Through The Tulips Words of 'Wiz'dom

August 30, 2009

Changing Patterns

Filed under: Life — gardener @ 1:11 pm

I’ve decided that I’m going to try to better utilize the time I’ve been given in a day and attempt to get up earlier in the mornings. Granted, I don’t get up ‘late’, but I”m definitely not a morning person, so I’m going to attempt 6:30 in the morning. It’s not going to be easy, especially since I actually need to concentrate on work, but I think it will help me haul more out of my day

I’ve got to be up at 4:45 to get Marcel off to work, and then hopefully I can sleep until 6:30 and see what I can get accomplished. My ‘to do’ list seems to be growing faster than I’m checking things off, and there has to be a way to sort that out.

Life is good though. I’m feeling a little melancholy this evening, a little out of the loop with many things, but this too shall pass. It’s all part of finding balance in everything.

August 29, 2009

Remembering Katrina- 4 Years Later

Filed under: In the Neighborhood,Life,Sands of Time — gardener @ 11:56 am

I don’t think I’ll ever forget when I heard on the news that Hurricane Katrina was expected to make landfall in New Orleans. Anyone from the Coastal area knew that a Category 3 hurricane had the potential to wipe out New Orleans if the levy’s broke, but here was Katrina, the monster storm headed towards New Orleans, almost assuring that the New Orleans that so many knew and loved would be no more.

Sometime or another before making landfall, Katrina turned, with the Mississippi Gulf Coast as her landfall target. As she made landfall, she literally obliverated the Mississippi Gulf Coast, taking almost everything in her path with her, including many historical homes that had survived during the devastating 1969 storm, Hurricane Camille.

By this time, I no longer lived on the Gulf Coast, but I watched Fox News and cried as I heard stories about the Coast that I know and love being ‘wiped out’, and the levys breaking in New Orleans, flooding part of the French Quarter and the lower 9th ward. Even though I grew up a short 15 minute ride from the beach, my parents moved inland after we graduated high school, and now live close to an hour from the beach I spent so much time at growing up.

I had limted cell phone contact with my parents, but enough to know that they, along with my brother and his family had made it through the storm without any damage, but the same wasn’t true for so many others. So many had lost everything, and I do mean everything, walking away with the clothes on their backs and llittle more.

Anyone who was on the Coast during the time has a Katrina story. I have videos, and I have a book, neither of which I’ve ever been able to watch or look at in their entirety because I just can’t stand to see that much dispair, devastation and pain. I’ve heard stories, many stories from family and friends, of how they made it through the storm, and the stories never cease to amaze me at the power of the human spirit.

It wasn’t until a year later that I actually visited the coast with Marcel, and I remember driving down Highway 90 and realizing that the news reports and the articles had been nothing compared to what I was seeing at that moment, and it was a year later. I couldn’t and still can’t wrap my head around the days after the storm, and what the people of the Gulf Coast and of New Orleans had to endure. I do know for certain that what we saw on the news, doesn’t even come close to showing us the real story.

Katrina did show us the power of the human spirit, as people the world over came to the aid of those in need. Even as I type this and the tears are streaming down my face, I know that in spite of the evil in the world, that good always prevails, and hope is a powerful thing.

Many have been able to rebuild their lives when they were left with little more than hope, a sure sign that with hope anything is possible. Four years later, there are still those who are struggling to find their way, to rebuild their lives, but progress is being made. If you visit the Coast for the first time today, you may not notice much evidence that Katrina ever practically destroyed everything, but for those of us who have made the Coast or New Orleans our home- we know.

We may be moving forward, but we’ll never forget.

August 25, 2009

My Biggest Fan

Filed under: Inspiration,Life — gardener @ 12:02 pm

You may think that this entry is going to be about Marcel or one of my True Blues, but in fact this is about none other than Me, Myself, and I.   Over the  years I’ve learned that I can’t depend on other people to always be on the sidelines cheering for and supporting me, and that while their approval and encouragement is great, it isn’t necessary for my success, because I have learned to be my own biggest fan, cheering for me when I know I need a boost.

That doesn’t say that those who are there for me are any less important, because I value their love, friendship and support, but loving yourself and learning to give to yourself as well as giving to others, is important.

It’s a lesson I’m glad I learned.

