Monday 4 January 2010

Midnight Angel said:

Happy early birthday, fellow Cap.  ;)

Sally Hansen is da bomb! I have so many of the Salon Nail Lacquers, I can't even count them all. So much better than OPI!

Hope you feel better soon. I'm the queen of sinus troubles myself, so I can totally sympathize.

Happy New Year, love.  :-*

Thank you, my love!   :-*

I agree, Sally Hansen IS da bomb.  I keep remembering a gorgeous hue of purple; I think that will be my next purchase.  Have you tried their No Chip 10 day nail color?  I wonder if it really works. 


2010...sounds odd to say and even odder to write.   :P  Back to work today; I was ready.  I scored big time at a JCPenny after-Christmas sale.  I wanted a larger bag/purse and found a perfect one.  It's a gorgeous dark caramel color, brand name of Liz & Co.  Big enough to easily hold a book or a file folder yet small enough to carry fashionably over my shoulder.  Dahling!   ::)  Original cost was $58.00, on sale for $27.58.  I also picked up a pair of Isotoner gloves--leather, cashmere lined, a lovely shade of dark brown.  Original price $54.00, on sale for $16.71.  And, and!  At a different (discount) shoe store I finally found a pair of boots.  Plain black with no bells or whistles and a 2 1/2 inch heel, exactly what I've been searching for -- $32.  It's amazing how pampered the right accessories make me feel.   :)

Quote:

Have you tried their No Chip 10 day nail color?  I wonder if it really works.

It does, but it depends on whether you take proper care of your nails or not.

Go, crazy Christmas clearance lady! ;D I'm guilty of scoring a few epic buys this evening myself.

Wednesday 6 January 2010
Hair  Some pretty cool stuff here:
http://www.sourpussclothing.com/index.asp?cat=Hair+Goods

Even the non-hair related items look pretty cool to me.   :)  I dig the retro looking things that have the cherries theme or the anchor theme (from the 1940s and 50s). 

Other  My area is one that's under a winter weather advisory from midnight tonight until 6pm tomorrow.  Forecast is for a "significant snowfall amount" -- who knows what that means exactly.   :)  Yours Truly could enjoy a snow day tomorrow, kiddies.  And that would be okay with her. 

I'm starting to see a tiny bit of wear on the nail polish; the tips of the nails are beginning to wear bare.  But the average Joe can't tell; only if you get out the magnifying glass can you spot it.  I am really impressed with this polish by Sally Hansen.  Theirs is the first polish I've tried where huge chunks don't come flying off within 2 days of application. 

:o Bats! And skulls! And...! As if I didn't have enough things to spend money on this month. Thanx, Trish. ;D

I think your snow has moved on up towards us!
If you didn't get your snow day yesterday...today? I'm probably going to have to call one tomorrow.

Monday 11 January 2010
Hair  Did a vinegar rinse over the weekend; have been using mousse almost daily and hadn't done a rinse in quite a while.  Even short hair needs a good clarifying rinse every now and then.  Hair is in the growing phase; I'll let it alone until...oh, I don't know.  March?  April?  I was tempted to do pin curls last night but, in the end, was too lazy, plain and simple.   ::) 

Other  (Angel, don't read unless you want to be tempted more)  Bought a second color in the Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure line called Plum Luck.  It was a difficult decision, let me tell you.  Plum Luck is a luscious dark plum (not purple but plum).  I love the color although this shade doesn't seem to go on as well as the fuchsia.  Just takes a bit of practice, that's all.  I must have stood in the aisle for 5 solid minutes trying to make a decision, seriously.  I think my next purchase will be one called Midnight in NY, described somewhere as "...a black creme base with very subtle multi-colored microfine glitter."  Makes me think of you, Angel my dear.  Oh wait--you're not reading this, are you.  Yeah, riiiiiiiiiiight.   8-) 

Wednesday 13 January 2010
Hair  Still planning on doing pin curls soon.  They're not difficult to do, once you know the trick, and they really don't take a long time to finish either.  I just have to pick an evening and do it. 

Other  Walked on my treadmill last night for 33 minutes, not a bad (re)start. 

Classes at the university where I work start next Tuesday; we're closed for MLKJ day.  As expected, I've been getting a lot of requests for student information.  My job is not exciting but it pays the bills. 

And speaking of bills...! 
In last Friday's mail we received an overdraft notice -- with 9 overdraft charges on it.  Um, no?  As in there's no way in Hades that's correct.   :P  Hubby called our bank, did some checking and discovered that someone got hold of his debit card number.  The thief spent almost $400 at coach.com and $28.41 at Verizon.  Altogether the two items and the overdraft charges amounted to over $800.   :o  Thankfully, we have anti-theft protection on our account.  So by Saturday evening all of the charges had been reversed out of the account.  Hubby's card has been deactivated and a new one is in the mail.  Whew. 

Whew is right!  Some people have no morals or ethics!!! >:(

Ugh. Well...this is what happens during an economic recession, unfortunately. :P Thank God you were able to get all of the charges reversed.

I'm the one who's sending all the snow. ;)  We've had snow for over a month now and I am truly fed up with it.


Quote:

Walked on my treadmill last night for 33 minutes, not a bad (re)start.

Bravo!  I love walking but I don't have the discipline to use equipment at home.

Drear wrote on Jan 14^th, 2010 at 8:50am:

I'm the one who's sending all the snow. ;)  We've had snow for over a month now and I am truly fed up with it.

Well cut it out!!  The 2 inches we got at the first of January is enough to hold me for this year!   ;D


Quote:

Walked on my treadmill last night for 33 minutes, not a bad (re)start.

Quote:

Bravo!  I love walking but I don't have the discipline to use equipment at home.

I have no problem *starting* a walking routine; it's keeping it going that I can't seem to do!   :)

Friday 15 January 2010
Hair  is growing fast.  I'll do the pin curls either tonight or tomorrow night.  Will post a photo if they turn out halfway decent. 

Other  I mentioned to an online friend yesterday that my hip had started bothering me a little after I'd walked on my treadmill.  My young friend, who is a workout freak, asked whether I had the treadmill flat or at an incline.  Flat, I said--I always thought flat was better.  She said, and I quote, "Are you using an incline? If not, the treadmill pulls you downward and that can cause hip strain."  Hmm, I never knew that!  --Learn something every day.   8-)  In any case, I thought I would post that little nugget here, in case someone else uses a treadmill. 

Another successful 5 day run of the Sally Hansen polish.  I'll remove the old tomorrow and let my nails breathe for a day or so.  I tell you, I am absolutely impressed with SH polish, at least *this* product--haven't tried any of their others. 

Three day weekend for Yours Truly.  Not to complain, but I wish I could have the house to myself on Monday.  But that's okay...at least I *have* a house.  No big plans...  Plenty of chores I could do, like clean   :P  But who wants to waste a day off doing that?! 

Trisha wrote on Jan 15^th, 2010 at 10:09am:

She said, and I quote, "Are you using an incline? If not, the treadmill pulls you downward and that can cause hip strain."  Hmm, I never knew that!  --Learn something every day.   8-)  In any case, I thought I would post that little nugget here, in case someone else uses a treadmill.

Interesting! I use a treadmill occasionally, and know that putting the incline at about 1 more accurately simulates walking around outside with wind resistance and such. I knew that walking on the flat is more of a passive walk, but didn't realize it might be pulling you downwards. Thanks!  :)

Wednesday 20 January 2010
Hair  Is growing like crazy.  The longest layer, which is the back, is already 2 1/2 inches below the ear line, about 3/4 of an inch longer than it appears in my avatar.  I'm letting it grow until spring (March or April) at the very least, possibly longer. 

Other  Today felt like a minimalist day-- so no mousse in the hair, only one coat of mascara on the lashes, and a comfy pair of jeans.  Stark naked would have been better, but it's difficult to work with everyone around me screaming in terror.   8-)   *snort*

Speaking of work... We staff people collectively held our breath last week when layoffs were announced on Thursday.  Two out of three people let go came from my building.   :o  A little too close to home, even though I know proximity is no indicator of job loss.  We heard that, in all, 24 staff positions are being eliminated due to budget cuts.  I breathed a sigh of relief when word was sent round that "...meetings with staff affected by the budget reductions are now complete."  --In other words Yours Truly survived yet another round with the axe.  Honestly, I feel fairly safe working in the IT dept.  That may be the rose coloured glasses as work, but I really do.  Deep down though, I realize there's no such word as "safe" in this economy. 

Friday 22 January 2010
Hair

Trisha wrote on Jan 15^th, 2010 at 10:09am:

Friday 15 January 2010 Hair  is growing fast.  I'll do the pin curls either tonight or tomorrow night.  Will post a photo if they turn out halfway decent.

Forgot to mention, I did a wet pin curl set last Friday night and woke up Saturday morning looking like Bozo the clown.  No...seriously.   :o  So I think my hair needs to grow a bit before pin curls will look halfway decent.  I should try foam curlers now to see how they do.   ;) 

Other  Have to take off a little early today to assist hubby in ferrying one of our outside cats to the vet.  This guy here:

http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk1/pjsander/Slim_Smaller.jpg

A recent wound on one of his fore legs appears to be slightly infected.  This will be an interesting trip to town and back, since Slim isn't...how shall I say...he's not as tame as the rest of our brood.  Still, he might surprise us (I'm hoping) and be a good boy in his carrier.  *fingers crossed*

Good luck with the cat!  He's gorgeous!!

Whenever I get a fro from curling my hair, I just stick a headband on and wear my hair big that day.  I bet a scarf tied like a headband would look adorable on you!

Quote:

Forgot to mention, I did a wet pin curl set last Friday night and woke up Saturday morning looking like Bozo the clown.

LOL, I probably would've liked it. ;D  I like big hair.

Poor kitty, I hope everything goes okay.

Did you "remember" to brush, brush and brush those pin curls?  Supposedly that's what "you do".  Pin curling takes too long for me, I don't like the result brushed or unbrushed, on me that is.  I don't like what foam rollers do to my hair.  I like natural curls even when they're frizzy, I like big hair but I just don't like the frizzy unnatural curly hair look on me. 

When I had short, layered hair it grew like weed which was a good thing because my hair grows in an upward pattern so I was just waiting for it to be long enough to collapse on itself.  Each to their own, some have the right personality and style for spiky "hedgehog" hair others are blessed with hair that grows downward. :)

Monday 25 January 2010
Hair 
Posted by: la diosa      Posted on: Jan 22nd, 2010 at 8:46pm
Quote:
Forgot to mention, I did a wet pin curl set last Friday night and woke up Saturday morning looking like Bozo the clown.


LOL, I probably would've liked it. Grin  I like big hair.

--You would have been the only one then, my dear.   ;D
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Posted by: Drear      Posted on: Today at 3:35am
Did you "remember" to brush, brush and brush those pin curls?  Supposedly that's what "you do".  Pin curling takes too long for me, I don't like the result brushed or unbrushed, on me that is.  I don't like what foam rollers do to my hair.  I like natural curls even when they're frizzy, I like big hair but I just don't like the frizzy unnatural curly hair look on me.

Er, no--I forgot the brush, brush, brush commandment.   :(  When I curl my hair, with whatever implement, I tend to just finger-comb only.  Golly, now I have to do another pin curl experiment where I remember to brush.  Dang it!   ;D 

I took a curling iron to my hair on Saturday and have to admit, it looked pretty good.  (Why didn't I snap some pics?!  *sigh*)  I think it's a 1" barrel, which produced some nice waves.  I should have sprayed my 'do because later, when confronted with windage, most of the curl disappeared. 

