This 'n That Thursday

Did I mention that my children are graduating from college this weekend?  On the same day?  At the same hour?  Here's how we're gonna do it:

• Friday morning: MPM flies to Charlottesville, Virginia, rents car.
• Friday evening: MPM and The Bird have dinner at Monticello.  Yes, Monticello!
• Friday night: MPM has been invited to a party at The Bird's apartment.
• Meanwhile, the MP Dad is is Philadelphia attending festivities with Augie.
• Saturday morning: Stephen Colbert delivers the Valedictory speech at UVA.  MPM is a little bit excited about this.
• Saturday afternoon: MPM drives to Philadelphia and MP Dad drives from Philadelphia to Virginia.
• Saturday evening: MPM attends party with Augie and other friends and parents.
• Sunday morning: the babies graduate from their respective universities.  MPM cries.
• Sunday afternoon/evening: festivities ensue.  
• Monday morning: MPM begins to pester Augie to wake up so she can help him throw away all the crap and fumigate  pack his apartment.
• Monday evening: MPM flies back to Nashville.  MPM cries a little bit more.

Where did the time go?

This 'n That Thursday

Listen up!

• Nashville and Franklin are in the top of the job market nationally.
• Tennessee was just named the number one retirement destination.
• Did you know I sell real estate in Tennessee?  In Franklin and Nashville?
• I cannot believe that my babies are graduating from college next weekend.
• I had my 35th high school reunion last weekend.  It was wonderful.
• Did you know Amy Grant was in my high school class?  We had an evening at her home.
• I get to hear Stephen Colbert speak at UVA.  I'm way excited.
• Whatever happened to grape Nehi?
• Today is an eclipse of the new moon.  It is a time for new beginnings.
• Did I tell you I sell real estate?
• I can't decide whether or not to go see "The Great Gatsby."  
• I am obsessed with my juicer.
• I have an urge to smell a baby's head lately.
• I think the book is always better than the movie.
• I bought cilantro instead of parsley the other day.  I thought I was gonna die of the smell.
• My favorite juice is kale, chard, parsley, cucumber, celery, lemon.
• I think cilantro is the scourge of the earth.
• Can you believe my babies are graduating from college?

What's going on in your world?

This n That Thursday

Drivel

• I am physically, emotionally and spiritually incapable of parking straight within a denoted space.
• All these joking Cardinals on the news are annoying me.
• The real estate market is hot here.  Almost every house is selling for above asking price.  And within a few days of listing.  I think this is good news for all of us.
• Also, Wall Street clearly could care less about this sequester business.
• The birds are all very amorous around these parts.
• And the coyotes are loud at night.
• Life is good in these here hills.
• In 12 sleeps, The Baby Bird and I are going to Florida for a little dose of sea and sun.
• Has anyone checked out the new app Vine?  It's like Instagram, but in a six second video you can start and stop as you film to make a fun vignette.  I am a little obsessed.
• I am making my budget for the year for my new real estate business.  It is a lot like asking a crystal ball for answers.

What do you think of this:
                                               Goose & Co.
                                Nesting Specialists Since 1982?

Having Trust Issues...

With that damn groundhog, Phil.

Disjointed haiku.

Tuesday Text: Parentexting™

They grow up so fast these days...

Makes a mama so proud.

Friday Funny

Stolen What I found on Augie's Instagram:

I wonder if he has met those fun neighbors yet.

Some things a mother should just not know....

Hump Day Haiku

i know it looks it

but i promise i am not

prom seventy eight

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.

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 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 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.

Praying

Be well my family and friends.

Please take this storm seriously.

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

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

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?

Tuesday Text: Parentexting™

More shopping with The Bird.

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

sigh

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?

Living Spiritedly

Today's Aquarius Horoscope from Cafe Astrology


Mars is about to begin its journey through fellow Air sign, Libra, dear Aquarius, after many months in an incompatible sign (since November 2011). This brings smoother, easier energy and a more outgoing nature is stimulated now. This is a good cycle in which to do something that requires additional bravery or courage, as this influence tends to release some of your inhibitions. You are living spiritedly now. It's an excellent influence for competitive activities, such as sports or business as well, and it lasts until August 23rd. Today, avoid impulsive purchases and arguments.


Does moving halfway across the country count as doing something that requires "additional bravery or courage"?  Now if I could just get a grip on all this purging and packing.


How does your day look?  Wanna come over and keep me company?

This 'n That Thursday

Ch-ch-ch-changes:

• Today is my last day at work at The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
• I am going to miss those people so much.
• I am going to miss everyone so much.
• I have booked my moving company for Tennessee.
• Purging and packing shall commence shortly.
• I am nervous and happy and nervous and excited.
• I also have room for guests in my new place.
• Dora likes to have company, too.
• Home is where the mama is...
• When I moved to New York City 30 (yes, 30) years ago, all I had were two suitcases: one with clothes and one with picture frames.
• I have a moving estimate for 12,000 pounds of crap belongings.
• That's 6 tons.
• So excited.
• So nervous.
• Six tons.

Pensive

Today's Horoscope for Aquarius

Contemplation is the word for today. At some point, you might receive a call from a friend wanting advice on a serious decision. Don't be surprised if you spend more time listening than advising, Aquarius. Goals of your own might need some thought and possibly reevaluation, as changes in your immediate environment could present new and exciting possibilities to you. Think about it.

You?

This One Pretty Much Says It All

Aquarius Daily Horoscope

Starting today and running for a year, Jupiter is moving through your pleasure and creativity sector, dear Aquarius, bringing your fair share of fun, romance, and good times. Your willingness to enjoy yourself and explore your creativity now brings new opportunities, or you might find that new avenues open up to you for exploring different ways of having fun. You might find that possibilities for casual love relationships open up to you now, and some of you could be overwhelmed with choices! Social engagements abound. You are far less inhibited when it comes to expressing yourself creatively, and you are a lot more fun to be around. Today, try not to overthink matters.


Don't you wish you could be an Aquarius today?  Or is yours just as good?