My New Toy!

So, I've sort of being working a shit load of overtime. What? I haven't mentioned it yet..I could have sworn I did...like a hundred times already. Work has been bumming me out and I haven't been my usual perky self. My husband, being the angel that he is, decided that I needed a reward for all the hard work I've been putting it. A pretty big reward. Something that I've been wanting for a while.

A new zoom lens for my camera.

Booking our trip to Hawaii has really had me thinking about this lens again. I figure if Jeremy is going to get out there on a surf board I want to be able to get a good picture of him doing it.

Last night we went to Best Buy and the lens I wanted wasn't in the case. Looking back now it makes sense that we should have stopped and asked someone...but after the week I have had it's like my brain totally shut off. I was almost laughing because it was SO typical of how my week was going that there wouldn't be any in the store. We went home empty handed and in low spirits. After work today (that's right...more work..yay *eye roll*) I decided to call the Best Buy and ask them if they happen to have the lens I want sitting around in the back. Guess what? They did. And within minutes I had it in my hot little hands.

I've only played with it a little today, but I already love it. I really like the idea of getting a close up shot without having to get up in someones face. lol. I can see the great photo opp's now. Like this one of my husband..who sort of hates having his picture taken..

Going Stir-crazy

Work.

Overtime.

Lots and lots of work.

Lots and lots of overtime.

I feel like Marge Simpson...just pushing all the unhappy feelings down, down, down with a smile. And dang it..it's hard.

I'll take my regular eight hour shift back please, kthnxbai!

I like you, like you.

"Love is like a friendship caught on fire. In the beginning a flame, very pretty, often hot and fierce, but still only light and flickering. As love grows older, our hearts mature and our love becomes as coals, deep-burning and unquenchable"

I recently had a conversation with a co-worker about being in love..and how easy it can be. I often say that being in love is very easy, its people that try and make it so complicated. That's doesn't mean that there aren't adjustments, compromises, discussions, and fights. Because there are...lol.

I told my co-worker that there is a very simple trick to loving someone. You have to like them.

There it is. All the wisdom I have. The very secret of my marriage.

I like him. And he likes me.

Sometimes..being married can generate feelings like one might have towards a sibling. You might LOVE your brother...because he is your brother. But that doesn't mean you like him. And that can make all the difference to your relationship with your brother. So, same with marriage. You can ask someone who has been married for years if they love their spouse. And they would say..of course I love him...he is my spouse. BUT...do they like each other? That's a whole different question. And an important one.

Because, once the lust has faded...the passion has cooled...the kids have been raised...the careers have been made...what you have left is what you will have for the rest of your lives.

I shared the discussion we had with my husband, who agrees. And one night while I was getting dinner ready he kissed me and told me he loved me. I told him I loved him too and he started to leave the kitchen, but then he stopped and he added..'I don't just love you, I like you'.

And I like him too. It makes all the difference, all the difference in the world.

Boo

I love ghost hunting shows. Love them. I watch Ghost Hunters. Paranormal State. Paranormal Cops. If it happens to be on, I'll watch Ghost Adventures.

I'm not a 'ghost hunter' myself. I don't feel any need to run around some creepy old building in the pitch black all night long. BUT, I'll gladly watch other people do it from the comfort of my bed. There is just something about the unknown. The chance of making a connection with the unseen.

However, I can't help but snicker when the music gets all dramatic and the green-lit scene is focused on the shower curtain. That's right, the shower curtain...cause we all know that ghosts like to hide in the shower..right? Right. So, the investigator moves closer. And a hand reaches out slowly and finally tears the curtain back....

and nothing is there.

I have to wonder why anyone would ever think that there would actually be SOMETHING behind the shower curtain.

I mean, I believe in spirits. I've never had any personal experiences, but I still believe. And I'm pretty sure that if one ever decides to make itself known to me it won't materialize in my shower.

Looking for the bright side

Sometimes, when you're feeling your lowest, Jinny, the real you is summoned.

And you understand, maybe for the first time ever, how grand you are, because you discover that vulnerable doesn't mean powerless, scared doesn't mean lacking in beauty, and uncertainty doesn't mean that you're lost.

These realizations alone will set you on a journey that will take you far beyond what you used to think of as extraordinary.

Don't disguise your tears, Jinny, don't hide your sadness, don't be afraid to find out who you really are. Because in those fleeting moments you'll summon such beauty and strength that, in no time at all, you'll fully grasp exactly why you're so gossiped about here in the unseen.

There is always a bright side.

The Universe

Give Me the Funk

White T-shirt: Live To Be Spoiled via JC Penney
Crochet Vest: Decree via JC Penney
Dark Wash Skinny Jeans: Arizona via JC Penney
Brown Wedge: Xhilaration via Target
Necklace and Bracelet: Charming Charlies

I think this is the closest I will be able to get to wearing flats. These shoes have a 1.5 inch heel, so just enough height not to make me look squatty. I like this outfit, even though there isn't a lot of color. It might be pretty sedate but it made me feel like I had some funk. lol.

I really like my crochet vest even though I have a hard time deciding on things to wear it with. So far, I've only worn it with a white t or tank. So, what do y'all think? What other colors or tops might look good with this vest. I need ideas so I can wear it more!

Who needs kids?

It has been the week from hell. I don't know if it's the weather or the planets or what. But it's sort of been busy and hectic and crazy. I have been on ten hour days at work all week, dealing with order that do not want to play nice. Jeremy has been a big ol' grumblin' gus all this week. I've been having horrible dreams...zombies and car wrecks into rivers.

