I was trying to come up with a snazzy title for my new journal.  But why?   :-?  Why waste money on gold when brass will do?   ;)  

I'm getting over a nasty cold/bronchial thing that I've had for a week now.  Yep, I got sick at the end of my dad-burned vacation.   >:(    Yesterday should have been my first day back at the office, but I took a sick day.  I do have some catching up to do, but nothing too overwhelming.  

I finally ran out of my Pantene and have resorted to using the TreSemme my daughter left in the closet.  Although I'll probably buy more Pantene after payday, which is tomorrow.  My hair just looks and feels really great with the Pantene, so why go back to a product line that doesn't perform as well?  

I don't have enough time to write up a proper entry today, but I did want to start the new 2008 journal and wish y'all a belated HAPPY NEW YEAR...   :)

I'm sorry you're sick, Trisha.  I hope you're better soon!

Happy Birthday and Happy New Year.

I like the title of your journal.  Simple and to the point.

Thanks Sakina  :)  that's what I'm striving for these days:  simple and to the point.  

Friday 4 January 2008

Hair:  No-wash day; hair is up in a sloppy twist.  Winter is starting to affect my length with static, so I probably need to use some oil (jojoba or otherwise).  And okay, I have to admit...once again I'm experiencing the urge to cut it all off.   :o  I'm so fickle.  When it's long, I want it short; when it's short, I want it long.  Argh.  And I'm backwards, too...when it's wintertime I usually feel the urge to have short hair, and when it's summertime I want long hair.  What the...?!   >:(  

Other:  I'm still playing the catch up game at work and, although I won't do it today, the battle will be won by Monday or Tuesday of next week.  Right now I'm filling in out front for the secretary, who is at lunch.  We are currently sans student worker until the 14th or so, when the spring semester begins.  One semester after another...they all just blend together at some point.  

It's been farkin' bloody COLD here this week, but today's high is predicted at 45, a veritable heat wave.  This weekend is supposed to see even higher temps, in the 50s and 60s.  Woo hoo!  Is it too early to state that I am very ready for spring?  --I didn't think so.  

My boss took a vacation day today, so I may just leave early myself.  Why not, eh?  Maybe I'll cut out at 3 instead of 4.  Oh, and it's payday, so I need to remember to print out my paystub.  In fact, I'll just do that right now..............done.  Sometimes computers are pretty cool instruments.   :)  

For Christmas my brother in law gave me a $100 JC Penny gift card.  I was totally shocked.  Just knowing the way he is, I expected a gift but nothing like that.  So I took advantage of the after-Christmas sale and bought 2 skirts, 2 tops, a nice leather purse and a nice leather wallet.  I found a great pair of leather boots but they didn't have my size (of course--story of my life).  

Hubby and I were supposed to have lunch with his Mom and Dad on New Year's Day, to celebrate my birthday (46, yep that's me  ;)  ).  But because I was sick we had to reschedule.  I think we're supposed to try again this weekend.  And speaking of the illness, I'm feeling better every day.  

Quote:

Why waste money on gold when brass will do?

Because it's gold, hunnay.  8-)  Money spent luxuriously is money well spent IMO. lol!

I used TRESemmé for a little while too, but it dried out my hair horribly!  :(  I don't know what kind of magic Pantene puts in their products, but...it works! hehe
   And NOOOOOOOO cutting! How many times do I have to hide the scissors from you, girl?  ;D  After all you've been though, I'm sure you're glad just to have hair at all. So as long as it's growing, why not grow it long?  ;)

Happy New Year and Happy Birthday, Trish! And I hope you feel better soon! *hugs*

Thanks, Angel--keep hiding those scissors!   ;D

Monday 7 January 2008
Hair:  Wash day; I'm back with my beloved Pantene Brunette Expressions.  I only used TreSemme two or three times during my vacation, but I swear it did nothing good for my locks.  My length looked drier, it seemed more prone to tangles, and the shine was diminishing.  It's Pantene from now on, baby.   8-)  The urge to lop off my waist-length hair is mostly gone.  Oh, it crosses my mind every now and then.  But when I look at my length in a mirror I think, "Oh, it's so gorgeous--how could I ever cut it off?!"   ;D  Fickle, uh huh.

Other:  Filling in again for the secretary over the lunch hour.  I suppose I'll be doing this until next week, when the kiddies come back to school.  Oh well...it provides me with a diversion.  
It's freakishly warm here, with highs in the mid 60s.  Come on, Old Man Winter--we need a good cold freeze to kill off those nasty germs, viruses, and infections.  Get to work!   ;)  

Quote:

It's Pantene from now on, baby.   8-)

Woooooooooot! We have another convert!  ;)  I can't wait until Maggie finds out. hehehe

I get that cutting urge sometimes too. I look at all of the damage on the length of my hair and think about how a cute, short cut might look on me. Something modern and edgy, possibly colored, etc. I mean, I know that I would rather it be long, but sometimes I just get to thinkin'...ya know?  ::)  I think that's pretty normal for long-haired people.

Fortunately, I think that our reasons for having long hair in the first place are strong enough to keep us from acting on impulse. We already know that we would regret it later. Besides, consider all of the time, money and effort we put into our hair on a daily basis! Cutting would render all of that hard work useless.

Perhaps a trim, a new style or an S&D would make you feel better about whatever hair frustrations you're having.

Quote:

Re: Trisha's Tresses Reply #5 - Mar 14th, 2005, 11:54am I let it grow for 4 years and it reached down to a little past my waist.  Then when I was 14 I decided to get it chopped off.  Lord knows why...I was probably led astray by a misguided magazine article, who knows.  If I could time travel, I'd go back to 1976 and kick my 14 year old butt.

Self, please take note of the above comment you made back in 2005.  Mm-hmm.   ;)

Tuesday 8 January 2008
Hair:  No wash day.  I'll try to wait until Thursday before washing again (which I seem to be able to do with Pantene but NOT with TreSemme.  harumpf.)  Hair is parted down the middle, with sides held back ala barettes.  Length is down.

Other:  I'm slowly beginning to catch up with work.  Hubby was gone last evening to a lodge function and this evening he'll be gone to a regular meeting.  The brother-in-law may be home tonight but it's hard to tell with his schedule.  So it may just be me and the cats again.   ;D  My daughter called last night; she'll probably come home for MLKJ day weekend (the 19th, 20th, & 21st).  Weather is still freaky with high temps, and today is windy & rainy.  Blustery, I believe Winnie the Pooh would call it.  

Thursday 10 January 2008
Hair:  Thursday, wash day, Pantene's Brunette Expressions S+C.   :)  Need to get a measurement for January and a photo.  Hair is unofficially waist length.

Other:  Just finished a lunch of pork steak (about 3 ounces) and green beans; dessert was sugar free cherry Jello-o and some Russell Stover sugar free coconut candy.  My weight has plateaued (sp?) in the low to mid 160s.  *shrug*  I know I need to exercise but lack motivation.  I know waiting for motivation never works, so I HAVE to go looking for it.   ::)  

Friday 11 January 2008
Hair:  No-wash day; hair is in a bun and "prettified" with one of Miss Lisa's handmade bun covers.   :)  I read in LaDiosa's journal that she's using the baking soda method of cleansing her hair, and I still would like to try that myself.  Maybe if the weather cooperates this weekend, hubby can take some photos of my hair.  *fingers crossed*

Other:  The kitties and I had the house to ourselves last night and at one point I got a little freaked out.  Now, I am one of the most sensible, logical, and fearless people you'll ever meet.  I just don't get spooked easily.  But last weekend I made the mistake of watching a show on A&E called "Paranormal States".  Sheesh.  Some of what I watched is still on my mind and, well, yeah--little spooked.  I'm sitting on the couch last night, alone, watching television, and suddenly from the kitchen (which is directly behind the wall of the living room where our tv sits) I hear a subtle noise, as if someone is IN the kitchen.  Immediately I muted the tv and froze, listening for another odd sound--but with 6 cats in the house, it was probably just one of them.  So I calmed down and unmuted the tv.  Then a few minutes later the telephone rang...but there was no one on the other end.   :o  It was just too much like the plot from one of those cheesy scary movies!   ;D  

Well, classes for the Spring term begin next week, so all of the little college students will be swarming into town over the weekend.  *sigh*  I'm sorry--this is such a nice place to work when the students aren't around!!   ;D  

No big plans for the weekend...I need to do a little cleaning, and get the laundry done, etc.  Hope y'all have a good one!  *hugs*

Wow. I love being scared out of my wits! Such a rush!  ;D

Well I wish you'd been with me so you could have held my hand!!   ;D  

Monday 14 January 2008
Hair:  On Saturday I used the baking soda method to cleanse my hair.  The basic formula is a 1:1 ratio but may be increased for longer hair.  I used 2 tablespoons of baking soda dissolved in 2 cups of fairly warm water.  I wet my hair in the shower, poured on the baking soda solution, massaged my scalp and rinsed.  I did not use any conditioner but have slicked on a little aloe gel to keep the frizzies under control.  Tomorrow would be a normal wash day, so I'll keep to the routine for a while.  Using this method is supposed to allow one to clean one's hair only once a week--after the hair becomes accustomed to not having its natural oils stripped away by commercial products.  We'll see.  *shrug*   :-?  

Other:  Eh, not much going on...probably a good thing.  My friend T is having surgery today for a bi-lateral hernia.   :(  I called her yesterday and the poor thing is so scatterbrained that she doesn't know whether the procedure will be outpatient or if she'll have to spend time in the hospital.  I'm going to visit her after work today.

Didn't really do much this past weekend.  I did the laundry, but did no cleaning.  I guess all of us need those "downtime" weekends.  

WAIST LENGTH, BABY, YEAH!!!


Tuesday 15 January 2008
Hair:  Washed this morning with Pantene.  I was going to stick with the baking soda method for a while but changed my mind upon awakening.  What can I say? --The Pantene was calling my name.   ::)  Also asked hubby to measure the length this morning.  As you can tell, I'm not the least bit excited about reaching waist length.   ;D  My hair hasn't been this long in decades.  And it feels wonderful to have reached this milestone.  So I've now accomplished two of my initial goals, bra strap length and waist length.  It's been long enough since I set my goals that I don't recall if I had more than two, so I need to revisit my very first journal entries.  

Other:  Went to visit my friend T after work yesterday.  And yes, she was kept overnight because she was experiencing so much pain.  Apparently--and this is something I did not know about my old friend--the woman has absolutely no tolerance for pain.  I have to admit...all of her moaning, groaning, and crying just made me want to smack her.  I know it's terrible of me to say, but that's how I felt.   :-/  I guess I just have a higher level of tolerance than others.  I haven't called her yet today to find out how she's doing, but I will.  

I had planned on starting a walking routine last night.  I MUST do this; it's ridiculous of me not to.  Anyway, yes, I had planned on using my poor, dusty treadmill when I got home.  But I didn't count on visiting with T for an hour and then my whole timeline was thrown off.  I know...excuses, excuses.  But I *will* walk tonight.  I will!

Waist length! You go, girl! And best of luck with the walking routine.  :)

Oh and btw, there's nothing wrong with not being a sissy.  ;)

Congrats on reaching waist length!!!

Congratulations on waist length!! Post a pic  :D

wrote on Jan 15^th, 2008 at 4:31pm:

Oh and btw, there's nothing wrong with not being a sissy.  ;)

You know, you're right--and I shouldn't feel guilty about not being a wuss.   :)

Wednesday 16 January 2008
Hair:  Thanks, gang   :D  Hubby took a photo yesterday of my length but I've got to finish the roll, or waste 10 shots, before it gets processed.  If that takes too long I'll borrow the office digital camera.  

No-wash day; length is down with slight waves from the night braids.  Okay, now that I've reached waist length I have a decision to make.  And yes, it involves cutting.  Oh calm down--I do not have scissors in my hand!   :D  

So the thing is this...I have layers in my hair.  I would like all of my hair to be the same length.  The shortest layer, the front part of my hair, is at the top of my shoulders.  The choice I have is to chop everything off to make it even with the shortest layer, allowing it to grow out again afterwards, OR put up with the layers until the front part of my hair reaches...I don't know--maybe BSL?  Then I could cut everything to that one length.  *shrug*

Can't wait to see the new pix, Trish!  :D

And yeah, layers suck. I've definitely grown out a few in my lifetime.  :P  Maybe you could just keep getting ½" or 1" trims until all of the layers are gone.

I definately second what Angel said... I would keep getting trims and maybe maintain at waist length until the layers are gone.. that way you don't have the massive chop(which leads, often, to the desire to chop even MORE for some strange reason), but you get rid of the layers. I hope you're happy with whatever you decide though!

*hug*

Thursday 17 January 2008

Hair:  Yes, maybe you gals are correct.  Right now my hair is in a V shape...so I could begin now having it trimmed straight across, 1/2 to 1 inch, but still keeping the length around the waist area.  I'll have to see if I can talk hubby into doing the trimming.  Years ago he trimmed my hair.  I REFUSE to step foot into a salon.  If he won't do it, then I can probably talk my daughter into it--she's coming this weekend for a visit anyway.  *waggles eyebrows*
Last night before braiding for nighty-night time, I oiled with jojoba.  I haven't done that in forever and my hair soaked it right up.   :)  This dry winter air is a killer.  Tomorrow is wash day and I will do so with my Pantene.  

Other:  Our VP, whose office is in our department (don't ask me why) is a fledgling writer same as me.  Some months ago I asked him to read a piece I was working on, to critique it and give me feedback.  He did so, providing me with a much needed sounding board.  Yesterday he asked the same of me--to read the first 2 chapters of a young adult novel he's writing and give him feedback.  I was happy to do it, though having our roles reversed for a change was an interesting feeling, what with HIM being a vice president and ME being an underling.   :o  I've heard rumors about him leaving the university this summer.  But I have a feeling that we may continue our writer's relationship beyond his absence.  It always helps to have another pair of eyes read over your work.

Happy belated birthday Trisha and congrats on waist length! :D

I almost had a heart attack when you mentioned cutting your hair to bsl :o.  I agree with everyone else that at your length, trimming slowly is a better idea. ;)

Wow waist lenght! Congrats!http://smilieshq.com/smilies/party0010.gif Oh and Happy Belated B-day!  I haven't gone into a salon in years, just the thought of them trying to run a fine toothed comb through my hair makes me want to scream!  Yeah have your daughter do it if hubby cannot.  I dye my MIL's hair and give her a set once a month or so 8-)

Thanks ladies!   :)

Friday 18 January 2008
Hair:  Washed and conditioned this morning with Pantene's Brunette Expressions.  About mid morning, after hair had dried completely, I put it up into a messy updo.  I'm having to run a fan in my office because it's so hot and didn't want to risk tangles.  Yeah, I think I'm going for the monthly "home" trim method performed by...well, non-salon folks.   :)  This should allow my shorter layers to catch up.  Gosh, it's going to be a long time, though, until my front reaches waist length.  *sigh*  Oh well...what else do I have to do?!   :D  

Other:  Daughter should be home sometime tomorrow afternoon.  The university where I work will be closed on Monday for MLKJ day.  I have no big plans, although my floors need badly to be cleaned.  
And I still have not started walking.  Each evening something happened that prevented me from using the treadmill.  So I'm hoping that tonight or one night this weekend I'll be able to begin a walking routine.  

Tuesday 22 January 2008

Hair:  My daughter trimmed my length on Saturday morning and, if I do say so myself, she did a fine job.  After stating in my last journal entry that I would take the trims slow and easy, I, um, well, *ahem*, didn't.   ::)  I got to studying my hair in the mirror, deciding where I wanted dear daughter to trim, and I thought, "Oh, what the *bleep*."  So I had her cut it to just below BSL.   8-)  From the scraps on the floor, it looked to be about 3 inches that I lost.  You know what though?  It looks and feels SO much better, and this trim also served to satisfy my urge to cut.  

Other:  Finally, finally, finally started a walking routine!   :)  My first walk (on the treadmill) was on Friday evening and I've walked every evening since then.  I did not walk yesterday, however Hubby and I cut wood for the heating stove and, believe you me, carrying wood uphill for 3 hours gave me plenty of exercise.  
Tonight Hubby has a lodge meeting and I think Brother in law will leave this morning on a run, so I should have the house to myself.  
Dear Daughter was home over the weekend and it was great spending time with her.  She's grown into such a responsible, independent young woman who can take care of herself in almost any situation.....and I just want to lock her in her room so that she can never leave home again!   ;D  Mothers, oy vey.  

if only I could "trim" 3 inches and still be satisfied!!
can't wait till I finally get to that stage 8-)

Well it's great that you feel good about your cut and like you said, eliminated the urge. ;)  I remember when I started on this site our hair was about the same length.  However, I decided to get rid of my layers early because I know I wouldn't have had the nerve to cut it once I got to my coveted waist length. :P

3" isn't too bad. I'm glad that your daughter did a good job with it and that you're enjoying your new length.  :)


Quote:

.....and I just want to lock her in her room so that she can never leave home again!  ;D

That's funny. The last time I moved out, my parents changed the locks so I could never get back in! lol

Wednesday 23 January 2008
Hair:  No-wash day; hair is in a high ponytail.  I oiled the ends with a few drops of jojoba this morning to help tame the frizzies--curse you, winter air!   >:(  


Quote:

Posted by: waiting4longlocks Posted on: Yesterday at 8:58am if only I could "trim" 3 inches and still be satisfied!!   can't wait till I finally get to that stage

That day will arrive sooner than you think, trust me!   ;)


Quote:

Posted by: La Diosa Posted on: Yesterday at 1:29pm Well it's great that you feel good about your cut and like you said, eliminated the urge

Yeah, I believe it was the right thing for me.  It's only hair and it usually does grow back.   :)


Quote:

Posted by: Angel Spun Posted on: Yesterday at 1:52pm The last time I moved out, my parents changed the locks so I could never get back in! lol

Awww!   ;D

Other:  DANG it's cold this morning--14 degrees.  That 7 minute walk from the parking lot to my building was tremendously unpleasant.  Why aren't we all at home and staying warm, huh?!  I mean c'mon...14 is a dress size, not a temperature!!!   :o
Still walking every evening on my treadmill.  Yay rah for me!   8-) 5 days down, 25 to go.

I'll second that "Yay Rah" Trisha ;D  Congrats on sticking to your workouts!

I love your ticker design btw.

Thanks sistah!   :)

Thursday 24 January 2008
Hair:  No-wash day; hair is again up in a high ponytail.  I have to say, I'm loving BSL.  If I ever get tired of having longer hair, I believe BSL will be the level at which I keep my hair.  Tomorrow is wash day.  I also need to a vinegar rinse.

Other:  17 degrees this morning--a veritable heat wave.   ;D  Had some very light snow flurries this morning but it did not stick to anything, and only lasted about an hour.  Have I mentioned how ready for Spring I am?!   :-?  
Tomorrow will make an entire week that I've walked every single day.  That may not sound like much to some, but for me it's a great accomplishment.   :)

Quote:

Have I mentioned how ready for Spring I am?!  :-?

Your ticker says it all, babe.  ;)

And I feel the same way about BSL. It's a great sort of "neutral" length. Not obscenely long, but long enough that it doesn't feel "short."

Congrats on the walking! I definitely can't do my route every single day. I've tried and it almost killed me!  ;D

Friday 25 January 2008
Hair:  Washed and conditioned with Pantene Brunette Expressions this morning; also performed a vinegar rinse.  Length will be down all day.  

Other:  Some secrets to my walking success:  I walk as soon as possible after arriving home each evening from the office, and I do not skip weekends.  When I tried to implement walking routines in the past, I did not have a set time.  It was "after supper" or "when I have time".  Now I walk around 4:30 every day.  --And I do mean every day...in the past, I would take the weekends off.  WRONG!  Why do that?  Walking is a great, gentle exercise that can, and should, be done every single day.  

When I started, it took me 23 minutes to walk one mile--that was last Friday, the 18th.  Just yesterday I walked a mile in 20 minutes, so I'm already cutting time off of my routine.  But that's not my goal.  I'm not necessarily going for a longer distance, but a longer TIME.  I should be walking for at least 30 minutes a day (which in turn will take me a farther distance) while gradually increasing my time on the treadmill.  Therefore beginning with today's walk, I will focus on "treading" for 30 minutes.   :)

Tuesday 29 January 2008
Hair:  No-wash day; hair is up in a high ponytail.  BSL seems perfect for high ponytails.  Waist length?  Not so much.  Still doing night braids.  

Other:  Keeping up with the walking routine.   :)  I've decided I want to try living caffeine free.  I already limit caffeine intake to 1pm or before.  Why not simply give it all up?  I also began today drinking water, lots and lots of water.  I read that we should drink half our weight in water every day.  Wow.   :o  I certainly haven't been doing that...I don't even drink the expert-recommended 8 8-oz glasses of water daily.  Starting today, though, I will do my best.  Walk for at least 30 minutes, no caffeine, drink plenty of water, eat healthy.  Sounds like a plan.   8-)  

Uh oh...curious about the goth subculture and now she's turning straight edge. Perhaps I should watch what I put in my hair journal! LOL  ;D
   But really, being physically active makes you more aware of all of the bad things that you're doing to your body. Caffeine, junk food, fast food, etc. It's only natural to readjust.
   Personally, I avoid caffeine wherever possible, so if you need any tips or whatever, just ask.  ;)

However...

Quote:

I read that we should drink half our weight in water every day.

Sacre bleu! Something tells me that this little statistic is slightly off. Granted, water is one of the heaviest substances on earth, but I doubt that a 700 lb. person could put away 350 lbs. of water in a day. That's almost 9 5-gallon bottles!!
   Just stick to the recommended 64-80 oz. a day and you'll be fine. If you're active, you might need more, but most people have trouble getting just that much. And try to drink the highest quality water possible. Home filters really don't cut it.
   This is also something that I know a little bit about because my dad has been a water man for over 30 years.

All the best in getting yourself healthy.  :)

Thanks sistah!   ;)

Wednesday 30 January 2008
Hair:  Washed/conditioned today; no vinegar rinse.  Wearing hair down.

Other:  Last night I walked for 30 minutes on the treadmill, focusing on time instead of distance.  Haven't had any caffeine since yesterday morning.  So far I feel fine, although I just took 2 aspirins as a just-in-case.  And yeah, drinking the equivalent of half of one's weight in water sounds a bit extreme to me, too.  

It's pretty cold here this morning, 19 degrees, and our high temperature is only supposed to reach 36.   :o  

Oh, and Angel...I've been what you call straight edge most of my life.   :)  I gave up alcohol a long time ago, don't smoke cigarettes, don't do drugs.  Some folks might call that boring, but I just call it healthy common sense.   8-)

Not boring!!!  Definately good common sense!  

Quote:

Oh, and Angel...I've been what you call straight edge most of my life.  :)   I gave up alcohol a long time ago, don't smoke cigarettes, don't do drugs.  Some folks might call that boring, but I just call it healthy common sense.  8-)

http://www.smilieshq.com/smilies/love0030.gif

And just for the record, 5 gallons of water weighs about 40 lbs. I don't think I even need to tell you that no one can or should drink that much water in a day. Especially an 80 lb. person. That amount of water could kill you.
   A half gallon per day is recommended.

Thursday 31 January 2008
Hair:  It's a no-wash day; hair is up in a high ponytail.  

