Sidewalks

God blessed us with the ability to make and do things for ourselves... like sidewalks!!!!  

It's only halfway done, probably need at least 2 more days on it, but it's getting there. The cobblestone one that was originally there was loose and lumpy so now it's partially up and we put cement slabs and rocks down.  Obviously there are limitations to what everyone can do and each person has specific talents but I'm pretty excited about this sidewalk thing.  Now next year when we need a new deck, that's a different story!   

Sidewalk project day 1

Began the sidewalk project today until it got too hot to work outside. Of course by then it was football time anyway soooo... 

Before we got started I wanted to get rid of some fire ant hills. Those little suckers hurt. Anyway I poured the granules on the mound, not realizing Molly would decide to rub her neck on it and possibly eat some. I drug her down to the water spigot and made sure she drank lots of water and washed her face off real good. I also looked up what kind of reaction to expect and if vomiting should or shouldn't be induced. Luckily, the little bit she had wasn't enough to be dangerous. We were very blessed and I will be way more careful next time I decide to put that stuff down.  She was ready to "help" with the sidewalk too ;). We were both ready for a bath!  Charlie isn't much for building projects but she had fun chasing lizards and Lexi was the supervisor. 

Football and Four Day Weekends!

College football started yesterday! Yay!!!!! :). We lost. Boo :(.   By the time we got through traffic and I got home it was just too late to organize my brain to blog. Win or lose I still had a blast.  I absolutely love Football Season.  As I said in my very first post football is a blessing. But I'm not going to repeat that tonight. I'm going to talk about how the people we tailgate with, the friends I've had for well over a decade, along with the new friends that have been made at our regular seats in the stadium are a blessing. I know that every football game there will be fun times and shenanigans and new memories made. I know we will have good game talk with our bleacher buddies along with cheering for touchdowns and yelling about bad calls.  There will be an assortment of food and games, more than enough for everyone.  People that we may not see any other time come to our (so affectionately named yesterday) village. I'm blessed to be a part of this, and win or lose we still love our team!!

So today was a little less productive then I planned since I played late last night but it's all good.  Good thing it's a four day weekend!  This mini-stay-cation is a blessing for me. There are some projects to do and some rest to get that a normal weekend just isn't going to cover this time. The timing for this little break is fantastic!  

Disinfectant

It's Happy Football Day Eve!!!!  I strayed from my normal cleaning list this week to compensate for being at the game tomorrow night (yes, I know, OCD, etc., etc.).  That being said, disinfectants really are a blessing. Aside from the fact that I'm insane about keeping things a certain way, it really is good to know that there is a little Lysol wipe waiting to clean up yucky germs. And sticky stuff, I don't like sticky. 

That moment

When you're in a funk, not a bad mood, just a funk and then that moment when someone says something like "takes after you..." comes along and suddenly the funk has lifted. Yes, that's a blessing ;). 

Tire pressure

On my way to work this morning I heard a funny noise somewhere in the car. I thought maybe the breaks but I still heard  it when I wasn't pushing on the brakes. Then I thought, maybe my tire?  Mom mentioned the other day it was looking low and I think one tire does have a slow leak somewhere (that I thought I had fixed last time something like this happened).  So the last place to stop before getting on the interstate I decided maybe I better check. I was very blessed that I didn't get on the interstate before checking. One pot hole and the tire may have completely flattened. Sure enough it was very, very low. After putting enough air in I was on the road again sound free!  I'm so glad I got the feeling to stop and not try and keep going another 15 minutes on the interstate.  I was only one minute late for work too!  

Fre is fun! Cheers!

I want to talk about something that has been going on a couple years now. The topic comes up off and on anytime I see someone I haven't seen in a while but lately it has been coming up for other reasons so I would like to talk about it and explain why something strange and scary has turned out to be a real blessing.  Maybe it can even help someone too. 

About two years ago I was at a networking meeting working on my second glass of wine. I don't remember much after that (no, I was not roofied by a group of mature business women). When things did start making sense again my mom was crying (which doesn't happen), I was confused, and had apparently had quite a night. Oh and had managed to drive home. I don't remember it and don't much like what I was told so I'm going to leave out the details. I thought I was losing my mind.  I could handle my wine, more than two glasses for sure. I wasn't one to black out either, even in crazy college party days. Prior to that I had been getting progressively more sick when I would have a drink, sometimes after just one, but I wasn't a fall down drunk or anything. At one point, before that fateful night, we thought it could be a gluten reaction so I cut out beer. Nope, not it. So what the heck happened?  

Before I continue let me say that I am NOT saying don't drink, I'm not anti-alcohol, not a sort of Prohibitionist. This is specific to me. I prefer people drink around me as they like, I don't want to change anyone or anyone to treat me differently. Of course be careful though. 

