9-11

When I opened up Facebook today I saw post after post remembering that fateful day 11 years ago: 9-11-01. Then I saw another post from someone that didn't want to remember. I can understand that, sometimes you don't want to remember tragic events, especially if you were directly involved. Then I read the reasoning and became a bit perplexed. This person didn't want to remember because "no country did this" and asks that if you don't commemorate Christian atrocities why commemorate this one. Not one of the many (and believe me there were many) posts I read mentioned war or religion. What was remembered was the heroism of the people involved. I saw no mentions of hate or intolerance, I saw people coming together. The only mention of religion came from this person-a "friend" of a friend. I hadn't intended on writing about 9-11 today, but I'm still stumped by this person's post. What's wrong about commemorating, not a "religious atrocity" but the patriotic heroism of American citizens and first responders?

Yankee Candle

Damn you Yankee Candle. As if I didn't have enough candles, you have to send me your first fall catalog. Fall is my favorite time of year. Just glancing through the catalog I saw over $70 worth of things I wanted...and that didn't even include the candles. And new scents? New scents I really want!?! Harvest Welcome, Apple Pumpkin, Season's Blessings...Come on now. I could easily drop $200. I won't...but I could.

Tarot Decks

I love tarot cards. When I lived in Texas I started a pretty good collection of different decks; designs that spoke to me, for whatever reason. I hadn't done anything with my cards in ages, but recently I discovered a new store that has several decks. I always keep an eye out for unusual designs and I found one I just had to have: The Gummy Bear Tarot! How cute is that?!? At that same time a book fell out of the shelf above and into my hands-Tarot of a Moon Garden. Obviously I had to buy that as well. Unfortunately, they didn't have the deck-but they're going to order it for me.

I Wish

I wish I had a new job. I wish all my animals, my parents, and me, were healthier. I wish I found more time to take care of the things I had, and to act on all the ideas in my brain. I wish I had more money so that I could donate more to so many of the good causes that need it. I wish I wasn't always so tired. I wish I could do more. I wish I didn't have to deal with all the bullshit in my life...well my work. I wish my appliances would stop acting up! (That's a special shout out to the dryer, oven, and toilet.) Thanks to everyone who listens, cares, and the appliances that work properly (especially the wine fridge)! I wish for a lot of things. I truly am grateful for all of the wonderful things I have, but I keep wishing.

Vacation

I'm on vacation! I'm having a wonderful time-not doing much of anything! The main reason for my vacation occurred yesterday, when I went to the Cayuga Lake Wine & Herb Fest. Future events include lunch with a friend, the Buffalo Botanical Gardens, and time with my kids. I also hope to get things accomplished around the house-so far that hasn't worked too well. I also hope to make more writing time...that includes blogging. Hopefully, I can make that happen.

Watches

I remember the WKRP in Cincinnati episode where Mama Carlson blamed her son for not being able to wear a watch. My mom doesn't wear a watch either. Apparently, in some women, their body chemistry changes so that it screws up the workings of a quartz watch. Lately, I've been going through watched like there's no tomorrow. I just got it and I look down-the time is off. I am so dependent on wearing a watch. Can I no longer wear them? I have been getting my watches on clearance, however. I'm hoping that they all just have very old batteries. This weekend I'm going to take a few and have their batteries replaced. We'll see what happens then.

Spring Forward

Today is the start (or is it the end?) of Daylight Savings Time. We spring forward and subsequently lose an hour. I've already set the upstairs clock forward. When I finish this post I'll change the clock on the phone and stove. The computer will set itself as will the cable box...I think. Tomorrow I'll change the DVD/VCR player...and any watches I can find. I'm going to go to bed early, but since we're losing that hour it really isn't early at all!

Candied Ginger

Many stores have special products only available during the holidays. Last year I discovered Cranberry Joy at The Body Shop. I liked it, but surprisingly didn't adore it. This year they added Candied Ginger and I LOVE it! It has an incredible spicy, gingery scent which is just wonderful. I got the body scrub, body butter, and bubble bath. If you pass by The Body Shop, stop in and try it.

Stupidity of the State

I just heard that the government is going to start furloughing state workers. CSEA union members at the hospital are starting first and I believe PEF members will also have to do this. At this point in time my union, NYSCOPBA, has not agreed. What this means is that these workers have 9 days where they don't get paid, they don't come to work either. This is supposed to save the state money. The reality is that there is a certain number of direct care staff needed to work the units each day and we are short staffed anyway. So the state, in its infinite wisdom will force workers to stay home, unpaid, but have to pay overtime to others to cover the units. Is it any wonder the state is in a financial bind? Idiots!

Coconut

I don't care for coconut. I don't care for the taste or the scent. A little light coconut flavor may be OK-but I'd prefer it without. Scents-I pass on. Until now. I got a free coconut shimmer body butter from The Body Shop. I was debating giving it away as a gift, but I tried a sample at the store...and it's not bad. It reminds me of summer. Then I got a free set of Coconut Passionfruit items-body spray, lotion, and body wash-from Bath & Body Works. I like it! Then I tried a Coconut Lime Breeze lotion. I really liked that one...although I really smelled the limes and not any coconut. Are my tastes changing? Or are these just great versions of the scent? I still wouldn't pick coconut as a top choice, but I won't be so quick to dismiss it now.

In Absentia

I'm sorry I haven't been around. You'd think I'd have more time since I'm on vacation-but that hasn't been the case. I actually do have things to write about, but then I get involved in other things and before you know it-I'm logged off for the night. I'm in the midst of another computer project now. Hopefully I'll come up with a fantastic post tomorrow!

