It Is What It Is

Hey Y'all

Here's some stuff I've been thinking about and actually doing-

1.  Writing a new post for this dang blog site.

2.  Read the Fifty Shades of Grey Trilogy- twice.

3.  (Wanting) to lounge by the pool and read other novels that I've had to back shelf due to time constraints.

4.  Getting totally addicted to the HBO show- "Girls" by watching their 10 espisode marathon.

5.  Getting tired of all the "Real Housewives of..." and not really watching at all.

6.  Excited to have Sirius radio in my car once again and can listen to the Catholic Guy- Lino Rulli.

7.  Glad that another season of Dance and Lacrosse have come to an end.

8.  In love with- shaved brussel sprouts- roasted in the oven...seriously- if you have never like brussel sprouts- you will be a convert....

9.  Visiting college campuses with my official Senior boy.

10.  Hold on to your hat- I've converted to McDonald's Sweet Tea from Sonic.  (Sonic still has the best ice.)

11.  Loving that 2 of my children are employed.

12.  Took a new job in January and my life ceased to be my own. 

13.  Gave up reading almost all other blogs- have pretty much given up this one. 

14.  Wondering what the next steps are?

15.  Not ready to say good bye.

16.  Loving that music I would have picked for a Saturday Soundtrack become hits after I pick them but don't actually post. 

17.  Sunday nights are awesome for TV- but not so much for the next day it all begins again.

18.  Going to Vegas, Baby with my husband for a work conference and staying on to visit with some friends and hit the strip.

19.  Officially registered for my 30th High School Reunion.  (eeks!)

 

 

Dear Blog,

I'm sorry that I have been neglecting you.  It's not you, it's me.  You see, I started a new job and frankly, it's taking up most of my time, literally, I'm not kidding.  Ultimately, it's a very good thing, but in the short run, certain things have taken a back seat.  Like, cleaning my house, grocery shopping, reading for pleasure and  updating you, dear, Blog.  This frantic pace won't be forever, so, I hope you will be patient and forgiving with me.  I really do care about you, I just can't be that into you right now. 

Love,

Deb

*Cue the Mary Tyler Moore Show Theme song.... 

A "Novel" Idea

One of my favorite Christmas gifts this year came from my Buddy, B.  She's a sneaky little thing and sent me a handmade gift that went straight to my heart.  I have to admit, I had never seen this craft project, but she tells me it's all over the crafting blogosphere.  I have been a bit remiss in my blog readings of late...so I've missed this adorable idea. 

It's a wreath made from the pages of a book- two different books to be exact.  The poetic justice is that she one of the books she used was from Janet Evanovich.  (If you have been reading this blog or following my podcasts with Beth, you would really see the humor in that.)  The other novel used was from author, Lori Foster.  (Another old favorite of mine...)

I absolutely love this idea!  It is completely adorable and personally meaningful.  I've decided to hang this wreath on the french doors that lead into my office/library.  The perfect place!  This way I wll be reminded regularly of my friend who lives afar, but is never far from my thoughts. 

I love the detail.  I'm such a freak, I was trying to guess the books by reading snippets from the rolls of book pages.  I totally figured out one of the books before she told me the other novel.  (which by the way, she derived great pleasure in tearing out the pages...i.e. Janet E.)

If you would like to make one of your own- type into google, "book page wreath" and you will be overwhelmed with images and how to's!  It looks like a lot of fun....I might try one myself!

Reading Update and other Ramblings

So someone sent me a link to the Miracle Whip You-Tube Video contest.  You could win $25,000 for your wedding or divorce by submitting a video on how miracle whip has shaped your relationship with a current or former partner.

  For Beloved and I the battle started over Hellman's Real Mayonnaise or Miracle Whip Salad dressing.   I'm happy to report that I won that battle long ago.  The only Miracle Whip that resides in my household is the smallest jar made by Kraft foods and it sits on the side door of the refrigerator waiting to be used once in a blue moon.  I have always been a MAY-O-NNAISE girl.  However, my allegiance has shifted from Hellman's real mayo to Duke's.

 

I had first heard of Duke's while reading the novels of Mary Kay Andrews.  I picked up a jar when I was in South Carolina a few years ago and have been a devoted user ever since. (Living in the midwest, Duke's is not available in my area.  I need to rely on the generosity of others who visit or live in the south to keep my supplied.)   Recently, my friend, L brought me back a jar after her Myrtle Beach vacation.  (Thanks, L!  I was running low!)

So-the question remains....Are you a mayonnaise or miracle whip lover?  Have you had discussions in your household regarding the use of either product?  Beloved and I went toe to toe when first married because I did not use Miracle Whip when making macaroni or potato salad.  Obviously, he's a convert now. 

