Strickly Southern

Sunday Sun Spot

noreply@blogger.com (Pattie) — Sun, 12 Feb 2012 21:11:00 +0000

It might be cold outside but the pups are in their usual spot - on the sun.

Everyone Has A Story

noreply@blogger.com (Pattie) — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 04:09:00 +0000

I spent today remembering that other people have wonderfully happy, sad, tragic stories. Wonderful stories that helped me realize and remember that mine isn't so bad in the grand scheme of things. It just seems like it to me - because it's my story. I, like everyone else, tend to get so wrapped up in my own story that I forget that there are people out there struggling with their own issues - whether they're sad or happy or emotional or physical.

I attended a workshop on building relationships in the workplace, within different cultures, within the different groups or categories we all label ourselves as a part of. Race, religion, family origins, sex, where you grew up, family dynamics and structure, economics, body type, parent, and so forth.

So many different stories were shared. The almost 60 year old black man who feels pushed aside by his family because he is getting older and they don't respect what he says, that he is the patriarch of the family. The 25 year old single black mother of two children who is so well educated and was held hostage as a teenager, along with her new baby, by her drunken father after a family death. A bi-sexual woman who believes that it is no one's business what she does with anyone. A married woman who has tried for five years to become pregnant and it just doesn't work, for no reason. The 50ish white woman who holds herself apart from the crowd and doesn't embrace interactions with others. The stories were wonderful and gut wrenching and shared openly with the group.

I couldn't do it though. It was too emotional - the one thing I hate to express in front of people I don't know. Even happiness. Because I knew that I would tear up and become vulnerable. It was a question, a fill in the blank: I am proud to be ___________. People were proud to be mothers and fathers and grandparents, Christians, black, a teacher. Well, I'll say it here: I am proud to be a sister to an amazing brother.

Today I learned about other peoples stories. I remembered that I'm not alone in my struggles. I laughed and I cried. I saw people I wanted to emulate and people I need to be aware that I could be too much like. Aware to be able to stop it in time. So, Pattie, take a minute to remember that all isn't as it seems at first glance. That people have their own stories. To look at things differently and from all angles. And it's ok to open up and be vulnerable in front of people.

Think I Could Pull it Off?

noreply@blogger.com (Pattie) — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 21:33:00 +0000

I'm thinking of going to this color - or something similar. Think I could pull it off?! My complection might be a little too red for it to be a good look for me.

Here

Southern Girl

noreply@blogger.com (Pattie) — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 21:05:00 +0000

I've been pinterst-ing a lot today. By the way, this is my 300 post!!!!

New Obsession: Oilcloth

noreply@blogger.com (Pattie) — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 00:06:00 +0000

I think I have a new obsession. Oilcloth. For the dinning room table. This is what I've found so far and I like these but am not totally sold on them yet. Thoughts?


Via

Via


Via

Via

The first one has almost all of my colors. The second one is just lovely, because I like green (which is missing elsewhere in the house) and includes the blue/turquoise that is in the kitchen. The third one is lovely, but it may be too much purple as the walls are purple as well. The fourth one is nice but will probably be the first to be knocked out of the options. Can you have too much of the same color? Think I'm leaning towards the second one. If history is correct, it's probably the most expensive one. Let me check...

Well, it's not the most expensive at $15/yard, but it's super wide at 55 inches, which is what I need for my table. Must think this through for a while!

Looking Forward to 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Pattie) — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 23:24:00 +0000

I've never been one to call into favorite shows or make a big deal out of "celebs" and have always ~~stive strived~~ ~~strove~~ tried to treat all people the same - whether a gazillion people would recognize them or if I couldn't pick them out of a line up the next day. That makes me sound like I run across a known person on a daily basis, which is no way the case. But in my former lives, it was known to happen somewhat regularly. Meaning maybe one or twice a year.

