So long 2011...

I have been wanting to update but something always seems to get in the way. It only seemed appropriate to get serious tonight since it is the last day of 2011. I honestly dont know what to say about this year except I am delighted to see it go. We have been on some kind of crazy adventure this year searching for home, but honestly I have not found joy in being homeless. Maybe its my age or my mental state but I felt lost like a boat without a paddle. I seem to need security and all the trappings of a home in order to be happy. I am praying to be centered, productive, giving of my time, energized, one of those people that seems genuinely happy and finds the joy in each day.
I want to be my own best friend in 2012...I want to be creative to an extreme. I want to be somebody of worth. " You is kind, you is smart, you is important." Best line ever and something to strive for each and every day. I need a purpose and I promise myself this is the year I find it. I plan to make a difference in others lives with simple acts of kindness.
I want to find joy in life and feel like I deserve that personal high. I find the idea of a new year always seems to offer hope and another chance to go be amazing.

I guess this day of the year has to be my favorite because it is the only one we were all together again. Its so difficult to make something so incredible as a family and then its gone forever but for brief moments of togetherness. Life is an adventure good or bad and what you make it for sure.
Happy 2012 to all of you and may all our dreams and wishes come true.
See you on the flip side...

What the heck?

I have been thinking about blogging almost daily...Timothy and I even discussed how we both needed to update and I see he actually did it while I just continued to 'think' about it. Where the heck does time go??
We have been busy peeps around here lately and making good progress with the usual bumps in the road. For some reason our HOA has taken us on as problem residents and just don't seem to like the way we are doing business. I have tried fighting back with barbed email replies and now I have moved on to apologetic dumb person. Let's see what works best.

I thought I might start with the REAL Christmas tree (as in not a banana tree) we brought home and the boys getting it lit up and the train in motion. Some traditions never change...

 

Here we have the usual Buster in a box photo...he loved it because he could even see out once he entered!

Now I must tell you this beautiful tree is one step away from a big bonfire. We seem to have forgotten how quickly trees dry out in the desert and everyday I find another ornament slipping off the dry brittle branches. Not sure if it will make Christmas but no matter what it is coming down on the 25th before we torch our house. :^<

This is our yard this week and I cannot describe how much dust and dirt has entered our house in the process. While they were cutting the cement there was a dust cloud floating out into the neighborhood...guess we will invite everyone to a party soon to get back into their good graces.  Grace seems to be the Vanna White for my photos...she gives you a scale perspective I guess.
The plan is to add paver stones around the pool today and then pour cement tomorrow. Its going to be amazing and we cannot wait to actually sit outside and relax when its done.

Here we have the lovely Gracie enjoying the evening spa time!

Here is the best part of our week and Timothy I apologize we did not fire it up while you were here working your tail off. We owe you one buddy. Cocktails in the spa for the first time after a day of labor...oh yeah...life is good!

Christmas tree...

We spent the day visiting nurseries looking for trees and such to enhance our yard. We found an acacia tree and an olive tree for our front yard. We opted for the 15 gal size since they were a fraction of the cost of the bigger boys. We decided we have time to watch them grow at those prices. We also added a few fun desert palms and an elephant paw palm. From there we went to the Old Town Mexican Pottery shop and bought a couple of nice pots to use around the pool.

We were feeling like it was a successful day even tho I did not get to check off much on my to do list.  After dinner my man invited me to go along to Home Depot...again....sigh....

We also decided to look for our Christmas tree to finalize the festivities going on in our house. I am pretty sure he used that to get me in the car, oh and he invited Gracie along. That ALWAYS works!
I dont know what happened to us but we came home with this sweet baby instead of a noble fir.

Our pool is a lovely light blue so not sure why it matches the tree. I just didnt want you all to think ALGAE!

Its a BANANA TREE!! I am so excited to have found one and think it will look amazing in our yard...but its for sure not the Christmas tree I was searching for! Crazy kids!
We also had the cement/pavers guys by today and they said maybe the 12th which would be hopefully finished before Rande arrives on the 17th. I am feeling good about December even if I have to light up the banana tree~
We have a very busy weekend with Old Town art festival, golf, Christmas parade down Palm Canyon, neighborhood dinner party and hopefully we get some Christmas lights hung up outside. I'll let you know how it goes~

Hello December!

We have been making some great progress this past week and yes, you will have to share our joy. These are photos of the before window treatments. You have never seen such a sorry lot and we seriously replaced every room but two and probably should have done them as well. Nothing hung right or worked well. We are so happy to have them gone!

