12-21-12

We're still here!

And we may wish we hadn't eaten all that bacon yesterday.

But it sure was good.

This 'n That Thursday

• It was pert near 70 here yesterday.  "Pert near" means almost for those north of here.
• In other words, I wonder if I will ever stop sweating.
• I'm still church shopping, but I went to a beautiful Holiday Healing service last night.
• Dora got her hair done yesterday.  I get mine tomorrow, if the world doesn't end first.  At least Dora can go out on a high note.
• I am ready for Christmas.
• I am also ready for March.
• What are some good books on iTunes?  I need lots of stimulation for our drive to Connecticut.
• Wait, Downton Abbey is on the same night as the Alabama/Notre Dame game?  How did that happen?
• I am writing my first real estate blog post today.  I'm nervous.
• Below is Dora's report card from her spa day yesterday.  She made the Honor Roll.  But I'm a little concerned that she only got 9's for behavior skills.  We need to have a chat.

• Happy Friday Eve!  Be careful out there.

Tuesday Text: Parentexting™

My children and I have been absolutely gutted by the tragedy in Newtown.

I struggled with what to post today, and have decided that we will try some normalcy.

Our grief will be continued to be shared privately with one another.

And we pray for everyone.  Everyone.

As we move forward, my soon-to-be graduates are job hunting.

And my gifted and brilliant daughter?

Contemplates being an Au Pair in Paris...

I don't think it would be the best use of her talent and mind.

But it sure would be fun to visit.

As long as she is happy, healthy and safe, I am behind her 100%.

My Bird's gotta fly.

Sleep in Heavenly Peace

This 'n That Thursday

• In 197 hours and 30 minutes, I am finally going to have my hair done.  Yes, I am counting down this way.  If you could see my hair, you'd be counting too.
• I went to my new oncologist on Tuesday.  He was wearing a Scrooge tie.  We are going to get along just fine.
• Speaking of Scrooge, my unwritten, unaddressed Christmas cards are staring at me.
• My favorite Christmas movie is "Holiday Inn."  What's yours?
• Did anyone watch that 12-12-12 Concert for Sandy last night?  I thought it was great, but I could have done without looking at Roger Daltrey's bare tummy.  And Kanye West's leather kilt.  But watching Twitter take them down was pure entertainment.
• I go to my Coach Alice today.  I love her.
• Tonight?  I get to go out to dinner with an old, old family friend.  Cannot wait!
• In 8 sleeps, Dora and I head to Connecticut.  We are very excited to see everyone.  Very.

Tuesday Text: Parentexting™

Procrastination:  we have the gene.

My little apple fell straight down.

Monday Meh

I got nuthin'.  It's a rainy morning and I'm heading off to work.  Here are some pictures from my weekend.  What did you do?

This...

...Is just one of the reasons I am so happy to be home in Middle Tennessee.  The integrity and compassion of the folks around me inspires me every single day.  This happened about 3 miles from where I live.



And now, I'm going out in the world to pay it forward.  You?

Monday Miscellany

Let's get back in the saddle today,  shall we?

• At 7 o'clock last night, I started thinking about this morning's coffee.  What does that mean?
• Since I started my 30 days of whole eating (Paleo) last Monday, I have lost the three pounds I gained while on my Thanksgiving party binge Adventure, I have also lost another 2 pounds!
• That includes a little deviation on Saturday night, when I went to a Christmas party and may or may not have had a little bit of cinnamon-y whisky.

