As part of my Mandala project I decided to make our official Mandala logo from the MaMaJuSaVi tshirts.
I really have too much time on my hands.
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Friday, November 13, 2009
Whoa, Rocket!
It was time for a get together,
Of the MaMaJuSaVi,
But confusion set in
And no one could see
How we would all find a date,
When we each fill our days
With singing and stretching
and little getaways
Who’ll bring the salad
will there be dessert?
Ma2 will be hostess
And Ma1 arrived first
With tiki torches lighting
The way to the back door
Who will be the one that
Won’t know what that’s for?
Ju is the smart one,
She’s sure to figure out
That the lights are the path
To get into the house
But Ma1 and SaVi
All found their way in
While Ju stumbled in darkness
Til redirection set in
There was meant to be food
Of the lasagna kind
But fear of e-coli
Put Ma2 in a bind
So the meatballs got trashed
With the homemade pasta sauce,
and fresh mozz, ciabetta and lemonchello
were boss!
The blabbing began
There was no time to waste
We must talk of our lives
And the hurdles we face
So we rambled through topics
And the wine flowed so well
That if you put them together,
Well, no one could tell
That we actually tackle
big stuff when we meet
like avoiding a ticket
or improving one’s “teet”
We need time to heal
From the loss in our lives
We need good pumpkin muffins
And smarts when we drive
Horses are cool
summers off are hot
And there was something about
A line and a dot
Spiked heels are not made
For walking, I’m told
And a babbling brook with a horse
Is too cold
The night was a riot
It was great spending time
so let’s plan for December
Cuz I’m done with this rhyme
Love you, ladies!
Whoa, Rocket!
Best quotes of the night:
“It’s just like Holy Communion”
“I need a boob job!”
“What were we thinking? It must’ve been the booze”
The comedy award for those golden quotes goes to Ma1.
Of the MaMaJuSaVi,
But confusion set in
And no one could see
How we would all find a date,
When we each fill our days
With singing and stretching
and little getaways
Who’ll bring the salad
will there be dessert?
Ma2 will be hostess
And Ma1 arrived first
With tiki torches lighting
The way to the back door
Who will be the one that
Won’t know what that’s for?
Ju is the smart one,
She’s sure to figure out
That the lights are the path
To get into the house
But Ma1 and SaVi
All found their way in
While Ju stumbled in darkness
Til redirection set in
There was meant to be food
Of the lasagna kind
But fear of e-coli
Put Ma2 in a bind
So the meatballs got trashed
With the homemade pasta sauce,
and fresh mozz, ciabetta and lemonchello
were boss!
The blabbing began
There was no time to waste
We must talk of our lives
And the hurdles we face
So we rambled through topics
And the wine flowed so well
That if you put them together,
Well, no one could tell
That we actually tackle
big stuff when we meet
like avoiding a ticket
or improving one’s “teet”
We need time to heal
From the loss in our lives
We need good pumpkin muffins
And smarts when we drive
Horses are cool
summers off are hot
And there was something about
A line and a dot
Spiked heels are not made
For walking, I’m told
And a babbling brook with a horse
Is too cold
The night was a riot
It was great spending time
so let’s plan for December
Cuz I’m done with this rhyme
Love you, ladies!
Whoa, Rocket!
Best quotes of the night:
“It’s just like Holy Communion”
“I need a boob job!”
“What were we thinking? It must’ve been the booze”
The comedy award for those golden quotes goes to Ma1.
Friday, October 30, 2009
What it takes to get us together
Here's a "short" excerpt of the email chains required to get MaMaJuSaVi together. There's definitely some gaps in here but we all get the idea. It started out as a simple thought; "Hey, let's get together".
Vi 9/28/09: Hey, ladies. Do me a favor. Please e-mail to me (if you can....or mailto me) one or 2, maybe even 3 photos of yourself smiling and/orlaughing. Doesn't have to be a good picture. Could be in a crowd of peopleor you & someone else or just of you. Could be recent or old. Doesn'tmatter. I just want to see your smiling or laughing face.Please send soon.thanks!!
Ma1: pc challenged as I am, I have no photos of me on the computerthat I can send you. I also, don't have a scanner or whatever to accomplishthe task. I am planning to get some help though. It will not be soon. Maybesomeone else has a photo of me they can share with you or I can snail mail aphoto to you.
Vi 10/18/09: No need to send any photos any more. I found you!! hee-heeActually, my project is done & I have gifts for everyone! So weneed to schedule a night out again, ladies!! As expected, what Ioriginally planned didn't happen, but I prefer what I ended up with. Hope you do, too. fun stuff.so when shall we get together again?? This week might be a good week for me.
Ma1: Hi guys, confused as usual..........Sa, don't we have choir on Thursday this week?And next week the 28th is Marguerite's choir.so, group - I am free if I don't have choir on Wed. or Thurs.