Other
Haven't painted my nails in a week; am enjoying my bare nails again.   :)  However I can feel a "paint" comin' on.   8-)

Slim (the cat) is fine.  After some sedation, the vet lanced the wound, drained and flushed it, then gave him an antibiotic injection.  He was treated to a stay at the indoor kitty motel (re: the large cage set up in our living room ((the cat, not the vet) and was back to normal activity on Saturday.   8-) 

Glad the "puss" is ok!

Wednesday 27 January 2010
Hair  I just did a makeshift measure of my hair (yes, she's bored).  --Makeshift because I had to tape together two pieces of paper, mark the spot with my fingernail and then measure that with a ruler.   ;D  16 inches.  It's now to the point where I have to untuck it from coats and scarves.  Ah...the beginning of the awkward stage! 

Other  We're under another winter storm watch for Friday.   :(   Golly, I hope it misses us...or just scrapes us a little.  Have I mentioned how much I hate winter? 

Army Son called last night; he thinks he'll be deployed in August to Iraq to help with the troop withdrawal. 

What else, what else?  *thinks hard*  Hmm, seems like I had something else to say, but it went away!   :-?

Quote:

Army Son called last night; he thinks he'll be deployed in August to Iraq to help with the troop withdrawal.

:o So sorry to hear this.

Monday 1 February 2010
Hair  Another little side experiment I'm going to do...  When my bottles of Pantene Volume s+c run out, which won't happen for some time, I'm going to start using my daughter's TreSemme.  The experiment is to see how long I can go w/out buying s+c.  She's got, like, 3 different kinds of TreSemme in the bathroom closet and I'm thinking, "Holy merde, why am I spending money on s+c when I have access to all of *this*?!"  LOL 

Other  Had about 8 or 9 inches of snow dumped on us last Friday, so I took another unexpected vacation day.  It was nice to stay at home and not have to worry about driving in the stuff.  Oh spring...you cannot arrive too early this year.   :(   I've felt very prickly the last couple of days and I'm wondering if the lack of sunshine is starting to get to me. 

Wednesday 3 February 2010
Hair  Since I'm in a phase of actively growing out my hair, I decided to post the length in "measure up".  Of course I didn't think about measuring until I got to work so again had to use my makeshift ruler, i.e. 2 pieces of paper taped together.  When I did this the other day I measured at 16", but today I'm getting 15.   :-?  I'll get out my real tape measure when I get home and settle this. 

Other  We may get more snow tomorrow or Friday.   :( 

Army Son asked (emailed) me for relationship advice.  Awww...   :)  He says he wants a relationship like his father and I have.  Awww...   :)    I'm just flattered that he feels he can talk with me about these things. 

As you can see, I put a ticker thingy in my sig, counting down to the first day of spring.  --Anything to help with these blahs.   :P   

Listening to Shinedown this morning.   8-)

How nice that your son wants to talk about things like that.  Sorry about his deployment. 


Quote:

Oh spring...you cannot arrive too early this year.

Agreed!

Thursday 4 February 2010
Hair  I took several readings with a real tape measure last night and kept coming up with between 15 1/4" and 15 1/2".  As I stated in "measure up", this was much easier with longer hair!   :) 

Other  One month, two weeks and two days until spring officially arrives!   :D  Now I know very well that the official arrival of spring according to the calendar does not guarantee springlike weather.  But it lifts my spirits to think so, and that counts for a lot these days.   8-)

Friday 5 February 2010
Hair  My new favorite thing:
Scunci No-slip Grip bobby pins 
http://www.scunci.com/product_detail.aspx?gid=13&pid=125&lp=11

I needed some new bobby pins a couple of weeks ago and decided to give these a whirl.  Wow.  For those of us with fine/thin hair, these are a marvel (also available for thick hair).  I'm so glad I purchased these instead of the regular old bobby pins.  Scunci, you are my hero.   8-)   Need to do a vinegar rinse this weekend. 

Other  Each year, usually in February, the university where I work offers a wellness screening; normal tests include cholesterol, blood glucose, thyroid and PSA, blood pressure, etc.  Up to now everything has been free.  Yeah, no more.  Just got notice today that the wellness screening will still happen this year but, oh by the way, now we have to pay for the cholesterol, blood glucose, thyroid and PSA tests.   >:(  Well, phooey on that.  This place gets enough of my money; I refuse to help them pay for another useless water fountain or whatever.  If I have to pay for these tests anyway, I will get them done by my doctor.  Harumpf. 

No big plans for the weekend.  I think our weather here is supposed to be rainy or at the very least cloudy and dreary.   :(  Will do laundry and some house cleaning.  Need to stock up on girly things like mascara and travel size plastic bottles.  Those are good for so many uses.  Need to make a run to the health food store for erythritol and dried unsweetened coconut (with which to make coconut flour). 

Quote:

Just got notice today that the wellness screening will still happen this year but, oh by the way, now we have to pay for the cholesterol, blood glucose, thyroid and PSA tests. >:(     Well, phooey on that.  This place gets enough of my money; I refuse to help them pay for another useless water fountain or whatever.  If I have to pay for these tests anyway, I will get them done by my doctor.  Harumpf.

Nothing like gouging people in the midst of an economic recession. >:( Maybe most of the people who used to go for the free screenings will pass on them this year.

In my limited experience with pin curling, bobby pins are pretty much throw away worthy after 1-2 sets.  I hope these lasts much longer for you. 

Aw- I'm sorry they expect you to pay now of all times. 


Quote:

Now I know very well that the official arrival of spring according to the calendar does not guarantee springlike weather.  But it lifts my spirits to think so, and that counts for a lot these days.

I've begun to appreciate Spring and Summer in recent years.  However, this year I'm not able to think that way.  It just looks like endless snow and ice chaos out there.

Thursday 11 February 2010
Hair  Nothing to report.  Just letting it grow and be happy.  Still washing every morning and using mousse.  Need to do another vinegar rinse this weekend. 

Other  Starting today, I'm doing a no-mascara challenge for one week.  The only makeup I wear is mascara and that only on weekdays when I'm at work. I wear Great Lash by Maybelline, one of the less expensive brands, but I noticed that Wally World recently raised the price to $4.88. Not a lot, I know, but any increase in prices right now hits my pocketbook pretty hard. So I got to thinking...why do I wear it? Hubby thinks I'm gorgeous without it...in fact, I only started wearing it some years *after* we'd been married. It's a pain in the caboose to put on, it leaves faint dark circles under my eyes (and on towels, etc.), I never wear it on weekends and it's really just a vanity thing. So again, why do I wear it?? *shrug* Therefore, I've decided that, starting today, I'm boycotting the wearing of mascara for at least one week. I'm hoping that after the first week, this is one habit I can relegate to the trash bin forever.  We'll see. 

Good luck with that!  If hubby thinks and knows you're a beauty, then just chuck the mascara!!

Friday 12 February 2010
Hair  No news.

Other  Well, the mascara strike is ongoing; this is day 2.  I admit I'm already struggling.  I'm quite the pale gal, with light brown hair and matching lashes -- my lashes are also quite sparse.  I also have beady little eyes that hubby teases me about.  LOL  So I do feel that the mascara helps my baby blues stand out more, which I like.  --I've just checked my image in the mirror and honestly think I look a bit sickly w/out mascara!  LOL  So I'm not sure I'm going to make it an entire week, but I'll see what happens. 

Someone at another site suggested a product called Blinc.
http://www.blincinc.com/#mascara
The Blinc product looks interesting but a bit too pricey for my pocketbook.  --Still trying to wrap my head around the concept of eyelash "tubes".   :o   
Someone else suggested Latisse.  The Latisse product, I've seen it advertised and, while I'm sure it's a godsend for some, I think it's too far into the chemical realm for me.  Since the cancer episode, I try to err on the side of caution and am very careful about what I put in and on my body.

One month, one week and one day until Spring!!   :D

p.s. Just found out that the wellness screening tests ARE still free, woot!  The text was simply worded badly.   >:(

Trisha wrote on Feb 12^th, 2010 at 11:51am:

Someone else suggested Latisse.  The Latisse product, I've seen it advertised and, while I'm sure it's a godsend for some, I think it's too far into the chemical realm for me.  Since the cancer episode, I try to err on the side of caution and am very careful about what I put in and on my body.

I think you're wise to be wary of that product.  One of the side effects listed in the commercials I've seen is that it can turn blue eyes brown.  I like my blue eyes, thank you very much!  I'm also very fair with blond eyelashes, and I think I'll just keep using liner and mascara to emphasize my eyes.

I think of some of those medieval paintings of women when I think of pale complexion and light lashes and brows.  I think it's very beautiful but you rarely see it today.  Why anyone would want risk changing their birth given eye color is beyond me.  Yikes, I wouldn't risk it either!  Cancer risk is of course much more serious.

Tuesday 16 February 2010
Hair  Did a vinegar rinse this past weekend and did w/out mousse.  I think that will be my plan for now; using mousse Monday through Friday, vinegar rinse on Saturdays or Sundays. 

Other  The mascara challenge is officially over today.
:)  I must say, it was quite refreshing not having to put on mascara every morning and taking it off every night. However, as I mentioned, I think I look a little sickly without it. LOL So I've decided I will continue wearing mascara. I've also discovered that there's a big difference between vanity and taking pride in one's appearance.

Good grief, how utterly sick of winter am I?   >:(  I *so* wanted to take a walk over the lunch hour today but I know darn good and well that it's simply too, too cold.  Ugh. 

Quote:

I've also discovered that there's a big difference between vanity and taking pride in one's appearance.

Not really. It's just a question of how inflated that pride is. ::)


Quote:

Good grief, how utterly sick of winter am I? >:(  I *so* wanted to take a walk over the lunch hour today but I know darn good and well that it's simply too, too cold. Ugh.

:( Sorry to hear it. Isn't it kind of an ironic joke of Nature that you hate winter and it seems perpetual where you live, yet it's my favourite season and basically nonexistent here. The grass is always greener, eh? What a terrible analogy. :-X
    But speaking of our green grass, I was thinking of taking off to the coast today to grab a few pictures of our 80° "winter". Now I wonder whether it would make you feel better or just be salt in the wound. :-/

Thursday 18 February 2010
Angel  Some "photo therapy" would be much appreciated right now.   :) 

Yesterday was long and stressful.  One of our kitties, Tigger, the grey tabby, stumbled when he walked, wouldn't eat or drink, was lethargic, and his eyes were doing that rapid back-and-forth thing.  We immediately thought stroke.  Took him to the vet, who drew blood and ran tests.  Ironically she says that, according to his blood work, he's a very healthy cat!  She says his symptoms could be caused from a light stroke or some sort of seizure, but can't be sure.  She put him on some drugs, one of which is a broad spectrum antibiotic.  I stayed home to keep an eye on him and just let him nap all day. 
Now this morning he seems to be doing better.  He ate some soft food last night, some hard food this morning and he used the litter pan.  He's still a little uncoordinated in his gait, but his eyes are no longer doing the twitching thing.  So now we wait--that's the hard part.  Send up some prayers, healing thoughts, positive vibes, etc. if you're a mind to.

Oh, no!  Poor Tigger!!  Poor Tigger's mommy, Trisha!
I am praying for you both right now, and later.
May Grace see you through this day, and Peace be in your heart and mind no matter the outcome.

Oh jeez. Sorry to hear about Tigger. I've just said a prayer for him.

Oh Trisha!  I'm so sorry about Tigger's health situation.  I pray for a speedy answer from the vet to you and an even speedier recovery for the kitty!

Friday 19 February 2010
Hair  I just didn't feel like washing this morning, so I didn't.  I brought my curling iron to work and worked a little magic in my office.  *waggles eyebrows*  Surprisingly, it looks very decent! 