• I think I may have to turn my a/c back on today.
• I also think I may spend the afternoon working at the pool.  On December 3. In Middle Tennessee.
• At the end of this month, this blog will be 5 years old.  I am going to start a new blog focusing on life here in my old home town and environs.  It will focus on real estate and the markedly different lifestyle one enjoys here, say, after living in the Northeast for 30 years.
• This is a roundabout way of saying that MPM may have run it's course.  I dunno. Sometimes I feel like it is a part of me now.  What should I do?
• My week is booked solid.  This is a very good thing.  I hope you have a wonderful, productive one too.

xoxo, MPM

This 'n That Thursday

• Heavy frost on the ground this morning; gonna be 70 by Sunday.  I love this place.
• I have never seen or read Old Yeller.
• Christmas travel plans are complete.  Dora and I are driving to Connecticut.  By ourselves.
• After having thoroughly researched the subject, I believe I have found a hairdresser.  There is a three and a half week wait to see her.  Things are gonna get ugly before then.
• Of all the spam emails I get, it's the Barry Manilow ones that have me most perplexed.
• Setting achievable goals for the coming year is hard.
• Why can I not get rid of those Samsung USA posts on my Facebook page?  They annoy the tar out of me.
• Yesterday's full moon/eclipse/Jupiter business was amazing.  And my dreams last night were wild.  You?
• Do you think an old lady can learn to play the guitar?  And play it well?
• I just saw an ad for Neiman Marcus and Target on December 1.  I am officially intrigued.
• I have a day full of classes and coaching today...better go figure out what to do with this hair.  What does your day look like?

I hope it's a great one.

Tuesday Text: Parentexting™

I still get no respect.

For those of you who would like a little laugh.  This is what she posted: 

41 Things Moms Like to do on Facebook

And I don't do any of that.

Except for maybe #10.  And 12, 21, 27....

Please tell me I am not alone.  Please?

Monday Motivation

• Okay.  Got to hit the ground running.
• Dora and I had the best Thanksgiving in Alabama.  Good people, good food, good drinks, good conversation.  
• And today?  I start this 30 days of clean eating.
• My kids and I have got to figure out our Christmas travel plans today.
• Do not forget to get a Powerball ticket.
• I brought home 2 pounds of pastured Amish butter from Alabama.
• I crave being around wisdom-seekers who then act on it.
• I think I am going to have a one year learning curve for the real estate world here in middle Tennessee.  Thankfully, there is a lot of support, and I intend to take advantage of it all.
• If you've never had it, I highly recommend Turmeric tea.  It is good for you, and it is divine.
• What are you doing this week?  I hope it's rewarding in every way.  xoxo

Monday Mashup

• When I typed "mashup," I thought of mashed potatoes.
• Dora and I are heading to Alabama tomorrow for the week.  I think I may have some mashed potatoes.
• I don't understand all the Twinkie drama.  Those things are disgusting.
• I have been making arrangements for my babies' graduations.  College graduations.  Where did the time go?
• They are graduating the same day.  One in Philadelphia and one in Virginia.  Sigh.
• I have become slightly obsessed with brussels sprouts.
• I just had my first post-cancer mammogram.  Have you had yours this year?
• I am so grateful for proactive heathcare options.
• I am so grateful for every single thing.
• So grateful.

This 'n That Thursday

Randomness:

• I do not like being a "beginner."  And I am just that in every aspect of my new career in real estate.
• Why do people wear sequins during daylight hours?
• I have a one year learning curve ahead of me.  It's a good thing I love my coach.
• I need to hurry up and watch Breaking Dawn Part 1.
• What do you think of Google Chrome?
• Did using turn signals just become an option?
• I'm going to a music event in a vineyard tomorrow night.  I consider that a stellar combination.
• There is a lot of amazing music everywhere here.  A lot.
• One week til Thanksgiving.  What are you doing?

Hump Day Haiku

dora sent a note

when her mama went to race

next time they switch

Tuesday Text: Parentexting™

So, when I did the half marathon on Sunday at the Outer Banks?

I noticed a J. Crew outlet along the course.

And the next day?

I went there.

I am happy to report that I have finished my shopping for The Bird.

Now, what to get her brother.

We have 42 days.

Have you done your shopping yet?