Other:  I came in late to the office this morning so I could help hubby get some firewood to the house from the field.  It's about a quarter of a mile walk (one way) from the house to the spot where he's been cutting wood.  And of course the wood is down a hill (it always seems to be down a hill, I don't know why!).  So my job, as the carrier, is to carry the cut wood up the hill to the waiting trailer.  Down the hill, up the hill, down the hill, up the hill.  Whew...it's a pretty good workout, let me tell you.  Anyway, that chore didn't take as long as I thought it would, so I was at the office by a little after 9:00.  Now it's around 11:30 and we're in the middle of a pretty good snow storm.   :o  I feel some vacation time coming on.   ;D

Monday 4 February 2008
Hair:  For the past week or so I've been washing/conditioning every other day.  I simply prefer the look of clean hair these days.  *shrug*  I forgot to ask hubby to measure my length for the new month.  I have no idea what my new official measurement is since The Trim.   :)  

Other:  Well, our snow is almost completely gone now, melted away from the onslaught on warm temps.  It was pretty, though, while it lasted.  
Day 6 of decaf Trisha.   :)  No headaches, no adverse side effects.  I must not have been as addicted as I thought.  I didn't even feel drowsy.  
I did not use my treadmill this weekend and won't even try to offer excuses.  I'll simply get back on my routine this evening.  Hmm, I wonder if the weather is nice enough for me to walk outside tonight?!   :-?  
Hubby may be gone to a lodge meeting in a neighboring town when I get home this evening.  He said he would let me know for sure if he was going to attend, but I haven't heard from him yet.  Maybe that means he decided to stay home.  I guess I'll find out in a little while!   :)

Everyone strays from their workout routine from time to time.  As long as you eventually get back to it you're doing fine! ;)

Friday 8 February 2008
Hair:  No wash day...why has my hair been super greasy on my no-wash days of late??  Is it the dryness of winter that's increasing scalp production of natural oil?   >:(  Grr...

Other:  Tomorrow I'm scheduled to help with a MOCHIP program (Missouri Child Identification).  To be honest, I'm simply dreading it.  So why am I going?  Because hubby asked me a month ago if I would mind helping--his Masonic lodge is one of the co-sponsors and they usually don't have enough active members who volunteer to help.  And like an idiot I said yes.  I truly don't enjoy being in the middle of big crowds of people (think of a less paranoid version of Monk).  But it's too late to bow out now.  So I'll just plaster on my academy award winning smile and get through it.   :-/  Maybe it won't be as bad as I think... *fingers crossed*

Monday 11 February 2008
Hair:I wish I was imagining things, but I simply don't believe that to be the case...I'm definitely getting thinner on top.  I mean it's not that I have a big, gaping bare patch on top of my head.  But my hair did come back in thinner post-chemo in 2003.  And there's not a lot I can do about that.  So at some point short hair may be a necessity.  

Other:

Quote:

Posted by: Trisha Posted on: Feb 8th, 2008, 11:04am Other:  Tomorrow I'm scheduled to help with a MOCHIP program (Missouri Child Identification)...Maybe it won't be as bad as I think... *fingers crossed*

Yeah, too bad I was right, and it WAS as bad as I thought it would be......from 10-3 on Saturday we documented 128 children.  I was one of 6 volunteers typing in four screens of information and taking three digital photos for each child.  We didn't get trained on how to use the software until about 10 minutes before starting time.   >:(  I wanted to hurt somebody (namely the trainers).  There were already parents lined up with their children by then, so we basically had to learn by jumping into the fire.  Hubby was at the other end of the car dealership showroom (where the event was held), popping corn and swirling cotton candy.  The first 10 minutes or so were tremendously overwhelming, and I felt like running away--literally running the heck out of there.  But then I told myself to calm down and just focus on the typing, getting that information into the database and taking the photos.  After a few more minutes I found a rhythm and I was all right.  By the 3pm cutoff hour I felt like an old pro.  Would I do it again?  Mmmmm, I honestly don't know.  It's a good cause and I'm glad I participated.  But I don't know if I want to put myself through that again.  I'm leaning toward "yes" though.   ::)

Well, our weather is acting up again, like a petulent child throwing a tantrum.  We're under another winter weather advisory, this time ice is expected to pummel us.  It's 10:15 as I'm typing this, and the area schools are shutting down in anticipation of this storm.  So if the ice storm cometh, then Yours Truly will make a beeline home.  

What a shame the program organizers couldn't have planned a bit better for the people doing the data entry.  It sounds like a wonderful program, but, yikes  :o, I would not want to sit down to unfamiliar software and have to do that kind of data entry without some training!  But now that you are a "pro", you could help train people the next time!   ;)  I'm sure the parents of the kids you logged in feel better about what they have done, and you should feel good about helping them.  Give yourself a pat on the back and a piece of chocolate for your efforts.

Quote:

So at some point short hair may be a necessity.

http://www.smilieshq.com/smilies/sad0002.gif Oh Trish, I'm so sorry! I hope that the thinning won't be as bad as it seems right now.

But if it is, and worse comes to worse, I'll carry your torch as well as my own and keep on growing for both of us. Then you'll be one more reason to always keep my hair long. *hugs*

Although it may have been a bit sucky at first, at least it got better and you've helped alot of people.  Next time it'll be easy as pie. ;)

I'd hate for you to have to cut your hair after all of your work getting it long.  Maybe a medicated shampoo can help with the thinning.

Monday 18 February 2008

Hair:  Right now I'm about 70% in favor of cutting my hair.  The thinning may be caused by a combination of things...menopause, age, heredity, self-inflicted (ponytails/buns/braids)--who knows.  But never fear, kiddies...if I do cut off my long locks, I will NOT disappear from this site.  I will continue my journal and will still have input on products and whatnot.   :)  I have to say, though, that I'm really okay with the idea of cutting my length.  I mean, after all, it is just hair.  *shrug*  Who knows?  Maybe if I cut it short(er) my hair will start thickening up again.  

And thank you, Angel sweetie, for your offer to carry my torch.  I would like that very much.   :-*  

Other:  Last week was horrible.  This is the first day I've been back to work since last Monday.  An horrific ice storm hit our area Monday mid-morning, taking out power and bringing down trees.  Altogether I believe we received 3-4 inches of ice.  Our power went off around midnight on Monday and wasn't restored until Thursday afternoon at 2:30.  Luckily, we had plenty of wood to burn in the old heating stove, keeping us toasty.  We also have a gas stove which provided us with hot meals.  Our only concern was water, and a trip to town (finally, 2 days after the storm hit) cured that.  That's the longest I've ever been without power and, even though I know how to survive, it was not a pleasant situation.  We have a battery powered radio that we played throughout most of the daylight hours, and we had some reading material.  We lost several trees but none of them hit the house.  At least we'll have plenty of firewood for next winter!!  It'll take us months to clean up all of the debris.  

Wow, you've had some week. :o  That's a long time to be without power, I have no idea what I would do in that situation.  It's good to know that you got through it okay. :)  

And regardless what you decide to do with your hair, I'm happy you won't be leaving us. We'd miss you too much! (((hugs)))

Quote:

And thank you, Angel sweetie, for your offer to carry my torch.  I would like that very much.  :-*

No problem, Trish! Guess I'd better step it up and stop wussing out if I'm gonna be growing for 2.  ;)

And jeeez, that is some ice storm! We don't even get 3-4 inches of rain where I live, let alone ice! But I do know what it's like to go for days without power. The last time was during the Cedar Fire of 2003. There was pretty much nothing else to do during the day besides read and sleep. We were encouraged to stay indoors because the air outside wasn't safe to breathe. But we went out to eat and used flashlights and candles for light.
   One evening, I played Cranium with my sister & her bf at the time and the 3 of us were laughing our butts off - it was too fun. And another night, my dad pulled out one of his guitars and played and sang for us. Sometimes we sang along. It's funny how some really cool moments can come out of sucky situations.  ;)

Tuesday 19 February 2008

Hair:  Over the weekend I was talking to my mother in law about my hair, asking where she gets her hair cut and whatnot.  She reminded me that hair goes through a 5 year cycle.  Basically, what with normal shedding and regrowth, we get a new head of hair about every 5 years.  I was pondering this during my drive home from work yesterday, thinking about how everything we do, physically and mentally, affects our hair.  Five years ago puts me back to 2003; I began to make a mental list of things that have happened to me during that time period.  Oy vey...

--hubby & I started a small business,
--I was diagnosed with cancer,
--the small business failed,
--we began bankruptcy proceedings,
--I had 3 surgeries in the span of 1 month,
--hubby hurt his back,
--hubby lost his job,
--I went through 6 chemo treatments,
--finalized bankruptcy (after 3 years of fearing that we would lose the farm),
--stepson lived with us for a while,
--brother in law moved in with us (still w/us),
--daughter moved to a different state,
--hubby had 2 surgeries on his spinal disks...

And those are just the ones that come easily to mind; I'm sure I'm forgetting some events.  Good grief!  I mean...hello!  Little bit of stress there, no?!   ::)  I can't say for certain that stress alone is the cause of my thinning hair problem.  But it could definitely be a major factor.  

So maybe my hair simply needs a rest...the shorter the strands, the less tugging and pulling will happen when combing/brushing.  Yes, I've decided to cut my hair.  And honestly, I can't wait.  I feel good about this decision, which is why I know it's the absolute right thing for me to do at this point in time.   :)
Here's an example of the cut I'm leaning towards:
http://www.hairdos.com/interior.cfm?section=viewStyle&sid=1369&startRow=1

Oooh, that's pretty Trisha!!!  It's not long but it isn't super short either.  For some reason I was thinking you were getting a pixie cut or something. ::)

Yeah, that much stress can really show in your hair.  Perhaps you can start fresh with the shorter do and who knows...the next five years could be full of absolutely fabulous growth! ;)

Wednesday 20 February 2008

Hair:  I have scheduled the appointment for the losing of the hair tomorrow morning (Thursday) at 10:00.  The problem?  The weather forecast.  Sometime tonight or early tomorrow morning we're due for more friggin' ICE.   >:(  Oh c'mon!!  I'm hoping beyond hope that the weather people are wrong on this one.  

Other:  Our secretary has been out sick the past two days and I'm filling in as receptionist.   :)  That means answering the phone and lots of internet surfing.  

Quote:

That means answering the phone and lots of internet surfing.

Story of my life.  ;)

I think about you, Angel, every time I have to sit out front!   ;D

Monday 25 February 2008
Hair:  Is still long--we got slammed with yet another ice storm last Wednesday night, although not nearly as terrible as the first one.  It prevented me from making it to work on Thursday or Friday, and I could not make it to my hair appointment.  Some folks might think that an omen, or divine intervention.  *shrug*  To me it's simply another harsh stroke of mother nature's paintbrush.  
I've switched back to TreSemme.  I'm...how can I put this?  Well, I had a thought over the weekend, about the Pantene products I've been using for, what?  --8 or 9 months at least.  A few years back, Pantene was rumored to have a bad reputation of being one of the harshest product lines in the business, even to the point of causing hair loss.  They were supposed to have reformulated their recipe into "safe" mode.  But what if...?  What if my recent thinning hair isn't genetic in nature, but product-related?   :(  I have new hair growth around my temples and forehead.  So it's not that my body isn't generating any new hair--it is.  *shrug*  Just to be sure, I've put away my Pantene for now, and have returned to TreSemme s+c.  This "experiment may take a year or more to play out, but I want to be sure.   :-?

Other:  Quite a bit of the snow and ice have now melted, and if today's high temperature reaches its predicted 47 degree mark then a lot more will go bye-bye.  God, I hate winter.   >:(  
It's been sort of hit and miss with my walking program, but I am determined not to give up.   ;)  I've added oatmeal to my diet, Quaker Oats Weight Control, even though oats are pretty high in carbs.  The benefits outweigh the negatives, in this case.  
I'm not too busy at work today.  I thought I'd have a lot of requests waiting in my email, but (luckily) I was wrong.  Fine by me.   :)

Quote:

I think about you, Angel, every time I have to sit out front!  ;D

*blush*  ;)

The myth about Pantene being harsh is just that. A myth. The formulas have been revamped several times during the company's lifetime, with new ones being added. I have never known it to cause hairloss. In all honesty, I think that rumor was generated by the salon industry so people would pay more for their products. Pantene just happens to be their biggest drugstore brand competition.

The harshest shampoo on the market is Suave Naturals. It's very high in ammonia.  :P

But ya know what? If TRESemmé works best for ya, I say stick with it! I wish it worked for me because I like the way it smells. The leave-in spray conditioner used to remind me of old fashioned roses!  :D  A lot of their products are oil-free, which is important to me and it's all so much less expensive than my Pantene. But alas...I guess I'll have to live out my TRESemmé experiences vicariously.  ;)

Best of luck with the new 'do when you get it!

Quote:

Posted by: Angel Spun In all honesty, I think that rumor was generated by the salon industry so people would pay more for their products.

You know, I wouldn't doubt that one bit!!  

Wednesday 27 February 2008

Hair:  Today was wash day and I realized that this will be the last time I shampoo and condition my long hair.   :-/  Ugh.  I'm starting to feel a bit sad over having to cut my hair (tomorrow).  There will be a lot of "lasts" today; the last time I wash my long hair, the last time I have to comb it out, etc.  *sigh*  Wow.  I really didn't think it would hit me this hard.  But my long hair project has been a huge part of my life for the past three years.  And you know what?  It IS a big deal to lose that.  I'm not saying I'll never have longer hair again.  Maybe if my scalp rests from the stress and the physical torment, then my hair will regain some of its thickness.  We'll have to wait and see.  

*hugzzz, Mom*

I know how you feel.  :(
In early 2000, my waist length hair was cut to shoulder length after a dreadful coloring accident, and eventually was cut back to 6" all over.  :o  It was a heck of a blow, but back then, I didn't put so much effort into haircare so it wasn't so much of a wasted investment.

Last year, I cut a lock of my hair and sent it to the boy I loved. That time, I felt faint and ill for losing just one lock because by then, I had invested a lot of time/money/effort in caring for my hair, so I felt the loss more strongly.

Your hair has been through so much with you. You've spent so much time on it and grown so attached to it that losing it must seem almost like losing a good friend. I don't know that anything I could say would be any sort of consolation, but I do know how you feel. You have all my sympathies.

Thursday 28 February 2008
CUT DAY

*hugs*  Thank you, sweetheart.   :-*  Your caring words mean a lot to me.  
Last night I peered several times into the mirror, hoping by some miracle that my hair would magically appear thicker and that I could cancel today's appointment.  No such magic happening.  

But it's all right, really.  Change is often good for us, even though we may not think so at the time.  And I keep reminding myself of my own mantra:  it's only hair.   8-)  I'm also reminded of what my husband says when I question him about the length and style of my hair.  He says, "Look, I loved you when you were bald from chemo--I don't care how you have your hair done; I'm just thankful that you're alive and here with me now."  And everybody said Awwww...!   ::)

I'm tempted to save whatever gets cut off...should I?   :-/  I guess I'll know when the moment arrives.  *sigh*  It's only hair, it's only hair, it's only hair.  

Good Luck, Trisha! (((Hugs)))

Thanks babe!   :-*

CUT DAY PART DEUX

Oh my goodness  

I love, love, LOVE this new cut!   :)  And I love, love, love my new stylist!  She's a very gentle woman, which is important when we're talking about hair.  She shampooed me (she has great hands), then I showed her the photos I brought with me (stylists love examples).  She was very open to questions, easygoing, not too chatty (which I like), but not standoffish either.  

Before she began cutting, another woman, some sort of product salesperson, asked me, "Are you going to donate your hair?"  My new stylist chimed in, "Yeah, I was just thinking it's probably long enough, if you want to do that."  I explained to them that Locks of Love isn't a true non-profit organization.  The other woman told us that Pantene is having its own hair donation event.  I'll be checking into that.  So yes, I do have my cut-off hair.   :)  It's rubberbanded and drying in my car as I type.  

The first snip was a little harrowing; a brief moment of "oh my god, what am I doing?".  But I took a breath and everything was all right.  The lady worked her magic, and it's wonderful.  She's been a stylist for 33 years she said, which I find comforting.  On, and I asked her about Pantene products.  She says they're fine.   8-)  Some of her customers have been Pantene users for years with no damage.  Not that I would ever doubt Angel's word   ::)  but I'm convinced.  So I figure I'll switch back and forth between Pantene and TreSemme.  

My hair actually BOUNCES when I walk!   ;D  It's a sweet but strange feeling.  So my hair is now officially shoulder length, and I even have enough left to make a small, small ponytail.   ;)  All in all this cut was definitely the right decision.

Quote:

Not that I would ever doubt Angel's word  ::)

hehe  ;)

Glad you like the new cut, Trish! When do we get pix?

I'm so glad you like your new cut.  It's still only hair  ;)

Edited to correct errors-I don't type well with a migraine!

I'm so happy for you that you like your new do!  Pictures would be nice!

I'm glad you like your cut... and it bounces!  Bouncy hair is so much fun!:D

So glad you like the new cut,Trish! :)  I'll be waiting with everyone else to see the pics!!  No pressure though!

Monday 3 March 2008

Hair:  So...the shorter cut has cured the thin-looking area on my scalp.  I know that hair weighs only ounces but, for me, waist length hair was heavy enough to cause thin looking scalp.  Now, do you want to hear something funny?  I was lying in bed last night, waiting to fall asleep, thinking about nothing in particular.  Suddenly I realized that I was trying to decide how long I can let my hair grow before the thinness reappears!  I was (am?) thinking of growing out my length to mid-shoulder blade area (a couple of inches above BSL)!!   ::)  I can't help myself.   ;D  The new cut is all right, but not perfect.  The wind was pretty fierce over the weekend, blowing my hair every which way.   :(  And I don't care which style I initially have it cut to match, my "do" ends up always looking the same, because I'm pretty lame at fixing it...if I want it to look like it did on cut day, then I have to mousse it up, use a blow fryer and a round brush, and then spray it.   :o  I'm sorry; that's just not me.  I don't mind the mousse too much.  But the rest of it?  Oy vey.  So yeah, I'm already thinking of letting my hair grow out, at least another 2-3 inches.   8-)  What can I say?  I'm just a long hair at heart!   :)

Sorry I missed this post. :-*  I am happy you like your new cute and yeah it will grow again! 8-)  

This is what I'm going to do with my ponytail, assuming that it measures at least 8 inches (I think it does).
http://beautifullengths.com/en_US/makethecut.jsp

That's so thoughtful of you to donate your hair. I'm sure it will make a difference in someone's life.  :)

hehe Right on, Trisha.  ;)

Tuesday 4 March 2008

Hair:  I'm definite about regrowing my hair; this short stuff will drive me crazy (crazier?)!   :D  So!  A-growing we will go!   8-)  I must say, it feels good to be starting over again.  I guess a lot of people would lament all of that hair gone.  But as I mentioned, it will be put to good use.  I measured my cut-off ponytail last night, and it measures 10 inches.  All I have to do is purchase a padded envelope and send it to the folks at Pantene.  

Other:  I'm ensconced at home again today, due to more nasty weather--freezing rain, sleet, and snow arrived overnight and is continuing throughout the day.  Cape Girardeau even made the national news for our bad weather!   ;D  Now, tomorrow our high temp should be around 50--crazy weather.  HURRY UP SPRING!!   ;)

Good for you, Trisha!  Are you doing scalp massages to encourage growth?  I think they really help.

Sakina:No, I must admit that I don't perform regular scalp massages...sounds wonderfully relaxing though!  Is there a special technique I should learn, or just get my fingertips on there and gently rub all over?  

Wednesday 5 March 2008

Hair: Today is the best my hair has looked since The Cut.  I washed and conditioned with Pantene Brunette Expressions, and lightly towel dried.  Then, bending over with hair hanging down, I applied mousse from the bottom up.  In other words, the underside of my hair got moussed first, and then the top of my hair.  I allowed hair to air dry until I arrived at the office, where I brushed it out (lightly, of course).  So hair is down and hanging over my ears; I usually tuck the sides behind my ears, but not today.  There's a lot of work involved in making short hair look good.  I don't know how people can claim that short hair is easier than long hair.  Unless it's a butch cut and then, yeah--wash and go!  LONG HAIR IS SO MUCH EASIER THAN SHORT HAIR.   ::)

Wow, Trisha!  I just did a little catching up with your journal, I missed so much in the last few months!  First of all, kudos to making it to waist length, what an accomplishment.....and my dream!  Secondly, how brave and admirable to know when a cut is needed, certainly not an easy decision.  It sounds kind of fun & new though, and now you have a fresh start to your new hair journey.  Your hair grows so fast that you'll be exactly where you wish to be in no time!   :)

I hear you on the whole weather issue, we too have been pummeled nearly non-stop with snow, ice, sleet and freezing rain, it's getting ridiculous!  I read a few pages back about you losing power for 3 or so days, that's no fun.  That happened to us here over Christmas a few years ago.  It was a major ice storm that hit on Christmas eve, it took our power out for 4 days, it was horrible!  We had no auxiliary power, water or heat, so we froze for the first two days until a friend of ours got his power restored and loaned us his generator and propane heater.  We, too, had trees down all over the place, but we were lucky as well that none hit our house.

So, I'm with you on wishing for the spring!

You know, from time to time I think about starting fresh with my hair too...

Best of luck on your brand new journey, Trisha!

Aww, thanks Maggie.  I'm so happy you're back!   :)

Our department secretary just overhead me telling a male coworker that I am planning on regrowing my hair.  I said, "This short stuff is driving me crazy."  She chimed in, "Your hair's not short now!"  (--Technically she's right; it's at the tops of my shoulders)  And I replied, "Well, THIS is short to me!"   ;D

Trisha, when I do scalp massage I use a little oil.  Mostly I use Sweet Success oil, it's got lots of essential oils to stimulate hair growth.  Sometimes I use sesame oil, avocado oil or EuroOil from Morroccan Method.  Honestly, I'm trying to use up the Euro Oil and will not buy it again.  Too greasy.

Thursday 6 March 2008

Hair:  
Thanks for the massage tips, Sakina; I'll start treating my scalp to those right away!   :)  

Oh, and Angel, my love?  I realease you from this vow, dearheart.  

Quote:

But if it is, and worse comes to worse, I'll carry your torch as well as my own and keep on growing for both of us. Then you'll be one more reason to always keep my hair long. *hugs*

I truly appreciate the gesture.  But since I am regrowing my own locks, you don't need to shoulder that responsibility.   :-*

No-wash day; I need to do a vinegar rinse soon.  Hair seems to get greasier more quickly now that it's shorter.  The next time I wash (tomorrow?) I am not going to use mousse, as I have been.  I'm just going to comb into place and let it air dry.  Since The Cut, I've only used the blow-fryer once and it hurt my sensibilities to do so...after 3 years of no products and air drying.  Ugh.  But that's okay, because I am once again on my way.   8-)  

Other:  Where my weight is concerned I've been bad.   :(  In a year's time I've gained back 10 pounds, putting me at 166 1/2.  WTF??   :P  I have not been as dilligent as I should have in my low carb eating, and I was not exercising.  But now I am back on track and more determined than ever to lose weight.  Success will be mine, oh yes!   ;)

Our weather forecast is once again rather ominous...this time snow.  The white flaky stuff should start coming down sometime tonight and continue for who-knows-how-long tomorrow.  This will probably mean yet another vacation day for Yours Truly.  

Quote:

I truly appreciate the gesture.  But since I am regrowing my own locks, you don't need to shoulder that responsibility.  :-*

No problem, Trisha.  :-*  I'm stoked that you've decided to grow again! And you know you may rely on me if ever you change your mind.