So when Gina (of the Pretty Good Podcast) posted on her FB page: "What has 2011 been like for you? what was the biggest up? what was the biggest down? what do you hope to change / improve in the new year? what do you wanna leave behind?" I decided to respond. Why? you might ask. Well, it was that time of year that you start reflecting and bashing and projecting and planning, so why not put it out there for others to read and possibly comment upon. I've always said that the PGP folks were the best friends I've never met, and in many cases, this is true. A lot of the issues they discuss are the same issues that I have - family, friends, finances, etc. I don't always agree with what is said or what is done, but it gives me a different prespective and makes me think.

This was my email to the show:

G, R & E -

(I just read through this email before sending it & realized that it's a little long. Sorry about that. Just consider it my form of therapy.)

My worse let down in 2011 is that I was still not able to get pregnant. I've been trying since 2007. But that's depressing, so let's think about that in 2012, Scarlett. A friend and I sat down over this past weekend (with Oliver! playing in the background. I still like Great Expectations better - new movie out next year!) to list out our bucket lists for 2012. My first draft:

1-try for baby again

2-get a new job that doesn't frustrate me daily
3-make a quilt
4-clean out garage
5-take a solo vacation
6-visit family at least once a month
7-take a mud bath
8-attend at least 1 midnight movie premier
9-read at least 1 book a month
10-complete a vision board
11-get another tattoo
12-attend 3 cultural events

This list, while nothing special, took me forever to put together because all I could think of were things that I needed to do (i.e. chores). And you see that cleaning out the garage is still listed. It was really tough for me to focus on the specifics of ME & what I think is important and what I thought I couldn't continue to postpone. Maybe I should add "focus on my needs." It's just a mess. I think revisions are in order.

My 2012 list is very different than my 2011 list, which I like much better. Hmm, I think I might have gotten some of these from ya'll at some point.

1-work stronger, not longer

2-participate in communal activities to establish connections with others

3-sacrifice my (so-called) cool for fun

4-don't skip meals/eat less/one meal at a time
5-stop dreaming/start doing
6-use electronics to stay organized/use and keep less paper
7-be an active listener and participate in discussions/don't be afraid to speak out and express thoughts, ideas and concerns
8-escape the comfort zone

I found this site today: 30 Things to Stop Doing to Yourself. While this sounds a little dirty, I know a lot of people that could relate to a lot of the list. Each one includes a bit of reasoning, so take a moment to read through them once or twice. This might be the ultimate list! The site followed the Stop Doing list with a Start Doing list, which is a the same list, just different wording (don't/start). I guess they're catering to those positive people. Hmm, maybe I should put that on my list for 2012 too - "be more positive." (Just to be clear, I do not have any connection to this site at all.)

Well, that's it. Probably not what you were looking for, but it was actually very beneficial for me to think it all though - so thanks! I look forward to hearing about your year and your wishes for the new year.

Thank you for all that you do for your listeners,

Pattie

PS - I didn't expect you to try the moonshine on #600 - such pressure! I hope it wasn't toooo bad.

You can listen to show #604 to hear R&G's comments. I guess I need to make a new tab up there at the top of the page. While I'm putting this up for 2012, I'm also going to keep the Non-Resolutions for 2011 up there. Then I think I need to focus and put together my "final" list. At what point is it too late into the year to finish putting together your goals for the year?

Random Updates

noreply@blogger.com (Pattie) — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 01:19:00 +0000

Bulleted updates seem to work well for me, so here we go...

