Actually, I Do Give A...

  Honey Badger Doesn't Feel Good

Shew!  What a week.  Although it has gone by fast, it also has felt like it has gone in slow motion at times.  What has made it worse it that I have felt like complete and utter crap.  I had worked last weekend like normal, came home Sunday morning to sleep and then back to work on Tuesday for the next three nights.  Now, that is a normal "track" for me, but when Monday came, so did the body aches.  And the fatigue.  Ugh...This Honey Badger wasn't happy. 

So..along with the normal hassle and stress of working nights, I was loading up on Vitamin C and Zinc to combat whatever invader was trying to set up house in my body.  Getting up and ready for work was slow and tiresome.  I finally began to feel better on my last night, and this evening has been on the couch with some pizza night.  However, I had picked up an extra shift for tomorrow night weeks ago...so I have one more night to push through.  At least I had tonight to be at home and regroup.  I pray that my night will be uneventful and calm, as my past three nights have been a bit much.  

So, there's a lot of hype about the new Star Wars coming out in December.  Some places have already sold tickets in advance.  I think that kind of sucks. It squeezes out the little people.  But..that's how modern technology and making that money has changed over the years.   I'm totally going...that's for sure.  I loved Star Wars as a kid, and I'm looking forward to the story continuing.  I just hope I'm able to score a pair of tickets like normal people.  Maybe I should stalk our movie houses for pre-sale tickets.  At least I won't have to stand in line, right?   This is one that I definitely want to see on the big screen.  I don't go to movies that much, simply because I get too restless and bored, but I'm pretty certain this will keep my attention from beginning to end.  And I don't want to miss a lick.  I will make sure I won't drink anything prior to the show...sure would hate to take a potty break in the middle of the movie and miss something really cool.  haha..

And so..I will leave it at that.  Maybe I should channel "the Force" to get me through the rest of my weekend.  There is always much to do on your off days but I think I will keep it as simple as possible.  Work, sleep, eat.  That is the focus for the next 24 hours.  That's productive enough don't ya think?  Stay well ya'll.  Peace out.  elizinashe

Bring It On! 

Immigration

A French Lady in New York

Immigration reform and securing our borders is a hot topic political wise.  I don't delve into politics much, nor do I like to talk about it among others because it usually ends up everyone being royally pissed off and therefore treating each other differently.  However, as I was eating a couple of tacos at a local Mexican restaurant, a few thoughts ran across my mind. 

First, we are a nation of immigrants.  We used to welcome them with open arms.  On some level, we are an immigrant ourselves.  Unless, you have Native American ancestors in your bloodline.  But seriously, despite that you may have been born in the United States, as well as your parents, grandparents and so on, where did your original family members come from?  We are immigrants.  

I agree with needing to secure our borders more carefully.  And yes, some of our immigrants, illegal or not, are criminals.  But what's more important, are those who come to our country seeking a better life are the ones to work their ass off, doing jobs that most of us would not even consider.  Those eager and desperate people who come to our country fight hard to educate their children so they don't have to suffer like their own parents have suffered.  These people are the ones who have helped shape and mold our country.  For better and for worse. 

If we had closed our borders all those many, many moons ago and without an Ellis Island, what kind of country would we have?  We are a melting pot of many.  Irish, Italian, Dutch, Korean, Indian, Polynesian, Japanese, Cuban, French, British, Ethiopian, Peruvian, Canadian, Iranian, Turkish, German, Polish, Czech, Russian and so on and so on....We are immigrants.  Without all these different cultures that had blended with the Native peoples that we so snobbishly robbed of their land, ( and you know it happened) what kind of nation would we have?  Think about all the wonderful food we have incorporated in our diets and restaurants because of the many who came here brought their heritage.  Not to mention traditions and beliefs.  And this is all before McDonald's folks.  I'm talking about real food.  And work ethic.  Let's not forget about that.  Family? Always a priority.  Always. 

Looks Like My Kind of Place

I find it ironic that these very thoughts raced across my mind on this Columbus Day.  A day that is recognized that an Italian working for the Catholic Monarchs of Spain "discovered" America.  Kinda weird, eh?  I wonder what he would think of our country today.  Sounds like he started out being a bit of a cultural melting pot himself don't ya think?  elizinashe

“Give me your tired, your poor,
your huddled masses yearning to
breathe free, the wretched refuse
of your teeming shore.  Send
these, the homeless, tempest-tost
to me.  I lift my lamp beside the
golden door!  “

Emma Lazarus
Quote inscribed on Ellis Island

Out & About

Cupcake Anyone?

