Monday Musings

I haven't done this in awhile.  So I think it's about time to have a new episode of Monday Musings.  Or, in other words, there's a bunch of randomness going on up in my noggin and I need to get it out.  I'll keep adding throughout the day, so stay tuned.

Rounds 1:
...I forgot my banana at home.  Banana = breakfast.  Breakfast = sitting on my kitchen counter.  Don't worry, it's safe there.  But if I don't eat my bananas soon I'll have to resort to making many a-banana recipes.  Plus I've got like 5 in the freezer.  Banana peanut butter cupcakes anyone?

...I don't want to eat oatmeal for breakfast, but it's all I've got at my desk.  At least besides a can of green beans.

...It's raining outside.  Which is a really good thing here in the central valley.  And we really need snow that later will melt and help water the crops during the summer.  But it's raining.  And I have a small aversion to umbrellas.  I just don't like them!  Something else to juggle and handle.  And when it's raining and windy, well, there's really no point in an umbrella.  It'll either a) flip inside out, and b) won't protect from sideways rain.

...I have 2 loads of laundry to fold when I get home.

...Hummm...wonder what mom is planning on making for dinner at my place tonight...? (must post on that)

...Jill, I'll also post on how to throw a bomb party that people talk about for weeks following!  (add that to the list)

Round 2:
...What the heck!?!  2 times now I've scheduled something to post and it stays in draft.  That's why you heard about the NYE party before the Christmas party.  I better keep an eye on this thing, it's starting to have a mind of it's own.

...Due to the weather, it looks like it should be about 4:30pm.  Therefore, I don't want to be here anymore, my mind is in shut-down mode.  Not that I need that kind of excuse for my brain shutting down.  It shuts down frequently, and without a moment's notice.

Round 3:
...I love my new hair straightener.  No, I'm not vain, I just have difficult hair.  It's either, blah wavey/curly or after a quick blow dry and straighten it's, well, straight.  And I'm trying to grow it out.  I'm horrible at growing it out, I get bored and say "chop it off".  That's why one of my 101 in 1001 is to only get trims and to grow it out.  So that's what I'm gonna tell my hair lady Wednesday when I go in for a trim and color touch up, "just a trim, I'm growing it out."

...I love Crystal Light's water packets with live active.  But I can't find them anywhere any more, which makes me really sad.  The 2 grocery stores I frequent no longer carry them.  Was I the only person in the country that drank Crystal Light Live Active Natural Raspberry Peach flavored water?

...The palm tree that I can see out my window is bent sideways from the wind.

Round 4:
...Wednesday, in addition to getting my hair trimmed, I need to get my eyebrows waxed.  It's long overdue.  I can't keep them in control anymore.

...Foot heater + rain boots = smells like melting rubber.  Most of the afternoon I've been chillin' in my socks.

...I'm dreading going to WW.  I was good all last week.  And then the weekend hit.  And although I wasn't bad per say, I also wasn't good.

...I've gotten quite a bit caught up today.  I feel a little accomplished!

Round 5:
...I'm teaching myself how to add texture to pictures in photoshop.  That would be "learn one thing a in photoshop a week" for my 101 in 1001.

...My parent's kitchen has no ceiling.  It looks like a war zone.

Round 6:
...OMG my dog had BAD gas!  It seriously smells like skunk in my house.

Five Golden Rings...

That's my favorite line...  Fiiiivvvvveeeee golden rrrriiiiiinnngggssss....  But have you ever stopped to wonder what the meaning is behind the lines in The 12 Days of Christmas? 

Well, I have.  Therefore you get to find out what I found out.  And basically what I found out came in the monthly church bulletin from the church I grew up in.  So the source is unknown, unless you count the piece of white paper in the bulletin, then it's known.

As a white piece of paper with words on it...

Duh.

A Christmas Song Explained

There is one Christmas carol that has always been baffling to me.  What in the world do leaping lords, French hens, swimming swans and especially the partirdge that won't come out of the pear tree have to do with Christmas?

