The Hunt Is On!

It seems its that time of year again, Folks! Time to hunt for a new receptionist. The one I hired last year, who wasn't looking to retire anytime soon decided to go ahead and... you guess it! Retire.

I know answering phones, making coffee and greeting clients isn't the most exciting thing to spend eight hours each day doing. And, I also know that I can be a moody kind of gal that might be a bit hard to work for when I'm stressed. But I do try to keep things balanced and offer goofy jokes and lots of smiles throughout each work day. Perhaps my smiles end up being of the scary witchy variety. (I might need to hang a mirror in my office so I can check.)

I'm utilizing a staffing agency this time around. You know, trying the person out before committing. Perhaps a better personality match will be found. I hope I don't drive another person to an early retirement, that's for sure!

Colorful Evening

Last night was pretty dang enjoyable, so I just had to share some deets with you.

The Little Guy is at his dad's this week, so after work I headed by to squeeze his not-so-little self and plant a few smooches on his chubby cheeks. He was smiling and joking as usual which is always a bright spot to any day. Then I headed home and the pups greeted me with super waggy tails and the loyalty that usually comes from such wonderful little beings.

Hubby was off to the gym so I took the opportunity to hang out in the back yard pulling weeds and scooping little love piles from those pups, but it really was an enjoyable activity. (Did I really just admit to liking that chore?) The skies were overcast and a breeze was blowing making it such a comfy evening outside. Plus I found a precious little Roma tomato that will be ready to pick today! I can not wait to slice into that juicy treat!

Hubby and I made dinner then he scurried to the office to finish some work, which is when I switched into tv mode and popped in a DVD series that was a gift for my birthday last week. Pushing Daisies, Season One.

I used to love this show. Very Tim Burton-esque and full of colorful creativity, including poetic narration, that tends to make me feel so youthful. I watched all three episodes on Disc One while I crocheted on the couch surrounded by my dogs. I laughed out loud and was reminded of how lovely that show was. Such a shame it didn't survive. But I'm thankful for DVDs!

Just Thursday

Another Thursday is upon us.

What are you up to?

Are you like me and can't get over how fast time is flying by right before my very eyes? Do you consistently remember all the old people from your youth telling 'you that you'll be 60 before you know it and feel like your 19?'

That's where I'm at. I'm amazed that time keeps speeding up a little more day by day.

Time is passing almost at the speed of light! I'm realizing that I had better take a speed reading course so that I can absorb all the info that is on my ever-growing want 'to read/know' list. Do you remember No. 5 from the movie Short Circuit? He would hold a book in his hand and flip the pages super fast and absorb all the knowledge from the book's contents. I would love to have that ability!

Matter of fact I think I need to acquire some super powers. I could swoosh through my house and get all the chores knocked out super fast, sew and crochet until my fingers ached (at normal speed), and then sit and flip through pages and pages of great books while my hands recuperated. (I guess I will need to acquire a Kindle or something so that I won't actually be flipping pages.) Then I could also work on being Donna Reed. Or at least the character she played on tv.

Ok, so after giving all of this 'speeding through life' stuff more thought I'm realizing that it would only help my wrinkles to deepen, and my hair to gray, even faster. I'm thinking I should try and slow things down instead of cram more in to my life.

Got any suggestions?

You HAVE to Check This Out!

Check out this wonderful idea for creating your own fabric covered storage boxes from Make It and Love It. Isn't that the cutest name for a blog, too??? I just had to share... The owner of the blog would prefer that permission be granted before using her photos, so I'm just linking to her blog all in the name of getting this great idea to you super quick! : ) Now, hurry! Go get some colorful fabric inspiration!

Sometimes I wonder

Sometimes I wonder what it would be like to live in another home. Somewhere with a different life. Perhaps just different enough to where I was a 'domestic engineer' but still had the same family characters like my son, my mom, my sis, my hubby, my dogs, my closest friends. Somewhere where there was perfect sunshine, a touch of a breeze, and just enough shade to hide under when I was concerned about sunburn. Or perhaps this perfect place wouldn't permit burns... That would certainly be a good thing for me and The Little Guy... such freckly things we are.

Sometimes I wonder if a song I've picked for a momentary soundtrack would be a good choice for those of you watching my little movie. Like a fly on the wall. Sometimes I sing in my car as if I have an audience who thinks I sound really good. And I wonder if I sound really, really bad.

Sometimes I just feel like a good cry is in order. Tonight is just such a night. But, I'm holding firm to not give in. Ok, maybe just one tear. Maybe.

Sometimes I wonder. I just wonder about the random things. The fleeting thoughts that touch the corners of my mind and all the in-betweens. I think about what's missing and what's present. What's bright and what's dark. What's gone and what is still to come. Wondering if I'm just wasting too much time wondering...

Update: Here is a link to a new blog I found and this is an example of seeing someone's pics of a room in their house that makes me wonder what it would be like to live in such a place. Check out her red cabinets! Love them! Hubby & I saw something similar at Ikea and loved how they looked, unfortunately they wouldn't do us any favors in the way of resale value in our current home. Perhaps one day we'll get to experiment with such a kitchen. Another thing I wondered about while looking at this blog is how it would be to make clothes like she does. I adore her vintage style and I can't wait to read more about her Fashion Ration campaign!

Do you know who these gals are??? The cheese ball on the left is ME! And the other super smilin' gal is my little sis. (Yes, I know... she's not littler than me...) She is coming over to my house tonight to celebrate my birthday! I'm the big 36! We are having dinner at one of my favorite places, P.F. Chang's, and who knows what else the night will bring. I'm so excited!

Girl's Night!!!!!

And we're having a sleepover! I'm so excited! She doesn't know it yet but if she falls asleep first then I'm freezing her bra!

(This picture is three or four years old so it is missing my infamous tattoo you see on my side bar. Just thought I should point that out. Probably also worth noting that my lil' sis hates my tattoos. But she loves me anyway!)

Quilting Bee Blocks Giveway

If you like to quilt, and you've been wondering about virtual quilting bees or anything along those lines, then you must check out this new blog:

Quilting Bee Blocks!

Great giveaways are underway so go and check them out! You can also follow them on Twitter and Facebook (coming soon) if you are so inclined. I was!

Dresden Plus Me Equals Less Than Perfect

The March block for my virtual quilting bee was quite a challenge. We were asked to complete a Dresden Plate block. This was my first attempt at sewing any type of circle. Needless to say I need more practice!

I have since been told that you can baste around the edge of the circle and pull the thread to gather, then iron the edge over. Perhaps I should try that method next time.

Do you have any suggestions for sewing around edges of circles?

Top Reason to Clean Out the Kitchen Drawer

Because there just might be a coupon for a free breakfast in bed!

(I cashed this in on Saturday)