. BOOM.
You can NOW order alcoholic beverages in restaurants on Sundays. Waaaaahooooooooo!!
I nearly wet my drawers laughing. I know I'm being a butthead, but really New Mexico? Wasn't Jesus's first miracle turning water into wine? Juuuuuuuuuuust sayin. I live in the real Southwest.
Next I came into work (only a couple minutes past the hour) and called my mom to tell her to be on the lookout for my brother's Christmas gift coming via Postal Serv. Funnily enough he called her last night to tell her the exact same thing. I guess great (and biologically similar) minds think alike. Ahhh life's wonders. I then proceeded to chat her ear off while she was making Christmas baklava (ohhhh maaaahhhh gawwwwd YES) and other delicious cookies which will no doubt hurt my waistline next week. Once I mentioned the headache + happy headache pill remedy she said, "Ohhhhhhhhhhh so THAT'S why you're so chatty today!" Ouch, Mom. I responded with a really mature, "Oh yeah? Well you made me so you clearly made me chatty." Good one. Point: Mom.
She ended the conversation by telling me that it was almost time for the Price is Right to come on and I nearly burst into tears. I do miss the days of hearing el capitan get out of bed and watching him put on his flight suit through my baby bird morning eyes, then trudging to the kitchen to make us a coffee and yogurt breakfast . . . followed by some serious couch and PiR time, gym, lunch with el cap', then more randomness until el cap' came home. All things considered, it's probably heathier for me to have a job. I could feel myself becoming a Hermit with each drop of the Plinko chip . . .
Today is a pretty wild day in the non-profit world. I'm busy advocating (one of our overused words, like "synergy" or "historically" or "get exciiiited!" in other lines of biz . . . ) for a couple of my clients today and will be here until a healthy 6:30 this evening. I've never been more ready for mountains. BOOM.
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