My mother is getting closer to knee surgery. I think she's in denial with the whole thing, especially what the recovery time will be. She's really defensive when I try to talk about it.
For whatever reason, today was the day that I contacted a League friend for adoption advice. Haven't heard back yet. It's been 30 minutes. She'll respond. Right? Stay focused! I've started doing some online research and an independent adoption seems the way to go. You spread the word to the entire world then hope that someone that you know knows someone who knows someone who is looking to put their child(ren) up for adoption. Then a lawyer finalizes everything. It's sure it's super easy. Not.
My SMC group in ATL got together Sunday. A huge crowd! So many thinkers and tryers in one place. It was great to see so much knowledge sharing going on. One person announced that she was 9 weeks pregnant but we got the email today that she lost the baby. She's one of the group leaders, like me, so I know her a little better. There was another there with her adopted 10 week old son. She was new to the group. Willing to talk about the process, etc. Which is great, even though I can't remember her name.
In case you missed it, I did go to the family Thanksgiving gathering. Didn't say much to my mother and what I did say, I think went completely over her head or she didn't connect the dots. Tried to stay away from the new little ones, but wasn't completely successful at it. Thankfully it was a nice day so many people were outside.
My personal deadline of finding another job by the end of the year seems to be a deadline that will need to be extended. I should have started looking earlier than August. A little ridiculous. But I'm trying to stay positive. I'm in a different frame of mind now than I was even a week ago. Not sure what changed. Nothing has changed, so I'm not sure what is causing my mental well being. I've done a lot of shopping, which I'm convinced gives you endorphins. Maybe that's it. Course, that will change when the bills starts coming in.
So, should I FB friend THE neighbor boy?

Holiday Gifting

noreply@blogger.com (Pattie) — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 23:45:00 +0000

This year I'm rocking the holiday gifting! I've tried to think a little out of my usual gift box and have some up with some good things. So here goes:

For brother:

In addition to the gift cards he wants - mostly restaurants - he's also getting this:

I made it, so I'm sure he'll not like it! I purchased all of the items from Hobby Lobby.

For Mama:

She actually came up with 3 or 4 things, which is astounding because she hardly ever comes up with more that 1 thing (and that's with pulling and prodding her to come up with something): 2 nightgowns and 2 Terry Kay books. She also needs more socks, but we're going to the Sock Shoppe in Griffin after Christmas, so we'll hook her up there!

Joseph and I visited Etsy and got a few random things that he picked out:

via

Don't Let Things Expire

noreply@blogger.com (Pattie) — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 14:48:00 +0000

Here

So I started on my version of these last night. I'm out of thread, so all I could really do was pick out some matching scrap fabrics, iron them and draw out my circles. I also don't have a good pair of scissors yet, so I couldn't cut it out either. I did manage to find a spare key ring - something you have too many of until you need one and then you can't find one.

Today I've found two new blog sites so far:

On the way to lunch yesterday, I was pulled over by the state patrol. The guy was very nice when he told me that my car tag was 2 months expired. I had completely forgotten, which much have been very noticeable since he gave me a warning and sent me on my way. After lunch, I spent $164 updating my car tag, in taxes and late fees. Yay. There goes some gifts.

Thanksgiving Work Week

noreply@blogger.com (Pattie) — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 14:10:00 +0000

Traditionally, the Thanksgiving holiday work week - especially when your work revolves around students who are gone - is a time for socializing, purchasing gifts online, playing bridge (per my mother), finding new and exciting blogs to follow (and writers/crafters/people that you wish you could be more like), Googling yourself and deciding if you want to send out holiday cards this year.

I am living up to this tradition this week for sure, but I'm also working, I'll have you know! Today I'll:

write letters to and order holiday cards for our planned gift donors
start the holiday party RSVP list
finalize the holiday party menu
fine tune the scholarship application
put together a list of all scholarship recipients for the golf tournament next year

I love to do lists! Maybe I'll also update my to do lists.

I have lunch plans every day this week - Mama yesterday, Sukh today and Clodagh tomorrow. I have started my holiday gift giving by purchasing moonshine and a magazine subscription for Gina and Randy. My goal this year is to find things that are interesting and different. Mama and Joseph crushed the DIY gifts for the most part, so I need to find something them as well as make/find something for:

Sukh
Christy
Melanie
Clodagh
Brittnay (temp worker)
Krystle (student worker)
Katherine, Collin, Thomas
Bobbie and Beverly

So many of these folks have supported me over the past few years and I know that I can't really thank them enough for it, a nice holiday gift will have to do. Etsy maybe?

I found several new blogs so far that will enter into my rotation:

I need to remember to ask Katherine how she catalogs her blogs that she reads.