Okay, so anyway. The next day it was time to seek medical advice because clearly something was not right. Skipping the details of discovery it turns out to be something called Idiosyncratic Intoxication. Which actually isn't completely uncommon but lots of times people (dangerously) don't realize what has happened. It's possibly genetic but not necessarily. What happened was the alcohol and my brain decided to no longer tolerate each other even the little tiny bit they normally do.  It's basically an alcohol-related psychosis that can be cleared up without the use of alcohol.  Without alcohol, nothing similar happens in the brain, but add one fruity cocktail and boom. I just reached the right age and right time that night. It can happen again with one drink, I could have ten and it wouldn't happen. I could have ten and a week later it could happen. Worse case is that there is one major reaction and, well, let's just say it's just not worth that. Having a drink would be like Russian Roulette for me. 

It's always funny to hear how people react when they find out you can't drink. "OMG, how awful! I couldn't do it, that's terrible for you!"  Priorities people, priorities.  It's not an incurable illness, it's a lifestyle change.  You do what ya gotta do. Now let me explain why this is a blessing for me.  I don't miss it, and I did think I would. Especially at work functions and football games, but I don't. I feel better. I don't have to worry about a possible deadly reaction. I can do something at night and not have to write off the next day as a recovery period. I'm more active and I have tried other things and activities.  It's a lot cheaper to go out too!  I have learned that I can do the same things at social functions I always did and probably handle it better than I did before. Since my body isn't fighting me I'm more active. The alcohol free beer and wines are really not bad either!  I could've said, okay, this sucks, I don't want to go out and be around people that can do something I can't; but you know what, that's stupid, and selfish. You persevere.  Ignore ignorance and embrace those that care.  My little "issue" is NOTHING compared to some of the problems and adversity others face constantly. At least I have a simple solution.  I choose to learn from it, however scary it was, and move on. No reason to whine when there is nothing to whine about.  If I didn't have a "warning" episode things could've turned out a lot worse.  It's been good for me, I was lucky, I was blessed. 

I know this has been a long one but bare with me. The other day a fine lady, friend of my mom, was trying to explain to her teenager daughter the importance of not drinking because of the medicine she has to take.  My mom told her about what happened to me and thought it would help her. If it helps keep her safe then it was worth it and I can add that as another blessing as a result of my experience.  

I'd also like to say happy 50th to my cousin, Kevin!  1/2 a century if for sure a blessing!!!!! :D ;) 

Field trip shopping success

I have been searching for this specific pillow for months. Months. Not just a fluffy pillow, (although the more the merrier) but a specific memory foam, therapeutic, neck pillow. Not over sized. Did I mention I've looked for months?  The ones I found were just not exactly right and waaaay overpriced. I don't mind spending if it's right and worth it but it has to be right. Anyway, my neck has been kinking up and wanted this pillow. On today's out of town shopping field trip guess what I found?  Yes, that's right, I was blessed to find the elusive pillow!!  Best part- it was only $13!!!!!  So the quest for the pillow of foam has been completed!  

The gift of music

It's after midnight but for all intents and purposes this is still Friday nights post since I didn't get home till after midnight (which is a miracle because I never stay out this late anymore!).

Anyway, yesterday I got a text from my mom that a wonderful lady she works with had won 2 Keith Urban concert tickets and couldn't use them, did I want them?  Um, yes!!!!!  I was blessed with concert tickets for me and a friend at no cost. I was amazed to find that the parking was free when we arrived and the seats were AMAZING!!!!  Keith Urban walked right beside us, TWICE!!!!  It was one of the best concerts I've seen in quite sometime. We both had a really nice time and now it's time to sleep!  Oh, and there were Funnel Cakes too. ;)

Match Point

Tonight my tennis partner and I finished the last summer match. We had a large break in between matches because the other team was unavailable and before that we were unavailable so we were out of practice for at least a month. Still, we pulled through and won!  Not only did we win we were blessed to go undefeated season!! It's very exciting and a great sense of accomplishment. 

Walks and Runs

Last night the gnomes with hammers were pounding on my head so I went to bed at 8:00. Earlier in the day however I was blessed to design a t-shirt for our office team to wear in the Walk for Alzheimer's coming up in October. The walk is another great way to support the cause. I'm excited that the people on our team will get to wear one of my designs to show support as well!  