Sa 10/19/09: Ma - Yes we have choir Thursday this week, and I have to workWednesday, so this week is out. I forgot about Marguerite's next week, and I believe we're going to have choir on Thursday again next week.So ... I guess I can do Monday or Tuesday next week, or we can push itoff until the first week in November and go back to Thursday night.We are such busy bees!!
Vi - 10/19/09 later in the evening: oh boy!!! I forgot all about that!! Mare wanted to host. But nowthat we've moved the dates all around, I wonder if that's still goingto work for her!!Mare, how's it looking for you now that we've totally messed theschedule up?? And how about Julie? Is she even in this string??
Ma2: OK, Thursday Nov 5 I can host (as of now) if we want to waitthat long and it sounds like we may have to. I am excited for you all to seehow the house is coming along. FINALLY. We have been super busy - Mike isbusting his butt and I get to be the cleanup girl, but I also get to do thepainting, firewood lugging, kindling wood gathering, and lots of baking tokeep the hubby inspired. :)It is easier for me to do a get together later in the week, asMondays at work are too busy, Tues or Wed are often an "errands after work"thing. Thursdays are about the best for me...Ladies, let's hear your votes.
Vi 10/20/09: I vote yes. can't wait to see the house!!!
Ma2: it won't be nearly finished, but it is hugely improved from whatit has been for the past five years. AND, we actually finally have furniture. OMGi am thinking of making a tray of lasagna if that is not toomuch for anyone. (Mike will need to be banished to other parts of thehouse or maybe I can get him to go away - will work that one, but will need toagree to leave him some food... :)
Sa: (Forgot to hit "reply all", so here's my response to Ma2's emailabout the lasagna!!)Lasagna sounds great--a lot of work for you, though!! Sure youdon't want to do something easier??
Ma2: Nah, no biggie. It is my pleasure to cook for my sistas.
Sa: Okay--can't wait.Vicki beat me to the ciabatta bread, so I'll do dessert (thoughit will probably be store bought) ... and of course, more wine!
Vi 10/23/09: Sandy, go ahead & get the ciabatta bread. I completely forgotJohn & I are going away that weekend, leaving Thursday.sorry. girls. you're just going to have to wait on your gifts.maybe I'll give them to Julie to get to you.
... somewhere in here we decided to have it on the 12th, but...
Vi 9/28/09: Hey, ladies. Do me a favor. Please e-mail to me (if you can....or mailto me) one or 2, maybe even 3 photos of yourself smiling and/orlaughing. Doesn't have to be a good picture. Could be in a crowd of peopleor you & someone else or just of you. Could be recent or old. Doesn'tmatter. I just want to see your smiling or laughing face.Please send soon.thanks!!
Ma1: pc challenged as I am, I have no photos of me on the computerthat I can send you. I also, don't have a scanner or whatever to accomplishthe task. I am planning to get some help though. It will not be soon. Maybesomeone else has a photo of me they can share with you or I can snail mail aphoto to you.
Vi 10/18/09: No need to send any photos any more. I found you!! hee-heeActually, my project is done & I have gifts for everyone! So weneed to schedule a night out again, ladies!! As expected, what Ioriginally planned didn't happen, but I prefer what I ended up with. Hope you do, too. fun stuff.so when shall we get together again?? This week might be a good week for me.
Ma1: Hi guys, confused as usual..........Sa, don't we have choir on Thursday this week?And next week the 28th is Marguerite's choir.so, group - I am free if I don't have choir on Wed. or Thurs.
Sa 10/19/09: Ma - Yes we have choir Thursday this week, and I have to workWednesday, so this week is out. I forgot about Marguerite's next week, and I believe we're going to have choir on Thursday again next week.So ... I guess I can do Monday or Tuesday next week, or we can push itoff until the first week in November and go back to Thursday night.We are such busy bees!!
Vi - 10/19/09 later in the evening: oh boy!!! I forgot all about that!! Mare wanted to host. But nowthat we've moved the dates all around, I wonder if that's still goingto work for her!!Mare, how's it looking for you now that we've totally messed theschedule up?? And how about Julie? Is she even in this string??
Ma2: OK, Thursday Nov 5 I can host (as of now) if we want to waitthat long and it sounds like we may have to. I am excited for you all to seehow the house is coming along. FINALLY. We have been super busy - Mike isbusting his butt and I get to be the cleanup girl, but I also get to do thepainting, firewood lugging, kindling wood gathering, and lots of baking tokeep the hubby inspired. :)It is easier for me to do a get together later in the week, asMondays at work are too busy, Tues or Wed are often an "errands after work"thing. Thursdays are about the best for me...Ladies, let's hear your votes.
Vi 10/20/09: I vote yes. can't wait to see the house!!!
Ma2: it won't be nearly finished, but it is hugely improved from whatit has been for the past five years. AND, we actually finally have furniture. OMGi am thinking of making a tray of lasagna if that is not toomuch for anyone. (Mike will need to be banished to other parts of thehouse or maybe I can get him to go away - will work that one, but will need toagree to leave him some food... :)
Sa: (Forgot to hit "reply all", so here's my response to Ma2's emailabout the lasagna!!)Lasagna sounds great--a lot of work for you, though!! Sure youdon't want to do something easier??
