The Gift that Keeps on Giving

I have been giving blood since I was 19 and worked at a trauma center and hospital in So Cal. I know many people are sqeamish about needles, trust me I've tried to talk many people into giving blood and have heard all their horror stories about fainting, big scary needles, mean or untrained nurses, etc ad infinitum.
In all my years of donating....crossed the 3 gallon mark last year, yeah me!....I have had one uncomfortable blood donation. The nurses at the Red Cross are great and they take blood all day every day for months and years. If you are going to find someone who knows what they're doing...it's going to be them.
The blood shortage in California has been at record hazard levels for years now. Much of the blood needed here is imported from other states. Our population is such that this shouldn't be happening. It takes an hour of your time and you can feel so good afterwards that you are saving a life. One lunch hour, a couple times a year...is that too much to ask? And, they give you all sorts of good things....juice, cookies, good company, a feel good high for doing something good, and lately everytime I go they have a T-shirt or free lunch coupon from a local restaurant....Wahoo's fish tacos last time. They are not above bribery...something's got to get all you sqeamish folks in the door, lol.
Okay, so that's my sales pitch for the day. I could guilt you all into it but then that would defeat the feel good purpose of the whole idea.
Now, get out there and give Blood!!!!

Pumpkin Carving

We had a fun and festive pumpkin carving evening last night. Sally, Mark and their kids Katie and Tristan came over along with my dear friend Caroline and my brother Mike. We all had appetizers while the kids played with all Jake's toys....I don't think his toys have gotten that much play time in a while. It is so nice for Jake to have friends come over to our house and play. He was in absolute heaven.
Then, after everyone was in the spirit, we got to work carving our pumpkins. I was the official goop scraper outer...mainly because my brother requested that I bake the seeds. He's good at those requests. "My sister makes the BEST pumpkins seeds!" while giving me a big 'ol grin. Okay, I'm a sucker, I cleaned all the seeds and baked them for him.
The picture is the results of our labor. I think they all did a fine job carving those pumpkins into Jack O' Lanterns. Afterwards, we had the roast I had made (just love that crock pot Sally gave me) with corn on the cob and mashed potatoes....a very fall menu to stick to the ribs of all my busy carvers. Caroline made a divine pumpkin cheesecake. I can't wait to get home tonight and have more!
Mike, the stinker, who stayed over last night left this morning before I came down with Jake and had taken his seeds and the biggest piece of the leftover pumpkin cheesecake with him. I guess I won't cause too much grief over it...he's leaving for Arkansas soon and won't have too much of our home cooking for a while. :(
I hope you all had as fun a weekend as we did!

Halloween

We went shopping for Jake's Halloween costume this weekend. That was the most fun I've had in months. He had me laughing so hard and trying not to laugh so that he wouldn't notice! As soon as we turned down the aisle he went nuts with excitement. I said offhandedly that we had to find one the right size. His little chubby finger was pointing to every costume and he kept saying...."Right D'ere, Right D'ere, Right D'ere Mommy!!" So excited, and in so many different directions, that little finger and his cherubic, upturned face seeking a costume his size.
He finally decides on a Green Power Ranger, even though he's 3 and all the costumes started at 4-6 years, we tried one on. He's a big boy so it fit him well, though the arms and legs were too long. He was in rapture, sliding around on the floor of Target in socks and that very GREEN costume. And if you're not in the mommy brigade you won't have noticed that all the costumes this year have built in padding for muscles. Now, a 3 year old with chiseled six-pack abs is something you don't see too often, lol.
Jake's first Halloween he was a pumpkin. He was adorable and had no idea what we were doing. Being very social he soon got the hang of knocking on everyone's door and walking right in their houses! For weeks afterward I had to drag him away from all my neighbors doors before he rang their bells. His second Halloween he realized what candy was and that he could get some at every door. So, then it was a two-fold event, keeping him out of the neighbors houses and leaving some candy for the next round of kids. I can't wait to see what happens this year! I haven't had this much fun at Halloween since I was a little girl.
Halloween is coming, it's just around the corner.....Right D'ere, Right D'ere, Right D'ere!!!

Mondays

I'm noticing a trend. I stay up later on Sunday than any other night. I just don't want the new week to start yet. The later I stay up the longer the weekend lasts. Silly mind games, yeap, but it still makes me happy for a while. My son is not wanting to go to school on Mondays either. We snuggle longer in bed and he clings to me when I drop him off at school. This morning the amazing Miss Kim went to work drawing butterflies for all the kids and soon enough my son was eagerly awaiting his own butterfly and I was able to escape. I don't usually sneak out, prefering the more honest approach to our goodbyes, but this morning I grabbed the chance.
The picture is of Jake on the San Clemente pier during Oceanfest a few months back. I love the tossled hair and the beachy look on his face....I can just smell the intoxicating mix of baby skin, sun and ocean spray....mmm, I'm in heaven.

