sleepy furballs

I got me two "wasted" kitty kats this evening. I am making this a short one tonight because they are in need of some quiet, serious cuddling. Today was the 18 month check up that includes teeth cleaning, so they got knocked out & it usually leaves them lethargic til mid tomorrow- not to mention their eyes are dilated so they wander around with squinty, black eyes! Poki also got a benedry(ish) shot because hi is chewing all the hair off his tummy .... so he is sound alseep in the laundry basket right now & Monkey is staring at me- wandering why I am not "readying" my lap for her!!!. So, I shall depart to do what is most important at the moment!

good news bad new scenario

rather than repeat the good news-bad news thing over & over, let it suffice that I just make the list below. ULTIMATELY ... it was "3 strikes and WE STILL WON"!! you'll see what I mean here ....
1. arrived 7 days EARLY for a drs appt BUT I'm up & about with extra time to play
2. headed over to the Honeymoon Cafe for a yummy breakfast & found them closed BUT we headed 2 blocks further to JJ's for a Hawaiian omelet (the Capts fav)
3. took off on our bikes on the Bob Jones' trail & had a totally flat tire 1 mile in BUT it was a nice walk (and more social) coming back to the truck!
SOOOO there is usually a way to make that lemonade if ya wanna. (and it seems there are PLENTY of opportunities nowadays to do so!) HAVE A GOOD WEEK ONE & ALL!

when TV imitates life ....

... in this case, a life I do NOT want. I am hooked an older series (The Practice) I watch the DVR for about an hour first thing in the am on Sat-Monday - LATTE IN HAND, in my jammies, in bed (and sometimes including breakfast via the Captain's cooking) .... anyway- in the episode I watched this morning, people were taking a good look at their life after someone commented that life without some silliness is pretty boring & sad. That is so true. On those days where it is soooooo busy that I don't even have time to chat cordially with a patient or even text something short & sweet to my Captain- I come home exhausted and all I want to do is curl up with Ben & Jerry and my pillow. The "other" days, I am energetic, ready to tackle a yummy supper recipe, some conversation with the guys, a movie, some kitty play, a blog post, half dozen emails, and a hot bath, followed by 10 minutes of weather or animal planet. What a difference a day makes??! See that you laugh (at yourself, a joke or someone else for that matter) at least once a day ..... it's better than an apple :o)

YESSSSS .... the Captain still lives here

As we approach the Captain's 6 month "retirement anniversary", I feel I am somewhat obligated (by nature) to announce that #1 he still lives here full time and #2, I still want him to!
For 3-4 months before his actual "coming out of work" party, I would comment to people that I was sooooo looking forward to his retirement from an out of town job that only had him home 8-12 days a month. I even went as far as to state that my best Christmas present ever was that he would be living at home full time by the end of November. To which many replied, "oh that'll get old" or "you'll get sick of him before long- you've had it good". BUT- little did they know, my Captain is like a pogo stick. He rarely sits still (during daylight) that is, unless he is glued to the computer checking on this, reading about that, or researching whatever- during which he is silent and nearly invisible for the most part. He is like a bean on a hot plate- jumping about from here to there. Hopping from the hardware store to the bike shop to the beach or his favorite room of the house (the garage). He is like a bug drawn to the light of knowledge .... seeking to know more about the things he loves or the place he lives. Collectively, I do "see" him more (afterall we share a bed every night) but as far as him getting in my way or on my nerves ... good grief, the guy is off on a hike or at a class or thinking up a new house project or working (or redoing) the last one he thought up!! If keeping busy and keeping your mind active keeps you younger .... then this guy is at least 10 years younger than I already!!? THIS I see as more of a problem then "getting tired of him". So, in closing this morning's posting, I just want to say that LOVE is alive & well in our household and not likely to change except for the better- and I wish the same for each & every one of you!!