Fragments on Friday

• It's Veterans Day weekend.  Please reach out to a hero, and thank them personally for their service to you.  Thank you, Debbie.
• I leave early tomorrow morning to go participate in the OBX Half Marathon on Sunday.  Once again I have procrastinated and it may be ugly.  I'm not prepared as much as I'd like.
• But I get to be with some awesome Blisters.  So it's all good.  Plus, there may be some wine afterwards.
• Dora is going here.
• This is her itinerary:  THE DOG WHO THINKS HE’S A HUMAN:
  » Morning Creek-side Nature Walk
  » Afternoon Playtime (with fellow-human)
  » Nightly Bedtime Story with Signature Bedtime Biscuit & Tuck-in
  » Four additional escorted outings throughout the day
• I kinda wish I was staying there with her.  I mean, who wouldn't want a Bedtime Biscuit and Tuck-In?
• I have so much to learn at work.  I feel like I need a kindergartner to teach me the computer stuff.
• I love country music all of a sudden.  This song is my new obsession.  Brad lives here in Franklin;)
• Have a safe and wonderful weekend.  Wish me luck.  Please.

Tuesday Text: Parentexting™

Remember that phase when the little cherubs ignore you?

Yea, we're still in that one.

It's a good thing I'm my own little party....

Monday Morning Motivation

Part of the training program with my new real estate company is working with a Coach.  Her name is Alice, and I love her.  We are currently working on setting 2013 goals and steps we need to take to reach those goals. I have never actually sat down and written goals for a coming year.  I find it both exciting and terrifying.  Anyway, last week, we talked about the things that hold us back.  We all know what that is: internal negative chatter, external naysayers, lost focus, you get it.  One of the things that stayed in my mind after that session a miracle, I can assure you was the notion of de-cluttering our minds.  I am always onto the next thought or idea long before my current project is complete.  I used to call it my creative flow.  But, I have determined that it is mind clutter that derails me.

My mind clutter comes from my surroundings.  My housekeeping philosophy has always been that clutter is fine, it's the dirt I cannot tolerate.  So, as long as my house is actually clean, I can have stacks of stuff all over the place.  Magazines, coupons, paperwork, doo-dads.  You name it, I am surrounded by it; I like to think it is organized, but it is what it is.  Clutter.  So I came home last week, and started de-cluttering.  You'd think that a 1000 mile move in July would have necessitated a de-cluttering already, and it did.  But clutter has a way of springing up.  Fast.

I should be finished by the end of today in my office area.  If nothing else, I feel really accomplished.  But I can already tell that the energy in my little abode is already lighter.  My goals are coming together, and I am so looking forward to the future.  Did I tell you that I love Alice?

Do you have any clutter?  Come on, be honest.  Just try to clean out an area and tell me that you don't actually feel lighter and energized.  Just try it.

This 'n That Thursday

• Rabbit, rabbit.  Sending lots of good first-day-of-the-month love to my friends impacted by Sandy.
• That one with the white fence around it used to be my house in Westport.  This picture was taken by the Connecticut National Guard on Tuesday afternoon.  I'm thinking they had water on the first floor during high tide Monday night.  
• The devastation in New York City and New Jersey, however, looks horrifying.
• And let's give props to Christie, Cuomo, Malloy, Bloomberg and President Obama.  That's what bipartisanship should look like.
• By the way, I had a dream on Monday night that I was married to Mitt Romney.  I am blaming it on the full moon.  Our marriage seemed to be very good, though.  More bipartisanship.
• Meanwhile, here in reality, I am heading to my new office this morning.  So thankful.  So very thankful.

Tuesday Text: Parentexting™

Hurricane humor.

I get no respect.

Even in a storm.

So thankful all my people made it through.

Praying

Be well my family and friends.

Please take this storm seriously.