Ma2: Nah, no biggie. It is my pleasure to cook for my sistas.
Sa: Okay--can't wait.Vicki beat me to the ciabatta bread, so I'll do dessert (thoughit will probably be store bought) ... and of course, more wine!
Vi 10/23/09: Sandy, go ahead & get the ciabatta bread. I completely forgotJohn & I are going away that weekend, leaving Thursday.sorry. girls. you're just going to have to wait on your gifts.maybe I'll give them to Julie to get to you.
... somewhere in here we decided to have it on the 12th, but...
Ma1 10/26/09: just catching up.........yeah, let's do it the following week so we can all be there.just let me know.
Vi: put the pressure on. i can't miss it now. It's all up to mare.
Ma2: sorry you guys. the 12th is my birthday so i probably am havingdinner with mike and my parents possibly. i will look at my calendar and seeif there is another day that week. maybe wednesday?
Vi 10/27/09: I didn't mean to create any problems. maybe just keep it forthe 5th.... because what if our plans fall through & we don't end upgoing away? Well..... then I just won't tell you. ;-)so maybe keep the 5th on.
Ma2: no biggie. are wednesdays no good because of choir?how about a sunday brunch?
Ma1: wanna just start all over? I can certainly skip choir if I have to.they won't suffer.
Ma2: OK, I can do wed next week or wed nov 11. also can do thurs thisweek if i just ask mike. will ask if that becomes the 'date'could also do tues next week i suppose if we want to have anelection night mamajusavi meeting. not that it means anything unlessanyone cares to watch election crap on tv seriously could do a sunday afternoon thingi don't have any real evening hangups until nov 16 when i am inclass and nov 12 next ?
Ju 10/28/09: Ok, starting over. All of the nights below are good for me. Wednesdaysare good. Tuesday next week is also good since I don't have yoga.Sunday usually doesn't work for me since we go hiking that day.
Sa: Why don't we shoot for Tuesday or Wednesday next week. I'm with Margieas far as choir and have no problem skipping a week. We just won't tellMarc we can't come until that day. Lol. Vi-is Tuesday better thanWednesday? What time do you leave Thursday-would we have to make it anearly night if we did it on Wednesday?
Vi: Tues. would be better than Wed. for me, because, yeah, we're leavingreally early in the morning on Thursday. So I vote for Tuesday.
Sa:Tuesday's fine with me!!
Ma1: great! looks like it's Tuesday - why didn't we think of that in the first place?
Sa 10/29/09: Perfect for me—what time Ma2?
Ma2: anytime from 6:30 on. I will have the lasagna in the oven.whatever works for you guys though - we usually do 6:30-7ish, so whatever works.
Ju: Perfect! I'll bring a salad. I hope I know how to get to your house. I've never been there before but I can mapquest it.
Vi: MAN!!! I better make it after all of this fuss!!! What am I bringing now? I think I lost out on the ciabetta bread? so what do you need? what's left on the list??
Ma2 10/30/09: Too funny. We must really miss each other that we are going through all this huh? I love it. THIS IS IMPORTANT, ladies.here's the rundown:Ma2 - lasagnaMa1 - ciabetta breadSa - dessertVi - winei think that was it. Or just bring whatever you like that goes with lasagna.And don't get your hopes up for a finished house yet. We have a lot of projects in play but the house is functional, livable and even comfortable at this point so come enjoy the work-in-progress!
Ju: So, I get away with not bringing anything? :) You missed my salad.I am saving this entire email chain and I'm going to put it on our blog under - "What it takes to get us together"
Ma2: YIKES!Yes, the JU salad of course!! I was THINKING of it the whole time and just forgot to actually type it. Please bring it.
Ma1: okay, I am definitely NOT bringing that bread thing - I don't even know how to spell it!But, as it is, I will be surprising you all. I'm pretty sure Vi has the bread. She knows how to spell it - or maybe Sa has it. Depends on whether we're going with original or adjusted plans. To the music of Amazing Grace:We are the mamajusaviWe struggle to find a dateI once had dessertBut now it's a surpriseYou'll find out what next week.
Ju: Ok, now this is ALL DEFINITELY going on the blog! I love it!
Sa: I am really totally confused here!! What am I bringing—dessert or bread??? And I though Julie said she had lots of wine???? Someone straighten me out here please!!Just to make sure—it’s Tuesday, November 3rd anytime after 6:30 p.m., right??
Ju: So now is it?Ma2 - lasagnaMa1 - SURPRISE! (is it a dessert?)Sa - ciabetta bread?Vi – wineJu - salad
Ma2: LMAO!!!!!
Ju: So now is it?Ma2 - lasagnaMa1 - SURPRISE! (is it a dessert?)Sa - ciabetta bread?Vi – salad?Ju – LOTS of wine
Ju:I think we should all show up with LOTS of wine
Ma2:goes without sayingin fact, everyone, just bring wine. who needs lasagna!
