Sunday, September 18, 2011

Weekend Roundup

You're only as old as you feel, right? Right now I feel as though I'm about 70 years old. Yesterday, as I bent over to pick something up I felt a horrible pain in my lower back. Pain radiated from the back of my leg, up my ass, and into my lower back. Attempting to get out of bed this morning and dress myself was a bit of a challenge but thankfully the pain has let up a bit and the stiffness from this morning has subsided. So, it appears that a trip to the doctor is in my future this week to figure out if it's a simple muscle pull, a pinched nerve, or something more.

Why do so many Republicans always appear so angry? They're on TV, in the newspapers, or online always yelling about something. I have a few friends who are full fledged members of the GOP and they aren't angry and always appearing with venom and fire spewing from their mouths. I don't understand it.

Have you ever looked at a stranger and without hearing them say one word can just tell they're an arrogant, self serving, jackass? I have and I'm staring at one now.

Tonight the Emmy Awards are on. I planned my work trip around being able to watch them...no comments please. I've always been a lover of award shows but not really for the fashion, more for the surprise each winner shows (usually) when they're name is called. So this evening I'll be laid up in bed (see above re: back pain) waiting as each category is called.

That about covers my thoughts for now. I hope everyone had a nice weekend.

Monday, September 12, 2011

Monday Recap

Adele, the only person who would have a chance at turning me straight (other than Michele Bachman's husband and his power of prayer) has an official iPhone app now. I'm like a kid in a candy store.

Fasting before having a medical procedure done isn't easy. It's probably just your mind but the minute I had to cut off all liquids all I wanted was water.  I became quite parched.

After a week of day trips I am going back to three days this week. The ability to be home every night has been great but it's time to make the serious money. There will be plenty of time for turns in a few years.

We are heading to Indiana at the end of the month and I can't wait. It's been too long since I've seen the niece and nephew and we finally get to meet Jeff. If only we didn't have to play movers along with the visit.

Wednesday, September 7, 2011

Into the Closet

Two days after we moved into our condo one of the closet doors fell off. Coupled with the fact that due to space issues (I warned Adam of these space issues before we bought) our dresser had to go into the closet to fit in our bedroom, we decided to take off the closet doors and come up with a new solution. Well, that was two years ago.

This past Monday I couldn't take it anymore. I told Adam I wanted a closet. I was tired of living like a college kid in a VERY expensive dorm. We had already decided that the only solution was to get new bedroom furniture as a chest of drawers was all we could accommodate. So, off we went to some furniture stores. Luckily it didn't take long for us to find the one we wanted. Once that was done, I then told Adam I wanted to go out and purchase closet doors the next day and have them installed ASAP. Oh, and while I was at it, I wanted to repaint our bedroom. Luckily, my husband loves to redecorate. We plan to stain the closet doors to match our new furniture that arrives in a few week. I feel almost grown up now. 

Monday, September 5, 2011

The Title Says It All

From my very first blog I never matched the title of a post to the actual subject of it. I though of it as my way to be different. Often, I used titles I made up or funny things I had heard that day.

If you've noticed the last few titles have matched the subject material I'm writing about. I decided to go more mainstream and stop using random things for titles. It is my sincere hope that doesn't upset you, my five faithful readers.

Saturday, September 3, 2011

Home

For many years when I would tell anyone I was going back to Ohio to see my family I would refer to it as "going home." Apparently, it didn't matter that I hadn't lived there for years and that my home was now in another state. It was always referred to as "home."

This past weekend I made an impromptu visit to Ohio and was hit with the feeling that it was no longer a familiar place to me. So many things have changed over the years that it felt somewhat foreign to me. Driving around one afternoon I found myself mixing memories with questions. "Was that intersection always a stop light?" "Has that house always been there?" "When did the traffic flow around the town square change?" It certainly was a mix of emotions for me as I saw the small towns I grew up near grow into bigger towns while still trying to maintain that small town feel.

Taking off for Chicago I looked out the window and thought "It's not my home anymore but it'll always hold a special place in my heart."

Friday, September 2, 2011

Appearances of Illusion

Do you ever look at someone and think "They can't be that happy all the time?" "I bet it's all an act" you tell yourself. Yes, I realize there are people in this world that are generally very happy and only see the glass as half full...I say good for them.

However, many people try to fit in with a society that values beauty and fame quite highly. Often times, being yourself is not enough, no matter how happy you really are. They create the illusion of happiness because they have a need to appear as perfect or happy to the outside world to gain acceptance. They may have many personal problems but refuse to put on anything but a happy face.

Finally, there are the people who others think of one way but are actually quite the opposite. Recently a friend of mine made the comment that I was good with my money. While this is true as of recently, I didn't used to be smart with it at all. Because I never really talked about my financial woes with anyone but my closest friends this friend automatically assumed I was Suze Orman. Without even trying part of myself was made into an illusion.

Whatever the reason for one to create their illusion, if it makes them happy and doesn't harm anyone else, I say go for it.

Tuesday, July 12, 2011

Simple Math

In yesterday's blog I mentioned how I've been down about home ownership lately. This is actually an understatement. What I actually feel is regret and dread. I mentioned the other night to some friends how I feel like it's been the biggest regret of my life. I knew going into the process that owning a home isn't easy and that it's a constant work in progress with many ups and downs over the course of your ownership. Property tax increases, various building associated extras, the possibility of having to replace our furnace, and the needed repairs around the condo are all adding up to my feeling of dread.

I've made up my mind (without consulting Adam) that as soon as our mortgage permits I want to put it on the market. Unfortunately that isn't for three more years. Thankfully I think Adam agrees with me on this. As gun ho as he was to buy I think he's realizing how much it entails and how much he'd rather rent if we decide to stay in Chicago (that's another blog for another time.) So, I've told myself that for the next three years I must make the best of our home. While I'm unhappy with owning I am not unhappy with our home itself. We are comfortable here and I'll make the most of the time I live here.