Monday Yummies

 

Seeing as how I had a Monday with nothing pressing on the agenda, I accepted a spontaneous lunch invite. A walk along the cliffs of Ocean Beach worked up our appetites, so we ventured inside Raglan Public House, an Australian eatery with a casual vibe and 100% organic grub. Lunch was, as always, delicious, service was great and the company was not too hard on the eyes either. The funniest part of the meal was when my companion, an African student here studying English, informed me that their (shoestring) fries were too skinny, so they "must be Kenyan fries." Tehehe.  Maybe you had to be there, but it was pretty funny. Anyway, we feasted on sweet potato fries with crumbled bleu cheese and teriyaki "chick-on-a-stick" and washed it down with variety of ales. A solid way to start the week.

 

 

 



Today I woke up to the sound of rainfall... music to my ears. My balcony door was wide open and the cool morning breeze billowed my curtains. The steady plink-plink of drops on my table inspired me to don my wellies and bumbershoot and take a walk. The saying says "Stop and smell the roses" but for me, it was stopping to smell the rain that started my week off on such a peaceful mind set. And yes, I actually did splash in some puddles.

Embracing Simplicity

An overcast weekend filled with a few of my favorite things:

 

 

Homemade soup

Drinks with old friends

Making a new friend

Movie marathon in my jammies

Bonding with my favorite offspring

Hot tea

Watching the rain

Snuggling with my pooch

Fresh linens

Wood working project

Finishing a great biography

SWEET SWEET VICTORY

Thank you San Diego Chargers AKA Chokers, being in 1st place feels great. Even better that we took it from you on your own turf. I know my fellow San Diegans think I am a traitor, but at least I am true to the team I really love instead of just the one I am supposed to for simple geographic reasons.

 

On that note.... GOOOOOO BRONCOS!!!!!!

A Mother's Love

As many people are in this economy, I am going through critically tough pecuniary times. Creative financing has never been so prevalent in my checkbook register. This week in particular was terribly frustrating. Every single one of my utility accounts are past due and on major payment extension status. I have two very important meetings tomorrow that may be the solution to my personal economic crisis, yet I had no gas to get there. Our fridge was void of anything other than condiments, a few eggs, and a box baking soda. I prayed and prayed hard for God to help me find the right answer and to give me the strength I need to stay strong. As if on cue, my mother phoned at that exact minute and invited me to lunch. I didn't even know if I had gas to get a mile down the street, but I did not want to tell her that fact and cause her worry. I felt guilty because here she was, treating me to lunch, and I had to ask her for a few bucks to cover my gas.

We ordered our meal selections and before I could say anything, she handed over an envelope stating she had been saving it for tough times and she had a feeling NOW was as tough as it could get. I opened the paper and found two gift cards, one for gas and the other for groceries. How did she know? Mother's intuition? I started to cry right there in Denny's, feeling relieved, but at the cost of wounded pride. She questioned my tears and I could barely squawk out my answer that I felt so disheartened being in my position.

My mother looked at me and asked me if I had been praying for help. I responded that, yes, of course I had. What she said next was a wake up call. She said "Well, your prayer was just answered. So instead of feeling bad and having wounded pride, thank Him for answering your prayer. Don't pray for something and then be to ashamed to accept what you need." She was completely correct, of course. Tears tehn welled up in her eyes as she told me when I was a kid it was her sister Gloria who was always there in times od crisis. (Gloria passed away about five years ago and we all miss her dearly.) She then said over the years she'd managed to put a few bucks in savings for a rainy day and if SHE has it, WE have it. I was very touched. Her generosity, much like my Aunt Gloria's, never ceases.

The lesson to be reminded of here is to always have faith. Something will happen and things eventually work out as He sees fit. Also, when your prayers are answered, don't be to prideful to accept the blessings. A lesson that bears reminding. This was a very humbling experience today. I felt the need to share my enlightenment with others as it serves as a good lesson for everyone. And by the way, Thanks Mom.