elementary (school) my dear Watson

When I make my drive to Cambria every Tuesday & Thursday, there is a variety of critters I always see along the way. I often joke with a fellow employee about the hills dotted with cows as reminding me of a chocolate chip cookie. There are hawks sitting on fence posts & red wing black birds perched about. And of course the token skunk, raccoon & possom roadkill. As I come around the hill to view Morro Bay, the ocean 'waves' good morning to me and there is usually a ring of fog leaning on or near the top of the rock. I always see a cyclist or two, and several drivers who apparently are getting a late start. But the sight I anticipate most (and don't ask why) is the elderly lady that sits at the front of her hillside property during the hour or so that the school buses & most cars are filled with kids. As they pass, she waves her mascot flags or pom-poms with a big smile on her face. I have found over this 11 months I've been making this drive- that the ONLY time she isn't planted there, is when the school is closed. No matter the weather, she is there bundled or with umbrella. She is iconic to me. Each time I see her (and I wave back joyfully) it reminds me of a man present throughout the high school years of my own sons who was "proudly" called superman. He was developmentally challenged, but somehow found his daily routine bringing him to the baseball or football field or the basketball court. Mind you, he was not overtly running about proving his strength & agility, he was there in support of the local team- although I am not sure he even understood any of the games. His energy came from the crowd and that he felt a part of it. He proudly wore his "S" Tshirt of honor beneath the school colors and his smile ALWAYS stretched ear to ear. The kids all knew who he was and would pat him on the back like a team mate when he greeted them at the end of a game. Simple pleasures.
and that is my Halmark memory for the week! (and tomorrow is fwiiiiiiday!!!!!)

onward soldiers!

YIKES, it was a toasty one here today! We headed out to see an old B&W flick only to find it had been cancelled! So we stopped for a soft serve cone (yum), ran a couple of errands & came on home. The silver lining was a couple hours of scrappin time I hadn't counted on (yay). We had an amazing tri-tip from the grill tonight (chef Captain) & I have just set up the coffee maker for the typical 5:15am wake up aroma-therapy!
I post this knowing that it will be a couple of days before I get back again, as I head into my busy week. Tuesday is usually a 10 hours work day for me & the Captain has his last (probably) Tuesday evening class and it will be longer than usual, so I will finish up the normal evening chores on my own. Wednesday, I often "catch up" with what Tuesday threw me at the last minute & I routinely hit the grocey store on my way home, so I generally only get as far as catching up on my favorite blogs before crashing. On Thursday, I can start to breathe- except this week I have a staff meeting right after work that will bring me home an hour or so late ..... MY POINT BEING with all of this- when my mind (and body) is busy, busy with work, the creative juices don't flow- because my mind doesn't have a chance to "wander" or wonder ! bummer. My sissy is off on an adventure & I am soooooooooo glad because she is getting some LONG NEEDED rest & relaxation (along side some learnin'). And it's likely that I will get a Starbucks mug outta it too! toodles for now :o)

Life's rough, wear a helmet !

Of course I mean this (helmet thing) figuratively for the most part. This "helmet" might be a straight face, humor, keeping your distance, keeping things professional, etc. Things that keep you from taking things personal that might otherwise ruin your day, your relationship, your financial well being. We all find a way to protect ourselves in our jobs, in our life. Over & over on any given day really. With some luck, you don't even have to put a lot of effort toward doing so but ..... sometimes, we protect ourselves too well. We avoid hurt of any type so successfully that NO ONE can get past those barriers. We can push away those trying to help, those who really care. And even though I have learned to occassionally let down that barrier (sometimes still in error). So I believe the lessen here is that it is the RIGHT SIZE of helmet we need to all wear. If you are constantly protectiong yourself in your life, it is exhausting!! I think it took me 6 or so years of marriage to the Captain before I took my elbow pads off!! Thank goodness he has been so patient with me (and my baggage).