St. Paul's on the Green, Norwalk, CT

This 'n That Thursday

• Did you have a shelf of african violets in your grammar school classroom?  With the purply gro-light?
• Remember my friend Ingelein?  This is her awesome mother. We are all having dinner tonight.
• Do kids still fingerpaint?  With that thick, cold jellylike stuff?
• That crazy parachute dude is kinda hot.
• That Taylor Swift gives me the creeps.  Something's not right with her.
• A very good friend from Connecticut is coming for a visit tomorrow.  So happy.
• What's with all the sudden endorsements on LinkedIn?  I appreciate them!
• Yesterday, I procrastinated postponed my run until midday.  My route takes me right past Sonic.  It smelled divine.
• I think I may have a burger today.
• What's with all those mesh lawsuit emails?  I haven't had that procedure.  Yet.
• Middle Tennessee in October is heavenly.
• I am so blessed.  And grateful.  So very grateful.

Tuesday Text: Parentexting™

Across the miles:

I miss my Baby Bird.

By the way, the hair care line is called Living Proof.

You can get it at Sephora and Nordstrom.

I just went to Target and got some L'Oreal.

Monday?

• Is it me, or are the weekends going by in a blur?
• I have turned into a football lunatic.  
• Aren't those tap lights the best?
• It is going to be 80 and sunny every day this week.
• After all the paperwork is done, I am joining a real estate firm this week.
• I have a lot of paperwork and a home study to complete.
• I think I will do my paperwork by the pool here.
• Rumor has it, the pool here never closes down. Like, never.
• Dora and I are dog-sitting.  It is quite the adventure.  Meet Xoco:

The Hairless Princess Dog.

What are you doing this week?

This 'n That Thursday

Funny stuff I found while procrastinating looking for a job:

• Did you know that Kate Gosselin was a "coupon blogger"? Well, she's not any more.  She went and got herself fired.
• Uma Thurmond named her baby girl this: Rosalind Arusha Arkadina Altalune Florence Thurman-Busson.  Ummmmm.
• Somebody stole a car in Colorado.  It was full of snakes and other reptiles. 
• How about these guys?  
• The Governor of Florida gave out a sex line number by mistake.  He was trying to give a meningitis hotline number.
• Home Pet Spa.  When you don't have a tub? 
• A guy got drunk and couldn't find his car.  For two years.  
• OJ Simpson is selling a mysterious knife.  For 5 million bucks.
• I go here several times a day.  Sheer genius.
• Alright.  I'm done here.  Now go forth and procrastinate.  I need company.

Popular

Dora and I are entertaining for the second time this week.

What should we make for dinner?

I am thinking about baked shrimp, salad, 

and linguine and garlic bread (for the wheat eaters).

Savory nibbles before, and sweet nibbles after.

We will be cheering for the Cardinals tonight.

That's who you cheer for in Middle Tennessee.

Dora even has two dog friends coming.

We will have treats for them as well.

Do you have any suggestions?

What are you doing for Hump Day?

EDIT: it's now pulled pork and tailgate cole slaw

Tuesday Text: Parentexting™

I'd forgotten about these conversations I had with my kids before they visited last weekend.

You know the kind: when you ask them what they want to eat so you can stock up?

I actually looked for those Oreos.

Then we found out that my "baby boy" had actually never flown by himself.

That was a shocker.

But in his defense, he is a twin, and his school is easy driving and training distance from home.

 But this part?

Priceless.

Not because he was folded into a tiny seat,

but because he was absolutely right about me.

I don't, um, like to be aware of other people on the plane, or to be near them.

But don't you like my awesome, reassuring parenting skills?

Yeah.

Monday Motivation

29 years ago today:

Today:

Aquarius Horoscope

For The Week Starting October 15, 2012

This will turn out to be a great week for you. Your intuition is strong so follow your hunches. You may experience some sudden changes and happenings that may improve your surroundings. The chance of a lifetime could be yours before this week is over. Timing is everything this week. A large expense decreases your bank funds but you have expected it. If you have any artistic talent it will come out this next week.

What a difference a few decades make.  How does your week look?