These are the lovely window treatments that came with our house. I would like you to know they were all gone this morning before the trash man arrived...to be repurposed by who knows who! Who cares who is more like it. I love sharing rather than filling some dumpsite tho so please keep checking our trash!

So you somewhat get the idea that the windows all look much better, cleaner and easier to direct the sunshine.

This is a before but not a great one.

This is our fireplace now...oh so cozy!

We purchased new fake logs since the previous owners needed the ones that came with the house and they make for a very romantic cozy fire now. Its beginning to look a lot like Christmas and we are getting ready!

My friend

I met  Gugi as we all called her November 30 1974. We were assigned four to a room at American Airlines Stewardess College and she was the last to arrive.  She came storming into the room upset and swearing because the airline had lost her underwear suitcase. I had never met a Puerto Rican let alone an angry one and she had an underwear suitcase?!? Oh man I simply had to have her be my friend! We spent six weeks together in training and when she was assigned NEW YORK CITY I begged another girl to trade with me. I HAD to go to NY and live with Gugi or die!

This is the four of us~ Gugi is next to me on the right. Oh so young!!

We moved into an absolute dive walk up apt with bums sleeping in the foyer but we were together and we would make it. She got called for her first flight before me so I got up at 0400 am to ride the bus to the airport with her. I was thinking she would not be afraid if I came along and to be honest I thought I would feel better practicing.

This is what she looked like the morning of her very first flight on American. So hopeful!

Our lives intertwined for years after the year and half in NY~ she went to DC and I went to San Diego. We continued to be best friends and visit each other, some years more than others.
I chose her for my bridesmaid and the godmother to my youngest son. Of the six godparents we chose for our boys she is the only one that continues to care about and love my boy. I love her for that and so does Ky. Gugi is the first person I want to talk to when something goes horribly wrong or blissfully right. She is a best friend of the best kind and I pray she is always in my life.

When I flew my last flight with American she met me at the airport for a celebratory hug as I boarded passengers for the very last time. It meant the world to me because she was such a huge part of my 13 year career with American Airlines.

 

This weekend my sweet friend flew her last trip with AA just shy of 38 years. I am so proud of her for hanging in there when she thought she couldn't. For smiling and enduring the changes our airline industry has experienced and most of all for saying enough...time for me to sit back and enjoy life and do whatever I please. Congratulations gf~job well done. I love you.

The end....

A bit overdue

I keep thinking I need to update and then my life gets in the way. However I cannot believe its been two weeks..Shees! Sup with that?
We continue to work on the house and sometimes I feel like we are making progress and other times I feel weighed down with how much still needs our attention. I worry I will one day come home and see my man pounding a for sale sign into the yard out of exhaustion. Such a fine line we walk...and unfortunately we are rarely on the same page anymore.
The biggest improvement that comes to mind is we, and I really should not include myself in this project, ripped up the carpet in our master bath and tiled it. Again...I went to the store with JK and TK but that pretty much is the extent of my involvement. Wait! I did make sure there was a variety of beers and deli meats for the workers lunches and that was huge!

This is our amazing tile man checking out his work.

This is our kickass inspector giving it the tail's up.

I wish I had taken the before photo but I get so excited about a new project I cant think clearly...anyway it really turned out lovely and makes the bathroom seem oh so wonderful! JK  has been stuck trying to redo baseboard and paint in the tiny toilet room before setting the toilet but it refuses to fit. There has been considerable swearing and moaning  but he finally got it to work and we are moving on.
Last week my mom had colon surgery and that seemed to consume quite a bit of my week. She is on the mend however and I am amazed at the technology available now. A robot performed the surgery (with some help) and it took over 6 hours. Crazy huh?
I wish I could tell you I have been busy creating but this time of year all I can think about it Christmas and finishing projects or making decorations and gifts.