From 1558 until 1829, Roman Catholics in England were not permitted to practice their faith openly.  Someone during that era wrone this carol as a catechism song for young Catholics.  It has two levels of meaning.  The surface meaning plus a hidden meaning known only to the members of their church.  Each element in the carol has a code word for a religious reality that the children could remember.

• The partridge in a pear tree was Jesus Christ.
• The two turtledoves were the Old and New Testaments.
• The three French hens stood for faith, hope and love.
• The four calling birds were the four gospels:  Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.
• The five golden rings recalled the Torah or Law, the first five books of the Old Testament.
• The six geese a-laying stood for the six days of creation.
• The seven swans a-swimming represented the sevenfold gifts of the Holy Spirit:  Prophesy, Serving, Teaching, Exhortation, Contribution, Leadership and Mercy.
• The eight maids a-milking were the eight beatitudes.
• The nine ladies dancing were the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit:  Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self Control.
• The ten lords a-leaping were the Ten Commandments.
• The eleven pipers piping stood for the eleven faithful disciples.
• The twelve drummers drumming symployized the twelve points of belief in the Apostles' Creed.

So there you have it.  Your history lesson for today.

I was just going to say, "May your Christmas season be filled with the nine ladies dancing," but that sounded kinda dirty.  So I'll ixnay that.

Merry Christmas!

Thank Goodness it's Thursday

• I'm ready for flannels sheets. Now I just need to do the work and out them on the bed.
• New photography system to test out: shoot in raw, basic edit raw, further edit Photoshop.
• I no longer need to take my camera to photography class. Mainly 'cause photog is over and now we're working in Photoshop.
• Epic fail at WW lately. Someone kick my butt, not literally. But if you see me putting candy on my mouth, then yes literally.
• Mom and dad are joining WW through work. Yea for WW friendly food when I eat dinner over there. 5 nights a week.
• I heart babies. And I think babies heart me. Or maybe it's my bust. No, it's me.
• I have a lot of DVRed shows to catch up on. Praise Jesus for the DVR system and not having to schedule life around tv shows.
• I memorized a bible verse in a day. Need to do that more often. Ask and I'll recite it to you.
• I'm excited for Saturday. Getting away for the day to taste some fermented grape juice with friends.
• I think I may just like this new blogger app, seems user friendly and gives the send picture option. See...

            Yep, that's my dog.  In bed.

• Funny enough I started this last night (or this morning however you want to look at it) and I thought of a few more random things but thought for sure I'd remember them when I got up. I don't remember them. Oops.

 

- Posted from my iPhone

I heart FroYo

While going to college, my roommate and I frequently would take late night trips to Bali's.

Self serve frozen yogurt at it's finest. And the only place I knew of that offered that service. You could get as little or as much as you wanted of yogurt and toppings, paying for your treat by the ounce.

While visiting Melissa and Mark a few weeks ago we went to Yogurtland. Again I was in love.

I must admit, Yogurtland was better than Bali's. Probably because they had about 15 more choices of froyo/tarts to choose from.

I was in froyo heaven!

I don't know where the nearest pay by the ounce frozen yogurt place is in relation to my home, but by golly, I'm gonna find it!

Anyone up for the hunt with me?

FYI...I did found out that there is a Yogurtland in San Ramon. So next time (in like 3 years) I'm in that part of the Bay Area you better bet I'll be stopping.

YUM!

It's a weird, weird life

Man things are strange right now in my little life. Where do I start?