Other  Tigger says thanks for the prayers, ladies.   ;)  He seems to be getting better day by day, but I don't want to say we're out of the woods yet.  I think the term is "cautiously optimistic".  We're wondering if this isn't an inner ear infection.  Brother in law says when he had a bad inner ear infection years ago, he waddled and stumbled just like Tigger.  --Think drunken sailor on dry land (what?  hasn't everyone seen one of those?!   :-?  tee hee)  In any case, Tigger is eating and drinking well, he's using the litter pan, his eyes are no longer twitching, and he's even venturing outdoors again.  Amazing what 24 hours and a good antibiotic can accomplish.   :)

Oh Trisha, I'm sorry to hear about Tigger, and so glad that he seems to be feeling better!

Monday 22 February 2010
Hair  Today is my 5 year member anniversary here at LongLocks!  http://smileys.on-my-web.com/repository/Cats_and_Dogs/cat.gif  LL is one of the few forums where I truly feel at home.   :)

Other  I'm now convinced that Tigger did not suffer a stroke or seizure but instead has something called vestibular disease. 
http://www.cathealth.com/vestibular.htm
His symptoms and subsequent quick recovery fit the description to a tee.  I printed the article and dropped it by our vet's office Saturday, but didn't speak directly to the vet.  Anyway, I'm just thankful Tigger is almost entirely better; his walking is still a bit crooked but that's all.  Whew, what a relief!  Thanks ladies, for your concern and prayers/healing thoughts.  You're the best!  http://smileys.on-my-web.com/repository/Cats_and_Dogs/cat-eating.gif

Happy Anniversary!!  Glad Tigger is almost back to his old self! ;)

I hope things continue to go in the right direction with Tigger.  The waiting and watching is the hard part when loved ones, pet or others aren't well and so many people can't afford treatment for their pets these days if the pet gets sick. 

From Army Son in this morning's email (proper names x'ed out to protect the innocent):

"You know its not so strange that talking to you has made me feel better than talking to all my friends, Axxxx, 2 chaplains, heck every one else. I know I deserve better and having the support of my family in that is so comforting I can't even explain it.

It reminds me of the time I rolled myself and my bicycle down that hill and you doctored me up. Truth be told until then I was really scared of you and I don't know why. But after that day I started to realize that you really did care. Mom you have never given me bad advice, just advice I didn't listen to.

And I just wanted to say that I love you. Just like grandma, grandpa, my other mom, dad, uncle Jxxx, Txxx, and Rxx. Yall are my back bone and in the case of you and dad, grandma and grandpa what I hope to be in life."

--Way to make your ol' maw tear up, son.  http://smileys.on-my-web.com/repository/Respect/respect-055.gif

After teasing us with dreamy springlike temperatures last week, old man winter slapped us back down to reality today.   :(   

My new love is Morning Thunder tea by Celestial Seasonings.  --All the good side effects of caffeine without the jitters from coffee. 

Hubby and I go for our (free) wellness screening Friday. 

:) If I could say one good thing about the military, it's that it certainly has a way of transforming boys who are bang out of order into tolerable human beings.

Quote:

After teasing us with dreamy springlike temperatures last week, old man winter slapped us back down to reality today.

*Sigh!*  We nearly believed Spring might be around the corner yesterday, but then I woke up firmly in winter again this morning.  At least we're used to it now.

Friday 26 February 2010
Hair  Thinking of trying Biotin to discover if it would help the thinning.  I'll price it this weekend.  It couldn't hurt, eh? 

Other  Hubby and I went through our wellness screenings this morning.  It was one of the best processes we've experienced.  --Even the blood drawing was quick and practically painless.  Blood test results will take a month or two but blood pressure and resting pulse were very good, and height and weight were fine. 
http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys/smiley-eatdrink015.gif

That's good news!

Monday 1 March 2010
Hair  I started taking Biotin yesterday, 120 capsules for $7.  I'm not deluding myself that it will actually thicken up my hair, but it can't hurt to try. 

I used up the last of my Pantene on Saturday.  Now begins my experiment of using only what my daughter uses/buys.  She's got a big honkin' bottle of something called BioInfusion shampoo sitting at the back of the bathroom closet that she never uses, so I started in on that this morning--used TreSemme conditioner.  But now I'm wondering if I even need conditioner.  My hair is generally healthy and not prone to tangles so...  *shrug*  Only one way to find out. 

Other  Spring is so close I can feel it.   8-)

Tuesday 2 March 2010
Hair  Washed with the Biowhatever shampoo again this morning; did not use conditioner.  Ends look good/feel fine.  No tangles.  Forgot to do a vinegar rinse last weekend.  Will definitely condition when I do the VRs. 

Wednesday 3 March 2010
Hair  I woke up to a couple of tangles this morning, so back to daily conditioning I go!   :)  None of my products match right now, yet they seem to play well together.  Shampoo is the BioWhatever, Conditioner is TreSemme and Mousse is Pantene Volume. 

Other  So I get home from work yesterday and there's a package for me on the kitchen counter, sent by my friend from Ohio.   :-?  I wasn't expecting anything from her and couldn't imagine what it was.  She knitted and mailed to me the prettiest little winter hat!!  --In my last email, I had complained about disliking winter so much because of having to bundle up to stay warm.  Here's me this morning, proudly displaying her hat:  such a sweet friend have I! 

http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk1/pjsander/LaurasHat.jpg

What a sweetheart that friend is!  The hat looks great on you!

Aww, how nice!  It looks great on you!

Wow, that was nice of her. :)

What a considerate friend.  I like the hat on you. :)

Tuesday 9 March 2010
Hair  No news is good news; it continues to grow and do its own thing. 

Other  I'm taking vacay days this Friday and the following Monday and Tuesday, giving me a luxurious 5 day break.  Mama needs some down time.   8-)  I'm thinking of doing some sewing, perhaps making a skirt.  It's been a long time since I've done that and I sort of miss it.

Bought some flower seeds to sow in my little flower garden in the front yard.  Asters, Bachelor Buttons, Cosmos and Shasta Daisies.  I'm in zone 3, which means I need to wait until April to plant. 

University staff will gather this afternoon (well, some of us) to offer suggestions at a budget review committee meeting.  I don't know why I bother. 

Quote:

I'm thinking of doing some sewing, perhaps making a skirt.  It's been a long time since I've done that and I sort of miss it.

Sweet! I've been wanting to make myself a skirt for the longest time since clothing companies just don't know how to make them anymore. I hear they're the easiest thing to make. Good luck. ;)

Quote:

I'm taking vacay days this Friday and the following Monday and Tuesday, giving me a luxurious 5 day break

I'm sure you deserve it and I hope it'll bring you some needed relaxation.


Quote:

I'm thinking of doing some sewing, perhaps making a skirt.  It's been a long time since I've done that and I sort of miss it.

I think it's one of the first projects I'd try if I ever get a sewing machine. 


Quote:

Bought some flower seeds to sow in my little flower garden in the front yard.  Asters, Bachelor Buttons, Cosmos and Shasta Daisies.  I'm in zone 3, which means I need to wait until April to plant.

Sounds like the same here.  Well, it's usually April/May before I can sow anything.

Wednesday 10 March 2010
Oh girls, skirts are the easiest things to sew.  That's why I do them!  LOL  Of course my favorite skirt patterns (I have 2) are elastic waisted, for more than one reason.  They're easy to sew, easily adjusted to your waistline and very forgiving when you overeat (ahem).  I can do zippers but who needs all that aggravation?   ::) 

You can even do zippers? http://www.smilieshq.com/smilies/love0030.gif

The last time I made a skirt was around 1992 and it was a godawful, hideous thing. It was tiered and had big, white polka dots. I have no idea why I chose that material or if I even chose it. But I remember actually wearing it out in public. :o :-[ Dear God. Maybe that's what's kept me from making my own clothing since then. ::)

Angel, I can't imagine YOU choosing that color/print -- it must have been someone else's decision!!  Still planning on sewing; if I'm lucky and everything falls into place, I could even make a couple of skirts.  If this pans out I will, of course, take pictures.  I'm just hoping this sinus crap doesn't get the better of me.  I've been holding off this *bleeeeeeeep* for a few days now.  God, I hate coughing.  --At least I can breath through my nose!

Hey, Trisha!  I posted a before and after pic of my hair with cassia and amla.  Thought you might be interested-under Show Off Your Locks.

Wednesday 17 March 2010
Had a nice time on my days off.  I mostly did little to nothing.   ;D  I decided not to buy fabric and make a new skirt, choosing instead to go the frugal route--I'm converting 2 pairs of jeans into a skirt.  I've done all of the seam ripping on the primary jeans, the jeans that become the skirt.  Now I have to decide how long I want the skirt and cut up the other pair accordingly (or rip more seams on that pair).

Beef brisket along with corned beef and cabbage tonight (cooked by hubby) along with homemade traditional Irish soda bread (baked by me when I get home). 

Friday 19 March 2010
Hair  Growing well.  I think I may break down this weekend and end my no-buying experiment.  The Biowhatever shampoo is cleansing but perhaps too well.  My hair doesn't seem to be as well behaved as it was on Pantene. 

Other  Um, is it my imagination, or are there only about 6 of us posting to the forum anymore??   :-? 

Quote:

Other Um, is it my imagination, or are there only about 6 of us posting to the forum anymore??  :-?

Nope, I abducted the rest of them, drained their blood and enslaved them as minions in my legion of the dead. http://www.smilieshq.com/smilies/evilgrin0041.gif

Er, I mean, gosh, hadn't noticed. [smiley=engel017.gif]

Monday 22 March 2010
Hair  In Wally World on Saturday, Hubby wanted to apply for a hunting and fishing license, leaving me plenty of time to peruse the shampoo aisle.  The number of different shampoos and conditioners just makes my head spin anymore.  Really?  We really need 598 different brands of shampoo?  http://www.smilieshq.com/smilies/confused0071.gif  Anyway...I finally decided to try Garnier Fructise's Body Boost line.  The only thing I dislike about it so far is, believe it or not, the flip top design.  At the end of the flip top there's a half-button thingy--cute but seriously ineffective.  You can't get it open if your fingers are even slightly damp.  I'm having to use the corner of a towel.  I've already sent them a comment about it.   :) 

That sounds really annoying!  I hope the product is useful though.  Maybe if they redesign the cap because of your letter you'll get free product for life!

That would irritate me too especially since you use this in a place where it's moist and damp to say the least.

Quote:

The number of different shampoos and conditioners just makes my head spin anymore.  Really?  We really need 598 different brands of shampoo?

Yes we do. And we must try each and every one of them! ::)


Quote:

Maybe if they redesign the cap because of your letter you'll get free product for life!

Wishful thinking much, Sakina? ;D

Tuesday 23 March 2010
Hair   
A lifetime supply of shampoo and condish... now *that* would be cool, Sakina.   8-)  Although it would be my luck to discover that I dislike the product.  LOL  Seriously, though, I'm liking the GF Body Boost s&c. 
Angel, LOL  leave it to you. 
Drear  I know!  Do they not test these bottles before production?  I guess not... or maybe nobody is brave enough to complain.

Other Since the weather has turned nicer, I've been making a point of taking a walk during the lunch hour.  It's amazing what just 20 minutes of fresh air and sunshine can do for one's spirit! 
http://smileys.on-my-web.com/repository/Leisures_and_Sports/dance-057.gif

Quote:

It's amazing what just 20 minutes of fresh air and sunshine can do for one's spirit!

You are so right, it's intoxicating!  I've been spending so much time outdoors lately, running and being in my garden.  I love it! :)

Wednesday 24 March 2010
Hair  Heh...so much for a lifetime supply of free products:

March 23, 2010



Thank you for contacting us about your experience with our Garnier shampoo and conditioner.