Happy Halloween!  It's been years and years since I've been out to celebrate what most people deem the best holiday of the year.  Although the party date was a bit early for Halloween, it felt good to dress up a bit and have some fun with some friends and work peeps.  Lots of pictures were taken, some by me, and the rest came from other party guests.  Can't wait to see those.  I'm pretty certain there were some good ones. 

It's getting cooler now here at the homestead.  Time to break out the long sleeved shirts and extra blankets.  My beloved sandals will have to go into hibernation mode, as my toes will not be happy being naked in the cold air.  The one thing I do like about cooler weather, is wearing my thick, comfy socks.  And if they have a funky pattern to them, all the better.  Gotta have a little flash, right?

I'll admit.  I don't shave my legs as often as I should.  It's just a pain in the ass.  Plus, the 'razor rash' drives me nuts.  I typically use an electric razor because it's much faster plus it doesn't tear up my legs so badly.  Trust me, shaving your legs can be really time consuming.  It's quite a bit of surface area to conquer.  Guess I'm just not that girly.  One thing I have noticed, one leg grows hair a lot faster than the other.  Why is that?  Strange observation, I know.  And maybe a bit of 'TMI".  But that's okay.  At least my  boobs are even.  Haha...

Happy Halloween Ya'll!  It's all downhill from here!  Be safe and be well!  elizinashe

Gettin' Crafty!

This & That, Tit for Tat

What I Wished to Have Seen...

So the Super Moon Lunar Eclipse came and went.  It was either the beginning of the end, or the beginning of a new beginning.  Take your pick.  I myself, will choose the later.  Sadly, it was raining out in my neck of the woods.  In fact, we've had rain for the last three days.  Guess Mother Nature was making up for our hot summer.  Oh well...maybe I'll catch it next time.  I do plan on living. 

I have realized that I just don't make enough time for me.  I don't stop long enough to make fun plans and get out like I used to.  I'm slowly making that change, and taking those small steps to do what I really enjoy.  Like taking pictures.  I realized how much I've missed playing with the camera when my dad came to visit.  So, I'm going to make it a point to do more of that.  Our Fall-slash- Leaf season will be a quick one I'm sure.  So I better get out and do some pointing and clicking before it fades away.  

Speaking of Fall weather, it sure has been a comfort to have some cool days lately.  I must say it's been refreshing and good for the soul.  I just hope it lasts for a nice long while.  This chic is not ready for those single digit temperatures like we had last year.  It was rather stressing to hear my heat pump plug away all night long.  I'm still learning about that thing.  I'm just thankful it still works and that it didn't poop out on me.  Keeping my fingers crossed for this up and coming season.  We never know what may come.  

And so...I hope your Fall is turning out to be as lovely as you had wanted.  And I hope you got a chance to see that Moon.  It certainly is a good excuse to look up at that gigantic night sky don't ya think?  Until next time....elizinashe

Going, Going, Gone...

Nothing Special

Downtown Greens in the Park

It's been a short while since I've last posted.  There have been numerous times that I've had stuff in my head to write and share...but it's usually at an inconvenient time. (like at work or in the car..and so on.)  So here I be pecking away with all those previous posts that were in my head totally gone.  Haha...oh well.  It will come back to me later I'm sure. 

Dad's visit went pretty well.  I think he had a good time even though he could not stay as long as he had hoped.  And I will just leave it at that.  There are other factors in that mix to which I won't divulge and to a degree, it makes me sad to see him as he grows older and in a "lost" sort of way.  Not lost as in his mind, but just "lost" in what he had expected his retirement would be vs. what it actually turned out to be.  I do have to give him some kudos though.  He weathered some tough times.   I just hope he keeps persevering.  

Oh politics...how I hate thee.  I did watch the Republican primary debate the other night.  I wanted to see what all these sad candidates had to say.  Geeze...at times it was like a circus side show.  Seriously.  At other times, it was a heated discussion.  What bothered me the most about it is that there seems to be only one candidate that actually is working on facts and a best well meant plan of action vs strong personal beliefs and/or vendettas to initiate in order to run our country.  Disgusting...I won't get on my soapbox here but you need to leave your personal beliefs behind, and make wise and well informed decisions regarding keeping our country healthy and strong.  And yes, we need some changes...but changes that will be to our benefit in the long run.   We are an America of many peoples.  And we need to support that.  