Sa:Are we planning a sleepover??? We can all call in sick on Wednesday!!
Ju: Everybody bring their jammies and pillow.
Ma2: excellent. we can do facials and watch chick flicks til the wee hours....
Ju: This is so very confusing but let me try.We're getting together at Mare's next Tuesday. November 3rd around 6:30 - 7ishMare - definitely lasagnaMarge - definitely a surprise. Not sure if it's a dessert, but if it'snot then we could live without dessert so we'll just leave it as a BIG SURPRISERemaining items: bread, salad and wineSo... Vi, Sa and Ju have to decide between the remaining items.I can bring either salad or wine (Vicky we can work it out between the 2of us, I'll get in touch with you) So, that leaves the bread for Sandy.Does that sound ok to everyone?
Vi:This is hysterical!I'll bring wine and ciabetta bread. C-I-A-B-E-T-T-Abet 'ya I spelled it wrong this time, too
Ju:No, No, No. Sandy's bringing the bread!!!!You and I are going to bring either wine or saladOH DEAR
Vi: all right. now I don't know what LMAO means. but if it has anything to do with laughter, I'm with you. If it has anything to do with confusion. I'm with you.So it's the professor with the candlestick in the parlor. Right??
Vi: Forget the food. Bring wine.
Sa: LAUGH MY A__ OFF!!!!!!!!!!
Sa: That's right Ju--I'M BRINGING THE BREAD!!! Don't worry Vi, it will be ciabatta (or however it's spelled).
Vi: let me try this again. my computer just did something weird!OK. next time, I go to the very last e-mail in the chain & read that one. I responded too early. so I bring salad. Julie, I understand you have great wine from Conn. and I'd love to have some, so you bring wine.
Ju: This is all definitely going in the blog. I can't stand it, I think Ipee'd myself. But, I think it's all straightened out. We should have just ordered pizza.
Sa: We're just getting warmed up for Tuesday night!!
Ma2: BINGO!!
Stay Tuned!
Will MaMaJuSaVi make it together on Tuesday?
Who will bring the food?
Who will bring the wine?
Will we wear our jammies?
This and much more in the next post...
Friday, July 24, 2009
I'm the Youngest!
LOL. Sorry but I just had to start with that title because I was so astonished to realize that I am actually the youngest member of MAMAJUSAVI (at this time). Maybe I am heading into a mid-life crisis that I am so "aware" of my age these days, but the growing number of gray hairs sticking out of the top of my head may be influencing my sensitivity in this regard. So, I will enjoy being the youngest of any group, any time, since I know that this will not last. And besides, there are worse things to be (the ugliest, the dumbest, the shortest...DOH! Crap.)
Anyway, now that we've got that out of the way, let's move on to the minutes of the last MAMAJUSAVI meeting.
You know, jotting down notes on napkins is a regular habit of mine (and no, it does not go back to my single days), since as a writer, I find it necessary to document details in the moment, so as to capture them as closely to accurate as I can. I'm hoping the stains on the napkins from The Inn at Newtown (La-Ti-Da) are the BMG's or whatever that was Vicki was drinking and are not in any way connected to the notation I made on one napkin: BM's.
Anyone remember what the BM's was about?
Anyway, now that we've got that out of the way, let's move on to the minutes of the last MAMAJUSAVI meeting.
You know, jotting down notes on napkins is a regular habit of mine (and no, it does not go back to my single days), since as a writer, I find it necessary to document details in the moment, so as to capture them as closely to accurate as I can. I'm hoping the stains on the napkins from The Inn at Newtown (La-Ti-Da) are the BMG's or whatever that was Vicki was drinking and are not in any way connected to the notation I made on one napkin: BM's.
Anyone remember what the BM's was about?
Moving on. We covered the whole 'Do we let new members into the MAMAJUSAVI club?' thing, and it sounds like a unanimous vote that a second club branch may be in order, but there will be no new membership additions at this time. (Not that you ladies are not welcome!) It would seem that distance is the biggest factor in keeping our fab-oo club from expanding.
The second branch potentially can be the LILILI branch, otherwise known as the Triple-Li (not to be confused with Tripoli, which I think is some kind of Marine-related location, "From the halls of Montezuma to the shores of Triple-Li...)
The second branch potentially can be the LILILI branch, otherwise known as the Triple-Li (not to be confused with Tripoli, which I think is some kind of Marine-related location, "From the halls of Montezuma to the shores of Triple-Li...)
Guest members are always welcome, however, so Li, Li and Li, please drop in any time! But a word of caution: these meetings are not for the faint of heart. There is much talk of the dangers of too much sex ("Are you losing weight?"), raunchy biker jokes (rat chili) and red thongs (which none of us, I believe, are in possession of?)Future MAMAJUSAVI meeting excursions discussed included: spa night (mud facials, pedicures, and wine-- I'm in!); Pippin (dinner, and wine); movie night (popcorn, and maybe wine).