Flaming June

This is Flaming June by Frederick Lord Leighton, one of my all time favorite artists, and my favorite painting. He found a way to paint the dream, the woman who is dreaming and the rapt sense of exploring the dream...perhaps this is why I love it.
If you wish to see more of his paintings, the following site has a wealth of information on this artist and many more of his genre.

http://www.artrenewal.org/asp/database/art.asp?aid=14&page=1

Enjoy!

Q and A

Last thing you burned while attempting to cook?:
A. Pancakes.
Q. Describe yourself in three words?:
A. Patient, Intelligent, Practical.
Q. How long does it take to get ready for your day?:
A. 15 minutes for me, 1/2 hour snuggle time with hubby and son, and about 1/2 hour to convince my son to shuck his jammies and get dressed.
Q. Favorite place to blow 50 bucks?:
A. Bookstore.
Q. How many people have you thought were "the one"?:
A. Same one it's always been. *smiles*
Q. What is something that turns you off from the opposite sex?:
A. Egotism
Q. What kind of car do you drive?:
A. 1990 Maxima.
Q. What's in your CD player right now?:
A. Dave Matthews Band
Q. What celebrity would you have coffee with?:
A. Can't think of one interesting enough. Being popular doesn't necessarily mean you're interesting.
Q. What celebrity would you NOT have tea with?:
A. Any Politician
Q. What kind of toothpaste do you use?:
A. Doesn't really matter as long as I use it.
Q. What time do you usually go to bed?:
A. Alternate between 8:30, falling asleep when I put my son to bed and 11:00pm the rest of the evenings.
Q. Last movie you saw?:
A. "50 First Dates."
Q. Last TV show you watched?:
A. " Lost"
Q. Who is your best friend?:
A. Sally, Caroline and Kerri. Everything good comes in 3's.
Q. Who in your family do you best get along with?:
A. My Brother and all my sisters-in-law.
Q. Who do you have a crush on?:
A. My son
Q. What time is it right now?:
A. 3:00 pm
Q. Are you planning a vacation/travel soon?:
A. Camping for Thanksgiving
Q. When/Where was the last time you traveled?:
A. San Diego by train about a month ago.
Q. How many times have you been in love?:
A. One
Q. How old will you be in 10 years?:
A. 47
Q. Where do you see yourself in 10 years?:
A. Studying Art Restoration
Q. Sinful snacking weakness?:
A. Ice Cream....always Ice Cream
Q. Roller Coasters?:
A. No thank you!
Q. Ever run out of gas?:
A. Last time, I was in my twenties....young and pushing the envelope, lol.
Q. Ever been on a train?:
A. Yes, last month.
Q. Ever been on a blind date?:
A. Nope.
Q. Ever been to Europe?
A. Yes, loved it, can't wait to go back.
Q. What would you do if you could be the opposite sex for one day?:
A. I think I'd try to pick-up a girl to see just how hard it is, lol.
Q. Would you tell anyone it was really you?:
A. No way, I'd have too much fun playing the part.
Q. Ever been arrested?:
A. Nope, I'm too boring.
Q. Have a crush on anyone you work with?:
A. Yes, worked with my hubby.
Q. What is something you believe in?:
A. Myself
Q. What is something you fear?:
A. Death
Q. What time did you wake up this morning?:
A. When Jake yelled "Mooommmmyyy!!!" From the next room.
Q. What is the worst physical pain you have ever experienced?:
A. Having a miscarriage
Q. What is your favorite television show?:
A. "The Actors Studio"
Q. Ever photoshopped yourself to look better in a picture?:
A. No, but will that make me look stunning...someone show me how to open that program!
Q. Tell us something about your childhood?
A. I lived in the same house my whole childhood, it was wonderful and I appreciate my parents deciding not to sell our home until after we graduated, even though they divorced may years before that.
Q. What would it cost you to flash the person next to you?:
A. My job, most likely, lol.
Q. Best time to catch you in a good mood?:
A. Anytime, I'm usually in a good mood.
Q. If you could be anything for one day, what would it be:
A. Thin
Q. Most prized possession?:
A. My son, though he's not a possession.
Q. Would you ever sell it/for how much?:
A. Not a chance.
Q. What is one of your pet peeves?:
A. Dirty clothes on the floor
Q. Favorite kind of ice cream?:
A. Mint Chip
Q. What song are you listening to right now?:
A. None... enjoying the silence as usual.
Q. If you could punch one person who would it be?:
A. I'm not into physical anger, I'd hurt my hand more than them, lol.

Not Fair

My mother's best friend died today. She was a sweetheart of a lady. I met her when she and my mother were both single working moms who gave each other love and affection and someone to share their current state of life with, someone to share laughter and tears. Annie was a bright star of joy whenever she came to our home. I remember going to the movies with my mom and Annie and being embarrased by how loud and obnoxious their laughter was, thinking that everyone around us was being bothered. Only later did I appreciate their pure joy at being together, their zest for enjoying each other's company. She was indian and chose to return to the reservation to care for her father and be there to watch her grandchildren grow up. With a sister who was manipulative, breaking into her apartment and stealing things and a son who is even now in jail, she did not have an easy life. One of those rare people who always had a smile and a laugh, no matter what the other did to her. And now she's gone. 59 is too young to die. I have never been one to abuse the word 'fair' knowing that we all make our own way, create our own fortune. But tonight I can't help but think....she deserved better.