I quickly sewed up this cute petutie for Ky's care package to help him get in the mood while away from home. Nothing like snowmen to make one smile!
Yesterday was Thanksgiving and while it is probably my least favorite holiday...(seriously people its just a big ol dinner) and sometimes it feels a bit forced. I invited Timothy and Jammie over because I really hate  holiday cooking for 3 people. They invited their roommate Jaclyn and of course Wolfgang hopped in the van. While they arrived a bit later than planned and Timothy had our car so he stopped to pick up his gdma.... I think it went really well. Food was good and company was too.  I have been cutting back on what I eat and I must say felt pretty darn miserable afterwards. I think that is just part of Thanksgiving and today we are back on track.  I did not ask everyone to tell what they are most thankful for this time. I seem to be the one that likes that tradition the most but didnt want to annoy my guests. I personally am most grateful to have such a nice home in a wonderful neighborhood and town. I also like that at least one of my sons can make a quick drive to my house for dinner occasionally.  It has been years since that was possible and it really is nice.
I did some Christmas decorating today just to see some old favorites that did not make it out of the boxes last year. Its always a challenge to try and find the right places for treasures in a new house. I rewarded my 'hard' work with an eggnog and we are now feeling like the season is upon us. I did not turn on the cds out of respect for Rande..boy he hates Xmas music...plan to save those for when we 'do' the real tree.

 

We plan to kick back this weekend a bit and enjoy the 80 degree weather. They have an art festival in Old Town tomorrow and its always a good reason to pull out the bikes.
I am also thankful for all of you. xo

painful subject

I know I know~ I already blogged today but I have something weighing me down and need to get it off my chest. You all know (because you are my homies and I tell you everything) I was told I could be artist of the month for Isenhower Winery. I cannot tell you how excited I was last Jan when I found out. It was like this creditability at being a real artist and a chance to see if the public approved. This is something I have struggled with because I lack that confidence to not care if you don't like my work. I also feel guilty if I ask an appropriate price which most people would not think twice about spending in a gallery. Put those two elements together and I am just someone that sews.
I have not been creative for over 10 months now and I quickly set up my art studio (I just deleted sewing room because it sounds less professional) so I could get busy. Did I? Nope. I had my computer in there at first and we all know that leads no where. So I removed it and after talking to my bf I started making something...a pillow. So then I realized there is a roadblock stopping me from jumping in and being amazing. I am pure and simple not sure I want to.  I mentioned this to Timothy and he actually seemed to be angry at me. So then I agreed he was right I have this amazing opportunity to be an artist and I need to take it.
The thing is in order to participate I will need to make at least 5 trips to Seattle(not free) and rent a car each time and possibly need a hotel as well. Then there is eating and of course buying wine while I am there to show appreciation to the Isenhowers. There is also the problem of getting at least 12 pieces on an airplane possibly with frames. What if absolutely no one buys a piece and its definitely a possibility then all of this personal expense is simply to have fed my ego. To be taken seriously...how great will I feel coming home with my work and all the above expenses? I just don't know if I want to risk taking the chance. Maybe if I release myself from the mental stress of worrying about it I can begin again. I wake up at the most ungodly hours designing in my head and then poof...nothing.
If you are reading this feel free to give me some feedback or support for pulling out. If anything I lack ego and don't need to do this show if its not fun and exciting to me. Thanks for listening~

Because I always post photos here is the pillow! Its a baby gift for a buccaneer about to arrive~ lol

Maui

I had someone ask me why I did not post anything about our trip to Maui. So here are are few photos of our stay at Wialea Maui. We had a wonderful time...seriously how could you not in such a beautiful place as Hawaii. The weather was perfect and we met new friends and old friends from Gig Harbor. We did paddleboarding and a sunset cruise and Jerry went snorkeling with the turtles. I was so disappointed I couldnt go too but still could not wear a shoe let alone a tight fin. We tried some lovely restaurants and all in all it was a great getaway from all the work and hassles of moving. I did remember that my hair is a big limp mess with the humidity so forgive me in these photos.
I guess I was fantasizing about a romantic honeymoon and a celebration of actually making it to 30 yrs. For Jerry is seemed to be more about returning to where he has the best memories of his flying career. Long layovers in paradise...needless to say we both came away a tad bit disappointed but happy to have made the trip and endlessly relaxed without guilt.
Aloha!

Sunset cruise 

I think this needs to be made in fabric!

Watching the sunset from the best chair ever!

Best glass beach EVER!

Amazing surfing, kiteboarding, and windsailing spot

Fine dining!

Ta Da! The progress of our pool~

These three photos are of the pool in the dirty phase when we first arrived.

You would not believe all the black widows that were living in the jet holes.

These are after they removed the plaster...a very white powdery day for all.

These are the men pebbletecing the sides. What a science!

Done plastering and letting it dry 

Fill er up!! Woohoo!

Finally done...and how many shots did Gracie manage to get herself in?!?! Look hard she is quick! lol