I think the fog loves me too

There is only one thing about coastal fog that I love even more than waking up early in the morning to find our community enveloped in its tufts - and that would be when it rolls in silent and ghostly .... nibbling away at the trees & rooftops until it blankets the sounds all around us. And while it has done so unappreciably on the 4th of July numerous times .... I don't really mind. I love it's creeping manor. I love the way it sometimes sends out a lasso to tug at the blue sky. It can billow in erogantly or, like today, tip toe along like a game of "mother may I" .... moving closer only when I look a way for a few minutes at a time. Most politely, it did not encroach on the Captain's sunset. How polite & gentle it is for us. And it's brought an unexpected chill that makes for a great backdrop to light a fire & watch a movie. And so we shall.
Barista, bring me a latte please!

it's difficult being clever when you're tired ...

OF COURSE the fact that time is going by too, TOO fast means it's shorter til the next day off- BUT, it also means that time off will go by all too quickly as well. That being considered- I wish there was a more comfortable medium ground. There is way more still left to accomplish at the end of every one of my days it seems (both at work & home) and for the first time in a long while, I find myself looking out a couple months for (potential) opportunities for some extra time off. I don't like that, I prefer living each day in the present tense. I don't think I can get up any earlier or go to bed any later. ok, OK .... I could get up a little earlier on my days off .... that's true. I tease the Captain because he is always saying he doesn't have enough time to get everything done that he wants to. I remind him that if he is out hiking or biking, or learning, or researching .... then YES, he is going to have little time to get things done. AND THEN .... I have to remind MYSELF- that he is, afterall, retired and with all that he does (mentioned above)- he gets a LOT done still. Maybe not as much as he wants, but then .... he has always set his sights VERY high anyway. I am going to set aside just a few minutes tomorrow to check into the cost and feasibility of cloning .... (and maybe watch Multiplicity to remind me of the downsides) . I don't have any solutions at the moment (simple or otherwise) cuz I am pooped and I need a long soak in a hot tub full of bubbles. It doesn't promote ideas, but is sure feels yummy!!

HAPPY EASTER (etc)

I soooooooooooo hope that everyone is finding something special to celebrate today. Perhaps time with family. Maybe time for yourself. It could just be that it is sunny, or quiet. In my case, it is pretty much all of these things and much, MUCH more. I rejoice those things I have to be thankful for (deep, thoughtful and trivial as well) and hope those things for each of you.
Yesterday we visited the grandkids and dropped off a few goodies. Just their sweet faces are thanks enough for spending a little time here or there with them. It was short and sweet, but we enjoyed our day.

when did you rename your OCD ?

I know there is a lot of politically incorrect terminology out there (even in here for that matter) .... but really Captain- when did your OCD get downgraded to a "habit or routine"? HA

More seriously- it is funny how our little routines (shall we say) are set in stone and for some (no mention of the Captain here) it is truly difficult, nar impossible, to break the cycle. Some people are almost comical in their approach to acting like it is just the "easiest" way to do something. Quite frankly, I am convinced that we are all a little OCD in some way or another. So, if there is a degree of OCD-edness (?) I do confess on my own behalf without regret. And, while I purposely switch things up now & again (and make a light hearted attempt to do so with the Captain as well) .... I say we embrace the OCD-ables we ALL possess & go merrily into Easter Weekend. You have my permission to enjoy all the marshmellow bunnies, jelly beans, robin's eggs, hollow chocolate rabbits, & our beloved Peeps (now in about 10 glorious colors) that your stomach & blood sugar will allow!! ENJOY and repent later.

It reminds me of YOU

do you find triggers attached to ordinary (near) everyday things that remind you of specific people? I have a few. I am not going to get into the reasons- but here are a few things that remind me of YOU (and each of the YOUs will know who YOU is) each time I make espresso, I think of Chris. when I eat oatmeal, it reminds me of LuLu. knock-knock jokes remind me of Stephen. turtleneck sweaters remind me of Harriet. deep fried gizzards remind me of Foo. Hawaii in any form makes me think of Ma. I think of Bernice every time I have an egg Mcmuffin. wired ribbon reminds me of LouLou. a tender moment comes to mind every time I see a soft serve ice cream cone. Terry pops into my head each time I pull my name tag from the box on my sink. I remember my gramma when my coo-coo clock sounds off. the LesMirserable poster always makes me think of Sow. green beer makes me think of my dad. hearing the theme to THE TWILIGHT ZONE always brings my brother to mind. an American flag reminds me of Pa. Hearst Castle reminds me of Nancy. black sharpies remind me of Ellen. and I think of my mom whenever I hear the song "Puff the Magic Dragon". I could go on a while longer .... but I think I will just relish some of these moments right now.