And so...I will stop there before I get pissed off.  haha...Politics and Religion.  Stay away from talking about it, right?  So what's in your wallet?  elizinashe

Whew!

Time for a Break!

September certainly started off with a bang.  My dad arrived Wednesday the 2nd and I feel like I've been going at full blast since.  Heck, I was going full blast prior to all that.  I had worked a bunch, then in my off time I was cleaning, getting groceries and getting prepared.  Once dad got here, it was a go, go, go kind of feel.  And then when he left, I had one day to regroup and then bam!  Back to work...sheesh!  Glad I didn't pick up extra this weekend.  I needed the time to collect my thoughts. 

Dad's visit was really good.  Slightly awkward at first but we found our comfort zone and fell into a nice groove.  My basement is now cleaned and organized, my front porch looks white again and I now have craploads of junk from the house that I grew up in.  Some of it quite worthy, others...not so much.  I've already taken two boxes of junk to Goodwill.  There's only so many cookie tins that one needs.  Bonus finds:  a couple of pictures of my grandparents that my mom had at the house, my brother's Rektor set and my childhood Hot Wheels.  Yep...good finds.  

Overall, I think my dad had a good visit.  The roles are certainly changing to a degree.  I've been on both my parents banking accounts for a while now, you know...for the 'just in case' in the future.  My dad also gave me a set of keys to the house and to his car.  You know...'just in case'.  I guess there comes a time regardless.  I suppose you never really can be ready for that kind of change.  Guess it's better to be a bit prepared than to be blindsided.  I just hope that when that time does come, I will have the strength and courage to ride that wave and not drown in all that chaos.  

As for King Hecubus, the Snaggletoothed, (as he was once dubbed by a friend), hid pretty much the whole time my dad was here.  He made his appearance a couple of times, but he mostly banished himself to the bedroom and the downstairs late at night, once my dad was in bed and asleep.  What a pecker.  My cat normally doesn't hide for that long, but then again, I haven't had company stay that long either.  I had to move the litterbox downstairs so he wouldn't pee in the closet, as he did that first night.  (ass...).  And once dad left, I found Hecubus a few hours later, perched on the futon upstairs, sitting comfortably in his lair.  What a stinker.  

And so I will leave you here...it's gotten chilly here at night and it's time for another cup of hot tea.  There is something comforting about sitting in your pj's and holding a warm mug in your hands.  I'm glad for the change although I hope it's brief.  It's just too dang early to be this cold at night.  I hope for a nice comfortable Fall and a long one at that!  Until next time...elizinashe 

I Don't Like Sharing My Human! 

And the Adventure Begins...

Woo Pig Sooie!

Here we are folks!  My father has arrived....with treats & treasures & lots of junk from the house.  Oh geeze...just when you get to a point where you're organized here comes more stuff.  But ya know..that's okay.  Some of it's pretty cool and sentimental.  

My dad had told me that he had a 'surprise' that he was bringing me.  Although I told him I have plenty of stuff and really don't need anymore he brought me a thirteen piece stainless steel cookware set.  Yowza!  I pretty much have all the pots and pans that I really need, but....this set is pretty spectacular.  Three different sized omelette type pans.  Woo hoo!  And all with lids.  Super!  Guess I've got a lot of cooking to do in the next few months.  Better make some room in my cabinets on those nights when I can't sleep.  

It's been good so far.  I'm glad to have him here and we've had some nice chats on the deck.   I have to give my dad some credit.  He has told me more in his older years than I ever heard as a kid.  Maybe that's a natural progression...maybe that's just him.  Maybe it's me...I'm older and more mature these days.  At least the older part.  Don't know about the maturity gig.  (wink, wink.)

And so...I will leave it at that.  I made a big fat dinner with a bottle of wine of course and a bit of chocolate for dessert.  Tomorrow will be a guinea pig dinner plan as I have found a one pot pasta dish that sounds delicious and should provide plenty of leftovers.  At least for a little while.  After that, I will have to do some more searching.  I can only plan so far ahead...

Tomorrow will be a Lowe's excursion with a quick trip to pick up some lunch type items and snacky foods for dad.  Then it's on to start some 'daddy do' projects while I begin to construct my pasta project.  With wine of course.  I think a cherry pie will be in order for dessert.  I do like to spoil my guests....Until next time...elizinashe

Cheers!