Happy Sunday!

Yoda and Buddy (he's sacked out on the floor next to the bed) and I are chill-axing this morning. I had to share this photo because this is how my bed looks now most of the time! School books and computer now occupy the blank side of the bed. I won't even show you the rest of the room! You can definitely tell there has been a bit of a sea change around here.

School is great! I love it so much! It's the other stuff (you know, the four-letter word that starts with a W and ends with a K) that gets very tiresome. Especially the receptionist job. That's the one that's swingshifts on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Not that I'd be having a big social life or anything, but it would be nice to do a little housework!

Ah, well, I can't complain too much on that score either. My dear step-daughter Kelly is staying with us currently and she has really been a help to me. There is finally someone else in the house that knows how to do dishes!!!

I took the photo below a few weeks ago because I wanted to show off my new, old lamp. It's alabaster- ain't it pretty? Hurray for garage sales!

Here's a closer view, but sadly, I can't capture the "glow" of the alabaster. It's just so pretty. How do you like my little mermaid bendy doll? She was a custom order from Princess Nimble Thimble. Her name is Libby Oceana and she encourages me to remember my long term goal of life in Morro Bay when I get discouraged by all the work and study. Isn't she so cute?

Well, that's it for now- back to the chillaxin'! I'll have to leave for work soon enough! I wish you all a lovely day- whether it's football or NOT!

Greetings, Friends!

I finally had a minute to look through my photos from Christmas and just had to share this one. This is Christmas morning. My old brown sectional was in need of some creative concealments and I love how these bedspreads look. I really love how cute Yoda is in that spotlight of sun that is coming in the fanlight of the front door. Kitties know how to do things right, don't they?

It's been a tough week here. I can't go into details, but a dear family member is in the hospital, so prayers for my family are welcome. There has also been a bright spot, unexpectedly, but it's too soon to talk about that. We will see if the bright spot remains just that, like Yoda's spotlight, or if it grows into something more...

Wishing you all a lovely weekend with the people you love.

Weeeeee!

Next week my classes start! I've thriftily ordered all of my textbooks online, in advance and have saved myself over $100 by doing so, she said proudly. They're almost all here and everytime I open one, I get so excited. I mean, wouldn't you?

Uh, yeah, me either on that last one! How embarrassing to be taking pre-algebra too. Well....it's been a long time since I've done any math other than adding up yardages and calculating sale percentages! Carmen is going to take it with me so that should be fun- two arty girls trying to help each other with math. I don't even care- I'm just so excited. For me, this is better than Christmas.

Sometimes, I still try to talk myself out of this. I'll say things like, "But now I'll never have a social life." and "Really? You really want to spend your time selling window coverings to entitled rich ladies?" I still have to answer yes! Yes, I want this degree even if it only ends up being something that enriches my personal life. I can make a living cleaning houses if I have to- I've done it before. If I find that I don't like one particular way of making a living at interior design, I will find another way. Actually, what I'd really enjoy (I think) would be a sweet little storefront specializing in unique gift, party and home decor items, with services to match. If not that, then perhaps I will write about design or teach design. No matter what I do with my lil ol' AA, I know I'm going to enjoy the learning process. As far as a social life, I suppose that can wait a while.

Hugs to all!

Now If I Just Looked Like Audrey Hepburn!

This was a fun little quiz, and I have to say that the description is eerily correct! There is a link at the end...try it yourself!

Your result for Are You a Jackie or a Marilyn? Or Someone Else? Mad Men-era Female Icon Quiz...

You Are an Audrey!

You are an Audrey -- "I am at peace"

Audreys are receptive, good-natured, and supportive. They seek union with others and the world around them.

