A sweet revelation indeed, Trish.

It's a tie between Halloween and Christmas for me. 

Thursday 4 January 2007

Hair
     Wash day; hair is parted on the side.  Just had a conversation with the student worker about greasy hair.  She was complaining about having to wash her hair every day because otherwise it looks terrible (so she says).  I explained to her about stripping away the natural oil and how our scalps produce more to compensate, etc.  I must have done a decent job of explaining because she said, "Makes sense!".  Now, whether she changes her routine is another matter.     All we can do is provide people with the information; we can't hold a gun to their head and force them to treat their hair nicely!

Other
     My good friend, T, telephoned over the holiday break, terribly upset and crying so hard she could barely speak.  She had just been given the news that she must have a hysterectomy.  We have been friends since elementary school and I know her heart's desire has always been to become a wife and mother.  She was heartbroken about never being able to have a child.  I told her she could always adopt, and she said something about not being flesh and blood.  I said, "Flesh and blood doesn't make a family", and she admitted I was right. 
     Anyway, I spoke to T again last evening and she was doing much better.  She was calmer and her spirits were much higher.  I didn't mention the possibility of cancer because she's easily freaked out.  The surgery is scheduled for February 20, and I've assured her that I will help in any way I can.  You know, I certainly didn't relish going through the whole hysterectomy/ovarian cancer thing in 2003.  But I am so thankful that I am able to turn around and help others with my experience. 

Hang in there, Trish. I'll remember you and your husband in my prayers.

hehehe Oh, Trish. 

Friday 2 February 2007

Hair
    Second no-wash day.  Hair pulled back in a low ponytail again with a Scuunci band and a pink silk scrunchie.  Tomorrow I'll wash and do a vinegar rinse.

Other
    It's still cold here today, with temperatures hanging around the low twenties, and the little smattering of snow we received the other night is keeping the grass covered.  
    I'm wearing a nice dress today (aahh!); long sleeved, denim-cotton, full skirted.  It's one of my favourites but, since it's so warm, I can only wear it on very cold days.  I'm nice and cozy in my leggings, knee socks and tall boots.    I feel so feminine and I move differently when wearing skirts. I thoroughly enjoy wearing dresses and skirts, and I intend to wear them more often this year--possibly even exclusively to pants.  
    And so, to that end, I just ordered two new skirts!    Yesterday, I found some nice ones on clearance at the Blair site.  Since today is payday, I asked hubby last night if it would be all right to buy them.  I had done my homework--had a total price worked up for him, including shipping, and he said, "For two skirts?  That's a good price.  Sure!"  So when I got to work this morning I called in the order.  I'd include the link, but it's too long.  If y'all are interested, just go to www.blair.com and search for "challis skirt".  It's the print challis skirt;  I ordered one in multi paisley and the other in navy floral.  They should arrive in 7-10 business days.  I'm so excited!  

Monday 5 February 2007

Thanks La Diosa, I liked the look of them--and the price!    I hope they look good in person.  But, hey, for $10 a piece, nothing else I can wear them around the house.  

Hair
Since the cold weather and dry artificial heat was causing some static in my hair, I have switched to using a dollop of Tre Semme conditioner as a leave-in rather than my usual jojoba oil.  Once Spring arrives I'll return to the jojoba oil.  

Other
Mental note to self:  When the temperature drops below 32 degrees you must NOT wear skirts or dresses, no matter how badly you may want to!!!      Wait for Spring, girl!

It would be different if I could park right outside the building where I work and dash inside.  But I have a 7 minute walk from the parking lot and when the temps  are dangerously low, a lot can freeze off!!    

I burned a spot on the underneath of my right arm on Saturday morning.    I was chucking more wood into the ol' heating stove and I guess I got in a hurry.  As I was pulling my arm back out of the opening, I accidentally touched my arm to the red hot edge and SINGE went my flesh.  Yeesh...  I've been putting triple anti-bacterial ointment on the wound and keeping it covered with gauze.  I felt like an idiot because I've been around that wood stove for 45 years, literally my whole life, and had never hurt myself on it before.  Hubby said I was just overdue for it.    He's always so helpful with those insights!  