The office was slow today so I got to come home early. I've been wanting to give the cat a little more "privacy" so I decided today would be the day. I cleaned out one of the closets and moved his little outhouse in there and fixed the doors to give him just enough room to sneak in and out. His "no dogs allowed" clubhouse. He actually seemed really happy with it. It took me about forty minutes and I was concentrating pretty hard but didn't think I was totally oblivious to my surroundings. Anyway, when I was done I went downstairs and let the girls out. Now Charlie, she is a fast dog. By the time I realized that the gate was open Charlie had already beat me to it. Apparently someone, I assume a meter reader who wasn't taught that gates serve a purpose and need to be closed (this is a major pet peeve of mine, major) had come in the backyard and I totally missed it.  Well I got down the stairs in time for both girls to go through the open gate. Thankfully, Charlie stopped on the front step and I picked her up.  Molly was so responsible, she stopped at a tree and then walked back around the house with me. What a blessing they didn't take off!  God was watching us close today!

Stories

Completed another large order today! Yay!  I like large orders, not just for the income, but for the stories that accompany them. Most large orders have a little custom twist of some sort to commemorate a special occasion.  I feel blessed to be able to contribute to these moments in people's lives. This order is for a bachelorette party at a horse racetrack in NY (awesome idea for a party).  The glasses will be the party favors. How fun!  I hope that they add a little something special to the day. 

Pitches Be Crazy!

Today was our first kickball practice. Another great team I'm blessed to be a part of!  Met some new people and had a blast with some old friends. I'm anxious to get the schedule and play some games!!

Going to the zoo

One of my friends took her nephew to the zoo today and I was blessed to join them. I love the zoo!  Watching the little guy feed the giraffes was pretty cool too. As many times as I've been there I don't know that I've seen that part. And of course there were TURTLES!!!!!! 

Tickets and Cool Temps

I enjoyed a little down time last night and did nothing. I did go to the mailbox though and inside I was blessed to find football tickets!!  It's almost that time again. Fun times with family and friends, good food, and of course Carolina football!!!!  It's such a nice time of year.  

Today I was blessed to spend some extra time with Lexi. Normally, when the girls and I are out working in the yard, it's too hot for Lexi, but this morning it was cool enough for him to go out in the stoller.  He doesn't ask for much so it always feels good to do something for him he really enjoys. He was a happy cat!  The fresh air was good for all of us too.  

Doors

So far 2014 has been a year of many doors closing and many doors opening, not just for me but friends too. I guess we are all just growing up!  Today was the last moving day for my dear friend from her old house. Sitting on the porch for the last time we kidded about how sad it was. It really was sad though. A large portion of all our twenties were spent at the house. It was a blessing for more than just the homeowner.  So many of us ran in and out and watched many a football games there. We had some really good times and some really bad times and lots of fun...and wine. Lots of wine.  Pretty sure we invented Porch Time there.  Now it's time for the next phase!  I'm very excited for her and her next adventure.  It's always some kind of adventure! 

Stormy weather

We had some crazy rain today. The lightening and thunder was wild. It was a blessing I got off early so I didn't have to drive in it.  It was one of those storms where you can't see the cars in front of you, that can make for a scary ride.  It took my mom over an hour to get home because of it, thankfully she made it safely. Even Molly was a little nervous and that has only happened once or twice before in a storm.  Often downtown will experience flash floods in storms like we had today. Hopefully everyone is safe and sound and dry!  

Chimichangas and chats

Today a lovely friend treated me to a fabulous dinner for my birthday. Best Mexican I ever had.  Not just because the food was amazing (it really was) but the conversation was good too. I was blessed to remember that while disappointments are a natural part of life, they tend to dissapear with all the good that can come from one dinner with a good friend. And cheese dip. Cheese dip is like cheesecake in appetizer form. ;)

Creatures in a garden

Played catchup on some of the yard work today. The rain hasn't made it easy to play landscaper!  While pulling up a vine wrapped around a dead bush I was blessed to see this beautiful, bright green caterpillar looking thing, with a horn. The horn kinda startled me but I've never seen one like this so it was pretty cool.  It looked something like this:

Plus, it's always a blessing to learn about another one of God's creatures. So here's what I learned:

They are called Tomato Hornworms (possibly Tobacco Hornworms).  They turn into the Five-Spotted Hawkmoth. As you can gather from the name they eat tomato plants among others including peppers. This may explain a lot in the garden. Planting marigolds will help keep them away.  The horn is also for show to scare away predators, they don't sting. Very interesting indeed. 

Packing with pups

While helping a friend pack up her house for a move today I was blessed to hang out with these two lovelies:

The one sitting up actually came from the same litter as Molly, she's her sister, the one laying down is her cousin :). 

It was a bittersweet day, but a good one. It was nice to be able to help my friend out, especially as much as she helped us with our move.  People grow and things change but if you can stick around for the ride it's a lot of fun!

Happy Birthday!...to me!