How to Get Along with Me

• * If you want me to do something, how you ask is important. I especially don't like expectations or pressure


• * I like to listen and to be of service, but don't take advantage of this


• * Listen until I finish speaking, even though I meander a bit


• * Give me time to finish things and make decisions. It's OK to nudge me gently and nonjudgmentally


• * Ask me questions to help me get clear


• * Tell me when you like how I look. I'm not averse to flattery


• * Hug me, show physical affection. It opens me up to my feelings


• * I like a good discussion but not a confrontation


• * Let me know you like what I've done or said


• * Laugh with me and share in my enjoyment of life

What I Like About Being an Audrey

• * being nonjudgmental and accepting


• * caring for and being concerned about others


• * being able to relax and have a good time


• * knowing that most people enjoy my company; I'm easy to be around


• * my ability to see many different sides of an issue and to be a good mediator and facilitator


• * my heightened awareness of sensations, aesthetics, and the here and now


• * being able to go with the flow and feel one with the universe

What's Hard About Being an Audrey

• * being judged and misunderstood for being placid and/or indecisive


• * being critical of myself for lacking initiative and discipline


• * being too sensitive to criticism; taking every raised eyebrow and twitch of the mouth personally


• * being confused about what I really want


• * caring too much about what others will think of me


• * not being listened to or taken seriously

Audreys as Children Often

• * feel ignored and that their wants, opinions, and feelings are unimportant


• * tune out a lot, especially when others argue


• * are "good" children: deny anger or keep it to themselves

Audreys as Parents

• * are supportive, kind, and warm


• * are sometimes overly permissive or nondirective

Take Are You a Jackie or a Marilyn? Or Someone Else? Mad Men-era Female Icon Quiz at HelloQuizzy

Merry Christmas, Friends!

My busy month will be kicking into supersonic speed today as I put the finishing touches on food and home in preparation for tomorrow's Christmas dinner. I just wanted to stop in quickly and wish all of you a bright and happy holiday. I hope to really relax tomorrow after all the preparations are done and just catch up with my family and enjoy the day!

If you haven't seen this little bird before, she is Folkbird. She is a little sweetie that I created last year. She goes together pretty nicely and the pattern is free. Just click here to go directly to a .pdf that you can print. Just a little token of affection from me to you!

My Garland is Showing!

Well, this is fun! It's been a while since I participated in a Show and Tell, but you know that Nester, she is hard to resist! If you would like to participate, go here to add your post to Mr. Linky.
Since I don't have a mantel, I've gussied up my beloved china cabinet. This garland has been adorned with my very finest Shiny Brite ornaments, which like the cabinet, are part of my mother's legacy. I don't trust them to the tree- too much rough housing goes on in my living room! This year I added some big, glittery snowflakes that I bought at a fabulous decor store in Pismo Beach and a tiny little pink bird that I bought at Dollar Tree. I also included the sequin tree we made last year. So you got your vintage, your handmade, your expensive and your cheap all in one place! Just the way I like it.

Next I've got to get the inside of the cabinet as cute as the outside!

Remember me?

Hi Friends!

I sure was gone a long time, wasn't I? Right before my last post, I had a lovely birthday weekend with my dear friends, Sandra and Monica. We went down to Pismo Beach and it was awesome! When I find the photo card, I will share.

Right after my last post I started the worst job of my life! I only lasted there for a month, but it was so stressful and horrible! I ended up walking out which is something I've never done.

That was in mid November and then my full-time job became job hunting! Luckily, I've landed on my feet and I just started working in the Clubhouse of an active retirement community. I started Friday night and I already love it! It is the complete opposite of the very bad, no good, terrible job and it has restored my belief in humanity and good business practices. Whew! I needed that! So, I will be working at my old job on weekday mornings and then on the weekends I will be working three 8-hour shifts at the Clubhouse. And be able to pay my bills and mortgage! Yay!!!!

Some other big news: I am going to back to school in January! I am finally going to get my degree in the thing I have loved since junior high- Interior Design! I don't even care anymore about what my inner critic says- I am just doing this because I love it so much that I don't even care if I'm not good at it! LOL! Who knows? Maybe I am and maybe I'm not, but I'm going to get my AA for it no matter what. Just because I can't wait any longer! I already have the general ed taken care of so now I get to just jump into the fun stuff.

So, life is good. I am blessed and I know it. I wish for all of us a lovely holiday season and a super 2009!