Magical Manitou

 

I wish I could morph myself 20 months (or so) into the future. The second half of my life is destined to be played out in a variety of new landscapes and adventures. In a perfect world, I would be all settled in to my girlie little apartment, surrounded by most precious comforts. Family heirlooms such as my grandmothers crochet lap blanket and china dinnerware, photos of my children and family, and, of course, my doggie. 8-)

For those of you who are new to my blog, let me tell you about my beloved Manitou. I have been there three times and fell in love with this tiny little free spirited town the very minute I stepped out of the car. This quaint town is located in the foothills of Colorado Springs and is frequented by hiking fanatics and those whom greatly appreciate a pint. The infamous "Incline" is known to break down the strongest of climbers. Additionally, the mineral water fountains throughout town have their own mythological history. These fountains are pumped from local springs and naturally contain so much iron and phosphate that local legend consideres it magical "healing water."

If I was there on this night, I would take a brisk walk passing historical buildings now serving as antique stores, pubs, diners, and art galleries. I will sidle up on bar stool, putting something warm and comforting under my coaster. Striking up conversation with the locals, most of which are beatnik hippies who take pride in their nonconformist lifestyle, I hope to make a friend in this new metropolis. I will have a few libations and wrap back up in my warm coat and head back out into the chilly night. Tonight, the temperature is a cool 42 degrees, no rain or snow expected. Perhaps tomorrow I will venture out and take a train ride or meet my bestie for coffee.

Manitou Springs, Colorado.

"A little drinking town with a hiking problem"

(actual town motto!)

 

 

A Dresser is Born!

The dresser started out as scratched up wood, very dark in color

Setting up the paint area

the drawers were painted with "Heirloom White" spray paint

 and "Summer Blue" acrylic craft paint, completed with a small brush by hand

A pearl embellishment was placed on all drawer fronts

 

The unit was hand painted with "French White."

The paint was supposed to be its own primer, however,

this still took 3 coats for coverage.

I also touched up the wrought iron footing with some leftover black spray paint

The finished product!!! The pearls did not line up exactly

but I still was happy how it turned out.

(Please excuse the messy bedroom in the background LOL)

 

And now, I have two more units to go to complete the three piece set!!!

Sayonara Suckers.....

I have become increasingly more convinced that my plan of fleeing California is just what the doctor ordered. By the onset of 2013, my monthly countdown will officially be in the 'teens. Although it will still be 17 months until I receive my parenting pardon, somehow that put a definite feeling of nearness to my plans. By this time next year I will have begun solidifying the main timeline, putting my plan into action and beginning to calculate out expenses and starting to fill that piggy bank to cover relocation expenses. The last thing I want to do is fail to properly plan and set myself up for failure. While doing some online research this evening, I stumbled upon a thought provoking article by Cathy Goodwin. I only would add to #5 if you are not a novel-writing type of person, try keeping a journal instead (or a blog tehehe) The following is an excerpt:

Here are ten tips to a help you tune in to your inner compass when your world is spinning.
1. Ask, "Who am I? What do I need to be happy?"
The secret to a successful move depends on how you answer the question, "Can I still be me?  To answer this question, write ten "I am" statements about yourself -- anything from "I am a dog-owner" to "I am friendly and outgoing." Before you move, ask yourself, "How will this list change after I move?" You may still be a dog-owner...but will you create that role the same way?
2. Take a test drive.
When you buy a car, you don't just go around the block. You try the freeways and the rough roads. Considering a move to Seattle or Syracuse? Study the culture as if you were an anthropologist.
3. Pack an emotional first aid kit.
Most hikers pack a first aid kit with sunblock, band-aids, and insect repellent. For relocation you can pack favorite photos of friends, family, places and pets (so you remember who you are) Phone numbers of trusted confidantes (for moments when you really need to hear a familiar voice)
4. Develop ceremonies to honor your new life.
As you unpack boxes or begin a new assignment, play your favorite music and enjoy your favorite foods. Arrange one room -or one corner of the room-to look familiar. Some people create a special ritual of settling in to make the new life their own.
5. Plan for downtime.
For the first few months you'll probably have gaps in your social calendar.  Plan to fill downtime with meaningful projects. Write a novel. Complete a painting. Join a dance group. I would add a physical activity, anything from weight-lifting to walking the dog extra times. When you nurture yourself, you communicate strength and confidence to others. If you are seen as vulnerable and needy, you will attract negative people and negative experiences.