Friday Free-for-all

Nonsense I think about while I am busy avoiding other responsibilities:

• Had dinner last night with Connecticut friends who are in town for Vanderbilt family weekend.
• I have been quite the gal about town lately.  I need to stay in and detox.
• That Katie Couric show is not very good.
• Actually, all daytime TV is pretty lame.
• Except for Michael Strahan.  He is so cute.
• Oh, and Ellen.
• Have transitioned Dora to an all raw diet, and almost immediately, all of her health issues have improved.
• Is it possible to floss too much?
• Read any good books lately?
• If you haven't done so, please register to be a marrow donor.  And get your family to do so. Especially those younger than 40.  All you need is a cheek swab.
• There is large azalea in full bloom here.  
• I am participating in a half marathon in one month.  I am woefully behind in training.
• What are you doing this weekend?

Blue

Missing my babies today.  

We had such a wonderful weekend together.  

So very proud of them,

And the fact that they have both roots and wings.

And in other news, Lindsay Lohan and her mother involved in a drunken brawl.

With each other.

Special.

Friday Frizzies

• It is gonna be 84 today.  And humid.  Mama's ponytail will be a big feature.
• Getting the nest feathered for the babies' return later today.
• I took the Tennessee Real Estate Licensing Exam yesterday.
• I miss Eastern Airlines.
• Dora is doing much better.  Thanks for all the well-wishes.
• Did any of you see that hair and chalk ball that doctors in India took out of a lady's gut?  Yeah.  I won't post the link.  You're welcome.
• I love Target.  Love it. And that statement right there probably made my mother roll over.  She never went into a big store in her life.  She also never wore jeans.
• I miss my mama.
• I treated myself to a mani/pedi on Tuesday and promptly broke out in hives all over my lower legs.  They are still there.  So pretty.
• Oh, I passed the exam!

Have a great weekend.  Love, MPM

Hump Day Haiku

our morning routine

is not so much fun these days

get well soon dora

Tuesday Text: Parentexting™

In three sleeps.

Monday Morning Mashup

• It's a gloomy, rainy day and I like it.
• In 4 sleeps, my babies will be here.
• I wish Lindsay Lohan and her mother would go away.
• I think Kate Middleton has learned a big lesson.
• And Arnold Schwarzenegger?  ugh
• Pioneer Woman's Italian Drip Roast is my newest addiction.
• October may be my favorite month.
• The birds around here are very busy.  And the killdeer chirp all night long.
• We have not seen the mountain lion again, but Dora and I did encounter a fire extinguisher in the middle of a field.  So funny.
• I have a busy week with lots of real estate studying to do.  And maybe some roast beef, too.  You?

Friday Frivolousness

• I am now a licensed Tennessee driver, have a Tennessee car tag and have registered to vote.  Y'all watch out.
• There is a full moon tomorrow that has some astrologers sending out warnings.  I am heeding them, and my daughter now calls me a wiccan.
• There is a great article in today's paper about my brother's property.  I hope to have my real estate license soon, so come on down here.  We could have a lot of fun;)  A lot.
• I went to a tea the other day where a royal butler served us.  It was straight out of Downton Abbey.  Without the Abbey.  Or the clothes.
• This coming bacon shortage has me a little scared.  I might need to hoard.
• Oh my.  Real Housewives of Miami.
• Coconut oil.  I have it in every room now.  All three of them;)
• I am a big fan of the sentence fragment.  Big fan.
• In seven sleeps, my babies will be here.  So happy about that.
• Well, I am going to lay in some supplies and hunker down for this scary moon.  What are you doing this weekend?  Come on, tell this old wiccan.

EDIT:  Added a link for Annie.  A description of the September 29 full moon.

Word-Filled Wednesday

Being back home in Franklin has been an exercise in revisiting every emotion I can name.  I wake up every morning and look out at the rolling foothills I have missed for 30 years.  I can take my sweet Dora for a walk at the family farm where I can inhale the comforting and clean air.  I also have bouts of "What was I thinking?"  This is when I allow myself to wallow in the memories of my Connecticut life.  My friends there.  (Hi!  I miss you!)  My established life.

