It Is What It Is

A Fun(ny) thing Happened on the Way to My Meeting

I'm back from the bend over week- and believe it or not, it actually was a great meeting.  I come back refreshed and reinvigorated to do my job.  (Most of the bending over took place before in preparation of said meeting...)  That's not to say that they didn't work us like dogs, but they did provide a lot of fun along the way.  Now here's the good part...something so totally unexpected took place while I was in Atlanta.

Before I tell you, I must digress a bit and explain a little something about myself and this blog.  If you look to the immediate right under "blogs I follow" you will see links.  Now, I follow quite a few blogs, I just haven't taken the time to link them all- (remember I have a procrastination problem.)  However, one of the first and most faithful of all blogs I follow is The Pioneer Woman. (www.thepioneerwoman.com.)   I have been with her from almost the beginning.  As a matter of fact, if it wasn't for her, I'm not sure I'd be occupying this little slice of cyber-blog heaven.  See, she inspired me to not only let this be an outlet for my pent up creative juices, but she gave me personal directions on how to start it.  (Mind you, this was way before she became the Rockstar of Blogosphere and soon to be all media outlets.)  We exchanged a few emails way back when and here I am today.  (Not even close to where PW is or where I want to be...but hey, baby steps, right.....?)

All this being said, the Pioneer Woman recently published a cook book.  (It is quite beautiful!)

I actually planned on writing a post lamenting the fact that PW's book tour came nowhere near my home base.  (But again, due to that procrastinating problem, never got around to it...) 

Skip ahead to my bend over week.  I'm doing some last minute work before I leave for Atlanta and out of habit I check in on a few of my favorites before leaving, knowing I will have no reading for pleasure time in the upcoming week.  Low and behold, I find out PW is going to be in Atlanta doing a book signing at the Border's practically across the street from my hotel!  Not only that, but it is going to be on Monday evening, practically the only semi-free night of the entire week.  (I know, I could hardly believe it myself!)  I momentarily get quite excited and start mentally planning how I could attend this event'.  Reality sets in and I realize there is no way I can scrape this together.  Her book signings have been having hundreds and hundreds show up and wait for hours and hours.  I know I just don't have that kind of time, plus the Border's was handing out wrist bands starting in the morning and I wouldn't have time to negotiate this at all.  Next moment, sadness, because I'm so close, yet so far away.  (I love that song!) 

Next stop- amazing- my friend Joyce, from my old team calls me to tell me she's already in Atlanta for the weekend with her husband and proceeds to tell me all about the area we'll be staying.  I mention the book signing to her and she says- Oh, Deb that's only a couple of block from here, let me check into it and I'll get back to you.  Next thing I know, Joyce calls to say she's got the books and the wristbands and we're in the first color block for signing.  (What?!!) Ka-ching!  Is this meant to be or what? 

The next hurdle is negotiating the how and the when.  We arrive for start of meeting and then after a few hours in general session, they send us out into the streets of Buckhead (a ritzy shopping, entertainment and restaurant part of Atlanta) on a pictorial scavenger hunt.  OMG...how long will this take and then we have to attend a reception/buffet/cocktail party.  I'm feeling like this just isn't going to happen.  Around  8:30ish, Joyce and I decide we can safely make our getaway and have the hotel shuttle take us over to the Border's bookstore.  (Have I mentioned yet that my dear friend, Joyce has a broken foot and is wearing a walking boot?)  I mean, what a friend!

We arrive to hoards of people winding their way around the aisles of the store.  Due to our color of wristband, we are given directions to meet up with some guy who then shows us our place in line- which I might add is a lot closer than the throngs of people we are passing.  We begin our wait.  Due to Joyce's efficiency earlier in the day- we only have about an hour wait time.  Nirvana!!  While waiting, we decide to make good use of our time.  Since we will be tested on our product knowledge and sales presentations, we start practicing right in line.  Almost immediately, the woman in front of us turns around and says to us- "Are you Drug Reps?"  Why- yes we are!

(Don't we look Reppy?)