Ok, for a completely non-hair-related question: Do "snow days" work like paid holidays? As in, do employees still get paid for that day if the weather prevents them from making it into work or do they all just not get paid that day? Pardon my naïveté. I know this probably sounds like the stupidest question ever to you, but I know absolutely zilch about heavy snow. Pretty obvious, eh?  :-?

Hmm. I don't think so. I couldn't get out the driveway this morning because of all that snow...

Monday 10 March 2008
Hair:  Did a vinegar rinse on Friday and, goodness, my hair felt super soft afterwards.  I may start doing those 2 or 3 times a week instead of just once.  I have to say that cutting off most of my hair could have been the best decision I've made in a while.  I had been feeling a bit apathetic about my hair, and the worst part was when it began looking thinner on top.  But now, I'm stoked!  (Stole your adjective, Angel!) Super excited about growing it out longer again!   :D  My biggest decision now is whether or not to get regular trims.  The first time I started growing, three years ago, I never stepped foot inside a salon, and that time I had many more layers than I do now.  So my inclination is to again avoid trims and simply let it do its thang.   8-)

Other:  I'm typing this sans eye specs (y'all probably don't know that I wear glasses, huh?  Well, I do).  I was wiping off the lenses when the right one popped out of my frames.  GACK!!   :o  This is not the first time it's happened, but it IS the first time it's happend at work.  Now, being the organizational freak that I am, and having worn eye glasses since 7th grade, you would think that I would carry with me one of those little eye glass repair kits that includes the teeny-tiny screwdriver...um, no.   :(  We have one at home, of course, but I wasn't able to reach hubby.  *shrug*  Oh well.  I'm doing all right without them, as long as I get my eyes back before I have to drive home at the end of the day!   ;D  Life out our way, folks...   8-)

Now, as to Angel's snow day question.  When the University shuts down due to inclement weather (which is a rarity), then everybody gets a paid day off.  I'm lucky enough to have tons of vacation days saved up, and a sensational boss, so that if I don't feel safe trying to mush my way through the ice and snow, then I simply call in and mark it as vacation.  --And no, it wasn't a stupid question.   :)

Weighty Matters:  Witty, no?   ::)  Anyway, starting on Friday, I reformatted my eating habits and got serious about my walking routine.  And the water--I'm doing brilliant on getting my RDA of water!   :)  Now last Wednesday I weighed 165 1/2.  This morning I weigh 164.   8-)  Fine tuning what I'm shoving into my mouth is important; but I think the water and the exercise is just as important.  I took a walk this morning, once I arrived on campus, for about 25-30 minutes, and will also walk 30 minutes this evening on the treadmill.  I don't aspire to be in the skinny-mini category; that isn't in my genetic makeup.  But I do want to fit inside the ideal category for my height and body mass index, etc.  

What a relief to hear someone else say they want to fit into their BMI category for their body frame!!  You go Trisha!

Quote:

But now, I'm stoked!  (Stole your adjective, Angel!)

Sweet.  ;)

Congrats on the health & hair advances you've made. Personally, I would recommend getting regular trims while you're attempting to grow. Fresh ends count for a lot.

And thanx for the info about snow days. That's pretty cool.  :)

Tuesday 11 March 2008
Hair:  Washed today, even though it should have been a skip day.  But shorter hair gets oily quicker than long.   :P  Still using the Pantene, and have stopped using mousse.  But now I have this practically new can of mousse that's gathering dust on my bathroom shelf.   >:(  I'll see if the student worker wants it, when she returns from Spring Break.  Or maybe my daughter will take it the next time she visits.  Still haven't totally decided what to do about trims.  I can understand how 2 or 3 trims per year, for longer hair, would be beneficial.  But not every 6 weeks as designed for shorter hair...I had already made a trim appointment in early April, but will probably cancel.  Eh, I don't know.  To quote Scarlet O'Hara, I'll think about that tomorrow.   ::)

Other:  Spring is definitely nearing!  The birds are singing like they know a secret, temperatures this week should hang around the low 60s (JOY!), and everybody seems happier.  Officially, there are only 9 more calendar days to the Spring season.  Can't wait!

Weighty Matters:  Lost half a pound and am now down to 163 1/2.  I'm drinking plenty of water; I'm using a 52 ounce mug and filling it at least 3 times a day (usually 4 or 5).  And I'm finding that when my body is appropriately hydrated I don't get as hungry.  Hunger can be a sign of dehydration, kiddies, so drink your water!   [smiley=thumbsup.gif]  Today I plan on walking 30 minues over the lunch hour, and then another 30 on the treadmill this afternoon when I get home.  It feels good to be back on track again.   8-)

Yay for the 1/2 pound weight loss!!  Mos likely if was fat that you dropped and not muscle.  You go girl!!!!!

I'm sure you'll figure out how to go about trimming as you go along. ;)

I like the idea of breaking up the walking 30 minutes out and 30 in.  Now that the weather is getting nicer that's a great idea.  I'm going to do that as well. :D

Thursday 13 March 2008
Hair:  I made this a no-wash day, and pinned up my hair as best as I could.  The length is tucked into a small jaw clip, and the layered sides are being held in place with snap clips.  

Weighty Matters:  Down a pound this morning, at 162 1/2.  I walked at noon yesterday for 30 minutes, and when I got home did some raking in the yard (so I didn't walk on the treadmill).  I took a 30-minute walk this morning because I'm afraid we'll have rain by noon.  The weather this week has been simply gorgeous, and this morning was no exception.   :)  Birds singing, everything is greening up, and the sky was so blue that I wanted to jump into it!!   ;D   Unless it's raining, I'll probably do some more raking when I get home this afternoon.  --All part of the cleanup effort from the big ice storms.  Lots of limbs down in the yard that are too big for the lawn mower to go over.  And when I say "yard", I mean 2-3 ACRES.  Definitely an ongoing project!   ;D

Friday 14 March 2008
Hair:  Washed and conditioned this morning with Pantene products.  Time for another vinegar rinse this weekend.  

Weighty Matters:  Up 1/2 pound this morning.  I'm not freaking out about it though.  Probably a poor food choice on my part...I'm thinking either the cheese (which I had not eaten all week), or the stupid sugar  >:(  in the Oscar Meyer Turkey Cotto Salami that I discovered AFTER eating it.  There are 0 carbs listed in the nurtritional data, but hmmm, what do you know?  --In the ingredient list, there's sugar.  Yes, it's down toward the end of the ingredients, but still...GRR.  *deep breath*  But that's all right.  Now I know.   :(   This is why I no longer eat a lot of processed meats.
I have a fantabulous recipe for flax meal muffins that I found somewhere online (where??), but haven't made in a while.  Hopefully tonight I'll have time to whip up a batch of those.

;) Care to share the recipe????

Trisha, Trisha, Trisha. Do NOT freak out about half a freaking pound.
Weight naturally fluctuates, so you're going to see many ups and downs even as you're trying to lose weight. That's normal. So long as the numbers are generally going down over a long period of time, you're fine. Remind yourself that whatever numbers you see on the scale is just your weight for that particular time on that particular day. Don't give it anymore thought than that. *hugz*

Monday 17 March 2008
Hair:Washed/conditioned this morning, and did a vinegar rinse over the weekend.  I can't wait to measure in April because, I swear, my hair looks (to me) like it's already grown at least half an inch...

Weighty Matters:  Thank you, Angel.   8-)  *hugs*
Scale this morning puts me at 162 1/2.   :)  I missed my 30-minute walk yesterday because...well, I'll tell you why in just a minute.  Still, that's a 3 pound loss in, what?  --A week.  A respectable loss, I think.   ::)  

Life:  *sigh*  I dread even typing these next words.  
The stepson is moving back in with us.   [smiley=sad.gif]  He got sacked at work (either fired or laid off, we don't know which), has no money saved up, and has only about thirty dollars to his name right now.  Of course he cannot afford to renew the lease on his apartment, so who does he run to?  Good ol' Mom and Dad.  Good or bad, my hubby said it was my decision, and I told hubby that stepson is my child, too, and what I would do for one, I pretty much have to do for the other.  Stepson came over yesterday afternoon so that we could outline the rules of his return; in lieu of rent he will do chores (lots and lots of chores), no visitors after 9pm, no alcohol or drugs, etc.  He has agreed to our list, and should be moved in by Wednesday night.  I told hubby this morning, though, that if stepson makes life too stressful then he will HAVE to leave.  I'm not going to have him causing hubby's blood pressure to rise or have either of us feeling as if we don't want to spend time in our own home.  I will kick his a** out in a heartbeat.   >:(  

All right, enough of the downer.   :)  
Curlgirl, here's the link to the flax muffin  recipe that I make.  I think they're really yummy.
http://www.genaw.com/lowcarb/flaxmeal_cinnamon_muffins.html

Thanks,hon!  I'm going to modify it to make it vegan.
Good luck with the stepson issue!  I'm in the same boat with C's son,but he's good for nothing,can't and won't hold a job!  At 20 he's more like 2!!! >:( ::)

No prob, Trish.  ;)

It really is a shame that parents don't take a more active role in shaping their kids' lives. It's sad to see deadbeats that are my age and knowing that it could have been prevented if someone had paid more attention to their children rather than themselves. But it happens all the time anyway.

Tuesday 18 March 2008
Hair:  No news.   :)

Weighty Matters:  Been doing really well with the food and, despite not getting to walk for the past 2 days, am down another 1/2 pound to 162.  

Other:  One of our cats died sometime yesterday, late afternoon.   :(  Well, I say he was one of ours...we claimed him anyway.  Actually, HE adopted US.   :)  Bobby, as we called him, was a stray and very wild at first.  But hubby had domesticated him to the point where he would flop over for hubby to rub his tummy.  We're not sure what caused his death, but I suspect either heart worms or some sort of poisoning or other disease.  Of course we never knew how old he was, so age could also be a factor.  In any case, he was a good cat and we shall miss him, hubby most of all.  

Stepson has not yet moved his stuff to the farm.  His lease is up as of tomorrow (Wednesday) and, as usual, I'm sure he will wait until the very last moment to move.  And yes, had his mother been a normal, mentally stable individual, she would have raised him right.  WAY too late for that now, though, so the rest of us are left to work with the fallout.  

Ah well...one day at a time, eh?

(((hugs))) I am sorry to hear about Bobby :'(

Trisha, I'm so sorry to hear of your loss.  :'(

Sorry to hear about your cat, Trisha. :(  

It's always so odd to me when adults (children) move back home.  When I left home at 19 I was gone for good.  There was even a short time when I was out of work and of course wouldn't have been able to pay rent without an income, so I busted my butt and found a new job.  Going back home never entered my head. :-?  Anyway, I hope all goes well with stepson. ;)

Sorry about Bobby, Trish.  :(

My family has a cat like that who decided to move in after my mother started feeding him. But I can promise you that he's nowhere near as pleasant as Bobby was. Lord rest him.

I'm sorry for your loss,Trish.  It was wonderful that he had you and hubby.

Wednesday 19 March 2008
Thanks, friends, for the condolences.   :)  

Hair:  Ever since Sakina suggested it, I've been giving myself scalp massages almost every evening.  Haven't been using any type of oil, just get my fingers in there and massage really well.  I don't know if it's helping, but it sure feels good!   ;D

Weighty Matters:  Doing well.  Finding it amazingly easy to drink plenty of water, in fact I almost crave it now.  My daily nutrition consists mainly of "real" food, plain ol' meat and veggies, with very little artificial sweetners or sugar-free candy.  I make sure to have a morning and afternoon snack but, again, they are "real" foods (hard boiled eggs, flax muffin, low-sugar PB on celery).  I'm keeping up with my walking schedule, aside from the odd day here and there.  I feel so much better when I walk!  --And when my body is properly hydrated!

Other:  We were deluged with rain yesterday, and it's continuing today.   :(
www.semissourian.com
As of this morning, we had received 13 inches.  I haven't heard an official figure since then.  Sheesh!  

Quote:

I feel so much better when I walk!  --And when my body is properly hydrated!

Amen to that!

And holy cats, 13 inches in 1 day?!?!?! We don't get that much in 3 years!  :o

Thursday 20 March 2008
Hair:  I made this a no-wash day, pinning up/back my sides and putting the length into a small ponytail.   :)

Other:  The rain finally stopped yesterday around 3:00pm, thank goodness!!   :P  A lot of towns in the surrounding areas are still under water and evacuated.  I feel so badly for those folks--what a mess they'll have to clean up.  Ugh.  

In light of the crappy weather, stepson's landlady gave him an extension to vacate his apartment.  He must be out no later than Friday (tomorrow), so I'm sure he'll wait until the last minute as he usually does.  

Daughter will be home sometime tomorrow.  YAY!!   :D  

Everyone will gather at our farm for Easter lunch, but hubby and I have not yet set a menu...   :-?  

The university is closed tomorrow for Good Friday, so I'll get some cleaning done then (and probably the menu planning!).  

Weighty Matters: This morning I weigh 161 1/2.  My diet is good, my hydration is good, and the walking is good.   [smiley=thumbsup.gif]  Dear hubby bought for me a sugar free bunny last week that I've been saving for this weekend.  I put it out of sight, in the kitchen cupboard where I keep my sugar free gum stash, and haven't been tempted once to eat it early.  

Easter at your house sounds like it will be very nice! :D  

I'm glad you're not drowning, Trisha.  When I lived in St. Charles we used to get flooding in the back yard.  Our property ended in a creek and one time we got flooded-3+ inches of stinky creek mud.  That was a nightmare to clean up!

Good luck with your Easter dinner, and everything else.   ;)

Monday 24 March 2008

Hair:  As a switch I w/c with TreSemme on Friday, then resumed use of Pantene yesterday and today.  Forgot to do a vinegar rinse.  *shrug*  Oh well.  Even after the big cut, my hair is STILL longer than my daughter's...which I pointed out to her.   ;D  She and I have a long running hair competition.   ::)  I need to cancel the trim appointment in April because, let's be honest...I'm not going to do it.  The back of my hair is already a little past collar length.  I can't wait to measure in April!   :)

Other:  Easter was...bittersweet.  Sweet because my daughter got to come home (I just never seem to get enough time with her).  Bitter because the stepson is now officially living with us, as of last night.  I'm already regretting my decision to allow him back at our place.  As he was moving boxes into the basement I had an almost overwhelming urge to scream, "Wait, I was wrong--you cannot move back!!"   :(  

Weighty Matters:  On Friday and Saturday I was at 161 1/2.  On Sunday my weight went back up to 162, but this morning was back down to 161 1/2.  I think it was the peanut butter I ate on Saturday.  I'm pretty sure my body is overly sensitive to nuts, especially peanuts.  

I'm glad you got to enjoy Easter with your daughter. :)  

Hopefully, everything will work out with your stepson and your regret will pass.  How long is he planning on living with you?

Tuesday 25 March 2008
Hair:  No news.  I pretty much wear it down all the time, with the sides tucked behind my ears.  I'm thinking BSL is probably where I'll stop...although I may be able to grow to mid-back before the top starts looking thin again.  We'll see.

Other:  

Quote:

Posted by: La Diosa Posted on: Yesterday at 11:38am How long is he planning on living with you?

Well, that's a good question...   :-?  We have not yet set a time limit on his being there...YET.  It's a "depends" situation; it depends on how quickly he finds a job, it depends on how quickly he can save up enough money to move out, etc., etc.  

Thursday 27 March 2008
Hair:  Washed this morning, since yesterday was a no-wash day.  Yesterday I pinned up the hair with bobby pins, snap clips and a small claw clip (for the lenth).  Let's see...four more days until April and measuring time.  

Weighty Matters:  Eh   :P  I seem to be stuck between 162 and 161 1/2.  *shrug*  I'm not going berserk about it, though...I mean, it is what it is.  I'm still drinking plenty of water every day, and watching what goes into my body, and walking 30 minutes a day.  At some point, if the weight doesn't start coming down again, I'll reexamine the food.  But not right now.  

Other:  The only problem with my daughter's visit for Easter weekend was that it wasn't long enough.   ::)  But it never is.  I miss having her around so much.   :)  

Stepson is now totally moved into the basement (or rather his corner of the basement).  When I came home from work yesterday he was in the back yard gathering tree limbs that had come down in the big ice storm.  He'll be doing chores  in lieu of rent money, until he finds a job (probably even AFTER he finds a job!).  There are still some minor issues to work out, such as he's bad about not putting things away after using them, like hair spray (yes, he uses hair spray), his laptop, his brain (just kidding!).  But I'm sure we'll get everything worked out.  I'm trying not to nitpick him, but on the other hand, if something bothers me I *will* speak up about it.  MY house, MY rules.  KWIM?  Mm hmm.   ::)

It's nice that you're missing your daughter already.  Not that you're sad about it, but that you enjoy her company so much.

It's funny that he's gotten so comfy already that he isn't even putting his things away.  I'm sure it's a little akward nagging him about it though.  I never tell my stepson what to do, I leave that up to his father...but that's a whole other story. ;)  Good luck!

Quote:

his brain (just kidding!)

;D  hehe Trish...wouldn't that imply that he had used it?  ;)

Quote:

Posted by: Angel Spun Posted on: Yesterday at 2:56pm Quote: his brain (just kidding!)   hehe Trish...wouldn't that imply that he had used it?

*snort*  Too true, too true!!   ;D

Quote:

Posted by: La Diosa Posted on: Yesterday at 12:22pm It's nice that you're missing your daughter already.  Not that you're sad about it, but that you enjoy her company so much. It's funny that he's gotten so comfy already that he isn't even putting his things away.  I'm sure it's a little akward nagging him about it though.  I never tell my stepson what to do, I leave that up to his father...but that's a whole other story.   Good luck!

Well, I helped raise this boy; hubby was awarded custody of him when stepson was only 8 years old.  He lived with us for about 4 years, so I have no problem telling him what to do.   ;D   ::)  (Or where to go...!  *snort*)

Friday 28 March 2008
Hair:  Washed and conditioned this morning with Pantene.  Need to do a vinegar rinse this weekend.  Still using no product (gel, mousse, spray).   :)  

Weighty Matters:  The craziest thing happened...For at least a week now I've been fighting the same half-pound.  162, 161 1/2, 162, 161 1/2.  I've been reading a low carb site that states that a person may not be losing pounds because they're actually not eating enough calories.   :-?  As a low carber, most of my carbs are supposed to come from veggies.  So yesterday I ate more veggies; I ate raw cucumber for a snack, I had broccoli and cauliflower for lunch (along with a protein), I enjoyed a Normandy Blend for supper.  Now for the crazy thing--when I weighed this morning the scale registered at 161.   :o  Hmpf!  Go figure.   ::)  

Other:  I'm sitting out front today, playing secretary for the real one who's on vacation.   :)  Actually, it's kind of a nice change, sitting out here rather than back in my office.  

I think the weather this weekend is supposed to be rather blah.   :P  

Wednesday 2 April 2008
Hair:  I can't believe I forgot to measure yesterday!   :-/  *faint*  --and this morning, too!!  Oh well, I've written myself a note now, so that I won't forget.   ;D  I stopped procrastinating this morning and called to cancel with scissor lady.  She's a very nice lady and a super stylist, but I no longer need her services.   :)  --At least not for a very long time!

Weighty Matters:  Bathroom scale registered me at 160 this morning.  Woo hoo!  I've been snacking on cucumbers and green peppers.  Yum!  Need to bake more cinnamon flax muffins tonight.  Those with a little cream cheese on top?  Oy vey, it's to die for!

Other:  It's a nice sunny day here in Southeast Missouri, but the wind is still pretty dang cold.   :o  The grass in our yard at home is already shooting up and, in a few weeks, I'll need to start mowing.  This year seems to be flying by!

Quote:

This year seems to be flying by!

Totally! It's already April! That means there are only 8 months left in the year!  :o

In just 4½ months, we'll be gearing up for Halloween again!  [smiley=2vrolijk_08.gif]

Ooh, Trisha now I'm hungry for cream cheese muffins. ::) ;D  Maybe you'd be kind enough to share your recipe? 8-)

Angel: That's too weird that you mentioned Halloween (well, perhaps not since you're a goth and all ;) ) I'd been thinking about Halloween and looking forward to it myself lately. It's so unlike me to be thinking about the fall already.

The recipe is here   :)  http://www.genaw.com/lowcarb/flaxmeal_cinnamon_muffins.html
You can also bake this batter in a small rectangluar pan/jello roll pan instead of a muffin pan (as I do sometimes).  

Friday 4 April 2008
Hair:  Currently I'm at 18 1/2"...is that, like, an inch of growth in one month?!   :o  I'll have to check...an inch and a half?!!!  Whoa, what happened?  Maybe my hair likes all the veggies I've been eating!   :)  

Weighty Matters:  159.5 as of yesterday, and this morning the scale wavered between 159 and 1591/2.   ;)  Could I see 140 by July 15, my next checkup?  Oooooo.... ::)  

Other:  Had a *ahem* conversation with stepson the other night, and cleared the air on some issues.  I won't repeat what was said, because I used some very naughty words, and a lot of them.   ;D  Seems to be what he understands, though, so when in Rome...  What prompted this discussion is that he blew up at his father earlier that day, for no good reason.  I will not have that in my house.  Uh-uh.   >:(  Anyway, when he came home that evening, the three of us sat down and hashed it out.  I started off by telling stepson that it was probably a good thing he had not been present when I got home; that I most likely would have kicked him out right then and there (it was that nasty of a blow up).  But the bottom line is that I think we all understand now what's going on in that befuddled brain of his.  And as much as we (his father and I) were serious about him doing chores in lieu of rent money, we simply cannot rely upon him for, well, anything.  He has his own agenda, as far as what he wants out of life, and he does not, nor will ever, fit into our way of life.  Doesn't mean we don't love him--we just don't like him sometimes.   ;D  

Thanks for the recipe. :D

Hopefully, you all got through to him.  If nothing else he knows that you're serious and that he must either shape up or ship out!

Quote:

I won't repeat what was said, because I used some very naughty words, and a lot of them.  ;D

;D

Monday 7 April 2008
Hair:  God, I love growing out my hair, don't you?!   :D  Seriously!  It's just so exciting, watching it grow as we pamper and feed it.   :)  
Did a vinegar rinse this morning...still using Pantene Brunette Expressions s+c.  Need to have hubby snap a photo.  

Weighty Matters:  Saturday morning found me at 158 1/2.   :o  But this morning I was at 159...I think I ate too much cheese yesterday.   :(  I love cheese...but I need to watch the portions or I overdo.  Though typically I tend to overeat on Sundays anyway.  Hey, it's only half a pound  *shrug*  who cares?!   ;)  The weight is steadily coming off; that's the important thing.  I've got about one more serving of cinnamon flax bread left--need to make more tonight.  

Other:  Brother-in-law should be home tonight...Tootie Bug, one of our cats, will be happy.   :)  All of the cats like him, but she has taken a real shine to brother-in-law.  She just LOVES having him chase her!  What a sight, watching a 48 year old man with long, grey hair (yep, he's a long hair!) chasing a cat through the house!   ;D  

Ugh...I love cheese too...too much. ::)

Yay!!! I'm not the only weirdo! ;D  I was playing "tag" with my cats today, thinking about how weird it must seem.  I chase them until they're cornered and then they chase me until I have nowhere else to run and so on.  