I moved to New York City in the Spring of 1982.  Thirty years ago.  I built a life on the East Coast.  A Big Life.  And here, the life is not so big.  Yet.  But I am not the least bit stymied by this.  I do have my moments of longing, but they are being eased by my reconnections here.

Ingelein and I became best friends when we were 9.  We shared many misadventures and great, fun  times.  A lot of these events will go to our graves with us because that's just the way it is with someone you've spent so much time doing so many things with.  You know those Facebook sayings about best friends and how they will come burn your diaries if you die?  That's how Ingelein and I were.  Then I moved, and we both got on with our lives and raising our children.  We kept up through Christmas cards and Happy Birthday's!  But it's difficult.

We are now busy making up for lost time.  And while she lives three hours away, she spends a lot of time here because her mother and a daughter are nearby.  And this past Saturday, we all got together for an evening of good food, wine, dancing, and general frolicking in our finest duds at the Heritage Ball.  If you click on the link, you will see Ingelein's mother (89 year-old Inge Smith) dancing with her 'friend' Bill!  "Miss Inge" was the Headmistress of our grammar school; I could write a book about that, but I digress.

Ingelein and Lauren

In 1977, if you do the math, that is 35 years ago, when we were seniors in high school, Ingelein and I were hostesses at this soiree.  We may have a few of those grave-taking stories from that night, but I'm not saying anything else about that one.  We have both been back a handful of times since then, but not at the same time.  Until Saturday.  It was magical.  It was one of the most beautiful parties I have ever been to, and I am still smiling.  I was really home.

I am sitting here this morning, looking out at those hills, and I feel content.  I miss parts of my Connecticut life, and at the same time, I feel more connected here each day as well.  Life really is a journey, no?

Tuesday Text: Parentexting™

iStream of Consciousness:

I want some of Mr. Jefferson's popcorn beer.

And I have a little iPhone envy.

Monday Morning Mashup

• I hope the weather is as beautiful where you are as it is out my window this morning.
• I had a wheat and sugar-fueled weekend.  It was really fun, but I am paying for it today.
• Sweet potato cheesecake may be the best thing ever.
• Is it me, or are the football games all wonky this year?
• In 11 sleeps, my babies will be here for a visit!
• The morning "news" programming is dreadful.
• Has anyone watched "Homeland"?  I've never heard of it.  Wonder if it's on Hulu.
• I am going to flip my closet over to fall/winter this afternoon.  That means it will be scorching hot by Friday.
• I have a feeling this is going to be a great week.
• What's your day look like?

This n That Thursday

• What do you think about giving dogs probiotics all the time?
• I am addicted to hibiscus tea.
• Is there anything better than a new bra?
• People are already getting their flu shots down here.  I always waited til around Halloween.  What do you do?
• Has anybody else seen this commercial?  The shoulder dip, the dog, the music.  All of it. Just tickles me to death.
• I also have some new Spanx.
• Guess who's getting all gussied up this weekend for an event?
• I have my final real estate class test tomorrow.  And I hope to take the state test within the next week.
• I'm nervous.
• But not so nervous that some of us haven't already planned a celebration.
• Here is my niece and my brother last weekend; she was a junior class attendant on the homecoming court:

Have I mentioned how happy I am down here?

Fully Tennessee-fied:

Monday Musings

• Is it just me, or was this weekend a really fast one?
• It is a rainy, rainy day here in middle Tennessee.
• I am fixin' to take Dora to Paw Pals for her day of fun.
• And then I get to go start my second week of real estate class.
• I did fine on my test Friday.
• To celebrate, I took myself out for a glass of wine, some deviled eggs and some sugar bacon. Y'all.
• I had dinner last night with one of my oldest friends.  We had a wonderful time.
• I hope you have a wonderful day, that's my plan;)

This n That Thursday

• "Keep Calm & Carry On" is one of my favorite quotes.  I am not a fan of all the other versions.  The other day, I saw "Keep Calm & Chive On."  Really?
• The experts are saying that the full moon on September 29 is going to be a bad one.
• Better check your plans.
• I have another art class tonight.  We are painting birds!
• Tomorrow, I have a test in my real estate licensing class. I'm nervous.
• Who's ordering the iPhone 5 tomorrow?  Not me.
• Dora acts like she cannot hear me half the time.  Unless I pull some turkey out of the fridge, then she comes running.  Seriously, the sound of aluminum foil is magic.
• Does anyone know when Season 3 of Downton Abbey is going to start?
• They are filming a new television show called Nashville here and are always looking for extras.  Hmmmm.