• So my boss is gone this week. I was so looking forward to having the week to get caught up before I take a few days off next week. It ain't happenin'. I've gotten 2 things crossed off my list and added 12 more.
• Currently, right this minute, I'm holding a text conversation with an ex-boyfriend. Think years ago ex. Like, ex that was in a bad accident while on duty and is now dependent on a wheelchair.
• I'm going on a mini vaca next week. That's not strange or weird. It's wonderful! I can't wait to see Macie and her mom and dad and meet her new brother William. Then go to my cousin's wedding down in the same are. Me = excited!!!
• I'm also in the midst of planning, or attempting to, another vacation. Can't talk much about that right now though until a few things are confirmed. Stay tuned.
• Speaking of staying tuned. Is there anything you can remember that I've said stay tuned or more to come on and haven't followed through? Please remind me what I was supposed to share with you, because I can't remember. Leave reminder in comments. And. I'll. get back to you. Stay tuned. ahahaha
• My basil flourishes but tomato plant dies. There were planted 2 feet from each other. What gives? Tomato #2 is planted. Here's to hopin' a get one little piece of fruit from it.
• I've been talking/texting with Dennis lately. A lot. Doesn't mean anything. Not pushing anything. Just friends. That talk. A lot. Like before. Just without the lovey dovey stuff.
• God is in control! That's not weird or strange either. But that's my mantra.
• If it's in God's will, He'll make it happen. Again, not weird or strange, just truth.
• I've made dinner 2 nights in a row! Now that is not normal.
  
• My friend, Mandy, referred me to a digital photography/scrapbooking/photoshop website. I'm hooked on watching the free tutorials. Hooked I say! The leader of the site has only classes. I just might sign up for the one that starts Monday. Mandy, wanna do it together???
• Even when I try to go to bed between 10 and 11pm, I can't sleep. So I read some. Then I attempt to sleep and toss and turn until about 1am. Then I konk out.
• In fact, that's what I'm gonna do now. I'm gonna finish watching a tutorial, then I'm going to bed. This tutorial is something that I've wanted to know how to do for awhile. And I'm finally learning. Now I'll get to start implementing.
  
• But not now, cause I'm going to bed now.

Night all!

Sunday Successes

Sunday's are generally my day to get caught up around the house before the new week hits. Sometimes I have a lot to do, sometimes just a little. Here's my day thus far...

1. Church - check. Had to drag my dairyaire out of bed to go. I, ah, didn't get to bed until about 3:30 am.
2. Lunch with friends - check.
3. Skipping movie expedition - unfortunately I've got too much to do and can't justify seeing a movie I'm not that keen on seeing.;
4. Ice Cream made - check! Recipe to follow later on food blog. Tomorrow is birthday celebration at Bible Study. I volunteered to make ice cream. I did make, but I also cheated. :)
5. Blog ice cream recipe - check
   
6. Dishwasher unloaded - check
   
7. Dishwasher reloaded - check
8. Counters wiped down - check
9. Get caught up Bible reading - check
   
10. Get caught up on Bible study book - check. Just have to do one more tomorrow before 7pm.
    
11. Fold laundry
12. Take a nap
13. Swim
14. Update POTD blogs (as I'm getting caught up) - check
    
15. Post/Schedule a couple other blogs
    

I'll update as I complete or add more to the list...

Since when?

Does my little rural post office have a "netflix movies only" slot?

Seriously?!?

How to Catch Small Bugs

Note to self...
Never look up at your porch light. You may not like what you see.
Being as 2 of the 3 light bulbs were also dead, I got a wild burr up my butt and hosed it down. Removing best I could with a spray nozzle all the spider webs and bug carcasses. After allowing plenty of drying time I replaced the bulbs.

Tada!

Things I Learned Today...