The opinions of our consumers are important to us when making decisions about our products.  We are always looking for ways to improve and expand our line of products to fit the needs of our consumers, so we appreciate the time you have taken to share your comments with us.

Please visit us often at www.garnierusa.com to learn about our latest offerings.

Sincerely,
Theresa
Consumer Affairs Advisor
Ref # 5497514

:P :P :P

Oh well.

Argh! I use garnier fructis occasionally, and that evil blue button on the tip is the worst!

Hubby tried prying his bottle of shampoo open one time in the shower and dropped the whole thing, busting cap into several pieces.

No, GF don't really care what the customers think!  Perhaps they look at sales numbers and if they're okay, everything's okay. ::)

kittennoodlesoup wrote on Mar 25^th, 2010 at 10:33pm:

Argh! I use garnier fructis occasionally, and that evil blue button on the tip is the worst! Hubby tried prying his bottle of shampoo open one time in the shower and dropped the whole thing, busting cap into several pieces.

I know--it's very aggravating!!  I mean, yes, I could transfer the contents of the GF products to a different bottle with a more user friendly cap, but that's not the point.  Customers shouldn't have to do that.  Did you write a letter?  You should write a letter!!    :)

Drear wrote on Mar 26^th, 2010 at 5:54am:

No, GF don't really care what the customers think!  Perhaps they look at sales numbers and if they're okay, everything's okay. ::)

Oh, you're right.  I realize that most companies nowadays only care about their profit margins.  I'm one of those wacky gals who holds out hope that things can change if enough people speak up. 

Sometimes they do and sometimes they don't. Have you tried just leaving the cap slightly ajar so you don't have to pry it open every single time?

Trisha wrote on Mar 26^th, 2010 at 9:16am:

kittennoodlesoup wrote on Mar 25th, 2010 at 10:33pm: Argh! I use garnier fructis occasionally, and that evil blue button on the tip is the worst! Hubby tried prying his bottle of shampoo open one time in the shower and dropped the whole thing, busting cap into several pieces. I know--it's very aggravating!!  I mean, yes, I could transfer the contents of the GF products to a different bottle with a more user friendly cap, but that's not the point.  Customers shouldn't have to do that.  Did you write a letter?  You should write a letter!!    :)

:-[
Honestly, it never occurred to either of us to write in about it. We just chalked it up to bad luck. I guess that makes us irresponsible consumers.  ;D

Angel wrote on Mar 26^th, 2010 at 1:07pm:

Sometimes they do and sometimes they don't. Have you tried just leaving the cap slightly ajar so you don't have to pry it open every single time?

I've considered that, but am leery of doing so -- I keep my s+c on top of the tub/shower unit, in the corners.  They *seem* pretty stable there, but I'm a bit afraid of the bottles falling and spilling, should I leave the caps ajar.  They never have before, though, so I may try doing that.

Monday 29 March 2010
Hair  Is getting longer--I can't wait to measure on Thursday.    :)  As I expected, the Biotin is having no effect whatsoever.  I will continue to take it, though, as I can't justify tossing a $7 bottle of pills. 

Other  I'm feeling irritated this morning.  I'm having to share my office with a co-worker whose machine is being worked on, and her presence is just bugging the fire out of me.  She weighs at least 400 pounds and that's not an exaggeration.  Because she's been obese for decades, she now walks with a cane; she also has respiratory problems most of the time because... She's a smoker, so several times a day she huffs and puffs her way out to the designated area.  She's in such bad shape physically that she has to rest in the front office before shuffling back to her office.  I hope the techs return her machine sometime today or I'm going to go crazy.   >:( 

Biotin never worked for me either. What a crock.

And ICK @ your co-worker! That's dead nasty. :P

Trisha, I'm sorry you're having to deal with that co-worker.  I once had to share an office with a woman who talked to herself out loud constantly and often did it in cartoon voices.  I feel your pain, and hope she gets back to her space very soon!!!  If you can, get some lavender eo and put some on a tissue and inhale that while she's around and especially when she comes back from smoking.  The odor alone could set your nerves on edge.

Thursday 1 April 2010
Hair  I totally forgot to measure this morning!   :D  Ah well, I'll do it tomorrow after my shower.  I've already said that the Biotin has done nothing to improve the thickness of my hair.  However, my hair doesn't seem to be getting any thinner--again, no thanks to the Biotin, because it's unchanged from when I started taking that supplement.  So if *this* is as thin as my hair gets, it'll be all right.

Other  I am now the proud, and nervous, owner of a 2005 Buick Century.   :o  Proud because I've upgraded from a 1984 Chevy Citation II.  Let me do the math for you--that's a 26 year old car and it's beginning to show its age.  The Citation has an AM-only radio in it that gets 2 channels on good weather days...and both of them talk radio.   :P  The Buick has a *real* stereo with AM *and* FM stations and a friggin' cd player, for cryin' out loud!!!  I've been driving the Citation for 6 years now and I cannot express to you how much I've missed listening to music while driving to and from work.   8-)  Oh!  Another thing is that I'll have a/c this summer, yay!!  Now the nervous part is stretching our already-stretched budget to make the monthly payments.  So Yours Truly may be looking for a second part-time job soon.   :P

Quote:

Now the nervous part is stretching our already-stretched budget to make the monthly payments. So Yours Truly may be looking for a second part-time job soon.

Story of my life, hunnay. Your advantage is buying used. You should be able to pay it off in no time.

Congrats on the car!   :)

Monday 5 April 2010
Hair  is at 16 1/2".   :)  Still like the Garnier Fructise shampoo and conditioner, however I would not hesitate to return to my beloved Pantene products. 

Other  Thanks Angel and Curlgirl, it really is a super nice car and I'm enjoying driving it.   8-) 

Found out on Friday that one of our cats is borderline diabetic.  He's now on a super low dose of insulin and on a special diet.  No more treats of any kind.  Aaaand since he's on a special diet with no treats, ALL of the cats are doing the same. 

So, newer car means $$$, special food for cats means $$$, insulin for kitty means $$$.   :P  I just don't know where it's going to come from.  I've already applied for a part time job as a, what's the title?  Oh, reservation sales agent.   ::)  For Drury Hotels here in town.  So we'll see.  I know if I'm supposed to have a second job then one will make itself known.  --That's usually how these things work for me.  And if I can't find another job, why, then we'll just start cutting things from our already sparse budget. 

Thursday 8 April 2010
Hair  Is...I don't know.   :-?  Feeling rather dry and rough, I think would be the best description I can come up with.  It also seems to be losing luster.  It's got to be the Garnier Fructise, eh?   :-/  Yeah.  Crap.  Time to run back to my beloved Pantene, I guess.   Why do I even try other products when I know Pantene is my hair's savior?!   8-)

I'm not impressed with the GF products I've tried either. 

Monday 12 April 2010
Hair  Back to Pantene Volume s & c and, boy, is my hair happy.   :)  I hope they don't change the formula much, if any--I would have bought several bottles of both shampoo and conditioner, if I'd had more spare money from this paycheck. 

Other  Beanie, our borderline diabetic feline, seems to be stabilizing nicely.  He refused to eat the special, pricey food the vet prescribed (smart kitty), so we've been feeding him chicken that's been roasted in the oven.  Skinless, boneless chicken.  Luckily, we got a full refund on the partial bags of leftover cat food, which means a credit at the vet's office.  Definitely a "woo hoo" for that.   :)  Bean's energy level is increasing and he's even gained a few ounces of weight in one week's time.  So I think he's going to be all right.  He must see the vet for one-week checkups for a while (to check glucose levels) but that's a minor inconvenience at worst. 

Let me get this straight...  I'm surviving at poverty-level income (literally--I am not exaggerating) but poor Nicholas Cage can't keep the bank from repossessing one of his mansions??   >:(

Good news about the cat. I hope he's able to lead a relatively normal life soon.

And strange as it may seem, even mansion owners live paycheck to paycheck like the rest of us, just on a grander scale. They aren't any more immune to foreclosures than anyone else.

I hope Beanie continues to improve.  Glad you were able to get a refund as well. 

Good news about Beanie! :)

Thursday 22 April 2010
Hair  Not much news to tell; still growing.  It's at the point where my neck and shoulders meet.  I should take a pic.  Another week and it'll be measuring time again. 

Other  I don't know what's wrong with me, I've just been feeling so blah lately.   :(  I've been remiss in taking my noon walks.  Could I simply need more fresh air and a bit of sunshine?  *shrug*  Perhaps.  But I think part of it is that I'm just bored out of my skull.  Maybe I need a hobby.  Problem is, everything I'm interested in learning costs money.  Hmm...meh, I'll come up with something. 

Quote:

Another week and it'll be measuring time again.

Indeed! When did it suddenly become late April?


Quote:

But I think part of it is that I'm just bored out of my skull.  Maybe I need a hobby.  Problem is, everything I'm interested in learning costs money.

Same here! Well, I have plenty of hobbies but many of them have to be toned down or postponed entirely while I'm out of work. Be thankful that you at least have a job to occupy some of your time. :-/

Monday 26 April 2010
Hair  Did a vinegar rinse over the weekend. 

Other  Had our first hummingbird sighting yesterday!  Hubby told me on Friday he thought he had *heard* one, but couldn't see it.  So on Saturday I hung one feeder with sugar water.  Sure enough, on Sunday we spotted two little fellows.   :) 

I think the flower seeds I planted are beginning to poke through the ground.  Or it could be weeds--heck, I don't know!   ;)

Have another $10 gift card for Kohl's that expires this Saturday, May 1.  I've only got $5 to put with it this time, so I'm not sure what I'll be able to find.  *shrug* 

Tuesday 27 April 2010
Hair  Didn't wash this morning; put hair up in a wee bun using a small claw clip and several bobby pins.  I can't tell you how nice it is to be able to do this again.   ;) 

Other  Didn't make it to Kohl's yesterday...perhaps today.  *shrug* 

Wednesday 28 April 2010
Hair  W+C this morning.

Other  I've scheduled a lunch get-together for my cancer survivor group tomorrow.  But you know what?  I really don't want to go.  --And I'm the one who initiated it.   :(  Seriously, for two cents I'd cancel.  I simply have zero motivation right now.  I was talking to my student worker earlier and she feels the same lethargy.  We've decided our malaise can probably be blamed on the severe allergens currently choking the nation.  Maybe the other part of the equation is that I suspect the same 2-3 people will show up tomorrow out of the half dozen invites I sent.  Folks around here are so apathetic.  After tomorrow's lunch, it may be a long time before I try to get everyone together again...if ever.

The full moon is kicking people's ass right now, mine included.

Maybe next time you can do a hike instead of lunch get-together.  Mix it up!

Quote:

Maybe next time you can do a hike instead of lunch get-together

Bwahahahahahahahaha!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!   
I needed that laugh, thank you sweetie.   :)  A hike sounds great to me but seriously, I can barely get these ladies together for lunch let alone doing any physical activity!! 

Just trying to think outside of the box.  I'm glad I could make you laugh!

Sakina wrote on Apr 29^th, 2010 at 2:55pm:

Just trying to think outside of the box.  I'm glad I could make you laugh!

I hear you (and agree with you).  :)

Thursday 29 April 2010

Other  Had the meeting at lunch today and, surprisingly, had a very good time!  There were 5 of us (including myself).  I reserved an actual meeting room this time, instead of us simply grabbing a table in the cafeteria.  It was SO NICE to be able to hear one another without having to strain over the din of college students!!  From now on, I'm going to do that--reserve a room. 

Sakina, be it full moon or allergens, I wish whatever it is would cease! 

Friday 30 April 2010
Hair  Must remember to measure tomorrow, and do a vinegar rinse sometime over the weekend. 