Inspiration and the Muse

My thoughts today run in the direction of writing and the muse. I have recently been part of a writers group and more recently have been blogging my general or specific thoughts, whatever strikes my fancy. I am realizing that I change my mode of writing as suits the audience and wonder if this is good. Do we write because we have a need to voice our opinion or simply a need to entertain others? My first interest in blogging was to record the odd quirks and anecdotes of my son's daily life. As I started to gain 'blog' friends I noticed a change in my choice of topics. Soon, I found myself writing to amuse and entertain rather than continue on my original mission. So, does having an audience predicate a change in the writer's motives? I think it is a very strong individual who would say that input of others wouldn't sway them. For myself, I noticed it does. Being a people-pleaser, I would expect it of myself and have decided to keep watch over how my current muse changes my desire to write. Stay tuned. *smiles*

Pet Peeves

So, it seems the world wants to share their pet peeves...so, I'm game.
1. Dirty Laundry on the floor. Or actually, this could be called, the floor as a storage area. It seems easy enough for some in my household to simply strip down and leave the clothes where they fall...having no concern for the fact that I don't particularly care to traipse over said laundry to get through my tiny bathroom, up the first few steps of my stairs, etc. What would take the offender half a second to put in a hamper, takes me twice as long. Plus, a little consideration anyone?
2. Procrastination. Mine in particular. I have a healthy supply of my own, why point a finger anywhere else. Just get it done, for goodness sake!
3. Emails which contain some dire warning at the end that if you don't pass on this idiotic drivel to some other poor unsuspecting friend, something bad will happen. Come on, I know I'm not that stupid or superstitious and I keep thinking my friends can't be either....but I still keep getting those emails. I'm warning everyone right now...don't send them to me, they go immediately to the trash bin, without passing go or collecting $200. And so far, my computer hasn't crashed, my world hasn't come to an end, and I still seem to have friends even though fate and the email fairy should have 'taken care of me' by now with the thousands of warnings I've axed.
4. Let me be the next in line to add 'Drama' to the list. How is it that there are enough people in this world that have such a lack of drama in their own lives that Jerry Springer and Reality TV (of any kind) still have growing viewership?
5. Deleted - Please refer to #6. *chuckles*
6. Complaining, which is why I'm ending this list now, as I've already fallen into the trap myself. I try my earnest best to accept others as they are and work on myself, but sometimes I find myself muttering under my breath....a sure sign it's time to let it go. Complaining only begets more complaining in my humble opinion.

To Lift and Separate

Today I was faced with a decision that I’m pretty sure Victoria wouldn’t admit is the secret of some women’s lingerie experience. Now, being somewhere between pleasingly plumb and goddess stature, I am always in search of bras that will hold back the flood gates of the bounty of my décolleté. And since I have, in the last year, traded swiftly between budget and timing droughts, I haven’t had the opportunity to make the trek to my favorite bra store, dubbed the “Wizard of Bras” because they carry sizes above DD, for those of us that are more well endowed than the implant storeroom of a Beverly Hills plastic surgeon without having had the luxury of choosing the size ourselves. ((Blog stalker beware, there’s no need in wondering what size when you’ll never see ‘em)) So, unfornuately, the sad state of my current stable of support equipment is quite limited. Now, to side step, this weekend was spent sanding and painting the new drywall in my kitchen (a whole ‘another story for another blog) and the remainder of the weekend spent cleaning up the resulting thick layer of dust from the sanding (and ‘nuggling Jake as much as possible) which meant that the usual mountain of laundry awaiting me each weekend is still waiting. So, this morning, I was faced with very few options as far as clothing and quite a few less for lingerie. What to do? After perusing the usual slim selection of bras and determining they were entirely too me-scented for one more day, I was left with no other choice than to delve into the wasteland of the dreaded (drum roll, please) bottom of the lingerie drawer!!! Every married woman knows what’s down there in the dark recesses that never see the light of day. Those ‘fun or sexy’ but incredibly uncomfortable g strings, boy shorts or otherwise not to be trusted to provide comfort underwear as well as the bras that don’t fit, cause a pooch to pop out over the top edge of the bra or otherwise fail to give us some vision of loveliness that will bolster our sagging images of ourselves if not actually bolster our sagging bosoms. What did I find? Today, my lovely ensemble is complete with a soft cotton, completely lacking in support maternity bra left over from the wondrous days of nursing my little one and a pair of itchy, lacy g strings stuffed between my copious cleavage to serve to separate the ‘twins’ as I’ve heard someone call them recently. Now, for those of you not endowed with more god-given blessings than you truly need, you will wonder why the need to separate. Well, men have the uni-brow, some women on the other hand, when confronted with materinty wear which thinks underwires are evil, have the uni-boob. So, I'm all about "Lift and Separate."
I hope you all have a great day, no matter what's in your wardrobe. *grins*