Over the weekend, hubby and I were in Wal Mart doing some shopping.  Suddenly, he nudged me, bringing my attention to a woman several yards away who had long, long hair.  She was blond, natural I think, and her tresses were about knee length.  --And she was wearing it down...it was so beautiful!     I simply stared at her as we passed by the aisle where she had paused to look at something.  Then, later, when we got home, I thought to myself, "Dang it--why didn't you talk to her?!"  My first "real" long hair sighting, and I was too amazed to approach her!   

Quote:

At 45? It doesn't happen on its own at 25! lol What a coincidence...I am also planning to resume my power walking schedule in March. 

Monday 12 February 2007

Hair
Didn't wash yesterday so I could wash today.  For some reason I always feel better starting out the week with clean hair.  --And I got a hair compliment this morning from a woman in another office.  Today, since my hair is freshly "laundered", I'm wearing it down around my face.  Usually I tuck my hair behind my ears to keep it out of my face.  But today I'm feeling rather saucy and the hair around the face reflects that mood.     Anyway, the woman went on and on about how long my hair has grown, and how pretty/shiny/healthy it looks.    

Other
As if the hair compliment wasn't enough, not more than 5 minutes later I received a weight compliment from a totally different coworker!!  Woman #2 sees me and says, "Have you lost a lot of weight recently?  --You're looking very skinny!"     Woo hoo, I'm having a great day!  LOL

Amazingly enough, I accomplished all of the weekend chores on my to do list.  I took my own advice, did one job at a time and, more importantly, rested in between chores.  I've found that pacing myself is the key to getting things done. 

Our accountant finished our 2006 taxes last week and we'll be getting a nice amount of refunds from both federal and state.  Nothing huge and, of course, a lot of the money is already earmarked for various items.  Some of it will pay for the house insurance due in May.  Some of it will buy more propane (and maybe more firewood).  Some of it will buy a new television (have y'all priced new televisions lately?  Oy vey!!)  But I'm sort of hoping to use a little of it to buy some new clothes.  *fingers crossed* 

My daughter did the sweetest thing...last night she came home with two heart shaped boxes of sugar free candy for hubby and I to share for Valentine's Day.  Everybody say "awwwwwwwwwwwwww!!!!"     She is a doll and I love her beyond words. 

Wow, Trish. Great hair and a hot bod...somedays I guess it's worth it to roll out of bed, eh? 

Awww, Trish.

It's not about convincing someone of your love. It's just one more way to show it. Granted, you could do that any day of the year, and certainly should do it "just because." But if there's one more "official" excuse to do something thoughtful for somebody else, why the heck not?? Share the love, y'all. 

Yes, flowers die. But they look cool when they're dead.    Sugary treats might be bad for you, but they're ohhh so good! And yeah, I see what you mean about teddy bears. I'm totally not a stuffed animal person. But that's what jewelry is for!    So cheer up, sistah. Embrace the red, white and pink. lol

Thursday 15 February 2007

Quote:

Leave it to you to find something cool about dead flowers!    --That's why you ROCK!

Quote:

Oy vey, another one!!    

You're both FREAKS!  (...and I love you both)  

BB, you're bang on as usual!  

Hair
No wash day; hair in low ponytail.  Tomorrow should be wash day, but I may get lazy and wait for Saturday.  Oooo...I wonder if I could put it off until Monday even??  Hmm.  We'll see.

Other
Hubby and I ended up eating at Cracker Barrel for supper last night on Valentine's Day. 
See?  For all you folks who thought I was a big ol' Valentine's scrooge--nyah!   

The burn mark on my wrist is looking great.  I'm remembering to put lotion on the area several times each day.  I believe the burn will leave a scar, but not more than one inch in length.  

Another cold day here in southeast Missouri.  Although next week our temperatures are predicted to be in the 40s, 50s, and even 60s.    We're already spotting quite a few fat robins in our yard.  Spring can't be far behind!  

13 days until I start walking for exercise--can't wait!  