Reed Diffusers

I love to find different ways to pleasantly scent the house. I love the idea of reed diffusers: small sticks that suck up essential oil and scent the room. I just got the latest catalog of Yankee Candle and found the neatest Halloween Reed Diffuser Scene. It's a purple bottle with black sticks in a graveyard with scented stones and such. The problem is that reed diffusers don't work. I've received a few as gifts and they just don't scent the room. Have you had any luck with reed diffusers? What do you think about them?

Scam

When I got my mail the other day, one letter was smooched to the back of the mailbox. The other stuff all came out together, but I had to reach in to get this business sized envelope. It was from Canada. However, it wasn't postmarked; it was like one of those pre-printed envelopes that charities use. Inside was a letter from Consumer Research and Marketing, INC in New York City. However, the phone number had a 647 area code while the fax had 206. The letter goes on to say that I was a sweepstakes held in London, England. I apparently won a prize with a lump sum payout of $52,500. They enclosed a check in the amount of $3,997 to "help cover the Government Service Tax and processing charges"-which is only $2,987.32. BUT I have to call (a 315 area code) to activate my claim before I cash my check, "this is very important".  Yea...right...I won a Sweepstakes in the UK, I get a letter from Canada, it's from a company in NY, and there are 3 different area codes-one of which starts about 40 miles east of me and the check is from a bank in Maryland.. But the check does look real. I think I'll take it to the bank and see what they say about it. I may also file a federal fraud charge, somehow, after all, this did arrive in my mailbox!

Cover Girl Natureluxe

I discovered a new foundation makeup that I really like-Cover Girl Natureluxe. It covers well, but is really light. It also smells great-it may be the cucumber water. I hate having to find a good foundation-so I hope they keep making this! The only issue I have is that it only has SPF 10. Still, 10's better than nothing. If you're up for a new foundation give this one a try!

Disgusted

I heard about a horrific accident which happened yesterday afternoon. When I learned more about it I became even more disgusted-and a little heartsick as well. The countryside around here is beautiful and filled with many farms. The roads are generally 2 lanes and, although the speed limit is often 55 mph you have to be careful as there are often curves and slow moving farm vehicles. Consequently, there are many places where no passing is allowed. Yesterday, about 12:45 in the afternoon, a group of Amish farmers were on a farm excursion sponsored by Cornell. While not allowed to drive, the Amish are allowed to ride as passengers. These farmers were learning about new techniques in raising poultry and using greenhouses and going to several local farms. They were driving along and a large tractor with spray equipment was coming from the opposite direction. Behind the tractor was another vehicle. The driver, Steven Eldridge, (yes, I'm using his real name) decided to pass the slow moving tractor-even though it was a no passing zone on a curve. His vehicle hit the van head on, then sent the van careening UNDER the spreader where it became embedded! Five of the Amish farmers were dead on the scene, which, according to the sheriff was the worst he's ever seen in 40 years.  Ten others were injured, including the van and tractor driver, some critically. Steven Eldridge, the cause of the devastation, was uninjured. He's sitting in jail charged with 5 counts of criminally negligent homicide, various traffic violations, and driving while intoxicated. At 12:45 PM. I am truly disgusted.

Reunion

This year is the year of my 25th High School Reunion. I've never been to a reunion, and I've never had the desire to go. I still don't. I always thought it would be neat to see what people were up to, but that's what Facebook is for, right? I really don't "go out" and the thought of driving an hour away for a dinner isn't particularly appealing. But then I had a face to face meeting with an old high school friend with whom I've reconnected on Facebook. She's also part of the planning committee for the reunion. I told her I'd go...there is a witness. But I still didn't really want to go...and I still haven't RSVPd. Then last night another old high school friend said I needed to go, Ugh. Peer pressure. I need to get an outfit...it's going to be hot (the reunion's in August). I should just suck it up, commit to going and send in my money...but I don't really want to do it. What about you? Have you gone to any of your reunions?

43

I'm now 43 years old. Doesn't seem quite right. I'm closer to 40 than I am to 50...still in my early 40's even. I own my own home (well, I have a mortgage), have a job that pays decently and has benefits. I share my life with 12 (at the moment) kids...all with 4 legs and tails. I'm pretty much a homebody. I don't go out often, and am always most pleased when I return home. Does this make me a grown up?

Dimensional Rift

There is a dimensional rift in my house. Last night I was working in the craft room. I used my new blue stain. After using the purple I decided I wanted to redo the piece with the blue...but the blue stain was gone. It was on the table...then it was gone. I searched and searched. It shouldn't have left the room, heck, it shouldn't have left it's spot on the table. It was gone. After my bath I looked again. I found it...on the floor...on the opposite side of the table. Now some forks are missing...a lot of forks...I tell you, there's a dimensional rift in my house!

Confessions of a Pagan Soccer Mom

I'm not a mom in the traditional sense, so I generally don't read blogs focusing on Motherhood-cat/rat/dog/horse mom-yes, human-no. A friend recommended a blog which is up for votes in the 25 Faith Blogs By Moms. The first line describing this group of blogs states "Faith is all around us, and it comes in many different forms." Yet this blog, Confessions of a Pagan Soccer Mom, is being persecuted by some "mothers of faith". I ask that you check this blog out (I like it, by the way) and, if you think it's a good blog-vote for it. Faith comes in many forms, and all faiths should be respected.

Still Here

I've listened to The End of the World by REM and Rapture by Blondie many times in the past day-but 6:00 came and went and I'm still here-as is the rest of the world. I watched the Preakness and still have to do the dishes. Life goes on...