Other  Still haven't made it to Kohl's, however!  --I found a 15% off coupon to use with my free $10 gift card.  Woo hoo!  I guess I was waiting for the coupon to show up and didn't know it.   ;)  If it's not pouring down rain when I get off work, I guess I'll sashay over there then.  The free gift card expires tomorrow at midnight, so I must use it soon.

I can't believe tomorrow is the first day of May...   :o 

Wednesday 5 May 2010
Hair  is now at 17" and seems to be continuing its normal half-inch growth per month.  Nuttin' wrong wit dat.  I did not wash this morning for reasons which will be explained below.  So hair is up.

Other  I seem to have a pinched nerve or something in my neck/shoulders, so I have limited range of motion right now.  I guess I stretched wrong yesterday afternoon because the pain started setting in after I got home from work.   :P  I'm taking Ibuprofen (and using a heating pad when at home) but, honestly, I usually just have to wait these things out.  About a week from now all will be back to normal.  Anyway, with limited range of movement, it's a pain trying to reach above my head to wash my hair...literally.  So I didn't get in the shower today. 
Let's see, what else...  oh yes, the Kohl's gift card.  I ended up buying a bra.   :)  I only had to kick in $3.64, so I didn't think that was too bad of a deal.  Girl can't have too many bras. 
Army Son and his unit are preparing to deploy in August and he's already started getting his stuff lined up, as far as power of attorney, finding a new home for his fish, etc.  He'll be spending a month and a half in the field (California) training. 

It may be a muscle spasm, I had one a couple of years ago that took several weeks to work out.  I have heard that alternating hot and cold works best.

Wednesday 12 May 2010
Hair  Nothing new.   :) 

Other  The pinched whatever has mostly worked itself out.  The only severe twinge I feel now is when I first move to get out of bed in the mornings.  I'm not even taking ibuprofen now. 

It's final exams week here at the university.  Surprisingly enough, I really haven't had an extreme number of tests to score, and I'm not sure why.  Some instructor evaluations have started trickling in, but those can wait until next week.

So far I've spotted 3 hummingbirds.  Blackberry winter hit us though, about the same time the hummingbirds arrived, so I think it's got them confused. 

Pinched nerves are the suck. :( Glad you're getting better though.

If I may ask, what's a "blackberry winter?" :-?

I'm happy that your pinched nerve has healed.  Those are so painful!

So far I've seen 2 humming birds...well, actually 1.  My husband said that one was hovering over me while I was asleep outside a few weeks ago.  That same day after I woke up I saw it, not sure if it was the same one though.  However, I haven't seen one since but yesterday when I checked the feeder, it was empty. :-?  I moved it near the window so that I will be able to see them from indoors if they are indeed feeding from it.

What is blackberry winter?

Blackberry Winter:  A (mainly Southern) term used to describe a brief period of cold weather that coincides with the time the blackberries are in bloom, (typically in early to mid May)   :)

Hair  I requested and have received a free sample of Pantene's new Fine Hair Solutions, the "flat to volume" shampoo and conditioner.  They're good sized samples and I estimate they'll last...oh, maybe a month, if I stretch them out (perhaps more).  My choice now is whether to wait until my current bottles of Pantene Volume (original formula) run out and then try the samples, or to switch off now.  I usually itch to try out the samples I get, but I think this time I'll bide my time (in case I'm disappointed with Pantene's new formula   :(    ) 

Other  Did I mention that my wonderful daughter gave me a lovely card with $50 in it for Mother's Day?  (peers back through recent entries)  Nope, shame on me.  Initially she mentioned buying me a new pair of sneakers--we have a thing for sneakers, she and I.   8-)  But she ended up giving me money instead, which works just fine for me.  I think instead of sneakers, though, I need work pants more.  If the price is right, I can possibly manage both! 

Tuesday 18 May 2010
Hair  Nothing new, just growing.

Other  So the secretary -- er, pardon me, administrative assistant   ::)  discovered that (a) I'm looking for a part time job and (b) I have applied at Drury hotels but haven't received a response from them.  It just so happens she's friends with one of the bigwigs at the hotel (as in one of THE Drurys) and is sending an email to him on my behalf.  She read the email to me and she used words to describe me such as hard working, dependable and moral.  Awww!!!   :)  I said I didn't know about the moral part, but the rest was great.  Heh.   ;D  I have a good feeling about this...and a bad feeling.  I mean, do I WANT a second job?  Of course not.  But I'm tired of being poor.  Who knows, if I find the right part time job NOW, it may morph into another full time job when I retire from here...cause let's face it...I'm probably never going to be able to stop working. 

Wednesday 19 May 2010
The reply to the email sent by our admin. asst was, "Unfortunately I have nothing to do with XXX Inns. They are actually my competitor.  Sorry I can't help out." 
--So much for having an "in".   :-? 

Oh well. :-[  Hopefully, you won't need an "in".

Quote:

"Unfortunately I have nothing to do with XXX Inns. They are actually my competitor.  Sorry I can't help out."

:(


*Sigh!*  Maybe there's still some other way.

Yeah, the ad reads (it was in yesterday's newspaper), and I quote, "Apply online at blahblahblah.com or in person at (address)", so I'm going to stop by there this afternoon when I get off work at 3:00.  I tried the online route, to no avail.  Time to pay them a visit.   8-)  I've also applied for this job at one of our two local hospitals:

Summary:
The Administrative Partner is responsible for effective and efficient communication control in assigned areas. The Administrative Partner is responsible for order entry into CRT of physician orders, consults, statistics, admission and discharge information under the direction of the Charge Nurse, Assistant Manager, Patient Care Manager, AP Manager/Educator, Director and Vice President of Patient Care.

Qualifications:
High school graduate or equivalent. Previous computer experience required. Previous clerical experience required (preferably in a medical field). Successful completion of a medical terminology course preferred.

Now, I do not have medical field experience, nor have I completed a medical terminology course.  What I do have is over 20 years of clerical/customer service experience and that HAS to count for something...hopefully.  The work shift would be Fri & Sat, night shift, 11:00 PM - 7:30 AM.  I have never worked nights before, but  *shrug*  I'm willing to try.  Of course I have to wait for an interview first.  LOL 

Quote:

Time to pay them a visit.

I don't know if it's a general thing in the U.S.  They seemed to love applications or maybe it just seemed so because I was going for low pay, low status jobs (I'm not saying some jobs aren't good).  Over here the employers are flattered if you ask in person because it shows more engagement and if you call back a week after having sent an application, first having called or first having met to hear if there's a chance you'll be called in to interview/if there could be a change in their decision.

When will you have time to sleep????The night shift could be grueling,but rewarding too because you can get alot of work done with minimum interruptions.
Hope it works out well for you!!

That's called graveyard shift. It works for some people if you're up for being nocturnal. Night jobs tend to pay more. The downside is that it can really mess up your immune system and make you sick a lot. :-/

Monday 24 May 2010
Hair  growing

Other  So. 
Apparently I'm going to be a (step) grandmother.   :o 
Army Son has gotten his new girlfriend (very new) pregnant.  I think they've only been going together for 2-3 months. 
(Do young folks nowadays call it "going together"?) 
She's 6 weeks along and is supposed to be due around January 7. 
We know very little to nothing about this girl (who is 21).  She's still living at home with her parents, and will continue to do so, even after Army Son deploys to Iraq in August.  She's coming here with him in July, so we'll meet then. 
The thing is... hubby and I will probably never get to see this child, with the mother living in North Carolina.  We'll send cards and presents a few times a year, but will be virtual strangers.   :-[ 
So once again, the "boy"  (who will turn 28 in Aug.) has screwed up, this time in a big way and, this time, he's very much on his own. 

:o

My condolences, Trish. Perhaps the responsibility of child support will sober the "boy" up a bit. Perhaps not. Perhaps you can just be grateful not to have any blood relation to him and his decisions and that you can expect more prudence from your own daughter (and your internet daughter). ::)

I'm sorry Trish!  I wish this could be happier news under other circumstances.  This is sure a sobering wake- up call for him........

Tuesday 25 May 2010
Hair  growing   :)

Other  Thanks Angel, I know I can count on you and my other daughter.   ;D  Yes CG, we can only hope this will finally slap him into reality.  But I'm not holding my breath!   ;)

Going out to lunch today for a rare treat; will be enjoying the fine company of my old boss and one of our former student workers.   8-) 

Oh, she's the "other daughter" now. ;D ;)

One curious thing...your stepson might want to have a paternity test done. Just a suggestion.

And while I'm certainly no expert on the language of those darn kids today, I don't think anyone has used the term "going together" since the early 70's. ::)

Anywho, enjoy your day out, mama. You deserve it. :)

I agree with Angel about the paternity test.  I'm sorry the circumstances couldn't be happier.

Wednesday 26 May 2010
Hair  Now when I tuck my hair behind my ears, it doesn't fall back into my face.   :)  I'm so glad it's long enough (just) to make a small bun with or a small ponytail, seeing as the weather has already become insanely hot and humid. 

Other  Thanks Drear.   :)
Oh yes, I forgot to say...  the Army requires paternity testing before any medical coverage can be had.  So at least we'll know for sure.  When I asked if they (he and the GF) were going to get married or what, he said it would be "legal on paper".  WTH does that mean?!   :-?

Congrats, I guess... I understand that it's not under the best circumstances.  Not sure what to say that would be appropriate in this situation.   

Not sure what he meant by the legal paper thing. :-/

Thursday 27 May 2010

Willie Nelson cut his hair    :o

OMG!  No way!  Do you know why?

Because he's Willie Nelson and he can do whatever he wants. ;)

His hair is still just above shoulder length, which is still long for a guy who's almost 80. Cut him a break. ::)

Angel wrote on May 27^th, 2010 at 7:20pm:

Because he's Willie Nelson and he can do whatever he wants. ;)

LOL
Amen to that!

Friday 28 May 2010
Hair  Time for another vinegar rinse this weekend.  If I can get my other daughter (*wink*) to stand still long enough, I'll ask her to take a photo showing current length. 

Other  Secretary is on vacation again, imagine that.   ::)  So guess where Yours Truly is sitting right now?  Mm hmm.  I suppose I should be thankful its summertime and not busy.  I need to look at the calendar and schedule some time off for myself as well.  I'm debating the pros and cons of being off during the same time that Army Son is supposed to be here (in July) before he deploys.  The thing is, if I don't like his girlfriend then work makes a handy excuse. 
What's that?  Oh no, sorry, I can't --have to work. 
No, I can't possibly go--had a very stressful day at the office and I'm pooped.   8-)  Not that I'm a schemer or anything...

I'm so glad this is a 3 day weekend.

Quote:

If I can get my other daughter (*wink*) to stand still long enough, I'll ask her to take a photo showing current length.

;D ;)

Granted you're probably sound asleep by now, but have a great weekend.

Mon  Tuesday 1 June 2010
Hair  As (sort of) promised, here's a photo of my current length:

http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk1/pjsander/Hair_June2010.jpg


Other A coworker booked a trip with one of the travel agencies here in town and I guess she (the agent) mentioned the need for some part-time help.  My coworker thought of me, bless him, and (after asking if it was something I'd be interested in) has sent her an email asking for details (hours, etc.).  So we're waiting on a reply.  I could rock a travel agency.   8-) 

Stupid, friggin' carpenter ants are wreaking havoc on my hummingbird feeders.     >:(  I'll try the suggestion I found online of applying a light layer of cooking oil to the chain that's holding up the feeder.  If that doesn't work, the little guys will simply have to make do with the area flora.  The sugar water is only a nice little treat for them anyway; it is not their primary source of food. 

Love the color, mom. :) Reminds me of a dark wood.