I'm also trying a new thing. Christy suggested that I eat 15-25 grams of carbs every 2 hours, in addition to breakfast, lunch and dinner. Do you know how much eating that is? I've had to set alarms on my phone to remind me. Yesterday after lunch, all I could think of was having to make myself eat again in 2 hours. It's hard to eat that often! But the dogs are loving it because I have a lot of carrots in the fridge now!

Right on, Martha Washington

noreply@blogger.com (Pattie) — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 18:18:00 +0000

Source: Uploaded by user via Katherine on Pinterest

Neighbor Katherine just posted this on Facebook via Pinterest. It's something to keep in mind, even though it's hard. Be thankful for what you have vs. what you don't or wish you had.

Thanks huge bunches to Neighbor Katherine for posting this. I really needed it and, just maybe, it has put me in a better frame of mind. The wonders of great people and Pinesterst never cease to amaze me.

On another note, I think I remember my genealogy loving father say that we were kin to Martha Washington somehow. I knew my family was smart! I'll have to go back over the holidays and look through his family charts and things.

noreply@blogger.com (Pattie) — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 14:42:00 +0000

It's been slowly dawning on me lately that my lack of thinking and planning when I was younger is affecting what I can and can not do or accomplish now that I'm an adult. And it seems like everyone else has already thought and done things I'm just now figuring out. It's like I'm 10 years behind everyone else. And I've always heard that you can't compare yourself to others, but if you don't, how do you learn from others and know how to make your own decisions? I've always put in just enough effort to get by and finish. I've never strived for more or to do better because I didn't see the whole picture. Want to get into grad school? Get good grades in undergrad. Want to get pregnant? Do it early (or have enough money to buy it). Want to have a better job? Find your happiness and have a marketable skill.

This is the season of Thanksgiving and a time when you are supposed to be grateful for what you have. And I try to do this - health, family, a home, etc. - but I guess I'm a glass half empty kind of person. I am healthy - even though my female parts don't work. I have a healthy mother and brother - even though my mother is getting older and is needing more medical care. I have a home - that takes up way too much of my paycheck and makes me live from month to month. I have a job - that bores me to tears on a daily basis and I can't wait to leave. Maybe I'm just frustrated and don't know how to fix myself out of that mood. I've practically eaten nothing since my birthday (9/16) and have lost 12 pounds. I'm tired of always being hungry and feeling not right because I'm not eating ("hangry"). Yet another of my SMC friends in Atlanta is now pregnant after one IVF. I'm broke from TTCing (and the house) so I don't have enough money to try TTCing anymore (or to put gas in the car to go to the job that I hate) and am very emotional about that. I'm probably not expressing my thoughts very well here since I seem to be jumping all over the place. Is it too late to learn what others seem to have learned a long time ago? Maybe my life has been one wrong decision after another?

here

Untitled #4381 by i-do-that-too on polyvore.com

How to Roll Crust for a Blackberry Cobbler from Mama Mary

noreply@blogger.com (Pattie) — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 00:24:00 +0000

The final product:

A Recent Porch Guest

noreply@blogger.com (Pattie) — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 00:22:00 +0000

Let's Call It What It Is

noreply@blogger.com (Pattie) — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 13:56:00 +0000

We are very literal in my family. If the bathroom is painted pink, we call it the pink bathroom. In this case, it's a new kind of pink (from the old pink), but still pink none-the-less. Here's a redo that my mother did on the pink bathroom in her house.

Of course, we don't have before pictures or during construction pictures because we never remember to take them and I can't get my mother to purchase a digital camera. The mirror and pictures aren't on the walls yet, but that will be the final thing to do. I should take a pic of the sink because it is the smallest sink I've ever seen. The room is rather small and it needed to fit into a space no larger than 12-13 inches wide. I'll try to remember to take a picture when I go home next.