rain, rain DON'T go away- I didn't get enough today!

man-o-man ... I hate it when a good rain shows up on a day when I am busy at work and can't appreciate it! (although I am glad it was here at all). I don't mind driving in it. I don't mind getting my hairdo wet, I don't mind that it makes my car look icky. I love the sound of a good down pour, preferably at an angle that allows me to open a window so it's easier to hear! With luck, it's just the beginning of a long storm pattern :o) Thank you mother nature.

the lioness is protecting her young

YEP, I admit- even at 33 & 29 .... they are still cubs to me! My sons are 2 of my treasures. An occassional let down (well duh) but loving & caring always. They have both had to make some difficult decisions and choices in life. Some of them valiant, some not so perfect- but they are also pretty good at admitting their errs. They did not have it easy at a time in their life when they were still forming morals, ethics, conscience- but I am ALWAYS proud of them. They are respectful & compassionate. I still mother them, I still stick my nose in with an occassional lecture and they still ACT like they are listening. To their credit, they hard working & hard playing. and they love their mama :o) So, even though they did not have the best of times or the worst of times- they are good men and a great joy (and source of laughter) in my life. This is not an easy time to be bringing up children (not to mention just taking care of oneself), so sometimes the changes we have to make are not simple or even fair. But we make them with the tools we are equiped with and hope for the best. And though I wish it could be easier or even more fruitful, it is what it is. These days, more than ever- we need to take a moment to think about something we ARE THANKFUL for rather than dwell on things we can't change (at least for the moment). Maybe even more than once a day!

ok, get back to work!

yeah, yeah, yeah .... I know- everyone else went back to work today so what do I have to complain about? NUTHIN'

I just have to say that in pulling photos for my current scrapping project, I come across some really fun pics that bring back a flood of great memories. I love sifting thru some of them that I haven't seen in a while. It leads to looking at a box, then another and an hour later, (if not longer) includes trips back in time, giggles, and chasing down the

Captain to show him. I AM crazy about taking pictures now, but even then I went overboard at times. AND it is true ......... no matter "how much we change- we REALLY do stay the same !"

where was I yesterday?

sheesh .... I got an unexpected half day off Friday and BECAUSE of it, I lost ALL TRACK of time!! Well actually, it's been sooooo

beautiful, that I have a MONSTEROUS case of spring fever and have gotten little more done than a bike ride, picture taking and putting together Easter baskets for the grandkids. BUT, it has been an

absolutely, positively deeee-licious weekend so who cares! We even snuck in some wine tasting locally & discovered an apple merlot that is really groovey. I believe we are in for some fish'n'chips with friends today and another bike ride tomorrow before the storm arrives on Tuesday. I will sneak in some "princess time" here & there and call it a success. Hope yours was too.

I'm no fool (no foolin')

After the day I had yesterday, a BIG April fool's laugh would have been welcome -but today, I got something even better. Let me map it out as briefly as possible.
I woke up fully rested, my hair had a good day, my eyelashes weren't kinky, & I had no breakouts. Everyone arrived to work on time, all the equipment was working, every patient was in a good mood, & I got a full lunch hour. I had time to answer all my work email & initiate additional ones as needed, found some perf 12x12 for my next project, a glass of wine was waiting for me when I walked in the door along with my hubby & a big hug. I had emails from a couple of good friends, watched a terrific movie with a cat curled up on my lap, and the fountain on my lanai is "gurgling" just right. YES, it was a good day- giving promise that tomorrow could be too! AND THIS, is no April fool (and April is no fool either)