And best of luck with the job prospect. I know it ain't easy.

Thursday 3 June 2010
Other  One of the lodges where hubby is a member will be having a yard sale on the 19th of this month.  We starting yesterday evening going through the stuff (polite word) in our basement, gathering things to donate.  Spring cleaning...  *inhale*  aahh, feels good.  The paring down of stuff continues tonight and, probably, all week.  Ironically, most of the stuff in our basement doesn't even belong to hubby and me.   :-? 

Did I mention I'm filling in for the secretary again?  At least there's only one more day after today.  I miss my office.   :(   And at least it's summertime, so there's hardly anyone around. 

Intend to read the Harry Potter series of books.  I've seen the movies and have heard good things about the books. 

Your hair looks really good.  I've read all but the last HP book.  I bought them for my brother who grew out of it before the last one came out.  I only saw two of the movies and wasn't impressed.  I still want to get them all on DVD for the boys some day.  I enjoyed the books.  The first one is short, cute and funny. 

OT- I somehow went from reading 'The House of Spirits' and similar Allende books and several Michael Chricton books as a kid to reading HP as an adult. ;D

Tuesday 8 June 2010
Hair  I keep forgetting to measure.  D'oh!  Have now written myself a note.   ::)

Other  Not much going on right now...  just waiting out the summer until my beloved autumn returns. 
Haven't started on the Harry Potter series yet.  I'm trying to decide whether I want to buy the books or just borrow them from a library.  I suppose I could borrow them first and then, if I reallyreally like them, I can always purchase them later. 

Haven't heard a peep from the hospital where I applied for the part time job.  And that part time reservation sales agent position is still open at Drury hotels.  *sigh*  So I plan on swinging by there after work today, to pick up a paper application. 

Good luck!

Quote:

Not much going on right now...  just waiting out the summer until my beloved autumn returns.

Same here...even though summer hasn't officially started yet. :P Toward the middle of it, we'll have all sorts of lovely fall fashions and things to look forward to. :D

Again, good luck with the job search. It's a crap time to be looking in the first place and once you find something that you actually qualify for, it has probably already gone to someone else before you even apply. Sad but true. Sometimes they'll at least give you the courtesy of a rejection letter. How nice. :-/

Good luck.

Wednesday 16 June 2010
Hair  nada

Other  Did not reapply on paper with Drury hotels.  The online program states they have received my electronic app, so I feel like there's no point.  Haven't heard a peep from the hospital jobs for which I applied either. 

The number of ants invading the hummingbird feeders has dwindled to practically nil, thank goodness.  I've been changing the nectar every other day and I'm only filling the containers about halfway--much less waste. 

Tuesday 22 June 2010
Hair  ...growing...

Other  Army Son and girlfriend are now Army Son and Wife, as of yesterday evening.  And, brace yourself...
they're having TWINS.   :o 

Holy Moly!!! :o :o
Get ready!!!

So glad I decided not to have children. ::) Poor Trish...

Tuesday 29 June 2010
Hair  Two more days and it'll be time to measure again.  I totally blew off measuring for June.  Getting down to the bottom of my original-formula Pantene for fine hair.  I do have a good size sample of the new formula, and am hoping I won't see much of a difference.  The only way I'll switch from Pantene is (1) if the new stuff just absolutely does not work, or (2) if I can find a cheaper but equivalent substitute. 

Other  The secretary is taking off yet again, for the rest of the bloody week.   >:(   Guess where Yours Truly will be?  *sigh*  That's all right...  Trish will be taking days off this fall, once the weather is more to my liking (i.e. cooler temperatures and overcast skies).   8-) 

Army Son and Wife #2 should be here sometime on Sunday for the 4th of July.  Since I can't take off and help, it will fall to hubby to get the house in order.  God bless him for knowing how to clean and actually doing it. 

I'm looking forward to having this weekend over and done with.  It's not that I don't want to meet the new daughter in law, I do.  I just don't look forward to having to spend an entire friggin' day with her.  You know?  The first meeting (of what should have been a new girlfriend) should only be for, like, an hour or so, ideally over lunch or dinner.  You meet, talk a little, eat something, then you all go to separate corners to process your thoughts.  You get to know each other over time, with that level of comfortable company growing (hopefully) with each meeting.  But not us, oh no.  Once again we're having someone forced upon us.  The thing is...  from our contact on Facebook, she seems like a normal, nice young girl.  I guess I simply have unresolved (bad) feelings leftover from his first marriage. 

She's probably as uncomfortable with the situation as you are, poor kid.  Trying to put her at ease will help you forget your discomfort.  Or you can invite 20 more guests and she will have plenty of people to talk to.  :) Hope all goes well.

Hair  is 17 1/2" long now.  Long enough for a small ponytail and to be gathered in a medium size clip.  Yay for being able to pull it off of my neck this summer!

Other  Oh, I'm sure you're right, Melusine.   :)  And it's not as if ALL of the entertaining will fall to me. 

Army Son + Wife are due to arrive in town sometime today, earlier than expected.  Good thing we've got most of the cleaning done.  Last night I swept and mopped the hallway, bathroom, living room and kitchen.  This morning, in the midst of getting ready for work, I rehung curtains that had been washed the other day. 

Tomorrow will be the usual laundry day and I'll clean commode and tub.  Will probably also sweep again and just do a general tidy up in preparation for Sunday, when the family will gather for the 4th of July. 

Melusine's absolutely right.

Try to forget about ideal situations. Things never happen that way in real life. Just be polite and the rest will take care of itself. It will probably be much easier than you anticipate.

Sounds like you'll definitely have your hands full this weekend. Good luck. :)

I like Melusine's sollution and I agree with Angel's outlook on ideal situations.  I hope all goes well and that it's at least tolerable.

Hair  Is now long enough for a high ponytail!  *squeeeee*   :D 

Other  Army Son and Wife arrived in town on Friday the 2nd; the family (me, hubby, hubby's mom and stepdad) met up with them at Cracker Barrel for supper.  First impressions of her were fine--no warning bells went off.  Saturday evening Army Son brought her out to the farm for a little while, so he could unload fireworks for the next day. 
Sunday, the 4th, they attended church with hubby's mom and then came back out to the farm a little after noon.  Hubby grilled up a storm, cooking brauts, wieners, pork steaks and chicken leg quarters.  I made potato salad and the mother in law brought baked beans.  Everyone had plenty of food to choose from. 

Most of the family stayed outside the whole time, but I came indoors around 5:00.  The heat and noise was getting to me, so I just stayed inside, even when the fireworks began.  Hubby came inside to join me on the couch around 7:00. 

Overall impressions of the new daughter in law?  On a scale from 1 to 10, 1 being the lowest and 10 being highest, she gets an 8.  She's a talker but doesn't just chatter on mindlessly.  She seems respectful and nice.  There were a couple of words that came out of her mouth that made me cringe internally but I'm trying not to judge. 

Monday 12 July 2010
Hair  Finished up the last of the old formula Pantene yesterday.  Decided to use TreSemme for a short while before giving the new formula samples a go.  (Why?  *shrug*  I have no idea--it just feels right) 

Other  Hubby and I have wanted to build extra rooms in the basement for quite a while now.  I guess he finally got the right tools he needed because, about a week ago, hubby began erecting walls.   :)  The first room will be his office space, where our pc and desk will sit (right now its in brother in law's room).  This corner is where Army Son's stuff currently sits.  However he's informed us that when he comes home for another visit, around the end of this month, he'll be renting storage space.  The next room built, adjacent to the office, will be mine and I'm just as giddy as a prize winning contestant.   :D  I intend it to be sewing room, where I can finally leave my machine set up.  Just think... an entire room to do with as I please!!!  You must understand, I've never had a room to myself, not even as a child.  So this will truly be a unique experience for me.  *sigh*  I can't wait.   8-)

;D 4 months and you'll be eating, drinking and sleeping in there.

Good for your husband to finally start the project. Enjoy! ;)

Yay for you and your sewing room! Enjoy! :)

Thursday 15 July 2010
Hair  Wearing my hair in a high pony today -- first time since...when was it that I last cut my hair?  February?
(searching...searching...)  Oh gosh, no!  It was all the way back during the first half of December, wow!  I didn't realize it was that long ago!   :D    I'll do another vinegar rinse this weekend, then start on the samples of new formula Pantene. 

Other  Summer.  BLECH.  I have no energy; the humidity sucks it all away.   :-/ 

Friday 16 July 2010
Hair  Went ahead and began using new formula Pantene (fine) this morning.  Note to self:  TreSemme cleans your hair almost TOO well; it seems to strip away all of the natural oils, leaving your hair frizzy.  STOP USING IT. 

Other  Have no plans to do anything this weekend except stay indoors and try to keep cool.  C'mon October!!!

Quote:

Other  Have no plans to do anything this weekend except stay indoors and try to keep cool.  C'mon October!!!

Totally hear ya there, babe. It's 90°F here already just after 10:00 AM! :P

You Are Conditioner

http://www.blogthingsimages.com/areyoushampooorconditionerquiz/conditioner.jpg

You have a mellowing, softening effect on everyone around you. You bring peace.
You believe that a lot of our problems would be solved if we had less emotional turmoil.

You try to relax and let go as much as possible. You believe in pampering yourself.
No luxury is too indulgent if it makes you feel better. Your mental health is the most important thing.

Are You Shampoo or Conditioner?

Blogthings: Learn Something Surprising About Yourself            

Friday 23 July 2010
Hair  Style for the past 3 days has been an updo held in place with a claw clip.  I've missed having hair long enough to do this with.  I was tempted to do a wet set last night and deal with curls this morning, but talked myself out of it.  Goodness knows its long enough.  Maybe this weekend.  Need to do a vinegar rinse tomorrow.  Thus far, I can tell no change between old formula Pantene and new formula Pantene. 

Other  Army Son's deployment to Iraq is now on hold and he's been placed on standby status.  We *think* he'll be arriving this weekend for a week long stay but, with him, nothing is certain. 

Hubby is almost finished with his office downstairs.  He hung the door this week, and stained/sealed it, and now today is installing a locking doorknob.  He still needs 3 pieces of paneling for one inside wall and floor covering will have to wait.  However for all intents and purposes, we have a room.   :)   

I'll try to log on next week to read how your weekend went. 

I don't know what kind of heat you have but it's hot and humid here and I'm sick of it.  In any case I sympatize. 

Quote:

Thus far, I can tell no change between old formula Pantene and new formula Pantene.

Just read the ingredients. :P Conditioners are about the same, if not a bit creamier. Shampoos are harsher but they may have loaded them with more conditioners to even it out, I dunno. Been dragging my heels as far as trying them out. :-/

Wednesday 28 July 2010
Hair  Most days the hair is up in either a pony or a 'do.  Even on the days when I wear my hair down (to work), as soon as I get home, up it goes.   

I'm going to attempt the no 'poo route again.  Yes, I know it failed for me before...but I think I did it wrong.  So I'm giving it another go.  I'll post results. 

Other  Army Son has been here, that is to say in the area, since Monday but tonight will be the first and last time we see him, as he's leaving tomorrow.  I suppose he's been spending a lot of time with his bio-mom and half brother, but who knows.  *shrug* 

The room/office downstairs is as complete as its going to get for a while.  Hubby lacks three pieces of paneling on the inside wall to complete the job, but for all intents and purposes, it IS a room.  Now if only Army Son had rented a storage unit and moved his stuff out of there, the way he said he was going to... Yeah, sure.  Some people never change and he's one of them. 

Thursday 29 July 2010
Hair  Started on the no 'poo experiment this morning.  Here are the steps:  wet hair in shower, mixed one tablespoon of baking soda with one cup of warm (shower) water, slowly poured soda/water mixture over hair with one hand while sort of massaging it into hair with other hand, rinse well.  Then I did a vinegar rinse to finish.  Hair is clean, soft and shiny.  I'm hoping to go with every other day washes at first, at the very least. 