Now here comes the next best part of this evening.  The gal and her friend in front of us- then strike up a conversation with Joyce and I.  Turns out, Elizabeth was a drug rep for many years in another life.   We start discussing the joys of drug world and then come to find out that she has done about a million things in her life and currently she is living her best life ever- as she as met and married her soul mate and moved to the English countryside.  You can read all about it http://giftsofthejourney.wordpress.com.  Her daily life consists of reading, writing, taking photos and walking along the moors with her man.  Check out her site, it's quite beautiful and inspiring.  Her friend Patrice, would be my new best friend if only she didn't live in Atlanta.  These gals were so much fun and made the waiting unforgettable.  As a matter of fact, we decided that there are only a few people in life that can be on your list of souls to call when you need help "cleaning up the blood and hiding the evidence" and the women in my company met the list criteria. 

(Side note I:  B just remember that you're on the top of that list- so don't be thinking you're off the hook!)

 
(Patrice and Elizabeth- don't they even look like fun!)

Now for the piece de resistance- YES- I met my Blogstar Mentor- it was a moment my friend- like no other....

(Please don't look at my facial expression- I look a little rode hard and put away wet- I've been up since 4:00 am traveling all day, scavenging around Atlanta and waiting in a sweaty line...)

Ree Drummond couldn't have been any more warm and personable.  She's exactly like she is on her blog...real and you can't help but fall in love (all over again...) I only wish I had a ranch near hers!  The book is a beauty in both photography, but the writing and recipes are a true delight.  Two thumbs up!

I even got to meet two of her cast of characters- her sister, Betsy and friend, Hyacinth-

It was a night I truly won't forget for a long time- for a number of reasons- but mostly because it was never supposed to happen - and sometimes the stars align and magic happens in the most unexpected ways.  Thanks to Joyce, Patrice, Elizabeth and PW for making the magic on this night!

(Side note II- Thanks to Elizabeth Harper http://giftsofthejourney.wordpress.com for sending the great photographs since I only had my cell phone camera!!) 
  
 
 

Embrace Your Inner Bird

While I was talking to my good friend, B the other day, I discovered that she was embarking on a journey of the Virgin Bird territory.  It was hard to believe that after almost 20 years of marriage she had never prepared a Thanksgiving turkey.  She's an accomplished cook and fabulous baker, so I just assumed that cooking a turkey for her was old hat.  Truth be told, she's never had to prepare the Thanksgiving bird.  She's always gone to a relatives or friends for Thanksgiving dinner.

  When I thought about it, I realized that I just started cooking the "Bird" a few years ago.  I too, was in the family Thanksgiving boat.  (And I don't mean gravy..) we would alternate our Thanksgiving dinners at either parent's homes.  It wasn't until about six years ago that I decided I wanted to attempt the bird thing on my own.  I then started my day after Thanksgiving turkey dinner tradition.  Regardless of where we celebrated Thanksgiving, I would prepare another, (albeit smaller version) of Thanksgiving dinner on the Friday after.  Last year was my first ever (after 19 years of marriage) of hosting a Thanksgiving dinner.  

The reason for this gluttony?  Basically to prove to myself that I could master the task.  Cook the turkey, make the gravy, cranberry sauce, stuffing, etc...on my own, all homemade without the help of Mom or others.  It was my own challenge.  I wanted to be able to create my Thanksgiving memories for my kids and future grandkids.  I didn't want to be 50 years old and never having mastered this Holiday meal. 

Jump ahead several years, and I feel pretty good that I've got this meal down.  I've fine tuned  different side dishes, so we have our regular must haves- and not just the ones from the grandmothers.  It's nice to have these traditions.  This of course can be spilled over into the Christmas holidays. 

Thinking about the upcoming holiday season right now- is enough to give me a stomach ache.  I have so much stuff going on right now, I can't even begin to process how in all that's holy am I going to get everything done for Christmas?  We celebrate Christmas with Beloved's side one week from this Saturday!  It's making me cranky and want to take a permanent union break and not do anything.  Part of me wants to introduce "Christmas Light" this year.  Thinking that way goes against my previous paragraphs, me wanting to create these perfect memories for my family.  So in honor of Thanksgiving- I'm going to allow myself a change in thinking. 