We did have a very interesting discussion that could lead to a patent pending of some kind of Mercedes face-slapper - it keeps you awake while driving... I am afraid I cannot decipher the napkin notes here so please chime in on what we may have been babbling about on that one.. It sounds intriguing in the light of day!
On a serious note, I do want to say thank you for indulging my inquiry on "memory," which will be a key component of my upcoming dissertation project. Sandy - don't forget to ask Ben if he recalls the conversation with me and Joyce about the motorcycle and the Mercedes. Maybe that is another book title... "The Motorcycle & the Mercedes..." I have a feeling I was the Mercedes but that is because today I am too chicken to Motorcycle.
Or maybe not. That IS one of the toys on my hubby's Wish List. But all I have to do is take one look at the divet in his knee and the scars everywhere else to remind him that the roadway is no place for his beautiful physique.
What else? The napkin says: Voice and it says Handwriting. I am not sure, but I may have been spacing out on you gals while making notations for myself, to be used in my future writing. But if anyone has a clue on those two little tidbits, speak up.Seriously, I only had two glasses of wine.
We did come to one general conclusion, and again, I wish I could recall the major discussion that brought this one to light, but basically, we said, "Men = Selfish."
We're not bitter. Just honest. LOL.
All in all, it was a really fun evening and I have to say, I really needed to spend time with my gal friends and to laugh like that. Life is hard, and having good friends to just "be" in your life is a blessing from God. Looking forward to your feedback on this post, and to the next MMJSV session. Stay well!
All in all, it was a really fun evening and I have to say, I really needed to spend time with my gal friends and to laugh like that. Life is hard, and having good friends to just "be" in your life is a blessing from God. Looking forward to your feedback on this post, and to the next MMJSV session. Stay well!
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
We Missed A Meeting!
Hey Girlies, where has everyone been? The month of June is winding down and we did not have our monthly MAMAJUSAVI meeting.
Not that I have much to report but I figured I would post here and just get the conversation going again.
So here's my input on what kept me busy this month (outside of working fulltime and the "basic" stuff): brake job on the jeep, root canal - Part Two, doctor's appointment to try out new doc (by the way, I hate to stereotype, but women doctors are WAY better), Little League baseball, elementary school moving-up ceremony, middle school graduation, vet appointment (don't ask!), heartbreaking Little League championship game....just to give you the highlights. Among all of that, Mike and I celebrated our 5th wedding anniversary. Five Good Solid Years of All-American wedded bliss.
So let me boil it down for you and offer you a little tip to chew on, and we can air this out at an upcoming meeting if need be:
EMBRACE SPONTANAEITY. (Did I spell that right? Geez, I'm the writer in this group, so you'd think I would at least look it up before posting but what they heck, I'm feeling reckless tonight).
Yes, that is my advice of the month. Do not plan out your life so fully that you leave no room for the spontaneous act. That's it, my friends. Act on impulse. Don't think. Just go for it and see what life brings.
Where does this wisdom come from, you ask?
Two places, really. My own experience and watching the way other people have to strenuously map out every single day of their lives or their children's lives to fill up the time. I'll just say this: it is a mistake to have too many "plans." When your schedule is full, you leave no room for the unexpected. You wipe out all chance of having a new adventure. And you totally leave yourself in a position of not knowing how to just "be."
I recently discovered that I need to work on this a bit more, since I have spent most of my adult life filling up my time, keeping busy. I realized that I have done this, almost certainly, as a way to deal with the difficult experiences of my life, and I won't go into that now. My point is, I see that I have a harder time just relaxing because I have become accustomed to always having something to "do."
I am getting better at it, for sure, and it was the simple realization that helped me to turn the corner in my approach to life.
Not that I am going to change from being a "hard charger," or anything like that. (Well, wait, maybe I will...)
The Saturday on the weekend of Mike and my anniversary was a gorgeous day. I had a moment of insanity that morning as I woke up and almost immediately began to take up my painting project in the dining room (or what used to be our dining room). I picked up the paint scraper and started to scrape.
And scrape.
And scrape.
The more I scraped, the more the paint just kept unpeeling from the wall until it became such a large area, I could see it approaching territory that I had already painted! This was bad.
So I did what any smart woman would have done. I dropped the scraper, packed a bag, and went to the beach.
:)
Of course, my husband saw me leave but never expected I was fleeing for my life. After a couple of hours, I guess he realized I was really "gone," and called me on my cell.
Here's where the spontanaeity comes in. (Although, technically, I guess I already had executed a spontaneous act of my own). He suggested we just pack a bag and go somewhere. Anywhere. Just get out of dodge and get back to basics. Remember why we got married and just have FUN.
Reluctantly, I agreed. (It was a BEAUTIFUL day at the beach and I was actually quite content at that point. Still, I saw the possibilities in salvaging what we could of the weekend together.)