Have a great day!

Hump Day Haiku

i hope your wednesday

is a seamless day of bliss

and a happy ride

out my front window this past Sunday

Tuesday Text: Parentexting™

Mama gets a tutorial:

I should go see if they need help at the local Genius Bar.

not

Monday

new vistas today

for dog and human alike

please wish us good luck

This 'n That Thursday

Settling in as a new redneck:

• I am 99.9% sure that Dora and I encountered a mountain lion last week.
• There is also a bobcat nearby.
• And a pack of coyotes.
• The sharks at Cape Cod are starting to look downright benevolent.
• I am seriously thinking about getting a pistol.
• And a cute holster.
• Dora hates thunder storms.
• A woman told me I had an accent the other day.
• That's funny, because I always had an accent while I live in Connecticut.
• All of this has made me feel a little discombobulated.
• But not as much as cheering for the Giants around here.
• The job interview last week was not for me.
• I hope to do some serious networking soon.  With a heavy accent.  Of some sort.
• We had a storm last night that scared even me.  Dora was on my lap the whole time.
• Tonight, my nephew has a Thursday Night Lights game.  On TV.  I'm going.  It will be 90 degrees at kickoff. Go BGA!
• And the opposing team has an amazing band and dancers.  I'll bring my camera.
• I love it here.

Hump Day Haiku

it's been a while since

we have been graced with shauna

and her magic shoes

Tuesday Text: Parentexting™

More shopping with The Bird.

I don't think she really needs my advice, though.

sigh

This 'n That Thursday

Mindlessness:

• I have a job interview later this morning.  Could be interesting.
• I need to dash out and buy some stockings.
• It's humid here today, and I am not looking forward to said stockings.  Or the suit jacket either.
• Wish me luck.
• I am down another 3 pounds.  Wheat free living is the life for me.
• My nephew plays football for the school my brothers attended.  I hope to go to every game.  They need more cowbell, though.
• I am the big sister to my brothers, but they are basically my mentors.  They are incredible men.
• I cannot wait to change my car tags.  I can see all the Tennessee cops eyeing this old yankee gal with her Connecticut plates.  
• FYI: I have taken the steps to re-register the car, it just takes time.
• I am having dinner with a college suitemate, her parents and her daughter on Saturday night.  I am thrilled.
• Oh yeah, this daughter is also my god daughter.  Thrilled.
• Okay.  Gotta go get some stockings.  Go get my game face on, and get this day under way.
• Have a great day, everyone.  Be safe.

Hump Day Haiku

the little chapel

mama's art class creation

primitive at best

Tuesday Text: Parentexting™

Back-to-school shopping with The Baby Bird:

Only, The Baby Bird is already back to school.

And I have no business buying any new shoes for myself.

So I left those cute boots and shoes in the store.

Sigh.

Monday Morning Musings

• I went to a new church yesterday that has a great vibe.
• My babies are starting their senior year of college this week.  How did that happen?
• I may be the only person on the planet who is not on Pinterest.
• I am worried about New Orleans.  Any category storm is going to be bad.
• That being said, I hope we get some of that rain here in Middle Tennessee.
• Bacon may be the world's most perfect food.
• I think Dora agrees with that assessment.
• There are a lot of hot air balloons around here.
• We have a vineyard nearby, and I have not even been there yet.
• What does your week look like?