Chelsie and Bryan can't make it to church on time for the life of 'em!
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Splitting a quesadilla at Mundo's was just perfect for lunch. Combined with about 3 LARGE glasses of water. I was full.
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Chris spills things. George moves seats when Chris spills things.
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Katie has poopy work hours!
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We're going to be "sophisticated" friends and have a cheese and wine party. I'm excited! It's going to be excellent fun!
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Stacey sleeps late. I did already know that though. I technically did not learn that today.
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A car with a broken AC unit is NOT fun in 94 degree weather. I don't like AC460. Time to make an appointment to get that fixed. My car lately = money pit.
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It is better to sun burn on top of a sun burn. This way recovery is shorter. Opposed to getting a sun burn. It heals. Then getting another sun burn.
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I went golfing with 2 great guys (both attractive and both single...). It was great fun!
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Of the 2 guys, one is patient and the other will throw his club when frustrated.
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I'm a "consistent" golfer.
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Did you know that if you layer 2 tank tops (both white and wife beater type) that you will burn THROUGH them and end up with a BRA tan line? Yea, I didn't either.
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Red wine chilled really isn't all that bad. Agreed though that it has more complex flavors when room temperature.
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The early admission to the Cal Poly Wine Festival only had a limited number of tickets. I didn't know this. They are sold out.
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I love my new path!
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2 days of being in the sun = a sleepy me. The wine probably isn't helping either. Time to start settling down and going to bed.
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Blow drying your hair against a burnt back = extra burning.

The Simple List

10 things that would make women happier

1. A permanently clean home.
   
2. A luxury trip.
3. A big house.
4. Losing 10 pounds.
5. A great body.
6. Time for themselves.
7. A really romantic relationship.
8. Being smarter.
9. Saying "no" more.
10. A luxury car.

75% of women and 71% of men claim to be happy.

5 secret wishes of men

1. Telling his boss exactly how he feels.
2. A spouse who is better in bed.
3. A spouse who makes more money.
4. More kids.
5. Separate vacations.

72 - The percentage of women who say that happiness lies in making progress towards their goals, even if they never achieve them.

3 things that the happiest women do

1. The cancel appointments to get more time alone.
2. They don't always answer the phone.
3. Then know how to say no.

45% of women and 39% of men claim to be very happy.

10 things that would make men happier

1. A big house.
2. A really romantic relationship.
3. A luxury trip.
4. Being smarter.
5. A luxury car.
6. A better sex life.
7. A great body.
8. A permanently clean home.
9. Losing 10 pounds.
10. Having a personal assistant.

1 great thing about getting older? You may be happier. 55% of women in their 60s describe themselves as very happy - compared with just 40% of women in their 20s.

5 secret wishes of women

1. A spouse who makes more money.
2. Plastic surgery.
3. Telling her boss exactly how she feels.
4. More kids.
5. Separate bathrooms.
   

Randomness for the Day

My phone smells funny. Like it's burning. But it's not hot. Hummm...
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My poor little Izzie. She sounds like she's coughing up a lung.
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It's baked potato day up front. I'm excited for lunch...in about...10 minutes!
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Baked potato was yummy! But now I'm full.
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I don't wanna go to the doctor this afternoon!
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Izzie has pneumonia. Do dogs really get pneumonia? Seriously?
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I was at the doctor's office for almost 2 hours. Waiting room for 45 minutes. Waiting for doctor 45 minutes. With doctor 10 minute.
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Ready for some Randomness?

Today I have a hair appointment. Should just be a trim, but we'll see what happens...
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Remember I said that since I left for Alaska I haven't had any soda? Well, since I got back from Alaska, according to Weight Watchers weigh-ins, I've lost 9 pounds. Coincidence? And according to my scale I've lost 9 pounds since January 1st.
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I'm about to throw my phone in the crapper. Time to look for a new one...
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I would REALLY like a taco truck burrito right now... Not going to happen though!
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8 days until the cruise departs!!!
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Hairs are trimmed. And slightly shaped for a "new" look.
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Bad news: The phone I want outside upgrade period is $200 more than with a new contract.
Good news: They allow upgrades 4 months prior to contract expiration, which for me is March 8th. March 8th I'll be at AT&T getting a new phone!
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Randomness for the Day

So far, I have deleted over 1.5 gigs of music from my computer. On my way to removing a large majority of my secular music.
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My belt, the one I'm wearing right now, I used to be able to use the 2nd to 3rd hole, I'm now using the 5th hole. Go me!
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This morning it was 50 degrees in Anchorage. (I only know this because I received a text with the information.)
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How much is enough? How long is a piece of string?
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I need to invent something. Something that will make me millions. So I can 1) quit work; 2) tithe a lot; 3) shop when I want to not when I can; 4) travel a lot.
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My car needed 2 front brake pads and 2 rear boots. $375 later...
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Praise God! My total ended up being only $289. Still a lot, but about $100 less.
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I just helped/watched Kaitlin take a flat tire off and replace with the spare. Girl power!
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Somewhere...