We had no idea where to go, but just got in the car and started driving. Ultimately, we ended up in Narragannsett, Rhode Island. We found a nice place to stay, got a great deluxe room for a break (another tip: when the reception clerk gives you the room rate, walk out, then come back 15 minutes later asking if they have a discount rate, like AAA or something. Even if they don't normally offer that rate on the weekend, they may cut you a deal anyway. It's either that or miss out on the revenue you are standing there ready to pay).
Anyway, we had an awesome, though brief, getaway. Got some sun, a change of scenery, laughed a lot and just for a moment, felt like we could just put all the "life issues and troubles" on a shelf. I highly recommend it.
So I am going to give the MAMAJUSAVI girls an assignment before our next meeting: do something spontaneous and see how it goes. This is not going to be easy. You cannot THINK about being spontaneous. You cannot even decide WHEN you will be spontaneous. (Because, of course, spontanaeity is about NOT planning). You just have to have the presence of mind to be in the moment, step back, and say, "change of plans!"
DO IT.
Not that I have much to report but I figured I would post here and just get the conversation going again.
So here's my input on what kept me busy this month (outside of working fulltime and the "basic" stuff): brake job on the jeep, root canal - Part Two, doctor's appointment to try out new doc (by the way, I hate to stereotype, but women doctors are WAY better), Little League baseball, elementary school moving-up ceremony, middle school graduation, vet appointment (don't ask!), heartbreaking Little League championship game....just to give you the highlights. Among all of that, Mike and I celebrated our 5th wedding anniversary. Five Good Solid Years of All-American wedded bliss.
So let me boil it down for you and offer you a little tip to chew on, and we can air this out at an upcoming meeting if need be:
EMBRACE SPONTANAEITY. (Did I spell that right? Geez, I'm the writer in this group, so you'd think I would at least look it up before posting but what they heck, I'm feeling reckless tonight).
Yes, that is my advice of the month. Do not plan out your life so fully that you leave no room for the spontaneous act. That's it, my friends. Act on impulse. Don't think. Just go for it and see what life brings.
Where does this wisdom come from, you ask?
Two places, really. My own experience and watching the way other people have to strenuously map out every single day of their lives or their children's lives to fill up the time. I'll just say this: it is a mistake to have too many "plans." When your schedule is full, you leave no room for the unexpected. You wipe out all chance of having a new adventure. And you totally leave yourself in a position of not knowing how to just "be."
I recently discovered that I need to work on this a bit more, since I have spent most of my adult life filling up my time, keeping busy. I realized that I have done this, almost certainly, as a way to deal with the difficult experiences of my life, and I won't go into that now. My point is, I see that I have a harder time just relaxing because I have become accustomed to always having something to "do."
I am getting better at it, for sure, and it was the simple realization that helped me to turn the corner in my approach to life.
Not that I am going to change from being a "hard charger," or anything like that. (Well, wait, maybe I will...)
The Saturday on the weekend of Mike and my anniversary was a gorgeous day. I had a moment of insanity that morning as I woke up and almost immediately began to take up my painting project in the dining room (or what used to be our dining room). I picked up the paint scraper and started to scrape.
And scrape.
And scrape.
The more I scraped, the more the paint just kept unpeeling from the wall until it became such a large area, I could see it approaching territory that I had already painted! This was bad.
So I did what any smart woman would have done. I dropped the scraper, packed a bag, and went to the beach.
:)
Of course, my husband saw me leave but never expected I was fleeing for my life. After a couple of hours, I guess he realized I was really "gone," and called me on my cell.
Here's where the spontanaeity comes in. (Although, technically, I guess I already had executed a spontaneous act of my own). He suggested we just pack a bag and go somewhere. Anywhere. Just get out of dodge and get back to basics. Remember why we got married and just have FUN.
Reluctantly, I agreed. (It was a BEAUTIFUL day at the beach and I was actually quite content at that point. Still, I saw the possibilities in salvaging what we could of the weekend together.)
We had no idea where to go, but just got in the car and started driving. Ultimately, we ended up in Narragannsett, Rhode Island. We found a nice place to stay, got a great deluxe room for a break (another tip: when the reception clerk gives you the room rate, walk out, then come back 15 minutes later asking if they have a discount rate, like AAA or something. Even if they don't normally offer that rate on the weekend, they may cut you a deal anyway. It's either that or miss out on the revenue you are standing there ready to pay).
Anyway, we had an awesome, though brief, getaway. Got some sun, a change of scenery, laughed a lot and just for a moment, felt like we could just put all the "life issues and troubles" on a shelf. I highly recommend it.
So I am going to give the MAMAJUSAVI girls an assignment before our next meeting: do something spontaneous and see how it goes. This is not going to be easy. You cannot THINK about being spontaneous. You cannot even decide WHEN you will be spontaneous. (Because, of course, spontanaeity is about NOT planning). You just have to have the presence of mind to be in the moment, step back, and say, "change of plans!"
DO IT.