This 'n That Thursday

Meh

• I am not a fan of paisley.
• There is a farm down the road that grows the world's best cucumbers.  They are my new crack.
• I had art class last night.  I am not an artist, but I am going back for another one soon.
• I have never done crack.  Or smoked it.  However you "do" it, I haven't.
• I am a big fan of plaid, however.
• I feel sorry for Prince Harry, and I'm glad there were no cell phones when I was in my 20's.
• I have finally started watching "Downton Abbey."  What took me so long?  And, when is season 2 going to be available on Netflix?
• I think Robin Roberts on "Good Morning America" may be one of the most courageous and grace-filled woman there is.  She is gearing up for a bone marrow transplant next month, and she never skips a beat. 
• I hate cancer.
• In addition to cukes, radishes are also high on my list.
• My email is having all kinds of issues.  And Mercury isn't even in retrograde.

You?

Hump Day Haiku

direction sense of

i have absolutely none

good thing for dora

Tuesday Text: Parentexting™

Empty nest pangs from across the miles:

sigh

Monday Musing Mishmash

• I finally saw that Honey Boo Boo show the other day.  What a train wreck.
• What's the big deal about those Fisker cars?  I saw one the other day, and the guy driving it had a mullet haircut.  Ugh.
• I am running another half marathon in November.  I think I'd better start training.
• I want to go back to Italy.
• I had lots of interesting conversations this weekend because of my new hat.  Thanks Daryl!!

• I went to Target yesterday for a drill and a bucket.  It took me three trips to get all the stuff in the house when I got home.  That place is dangerous.  Oh, and I got a pink drill.
• Here is a little something to get you through the day:

• Tell me something funny.

This 'n That Thursday

Blather:

• I have lost 7 pounds since I moved back to Tennessee.  This is a very good thing. 
• Living without wheat is not as hard as you think, and I feel amazing.
• I have a lot more to go, but 7 pounds is a good start.  
• Dora is slimming down, too.  We do a lot of walking and stair climbing.  A lot.
• I wish everyone would leave that Kristen Stewart alone.  You'd think she was the first actress to do that.  
• I have a meeting with a new doctor today.  
• My cancer diagnosis may have been was a blessing in disguise.
• I'm going to my nephew's football game tomorrow night.  So excited.  My brothers went to the same school.
• I hear the east coast may be in for a rough winter.  heh
• Have you ever had kimchi?  It's my new favorite food item.
• Also?  My coffee press is the bomb.
• Are you sufficiently bored?
• What are you up to these days?

Tuesday Text: Parentexting™

Mama learns how to do things on her own:

Are you on Instagram yet?  It's the bomb!

PS--  Here is what I transferred from my laptop to my phone:

I so clever.  Right?

(My brother's zen garden in Franklin, TN)

Monday Morning Musings

Apologies in advance for the rambling...

• Seeing a gentleman in a seersucker suit on an August morning makes me smile.
• One of the main reasons I decided to come back to Tennessee was because of the lower cost of living and the improved lifestyle.  It is working.  But I do miss my friends.
• I did, however, accept a dinner invitation for last night.  It was lovely.
• Part of today is going to be dedicated to getting my car registered.  gah
• I am also at work amassing my new medical team.  This is actually interesting.
• Oh, and a new hair person.
• It was 57 degrees here yesterday morning.  In Tennessee.  In August.  
• I live across the street from Whole Foods.  It is both a blessing and a curse.  Their homemade pimento cheese is my latest obsession.
• I am also obsessed with Shark Week.
• And Wheat Belly.
• And I am feeling so grateful for all my blessings.
• You?

Hump Day Haiku

boxes all unpacked

cable and internet? check

mama takes a break

Tuesday Text: Parentexting™

As I continue to unpack and tweak things in my my new abode, I was whining telling the kids about some of my challenges.  One of which is finding someone to come do a little "honey-do" list I have been amassing noting on a little pad of paper.  Please see below the sage advice from my newly-minted 21 year old son.

I think he just may be all right after all.

Oh, and the handyman cancelled on me.

gah