BONUS: Celebrate everyday life.
Think small. A walk around a lake. A perfect cup of coffee in a nearby coffee shop.  Listen for the moments when you say, "I could get used to this..."

OKTOBERFEST 2012!!!!!!!!!!

 

Get your beer steins ready and save your appetite!! It's my favorite block party in La Mesa, California. Oktoberfest is always a keg of laughs, though I don't partake in the beer festivities, I do rather enjoy the brats, the craft booths, a tilt-o-whirl, and people watching. This year the band line up it pretty impressive. I will be there in my crappiest pair of old shoes (all those spilled suds will ruin a pair of Chucks) with all monies and forms of identification buried deep in the zipped pocket of some cargo shorts (no dropping cash or credit).

 

Last year I went with my girlfriend whom I lovingly call Ladybug. Knowing the alcohol intake would disqualify us as sober drivers, my son dropped us off and we planned on cabbing it home...  that, ultimately,  didn't happen. After about a dozen too many cocktails, we called our taxi and were informed it would be a 45 minute wait. In our drunken stupor we made the executive decision that it would be quicker to walk. Tehehe. Those 13 blocks proved to be quite an interesting journey. We had garden hedges jump at us, flowers were picked, and I drown my Blackberry in a Jack 'N Coke, which I thought would be funny to smuggle out of Pete's Place in my purse to imbibe along our way home. Not so much.  This year I hope to have just as much fun, minus the loss of cellular backup.

A New Horizon

Last weekend I came into ownership of a beat-down desk (for pretty much pennies) and have been looking it over every day for a burst of creativity on how I can refurbish it with some personalized style. After compiling several different ideas and putting my on twist on the final sketches, By George... I think I've got it!!!

So this morning I geared up for a trip to my latest favorite store... Home Depot. I have several other projects in various stages of reconstruction and after my spree today I have enough supplies to finish them all. Primer, various paint hues, painters tape, wood filler, Goof Off, sandpaper, gloves, safety goggles, drop cloths, and a few clearance items from the gardening section. I am pretty much set for the next few weeks.... and all for less than $40.00!!! Stay tuned!!!

Projects on the horizon:

 

*Set of matching dressers (2 tall, one small)

*Desk-turned-vanity
*Room divider
*Nail polish rack

*Beginning of the balcony restoration

Amazing Autumn

Although Fall technically began on September 22 this year, for this gal, October 1 marks the true commencement of Autumn. October is my favorite month by far. San Diego is free and clear from the mania of summer tourism and the holiday madness has yet to begin.  Weather is perfect… balmy in the morning, warm and sunny all day and chilly enough for a light blanket to cozy up in at bedtime.

My favorite things about this time of year are all contingent on mild temperatures. For the fashionista in me, I can wear my cute boots and scarves without looking ridiculous (one of my pet peeves are youngsters sporting furry Ugg boots in summer and complaining about how hot it is. Afterthought: darned if I didn’t just write that and realize I am turning into my mother.)

The temperatures are no longer in the skin melting category, thus allowing me to wear my hair down instead of in the everyday ponytail AND when I curl it, the curls actually stay put instead of frizzing out into a humid disaster.  

I can use my oven again without bringing my home into a fiery fury. Baking sweet treats for the special people in my life and preparing actual meals that require more than a high voltage microwave are two things I give up between June and September.  Soon the smell of meatloaf, green bean casserole and cupcakes will fill the nostrils and cause some mouths a'waterin'.

Above all else the best thing about Autumn….
Can you guess???  
FOOTBALL!!!

So to the sun worshippers and snow bunnies, I guess this is not the best time of year for you. But to those of us who follow team schedules, stats, and plan our Sunday’s around game time, our time has come. So sit back, enjoy some homemade chili and cornbread, hot wings 'n breadsticks, or order some pizza….  Put the beer on ice and kick back… I’ll save you a seat…. And a plate of something delish.