Condiments aside, because it's summer and because I haven't posted on books in awhile I thought I'd do a little update.  Several months ago, I posted about the release of "Emily and Einstein" by Linda Francis Lee. 

 

I have to be honest.  I resisted reading this book.  Although I dearly love all books, LFL, the premise of this book was a little different for her.  So, I kept picking it up and putting it back down again.  Luckily, I found the audio version at my local library and said, "what the heck, it's a sign."  I was pleasantly surprised.  I didn't want to like this book even after starting it, but I have to tell you, I fell for it.  Pick it up, you will fall for it too.

I gobbled this up while on vacation.  Again- I'm a huge MKA fan, liked this book quite a bit but to be honest not one of my favorites.  This story follows three friends while on vacation from their lives for one month during the summer.  I liked the story line- but I kind of wanted more.  However- a great beach read and I will continue to worship at the shrine of MK.  (Again- she had me at Duke's.)

I have been reading Jodi Picoult for many years.  I have pretty much loved everything she's written up until her last few novels.  They were okay- but I just couldn't get into the subject matters.  Her newest novel, however was intriguing.  I listened to this one- and would heartily recommend you all do the same.  Ms. Picoult introduced us to her lyric writing talent in this book.  Each chapter beings with a song and I understand if you buy the book, it comes with a CD of the songs.   

Can I just say- I loved this book.  This book made me cry.  It made me uncomfortable.  It made me smile.  And for once-  a Jodi Picoult book had an ending that didn't make me SCREAM!  The novel is the story of a couple who after 10 years of a happy marriage and infertility, call it quits.  One partner goes off the deep end back into alcoholism and the other falls in love with a person of the same sex.  When the new couple decide they would like to have a baby using the still frozen embryos from the marriage- they need the permission of the ex-spouse, who now is a cleaned up- born again Christian.  As you might imagine, a court case ensues over the custody of those frozen embryos. 

I didn't think I was going to like how this one ended.  But I must say, I was pleasantly surprised.  I was so emotionally invested in this book and I find myself still thinking about it.  Pick this one up or if you have the chance- listen to it!  So worth it. 

Final book of this post-

 
 
I had never read anything by this author before.  I can remember seeing her novels on the shelves at the bookstore and at the library, but  just never chose them.  I take that back, I did check out "Hope in a Jar" once on audio book and never got a chance to listen to it before needing to return it to the library.  I won't make that mistake again. 

I liked this book.  I bought this book on my Kindle based on a brief summary on a Facebook banner ad!  (I know right?  Who'd of thunk it?!)

The idea of this book is- "Do you ever really get over your first love?"  And how does it shape you for future relationships?  This story is told between the main character from both the past and present.  We get a detail account of her first love relationship and how it is affecting her as an adult in the present.  This was a fast read, enjoyable and fun to think about.  Nothing heavy, just a fun little trip. 

Okay reading fans- still about six more weeks of summer reading fun to be had....go on out get some.  Be sure to check back and let me know all about it.  If nothing else- tell me which you prefer-

MAYONNAISE or Miracle Whip? 
 

 
 

Potluck

Whoever thought that summer vacation got a whole lot less complicated once school let out- didn't have a clue or didn't have kids!

Life is just as crazy busy- just without having to take kids to and from school.

What's keeping me busy- well I know it's hard to believe, but DANCE RECITAL.  I've had some additional duties  added to my plate and it's making me a little twitchy as I try to get it done.   On top of those duties-we have an end of year Lacrosse Banquet that I'm working on as well.  Once these events are completed, I'll be in full swing getting ready for new product training and a national sales meeting for work. 

We are supposed to take a family vacation in July.  I'm desperately hoping against hope that it happens.  Beloved gets a little twitchy himself thinking about leaving his business with a babysitter for a week-but as I tell him....BALANCE in all things!  It's necessary.  We haven't been on an honest to goodness family vacation in about five years.  We've done the weekend getaway thing but it's just not the same. 

Eldest goes to take her State Board Licensing examine this week,  so she can be licensed cosmetologist and then hopefully become gainfully employed at a salon.  Send her good thoughts, won't you? 

Youngest and I witnessed a car hitting a young man on a bike this evening.  I actually didn't see the actual impact, but the after effect of the hit.  Youngest did see the entire thing and was pretty shaken up by it.  I called 911 and waited with another woman who was in the car behind me to see if we could help the guy on the bike.  His leg did not look good.  The sad part about this whole thing is that the guy who was driving obviously had some sort of disability.  (Truthfully, I'm not sure what, but definitely did have something.)  He was a young guy as well, and was driving a car full of teenagers.  The driver was very upset by this accident and the boys in the car with him were doing nothing to help or support him.  I felt like they thought this whole thing was entertaining and were basically driving around with this guy because he had a car and they didn't.  I know I'm taking a lot of liberties in my assessment of the situation, but I'm just stating what I observed.  It's going to be a bad scene all around.  Once the police and medical attention arrived and we gave our statements, we were free to leave.  I have no idea how this is going to turn out.  I'm assuming not good for either party.