Although, I'm sure it's funnier seeing a gray haired man running around the house chasing cats.;D

Wednesday 9 April 2008
Hair:  I've figured out how to disguise my thnning spot, if indeed I have one.  I'm not convinced that this is simply all in my imagination.   ::)  Over the weekend I was watching some Bette Davis movies on TCM, and a documentary about her.  I noticed that in her middle to late years, Mz Davis wore a pretty low side part; in some instances the part seemed very close to her ear!  And I thought, "Hmm..."  Now I'm certainly not going to start parting my hair at one ear (like the ever popular comb-over!), but scootching over the part a bit would be enough.  So lately I've had the part sort of even with the outermost edge of my left eye.  It seems perfect.   :)  Such a simple solution.  Why didn't I think of this BEFORE I whacked off my hair?!   :-?  

Weighty Matters:  158 1/2...159.  
Mixed up a batch of cinnamon flax bread last night (it's the muffin recipe baked in a quarter sheet pan).  The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of cinnamon, which is 6 teaspoons, but I had only 4 teaspoons left.  Didn't realize I was that low.  So I added 2 teaspoons of nutmeg to supplement the cinnamon.  I haven't tried it yet, but the smell is yummy.  

Other:  I don't want to jinx anything, but life at home seems to be evening out.  Stepson asked his father to bring him into town today so he can apply for jobs.   :o  His car needs work (which takes money, which requires a job...), hence asking hubby to drive him.  If he's being proactive and productive, hubby has no problem driving his son wherever he needs to go.  Stepson was cleaning the basement yesterday when I got home.   :o  He had even dusted off my treadmill and the table where my little sits in front of the treadmill.  Then...!  After supper he did the dishes!  Without being asked to!  WTF?!   :-?  It's nice, but I'm naturally leary.  

Hmmm, I don't blame you. Perhaps his father gave him some sort of ultimatum.  :-?

Thursday 10 April 2008
Hair:  Really no news.  I've been washing every day.  *shrug*  Not much else.  Still need to take photos--maybe this weekend.

Weighty Matters:  I've come to reason that it is NOT the cheese but the honey mustard ("made with REAL honey!"   :(  )condiment which is causing a temporary stall in weight.  I'm usually not a condiment person.  But I put some on my Sunday night salad, and I also put some on last night's chicken breast.  Over the weekend I was at 158 1/2.  On Monday morning I was back up to 159.  And this morning the scale wavered between 159 and 159 1/2!   :o  Gotta be the honey mustard.  Or rather the honey IN the mustard.  One more thing my body does not respond well to.  As long as it's not the cheese...!   ;D

Other:  Glory be...stepson has a job!  As a matter of fact, he's at work right now.  Truth be told, his father got him the job.  But, hey, I don't really care HOW it came about; only that it DID.  He'll be working Monday through Friday, 7:00am to 3:30pm, $7 per hour.  He'll be working on one of the lines at a packaging factory (I don't know exactly *what* they package; don't ask).  Factory work seems to suit him, so this is great.  His father will take him to, and pick him up from work.  But this place is only about a 10 minute drive from our farm.  Perfect-o.  Thank you Lord!  

Good for him that he got a job! :D  

I use honey in my tea all of the time. :o  I never thought about it contributing to weight gain. :-?

Wow...$7/hr is really not a lot.  :o
But I live in a much pricier state.
Anyway, woohoo! At least that will have him out of your hair for 8 hours, eh?

And actually, hon, it's probably both the cheese and the honey mustard dressing that are doing it. Cheese is very high in fat and honey mustard dressing is a lot of empty calories.

But you're wrong about honey. By itself, honey has only 64 calories per tablespoon...which is basically nothing.  ;)  Cheers!

Friday 11 April 2008
Hair:  I declared today a no-wash day; hair is up in a ponytail (it's so cute!) with top held in place with a side comb, and sides held with snap clips.

Weighty Matters:  Ladies, you have to remember that hubby and I follow a LOW CARB lifestyle.  We do not count calories.   :)  So the sugar, or sugar-producing food, is what we keep an eye on.  And even between the two of us, there are vast differences as to what each of us can tolerate.  Therefore, yes, honey seems to be a no-no, at least for me.  Fat, for a low carber, is good.   :)

Monday 14 April 2008
Hair:  For over a week now, I've been holding back the short layers on my "long" side with a hair comb.  On the left side of my part, what I call the "short" side, the hair is all long enough to stay put behind my left ear.  After The Cut, I was using snap clips to contain the shorter layers that are not long enough to tuck behind my ear.  But a side comb seems to work better at this point in time.  My granny always used a hair comb or two, so I have several years of experience with those helpful little tools.   :)  Still washing almost every day.  

Weighty Matters:  159 all weekend, yet this morning I'm back down to 158 1/2.  I'm seriously considering joining La Diosa and Sakina (and god knows how many others!?) in saying "SCREW THE SCALE"...maybe only weighing once a week...or less.  I like this article...
http://www.primusweb.com/fitnesspartner/library/weight/scale.htm

Other:  The weekend took its sweet time getting here, then disappeared in a poof of smoke.  *sigh*  

That was a great article, Trisha! :D  Thanks for sharing that!

That is a great article!  I really like the feathers to gold comparison.  Thanks!!!

Tuesday 15 April 2008
Hair:  Last night, right before going to bed, I did a scalp massage with olive oil.  That was the first time I've used oil and, let me tell you, it was NICE.  It didn't take much oil, maybe a tablespoon or so.  I finger-parted the top portion of hair first, daubing oil along the part, and massaging it in as I went.  Of course my hair got greasy but I didn't mind.  I covered my pillow with a thick towel and went sleep.  When I woke up, my hair looked as if it hadn't been washed in a week.   ;D  But now, after washing, conditioning and air drying...it's soft and super shiny!  I like!!   8-)  It's not something I will do every night.  But I'm hoping to get into the habit of doing this at least once a week.  

My Pantene Brunette Expressions products are getting low, so time to decide...continue on with the Pantene or shop around?   :-?

So meticulous. Just like a first-time oiler.  ;D
No worries, girl. Soon, you'll be slopping it on just like the rest of us. Well, "us" being the oilers among us...which rather excludes myself.  ::)

When I did oil, however, I put my hair in a satin sleep cap before bed so the mess didn't end up all over my sheets & skin.  ;)

Thursday 17 April 2008
Hair:  I declared today a no-wash day.  And when my Pantene runs out, I'm thinking of trying the no shampoo (baking soda) method.  I may oil tonight...  Oh, and to answer my own question:

Quote:

Why didn't I think of this BEFORE I whacked off my hair?!

Because I was focusing too much on the problem.  *shrug*  Happens...

Friday 18 April 2008
Hair:  I oiled and massaged my scalp last night again.  For Angel's sake   ;D  I was not as meticulous this time; instead just poured an amount of olive oil into my palm and massaged it in.  Shampooed and conditioned this morning with the last of my Pantene.  I thought I had at least 2 or 3 more "helpings" of Pantene left, but I misjudged.  So this weekend, or the next time I shampoo--whenever that may be, I will start using baking soda.  I really want to give this method a go, and I figure now is a good time to try, what with my hair being shorter.  

Weighty Matters:  Myeh...   :P  I'm still doing well with my food and hydration level.  However, I have NOT been walking.   >:(  The flesh is so weak...  I will work on this area.  

Other:  We felt the 5.2 earthquake this morning around 4:36am.  Hubby and I were awake, having already been roused from sleep by our fuzzy alarm clock (our grey tabby named Tigger), but were still lying in bed.  When the bed began to shake, I wondered if it was our cats wrestling!  --Three of them are big enough to make the bed shimmy when they get to tussling.  But no, it was an earthquake.  No damage done, thank God.  This was the first major earthquake we've been through.  I don't even care to imagine what the big ones our in California feel like.   :-?

5.2  That's....cute.  ;D

See, I *knew* to you a 5.2 would be like, eh, no big deal.   ;D  

I'm glad you're OK!

Monday 21 April 2008
Hair:  Saturday, no wash.  Sunday I began using the baking soda method.  I dissolved one tablespoon of baking soda in one cup of warm water, got my hair thoroughly wet in the shower, slowly poured the soda water over my hair, and then massaged it in.  I have to admit, I was skeptical.  But after only two seconds of massaging, my hair was squeaking.  Then I ended with a vinegar rinse, also a 1:1 ratio (one tablespoon of vinegar to one cup of warm water).  Hair was great looking when it dried.  

This morning I did not clean my hair, although I think I'm supposed to be rinsing it with warm water, even on the "off" days.  It doesn't seem any more greasy than my normal no-wash days.  For now, I'll probably wash every other day, rinsing on the off days (starting tomorrow), until my hair seems adjusted to this method.  The adjustment period could take up to 6 weeks, but I'm prepared.  At least I think I am...  

Other:  It's a gorgeous day out there, so Yours Truly is getting ready to take a nice little stroll over the lunch hour.   :)  

Oh, and I'm very excited because I just read that Burt's Bees has a 100% CHEMICAL FREE SUNSCREEN...!!!!!    :o   :D   8-)  Oooooo, I hope it's true.  I have to check it out.  

Tuesday 22 April 2008
Hair:  Washed with baking soda again this morning.  Hereafter it shall be referred to as BS...although it seems odd to write that I'm washing with BS...   ::)  Um, what was I saying??  Right...so.  BS wash, but no vinegar rinse.  I should only have to do a VR once a week, as usual.  And my hair was super greasy this morning.  Yesterday I wore it up in a ponytail.  Then before bed last night, I gave it a good (gentle) going over with my boar bristle brush.  --Which is why it was super greasy this morning.  It's very odd, standing there in the shower, thinking, "My hair is so greasy that there's no way this little cup of BS water can EVER get it clean..."  But after carefully/gently massaging the mixture around on my head, voila!  Clean.   :)  It's amazing stuff.  Hair is soft, manageable, shiny.  My hair looks a bit lighter in color, but that could be my overactive imagination.  So far I'm pleased.  


Happy Earth day!!

Wednesday 23 April 2008
Hair:  Did a warm water rinse on my hair this morning while standing in the shower.  Hair looks good!  It's funny, though...  My hair *feels* greasy, but it doesn't *look* greasy.  You know how greasy hair feels a little heavier on your head?  Okay, well, MINE does anyway!   ;D  That's what I mean by feeling greasy but not looking greasy.  Unless my hair looks absolutely horrible tomorrow morning, I'll simply rinse again with warm water.  Also, I'm suddenly noticing quite a few grey hairs.  I think it's cool!!   :D  

Weighty Matters:  158 this morning, woo hoo!  

Happy Dance!!!  You go girl!

Thursday 24 April 2008
Hair:  Warm water rinse for hair, though now I believe I should have washed.  Hair is terrifically oily   :D  but still looks decent in a ponytail.  Tomorrow I will wash.  Scalp is not itchy, hair is not dry nor prone to tangles.  So far so good.

Other:  Forgot to mention last week that the HUMMERS HAVE RETURNED!   :)  They're so much fun to watch.  This year I have 4 feeders up, same as last year.

How cool, I love hummingbirds! :D  I've been looking at feeders but haven't gotten one yet.  So far, I've only seen one hummingbird in my yard this year.  I figure that it must've gotten lost or something. :P  I wonder if I would see more if I put up a feeder?

Friday 25 April 2008
Hair:  Washed this morning with diluted baking soda.  My hair was so greasy when I woke up, I thought there was no way for the baking soda water to work.  But I faithfully went through the routine; wet the hair, slowly pour on the BS water, gently massage it around, and by golly, the hair once again squeaked.  Amazing...  Is is shallow of me, though, to admit that I miss the lather and bubbles of industrial shampoo?   :(  Bubbles, of course, serve no purpose other than to please the eye.  I know this.  But 46 years of seeing bubbles when I wash my hair cannot easily be forgotten.   ;)  

Other:  Hummingbirds...  if I were you I'd go ahead and put up one feeder.  Remember to get one that has some sort of perch for the little fellows to sit on while they feed.  They expend a lot of energy!   :)  If you can keep that one hummer around your yard, he'll go tell his friends, and they'll tell their friends, and so on and so on and...  mm hmm!  Oh, and if you do decide to set up a feeder, remember DO NOT wash it in soapy water.  Use bleach water only.  For some reason hummers cannot tolerate soap, but diluted chlorine water does not bother them.  *shrug*  

Thanks for the tips! :D

Monday 28 April 2008
Hair:  Baking soda wash this morning with a vinegar rinse.  Hair is doing very well.  Gradually I am getting used to the lack of bubbles.   :)

Weighty Matters:  Still at 158.   :)  
I have not been walking.   :(  

Other:I had written myself a note to check on the price of Burt's Bees sunscreen.  While doing the grocery shopping on Friday hubby, who is always doing nice things for me, purchased a tube of the stuff.  I will be returning it to the store, however, because the price is ridiculously expensive.  Try $15 for 3.5 ounces.   :o  That's almost $4.30 per ounce.   :P  I told hubby that it's cheaper for me to simply wear a long sleeve shirt and a wide brimmed hat during the Spring and Summer, to keep the sun off me.  Fifteen dollars will buy half a tank of gas for my little 4-cylinder car.  And I need gasoline much more than I need sunscreen.  

Quote:

Try $15 for 3.5 ounces.

Wow!  That would be gone in less than a week!

I'm experimenting with different sunblocks myself.  On my visit to the dermatologist last week, he loaded me up with samples, but none were the all natural stuff.

Quote:

Wow!  That would be gone in less than a week! I'm experimenting with different sunblocks myself.  On my visit to the dermatologist last week, he loaded me up with samples, but none were the all natural stuff.

Tell me about it!  I'm all for using natural ingredients but there's no way I can afford that.  There are recipes for make-your-own sunscreen/block at the Care2 site.  But, again, it's cheaper and more effective for me to simply cover up.   8-)

Tuesday 29 April 2008
Hair:  Rinsed hair with warm water this morning.  It's pretty dad-gummed greasy for day-after-washing-hair.    >:(  The only thing I could do is ponytail it.  Tomorrow when I wash I'm going to try doubling my BS water; 2 tablespoons of baking soda to 2 cups of warm water.  I believe the basic 1:1 recipe is for short hair, but I technically do not have short hair.  Even having it cut at the end of February, my hair falls into the medium length category.  So, yes, it's possible my greasies will go away with a stronger formula (mad scientist  *snort*).  Or this might be the adjustment period I've read folks talk about.  If this is the adjustment period, man it sucks!   >:(  I'm giving this experiement 6 weeks total.  Should this extreme greasy period (or what I consider extreme greasiness) not resolve itself, then back I go to industrial shampoo.

Weighty Matters:  I've decided to weigh myself only once a week.  Any more often is overkill.  Started yesterday walking on the treadmill again.   :)  

Other:  Stepson, along with the few others hired at the same time,  has been laid off for over a week now.  Not his fault  *shrug*  but it still stinks, for us as well as him.  He's begun applying for other jobs but nothing so far.  Sucks to be my hubby, who has to put up with him all day long.  I hope stepson finds a job soon, or he may find himself strangled by his own papa.   ;)  

I'm playing receptionist today, at least for a while.   :)  

Quote:

I'm playing receptionist today, at least for a while.   :)

Misery loves company, mom.  ;)

I know that's right, baby!   8-)

Wednesday 30 April 2008
Hair:  Used baking soda again this morning, but tried a different tack.  Instead of diluting the baking soda completely with water, I made a thin paste of the stuff and spread it around over my scalp.  I also used 2 tablespoons of baking soda instead of only 1, and that seemed to help as well.  By making the soda into a paste I was able to better control where the stuff went, instead of pouring water over my head and hoping it lands where I need it.  --Rindes...  WHAT the heck is "rindes"?!   ;D  Ahem.  Rinsed very well with warm then cooler water, air dry, and voila', hair looks mah-voo-lus again.  

I can't wait for my bangs to regrow long enough to tuck behind my ears.   :(  The shortest layer is nose length and requires a snap clip, side comb, etc. to keep it out of my face.  Let's see, in another...oh, 3-4 months?  Bangs should be no problem.  

Weighty Matters:  Walked on my treadmill yesterday afternoon for about 33 minutes.   :)

Other:  Stepson has another job!  Thank you, Lord.   8-)  Full-time with benefits; $9 an hour.  He starts this Friday.

Hooray!!  That's great news about stepson's ne job.  Whew!!

Quote:

I was able to better control where the stuff went

I used a shampoo bar yesterday and liked it for that very reason.  Although, dumping the rinse on my head seems to work well too.

Congrats on your stepson's job.  And this one pays more than the last!  He's movin' up in the world! :D

Thursday 1 May 2008
Hair:  No wash day; after increasing formula yesterday to 2 tablespoons of baking soda, today's hair looks more like regular second-day hair.  This is only week two of the baking soda experiment, but already I'm disinclined to endorse this method.  I realize I said that I'm giving this a 6-week trial but, honestly, I don't know if I can last that long.  *sigh*   :P  

Other:  Yes, hubby and I are excited about stepson's job, too--as you can imagine.   ;)

Our hummer count is up to 8 or 9...  It's difficult to get an accurate count with the little fellows zooming about as they do!  They're so much fun to watch.   :)

Congrats on your step-son's new job!!!  Happy Dance happenin!

Friday 2 May 2008
Hair:  I couldn't stand it anymore; this morning I washed and conditioned with Tre Semme!   ::)  I knew last night that I would have to wash my hair this morning; it was that greasy.  I got to thinking...  if I'm using two tablespoons of baking soda right now in order to get my medium length hair clean, how many tablespoons will I need when my hair gets longer??   :o  I don't know; maybe I gave in too soon.  For me, though, I couldn't think of enough plusses to continue the baking soda experiment.  Besides, one's hair should give them confidence, be an asset (no offense to the bald people, men and women--bald can be super sexy).  I like to think of myself as a good-hair ambassador, and I can't perform that function well if I'm constantly questioning how my tresses look.  So back to commercial shampoo and conditioner I go.   8-)  

Weighty Matters:  Still at 158 (which is fine).  I've walked only twice this week, but there's still this evening and the weekend.  

Other:  Stepson, as I type, is at orientation for his new job!  *happy dance*
Dear God, open his mouth when it needs to be open, and shut it when he can't do it himself!!   ;D  

I've decided to start making my own hummer food.  We had been buying prepackaged instant, that gets mixed with water.  But making my own will be cheaper and easier.  Recipe is here, for any other hummer lovers reading this.
http://www.hummingbirds.net/feeders.html

The recipe itself is about 3/4 of the way down the page.  This is a very useful, interesting, informative site; I highly recommend it.

Sorry the baking soda wash doesn't work for you, especially since it was you who gave me the idea.  Perhaps it works best for people with drier hair. :-?


Quote:

Besides, one's hair should give them confidence, be an asset

I only recently came to this realization myself. :P



I also have the powder that you mix with water.  Thanks for sharing the link.  :)

Monday 5 May 2008
Hair:  My second-day hair with commercial shampoo looks a whole lot better than second-day hair with baking soda.  I still regret not being able to see the trial through to the end (6 weeks), but I just couldn't stand the greasy hair.  Maybe if I could hole up somewhere for 6 weeks and not have to be seen in public...   ;D  I have a feeling that this experiment is not totally over with me.  I'll probably come back to it at some point in the future.  

Other:  It's final exams week here at the university, so I'm a little busy.   :o  I go for literally weeks with very little work to do and then BAM!!  --I almost don't have time to eat lunch.  Such is the nature of my job.  Hey, in this economy, I'm just thankful to HAVE a job.  

Stepson's new job seems to be going all right; he works 12-hour shifts, 4 days on and 4 off.  

Daughter has made mention of the fact that she is seriously considering moving back to this area in the next year or two.  YAY!!!   :)  She says she's not unhappy in Memphis, or lonely, etc., but everything is so expensive.  I think another factor is that she'd like to be able to see her Daddy and me whenever she wants...  We are a close bunch and I think she misses being able to simply drop by on a whim.  Of course, I'm trying to be impartial in this matter, even though I would drive down there myself right now and get her if she said she was ready.   ;D  But honestly, I don't want to influence her decision.  I don't want my daughter to feel guilted into moving back home.  This is her life and I want her to live it.   8-)

Tuesday 6 May 2008
Hair:  Washed this morning, even though I probably could have gotten away with just putting it up.  I have a little party to attend on Friday evening, though, and want to wash my hair that morning.  I like to leave at least one day between washings.  My length is now long enough to twist into a small bun--and I do mean SMALL.   :)  But hey, it's enough.   :)  I'm not measuring this month but probably will do so in June.

Weighty Matters:  I get on the scale only once or twice a week now, twice at the most.  I'm still at 158, which is fine.  Because you know what?  158 feels pretty good to me.  It's not that I'm against losing more pounds; that's fine if it happens.  But my clothes feel nice and loose...  not falling off me, but with plenty of wiggle room.   :)  I don't have the numbers in front of me but, compared to the measurements from January, I believe I've lost 1/2 - 1 inch from my waist and 1 1/2 inches from my hips.  Wonderful.   ;)  In 2007 (or was it 2006?) I had hit my all time high weight of 185.  To date, I've lost 27 pounds, which is why I can say that 158 feels pretty good to me.   8-)

Other:  Oh those finicky hummingbirds!!!   >:(  
I'm trying to save money wherever I can these days, and that included trying to make my own hummer food instead of buying the pre-packaged instant stuff.  *sigh*  But the spoiled little brats refuse to drink the homemade nectar!   ;D  So I guess Mamma Trish is gonna have to buy the instant stuff.  *slaps forehead*  Sheesh.  It's my own fault, really...  once they tasted champagne, they refused to go back to beer!   ;D

Quote:

once they tasted champagne, they refused to go back to beer!  ;D

;D

Thursday 8 May 2008
Hair:  No-wash day #2.  Hair is again put up in a bun of sorts.  You know, you can't even call it a bun...  I twist what I can of the length, such as it is, into a knot and secure it with a medium claw clip.  That's it--I have a knot, not a bun!   ;D   Hmm...does that make me a knothead?!  LOL   Anyway, tomorrow will be wash day.  

Other:  Final exams week here at the university continues; I've been busy but not overwhelmed.  It's nice to have something to do for a change.   :P  The other part of the end-of-semester activities, however, comes next:  instructor evaluations.  UGH.   :(  Those will probably start showing up next week by the boatload...  

The hummers seem happy to have their normal nectar in the feeders, although the cooler than normal temperatures and wet weather seems to be limiting their activity.  

Monday 12 May 2008
Hair:  My hair no longer likes Tre Semme shampoo and conditioner.  Pity, since I have almost-full bottles of both in my bathroom closet.   :-[  That's all right; my daughter still uses Tre Semme, so she can use it during her visits.  Anyway, I went back to Pantene   8-)  but not the Brunette Expressions line.  This time I chose the Classic Clean line.  So far I like it very much.  Hair is smooth, shiny, and less prone to tangling.  

Other:  Well, we survived another finals week, although it was a close call.  The test scoring machine broke Thursday at high noon.   :o  Luckily the majority of tests given on bubble sheets had been processed by then, and the repair tech arrived early Friday morning to repair the machine.  I had around a dozen tests to grade, but it took me only about half an hour to scan them.  Although now the instructor evaluations are arriving to be scanned.  I already have three paper boxes full of evals to process and expect to get 2-3 more by next week.   :P  *sigh*  I'll just scan them the same way one eats an elephant...one bite at a time.

I use that elephant saying all the time!!  
I think I hear someone wishing for summer vacation!!!!

...eats an elephant?  :-?