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Ditto on the 50th party
Ditto on the great job for the 50th party. We had so much fun! And, who are these lovely ladies that attended?
I uploaded all of our pictures from the party onto my photoshop.com site. Here's the link for anyone that's curious:
http://www.photoshop.com/user/julskovac/?wf=share&galleryid=8a1d5eec276343a0988c0a0f6c600c8c&trackingid=BTAGC
Friday, May 29, 2009
Thanks to Mare & her brothers!
Just wanted to say thank you to Mare & your brothers for putting together a wonderful anniversary party for your parents. What a turn-out!!! You did a wonderful job. I had a wonderful time. It was so good to see everyone. Congratulations on a job well done.
My camera died in the middle of all the festivities, but as long as no one minds, when I get a chance I'll post some of the photos I did get.
My camera died in the middle of all the festivities, but as long as no one minds, when I get a chance I'll post some of the photos I did get.
Friday, May 15, 2009
Thursday, May 14, 2009
My contribution
all right, obviously I haven't done this in a while either, because I just tried to post & when I previewed, instead of posting, I hit the "back" button & lost it all. See, Marge, you're not alone!! We definitely need to post more often so we can get more practice.
So I decided to make my contribution here & share.
First of all, LOVE the photos from Ben's "see ya later" party. And that photo of Bill is awesome. He looks fearless!
I'm going to (again) attempt to post 2 photos of my latest painting projects. The one in blue was actually a commissioned project. Somebody actually PAID me to paint it! This couple is getting married & it's going to be their shower gift. Sure beats a toaster.
Hey, Mare, do you think your parents would like something like this as an anniversary gift? I know you said no gifts, but I really enjoy making these. How about a wedding picture & a more recent picture? Hmmmm. That might be kind of nice.
Oh, the ideas are just bouncing around in my head. Somebody stop me!!!!!!!
So I decided to make my contribution here & share.
First of all, LOVE the photos from Ben's "see ya later" party. And that photo of Bill is awesome. He looks fearless!
I'm going to (again) attempt to post 2 photos of my latest painting projects. The one in blue was actually a commissioned project. Somebody actually PAID me to paint it! This couple is getting married & it's going to be their shower gift. Sure beats a toaster.
Hey, Mare, do you think your parents would like something like this as an anniversary gift? I know you said no gifts, but I really enjoy making these. How about a wedding picture & a more recent picture? Hmmmm. That might be kind of nice.
Oh, the ideas are just bouncing around in my head. Somebody stop me!!!!!!!
that's weird...... so, I didn't even NEED a password?
I am soooooooooo stupid.
Anyway, here is the info. about the new dude in my life:
Airforce veteran
Black belt in Tae Kwon Do
Deacon/usher in Congregational Church, baptized Catholic, however.
Rides a 1980 Harley which he maintains himself.
Does carpentry, masonry, gardening, etc.
Electrical engineer - retired from AVCO
Substitute teaches at Bullard Havens and Shelton H.S.
About a yr. older than me.
Good looking - nice, slim, firm bod.
EMT
Divorced - adult children (4)
Can actually carry a tune.
Likes jazz
Good kisser - no - Great kisser!
Played accordion when younger - Polish/Italian heritage
Likes to dance (we're learning the rhumba)
Thoughtful, sentimental, good conversationalist
What else?
likes my dog
carries a tripod/camera in his motorcycle saddle bag
comes highly recommended by Uncle Frank/Dolores, cousin Walter Dobek and just about everyone else who finds out we are dating - I keep hearing "oh! he's such a nice guy"
BUT - after my last experience it's like this sounds too good to be true. So, we talk and talk and talk and are getting to know each other. Taking it slow.
You will all get to meet him at Auntie Maryann and Uncle June's gig.
Well, Sa already met him.
love you guys,
Ma1
the 1 stands for the older of the two, I think.
I am soooooooooo stupid.
Anyway, here is the info. about the new dude in my life:
Airforce veteran
Black belt in Tae Kwon Do
Deacon/usher in Congregational Church, baptized Catholic, however.
Rides a 1980 Harley which he maintains himself.
Does carpentry, masonry, gardening, etc.
Electrical engineer - retired from AVCO
Substitute teaches at Bullard Havens and Shelton H.S.
About a yr. older than me.
Good looking - nice, slim, firm bod.
EMT
Divorced - adult children (4)
Can actually carry a tune.
Likes jazz
Good kisser - no - Great kisser!
Played accordion when younger - Polish/Italian heritage
Likes to dance (we're learning the rhumba)
Thoughtful, sentimental, good conversationalist
What else?
likes my dog
carries a tripod/camera in his motorcycle saddle bag
comes highly recommended by Uncle Frank/Dolores, cousin Walter Dobek and just about everyone else who finds out we are dating - I keep hearing "oh! he's such a nice guy"
BUT - after my last experience it's like this sounds too good to be true. So, we talk and talk and talk and are getting to know each other. Taking it slow.
You will all get to meet him at Auntie Maryann and Uncle June's gig.