Affirmations for Sanity:

I am responsible for no one but myself.
I cannot control the actions of others; only my own.
My children are adults and can fend for themselves.
It's good to say NO every now and then.
If I can't change it I'm not going to worry about it.
My job is NOT who I am.

Friday 23 February 2007

Hair
Washed this morning.  I could have gone another day without cleansing.  But I would have had to wear the tresses pulled back into a ponytail and I ddidn't relish the thought of having a headache by early afternoon.  I'm doing the hippy chick hair today; parted down the middle, hair hanging down around the face.   

Other
Well, the boy (as hubby and I refer to him--my stepson) has apparently begun the process of moving out.  He told his father a few days ago that he would be moving out "soon".  I use the word "apparently" because we're having to put together clues like a friggin' detective to know what's happening.  When we got up this morning, a lot of his effects were gone; things like his alarm clock, his smelly shower gel, his scrubby, his shaving kit, and his coffee pot were not in their usual spots.  So either he has begun the process, or we have a thief with no sense of value.     Of course he does these things in the middle of the night so he doesn't have to deal with talking to us.  Whatever...grow a pair of stones, boy, and deal with reality.  We're simply happy he's going, and that's unnatural.  Parents should be a little sad when children move out.  But all we can feel is sweet relief!     We'll hopefully find out more over the weekend.

Anyway, the boy and his half brother are going to share a place.     Sorry, y'all won't understand why that's funny, and it would take me a library's worth of books to explain everything.  Suffice it to say, these 2 young men living together is a severe case of the blind (mis)leading the blind.  But, hey, we're old, uncool, ignorant parents and we don't know one blooming thing.     This should be an interesting train wreck to watch.

Here's wishing you tons of sunshine wherever you live!!   

*hugz* Good luck, Trish.

Like you, I resume my power walking regimen tonight, so we'll see what this year can do for us.

Monday 5 March 2007

Hair
Wash day.  Left hair down today, parted down the middle.  Had a hair dream last night.     In the dream, I uncoiled my length from the bun it had been in, only to discover my hair was now tailbone length!     Now *that* was a good dream.    

Other
Time to have my ca125 blood test done.  I should have had the test done in January but, once again, I allowed life to get in my way.  So think of me this afternoon while I'm having blood drawn.     Oh well, it's all right.  I'm only a LITTLE late!    

Tuesday 6 March 2007

Hair
2nd day hair.  Length is in a french twist held by a giant claw clip--very comfy.  It's a very sophisticated look, too.  I bought the giant claw clips (2) yesterday at the Dollar General store (had to buy some conditioner).  The clips are 2 for $1; I chose a faux tortoise shell and a clear one. 

Other
Had my blood drawn yesterday for the CA-125 test and now I await the results.  Shouldn't take more than a couple of days for the nurse to telephone with the outcome.  It's not that I expect the cancer to return but, until I hear the result of the test, I always mentally hold my breath for the "everything's okay".   
Hubby gets to begin light physical therapy now, as okayed by his doctor.  He'll make those arrangements this afternoon.  Where the surgery is concerned, hubby is making great progress.  But since after coming home from surgery, hubby has developed a tremor in both hands.     His general practioner says it could be a result from the muscle relaxers (he advised hubby to stop taking those, which he did), or something with the thyroid.  Some tests were run for thyroid disease, but we don't have the results yet.  Doc asked if hubby had a history of Parkinson's disease in the family, but hubby said no.  --Although SOMEBODY has to be the first one so that there can be a family history.  I mean, look at me--nobody else in my family has or had ovarian cancer.  So we're praying like crazy that this is not Parkinson's...only time will tell.  Oy vey, it's always something!   

I'll be praying for both of you, Trish! Hang in there. This will all blow over soon.

Good for you, Trish!    I'll continue to pray for your husband. I've never taken any kind of muscle relaxers, but I know that some medications can take a long time to leave your system. Their effects can last for years. 

Good luck to your daughter, too.

Friday 9 March 2007

Hair
I washed my hair today instead of trying to wait until Monday.  When I woke up this morning I took one look at my roots and thought, "Nope--have to wash NOW."     Oh well, no big deal. 