August 24, 2009

Gratitude List

Filed under: Gratitude — gardener @ 12:17 pm

Since I forgot it in the previous entry- I wanted to take a moment out of this day and reflect on a few of the things I’m grateful for today. May this encourage or inspire you to do the same, and if you wish- feel free to share a few things you’re grateful for in comments.

My Gratitude List for August 24, 2009.

Today I’m Grateful For:

  • Meeting the goals that I’ve set for myself today and recognizing that I need to write a specific goal plan, rather than allowing it to swim in my head.  Seeing it on paper will help me achieve those goals.
  • Spending part of the afternoon with Bobbi, whom I’ve missed seeing.
  • My favorite tuna steaks being on sale.
  • Easy days in the kitchen, otherwise known as minimal cooking due to warmer weather.
  • Marcel, for not only washing the whites today, but also for hanging them on the line to dry.

Striking Balance

Filed under: Life — gardener @ 12:13 pm

This morning, after grocery shopping and in between work assignments, I had an email from my friend Bobbi that her morning plans had been canceled. Since I was in the process of putting away groceries at the time I saw her message, I decided to give her a call and see if she felt like popping over for a visit, since it had been what seemed like forever since I’d seen her, and I know she missed me. haha Actually, I missed her, and it was great to actually sit down with her and have a face-to-face chat as opposed to sending Facebook or email messages.

During her visit, I received email from two different contractors, with work for me to do. Once she left, I got busy with the assignments and completed the goal that I set for myself today with time to spare. One of my deadlines is in two days, and the other, which is a more complex assignment in some ways is due at the end of the week, with more work from both contractors upon completion of these projects.

What I did decide, is that I’m going to have to generate some sort of list so I can keep up with what I need and when I need it, so that I don’t get consumed in work and forget about everything else. After all, I am still searching to find that balance, and I do believe that the list will help in doing just that.

I don’t want to neglect my journals, and I also don’t want to neglect my interpersonal relationships, as my friends and family mean everything to me.

So tell me, how do you find balance in your life? Right now, I think I’m doing pretty well, but I still have a few things to scratch off my ‘to-do’ list before Marcel comes home from work in a half hour.

Guess that means I’d better get busy, and in the meantime, spill the beans. How do you find and keep balance in your life without losing sanity?

Knowledge is Power

Filed under: Life,Techy — gardener @ 12:06 pm

Those of you who have known me any amount of time know how much I love to learn, and one of my absolute favorite things about todays technology is that attending university has broadened the horizons of what attending school really is. Rather than sitting in a actual classroom at specific times, online universties are allowing students to complete their degrees in virtual classrooms, from the comfort of their own homes.

My friend Michelle and I were recently having a conversation about education. She had been considering her Masters at an organizational development university which offers her the benefits of fitting classes into her already busy schedule, allowing her to complete her Masters degree much faster than she would if attending a traditional university.

She’d been considering her Masters in Organizational development at Gonzaga University, and the site has proven invaluable with information regarding her chosen path, and feel that she would have more long term career options if she’d instead persue her Masters in Organizational Leadership. She appreciates the challenge that this online university brings, plus the diverseness of the students in the virtual classrooms which offer many different perspectives to the mix, and thinks it would be the best option for her educational persuits. After looking at the site myself, I can see she’s right, and finds me with the desire to once again go back to university and learn.

August 23, 2009

Cold Water

Filed under: Gratitude,Life — gardener @ 7:15 am

Well, I checked my bathwater and I was right- it’s cold. I’m adding a little more right now and am headed off for a swim in the tub, followed by catching up with emails, and thinking about what I’m going to be eating this evening for dinner. Once I get all that done- I’ll be ready to catch up with Survivor.

Whatever you find yourself doing today- Make sure you have fun!

My Gratitude List for August 23, 2009.

Today I’m Grateful For:

  • Marcel for taking out the trash and mailing a letter for me.
  • A day of rest and catching up.
  • The smell of fall in the air.
  • OPI nail polish.
  • My new job.

Seasons

Filed under: Life,Shop til ya Drop — gardener @ 7:10 am

I’ve been thinking quite a bit about Autumn. Even though the temps are still somewhat warm, I have noticed a different type of ‘cool’ in the evening air. There is a crispness about it, that is the sign that Autumn is coming. I’ve noticed that boots have hit the store shelves, and I’ve been eying a really cute leather and plaid pair. Marcel told me to buy them, but I don’t know. I’m hesitant. I haven’t tried them on, because I know if they look cute, I’ll indulge. I’ve also been thinking about a pair of Danskos for walking. They look comfortable, and they would keep my feet warm when I’m out walking in the winter. Decisions, decisions.