Guess Who's 70?!

noreply@blogger.com (Pattie) — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 16:31:00 +0000

Well, not yet. I just realized that my mother will be 70 next May. That's HUGE! So, of course, I've gotta get started thinking about what we want to do for her birthday. If it was up to her, we probably wouldn't do anything. However, she'll be 70!!!!! First thing I want to do is something like this:

I hope that I can get a lot of participants! Fingers crossed. Now for the celebration part: where? when? who? surprise or no? Hmmm, the possibilities!

TGIF

noreply@blogger.com (Pattie) — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 12:19:00 +0000

I just couldn't do it today. Work, I mean. It's cold, I have absolutely no warm clothing*, I'm tired, I'm hungry and I have cramps. I'm taking a personal day!

On another note, I put together my new table last night and can't wait to figure out if I want to paint or stain. Staining is more than one step, right? Maybe I'll paint. Maybe I'll leave it as is for a while til I figure out what I want to do.

*When I say that I don't have warm clothing, I mean I have 2 pairs of pants that are ok for work but no top that thick/warm. Evening layering will not work now - that's always been my go to look for cold weather. Also, when the tights say 'One Size,' that does not mean that they are tall enough for someone 6'3".

Holiday Gifts (Stocking Stuffers)

noreply@blogger.com (Pattie) — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 20:21:00 +0000

Since I'm now looking for homemade gift ideas for M&J from me (and for M from J), I've been searching the web. While this list isn't what I was looking for, it includes some great stocking stuffer ideas. I found the list on Jenna's Journey, a new blog to me that I'll have to delve into a little more at a later time. She's had so many requests for the re-posting of her list that she made a cute sidebar pic, but I'll just put it here:

Anyway, here's her list. It covers everyone! (I did take out any personal notes she had included & fixed a few spelling oops.)

1. $5 gift cards (Starbucks, McDonalds, Amazon, Borders etc).
2. A favorite candy (my mom always got us those plastic candy canes filled with M&M's)
3. Decorative cupcake liners
4. A favorite magazine
5. Camera strap cover
6. Packets of flower or herb seeds for planting
7. Personalized stationary
8. Slipper socks
9. Silly putty
10. Rubber coated paddle attachment for a mixer
11. Monogrammed iPhone Case
12. Nail polishes
13. Sharpie Pens
14. Chapstick
15. Hair bands
16. Small crosswords puzzle book
17. Crayons
18. Body wash
19. Piggy Bank with coins
20. Personalized M&M's that say Merry Christmas
21. Clip on book reading lamp
22. Measuring spoons or cups
23. Cute wine stopper
24. Scarf
25. Stickers
26. Monogrammed coasters (there's a great how to here)
27. Lottery tickets
28. Deck of playing cards
29. Rubix cube
30. Loofa
31. Hair clips
32. Cuticle set
33. Jewelry
34. Batteries
35. Cooking extracts - vanilla, mint, orange etc.
36. Mittens
37. Scented candles
38. Bookmarks
39. Fishing lures
40. Knitting or Crochet needles
41. Lotion
42. Play Dough
43. Golf tees or balls
44. Matchbox cars
45. Memory card
46. Cd's
47. Tools
48. Wash/Dish rags
49. Diaper genie refills (you laugh, but I would love those in my stocking!)
50. Specialty olive oils such as this one
51. Eyeshadow
52. Unusual pastas like this red chili linguini
53. From the Kitchen of labels like these
54. Gardening gloves
55. Tickets to the aquarium
56. Address book
57. An orange - to shape out the toe of the stocking!
58. Ice scraper
59. Small digital camera
60. A teasing comb for all the southern girls
61. Cookie cutters
62. A good book
63. Retractable ID or key holder
64. Makeup bag
65. Nice wooden spoons
66. Gift card to go see a movie
67. USB Drive
68. Small photo frames
69. Wallet
70. Personalized water bottle like this one
71. Speciality teas
72. Garden markers (for herbs etc)
73. Scented antibacterial kitchen hand soap
74. Pumice stones
75. Travel sized games (connect four, uno, etc)
76. Gourmet spice mixes
77. Small sketchbook
78. Fridge magnets
79. Stencils for crafting
80. Tickets to go see a musical performance
81. Kid paint set
82. Extra Wii controllers
83. Small calendar for your purse/backpack
84. PJ's
85. Wristlet to hold a small digital camera
86. Wine glass charms
87. Freezable teether's
88. Osis Dust It click here
89. Monogrammed onesie or tee
90. Money clip
91. Set of markers
92. Gourmet hot chocolate like this one
93. Ring holder
94. Wine aerator
95. Cufflinks
96. Pedometer
97. Personalized purse mirror like this one
98. DVD's
99. Cell phone car charger
100. Child sized harmonica
101. Luggage tags
102. Personalized coffee cup
103. Travel alarm clock
104. Baby legs
105. Personalized mom bracelet or necklace with children's birthstones
106. Perfume/Cologne
107. Speciality chocolates such as See's
108. Mini tripod
109. Cute umbrella
110. Earbuds
111. Flower bulbs
112. Monogrammed baby wipes case
113. Passport holder
114. Raw honey like this
115. Small digital picture frame
116. Webkinz
117. Snow cap
118. Digital luggage scale: here's one
119. Chalk
120. iTunes giftcard
121. Digital measuring tape
122. Bubbles
123. Watch
124. Wine thermometer
125. Tickets to the zoo
126. Speciality coffee such as this one
127. Bath toys
128. Monogrammed burp rags
129. Makeup brush set
130. Binoculars
131. Barbies
132. Child "character" flashlights
133. Jewelry box
134. Recipe cards
135. Swiss Army knife
136. Belt
137. Small lint roller
138. Key chain
139. Baby rings to attach toys to a carseat
140. Coloring book
141. Birthstone earrings
142. Throwback candy - Pez dispensers, pop rocks, nerds, fun dip.
143. Kindle
144. Scrapbooking supplies
145. Personalized fortune cookie (you can have your own message put into them)
146. Universal remote
147. Hand sanitizer
148. Silly Bandz
149. Family Christmas ornament
150. A handwritten note from Santa