Other
I'm trying now to make some changes in my life that have a positive impact on Mother Earth (i.e. trying to use less paper, trying to reuse whatever I can).  A couple of months ago hubby and I switched our house from incandescent (sp?) to fluroscent bulbs.  I figure if there are some changes that I, as an individual, can make to help, then I should do so.  Sad to say, for the past few years we've been really bad about using paper plates for every meal.     But the silverware and cookware have to be washed anyway, so what's a few more pieces (plates) to wash?  Yeah, definitely some changes to be made... 

Wednesday 14 March 2007

Hair
Washed this morning--wanted fresh hair for a meeting I had to attend.  I'm fighting the urge to run to the health food store to buy either Aubrey Organics or Kiss My Face s+c, but don't know if I can hold out much longer!     I'm kind of waiting to find out if my daughter gets a job soon in the Memphis area.  If she does, then I'm sending the Tre Semme products with her and then, naturally, I'll have to buy replacement products!     Or I could give in to temptation and just buy the dang stuff now.  *sigh*  Decisions, decisions...

Other
I'm going to do all I can to help the environment, but I'm not going to get all rabid about it.  I'm not going to panic if somebody wants to use a paper towl to wipe their chins instead of a cloth napkin.  And I'm not gong to knock the paper plate out of their hands and replace it with a china one.  I will do my part, but I do not want to be consumed with it.
I had caffeine today and, boy, can I tell the difference!  I had been doing so well, too, up to now.  Tomorrow I'll most likely return to my decaf state. 

Oh, Trisha, how fascinating! Best of luck with whatever leads you may find. 

Tuesday 20 March 2007

Hair
Wash day.  This was the second washing using Aubrey Organics Camomile Luxurious Volumizing Shampoo.  --Don't like it.  The product itself is fine; cleans well, doesn't seem to dry out my hair.  But I've finally come to conclusion that I HATE the smell of chamomile.  Love it in tea; HATE it in my hair care products.     And as wonderfully "organic" as their products are, they're out of my price limit.  So I will not be purchasing them again. 

Other
My friend, T, had surgery yesterday of a feminine nature--'nuff said.  I was filling in for the secretary, and couldn't see her until after work.  She was in a LOT of pain, poor thing.  For whatever reason, her morphine pump hadn't been started immediately after surgery...they waited until she was in a room.  Well, by that time her pain level was already at a 10, and the morphine was, unsuccessfully, trying to play catch-up.  *sigh*  I had to leave around 7:15pm and I sure hope she got some relief last night. 

One of my husband's uncles passed away Sunday night, and the viewing is tonight from 4-8pm.  Hubby wasn't especially close to this guy but, out of respect, we'll be at the viewing tonight (for a little while).  Then we'll visit with my friend in hospital. 

Tomorrow is the official start of Spring.     I still have not been able to start and maintain a successcul walking program, and I know it ain't gonna happen this week either.     I guess when it's supposed to happen I'll find the time and the energy!

lol Oh, I have several comments that I could make about shopping at Wal*Mart...and I choose to keep most of them to myself. 

Thursday 22 March 2007

Hair
No wash day; hair is up in a high ponytail. 

Other
Okay, I've waited my self-imposed 24 hours and this topic is still heavy on my mind.  So I'm going to write about it. 

This thing I'm going to write about Wal Mart stems from another thread at this site.  I mentioned finding a certain product at Wal Mart, which prompted a few members to express their dislike of that store. 

First let me say that I am not offended by their remarks.  Well, maybe I'm a leeeetle offended, otherwise I guess I wouldn't be writing this.     But none of it was personal, or directed towards me; I understand this.  They were expressing an opinion, something to which we are all entitled.  It should be understood that the following piece is likewise not intended to offend anyone, or to pick a fight.  I simply feel the need to defend my position, and possibly the position of a few others who are in the same (small) boat as I.  That being said...

I shop at Wal Mart. 