Today, God has blessed me with another birthday!  It has been a wonderful day. I actually spent a little time doing nothing and then had a Chinese fire drill with the TVs to make room for a new one!!  My awesome mom gave me an awesome TV.  Also, a beautiful Edible Arrangement arrived early in the day and I chatted with  family this evening.  I really appreciate all the texts and messages from friends. It all made for a wonderful day with wonderful people!  

I'm also excited about the new giant flowers in the studio!

Early celebration

Today I was blessed with another early birthday surprise, some beautiful flowers from the office, and a short work day!  As a result I got home early enough to spend some extra time with the fur babies, finish the table for the studio TV, and clean for the weekend!  Yay!!

In lieu of the rubber room

Today may not have been my best day, certainly not my worst, and I probably could've handled some things better (for example the blue paint water all over the uncovered carpet because I'm clutsy when aggravated) but I'm still thankful for another day. 

There were a couple things that saved me from the rubber room though. We got a nice package from my cousins that certainly brought a smile to my face. Then, as I was headed upstairs, I looked up as saw this beautiful blessing:

I see the moon and the moon sees me!

Row, row, row

We had an event on the lake tonight for the, no kidding, nineteen times. Normally these events are simple but this one has been difficult for some reason.  Then about an hour into it, the boat breaks. Yup, one of the propellers stops working, something about the transmission and then the rotor. Now this is a big boat; two floors, 140 people capacity.  Not a boat that can go far on one propeller. It was a slow ride back. I was pretty irritated. Normally, had there not been previous planning issues, I would've thought things happened and oh well, but, it was just one. more. thing.  Then, after calming down, I realized it could've been much worse and what a blessing it was that we made it back safely, didn't have to be towed, everyone was happy, and the boat can be repaired so their business can continue. Everyone was smiling when we disembarked and while it didn't go as planned at least everyone is safe and the boat is afloat!

Leo season

It's another great birthday!  Today is my cousin Leann's birthday and I'm blessed to have her in my life. When I was little I loved it when she would take me swimming. That was one of my favorite things to do in the summertime. She also gives the best zerberts ;)  She's a very hard worker and a great momma, I love her very much. 

Natural beauty

I was standing on the back porch today looking around at the hummingbird and the butterflies, the bees, the flowers, and the veggies with Charlie chasing them and Molly sitting beside me and I knew I was blessed. The sun finally popped out and it was starting to get humid and hot again (this is the norm for Columbia summers so it's comforting to me).  Just check out this nice crop of peppers and there are still more to come. 

I easily overlook the beauty in things sometimes. Not intentionally, I just don't slow down enough to recognize the blessing of natural beauty enough.  For example, the graceful flutter of a butterfly's wings. I may not notice that if I'm running out the door to beat the clock.  The natural beauty inside people is easy to miss too.  So many people have hidden beauties.  How many smiles and waves from kind souls do we miss each day; but I know I can recognize each crazy driver or arrogant caller.  So, new goal for me, try and recognize more beauty and less gunk!!

New projects

I love Saturdays. Even when it's not football season. ;). I got to start a fun project today for the studio. It will be for the TV that goes in there next weekend.

 Speaking of the studio, I made a decision for the shop today. Almost two weeks ago I was presented an opportunity by a consumer blog to have an item from my shop (of my choosing) reviewed.  I thought and thought about it and decided I would give it a shot. I spoke with the lady that runs the blog today and I'm blessed to say I will be sending her and item this week.  This could be a huge move for the shop. The social media reach can bring in lots of new business. Very exciting!!

Sleeping and cleaning

So last night I was holding my phone thinking about my post and I started to fall asleep. Hmmm. Guess I was tired.  But, it's good because I was up working on orders and Molly was helping. I was blessed with a good night's sleep AND got to sleep in till after 8 this morning!  Molly never sleeps that late.  It's easy to take a restful night for granted. Sleep is a necessity of course but when you think about it there are people that can't rest peacefully at night.  I can't imagine people in war torn areas ever fully rest. Then there are insomniacs and people with sleeping disorders. I've never been a "good" sleeper by normal standards but at least when I do sleep I feel safe and can relax. 

Today was raining and abnormally under 100 degrees for August 1st. That was fine though because I got to clean most of the day. Yes, I know it's weird but...I like to clean. I get excited over cleaning supplies. With the fur babies I like to make sure the cleaners aren't too abrasive or harsh smelling. I discovered a cleaner called Natures Miracle that is all natural. It has been a great blessing. Especially since I tend to over clean sometimes. You can even use it in the laundry if you need too. They also make special all natural cat litter. Haven't tried it yet though.  Being all natural I don't worry about the fur babies inhaling it or walking through an area I just sprayed. Helps satisfy my OCD too. ;)