Must be an east coast thing.  ;)

Nyah, we say it here in Texas too.  Well, okay, I don't hear that many texans SAY it, but I've definitely heard it and I've never lived anywhere else inside the states.  

Outside the states...well, outside the states I wouldn't say it because you would probably be talking to someone who actually eats elephant!  

I'm from the East and I've never heard that either.



texian.traveler wrote on May 12^th, 2008 at 6:18pm:

Outside the states...well, outside the states I wouldn't say it because you would probably be talking to someone who actually eats elephant!

;D

That's an old joke...  How do you eat an elephant?  --One bite at a time!   ;D  

Tuesday 13 May 2008
Hair:  Still liking Pantene's Classic Clean s+c; I think I have a new favorite.   :)

Other:  I scored THREE BOXES of instructor evaluations today.  ALL 3 boxes...!!!  
:P  Needless to say, I'm pooped.  I haven't received any other evals, but I know they're coming.  
Hubby has a lodge meeting tonight, so Yours Truly has to drive stepson to work.  I'm thankful he has a job, but I'll be so glad when he gets his car fixed.   >:(  Although he IS giving us gas money now, YAY.   ;)  
I got a mother's day card from my daughter in yesterday's mail.  It's so lurv-erly--I wish you all could see it!!  She's such a sweetie.   :-*

yay for getting the boxes done!  Isn't nice to get a lovely card in the mail?  Even nicer when it's from you daughter! :)

Yes, it really is (nice getting a card in the mail)!   :)  I'm usually one of the first on the let's-use-less-paper bandwagon, and use email whenever possible.  But there's something wonderfully heartwarming about receiving a paper card in the post.  

Wednesday 14 May 2008
Hair:  I'm enjoying the Pantene Classic Clean so much I've been using it every day.  No second-day hair for me this week, baby!  I don't know that I'll keep up this every day washing, but it's a nice change for a bit.  

Weighty Matters:  Finally starting to walk on the treadmill again.  Food intake is okay but could be better.  Haven't weighed in a while, but clothes still feel good.

When the clothes are feeling good that's a really good sign!! ;)

Wow, you can actually use Classic Clean every day? I've never been able to since the opaque Pantene shampoos leave a dreadful waxy residue on my hair.  :(  I have to stick to the clear formulas. How is the conditioner working for you? Is it enough? Just curious...

Thursday 15 May 2008
Hair:


Quote:

Posted by: Angel Spun Posted on: Yesterday at 2:14pm Wow, you can actually use Classic Clean every day? I've never been able to since the opaque Pantene shampoos leave a dreadful waxy residue on my hair.    I have to stick to the clear formulas. How is the conditioner working for you? Is it enough? Just curious...

Today was the first day I didn't use the Classic Clean (since Monday).  I slept well (or I *think* I did) but I woke up feeling tired and just couldn't face the full-on hair thing in the shower.  I put my hair up in a "bun", using a medium claw clip and it looked fine at home, but...  Around 11 I took a bathroom break, checked my reflection in the mirror and thought, "Oh my God, why didn't somebody tell me my hair looked this BAD?!"   :o  There were strays everywhere coming loose from the clip.  Argh...  I got back to my office and kept trying to put my hair back up in a knot-bun, but it simply would not cooperate.  So I just left it down, and it really doesn't look bad at all.  It's only a teensy bit greasy near the crown, but the rest looks fine.  

Angel, I'll keep an eye on the condition of my hair, i.e. being weighed down, etc.  But, so far, both the shampoo and conditioner are working all right.  And yes, for now, the conditioner seems to be enough for my hair.  Of course I've only been using it, what?  Not quite one week.  Things may change within the next couple of weeks.   :-?

Other:


Quote:

Posted by: Curlgirl64 Posted on: Yesterday at 1:53pm When the clothes are feeling good that's a really good sign!!

INDEED!!!   8-)

A student worker is covering the front while I take a break for a while.  Things have been very quiet (knock on wood); let's hope they stay that way.  

Quote:

Around 11 I took a bathroom break, checked my reflection in the mirror and thought, "Oh my God, why didn't somebody tell me my hair looked this BAD?!"  :o

;D  Oh man...

Good to hear that the Classic Clean is workin' for ya. That's Maggie's favorite S&C, I think. I'd be a greasy mess after just 1 use. Isn't hair funny?  :-?

Friday 16 May 2008
Hair:  

Quote:

Good to hear that the Classic Clean is workin' for ya. That's Maggie's favorite S&C, I think. I'd be a greasy mess after just 1 use. Isn't hair funny?

Well, it's working SO FAR.  The jury has not rendered its final verdict!   ::)  I'm keeping a close eye on the condition and look of my hair, watching for any negative signs.  I've got another two weeks of use before I decide one way or another.  Also, I've had some products work wonderfully for months, even years (i.e., TreSemme) and then all of a sudden, KaBlooey!  Nuthin'...  Another factor being that if I have to wash my hair EVERY day with a certain s+c in order for my hair to look decent then, in my opinion, it's not worth the bother.  Of course I am seeing more grey in my hair these days, and grey hair tends to have very different texture (and needs) than one's regular hair, so that's a factor, too.   ::)  

hehehe I totally know what you mean. Well, not about the grays yet, but about using something for years only to have it suddenly not work for you anymore.  :-/

Up until about 2006, I'd been using Pantene's Daily Moisture Renewal line (shampoo, conditioner, treatments, etc.) religiously for years without any issue. Then it started coating my hair in grease!  :o  I guess Pantene changed their formulas around that time or something, but it just wasn't happenin' for my hair anymore.
   So I started using Herbal Essences and it wasn't any better. Then I kinda just bounced around between whatever brands/products that struck my fancy at the time. It sucks having to find a new favorite.  ::)

All I can say is keep trying and use common sense. You'll find the right one eventually.  ;)

Thursday 22 May 2008
Hair:  Still washing every day with Pantene Classic Clean.  It's not that I *need* to wash every day...I just have the yen to do so.  *shrug*  I'll be measuring in June.

Other:  Almost a week since my last post.  Dang!  I've been a little busy at the office; had 4 bundles of evaluations to scan, requests for data, and whatnot.  Our secretary's, er sorry--administrative assistant  ::)  mother had surgery last week to place a second stent in her heart.  She's 81/82 and is basically a heart attack waiting to happen.  So the secretary will be taking off every Friday for a while, to help take care of her mother...  Which means Yours Truly has to play receptionist every Friday.  *sigh*   :P  I can't feel upset about having to do this because, if it were my mother, I'd do the same thing.  It is what it is.  

With the price of every blessed thing going up (every day it seems), our financial situation is TIGHT.  Normally by now, hubby would have already turned on the AC at home.  Thankfully, this May has been relatively cool, so we've got all of the windows open.  It's quite nice, actually, and I love having fresh air flowing through the house.  Anyway, we're doing all we can to pinch pennies, just like everyone else is doing.  I told hubby that we were lucky because we know how to be poor--we've both been poor all our lives!   ;D  But the folks who are "better off"?  --I believe they have a hard time coming.  

I was wondering where you were, it's good to know that all is well. :D


Quote:

It's quite nice, actually, and I love having fresh air flowing through the house.

I think so too.  I love the smell of fresh air.

Although here, it's already gotten warm enough that sometimes the open windows don't cool off our house enough and we have to turn on the AC.  

Friday 23 May 2008
Hair:  Declared today a no-wash day; hair is up.  Still paying close attention to my hair, watching for any adverse effects from the Pantene Classic Clean.  The only thing so far is that my hair seems a *tad* bit more dry...something I'll have to watch.

Other:  Well, it's my first Friday playing receptionist.  *sigh*   :P  Time is passing pretty quickly (thankfully) but, I don't know...  It's discouraging to think of having to do this on a regular basis for Lord-knows-how-long.  I don't know why it's weighing on me so.  I mean, it's not like this is a difficult job or anything.  Answer the phone...smile at folks when they walk in...surf the web.  How hard is that?!   :-?  Maybe it's just the fact that, once again, I was not consulted beforehand.  Maybe I feel like the secretary should have come to me first and asked (Hey, Trish, I'm thinking of taking off on Fridays to help with my mom...could you cover for me?  Would that inconvenience you in any way, shape, or form??).  But no.  Because I'm such a good Joe, nice and easygoing, responsible and flexible, I get bowled over.  Whew!  Okay, enough whining, Trisha.  It's a beautiful day, you're alive and healthy.  What more do you need?   8-)

I hate it when people take advantage of my good nature, too.  I also prefer to be asked, after all, we choose to be helpful.

I hope you find some fun sites to help pass the time!

Quote:

It's a beautiful day, you're alive and healthy.  What more do you need?  8-)

There ya go, hunnay.  ;)

At my workplace, there are only a few people who can cover for me if I am absent (ie. on break, lunch, vacation) because they have a general idea of how to work the phones. It's not something that just anyone can do. So whether or not it's convenient for them or their schedules at the office, they do it because it's required.
   Perhaps it's a similar situation at your work? Just a thought.

Tuesday 27 May 2008
Hair:  Declared today a no-wash day; hair is up.  

Other:  Got to see my daughter this weekend, yay!   :)  She'll come home next in July.  I didn't get as melancholy this time when she left as I usually do.  Probably because this time I made a point of NOT watching her drive away.  A psychological trick, but it seemed to work.  

Wednesday 28 May 2008
Hair:  I forgot to use conditioner on my hair this morning.   :o  My normal routine is shampoo hair, apply conditioner, bathe body, rinse out conditioner, towel dry.  But I actually forgot to apply the conditioner this morning!!  Sheesh, my poor brain.  Luckily my hair is in really good condition and is not prone to tangling.  I need to do a vinegar rinse soon.  Haven't oiled in a few weeks.  Time to measure in four days.   And take some photos...

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But I actually forgot to apply the conditioner this morning!!

:o  *faint*

Thursday 29 May 2008
Hair:  No-wash day; hair is up.  I'm still not 100% loving the Pantene Classic Clean.  I've been using it, what?  --Three weeks now.  By now, if a product is TRULY working, I should be loving it totally.  But I'm not.  So I'm afraid I'm going to have to relegate the Classic Clean products to the "no-no" list.   :(  Oh well...trial and error.  Nothing else, I can use the s+c to shave my legs.   ;D  Now the question is, what do I try next?  Maybe this particular Pantene product isn't working for me because of the reason Angel mentioned:


Quote:

Posted by: Angel Spun Posted on: May 14th, 2008, 2:14pm I've never been able to since the opaque Pantene shampoos leave a dreadful waxy residue on my hair.

The Pantene Brunette Expressions worked beautifully for my hair.  So maybe I'll stick with the Pantene line, but just try a different "flavor" (anything not opaque)........

Other:  Tomorrow is Friday, which means I'll be out front all day.   ::)  

Hey Trish,

Have you happened to try Pantene Restoratives yet? I've been using the Breakage Defense line since the beginning of this year with darn near heavenly results.  :)  I'm not trying to push products or anything, just wondered if you'd tried them yet.

Quote:

Posted by: Angel Spun Posted on: Yesterday at 9:20am Hey Trish, Have you happened to try Pantene Restoratives yet? I've been using the Breakage Defense line since the beginning of this year with darn near heavenly results.    I'm not trying to push products or anything, just wondered if you'd tried them yet.

Hey sweetie!   :)  No, I haven't.  I honestly thought about trying that line three weeks ago, and I know it's your favorite right now.  But for some reason I went with the Classic Clean...don't know why.   :P

Friday 30 May 2008
Hair:  This morning washed with TreSemme Vitamin E Moisture Rich shampoo (what a mouthful), did a vinegar rinse, APPLIED CONDITIONER,  ;D  showered, then rinsed.  Hair feels great and looks better, more lively.  The Pantene Classic Clean was leaving my hair somewhat limp looking.  Shiny, yes; but limp looking nonetheless.  I'll use the TreSemme until I can get to a store to peruse the hair product aisle.  

Other:  Since the university was closed on Monday for the Memorial Day holiday, the secretary did not take off today.  Which means Yours Truly gets to hide out in her little dungeon, er, office today.   8-)

Quote:

This morning washed with TreSemme Vitamin E Moisture Rich shampoo (what a mouthful)

You're not supposed to eat it, Trish.  ;)

*snort*   ;D

Monday 2 June 2008
Hair:  Washed/conditioned yesterday and asked hubby to measure--20 inches.   Hair is growing at a nice clip.   :)  Today is a no-wash day; hair is up in a ponytail.  It's so nice being able to simply throw my hair up in a ponytail again.  I'm still having to use a few snap clips to control the shorter layers but that's no biggie.  

Weighty Matters:  I still haven't managed to get back into a daily walking routine.  I think I need to face the fact that I may NOT be able to redevelop that habit until my stepson moves out.  I'll just have to use the treadmill when I can and call it good enough (it's already too hot to walk outside...at least for a winter baby like me, it is.)  Anyway, my weight has been a steady 159 for weeks now and, honestly, I'm fine with that.  Yeah, according to "industry standards", I could stand to lose another 15-25 pounds.  But I rarely follow those rules.  I feel good, I feel as if I look good, my clothing fits well...*shrug*  What else is there?   ::)  I'll check with my doctor in July at my annual visit, but I don't think he'll see my weight as a concern.  

Other:  I believe stepson will be purchasing a used vehicle in the very near future, probably within a week or so.  Then comes licensing, insurance, gasoline... So with any forethought and planning (of which he has very little), he could be driving himself everywhere within two weeks.  Please Lord...  

I hear ya Trish about the stepson thing!!!  C's son still calls his cell and asks for money ::)  I swear!  When will the kid learn that he has to SPEND his own money now and not bother his father for it.............................

Tuesday 3 June 2008
Hair:  Washed/conditioned this morning with TreSemme.  Hair is down.  

Other:  On Sunday evening we figured out that our air conditioning unit was not producing coolness.  In fact, it was just as cool outside as inside, which wasn't saying much.  We also calculated that the unit hasn't been serviced since 2002.   :o  Poor thing...no wonder it wasn't very cool in the house.  Since it was basically wasting electricity, we shut off the unit and opened the windows.  The soonest available appointment for service is Thursday morning.   :P  It's not pleasant in the house now, but it's toleraable and we'll survive until Thursday...as if we have a choice.   ;D  

As I sit here with the outside temp at 57 (and this is one of our warmer mornings), I have a hard time remembering what it would feel like to be warm/hot enough to require air conditioning.  :-/  We use ceiling fans to minimize our need for air conditioning.  We are lucky enough that the fans are enough for us 90% of the summer.  (This year I'm not sure if we will ever turn off the FURNACE!!!)  I hope you get your AC fixed soon!  (and maybe push a bit of that warm weather up here??)

They have not turned on the air conditioning in our office at work (and I forget the reason) so when we get past the 70 degree mark our office feels like a sauna ::)

Thank the good lord we have fans to use and we can open our windows for now :P

Jerry

Quote:

Posted by: bikerbraid Posted on: Yesterday at 7:06am As I sit here with the outside temp at 57 (and this is one of our warmer mornings), I have a hard time remembering what it would feel like to be warm/hot enough to require air conditioning.

I wish we had that problem!!!   ;D

Jerry, here at the university where I work, they can't seem to sync up the temperature with the seasons.  We burn up in the winter months and freeze during the summer!   ;D

Wednesday 4 June 2008
Hair:  I sweated so much overnight that I felt the need to wash/condition this morning.  Ugh.  

Other:  Home air conditioning unit still broken as of last night...and last night was MISERABLE.  I'm hoping that hubby decided to spend some extra money to get a repairman out there today.  We really didn't want to spend *that* much, but both agree it's worth our sanity (which is quickly melting away with our sweat) not to have to wait until tomorrow.  At least I get to come to work where it's nice and cool.  He's stuck at home.  

Aaack!!  I hope that a/c gets fixed very soon!  Keep cool at work!

Egad. Oh Trish, be glad that you don't live in the southwest!  :P

Hope your a/c gets fixed soon. I know that's not a cheap repair!

Hair:  It's a no-wash day; hair is in a ponytail.  If I have enough money, and I believe I do, this weekend I plan on buying some Pantene Restoratives; I simply have to choose between Breakage Defense or Time Renewal.  Of course, I haven't read the ingredients on either, so they could be virtually the same.  

Other:  Guess what I saw in the driveway when I pulled up at home yesterday?  A service truck with a familiar logo on the side..."heating and cooling".  Ahhh, sweet relief!   :D  The company managed to squeeze us in yesterday afternoon instead of making us wait until this morning.  Thank you, Lord!  I can't find the words to impress unpon you how refreshingly wonderful that cool air felt.  It was like being back to life.   :)  For the first time in 3 nights, cats AND humans slept well.  The total bill was $142, a small price to pay for that much enjoyment.  

Friday 6 June 2008
Hair:Today was wash day and I wanted to use something different, other than TreSemme.  So I dug around in my frebbie tub and discovered a sample of Sunsilk shampoo, conditioner, and anti-flat leave-in creme.  The shampoo and conditioner seemed to work well, and had a refreshingly light aroma.  Too bad the samples were only enough for one wash.  I don't normally use leave-ins, gels, or mousses in my hair, but decided to go the whole route and use the anti-flat creme.  Myeh   :P  Not too impressed.  Had I used a blow fryer the anti-flat stuff probably would have worked fine.  I have to admit, though, that my hair does feel incredibly soft right now.  I'm tempted to buy this product but am reluctant to do so based simply on the outcome of one use.  Hmm...I think I'll compare ingredients between Sunsilk and Pantene.  

Other:  Playing receptionist again today.  It feels as if time is dragging by; the day began with a mark against it, when I woke up thinking it was Saturday.   :(  

Quote:

the day began with a mark against it, when I woke up thinking it was Saturday.   :(

Awww, that's crappy, babe.  :(
At least you made it to work on time, eh?

Monday 9 June 2008
Hair:  In the end, I chose to stay with a Pantene line; Pantene has worked very well for me in the past.  I picked the Breakage Defense s+c and used it yesterday for the first time.  Also did a vinegar rinse yesterday.  Washed and conditioned again this morning.  Thus far I like the results; hair is soft, shiny, and manageable.  Also, I've been using only a comb on my hair, instead of a brush, and my hair seems happy with it.  

Other:  I've been concerned about the lack of hummers this season.  About a month ago I tried feeding them colored sugar water, but they turned up their finicky little beaks at my attempt.   >:(  I quickly switched back to store-bought, but they seemed to have disappeared.  Well, I need not have worried because yesterday they came out in droves.  There are 9 or 10 that we've counted thus far.   :D  It's hard to get an accurate count since they move like lightning.  

It's super hot here now, and the wonderful Missouri humidity hasn't even kicked in yet.  Another miserable midwest summer...yay.   :P  Like Angel, about all I can do is keep the shades drawn until blessed fall and winter return...  

Tuesday 10 June 2008
Hair:No-wash day; hair is up in a ponytail.  

Other:  Hummers galore!  I stood outside yesterday afternoon, just watching all of the activity at the feeders, of which we have 4.  As I said, the little buggers are difficult to count because they're so fast; but I'd estimate that we have around 15 hummers eating at Chez Trisha.   8-)  They're so cool to watch!

Thursday 12 June 2008
Hair:  The temperature is pretty steamy here, up in the low 90s every day.  So I may need to wash daily for a while.  I have to say that I am LOVING the Pantene Restoratives!!!!!!!!!!!!   8-)  My hair is shiny, soft, smooth, and very manageable.  Love, love, love it.  

humming birds are very beautiful. have you seen any nests nearby?

Quote:

I have to say that I am LOVING the Pantene Restoratives!!!!!!!!!!!!   8-)   My hair is shiny, soft, smooth, and very manageable.  Love, love, love it.

Yeah, bay-bee!  8-)

Quote:

Posted by: roomtogrow Posted on: Yesterday at 7:29am humming birds are very beautiful. have you seen any nests nearby?

No, but then I haven't been searching either!   ;D  We keep the limbs of our trees trimmed up pretty high.  So finding hummer nests would involve me schlumping a ladder around a good sized area...and that's just too much of a committment for me.   8-)

Friday 13 June 2008  
Hair:  No-wash day; hair is up in a ponytail.  Good Lord, will I ever be glad when my front is long enough to be gathered into the ponytail!!!   :(  Need to do a vinegar rinse this weekend.  
Yes, Angel, I really am in love with Restoratives.  The shampoo is wonderful; my hair squeeks after using it.  And the conditioner is nice and thick.  LOVE IT!   8-)

Other:  Playing receptionist again today.   :-X  Caffeine is helping me get through the day.  
At 7:00 this morning the temperature here was already high, and we may get some severe storms later in the day.  Have I mentioned how much I hate summer??   :P

I've been thinking about you there in MO.  I hope the storms aren't too bad.  We're supposed to get some early this evening.

How exciting- 15 hummingbirds!  When hubby and I were first moved to AZ we were in an apartment.  Our first visit to the pool where they have a decorative waterfall 2 hummingbirds were playing in it.  Super cute!  I took it as a good omen.

Quote:

The shampoo is wonderful; my hair squeeks after using it.

It does?? Pretty sure mine doesn't. The shampoo is pretty concentrated and takes awhile (and added water) to lather up...but it conditions my hair too well for it to squeak.


Quote:

And the conditioner is nice and thick.  LOVE IT!  8-)

Oh yeah.  8-)  And you'll probably find that you go through it at least twice as fast as the shampoo. hehe My ratio is about 3-4 conditioners per 1 bottle of shampoo.

Quote:

And you'll probably find that you go through it at least twice as fast as the shampoo. hehe My ratio is about 3-4 conditioners per 1 bottle of shampoo.

Huh, that's interesting.  I'm the same way but thought that, that was something only common to curly/kinky haired girls.

Quote:

Huh, that's interesting.  I'm the same way but thought that, that was something only common to curly/kinky haired girls.

It's a combination of my routine and the conditioner itself. Pretty much everyone I know who uses Restoratives goes through the conditioner at least twice as fast as the shampoo. When I just washed & conditioned like everyone else, this was definitely the case.
   But now, I also do CWC's, so I use much less shampoo.  ;)

Tuesday 17 June 2008
Hair:  I've been using the Pantene Restoratives-Breakage Defense s+c every day...and loving it.  I like the Restoratives BETTER than Expressions, and you know how I raved about that line.  

Other:  

Sakina, the storms and major flooding have not hit us here in Southeast Missouri (yet), thank God.  I feel badly for all those farmers affected in Iowa, Ohio and everywhere else.  And all that cleaning up they'll have to do?  Oy vey.

The front reception area here at the office is being remodeled this week.  This morning, ALL morning, the carpet was being removed with the use of a terribly LOUD machine.  
:(   We all kept our office doors shut to muffle as much of the racket as possible.  I'm glad that's over.  What I find ironic is that only the reception area is getting new carpet and paint--the rest of our crappy-looking little offices remain the same!   ;D

Thursday 19 June 2008
Hair:  No-wash day.  I was so tired when I woke up that I just couldn't face washing my hair.  It's happy being in a ponytail today.  Need to do a vinegar rinse this weekend.

Other:  I haven't slept well any night this week.   :(  I don't know if I've been drinking more caffeine than my body can tolerate, or what...but something's affected me.  So today I'm keeping a very close eye on the caffeine and we'll see if I sleep better tonight (please God).  I'm sure a little exercise would help, too, but I haven't been doing any of that lately.  *sigh*  

The remodel job on the reception area is 80% complete; the painting is nearly finished, and the carpet should be laid tomorrow.  I have to admit, it's going to look impressive and sharp when complete.  