If you want or need a good laugh, check out this blog.  It's called, "Wave at the Bus."  This guy dressed in a different costume every day to wave his son off to the school bus each day for the entire school year.  He documented his fun.  I give him a lot of creativity points for the costumes he came up with (and he spent no more than $50 for everything!)  and for the determination and energy to keep this endeavor going.  Not to mention fantastic sense of humor of Dad and son alike!

And finally, actually, I have no finally...it just went straight out of my head and frankly, I don't have the energy to go and find it.  Until then- tell me what you've all been up to?  How's your summer vacation starting out? 

Whatever....Wednesday

  What is it about Wednesday's that lend themselves to me wanting to put a tag on it?  Words of Wisdom Wednesday, Wordless Wednesday and NOW- it's WHATEVER....Wednesday.  Mainly because that's exactly how I feel....whatever.....

I'm not actually grouchy, though...

Here's what I have been thinking about...

1.  I have only one more day of lunches to pack!  Good thing because I'm scraping the bottom of the what's acceptable for lunch barrel.   I just haven't been feeling it lately- so, sorry kids.

2.  I'm being sucked into the vortex of the the worst reality tv programming on earth...I can't help myself.  It's like the train wreck of TV- I can't not look.  Case in point- check out these two winners...

Tracey and Olivia from Jerseylicious from the Style Network.  I'm in love with these two gals and all their shenanigans.

This next one is a new show and frankly- there really are no words.  One must watch and learn to really appreciate all that it is...

My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding on the TLC network.  This photo doesn't even begin to scratch the service.

 
3.  Summer has not even officially begun and already I'm stressing about how fast it's going.  I know, I know that doesn't even make sense.  But our June is BOOKED and it will be after the July 4th holiday before things let up and everyone knows once it's the 4th of July- summer is almost over....

4.  I will start exercising on a regular basis.  I will start exercising on a regular basis.  I will start exercising on a regular basis.  (I'm hoping it sinks in....)

5.  I talked about this briefly on my last podcast- but it bears mentioning again....

NEW FLAVORS from Ben & Jerry's .  My Top 3 picks are- Bonnar Buzz, Clusterfluff and Late Night Snack.  Check out their website for all the flavorful details.

6.  Dining Room Redo is almost done...will be sharing soon. 

And finally- on the tail of Memorial Day this video is worth sharing....

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Taking it Easy

Well, I know it's not a Wednesday and no this isn't a words of wisdom post...just a little sumpn' sumpn' I found funny.  And also I wanted to let you know that I have a new podcast up.  A little blatant self promotion never hurt anyone, I always like to say.

So- click HERE or go on over to iTunes and download Epidsode 9- find us under search key words- Deb and Beth. 

As always, don't be afraid to let us know what you think. 
 

Walls Without Borders

I've had a secret little project going on around mi casa de it is what it is....

I don't want to give too much away, because frankly I don't want to take away from anyone else's thunder.  See, a blogger friend of mine is embarking on much bigger things in her world and she was looking for projects to take on.  Never being one to want to take away from anyone's life's work, I agreed to help her.  I'm generous like that. 

The project she's taking on....MY DINING ROOM.  I moved into this house about ten years ago.  From the start, I said, "well, the border has to go..." and ten years later the border stayed up.  I operated in a "Cleopatra" state of mind about the border.  I was in denial and acted as though it didn't exist.  I decorated the entire room, pretending it was not hanging on the wall.  I never took into consideration the colors or design of the border when choosing color or design for the room- NEVER.  (Weird, I know, but it worked for me.) 

The first thing I told blogger friend is that I wanted to remove the border and paint the room.  She was all like, "Great!  That shouldn't be a problem.  I'll take it down for you.  It shouldn't take long at all."

Well, it did actually take pretty much all of one complete work day to get that sucker off the wall.  Have I mentioned how grateful I am to her?  Because, truly I  am!  Ten years later and I'm borderless and loving it. 

I really wanted to show you a before photo of the border, but I guess my photos in that room also have been operating in a "Cleopatra" state of mind, because I have no photos showing the border.  It's like it never existed.  But trust me on this- it did.

Now it looks like this-

I have a new color scheme and plan being worked out with blogger friend, we're on the hunt for fabric for the chairs.  When I say we, I really mean, she sends me samples and I decide if I like them or not. 

This really is a procrastinating decorator's dream.  Thank you blogger friend!  Oh- what the heck, I'll tell you who-  it's Karen over at Strictly Simple Style.    