What is your favorite thing about Autumn/Winter? I am definitely not a fan of the shorter daylight hours, but I do love the temps, soups, and the colors of Fall. I even like the nakedness of Winter. Every season has it’s own unique beauty.

Finding Balance

Filed under: Life — gardener @ 7:04 am

As I mentioned earlier in the week, life has taken a really busy turn for me, so my time to blog has diminished somewhat. Unfortunately with that also went the time that I have to read blogs, but never fear, once I find myself more in a routine, I am sure I can strike a balance and keep up with everything again. Plus before I know it, Autumn will be here, and that will mean more time inside, although as long as I can, I’m hoping to keep walking and/or bike riding until it gets too cold for either. I’m sure once I see the first patch of ice, the biking will be out the window, since the idea of being sprawled flat on my face after hitting a patch of ice isn’t very appealing, but the walking I plan to continue throughout the winter months.

One great thing about this new writing career I’ve embarked on, is the fact that while I eat regular meals, I am too busy to think about grabbing a little snack here and there, which means this job could possibly be better than any weight loss pills. Granted, I haven’t been taking any pills in the first place, aside from vitamins and fish oil, but the scales are inching downward. Now if I can get back into a consistent work out routine, life will be complete.

Ode to OPI

Filed under: Things I Love — gardener @ 6:22 am

You may remember me mentioning in a previous entry about how I was attempting this experiment with a bottle of OPI nail polish that Samantha had left me when she headed home from her trip here. I’d worn it on my toes for more than a month, without it chipping or peeling, and ended up adding another coat just to cover the end where my nails had grown a smidge longer. I have always had a huge problem with polish staying on my nails for more than a day without chipping or peeling, which is why you never see me wearing nail polish because I can’t stand to keep it on once it starts chipping or peeling. I find that wearing it when it’s chipped or peeling looks a little ‘ghetto’ and personally feel if you don’t have time to keep it looking fresh, then don’t wear it.

Granted, I’m not trying to step on anyones toes here, but giving my own personal opinion as to how I feel about it. Call it one of my little pet peeves. I painted my nails with the bottle I had and it passed the test with flying colors. I finally removed it two days ago, after being on a week. A WEEK, and there were two spots that the polish had chipped, that I could see if I looked closely, but that the average person wouldn’t see unless they were literally inspecting my nails.

I decided on Friday, in order to celebrate my new found employment, plus to celebrate that 2 pounds not too long ago, that I would buy not one, but two bottles. Now if I could just remember where I’d seen it. Generally OPI isn’t sold in stores, but strictly a salon product, but I knew of one place I’d seen it, but for the life of me couldn’t remember exactly. As it turned out, the store that I thought sold it wasn’t the one, but it was one just around the corner.

Marcel stood outside (which is a good thing because he may have fainted at the price), while I took a peek at their collection. I decided on two from their winter “Spain” collection, all of which can be seen on the OPI website. I chose Pamplona Purple, and also No Spain No Gain. Pamplona Purple is just what the title says- purple. Somewhat of an eggplant color, and while I wasn’t sure about purple for nail polish, I know that purple is one of the ‘in’ colors for fall, so I figured why not. (I’m wearing it now, and while it did take me a little getting use to, I like it.) No Spain No Gain is a deeper pinkish/ reddish color, berry color. I haven’t tried it yet, but I know I’m going to love it. You can see both colors on the sites front page, as all the new colors from the Spain collection are listed.

Miss C. , I think it’s time you went out and bought yourself a bottle. You deserve it, so treat yourself girly, and of course come back and tell me what you chose. I loved the Ate Berries in the Canaries and the Pink Flamenco, both of which reminded me of you with your sparkly pink self. I also like the Barefoot in Barcelona, maybe because I just like the name and wish I was walking barefoot in Barcelona, or maybe because I think it would be a great neutral color to wear from time to time. It may be next, although I doubt it. I love ‘color’ too much.

So as I predicted, the OPI passed the nail test with flying colors (no pun intended haha) and even though it’s a bit on the pricy side, when you want to have long lasting polish, it’s worth it.

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