My student worker burned me a copy of a cd by a band called Paramore; and no, until she educated me yesterday, I had never heard of them before.   ::)  So I'm off to eat my yogurt and listen to some music.  Ciao fellow babies!   8-)

Quote:

My student worker burned me a copy of a cd by a band called Paramore; and no, until she educated me yesterday, I had never heard of them before.  ::)

You're not alone. They are a Gen-Y emo band that hasn't been around very long.

And oy, I feel ya about your sleeping sitch. The only way that I get a decent night's rest anymore is when heavily drugged. And I consume almost no caffeine at all.  :P

I know the feeling about trying to sleep.

I have had some luck with Nature's Way Valerian Nighttime tablets (not just the Valerian Root capsules).  They add a little lemon balm to the valerian, so it also helps if you get headaches.

I kinda need to use it in cycles though.  It works great for about the time it takes me to use an entire bottle, but then I need to stop using it (and consequently get less sleep) for a few weeks, and then it works again.

HTH,
Luc

Friday 20 June 2008
Hair:  Washed this morning, though I probably could have gone another day sans suds.  Would have had to put hair back up in another ponytail, and I'm trying to let it hang loose as much as possible.  

...Two and a half years to reach waist length again.  That's right; I'm going for waist length again.   8-)

Other:  

Thanks, LittleLuc, for the suggestion of Valerian.  I may have to look into that product.  

Angel, I'm not 100% loving Paramore.  They're pretty good, but I don't think they'll ever be a favorite band.  Who am I to turn down a free cd of music?!   ;D  

Sleep...*sigh*  Yeah, still not so good last night.  I had VERY little caffeine yesterday.  Made sure I didn't eat anything too heavy at supper last night.  But, then, I got aggravated at the stepson right before going to bed last night, so that may have prevented a major amount of logs getting sawed.  And I remember waking up at some point during the last two nights feeling hot.  So tonight I'm turning down the AC, baby!  Maybe I just need to stay up until I can barely keep my eyes open, eh??   :-?  I hope I figure out a solution soon--my poor eyes are all blood-shot...they look like I was out all night drinking...not that I would know what my eyes look like after a night of drinking.  Okay, time to shut up, Trisha.   :-X

Quote:

Angel, I'm not 100% loving Paramore.  They're pretty good, but I don't think they'll ever be a favorite band.  Who am I to turn down a free cd of music?!  ;D

*shrug* Everybody has CD's in their collection that they don't care for.


Quote:

Maybe I just need to stay up until I can barely keep my eyes open, eh??   :-?   I hope I figure out a solution soon--my poor eyes are all blood-shot...they look like I was out all night drinking...not that I would know what my eyes look like after a night of drinking.  Okay, time to shut up, Trisha.  :-X

;D
With my schedule & lifestyle, I start wearing out right around midnight. But I usually push it later than that. Usually around 1 or 2...sometimes 5. Whatever.  ::)  Visine is your friend, but not really.  :P

Monday 23 June 2008
Hair:  Washed and conditioned with Pantene Breakage Defense this morning.  Once dry, I combed the middle section of my "bangs" straight back and secured them with a hair comb, leaving the rest of my locks hanging straight down.  Smooth looking.   ;)  

Other:  Drum roll, please..........................
My daughter is moving back to the area!!!   :D  I've been very careful not to influence her decision in that respect.  But once she told me the news I let her know how tickled I am that she'll be close by again.  The move probably won't come until closer to the end of summer.  But at least I know she's on her way.  When she comes home for the 4th of July, she'll try to squeeze in some apartment hunting.  I'm so excited!!!  

I'm so happy for you Trisha! :D

Woohoo!

Say, Wal*Mart has those free local rent magazines. Er, I mean *ahem* I've heard...  :-X  ;)

Hooray!!  Glad your daughter will be close by to you! :)

Tuesday 24 June 2008
Hair:  It's a no-wash day; hair is up in a small bun.  

Other:  Last night I slept super!  It's got to be the caffeine...  Yesterday I drank a large glass of regular tea with breakfast, about 12 ounces of decaf coffee, about 12 ounces of peppermint tea (which I believe to be decaf), and then only water after I got home from work.  I'm following the same "menu" today, so we'll see what happens tonight.  I guess my system can't handle very much caffeine.  

The remodeling of the office is still not complete; we're still waiting on someone to put down the carpet.   :(  

I haven't had to refill my feeders in 2 days, so that means the latest batch of hummers has moved on southward.  There are still a few--there are always a few, so I'm still enjoying their manuevers.   :)  

Wednesday 25 June 2008
Hair:  Wash day; hair is down.  I wonder how long it is now?  Anxious for July to arrive so I can measure.

Other:  Temperatures are very warm here today...okay, it's just flat-out hot.  I hate summer.   :(  

There's some flood water from the Mississippi river now running across Hwy 177, which is the main route for us residents of North Cape Girardeau county.  That section of the highway is still passable, although the water stinks to high heaven.  Should the flooding become severe, there is an alternate route that we can take to reach town; we locals call it the "back way", and it takes the same amount of time to drive.  So, no worries, children.   ;)

I'm glad you have a back way to get places.  I hope the flooding is not too extensive in your area.  

Friday 27 June 2008
Hair:  No-wash day; hair is up in a ponytail.  Will do a vinegar rinse this weekend.

Other:The water over Hwy 177 is steadily rising, (as flood water is wont to do!) and I may have to take the alternate route home.   :o

The secretary at work is taking off for 2 1/2 weeks starting Monday.  Which means you know what.   :P

Monday morning I'm scheduled for my annual mammogram.  Oh joy.   :(  

I think I'll quit while I'm ahead...  

You guys are suffering from floods and we're suffering from a drought...crazy weather! :P  At least you can get around okay. :)

My doctor told me that I should schedule a mamogram, but I think that 33 is a bit young to start. :-?  When did you start?

LaDiosa, I believe I started having mammograms when I was in my 30s as well.

Monday 30 June 2008
Hair:  Washed this morning, and did a vinegar rinse.  Hair is down.

Other:

Quote:

The secretary at work is taking off for 2 1/2 weeks starting Monday.

I don't know *why* I believed this to be true; probably because I was confused about what day of the week July 4 falls on.   ::)  The secretary will only be gone for 7 working days, today through next Tuesday.  Well, no, that's not true either!  Technically, it's only 6 working days, since we're off this Friday.  And since the remodel job at the office isn't yet complete, I'm staying in my office (as opposed to sitting out front...of which there is no "out front" right now...).  Anyway, it's been a pretty quiet day.

Had my annual mamogram this morning.  The "inspector"  ;D  said that everything looked and felt okay, and that I should receive my official results in about a week.  

As of this morning Highway 177 was still open to traffic, but I played it safe and drove the back way to town.  A co-worker who also travels this highway told me that he came into town the normal route but, even in his van, he was concerned about the depth of the flood water.  Ironically, while there is too much water in some spots, our field crops could use more moisture.  

My daughter will be home this Wednesday for the 4th of July holiday.  Yay!   8-)  

My nightly sleep has been wonderful ever since I cut back on the caffeine intake.  
Now if I could get my eating and exercise regimine in line, I'd be...well, I'd be a little thinner and in better shape!   ;D

Wednesday 2 July 2008
Hair:  Like an idiot, I threw away my shower cap before I bought a replacement
::)  ...so, I'm currently washing my hair every day (until payday).  Still loving the Pantene Breakage Defense line.  

Other:  Hyw 177 was officially closed yesterday morning, so now I *have* to take the alternate route.  I really don't mind, except for the tail-gaters.   >:(  The back way to town is rather hilly and curvy, and one would think others would know better than to drive carelessly.  Sheesh, what am I saying?  Those are probably the jerks who ALWAYS drive carelessly.  

Well, I'm on day 3 of filling in for the secretary and, honestly, things have been pretty mild.  The phone calls won't stop but even that I don't mind.  Maybe because I know this is a 4-day work week and I get to see my daughter soon.   :)  

Thanks for responding, Trisha.  Hmmm... I didn't know that it was normal to start getting mammograms in your 30's.  I thought people started when they turned 40.  Oh well, I guess I need to take my doctors advice and schedule an appointment then.

It may depend, too, on factors such as family history, La Diosa.  If you even have what's called a "weak history" of breast cancer, then go ahead and take your doctor's advice.  A "weak history" is an aunt, like I have, or another female relative, other than a mother or sister.  

Thursday 3 July 2008
Hair:  I'll be glad when the front part of my hair gets long enough that I don't need a barette.  Hubby measured my hair this morning, while wet as usual, and my length is still at 20"--same as last month.  Which means either my hair has not grown one bit, or he measured incorrectly last time.  *shrug*  

Other:  My daughter is here, my daughter is here!!!   :D  Can't wait until she's back here permanently--shouldn't be too much longer.  

Today is my Friday, since tomorrow the university is closed for the Independence Day holiday.  

My stepson's car passed inspection, is licensed and insured, which means he's totally mobile!  Now we don't have to ferry him everywhere, thank you God!  One more step towards him moving out...

Monday 7 July 2008
Hair:  Nothing much has changed.  

Other:  Had a horrible 4th of July, the worst I've ever had.  It involved me yelling to be heard over my stepson, who speaks in an annoyingly LOUD voice.  The family was sitting around the table, eating lunch.  My husband sat to my right, and his son sat on his right.  My husband wasn't feeling too hot and asked me if we had any aspirin.  Right about that time, the stepson started laughing and talking super loud to his grandmother, hubby's mother, who was seated to his (stepson's) right--and no, she's not hard of hearing.  In order for my husband to hear me, and remember, he was sitting right next to me, I had to yell.  I wasn't yelling *at* stepson, but he took my raised voice personally (because he takes EVERYTHING personally) and left to meet a friend.  He had planned to do that anyway, but his childish attitude simply ruined the rest of the day for me.  I'm so sick of him, and I know that's bad of me to say.  What's worse is that his father feels the same way; he's sick of his own son.  That boy is simply 180 degrees different than us.  --Everything from personal hygiene to work ethic to spiritual mores.  All of us, his father and I, his grandparents, have done what we could to help him in life, and he just takes it all for granted.  Aside from his biological mother, stepson is THE most ungrateful person I know.  He just assumes that there will always be someone around to pick him up, so to speak.  He'll be 26 next month in August, so guess what?  GROW UP.  Stand on your own two feet and stop mooching off of everybody.  One good thing is that stepson now has wheels, so he can just ignore us altogether (since he doesn't need us to chauffer him around anymore).  If he functioned like a normal human being, he could save up enough money to have his own place by September.  But, then, if he functioned like a normal human being, he wouldn't have had to move back in with his parents.  Mm hmm.  

*sigh*  Sorry, I just had to get that off my chest.  I, we, are so tired of having to deal with him.  Okay, deep breath...   in with the good, out with the bad, in with the good, out with the bad.

Whoa, whoa, whoa, Trisha. Whoa. Just hold on a second. I am 28 and I live with my parents. Actually, I've had to move back in with them twice for financial reasons and I am far from not "functioning like a normal human being." I've worked at my current job for over 3 years now, I have a car that is only 2 years old which I have been financing myself, I pay the water bill for the entire household and I have responsibilities and obligations just like everyone else. I also happen to live in one of the most insanely expensive states in America, where very few people can afford to live by themselves.
   My sister is 24 and has never moved out. But she works, goes to school (she's training to be an RN), and also finances her own car. And that's just the way it is for now.

Now, I have known a few people (guys, go figure) who lived with their parents scott free. Didn't work, didn't go to school, didn't pay rent, didn't help with bills or anything - just mooched off of mommy & daddy without putting out any sort of effort whatsoever. But it doesn't sound like that's what your stepson is doing, so he's at least a step above that. It also doesn't sound like you're the sort of parent who would tolerate that. So good for you.

It does sound, however, like he's a loutish little punk with a lot of growing up to do. Have you ever suggested that he join the military? It can make quick work of boys like him. There's also the Peace Corps...or a monastery.
Or you want I should just "take care of him" for yaz?  ;D

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A "weak history" is an aunt, like I have, or another female relative, other than a mother or sister.

That would be me then. :'(  Oh well. :-/

Anyway, sorry about your holiday.  Hopefully, he'll be gone soon...to his own place...not knocked off by Angel. ;D


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very few people can afford to live by themselves.

Angel: I didn't know that.  I always thought that in a city where the price of living was high, that the average pay rate was high too.

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Or you want I should just "take care of him" for yaz?  ;D

I'll take this door, Monty!!   ;)

Let me clarify some things about my stepson.  He could very well afford to live on his own IF he chose to do the right thing.  He's always been fairly lucky at landing decent paying jobs.  But instead of taking care of business first, i.e. paying bills, buying groceries, he chose (chooses) to smoke pot and play video games.  This is part of what I mean by functioning like a normal human being.  Normal people KNOW that business comes before pleasure.  It stinks, but that's reality.  And since reality is not always pleasant, he has trouble dealing with it.  I believe video games appeal to him because, in the game, if something goes wrong then all he has to do is push the reset button.  Well, sorry, but real life doesn't have a reset button.

He shuns good/practical advice because, pee-shaw, that's no fun/it's too hard/I don't want to.  Besides, won't there always be someone around to clean up the mess he's made?  In the past 3-4 years he's been given three good used cars, no strings attached.  He's ruined and/or lost all three to (a) issues that could have been prevented with routine maintenance or (b) title loans.  

A loutish little punk with a lot of growing up to do?  Indeed; the nail has been hit on the head.  He has spoken with an Army recruiter in the past year or so, but would need to lose at least 50 pounds before even being considered.  He has a big problem with authority, so I'm not convinced he could cut it one day in the military (although I think it would be good for him).  

Pot?  Video games?  Not paying bills first and being responsible?  Trish,are you sure you have YOUR step son and not C's son there re incarnated?  Sounds just like J!!!

;D

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Angel: I didn't know that.  I always thought that in a city where the price of living was high, that the average pay rate was high too.

La Diosa: Oh, you are just too precious. Because the cost of living is higher, the pay rate is a little higher too, although not proportionally. However, my dear, you're forgetting the population part of the equation. So many people live in CA that the real estate market takes advantage of it and hikes housing costs through the roof (pardon the obvious pun). Real estate in CA has been a joke for many years, and many current homeowners could not afford to buy their own homes now for what they would sell for. Rent is even worse. So the solution for most people is roommates. Oh, what fun.  ::)


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He has a big problem with authority, so I'm not convinced he could cut it one day in the military (although I think it would be good for him).

Well, first off, let me say that the military loves to sink their teeth into kids like him. They prey on that kind of attitude.
   Secondly, good heavens. If I was that child's parent, or even stepparent, I would not have him living with me. Ever. Period. He should be living with whichever parent raised him to behave as he does.  ;)

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He should be living with whichever parent raised him to behave as he does.

I think so too!   ;D  But stepson knows that his bio.mother is always broke, so he runs to us.  This will be his last time staying with us.  Period.

Mmm hmm. That's what my mother would call "too bad, so sad."  ;D

Thursday 10 July 2008
Hair:  No-wash day; hair is up in a ponytail.

Other:  I don't know why, but nothing is going right at work today.  For two hours now I've been trying to create what SHOULD have been a couple of simple queries.  But no...  Maybe something is out of alignment in the universe or whatever, but it's really starting to pi$$ me off.   >:(  I guess instead I'll go to work on the gi-normous stack of course evaluations somebody dropped off last week.  *sigh*  I'm so ready for this whole freakin' year to be over.  

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I'm so ready for this whole freakin' year to be over.

Amen, sister.

Tuesday 15 July 2008

Hair:  Everything's fine.   :)

Other:  Saw my doctor this morning for my last official 6-month check up related to my cancer from 2003.   :)  All is well.  I won't get the results from my CA125 test for a couple of days, but I'm sure it'll be normal.  

The weather here is hot, humid, and nasty--typical Missouri summer...  And I hate it.   :P  Can't wait for Autumn!  

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Can't wait for Autumn!

I hear ya, Trish!

And congrats on the good results! Sounds like you have successfully beaten this whole cancer thing. And you're the first person I know who has. :D

Congrats,Trish on the doc visit!!

WooHoo!!, Trisha! :D  Congrats on your great results!

Thanks, gang   :)  I give the glory to God, who led me to the best doctors and nurses.  

Wednesday 16 July 2008
Hair:  No wash day; hair is up in a ponytail.  Still loving the Breakage Defense products.

Other:  Filling in for the secretary again today, whose mother is having sugery.  Haven't been doing much, except doing some online window shopping.   :)  I sold back some vacation hours and that extra money will show up on Friday's pay.  Yay!  I am in serious need of some dress clothes, specifically tops.  I want long sleeves since they can do double duty; warmth in the winter and sun protection in the summer.  I already have my eye on some blouses at www.blair.com   ::)

Friday 18 July 2008
Hair:  No wash day; hair is in a bun.

Other:  Yesterday I got the results of my CA-125 test.  I scored -- drum roll, please...  a 7.3, which is wonderfully normal.   8-)  Normal is considered to be 30 or less.  This is one test where you WANT a low score!   ;D  

No big plans for the weekend, as usual.  *sigh*  I'm not one to complain, but I get so tired of being poor.  And yet I know darned good and well that I'm better off than some people.  

:) 8-) :) that's great to hear the score!

Monday 21 July 2008
Hair:Washed and did a vinegar rinse on Saturday morning.  Hours later, after hair had air dried, I got a wild urge for curls.  So I dusted off my curling iron (literally dusted it off!) and commenced to curling.  The curls looked nice, but that was just way too much work.  I flashed back to several years ago, when my hair was short.  Every day I would wash my hair, use the blow fryer and curling iron.  EVERY morning!  I thought, "How on earth did I stand that?!"   ;D  At least now I know better.  

Other:  I'm in a girly-girl mood today, so I took the time to apply mascara and lipstick.   :o  I have beady little eyes and, as much as I hate to admit it, the black mascara does make my blue eye color pop.  I purchased two lipsticks over the weekend; N.Y.C. (New York color) brand, Berry Rich and Blue Rose.  Today is a Berry Rich day.   :)  No foundation, powder, or blush--my skin feels suffocated when I wear that stuff.  

I ordered two blouses from Blair this morning, both on sale.  Shipping should take 7-10 business days.  Both are long sleeved, as I wanted; one is white and the other is called "Lotus".  --I call it a pale dusty rose.  

I remember those days too.  I used to take 1 hour to hot curl my hair every morning.  Damage aside, I couldn't even think about doing that nowadays.  I could think of much better ways to spend my time. ;)

Tuesday 22 July 2008
Hair:  No wash day; hair is up in a ponytail.  

Other:  Another girly-girl day, with mascara and lipstick (blue rose), a dress, stockings, and low heeled pumps.  Yowzah!   ;)

Weighty Matters:  My weight has snuck back up to 163 1/2.  WTH?!   :o  I've been eating more veggies, from our garden, but apparently they're higher in carbs than I imagined.  I also had not been walking.   >:(    So...I'm back to being dilligent about the food I'm shoveling in, AND yesterday I returned to my treadmill.  163 1/2 indeed.  Be gone!   :)

Wednesday 23 July 2008
Hair:  Wash day; hair is down.  

Other:  Only half girly today with mascara but no lipstick.   :)  Wearing jeans, a short sleeve pullover top, and brown flip flops.  

Weighty Matters:  Was careful with food yesterday, although I suspect walking will improve my weight rather than strict diet.  Last evening I walked 20 minutes on my treadmill.  This evening I should be able to do 30 minutes.  The scale this morning read 162.  

Friday 25 July 2008
Hair:  Wash day; hair is down.  

Weighty Matters:  Walked a mile on the treadmill last evening for about 20 minutes.  

Other:  No plans for the weekend, as usual.  *sigh*  

Wednesday 30 July 2008
Hair:  Wash day; hair is down.  

Other:  Hummers are eating us out of house and home--we have sighted at least 15-20.   :)  The little buggers are draining 2-3 feeders at least once every day (sometimes twice).  Sheesh!

I'm back on the genealogy trail.  I had been taking a break, for several months now actually, because my brain was spinning from all of the data I was looking at.   :o  But I was recently contacted by a distant, distant relative in Germany.  At least I'm under the impression that our tress intertwine somewhere down the line.   :)  Anyway, he is sending me a cd containing all of his information.  I can't wait to get a look at the data!  I wonder how long it will take for the cd to arrive here?  I'm figuring at least 2-3 weeks.  Argh...  

My daughter is putting off the move back to Missouri until she can find a job comparable to the one she has now, as far as what she does and (especially) how much she's getting paid.  So she will not be back home by the end of summer.  Oh, I guess it's possible that the perfect job for her could open up sometime in the next month or two.  Miracles happen every day.   :)  Anyway, I believe she's doing the right thing.  

Oh, I received the two blouses I ordered from Blair.  Mah-velous, dah-ling!  They're very feminine with subtle frills, exactly what I wanted.  Yay!  

15-20 hummingbirds!  Holy cow!  Do you know what kind they are?  Is it primarily one type?

Sorry your daughter's not moving back so soon.  It will happen when the time is right.

I don't think it should take that long for a CD to arrive from Germany, unless he sent it by boat.  That can take forever and is best for large or heavy items.  We've sent/recieved things from Indonesia via boat and it can take nearly a month!  Ugh!!

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Posted by: Sakina Posted on: Yesterday at 9:07am 15-20 hummingbirds!  Holy cow!  Do you know what kind they are?  Is it primarily one type?

I've only ever seen the Ruby Throated variety in our neck of the woods.  Each species has a distinct, and usually unwavering, migration path.   :)


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Posted by: Sakina Posted on: Yesterday at 9:07am Sorry your daughter's not moving back so soon.  It will happen when the time is right.

Yep, that's pretty much what I told her, too.  


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Posted by: Sakina Posted on: Yesterday at 9:07am I don't think it should take that long for a CD to arrive from Germany

--And you're right!  The cd came in yesterday's mail!   :D  My husband had to come into town for something and, sweet man that he is, delivered the cd to me at the office.  It was like Christmas!  

Thursday 31 July 2008
Hair:  It's a no-wash day, so hair is up in a ponytail.  I've been very tempted to start washing every day, since I'm sweating more due to our blast furnace temperatures.  But my hair seems to do better with the every other day routine.  *shrug*  

Other:  Yep, so, I got the cd from Johannes, the distant relative in Germany.   :D  I quickly skimmed the information, but need to print all of the data so I can look over it more closely.  I did find the family name I was looking for, but am not convinced it will be helpful.  What I'm looking for right now is information about my great-great-great grandmother, Katharina Kassel.  Johannes has information about a Phillip Kassel, whom he believes to be the brother of Katharina.  More research is needed.  --Of course...what else is new?!   ;D  The problem is that we're talking about people who were born in the 1800s...in Germany.  Katharina was born in 1819.  There's just no way I'm going to find information about her birth except to (1) make a trip to Germany or (2) make contact with someone currently living in Germany who can look up the information for me.  Fortunately for me, I now have such a contact in Johannes!   :)  

I don't mean to be a downer, but I bet the devatation and destruction from the war burned up a lot of older records.

I hope you do get to go to Germany anyway, if only for a vacation.  I hope to go back someday.

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Hummers are eating us out of house and home--we have sighted at least 15-20.     The little buggers are draining 2-3 feeders at least once every day (sometimes twice).  Sheesh!