I'm going to get a grip and realize what's important- my family and friend's health and well being.  It's not about creating the perfect memory- but about creating the memories as they happen.  It doesn't have to be about setting the perfect holiday scene- but about making sure those you surround yourself with are comfortable.  The food and drink don't have to be award winning- just fulfilling and nourishing.  The gifts I give don't have to be the best- just thoughtful and heartfelt. 

Ok- that's my mantra for the next 4 weeks.  I wish that for all of you too- enjoy what's meant to be enjoyed and don't sweat the small stuff.

That being said- I'm still preparing a turkey on Friday- and I'm brining that bird, baby!  IMO- the best way to cook a turkey!  Enjoy!

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone!

The Shame that Is My Life....plus

I kinda had a crappy, stressful week. I have A LOT going on with my job.  Not that I'm complaining, because Lord knows, I'm grateful for having a job in the pharmaceutical industry right now, as so many companies have downsized.  So, because of that, the attitude that pretty permeates all things is "Bend over and take it..." if you know what I mean.  This week was the official kick-off of the bending over part and will cumulate in a 5 day frenzy of bending over in a few weeks.  (i.e. National Sales Meeting.)

That all being said, I needed to cut loose last night.  Have some fun- and guess what I did?  I drove to two different theaters with Youngest to try to get tickets to see "New Moon."  Yes- I was one of those moms- in line with all the other moms (very few dads- I must say...)  and teenagers galore!  I will also say- there were lots of other women in my age category out with their friends minus the kids part....

Now, I don't go to many opening night premieres of movies so this was a treat to have so much audience participation.  When the trailers ended and the opening of the film was starting- the entire audience gasped and applauded.  Throughout different parts in the movie- (primarily when one of the lead male characters was on screen- especially without a shirt..) the audience would erupt in cheer, followed by "shush" because no one wanted to miss a word of the dialog. 

My opinion of the film?  I thought they did a fine job of telling the story of New Moon- but as a reader- I feel you can never the do the book the justice it truly deserves.  That being said- I do think the casting of these characters is spot on- and they bring the characters to life.

Youngest and I had a great time and it was just the stress reliever I needed to forget about my crappy week....can't ask for more than that.

Oh- and the winners of the Jewels by Jules contest-

Beth and Terese!  Congrats and thanks for your comments. 

p.s.  Management reserves the right to not photograph the official contest winner being chosen- because if you waited for that to happen you would have to wait until next Christmas to wear the winning items...(see above for explanation.) Thank you.

Say A Little Prayer

The point of this post is to ask you to say a little prayer of peace, comfort and love for a family that you don't know, that I don't really know but have been acquainted with through my job.  They are about to lose their 19 old daughter to leukemia.  It has been a short (February 2009) and valiant fight.  The true definition of grace and dignity.  Thank you for taking the time.  xoxo Hug the ones you love tight-not just today but everyday. 

UPDATE- Emily passed away this past Wednesday, ending a very courageous fight.  Please keep her family and friends in your prayers if you can.  The next few days will be spent celebrating her life- her slogan throughout this ordeal was -"Live to Love."  I can't think of a more appropriate way to celebrate as we enter into this week of Thanksgiving. 

"To all the Blogs I've Loved Before.."

First, I want to set the mood for your reading pleasure.  Close your eyes, and think of the Willie Nelson song, "To all the girls I've loved before.."  Can you hear it?  That's the kind of mood I'm in folks.  I'm trying not to be a hater.  Hater of myself and the procrastinating that has invaded my life.  But first before I write about that, I must go watch" Curb Your Enthusiasm"....I'll be right back, I promise.