Other  Thought y'all might enjoy seeing what my sky looked like this morning.

http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk1/pjsander/Nature/sunrise129July2010.jpg


So... Army Son tells hubby who, in turn, tells me, of course, that daughter in law thinks I don't like her.   :-?  I guess because I didn't talk her ear off while they were here on the 4th.  *shrug*  Sorry, world, I am by nature a quiet person.  Not shy or reserved, just quiet.  So I sent her an email this morning explaining my quietness and that that's just the way I am.  Sheesh, why does everyone think silence is a bad thing?

Quote:

Other  Thought y'all might enjoy seeing what my sky looked like this morning.

You thought right, mom. That's a great shot! :) Sunrises here never look like that.


Quote:

Sheesh, why does everyone think silence is a bad thing?

No idea. Maybe they're afraid of it.

Friday 30 July 2010
Hair  Well, I screwed up this morning by putting mousse in my hair.   :(   You see, when I got up this morning, my hair looked pretty good.  Still looked clean and shiny, etc.  There was one spot near my part that looked a bit frizzy and wild, from my nighttime tossing, and I thought just getting my hair wet in the shower would take care of that.  --And it probably would have, but I put on mousse as added insurance.  Wrong-o, Mary Lou.  Now my hair looks like *real* second day hair, bordering on the greasy.  Meh, live and learn.  Tomorrow I'll do another baking soda wash with a vinegar rinse.  Then Sunday I will do nothing except brush, I swear!   ;)

Other  So I apologized by email to DIL2 (daughter in law #2) for any offense I may have rendered (real or imagined on her part) and everything is fine.  You know...I really have no idea how to be a mother in law.  Army Son's first wife was...well, all of us knew that marriage was doomed from the get-go.  Both of them made it nearly impossible for the family to get to know her.  So I feel as if DIL2 is my first real MIL opportunity.  But again...with them living far away from us, it's going to be a real challenge to know her.  I guess I really need to just open up my heart to this girl and remember how I felt when I got pregnant at 18. 

Monday 2 August 2010
Hair  After a week, I've given up on the baking soda washes.  While this method works for some, I have to admit it does not work for me.  The thing is, my hair is far too thin.  I need the illusion of fuller hair that Pantene provides me.  It's that simple.  Plus the extra cleanness of the baking soda method was making my scalp itch a bit.  *shrug*  Hey, I tried. 

Other  Sometime on Saturday the pilot light on our water heater stopped working.   :o  A (free) repair kit is on its way, but until it arrives we will be washing dishes and ourselves pioneer style, heating pots of water on the stove.  --Brings back memories of growing up in a house with no running water.   8-) 

Hit one of my local thrift shops on Saturday and scored two pairs of pants along with two tops.  Will be making a donation to the Good Will store after work today and will also have a look-see.  I'm always on the hunt for casual pants, skirts and jeans. 

Quote:

The thing is, my hair is far too thin.  I need the illusion of fuller hair that Pantene provides me.  It's that simple.

*nods* Yep yep. It does that for mine too. ;)

Hope you're able to fix your water heater soon. I remember when our last one died. Ugh. :P Cool showers = refreshing. Ice cold = not so much!

Oh, and I'm digging the new icon, mom. ;)

Quote:

Hit one of my local thrift shops on Saturday and scored two pairs of pants along with two tops.  Will be making a donation to the Good Will store after work today and will also have a look-see.  I'm always on the hunt for casual pants, skirts and jeans.

The clothes I've had the longest and that has held up the best have all been thrift buys.  Sounds like you made a good deal there. 

Wednesday 4 August 2010
Hair  Didn't wash this morning; hair is in a high pony.  I couldn't face having to dunk my hair in the kitchen sink yet again.  Yes, we were still without a working water heater this morning.  However...

Other  (mid morning) We now have hot water again! 
The free repair kit arrived from Whirlpool on Tuesday.  But in trying to install the new thermocoupler, hubby discovered a problem within the thermostat itself (the port on the thermostat where the "coupler" screws in).  He said it looks as if this thing was constructed incorrectly at the factory.  I think we're lucky the water heater lasted 6 years.   :-?  So our choices were to buy the part (around $250) and still have a 6 year old propane water heater with no warranty, or buy a brand new electric water heater (complete with warranty).  In the end, the difference in money was such that we chose the new water heater.  We really didn't want to lay out this kind of money right now, but that's why we have the emergency credit card.  *nods*  And thankfully, hubby knows how to install this kind of stuff.  Tomorrow morning, fellow babies, I'll be reveling in a shower...   8-)

Wednesday 11 August 2010
Hair  Didn't wash this morning; hair is up in a claw clip.  I should measure but I just haven't felt like doing anything.  Curse you, summer humidity.   >:( 

Other  Hubby got the new electric water heater installed with no problems.  He's just that handy.   8-) 

Daughter in law is supposed to find out the sex of the (grand)babies this Thursday...well, tomorrow, yeah.  Hubby is predicting they're both boys.  I'm predicting at least one of them is a boy. 

Would still sort of like to have a part time job, but haven't really been looking.  *shrug*  I don't know.  Yes, the extra money would certainly make life easier.  But I don't want to wear myself out just for money.  It's nice coming home at the end of the day and knowing I'm done.  Know what I mean? 

I've now gone 5 1/2 weeks without wearing mascara.   :)  This Friday will make 6 weeks.  It took me a while to get used to seeing myself without mascara, at least a couple of weeks.  And I'm not saying I'll never wear it again; I could change my mind tomorrow.  But for now, I'm enjoying not having to hassle with it. 

Friday 13 August 2010
Hair  Chose to have a no-wash day; hair is up in a clip.  Need to do a vinegar rinse over the weekend.  Pixie cuts are apparently "in" right now.  I think one must have fairly delicate features to pull off that look...which I do not.  But then, I'm not considering cutting my hair either.   8-)

Other  So!  The gender of the grandbabies is... one of each!  There's a boy and a girl.   :)  Her name will be Zettie Mae.  It sounds positively old fashioned and I like it.   8-)  The boy's name hasn't been decided yet.  Army Son wants to continue the tradition of having the middle name of Scott, shared by both he and his father.  We'll see. 

Eating has been terrible lately.  I haven't given up on my healthy eating altogether, but it's doggone close.  *sigh*  Tomorrow is another day. 

Quote:

Pixie cuts are apparently "in" right now.

You've noticed that too, eh? Aren't they darling?
To be perfectly honest, it's taking a lot of restraint lately not to get one myself.


Quote:

I think one must have fairly delicate features to pull off that look...

If by "delicate features" you mean rocking the anorexic look, you'd be right. You need an amazing body and a striking face to get away with having hair that short...which is why I haven't done it. *sigh* Well, that and not wanting to upset the people who like my hair long. Ahem. ;)


Quote:

Her name will be Zettie Mae.  It sounds positively old fashioned and I like it. 8-)

Very midwestern. ;D


Quote:

Eating has been terrible lately.  I haven't given up on my healthy eating altogether, but it's doggone close.  *sigh*  Tomorrow is another day.

*hugs* We all have binge phases where we become possessed by the nom monster who compels us to eat crap. Mmmm, crap. After a few days, this is usually followed by a purge phase where we exorcise said nom monster and remind ourselves that crap is, in fact, not good for us. ::) Vicious cycle.

You are so right about the "pixie" haircut.  My mom did that to me when I was little and it looked horrible.  I always had a definite nose, even when I was small.

As for junk food, do you include chocolate?  And ice cream?  They may not be good for you in large doses, but in moderation.....  I went to Hobby Lobby yesterday still looking for black jacquard fabric, and could not leave without buying chocolate-covered vanilla cream drops.  They taste like the ones my grandma used to have, and I love them.  So what if I gain 5 lbs.? They are worth it. ;D

That's great news about the grandbabies!  A boy and a girl to spoil!! (then send them home to mommie and daddie! ;D )

Monday 16 August 2010
Hair  *shrug*  Nothing new to report. 

Other  Hubbie hates--absolutely HATES the name Zettie Mae.  Which I find somewhat funny; I don't know why!  LOL  He keeps mumbling "hillbilly" and other words which I cannot mention in polite company.  *snort*  I don't know why he's fretting...as grandparents we're allowed to call the tykes anything we want, aren't we?   8-)  I figure at some point we'll just end up calling them "Jesus Christ" and "Daxxit" anyway. --Shades of Bill Cosby, anyone? 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fwYVqMj5i6k ;  ;D

That is one of my all-time favorite comedy sketches.  The only one that tops it is Richard Prior's "Goin' Huntin."  I was watching it on TV with my ex and friends, and we were literally rolling on the floor.  It was hilarious!  It's too bad today's comedians aren't that talented and funny.

You are right, grandparents can call the babies anything they want.  Sweetie, cutie and darlin' are the first ones that come to mind.

;D Apologies but I'm with your husband on that one, Trish.

"But dad, I'm Jesus Christ!" ;D

Who knows? Maybe you'll end up giving your grandchildren a nickname that will stick with them. *casually eyes screen name* ;)

Wednesday 18 August 2010
Hair  http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys/smiley-love029.gif

Other  Army Son called early this morning, talked to his dad.  The good news is he won't be deployed this year and should be stateside for the birth of his babies.  Bad news is he will most likely be deployed in the spring--to Afghanistan.  Yeesh. 

Classes for the fall term will get underway next Monday at
the university where I work. A few students can already be
seen milling about, paying bills, picking up textbooks, trying
to figure out where the buildings are. Monday will be
organized chaos; fall terms are always worse than spring.
And each fall I can feel myself growing less and less desirous
of being here, of being part of this academic dog-and-pony show.  Ah well, I try not to complain too much.  I know I'm lucky to still have a job. 

Monday 23 August 2010
Hair  Did a vinegar rinse yesterday morning.  Today hair is up.  It started out down, but was bothering me.  It's weird...I want long hair, yet 9 times out of 10 I end up either putting it in a ponytail or a clip.   :-? 

Other  Oh.  My.  God. 
HUBBY HAS A JOB!   :D
His old boss at the locksmith shop asked him to come back to work for him, because one of his guys quit.  This is perfect on so many levels.  #1 hubby will have an income, therefore I won't have to find a second job.  #2, and most important, locksmithing is what hubby is trained to do and what he loves.  You should see his eyes light up when he talks about rekeying a doorknob or picking open a lock, etc.  He's happy and I'm happy for him!   8-)  He hasn't performed as a locksmith in about 7 years, so hubby is a little nervous about being rusty.  But I told him, locksmithing is like riding a bike; it'll come back to you quicker than you think.  I hope he has a good day.  It felt a bit like sending a kid off to school--do you have your wallet?  Your tools?  LOL   ;D   

Hehehe. Congrats to your hubby. :)

And I know what you mean about wearing your hair up - mine's almost waist length and is usually in a bun or braid. Granted it's over 100°F here. :-/

Congrats to your hubby and you!! 8-) :)

Tuesday 24 August 2010
Hair  Hair is unwashed and up in a clip today; I just didn't feel like dealing with it. 

Other  Thanks, gals, for the congrats on hubby's job.   :)  I haven't mentioned this to him, but I hope he's able to do this job with his physical limitations.  Keep your fingers crossed. 

Hair  I should snap a hair photo this weekend so y'all can see where my length is (making myself a note).  Nothing new to report.  Still using the new formula Pantene for fine hair with no adverse reaction. 