I wish I had that problem...well perhaps on a smaller scale.  We only get 4 or 6 hummers a day. Sometimes it's just one at a time, other times they are in pairs of two, but never anymore than that.  I have to discard unused nectar and refill the feeders because they aren't drinking it fast enough.
Perhaps you can send a few of yours this way! ;D

I'm glad that your happy with your blouses, dah-ling! ;D  I love frilly blouses too...they're just too cute! :)

Sorry that your daughter had to delay her move, but when she finds the right job it'll make her move that much sweeter! :)

And congrats on your genealogy progress! :D

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Posted by: Sakina Posted on: Yesterday at 1:28pm I don't mean to be a downer, but I bet the devatation and destruction from the war burned up a lot of older records.

Don't worry, dear, you're not telling me anything I haven't already considered.   :)  The records could have been destroyed...  Or there may not have been a record at all.  Way back when, paper birth certificates weren't used.  Everything was written in a family bible or passed down orally through the family.  

I guess a lot of people would find this level of uncertainity unworth their time.  But I've always loved a good mystery, and I find it fascinating to see how far back I can go.

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Posted by: La Diosa Posted on: Yesterday at 1:36pm Quote: Hummers are eating us out of house and home--we have sighted at least 15-20.     The little buggers are draining 2-3 feeders at least once every day (sometimes twice).  Sheesh! I wish I had that problem...well perhaps on a smaller scale.  We only get 4 or 6 hummers a day. Sometimes it's just one at a time, other times they are in pairs of two, but never anymore than that.  I have to discard unused nectar and refill the feeders because they aren't drinking it fast enough. Perhaps you can send a few of yours this way!   ;D

At this point I wish I *could* send you some!   :D  
If you continue putting out feeders each season, you WILL gradually get more and more hummers every year.  I remember last year having to discard unused nectar every other day because my little crowd wasn't drinking it fast enough.  Now look this year!  

Friday 1 August 2008
Hair:  Wash day.  Need to do a vinegar rinse this weekend.  Also need to measure, this being a new month.   :)

Weighty Matters:  Haven't been on the scale in a week or two.  But my clothes feel all right, so I really don't care.  

Other:  Daughter is coming home again this weekend to attend a baby shower for one of her friends.   A former teacher has put her on the trail of a possible job opening here in town, so say a prayer.   :)

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A former teacher has put her on the trail of a possible job opening here in town, so say a prayer.   :)

Done.  ;)

Add another prayer from me! ;)

Monday 4 August 2008
Hair:  Length is currently at 20.5 inches.   :)  Still waiting patiently for my sides to grow out--as if I have a choice.  Ugh.  All is well, though.  

Other:  My daughter came up again this weekend, yay rah.   :D  It was so nice, seeing her two weekends in a row.  Nothing new in her job search, but at least she already HAS a full time job that pays well (and she likes).  

I bought some new clothes this weekend; four pairs of slacks and two tops.  I now have plenty of skirts and slacks, and just need a few more tops.  My wardrobe for work had gotten pretty scarce!  I also discovered that I can fit into a size 12 pair of slacks.   :o  Which is weird, because...well, I guess I still think of myself in terms of being a size 16.  Hmm...  

Congrats on the size 12!  I know exactly how you feel about the 16 and the size 12!  I was (many moons ago) a size 16 or 18 and now being either a  4 or 6, it's hard to adjust!

Friday 8 August 2008
Hair:  No wash today, hair in a low ponytail.  Definitely seeing more and more grey strands in my hair, which I think is cool.   :)  

Other:  My student worker is rereading the Dark Tower (Stephen King) series of books and has convinced me to read them with her.  She owns all 7 (8?) books and hands one off to me when she finishes.  Right now I'm halfway through book #2.  

No plans for the weekend...  if the temperatures cool a bit, I may try to visit a couple of cemeteries for grave marker photos.  

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Other:  My student worker is rereading the Dark Tower (Stephen King) series of books and has convinced me to read them with her.  She owns all 7 (8?) books and hands one off to me when she finishes.  Right now I'm halfway through book #2.

Sounds like fun.  I used to work with a huge Danielle Steel fan and we'd do the same thing.  It was fun discussing the books afterwards.


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No plans for the weekend...  if the temperatures cool a bit, I may try to visit a couple of cemeteries for grave marker photos.

I'm sure you have a logical explanation but, huh? :-? ;D

Monday 11 August 2008
Hair:  I'm trying something new.  Saturday I "washed" with Pantene Classic Clean conditioner, did a vinegar rinse, and then put on Pantene Breakage Defense conditioner to soak in while I finished my shower.  Good gravy, my hair felt extremely soft afterward!  Of course yesterday, Sunday, was a no-wash day.  Now today, Monday, I probably should have washed again, because my hair is pretty greasy.  But I held off, just put it in a bun, and I'll wash tomorrow.  Plan on doing the same routine as Saturday.  

Other:


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Quote: No plans for the weekend...  if the temperatures cool a bit, I may try to visit a couple of cemeteries for grave marker photos.   I'm sure you have a logical explanation but, huh?    :-?   ;D

;D  Genealogy research/documentation, my dear!  
--Which I did do.   :)  

Yeah, I think I recall you mentioning that you do genealogy research. ;D  

Out of curiosity, how do you use the pictures, what do you do with them?  ...If you don't mind my asking. :)

Tuesday 12 August 2008
Hair:  This morning I tried the very same routine as on Saturday.  My hair is once again soft, however it looks greasy, like 3rd day hair.   :(  So back to shampoo I go.  Oh well, it was just an experiment.  

Other:  La Diosa, eventually I intend to put all of this research into a book of sorts, for future generations to have.  That is, if there are any future generations.  I hope to have grandkids someday, but you never know.  Nothing else, the book could always be donated to the local genealogical society's archive center.  


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Posted by: La Diosa Posted on: Yesterday at 4:17pm Yeah, I think I recall you mentioning that you do genealogy research  ;D

Oh, had I mentioned that before?!   ;)

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eventually I intend to put all of this research into a book of sorts, for future generations to have.

Oh, I see.  That's a good idea! :)

Wednesday 13 August 2008
Hair:  This morning I tried CWC...and I think I like it.   :)  I got my hair wet, applied Pantene Classic Care condish on the ends, used Pantene Breakage Defense shampoo on the top, rinsed out the first two, and then let some Breakage Defense condish soak in while I showered the rest of moi.  Hair is soft, shiny and manageable.  Nice!  

Other:  One of my coworkers walks every day at lunch for exercise; well, usually every day.  I asked if she would mind me walking with her today and, of course, she said no, she didn't mind.  I NEED to start walking again and today is that day!!!   ;)  Of course, now that our area has been cooler for the past several days, I actually feel like walking again.  

Pantene CWC's and daily walking?? This all sounds a bit familiar, Trish...  ;)

Thursday 14 August 2008
Hair:  No wash day, hair is in a high ponytail.   :)  Tomorrow I'll try the CWC again.  

Other:  

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Posted by: Angel Spun Posted on: Yesterday at 3:31pm Pantene CWC's and daily walking?? This all sounds a bit familiar, Trish...    ;)

Ya think?!   ;D  Hey, I can't help it we both have good taste in most things!!   ::)

Got to campus early this morning with the intent to walk before work--which I did.  Man, it felt good!   :)  The weather is still gorgeous right now, with clear blue skies and cool breezes.  NICE.  I walked for about 25 minutes with some hills thrown in for good measure (whew).  I may take another short walk over the lunch hour.  I'd rather walk earlier in the day anyway, rather than after work.  

Snacks for the day include Dannon Light and Fit yogurt (chocolate raspberry--yum), flax meal bread, and home cooked oatmeal (no salt, no fat, no sugar--I'll add sweetner).  I'm feeling good!   8-)  

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Ya think?!   ;D   Hey, I can't help it we both have good taste in most things!!   ::)

You said it, sistah.  ;)

Friday 15 August 2008
Hair:  CWC again this morning; this is now my official favorite method of washing.  Why didn't I try this sooner?!   :-?  

Other:  Walked before work again this morning, and will probably take a short walk at noon, too.  Yesterday morning's route involved some hills and, while I had no trouble *during* the walk, this morning my left hip is a might cranky.  I think enthusiasm clouded judgement and I overdid a bit.  So no hills today.   ;)

Tomorrow morning I'll be at the local Cracker Barrel, having breakfast with an old friend who's in the area visiting her parents.   :)  

Keep up the good work, Trisha!  A hot bath in epsom salts will take care of that hip.  Some gentle stretches would help, too.

Mmmm, I love eating a Cracker Barrel.  I don't get to eat there often since our is far from where I live.  Have fun meeting up with your friend!

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CWC again this morning; this is now my official favorite method of washing.  Why didn't I try this sooner?!  :-?

The similarities just keep stacking up, don't they, Trish?  ;)

Too bad Cali doesn't have Cracker Barrels. I've heard good things about them.

It's good that you found a hair routine that you're happy with. :D

Hmm...I've never eaten at a Cracker Barrel although I LOVE their sharp cheddar cheese.  It's the only sharp cheese that I ever buy.  My grandparents always bought it when I was a little girl... although, most of my adult household purchases are based in childhood. ::)  I tend to still use the same products that my parents used.

Oh, I wanted to ask you if your hummers feed at the same time or if they only come one at a time?  My hummers (eventhough I don't have alot) like to eat alone and will chase the others away if they approach the feeder.

Monday 18 August 2008
Hair:  No-wash day #2; hair is in a high ponytail.  Again, crown looked fine at home, but looks extremely greasy at work.  Perhaps my bathroom lighting is WAY off...   :-?  I haven't been going two days without washing lately, but I simply wasn't in the mood this morning.  

Other:  Early morning walk again today, for 20 minutes, and will do so again over the lunch hour, probably another 20 minutes.   :)

Saturday morning was wonderful, spending time with my good friend.  She lives in Ohio but her parents live in a small southeastern Missouri town.  We ate good food at Cracker Barrel, chattering up a storm in between bites.  Then we went hunting for quilt templates and hit three stores doing so.  It was nice having "girl time"...  I don't do that too often anymore.  I wonder why?  

LD, hummers are EXTREMELY territorial, extremely!  It doesn't matter how many feeders you hang; if you have more than one hummer, they will fight over the food.   :)  There's nothing you can do to stop this, it's simply normal behavior for them.  They don't actually hurt one another when they "fight", it's more  of a fussing than a physical damage.  Just keep the feeders filled and let them do their thing.   ;)  

Aren't "girl days" great? I don't have them so often either.  :-/

Yeah, I noticed that they weren't hurting each other, thank goodness.  I just didn't know that it was normal for them to be so territorial amongst themselves. Crazy birds! ::)

Thanks for the advice! :)

Tuesday 19 August 2008
Hair:  CWC this morning; hair is down.  

Other:  Met with my cancer survivors group at lunch today.   :)  Unfortunately, I believe two more women will be joining us at our next meeting.   :(  

LD, you're very welcome!  --Always happy to talk about hummers.  Second to cats, those little guys are more entertaining than any television I've ever watched.   ;D  

Still on the subject of "girl time"...  I've decided that when hubby's lodge resumes meeting next month, I should take advantage of those evenings when he's gone for a few hours.  He typically has 2-4 meetings a month where he's gone for at least 3 hours or more.  So why do I sit at home watching mind numbing television?!  I'm determined to do *something* on those evenings...even if it's just looking at fabric in the hobby shop, or browsing through bookstores, or...whatever!  Know what I mean?  Just to get out of the house and break this suffocating routine I seem to have fallen into.   8-)

Wednesday 20 August 2008
Hair:  CWC again this morning.  Normally today would have been a no-wash day, but I felt like having clean hair.  *shrug*  Also, for the past couple of days, my hair has FELT longer.  I caught myself yesterday flipping it back over my shoulder and thought, "Whoa!"   :)  

Other:  Did a 25 minute walk this morning before work.  If we don't get rain, I'll walk again over the lunch hour.  I feel so much better now that I've started walking again.   ;)  

Quote:

I caught myself yesterday flipping it back over my shoulder and thought, "Whoa!"

I bet that was a really nice feeling! :D

Thursday 21 August 2008
Hair:  You know, LD, it IS a nice feeling to be thinking once again of my hair in terms of it being long.   :)  

No wash day, hair is in a ponytail.  Need to do a vinegar rinse soon.  

Other:  Missed walking before work this morning, but I'll walk over the lunch hour.  Today is move-in day for new freshmen.   :(  I am NOT ready for these students to be back on campus.  Although...!  I have been seeing a lot of long hair.   :)  

Quote:

I am NOT ready for these students to be back on campus.

;D ;D

Aww...poor Trisha. :)  Those darn students! ;)

Monday 25 August 2008
Hair:  I got a wild hair, pardon the pun, and for the last few days have been parting my hair on the right side instead of the left side.  It's amazing...  I don't have to use any clips at all to keep the hair out of my face, the thin patch in front is completely covered, and I think I look better!  I don't know--it's just weird!  After I'd already made the change from left to right part I found this article.  It's pretty interesting:

http://www.truemirror.com/hp/#summary

Other:  First day of classes here at Southeast.   :P  What's the phrase?  Organized chaos, yes.   :)  I'm thankful I can stay in my little office and away from the line of fire!  

Wednesday 27 August 2008
Hair:CWC this morning.  Continuing to wear hair parted on the right instead of the left; am still amazed at the difference.

Other:  I've been out front yesterday and today, filling in yet again for our administrative assistant.  The bad part is she may need to be absent tomorrow as well.   :P  

Thursday 28 August 2008
Hair:  No wash day; hair is in a high ponytail.  The CWC routine seems to be working well for my hair.  

Other:  The admin. asst is here today so I'm once again happy in my little office.   8-)  

I've seen a ton of long hairs on campus since the new term began.   :)  

One of my former student workers stopped by yesterday for a short visit.   :D  K. Y. worked for me back in '96 and it was wonderful to see him again.  He's doing well, has a good job, has been married for a year, and hasn't changed in looks one iota.  It's always rewarding to see my "kids" enjoying life.   :)  

Friday 29 August 2008
Hair:  CWC this morning; hair is down.  After hair had completely air dried I put on a teeny bit of jojoba oil.  --Didn't seem to make much difference.  *shrug*

Other:  I think my daughter is coming home for the 3-day weekend, yay!   :D  

I walked for 30 minutes before work this morning and now my left hip is giving me fits.   :(  I guess I need to try backing off to 20 minutes at a time.  

I like the photo you added, it's nice to see your hair.  It's longer than I thought. :)    

Hair:CWC this morning with Pantene Classic Clean, Pantene Breakage Defense shampoo and Pantene Breakage Defense condish (in that order).  Hair is super soft and mucho happy.  

LD thanks   :)  That photo was taken sometime in the early spring.  I finally got the roll of film developed, finally sat my derriere down at the scanner and FINALLY figured out how to copy the image to a cd AND get it moved over into Photobucket.  I think next time I want an image of my hair, I'll just borrow my mother in law's digital camera!  Most of the time I prefer the plain ol' 35mm cameras, however I can see where digitals have their place.

Other:  If there's one thing I've learned about grief it's that the hurt never really goes away.  Emotional pain is more like a scar; the wound may not hurt anymore, but there will always be visible evidence.  Death is a very big part of living that most folks would rather not deal with--myself included.  Yet as I've grown older, I've learned (am STILL learning) there are times when death should be celebrated as a release from the agonizing tethers of life.  As much as I miss Sparky kitty, I know he is in a better place.  I imagine God has his hands full with that little stinker of a cat.  I can just imagine God, trying to get Sparky off the pearly gates...  "Sparky!  You get down from there!  Sparky, did you hear me?  Don't make me come over there!"   ;D

Friday 5 September 2008
Hair:  No wash day.  Instead of doing a ponytail, I simply used my BBB to smooth the top part of my hair and left the length down.  Amazingly, it looks nice.   :-?  I may wait until Sunday or Monday to wash again and it's been a while since my last vinegar rinse.  My length now measures 21", half an inch gain from last month.  

Other:  No plans for the weekend, just taking it easy.  Today we're having a typical Fall day here, with overcast sky and cool temperatures.  Love it!   ::)

Please send that fall weather this way!!!

Quote:

Today we're having a typical Fall day here, with overcast sky and cool temperatures.  Love it!  ::)

Lucky! It's been like 100° out here all week.  :P

Tuesday 9 September 2008
Hair:  It's a no-wash day; length is contained in a medium size claw clip.  I *finally* used up the first bottle of Pantene Breakage Defense conditioner that I purchased way back in June.  --Still working on the matching shampoo!  But I already have new bottles of PBD waiting for me in the bathroom closet.   ;)  

Other:  My first letter to the editor of our local newspaper   8-)

http://www.semissourian.com/article/20080907/OPINION03/709079968/-1/opinion03

That's a nice letter, Trisha.  Congratulations on your 5 years cancer free!!!

Friday 12 September 2008
Hair:  CWC this morning.  Hair will be down all day.  

Other:  Thanks, Sakina.  I figure God left me here for a reason, not the least of which is to remind people to get their annual exams!   ;)

Well, this has been an interesting week where the stepson is concerned (isn't it always?!).  He lost his job on Wednesday but probably already has another one.  To his credit, his father and I believe the firing was totally bogus; chalk it up to a spiteful female boss who doesn't like the male species.  'Nuff said.  But as I mentioned, I'm pretty sure stepson will have a replacement job by the end of today.  Yay-rah for forklift experience.  He still hasn't saved a significant amount of money; I think he has a grand total of 20 cents in his savings account.   ::)  He's still not divorced and still hasn't paid off his outstanding debts.  But you know what?  Those problems are his to own, not mine or his daddy's.  Not our problem, except to the extent that he's bunking in my house.  So I'm not going to worry about him.  It's all in God's hands anyway and my worry (or lack thereof) will not change anything.   ;)  

Last evening I ventured over the the corner of the back yard where Sparky cat is buried alongside Bobby, our part-time cat who died in the spring.  Yep, we've got our very own pet cemetery going...let's just hope Stephen King doesn't visit!  Anyway, I said howdy to both of them, etc.  No tears, just a pleasant visit.   :)

Quote:

chalk it up to a spiteful female boss who doesn't like the male species.

Well, what was he doing working for me in the first place??  ;)

And wow, your stepson has more in his savings account than I do! Good for him.  :P ::)

Cool about visiting your cats though. I have 2 cats (and a few fish) buried in my own backyard and visit them on occasion as well. Do you have markers or anything for yours? We don't...

No markers yet, although I've thought of doing something.  The "cemetery" is in a corner of the yard that we don't use for anything--it's just grass and trees.  So I'm envisioning that area marked in some sort of large circle, stones in the ground, with some sort of markers bearing the name of each pet.  But I also like the idea of having the circle planted full of different kinds of wild flowers.  I haven't said anything to my husband about this, the ideas are still fleshing themselves out inside my little head.   :)

Tuesday 16 September 2008
Hair: CWC this morning and my hair is frizzy after it completely dried.  What the...??  I never used to have frizzy hair, even in the dead of winter.   :-?  The frizz is up near my face at the crown, not affecting the length, so I don't want to use oil at that spot.  I may have to try some aloe gel to tame it.  

Other:  It was an interesting weekend, not in a good way.  Sunday morning we had a big storm blow through (literally) and our power went off around 9:40.  We didn't have electricity restored until Monday evening, between 6 and 7.   >:(  Thank God we still have several gallon jugs of water left from the big ice storm in February!  And thank God also that the weather was nice and cool, so we didn't swelter with no AC.  I'll tell you what though, there's nothing like going without a shower for a couple of days to make you REALLY appreciate running water!   ;D

Wednesday 17 September 2008
Hair:  No wash day; hair is up in a ponytail.  I figured my second-day hair would not be frizzy (see yesterday's entry), but I had to use a little dab of aloe gel for smoothing.  Still, it worked great.  Maybe I used too much shampoo yesterday...?   :-?  

Other:  Get this...hubby won $888 on a scratch-off ticket yesterday.   :o  Yes, eight hundred and eighty-eight dollars!!!  It's a Missouri lottery game called Wild 8s and $888 is the maximum amount one can win.  He's always pretty lucky, playing scratch-off tickets, but this is the largest prize he's ever won.  I still can't believe it!  He's traveling to St. Louis today to claim the money (where the lottery headquarters is located).  We've decided to buy two of the items on our "need" list; a chainsaw and a new storm door for the kitchen.  Winning this money also means he'll have some extra money to take with him to Grand Lodge this weekend.  Yay!   :D  

Wow, I am happy for you and your husband winning $888 :o


The most money I have won has been $100 in our office football pool ::)

Jerry

That's awesome!!!

congrats!! :)

Congrats to you & your hubby on the win, Trisha.  :)
And thank goodness you're doing something sensible with it!

Several years ago, when my husband at the time won $1,000 at a slot machine, we divided the winnings evenly between the 2 of us. I bought matching leather jackets for the both of us with my half. With his half, he went and put a down payment on a new car!  :o  :-/

Congrats on your winnings, Trisha! :D

Thanks everyone!    8-)  The running joke between hubby and me is that he never wins money when I'm with him.  I always remind him that I'm simply lucky in other areas of my life.   ;D  


Thursday 18 September 2008
Hair:  
Decided to do another no-wash day; hair is slicked back into a high ponytail.  

Other:
My daughter is moving back to the area in two weeks' time--she has a job!!!!    :D
She may need to bunk with us until she can find an apartment but we don't mind.  This means she'll be home in time for her birthday.   :)  YAY!!!  

The weather here has been so nice and mild that we haven't needed the AC; we've simply enjoyed having the windows open.

I'll be filling in for the secretary this afternoon during the last hour of the work day so I dressed up a bit more than usual.  When I'm the first person that others see, I like to look my best.  So I'm wearing a skirt and low heels (about 1"), mascara and lip gloss.  Oh yes, we are very girly today.   8-)  

Oh, and I've stumbled across a "dark" band that I've simply fallen in love with, called MIDNIGHT SYNDICATE.  I've been listening to them on youtube and may actually have to spend some coin on one of their cd's...   ::)

Quote:

The weather here has been so nice and mild that we haven't needed the AC; we've simply enjoyed having the windows open.

Thanx, rub it in.  :P  ;)  It's still nasty hot here in SoCal. Well, not quite wilt-and-die-on-the-sidewalk hot, but almost. At least the sun has started setting a little earlier.

And congrats to your daughter on the new job & impending move. Change is good.  :)

So, you've discovered Midnight Syndicate, eh? Yeah, you knew I knew something about 'em.  ;)  Two of their albums that I recommend as absolute essentials are their Joseph Vargo collaborations: Born Of The Night and Realm Of Shadows.  8-)

I was hoping you would pipe in about Midnight Syndicate.  
8-)  Are there any other bands/musicians in that same vein you'd recommend?

Hmm...there aren't too many artists in that "same vein," really. Their mantra is creating dark soundtracks to movies that don't exist.
   While many gothic bands use similar elements of haunting, dramatic orchestrations and synth effects, they are usually mixed with vocals, electronic beats and other instruments.

One band who is sometimes listed similarly to Midnight Syndicate is Nox Arcana (probably because of their use of synth effects and collaboration with Joseph Vargo), though I do not recommend them. Their sound is way more synth and way less orchestral...kind of dull and "cheap"-sounding IMO. They don't have the layers of sound or the drama that Midnight Syndicate does.