I'm back...seriously, I have the worse case of procrastination EVER!  I've been able to accomplish only those things that need taken care in the most immediate of ways.  For instance, today was a beautiful day.  I didn't have any place to be- so I could in theory get caught up.  I did take care of a few things that I needed to-BUT the things that have been hanging over my head for way too long- didn't get touched.  So because of that, I'm going to tell you about all the blogs I wish I would have written in the last few weeks in hopes of actually getting them written-

1.  Desk Redo Bloggy Style- UPDATE - In this post, I show all the progress I've made on my desk- actually showing the finished product.

2.  Volleyball- A Love Story to replace A Love Story- Football

3.  A Season of Cheer- In this post I tell all about my adventures in cheerleading coaching 19 ten year old girls- (I can almost hear you laughing as you read this...)

4.  DIPS- Revisited- This is my cooking mini-tutorial where I photograph and make the dips submitted by  two of my faithful commenter's.

5.  DIPS- for Book clubs- this had to be postponed because the dip party was postponed- so I guess I'm not procrastinating on this one...

6.  Decorating for fall- Because I actually did so little it wasn't worth the effort.

7.  How to Parent an 18 Year Old- If anyone has any advice on this- I could use your help.

8.  My new favorite author- Jen Lancaster!

9.  "Twilight"- I'm behind the curve...

10.  My New fall Favorite TV Must Watches...

11.  I have a New Boss- Oh mY!

Hopefully, I've peaked your interest.  I know I've peaked mine.  Lets hope I can kick this procrastinating cloud that has been hanging over my head and get to writing!  Are you procrastinating anything?  Tell me what it is so I can feel better about myself!  Thanks for sharing!

Half Full or Half Empty?

What happens after you start your day stepping in dog Sh*#?  (I might mention at this point wearing the shoes you've planned your wardrobe for the day around?)

  Does the day only go up from there?  Or should you resign yourself for a "crappy" day?  Make a choice and "stick" to it!

Have a great day and don't forget to vote!
 

Public Service Announcement

Tomorrow is election day.  I don't care about your politics.  I won't tell you mine.  But I will say- it's your duty, right and obligation as a citizen of this country to go out and exercise your right to vote!  It may not change what's happening today, but it will effect tomorrow. 

P.S.  I'm telling you a day early as a reminder- so there should be no excuses! 

Happy Birthday, Sister!

Today is my one and only Baby Sister's birthday!  Happy Birthday, Kelly!  I love you!

Hey Now, I've Had My Reasons

Hey ya'll in Blogland.  I've been a little preoccupied with some things going on in my life and this week I've been trying to play catch up.  I didn't mean to ignore my little site, but truthfully, I haven't felt inspired.  Now, I know many of you will think how is that any different than anything else you write?  Most posts don't seem all that inspiring...well truth be told I have to feel a little moved on a personal level in order for me to get these keystrokes published.  And sometimes, you just have to do it in order to get the creative juices flowing again- so here goes. 

I just finished up with a fundraiser that I've done in some form or fashion for the last three years.  I always enjoy the process and the time spent in preparation.  I do however always seem to have the "blues" once the event is complete.  Admittedly, I've felt a little postpartum this week.  I was feeling emotional about the event ending but also about some changes that are occurring in my job.  So, for a good portion of the week, I was a little weepy.  (internally- most of the time.)  It didn't help that I was listening to an emotional saga that I feel compelled to share with you.

I preface this review with the notation that I have never had a personal experience with a family member suffering with Alzheimer's Disease.  I thought I had a good understanding of the disease and the havoc it causes the one afflicted and their family members.  However, after finishing this book, I can tell you that I didn't really have a clue. 

The book I'm referring to is- "Still Alice" by Lisa Genova. 

This is a first novel for the author.  "Still Alice" is the story of Alice Howland, an acclaimed professor of Psychology and Linguistics at Harvard University.  She is a 50 year old woman, mother and  wife who is diagnosed with Early Onset Alzheimer's Disease. 

This story is told from Alice's perspective.  We literally take this journey with Alice from the fast paced life of this accomplished academian to the ravages of how her mind ceases to perform. 