Other  First payday from the new/old (hmm..) job for hubby.  He won't get rich working this job, but it'll pay more than enough for us to cover all of our bills and still have some for savings, etc.  --Which is all we want.  He's going to have to buy more locksmithing tools, though, since he sold most of his.  Thus far, any back pain he's encountered seems to be remedied with a couple of ibuprofen before beddy bye time. 

Tuesday 31 August 2010
Hair...is up in a clip today.  Gosh, tomorrow is a new month and time to measure again. 

Other  I'll be taking off from work this Friday and next Tuesday, giving Yours Truly a 5 day weekend.   8-)  Nothing planned, although I badly need to vacuum.  Hmm, I wonder if hubby gets Monday off? 

Official names for the grand twins are Forrest Scott and Lucy Mae.  Hubby says he can live with Lucy Mae instead of Zettie Mae.   :) 

Sorry I'm so late in offering my congratulations to you and hubby on his new/old job!  I couldn't get LongLocks to properly download in France so I just got caught up on your journal.  Yay, no second job for you!!!

Enjoy your 5 day weekend!

Thursday 9 September 2010
Hair  is down today.  Still need to take a picture. 

Other  There is only one thing wrong with having five days off in a row:  I never want to come back to work.   ;)  I told hubby, I have no grand aspirations for retirement.  It's the simple fact of having the freedom to do what you want, when you want.  If I wake up and feel like mopping the floors, I can do it that day, without having to wait for the weekend, etc.  Or if I want to take a long walk in the middle of the day (a cloudy day, of course! ha ha), I can do it.  --That's what retirement will mean for me.  Anyway, had a very enjoyable holiday.  On Monday, hubby took me on an impromptu drive.  We headed north on Route 61, at one time the only way to reach St. Louis before I55 was constructed.  My goodness but it's gorgeous country along that highway.  Farm country still, which is what I like.  We ended up in Perryville, only about 30  minutes from where we live, around noon and ate at the Park-et, a little diner where the common-man's grub is oh so DEE-lish. 

Oh, I started wearing mascara again.  Hmm, now I'm wondering if I mentioned here that I had stopped?!  LOL  Oh well.  *shrug*  I went two months without wearing mascara, beginning on the first Friday in July and ending the first Friday of September.  Why?  Heck if I know.  I guess I just wondered if I could do it.  And while it certainly was nice not having to bother with putting it on every (week)day, I have to admit that I missed the way it makes my eyes look.  --That and I had a lipstick urge.  I have a personal rule of not wearing lipstick without mascara. 

What else?  Oohh, weather has been LURVlee the past few days, cool and overcast.  A preview of fall, my favorite! 

Quote:

What else?  Oohh, weather has been LURVlee the past few days, cool and overcast.  A preview of fall, my favorite!

Ours is the same, strangely enough. Is it raining out there yet? I read that your area was supposed to get rain today & tomorrow.

Angel wrote on Sep 9^th, 2010 at 3:14pm:

Quote: What else?  Oohh, weather has been LURVlee the past few days, cool and overcast.  A preview of fall, my favorite! Ours is the same, strangely enough. Is it raining out there yet? I read that your area was supposed to get rain today & tomorrow.

Yep!  The rain began yesterday afternoon, falling softly but steadily, and it continues today, a bit more forceful.   :)  Love it, love it!  Of course, the area district fair begins tomorrow and we ALWAYS get rain sometime during that week.  This time the moisture arrived a bit early! 

Sounds lovely. :)

This time of year we're usually right on par with AZ weather-wise but temps are in the 80's all this week. :-?

Thursday 16 September 2010
Hair  Growing.   :)

Other  This being September and ovarian cancer awareness month, I thought it befitting to paint my nails teal.  Loving Sally Hansen's Complete Manicure line the way I do, I gave them $7.00 of my money and purchased Fairy Teal, a nice flat shade.  It went on great, like the other shades have, and lasted fine, again like the other shades have.  The tips of my right hand nails were looking pretty worn this morning though, so I wanted to remove the polish before work.  Alas, now my nails have a faint teal tint!  If I'd had time, I would have simply soaked them in polish remover and I'm sure everything would have been fine.  But I did not have time, so now I'm hoping nobody spots the faint hint of green on my fingernails and thinks I'm sick!   :o   ;D 

If you continue to have a stain on your nails, try apple cider vinegar.  Put it on a cotton ball and hold it to your nail for a bit.  I wouldn't recommend soaking your hand in it-too drying.
Be sure to put oil on your nails afterward.  Lotion is not as well absorbed and your nails and finger skin could be dry.

Have a great day!

Eeeek! Never soak your nails in polish remover, you crazy? Next time use a base coat. :P

Friday 17 September 2010
Hair  is up in a ponytail.   :)

Other LOL  Okay, perhaps "soak" wasn't the word I wanted there, Angel child.  Calm down, all is well.  Your online mama knows the ins and outs of nail varnish.  It's just been so long since I've worn polish that I forgot--dark shades require a clear base coat before the color goes down (as my flesh and blood daughter reminded me last night--cheeky little thing!).   8-)  Confusing though, since I didn't have this problem with the plum shade, which is darker than the teal.   :-?  Oh well, now I know.  Apple Cider vinegar, aha!  Thanks for that tip, Sakina--I'll keep that in mind! 

Word is the president of our university announced yesterday at the annual fall assembly that we must cut $2 million in benefits somewhere.  I didn't attend--haven't attended one of those things in years because I refuse to sit anywhere for an hour and a half and be lied to.   >:(   Obviously everyone is wondering/worrying where this insane amount of money is going to come from. 

$2 million?!?! :o  Is this Yale?! :o  I don't blame you for not wanting to sit there,even for a minute!

Tuesday 21 September 2010
CG, I know, right?!  Two million is a lot of money and I'm afraid those of us who are worker drones will bear the brunt of it...as usual.

Nails are sporting Sally Hansen's Plum Luck this week.  I'll probably leave them naked next week, just so they breathe for a bit. 

Between his job and his Masonic duties, I'm not seeing much of hubby lately.  --And it's going to get worse.  Next month he'll be installed as master at the second lodge to which he belongs (he was already master at the first lodge he joined).  Which means I can count on lots of alone-time on the second and fourth Tuesdays and Thursdays of every month (that's when his 2 "home" lodges meet).  Plus lodge #2 has something going on this Saturday (I forget what), AND!  He'll be leaving Sunday for a Missouri Grand Lodge meeting and won't return until Tuesday night.   :(   Okay, I'm starting to whine, I need to stop.  It's just that...I'm suddenly very aware that I have no peeps to hang with. 

Monday 11 October 2010

My sky this morning:

http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk1/pjsander/Nature/100_0325.jpg

About 15 minutes later:

http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk1/pjsander/Nature/100_0327.jpg


And one of Guggenheim, who was feeling rather Fallish:

http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk1/pjsander/Kitties/100_0324.jpg

Awwwwww, kitty in a box!

Great pix, Trisha. :)

I agree!  Great pics!

Cuuuute!  The orange looks great on him/her.

Thanks for sharing.

Of all the cats, he is the best poser.  I swear he was a male model in another life!   ;D 

Hair  I'm trying to decide if I want to get a trim now, say, within the next month, or if I want to wait until the spring.  I do this every time... I seem to end up getting my hair trimmed fairly short right before cold weather sets in, and letting it grow during the hot months.   :-?  My mother called it being "bass ackwards" -- interpret it yourself.   :)  I'm leaning towards letting it go until the spring.  I mean, if I feel like it's getting too long, I can always get someone to just give me a quick cut straight across the bottom. 

Thursday 14 October 2010
Hair  Okay, I think I'll put off a trim until spring.  --A professional trim, that is. 

Other  The leaves are turning colors like crazy here,
changing very quickly. I think my hummingbirds
are done for the season. Haven't seen any of the
little darlings in a few days. Just in case, I changed
their water last evening and rehung two feeders. May
have a few stragglers yet.  At the most, I'll keep one
feeder going for another week or so, then I'll close
the book on hummingbird season 2010. 

I'm out front here at work, covering yet again for
the secretary, who has taken vacation today and
tomorrow.  At least it's fall break, so things are
nice and quiet. 

This Saturday evening, hubby and I will attend
the installation ceremony making him master of
lodge #2 -- he belongs to two lodges, and has
already been master of lodge #1.  Ideally, we
shouldn't be responsible for cooking the dinner
that precedes the ceremony, yet we're doing it.
I think hubby wants to make sure it gets done
right...or just gets done *period*.  At least
another lodge member is cooking the meat, a
ham and some pork tenderloin, so we only need
to do sides and desserts.  What am I saying "only"?!
Those are the biggies!   :)  I have to get some
supplies after work today; 10 pounds of potatoes
that will end up as tater salad (my specialty),
pork and beans that will magically transform into
baked beans (hubby's specialty) and some
disposable aluminum servings pans.  The salad
fixins will wait until Saturday and we'll pick up
the cake that afternoon.  I'm already tired
just thinking about this.  --Be glad when it's over.

Tuesday 19 October 2010
Hair  No wash day; hair is in a low ponytail.  Now that hubby is once again bringing home some bacon, I can afford to try the cassia obovata that Sakina recommended.
http://www.hennacaravan.com/shop/hair.html
According to their chart, I will need 2-3 boxes for my shoulder length hair.  I think I'll start out with 2 and see how it goes.  It would be fantastic if this stuff makes my hair appear thicker, but I'm not holding my breath.  Well, at the very least, the cassia sounds as if it will make a good deep conditioner.  --Okay, I've just submitted the order, so now I wait.   ;)  Let's see, today is Tuesday, so I should receive my pkg by Saturday, I'm hoping. 

Wednesday 20 October 2010
I read with great sadness that our forum is shutting down. 
Guess we had to see that one coming.  *sigh* 
I'm already Facebook friends with Lisa and Sakina. 
But what about the rest of you few who are left here??   :(
Angel truly is my internet daughter and I do not want
to lose touch with her.  *sigh*  ...Have a feeling I'll
be doing a lot of that (sighing) in the next few days. 

Sent you a PM, mom. ;)

Trisha;
I wanted to thank you for your long term participation here.  I've always enjoyed your posts.  You have been "mom" to many.  Good luck and stay happy.

robin

Thursday 21 October 2010
This will be my last official post here at LL, however I will be checking pm's through tomorrow (just in case). 

Measured my hair this morning, one last time for old time's sake.  I'm now at 20 inches.  Hair is in very good condition.  Still trying to come up with solutions for the thinness at the crown and up front.  I guess I'll battle that until the day I die (or no longer care, whichever comes first).  The good news is that I don't really observe my hair getting any thinner in those areas, but I'm certainly not seeing a great amount of new growth either.  As I said earlier this week, I'm hopeful the cassia will help but I'm reserving judgment.  I will probably touch upon my hair issues at my blog, here:
http://lowcarblifeofthepalelady.blogspot.com/
Yep, I have a blog.   8-)  Secret's out of the bag now, eh. 

Well, what's there to say...
I've met a lot of people here, even formed some really good friendships that I hope to continue.  I came to LL in February of 2005, two years after my cancer scare.  I remember doing an online search for hair care tips and landing here.  I read the articles and *knew* that's what I wanted to do -- grow my hair long.  Ah, memories.   ;)  I've learned a lot from the other members here.  I can only hope that I've helped as many folks as have helped me.  Well, I guess there's not much point in lingering.  Keep fighting the good fight, people.  And remember:  never let anyone tell you what to believe. 

Rock on, my long haired sistahs!!! http://smileys.on-my-web.com/repository/Music/music-131.gif


P.s. I'm modifying this last message to include my email addresses, should anyone want to contact me. 
I check both of these daily (well, *week*daily):
pjsander@yahoo.com
mrs.sander@gmail.com
And I can also be found on Facebook using the google mail address.