It depends on what you're into, really. One band that I do kinda like for the atmospheric quality of their songs (especially the instrumentals) is Black Tape For A Blue Girl. A lot of bands do atmospheric music, but...erm, not that well.  :-/

Friday 19 September 2008
Hair:
CWC this morning; hair is down.  I was careful not to overdo the shampoo this morning (thus resulting in frizzies).  At least I suspect that's what caused the frizzies.

Other:
Thanks for the suggestion, Angel.  *hugs*  I checked out some selections of Black Tape for a Blue Girl on youtube and I like them.   8-)  I also found a group called Dark Sanctuary that I like.  These sounds stir the closet Goth in me.   8-)  

*hugs* No prob, Trish. "Closet goth"...that's cute. hehe And I've only heard one song by Dark Sanctuary  :-[  but it was quite relaxing.

I'm way more on the rock/darkwave side of goth music than the ambient side. Oh, and unless you're already in the mood to shoot yourself in the head, I do recommend staying away from transe music and waveforms.  ;D

I used to regularly go to a club that played trance (same as transe?) music.  It sounds really good after a few drinks. :D

I liked the Dark Santuary songs that I heard on Youtube.  The Midnight Syndicate songs did sound like tracks from a scary movie to me.  I used to have to listen to that everyday at work.  I shared an office with a goth and he always played music like that.  He also loved the soundtrack from Children Of The Corn and played that all of the time too. :)

My favorite genre is new age.  Is that the same as ambient?  All these genres have me confused.

Trance. Yes, that's it (even professional typists have the odd typo on occasion  ;D). Dreadful stuff.

While new age and ambient are sometimes synonymous, new age is a bigger genre and can encompass more styles. The best way I can think to define ambient music is background noise. Something you would put on to hear, but not necessarily listen to. It kind of complements a scenario or environment rather than defining it...if that makes sense. It's usually just a collection of simple, atmospheric sounds or melodies to create or complement an overall mood.

Quote:

While new age and ambient are sometimes synonymous, new age is a bigger genre and can encompass more styles.

Yeah, that was sort of my thought.


Quote:

The best way I can think to define ambient music is background noise. Something you would put on to hear, but not necessarily listen to. It kind of complements a scenario or environment rather than defining it...if that makes sense.

That makes total sense, thanks for clearing that up. :)  I put on ambient and new age music mainly as background music and am usually doing something else when it's on.  Although, I am aware of it, so of course there are songs that I prefer and dislike amongst the genres.  For me it's not always just background "noise" so to speak.

Quote:

That makes total sense, thanks for clearing that up.

Glad to help.  :)

Monday 22 September 2008

Happy first day of Autumn!!  

Hair:
CWC this morning; hair is parted in the middle and left loose.  

Other:
Hubby left yesterday at noon for Columbia with a masonic brother, to attend Grand Lodge happenings today and tomorrow.  They should be home tomorrow evening/night.  So hubby was gone, brother in law was gone, stepson was gone...  You wanna talk about a quiet house?!!   :o  I took advantage of having the place to myself and shaved my legs!   ;D  This wasn't one of my quickie from-the-knees-down specials, oh no.  This was a full blown, in the tub, girly shaving creme, fresh razors for each leg thing!  

Quote:

Happy first day of Autumn!!

Woooooooot!  :D

Happy Autumn!!!!  Finally!!!!

Tuesday 23 September 2008
Hair:
CWC again this morning.  Yes, two days in a row.  *shrug*   :-?  Also parted hair down the middle again.  Yes, two days in a row.  *shrug*   :-?  

Other:
A few of you know that my tastes in life lean toward the not-so-normal.   ;)  I find comfort in graveyards.  I wish Hallowe'en was a national holiday.  I adore dark, eerie music, old Victorian houses--the spooky, the spidery, the abnormal.  More than once, my friends have declared me "weird".  I accept that as a high compliment.   8-)  Where is this leading, you ask?  To this point...  I found this definition online and I must admit, had a lightbulb moment.  

"Oh dear oh dear. People aren’t really still clinging to the false notions that Goths can never be cheerful, or never wear pink? Good heavens, the Lady of the Manners thought those cliches were put to rest ages ago! Yes, Goths can, and frequently are, very happy and cheerful. Goth is about appreciating the off-kilter, the darkly humorous, the (as the sainted Lydia from Beetlejuice said) “strange and unusual”. Goth is not about maintaining a seamless facade of woe and gloom, and never has been. Goth is more about embracing a dark and decadent aesthetic while simultaneously being able to laugh at oneself for sitting around wearing black velvet and reading Dracula by candlelight."
the Lady of Manners, Gothic Charm School

All that being said, I hereby declare myself out of the closet and into the wonderful shadows as a Goth.   :)

Congratulations on your coming out, hehe  ;D

Ahh, the Lady of the Manners. Jillian has long been my favorite standby for goth etiquette. Such a great lady.  :)

Being "weird" does not a goth person make. That being said, you're the only person who can decide whether or not you identify with/belong to the goth community...and I am not going to be the kind of goth who looks down their nose at newbies.  ;)  I am not going to tell you "no, actually, you're not goth, sweetie," because that's 1.) just rude, and 2.) not my call to make. I am not going to challenge you with obscure goth band trivia or expect you to know every minor detail of the movement's formation. Nay, my dear, I am not going to be one of those types of goths.  ;D

Instead, I'm going to give you a great big *hug* and a warm welcome...and then creep into a dark corner to rub my hands together with a menacing smile and mutter to myself, "We are indeed taking over."  ;D

Yeah. In any case, dahling, feel free to come to me with any questions you may have. I can't promise that I'll have all the answers, but I can at least point you in the right direction if I don't.  ;)  And be careful out there, hon. There's a lot of hate in the world for creatures like us and I don't want to see someone I care about get steamrolled for sympathizing with a subculture she does not yet fully understand.  :-*

Aw, thanks dear, that means a lot, coming from you.   :-*  

To be honest, this declaration was more for my benefit than anyone or anything else.  No need to worry about ol' Trish, donning all black and dashing down the halls at work, yelling, "I'm Goth, I tell you!!"   ;D  No, I look on my Gothness much like I view religious sects.  You're a Pagan?  Fine.  Don't try to prove it by wearing a pentacle necklace and collecting corn brooms.  Christian?  Great.  No need to bash me over the head with your bible.  I say just live your life in such a manner as to serve as the finest example of whatever you claim to be.   --Exactly as you do, Angel my love.  

Remember kiddies, shouting about something does not make you right!  8-)  

Quite true, Trish.

And although I certainly couldn't claim to "serve as the finest example" of anything (at times, it's more like hacking my way through it and trying not to screw it up too badly), I am terribly flattered if this is the impression that I've given you.  ;)

Naturally, it matters not what you are. Goth or just "darkly inclined." Christian or Pagan. Trisha is Trisha...and she needs not prove a thing.  8-)

8-)

Thursday 25 September 2008
Hair:
No-wash day; hair still parted down the middle, sides held back with combs, length in a ponytail.  

Other:
Since hubby will be master of the lodge this next year (beginning in October), he needed to have a professional photograph taken to hang in the masonic temple.  They have what I call a wall of fame, where all of the former masters' portraits hang.  Yesterday he went to Wally World's photo studio to have the deed done and I went along.  We decided to have a photo of the two of us taken as well, since he and I have never had a professional photo taken.  Never in almost 23 years!  Isn't that terrible?!   ::)  The "pitchers" won't be ready for pick up until October 3 and I'm eager to have them.  We took a really great shot, if I do say so myself!  If I can get them scanned, etc., I'll post it here for y'all to see.  

I adore this jacket.  

http://www.mechanicalbunny.com/oscmax/burgundy-velvet-gothic-lolita-victorian-jacket-p-741.html

That's the one I'm getting, except in black.  ;D

BTW, you can find it in more colors and for $5 cheaper at chicstar.com.  ;)

Ooh, that is a nice jacket! :D

My sister says "pitchers". ::)  That is such a pet peeve of mine. ;D  

I hope you're able to get your pictures scanned! :)

My husband and I have never gotten a professional picture taken. :o  He's always been too concerned about his weight to have them done.  I never understood it but, now that I'm in my 30's myself, I can somewhat sympothize.

Friday 26 September 2008
Hair:
CWC this morning; hair is parted down the middle and hanging loose.  If my hair grows at least half an inch for the remaining months, I could see BSL by the end of the year.  *fingers crossed*

Other:
Thanks for link, Angel, looks like they've got some really nice things!   8-)

La Diosa, with us, it was a combination of things, weight being one of the factors.  The other one, of course, was lack of money (as always).  I'm just glad we finally got it done!   ;)

Daughter may make a trip home this weekend to start moving some of her things.  Yay!  Hubby isn't feeling well; I think he caught a cold during his trip to Grand Lodge.  Boo.  No big plans for the weekend...laundry, grocery shopping, etc.  

Quote:

Thanks for link, Angel, looks like they've got some really nice things!  8-)

Hey, no prob.  ;)

Monday 29 September 2008
Hair:
Did a simple WC this morning.  Hair is parted down the middle and hanging loose.

Other:
Daughter brought a carload of her belongings home yesterday.  Good Lord, the amount of shoes that girl owns...  She could start her own shoe shop!!  She intends to bunk with us until January, when she should have enough money saved for a nice apartment.  

Thursday 2 October 2008
Hair:
CWC this morning; hair parted down the middle and hanging loose.  

Other:
Seasonal allergies are kicking my arse right now.  Ugh.   :P   Allergies and sinus problems never seemed to bother me when I was younger.  But as I grow older they seem to get worse and worse.  I took a Claritin-equivalent tablet yesterday afternoon but my daughter (the cold/flu/sinus/allergy medication expert) informed me that it sometimes takes a couple of doses before real relief kicks in.  Grrrrrreat.  

Speaking of dear daughter, today is her last working day at the old job.  Her new job begins Monday and she will move another big chunk of her stuff home this weekend.  

Next Saturday, the 11th is the annual family reunion for my mother's side.  I/we won't be attending however, because that's also the date of hubby's installation ceremony.  He's to be installed as the master of one of the Masonic lodge's in town.  Even though the reunion takes place in the daytime and the installation happens at night, there's no way we can do both.  Physically, it's just too much.  My sister and her husband will be arriving on the 7th so she can attend the family reunion that weekend.  

Sorry to hear about your allergies, I'm struggling with them this year, too.  One gram (1,000 mg) of vitamin C acts in the body like a natural antihistimine.  It does take time for you to feel a difference, but it works great and doesn't have artificial chemicals.  You can take more, your body will let you know when its reached its limit by giving you diahrrea (I know its mispelled but I'm too lazy right now to look it up).  Just cut back and it will go away.

Good luck-feel better!

Monday 6 October 2008
Hair:
No wash day; hair is up in a high ponytail.

Other:
Had to take off from work a half day on Thursday and all day Friday because I felt like crap.  I'm not sure if it was a cold or allergies, but a good decongestant did me wonders.  I'm still not 100%, more like 90%, however I'm functioning normally which is more than I could do last week!  

Daughter is back home now and today starts her new job.  Of course, some shifting had to happen; of closet space, of food space, of bathroom time (and we have only the one bathroom), of life in general.  We can manage fine, though, until she's able to find/afford a decent apartment.  She's planning on a January move, if things go well, and they should.  Daughter's birthday is this Thursday, the 9th.   :)

Sister and her husband should arrive late tomorrow.  *sigh*   :-X  I love my sister; I just don't care to spend a lot of time with her.  I know that sounds terrible of me, but it's true.  If we were not blood kin, she is not someone with whom I would want to spend a lot of time.  Mind you, I do not hate her!  I just...okay, shut up, Trisha.   :)

The hummingbird population around my place is beginning to drop considerably, which is normal for this time of year.  By the second or third week of October they will have migrated onward, with only a few stragglers bringing up the rear.  I'm always a little sad to see them go and yet it's a relief to my wallet.   ;D  

I'm filling in for the secretary today and decided to glam up a bit.  In my hair I'm sporting a sparkly little hair barrette in the shape of a flower, compliments of one of the ladies here (wink,wink--you know who you are.  thanks again!   8-)  ).  Mascara on the lashes.  The lips are lined and filled in with a shade called Cabernet (oo-la-la!), which is a deep, dark red, with a smidgeon of lip gloss on top.  Niiiiiiiice.  

Hair:
CWC this morning; hair parted on the side and hanging loose.  Haven't yet measured this month.

Other:
It's a rainy day here in Southeast Missouri, a good day to stay home and do nothing.  Too bad I'm a working schlub.   :)  

Hubby's installation as master of the lodge happens this Saturday.  I'm not sure what I'm going to wear.   :(  I think I know which skirt I want to wear; it's a matching top that's giving me trouble--as in I really don't have one. *sigh*  Oh, to be well-off and have the means to buy something new and fancy on a whim.    Ah well, making do is my speciality.   8-)  I mean, let's face it; anybody can look good, given enough money.  It takes some talent to be a hottie when you're poor!   ;D

Money can't buy taste, sweetie.  ;)

I know that's right!!   ;)

Thursday 9 October 2008
Hair:
CWC this morning; hair is parted on the right side and hanging loose.

Other:
Happy birthday to my darling daughter who turns 28 today!   :)  We'll be celebrating with cake and whatnot NEXT week, though, because everybody's schedules are nuts right now.  

Going out to lunch today with my friend, T.  Sunday is her birthday--lots of October birthdays.   :)  And you know what?  I'm not goint to confine myself to a one-hour lunch.  Nu-uh.  I am here by 7:30 every work day AND I usually work through my lunch hour.  So I'm entitled to take some extra time once in a while.  Today is that time.   8-)

I won my very first ebay item, a moss green skirt, that I received in yesterday's mail.   :D  Thank goodness it's lycra/spandex because it's a bit tighter than I would normally wear, though it will look fine with a long top.  --Now I have to buy a long top!   :-?  ...never ends!  Anyway, I'm currently bidding on a pair of black lace up shoe boots, as they call them.  I really like this pair of boots, so keep your fingers crossed.  

Happy birthday, Trisha's daughter!  :D

Hey, she's my age now.  ;)

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The hummingbird population around my place is beginning to drop considerably, which is normal for this time of year.

I'm glad you mentioned this.  I haven't seen any hummers in quite awhile.  I was going to look online to see when they normally dissappear but I hadn't gotten around to it yet.


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I mean, let's face it; anybody can look good, given enough money.  It takes some talent to be a hottie when you're poor!

Wow, I was just saying something similar to this the other day.  It's very true!:D


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I won my very first ebay item, a moss green skirt, that I received in yesterday's mail.     Thank goodness it's lycra/spandex because it's a bit tighter than I would normally wear, though it will look fine with a long top.  --Now I have to buy a long top!     ...never ends!  Anyway, I'm currently bidding on a pair of black lace up shoe boots, as they call them.  I really like this pair of boots, so keep your fingers crossed.

Congrats on your eBay win!  Crosses fingers that you'll win the boots! :)

I just won a pair of black lace up knee boots myself.  

Friday 10 October 2008
Hair
No-wash day; hair is up in a ponytail.

Fashion
White lace-edged cami under a purple denim jacket, black jeans, black socks, black loafers.  Black mascara, lip gloss.  I rock.   8-)  

OtherI had a good time at lunch yesterday with my friend T.  Even though we were celebrating (early) her birthday, coming up on Sunday, I felt as if it were mine; she gave me 6 jackets that didn't fit her (see purple jacket above).  Woo hoo!  One of the jackets is a pretty lime green suede.  *Now* I know what I'm wearing tomorrow night.  God always provides me with what I need.  Thank you, Lord.   :-*  

La Diosa, yep, by the second or third week of October our hummers are gone with, as I mentioned, maybe a few stragglers (but not many).  It's pretty freaky, really--one day there seems to be a million of them.  The next day, POOF!  You can't find one to save your soul.   :)

Wednesday 15 October 2008
Hair
Wash day with a plain ol' WC.  Simply did not feel like messing with a CWC this morning.  Hair is parted on the side and hanging loose, although I feel a low ponytail coming on.   ::)

Fashion
Well, I did not win the boots.   :(  I'm not terribly unhappy about losing the bid, though, because I wasn't certain they were the right size for me.  
BUT...I did win this skirt:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=280275655318

scroll down about halfway and you'll see it.   :)  It may be a tad big but, with an elastic waist, I'll be able to deal.  Six bucks for a nice skirt--can't beat that!   8-)

Other
Found out yesterday afternoon that stepson has lost his job again.  Then last night hubby found out the REAL reason stepson lost the job.   >:(  Stepson told his father he was fired because of the one time he'd been late to work due to an emergency room visit.  Uh, no.  One of hubby's Masonic brothers was at last night's meeting and just happens to be a manager where stepson works, er, worked.  Stepson has been late to work several times and has also missed days entirely.  *sigh*  I'm beginning to think it's biologically impossible for him to do the right thing.  

I'm sorry that you didn't win the boots but that's a really nice skirt! :D

I'm still waiting on the boots that I won on eBay.  I'm thinking that they may not arrive. :(

Whoa! :o  Your stepson sounds very irresponsible!  Seems like he isn't even trying to get to the point where he's able to stand on his own feet.  Hopefully, he'll get it together...and for the sake of your sanity, I hope he gets it together soon. :)

Friday 17 October 2008
Hair
CWC this morning; hair is down.  

Other
Can you believe October is half over already!   :o  Sheesh.

My friend T and I will be going to the Taste of Home Cooking event this evening.  We attended this "show" two years ago and that was my first time.  I'd never heard of the Taste of Home Cooking empire before then, but apparently there's a magazine and a cookbook and whatnot.  *shrug*  Anyway, the last time we went to this thing I had a pretty good time and I'm hoping to do so again tonight.  The recipes demonstrated are normal high carb fare and therefore do not hold much interest for moi.  For me, it's more to simply get out of the house and spend some girly time with my friend.  Plus there's always lots of freebies...notepads, ink pens, etc.  --A good way to feed my ink pen fetish.   ;)  

This weekend I'll declare an official end to hummer season by taking down my feeders and giving them a good cleaning before packing them away until next year.  Have fun in Mexico, little guys!  

Monday 20 October 2008
Hair
No wash day; hair in a high ponytail.

Other
So.  The "Taste of Home Cooking" Show?  --Yeah, not so fun.  The demonstrater did a bad job of cooking the food, there were practically no freebies to be had, and I voluntarily spent 10 dollars of my hard earned money to be there.   >:(  Needless to say, I probably will not go back.  Ever.  Unless the tickets are free.  And there are tons of free pens.  

The only plus to the cooking show?  Long hair.  Tons and tons of long hair!   :)  I gave out my first long hair compliment.  I spotted three young women, all with fingertip length hair, seated on the back row next to the display booths.  My friend was looking at something which held no interest for me, so I excused myself and walked over to where the women sat.  Once I got in front of them, though, and bent down to say my piece, I quickly realized that I was talking to a mother, about my age, and her daughters.   :)  I said I was sorry to bother them but just wanted to let them know that I thought all of them had very pretty hair.  The mother smiled and said thank you, in a very pleased way.  I told her that I am in the process of growing out my own hair and she said, "Keep taking your vitamins!"  I said that I would and thanked them all again.  It was a very nice experience.   :)  But in addition to those three, I must have seen at least a dozen other ladies with waist length or longer hair.  --And not just younger gals either.  A lot of them were around my age or older.  Very encouraging!  

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Needless to say, I probably will not go back.  Ever.  Unless the tickets are free.  And there are tons of free pens.

;D

They didn't even give you any free food? That's awful.

No!  No free food whatsoever!  --At a cooking show, for cryin' out loud!!   >:(  

Wednesday 22 October 2008
Hair
No-wash day, hair is in a high ponytail.  

Other
Temperatures here in Southeast Missouri are already chilly and today is no exception.  There's a rainy front moving toward us, expected to appear tomorrow, and it will probably stick around until the weekend.  At least it'll be nice and gloomy.   ;)

Oh, I received the skirt I won from ebay on Monday.  As I figured, it is just a tad large in the waist, but still very wearable.  Better too big than too small.  All in all, it's a very pretty skirt and I can't wait to wear it.  I just have to find the right top...!  I need to quit buying skirts and now focus on getting more tops.  

Friday 24 October 2008
Hair
No-wash day.  Hair is slicked back into a high ponytail.  

Fashion
I am lightly goth today; black mascara, black t-shirt, jeans, short black boots, with green-grey-pink argyle knee socks.   8-)

Other
My daughter is already searching (secretly) for another job.  Even though she's earning more per hour than ever in her life, the job is slowly but surely boring her to death.   :(  The employees have to *look* busy, but cannot read books/magazines or use the computer for internet searches.   :(   I hate that busy-work crap.  It's ridiculous and a total waste of human resources.  She's applied at two companies for phlebotomist positions, yesterday and today, and has already gotten a call back from one of the entities.  I've always told her, all the money in the world doesn't mean much if you're not happy with what you're doing.  I guess she was listening.   8-)  

Did I tell you about stepson losing his job?  *searches journal*  Ok, yes, I did.  So, of course, he hasn't been home in 3 weeks, since he became unemployed.  *rolls eyes*  We assume he's been sleeping at his mother's apartment, in the next town over, but honestly don't care one way or another.  He's called his father a couple of times, thus we know he's alive and all right.  But since he owes us money, I guarantee we won't lay eyes on him until *after* he's gotten a job/gotten paid.  *sigh*  Such a disappointing human being.  

Temperatures were cold enough this morning to turn my breath into steam.   :o  Skies are all grey and gloomy with no hint of sunshine...a perfect Autumn day!!  

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Temperatures were cold enough this morning to turn my breath into steam.     Skies are all grey and gloomy with no hint of sunshine...a perfect Autumn day!!

Gawd, all you easterners just keep rubbing it in...  ::)  ;D

Tuesday 28 October 2008
Hair
Yesterday was a CWC.  Today is a no-wash day with a side part, the length gathered into a low ponytail, the ponytail held upside the back of the head with a medium size clip and the ends hanging over the clip.  Tomorrow will likely be another no-wash day, with hair slicked back into a high ponytail.  

Other
The temperature here this morning was 32 degrees.  Yes, freezing.   :o  Holy Mt. Moriah.  We'll have another 2-3 days of very cold temps and then a slight warming period.  Harumpf, we'll probably be sweating on Thanksgiving!  

My daughter found another job.   :)  In two weeks she'll be the phlebotomist/medical assistant for a doctor at a family practice here in town.  Same pay and she'll actually be busy, which is what she wants.  

Stepson showed up over the weekend, which means he's totally broke.  He's talking seriously about going into the Army, as soon as he can take some tests in about a month.  All fine and good but how does he expect to survive for a month with no job?  

Thursday 30 October 2008
Hair
CWC this morning, thus hair is parted down the middle and hanging loose.  An "informal" measuring (you know, reaching up the middle of one's back with one's fingers) shows that I'm about an inch from BSL.  It would be nice to reach BSL by the new year.   :)  

Other
Had lunch today with my cancer survivor/support group.   8-)  All of the ladies are doing well, although I was alerted of yet one more woman who has been diagnosed with ovarian cancer (just yesterday).  Egads.   :(  I don't know the woman, but I've sent her an email and I may follow up with a telephone call later.  I don't want  to overwhelm the poor woman (like she's not already overwhelmed by the cancer diagnosis!) but I do want her to know that ovarian cancer is NOT an automatic death sentence.  

Wow, Trish, your hair grows fast! It's barely past shoulder length in your pic...you need a new one.  ;)

Congrats to your daughter on the new job. That's tough to do during a recession.