*sigh*

I am just ready for it to be over.

Anyway, we are worn out...naturally. And while I was getting dinner ready tonight (that's right..I was making dinner) Jeremy came into the kitchen and just leaned against the counter. Now, I know I have mentioned before how great my husband's hugs are. They can cure nearly anything. So, I decided that maybe HE needs a hug. As we are standing there in the kitchen, hugging, sharing a nice..calm..silent moment, Squeak starts meowing at us. Mood interrupted.

Squeak is out humongous panther like cat. I have never known a cat to talk as much as he does. And I don't mean just meowing..our other cats do that. No, Squeak is really talking to you. There is a lot of different noises that he makes..at different volumes with different pitch. Ask anyone that knows Squeak...they all know exactly what I am talking about.

So, Squeak breaks the silence to tell us all about his day. And then Lola starts licking Jeremy's toes.

Not a moment of peace in this house.

WWJD

Black cardigan: Old Navy
Purple sleeveless blouse: JC Pennys
Skinny Jeans: JC Pennys
Black peep-toe pumps: Ross
Charm Necklace: Forever21

Sometimes, when I am out shopping, I have a hard time decided on buying something or not buying it. What color? How many other things can I wear it with? You get the idea. It can be a little overwhelming for me and I might put everything back and leave with nothing..just because I can't make up my mind.

If I can give myself a second to pull it together, I will ask myself...WWJD. What would Jennifer do? My best friend has a great sense of style. It's simple and yet she always looks very put together. She has a knack for putting together outfits that are easy but look like you put a lot of thought into them. While out shopping with her she always tells me, 'Keep it simple'. So, it was her voice I was hearing while in Old Navy with a black cardi in my hand. I knew I was going to get it..but should I get another one? In what color? Oh my gosh..I need to get out of here. lol. I ended up with just the black cardi, but I already love it.

At the end of last year, my workplace decided to start fully enforcing the dress code. This meant no more 'tank tops'. The purple top I am wearing happens to be sleeveless and I tried to argue with my boss that it was NOT a tank top, but a sleeveless blouse. But she didn't really care and so I haven't worn it for months. Thanks to my new cardigan I was able to pull it out from the back of the closet and rock it out. This outfit was simple and yet it made me feel feminine and put together. Jennifer has taught me well.

I blame my ADD

I've been coming to my blog every day..sitting here...trying to think of something to post. Nothing has really come to mind.

I mean, I have a head full of stuff. I've just been having a hard time pinning down any one topic. That's my ADD at work. Have I ever mentioned that I have ADD? Well..I do, mildly. I use to take medication for it, but that was when I was very young. Some might say I've grown out of it..but I say I've grown into my ADD. My adult brain can now easily recognize when my thoughts are wondering and my focus is lacking. I love to make lists (please see all the 'random ramblings' posts on this blog). I have a hard time focusing at work if I am bored or tired. Sometimes I have to coach myself to stop daydreaming and pay attention.

Sometimes, when Jeremy and I are in the car..both lost in thought..my mind will wonder. I will start with one thought which will lead to another, and then another..and so on..until I blurt out something that makes no sense to Jeremy because it is completely out of context. So, most of the time I preface myself by quickly telling him my chain of thoughts so he will understand how I got to where I am. lol.

Let me see if I can come up with a good example....hhhmmmm. OK, let's say Jeremy and I are driving along in the car and I say 'Hey, honey. Jennifer and Josh set their wedding date for xx/xx/xx.' He would say something back..like we'll have to mark the calendar or whatever and then we both lapse into silence...

This is my brain at work..

I could be thinking about Jennifer and her wedding plans.

And because I thought of Jennifer, I might start thinking about elementary school because we went to the same one.

And Elementary school might make me think of Shay Davis..who Jennifer had a crush on (all the girls did), and how he lived next door to me.

Which might get me thinking about that one time a neighbors German Shepherd got out and chased Shay and his friend around his front yard.

And thinking about a German Shepherd would make me think of Paula's dog, Duchess, who recently passed.

And thinking about that might make me think about my own dogs and when that time might come for them and how I will feel....

AND THEN..out of total silence in the car I would say... "I don't want Lola and Duke to die".

And Jeremy will look at me like I'm crazy.

The First Three Days

~ Found out my best friend got engaged! YAY!

~ Had a hangover

~ Bought full price jeans at a store that is closing...ridiculous!

~ Also bought a new cardi and two tank tops that WERE on sale.

~ Spent an entire day in bed (see second bullet)

~ Finished my first book on my new Kindle

~ Received the shoes I was suppose to wear on New Years Eve

~ Decided to keep the shoes because you just never know when you might need blinged out heels (see first bullet)

~ Celebrated Jeremy's 31st birthday

~ Bathed the dogs

~ Cancelled my Weight Watchers membership

~ Went and saw Avatar...great movie, two thumbs up!

~ Fell in love with my husband all over again...it's really not that hard to do..seems to happen a lot actually

Hello, 2010!!

I've got a feeling, Jinny, that 2010 is going to be your kind of year. That you'll be happier than you've ever been, laughing harder, smiling wider, standing taller, walking lighter, dancing crazier, hugging longer, living grander, loving louder, and if you want, selling the pictures to a tabloid to raise money for your new charity.

Can you feel it, too?
The Universe