Yes, I know Wal Mart is an evil giant that has destroyed countless small businesses in countless towns across this nation.  And now they've set their sights on Europe, I believe.  I understand that by spending money at this store I am, of sorts, an "enabler".  I know about the sweat shops, and the unfair working conditions, and the whole crappy situation in general.  To those of you who choose to shop elsewhere and, in essence, boycott Wal Mart I applaud your efforts.  I wish I could do the same.  But I cannot afford that luxury.  You see, my husband and I must make ends meet on one income--mine.  He has been unable to work for the last three years, due to a physical limitation.  We are still trying to obtain disability benefits and, so, yes, we exist on my meager salary.  That means I must do the best for my family, within severe budget restrictions, and shop as frugally as I can.  Unfortunately, for us, that means shopping at Wal Mart.  I don't like it, but I don't have a choice. 

So to all of you who can afford to choose, keep shopping elsewhere.  I applaud your efforts and, if possible, will join you in the future.  However, if the money situation does not ever improve for me and my family, I cannot afford to feel guilty for shopping at Wal Mart. 
(end of discourse)

lol We don't hate you, Trish. *hugzzzz*

Actually, I have a guilty little Wal*Mart secret of my own: I get my prescription meds there.      Granted, that's only because the pharmacy where I usually shop doesn't offer my prescription or even its generic counterpart, so off to Wally World I go.    And they're still printing my married name (which I've not used in over 3 years now) on the receipts to mention. 

Fortunately, it's only a quarterly trip now.

Monday 26 March 2007

Hair
I've washed 2 days in a row; yesterday because it was time, and today because I was meeting a group of ladies for lunch.  It's time to buy a new straw hat to protect my hair (and my face) while I cut the grass.

Other
The "meeting" at lunch today is, I hope, the beginning of a new club, so to speak.  It's for women who are connected to the university in some way, who have or had cancer.  A group of survivors, if you will, to encourage and support one another.  There were only 4 of us today but as word spreads I'm hopeful more will join us.  I've never started anything like this before, but it feels so good that I'm wondering why I didn't do it sooner?!    

Quote:

Well, unfortunately, no, I don't think she has that kind of information about my great-grandmother.  But I'm not sure--we've only been in touch for a short while, so she may have more than I think she does.  I'm convinced in my heart, though, that she and I come from the same family.  I hope it's not just wishful thinking on my part...I don't believe it is, though.  A little more digging on my part and we should be able to connect the dots.    

Congrats to your daughter, Trish.

Looks as though you'll finally have some peace, quiet and privacy restored to your space. Now you can watch the drama unfold from a distance, safely removed from it. 

hehehe Trish. I don't have a cell phone right now and it's killing me! No one can get ahold of me in an emergency, and that's not cool at all. Plus, I'm in sort of a long-distance relationship now, so my guy and I rely on cell phones to help us stay in touch. Not having one really sux! 

Hope the lines get back up and running soon. And good luck with your husband's MRI. I know that back and neck surgeries can be scary as heck.

Monday 16 April 2007

Hair
Clean hair today, parted down the middle.  Vinegar rinsed over the weekend--hair is always NIIIIIIIIIIIIICE afterwards.  

Other
I have on western boots today.  This will be the absolute last time I wear them.  After today they're going to Good Will.  Don't get me wrong:  I love western boots.  I love the way they look on me and I love the way they look on others.  But this particular pair have NEVER fitted properly.  I've owned them for...oh, about 6 years now.  And I've probably worn them a total of 12 times over that period.  Simply put, they're just darned uncomfortable.  It's ridiculous for me to hang onto something that hurts (shoes, in this instance).  So out they go.  In fact, that's my new short term goal, to rid my closet of ill-fitting shoes.  

Daughter did indeed come home over the weekend.  She spent Friday night with us (said it was the first good night's sleep she's had since moving!    ) and, after spending some time with friends, headed back to Memphis Saturday night.  As always, it was reviving to see her smiling face.    

Wednesday 25 April 2007

Hair
Washed today instead of waiting for Friday.  It just looked like it needed a sudsing.  Probably because I'm sweating a little more lately.  