Is it 5pm yet?

Better yet... I'm leaving a little early to go to a baby shower for a co-worker.

Is it 4:30pm yet?

Random Thoughts Throughout the Day...

I think I might rearrange my bedroom this weekend.
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I really need to clean my house before I have a guest tonight. But Kait for my Christmas give is going to clean my house. And she's gone. So, I spot cleaned to tide me over for tonight until Kait and I can really clean.

Don't worry Stacey. I cleaned the bathroom.
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I hate binding things. And since when is the stupid knob all rough. It's leaving a mark on my finger.
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Red Robin is where I'm going for lunch, much to my dismay. So a side salad and a cup of soup for me. At least I'm planning ahead.
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Soup and salad was just perfect!
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It's currently 1:40 on a holiday eve afternoon. I think it's time to hit the road. I have a nap to take and maybe cookies to back for tonight. Oh, and I need to shower and clean up. And fold towels. And nap.

Yeah...nap.
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Laid in bed to take a nap. A nap wouldn't be had. So instead Dennis and I texted back and forth. He fooled me a few times and told me fibs. It was silly. Just as I thought, "gee, it would be nice if he called." Guess what happened. He called. God is good! But that's how it's always been. I would pick up my phone to see if I missed a text, and as I'd be holding it it would go off. Or just as I would be thinking about him I'd get a call or text. Just about everytime. Ok, well, at least once a day that would happen. Funny wouldn't you say?
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I think I'm going to make cookies for tonight. Healthy chocolate chip cookies.
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Cookies then shower. Maybe shower. Maybe just extra deodorant and perfume.
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Huh...

I'm trying to figure out why kamikaze pilots wore crash helmets...

Did you ever notice...

...when you blow in a dog's face, he gets angry? But when you take him in a car, he sticks his head out the window?

Every Woman Should…

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE…

enough money within her control to move out

and rent a place of her own,

even if she never wants to or needs to…

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE…

something perfect to wear if the employer,

or date of her dreams wants to see her in an hour…

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE…

a youth she's content to leave behind…

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE…

a past juicy enough that she's looking forward to

retelling it in her old age…

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE…

a set of screwdrivers, a cordless drill,

and a black lace bra…

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE…

one friend who always makes her laugh…

and one who lets her cry…

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE…

a good piece of furniture not previously

owned by anyone else in her family…

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE…

eight matching plates, wine glasses with stems,

and a recipe for a meal,

that will make her guests feel honored…

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE…

a feeling of control over her destiny…

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW…

how to fall in love without losing herself…

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW…

how to quit a job,

break up with a lover,

and confront a friend without;

ruining the friendship…

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW…

when to try harder… and WHEN TO WALK AWAY…

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW…

that she can't change the length of her calves,

the width of her hips, or the nature of her parents…

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW…

that her childhood may not have been perfect…

but it's over…

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW…

what she would and wouldn't do for love or more…

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW…

how to live alone…

even if she doesn't like it…

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW…

whom she can trust,

whom she can't,

and why she shouldn't take it personally…

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW…

where to go…

be it to her best friend's kitchen table…

or a charming Inn in the woods…

when her soul needs soothing…

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW…

What she can and can't accomplish in a day…

a month…and a year…

Random Fact

No word in the English language rhymes with month, orange, silver, or purple.

There are two words in the English language that have all five vowels in order: "abstemious" and "facetious."

Random Fact

"Stewardesses" is the longest word typed with only the left hand.

And "lollipop" is the longest word typed with your right hand.