Well, Sa already met him.
love you guys,
Ma1
the 1 stands for the older of the two, I think.
Friday, May 8, 2009
Hot Dude Alert!
Hi girlies,
I came across this awesome-looking young guy as I was scanning the local newspaper (I usually scan the paper looking for sales, a job, fun things to do with all my "free" time, and that sort of thing, but in this case, I happened to catch sight of this cutie and just had to share. I'm thinking of posting him on my Facebook wall too. I hope he won't mind.
Too bad I'm related to him, huh! Actually, I'm married too AND a couple decades older, to boot. Frightening!
:)
Now that I'm back on the blog, I guess I'll catch y'all up.... I am officially finished with doctoral coursework and am getting excited about my research project... I may begin a separate blog to start sharing the creativity but for now I will keep it a bit mysterious. But being done with classes means I have more time for fun!
Well, not really, but theoretically...
My brothers, sisters-in-law and my darling hubby are all getting in gear for the big 5-0 party... I am trying to come up with a fun name for it as I am at the stage of last-minute creative touches to add... I was thinking of asking all the guests to wear either pink or blue, since those were the colors my mother's bridesmaids wore, but I'm not sure that will go over well, so you're off the hook for the moment.... However, if any of you has any old photos of either of my parents or both together, please let me know and I will come collect them to borrow... need this SOON though.
Just a reminder, next MAMAJUSAVI meeting is May 21, which is a Thursday (since our little group tends to be calendar-challenged) and we are going to do Roseland Pizza, I believe? How late are we meeting because we may have to do a Happy Hour first, otherwise I am likely to drive home and not feel like driving "all the way back to Derby" for a later dinner experience.
OK, last tidbit, word is that MA1 has a new dude herself. Can I say that on the blog, MA? Perhaps a profile of this gent is in order... Details, please!!!
OK, last tidbit, word is that MA1 has a new dude herself. Can I say that on the blog, MA? Perhaps a profile of this gent is in order... Details, please!!!
Friday, April 17, 2009
Me & My Big Blog
WOW! Ok, so I think I just committed the very type of offense for which I have been bagging Webbies (are they called Webbies?) who post everything and anything at will. MY APOLOGIES! I probably should have asked permission to post photos of anyone, because Lord knows, I do not want people taking my picture and posting it on the internet without my permission! Good grief, what have I done? If anyone wants me to remove the images, just speak up, don't retaliate!
okay - I'm really trying to get this blogging down......
next, I will have to figure out how to get a photo up on my profile page.
Sa - the pierogi were great. Sorry I had to loose them a couple of hours later!
We are doing pretty good. Full attendance lately for girls' night.
Roseland definitely on the agenda for next get-together.
Ma - the photos from the 'see ya later' party are great.
did you send to Lizzie?
I love you guys!
next, I will have to figure out how to get a photo up on my profile page.
Sa - the pierogi were great. Sorry I had to loose them a couple of hours later!
We are doing pretty good. Full attendance lately for girls' night.
Roseland definitely on the agenda for next get-together.
Ma - the photos from the 'see ya later' party are great.
did you send to Lizzie?
I love you guys!
Saturday, March 7, 2009
Of Mice & Men & Dogs & Wine & ....
OK, I know the story may have been hard to believe, but as you can see, the "mouse in the file cabinet" was a true story. I'm not sure why I was not actively using that file drawer long enough for the vermin to set up housekeeping, but he obviously found it comforting to be among the Orkin receipts that made an idiot out of me for paying the exterminator a monthly fee....
Monday, January 26, 2009
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Bummed I missed Thursday night
I'm bummed that I missed Thursday night. Would have loved to see Joanna & Linda & Kathryn & little baby Sean!!! Sure, the one night I miss, EVERYONE'S there. Oh, well. Sounds like it was a great time & I'm looking forward to seeing the photos.
It sounds like the whole crafty thing is taking off. Crocheting? I like it!
Glad to see Ma-1 is blogging!!
vi
It sounds like the whole crafty thing is taking off. Crocheting? I like it!
Glad to see Ma-1 is blogging!!
vi
I don't know if this is going to work or not, so I will keep it brief so as not to waste my time and lose what I enter. Thursday evening was a lot of fun. Guest starring cousin Joanna and Uncle Cap's photo album, my sister-in-law Linda, niece Kathryn and her 1 mo. old Sean ( first and only male to attend our girls' night out ).
more later if this ends up being posted.
what a hassel - forgot my password...........
thanks for the instructions, Ju.
more later if this ends up being posted.
what a hassel - forgot my password...........
thanks for the instructions, Ju.
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Happy New Year
Just wanted to wish my "girls" a Happy New Year. Looking forward to our next meeting. And I will be sure to bring the baggie driers that "Auntie Margie" painted so beautifully on craft night. I think we're going to need another craft night to finish enough of these baggie driers for the rest of us. Looking forward to our next meeting. Anxious to see those Amish baskets Margie is now selling!
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