Other
...And I'm sweating a little more lately because a coworker and I have been walking at noon.    He figures we walk about 2 miles (though I'm not convinced of his figures).  At any rate, the route we've chosen takes us anywhere from 30-45 minutes, depending upon how old we feel that day.    --Today we felt pretty dang old!  Oh, and yes, I do wear a hat during our walks to (1) protect my face from the sun, and (2) protect my hair from the sun.  I'm also slathering on sunscreen every morning to help protect my arms and neck.  I'm trying to be a good girl...at least in THAT respect.  

I think (and it's a pretty big "maybe") I may have found a line of my great-grandmother's people extending back to around 1560.  As usual, I find myself waiting on a return email from the owner of the list.  I'm trying to be patient; this guy lives in France, and I know people have lives outside of the genealogy world    ...but it's difficult.  I don't mind waiting, as long as he eventually replies.  If he doesn't, though, I'll have to take the long road to actual documentation that these are, indeed, my ancestors.

Back and neck surgery - ugh!    Your poor husband!

At least he won't be in so much pain all the time. Hang in there.

Thursday 3 May 2007
Hair
Washed this morning; just for a change, I parted on the side today.  Length is down. 

Other
Thanks, everyone, for the well-wishes.  I'm sure hubby will be fine.  Fortunately...unfortunately?! --we're now both old pros at this surgery business.     I'm just thankful this time he only has to spend one night in the hospital. 

It's a rainy day here in Missouri, as was yesterday.  Good for the ducks and the gardens, I suppose.    

Monday 7 May 2007
Hair
I really need to ask hubby to measure my length for May before he has the neck surgery and can't look down for at least 6 weeks.     Although that wouldn't be too much of a delay in measuring--June.  Still I'm curious as to what my current length is, because it looks really long in the mirror...

Other
Thanks, La Diosa; I'm sure he'll be fine, too.  At this point, we're both looking forward to having this over and done with. 
It's final exams week here at the university, so I'll be scoring tests for professors through Wednesday.  Then my trusty assistant will take over the test-grading Thursday and Friday when I'm out.  Ironically, the last surgery hubby had was also scheduled during finals week, and I was out on Thursday and Friday of *that* week, too...hmmm! 
HAVE to mow the grass when I get home this evening--no putting it off. 

Thursday 17 May 2007
Hair
Wash day!    I left my tresses down all morning but suddenly, a little after noon, I couldn't stand the feel of it, and HAD to pin it up in a bun.    Like I've said before:  I obey my hair.  

Other
Hubby is doing all right--still sore and achy, and still having a bit of trouble with the swallowing.  His appetite has returned, though, and he's resting better at night.  Thanks to all of you who are sending him healing thoughts and prayers.  
Much appreciated.

Sunscreen...*sigh*  I hate it.  It feels terrible.  It smells terrible (even the supposedly unscented ones).  It gets everywhere.  However it's summertime in Missouri, and I am terribly fairskinned.  So I have 3 choices.
1.  I slather on the much hated sunscreen every day.
2.  I cover up (long sleeves and a hat) in order to avoid the sunscreen.
3.  I never leave my house again.
As appealing as #3 is somedays, it ain't gonna happen.  Which leaves me to choose between choices 1 and 2.  I'm seriously leaning toward option #2.  It would be SO much easier, and maybe healthier, to simply wear protective clothing.  The biggest problem period is the time when I'm driving home in the afternoon, with the sun beating me to near death.  Today on the drive home I'll wear a hat to see if I find relief.  *Fingers crossed*

Quote:

Yep, that was me. As a lady who values youth and pallor in the flesh, I often wear gloves while driving in order to prevent sun damage. I have them in 3 separate lengths: wrist, elbow and opera, according to the length of my sleeves that day. And when I get where I'm going, I can simply take them off and not have to worry about the slimy, sticky feel of sunblock, which my skin is allergic to anyway. 
    You can find them at any teenage accessory store, like Claire's or The Icing, and that's actually where mine came from. lol   

As for spirituality, it's a very personal thing. But I remember an old quote that says you've got to stand for something or you'll fall for anything. Hang in there.