I have to say, it's been a very long time since I have had such an emotional response to a book.  I know part of it might have been my own "blues" and this was an organic way of dealing with my own feelings.  However, I truly felt the frustration, pain and hurt of what this disease was stealing from not only Alice but her friends, colleagues and most importantly, her family.

I highly recommend "Still Alice.''  It's an emotional and gut wrenching ride, but well worth it.  The author beautifully portrays what happens when someone suffers from this disease.  She explores the challenges of how someone deals with the progression of Alzheimer's, knowing the end results and still trying to live their life to the fullest and maintain their dignity. 

Share with me what you've been reading or any stories you may have regarding Alzheimer's.  I'd love to hear them.

Labor Day means WORK and Happy Birthday Middle One

Alright friends, I've been a laboring this Labor Day Weekend.  I hope you've been enjoying the last bit of the official summer. 

 Remember when I mentioned that when you remove every roof ever put on your 82 year old house it spells- MESS any way you slice it?  Well, this mess has started an avalanche of other messes- it's like attack of the messes.  I've been digging out of messes all freaking weekend. 

Shall I recap? 

1.  ROOF-

 

Don't let the blue sky fool you- this was after all three previous roofs were removed and we're moving toward the installation of new roof.

 

See the dumpster that has been blocking my driveway and back entrance for the last seven days?  See blackness on the driveway- that is the remnants of old shingles and is taking over  everything?

 

Ah, ha- this is a better illustration of the mess that is now completely covering my attic- chunks and dust and junk covering everything!  Did I mention that the attic is my primary area of storage for all things in my household?  Dear Beloved made it up the stairs and cleaned that portion- it's just so completely overwhelming.  Trying to clean it all right now is just impossible.  Plus it's been about 500 degrees up there making the job even harder.

2.  Refer to first photo for a look at chimney that is now crumbling and needs to be repaired.  We know we needed to have the plaster on the chimney and front facade of the house taken care of- just not right after replacing the entire roof.  We optimistically thought we could make do with a fix on the chimney until the spring- but alas, the chimney is in even worse disrepair than originally thought.  We could actually have large chunks of plaster falling off the chimney and hurting people or worse damaging my new roof (I kid..) But I'm not kidding when I say- goodbye $2,000 more dollars. 

I might also add here, that I"m not opposed to fixing my house or spending the money to do so, it's just that the timing so sucks. Not that house repairs ever have good timing, but I would love to spend money on fun things- like a new kitchen or bath.   I could have had my new kitchen about five times over by now.  Oh well, time to get over it....

3.  Eldest moved into the basement into her new super cool faux dorm room.  This left her old room open and available.  We have moved Youngest into that room thus leaving her old room which is attached to our bedroom open and available to become a master bedroom sitting room.  We're  moving Beloved's Mancave out of the basement and allowing this to become more of the Lounge area of Eldest's Dorm and the hang out area for the other kids.  Leaving the family room the gated off shrine of family rooms.  (Remember the new carpet.)  Even the dogs are banned from this room.  So all of these changes have involved lots of moving, organizing and cleaning and ya da, ya da, ya da....

It really felt like we would never get any one thing finished completely.  I am happy to report- that both girl's rooms are pretty darn near close to being completed.  Odds and ends, mostly.  We are actually able to walk in the rooms and the upstairs hallway without climbing over things, finally.  

4.  Middle One turned 15 years old today!

 

In the midst of all this laboring, I actually made him his favorite Red Velvet cake with cream cheese frosting- all homemade I might add!

 

It's hard to believe that in six months he'll be eligible to take his driver's test.  Oh, my...

5.  Football has started- actually, it started in June and has been going full steam since then.  We've had a couple of scrimmages and two games.  You know I love all things football- so let me share a couple of shots, of my Middle Boy in his high school uniform!

 

He's #78! 

 

 

Last one, in formation, ready to snap the ball. 

Alright- that's all for now- gotta go do some work for the start of a new work and school week.  Enjoy the start of all things Fall!