Go check her out...right now, I'll wait for you.  Her site is chock full of advice, photos, examples of her own work on how you can decorate on a budget.  Recently she's posted photos of some major painting projects in her own home. 

 Seriously, go check her out, you'll be glad you did. 

I'll be sharing the progress as we go, but as this really is Karen's project and it just happens to be in my house, I thought I'd let her make the big reveals first.  So far, so great! 

To quote another famous decorator, "walls without borders, are a good thing." 

Thank you, Karen.  I owe you one, actually, several....xoxo

 

 

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Watcha Reading?

So, my audio selections have been quite interesting and eclectic these days.  Let me share what I've been listening to while driving around throughout the days-  One thing that all of these novels have in common is GREAT NARRATION.  The narrator can make or break an audio book and I've been known to stop listening just because I didn't like the narrator, not the story.

 

This is the story of Dex and Em.  They meet on the day of their graduation from University and we then revisit with them on the same day for the next few decades.  It's a story of love and friendship, growing up and growing apart and together again.  Dex is a character you want to dislike, but somehow he worms his way into your heart.  Em is the underdog woman you root to finally find herself and become who she was meant to be.   I truly enjoyed this author's style of writing- the story was sometimes comedy and sometimes tragedy, but always true to life.  Additionally, I felt a real kinship to the characters as the story begins in the 80's and I felt like I was aging right along with them.

 

 

Have I mentioned my love for Philippa Gregory and her Tudor series?  This story takes place before the Tudors and explains how they came to be in power. Margaret Beaufort is the central character in this historical fictional account of how her son, believed to be the true heir to the throne of England, fights his way there.  He, being the father of Henry VIII.   Always rich in description and intrigue-Philippa never disappoints.     
 

I have to admit, I did not know very much about Frank Lloyd Wright apart from knowing about some of the buildings he had designed.  I knew nothing of his personal life and his eccentric lifestyle.  Although this is a fictional account of Frank's life with the Four Women he's involved with over his lifetime, it's based on true accounts.  The real fiction coming from the perspective of one of Frank's apprentices, who's telling the story.   
Although it did drag a bit sometimes- The Women is quite a fascinating story and holds up to the idea that you can like a person's work and just not like the person.  Although I liked this book, I found this version of Frank Lloyd Wright very unlikeable. 

 

Currently on deck-

This story starts out with 13 year old, Petra who along with her best friend, Sharon share a love for all things David Cassidy.  Twenty-five years later, while dealing with the death of her mother and the end of her marriage, Petra finds out she had actually won a contest to meet David Cassidy and her mother hid it from her.  In a twist, the original magazine editor who sponsored the contest, finds out and arranges for Petra and Sharon to meet their former teen idol today. 

Being a child during this time period and owning every David Cassidy record ever produced, I so am connecting to Petra and her 13 year old self as she deals with growing up and learning to deal with boys, friendships, etc...I'm hopeful for the how this books ends up.  So far, so good. 

 

Hopefully, I've given you some audio books for thought, should you be in the mood to listen, if not, content wise these are all great reads, so pick up a copy and read them. 

If you're still in the mood to listen, check out my other blog, where Beth and I compare and contrast the Nook vs Kindle.  You can also find us on iTunes, key words- Deb and Beth.
 
 

The Truth is....

I never drove across country in a VW Beetle to meet a lifelong pen pal....Never even had a pen pal.  (Insert sad face here.)

 I could however, make a whopper in 4.3 seconds....Really, I know that's something you would want to include on any resume.  I will say, while proficient at all sandwich making, (it was called "working the boards")  I preferred being the Drive-Thru Attendant.  More interesting.  I worked at Burger King all during my high school years and even came back and worked a Christmas Break or two....I firmly believe all teenagers should have to work at a fast food restaurant.  It makes you humble and hungry (to further your education-not necessarily to consume more of the fast food.)

Finally, while in college, I spent one quarter interning at an ABC Affiliate station in Cleveland, Ohio.  They produced both a morning and afternoon news/information/talk show program.  I have many fond memories of interning with lots more stories to share.  This particular time, we had a hypnotist on the morning program.  They needed "victims" so the "Intern" - ME was pulled in along with the station receptionist and a camera operator. 

I didn't really think I could be hypnotized.  Sure enough, I could and was doing all sorts of interesting things.  I don't remember anything about what went on while under, but I do remember the before and the after.  Funny enough, all of my elderly realtives were calling my mother all throughout that day and asking-"Was that Debbie on TV?  What was she doing?  Did you know she was going to be hypnotized?  Have you talked to her since the show?  Is she alright?"  Too cute...

 So,that was fun.  It's not too late to share your stories.