Table?

noreply@blogger.com (Pattie) — Sun, 16 Oct 2011 01:44:00 +0000

It's from Ikea and only $70. Maybe I can spruce it up a little?! I'd really like a table because people are coming over at the end of the month for book club and I'm thinking they might like a place to sit. Also, as I'm a really bad neighbor, I need to invite them over for dinner one day before they move away.

However, and maybe more importantly, there is a funk smell in my living / dinning room areas and I can't for the life of me figure out where it's coming from. I thought it was the dogs, so I sent them away to visit their 2nd home, shampooed the floors and aired everything out. The funk is still here. It is a smell that I can't describe and I have nothing to compare it to.

On another note, I went to Royston today to clean the walls of a closet for my mother. She's in lets-finish-this-project-because-it's-taken-a-year-to-complete mode. We visited with some family members for a bit too, which is nice since we hardly ever see them. Even though they live a mile away from M&J. Allie has gotten a counseling job in Virginia, since Cory has joined the Coast Guard. Heather is in from Charleston for the weekend and it came up that she makes double what I do in a month. Nice. Brack wasn't there, but called several times since he lost his debit card. I'm sure he'll find it now that he's cancelled it with the bank. His mother, Colleen, says it's probably in one of the 7 couches that are in the house he shares with 3 other college boys.

J came back with me and we saw Footloose and then had dinner. I had my first bread in 6 weeks. We'll see how that goes!

After a quick run to Ikea to check out the table, we're going to a house warming tomorrow of another family member. So that should be fun!

While on Pinterest, I found this from here:

A plywood wood floor. I wonder if my version would look like this?

This has been a little all over the place, huh?!

Building Unity When You're in the Doghouse

noreply@blogger.com (Pattie) — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 22:30:00 +0000

Somehow I have been the (self?) appointed one to try to build unity among my fellow staff members at work. It goes back to my need to fix any problem that I see. Since Christy has now moved on to greener pastures (yay for her!), and since no one else volunteered, I stepped into the staff rep group chair position. Before she left, we put together a plan for the year that would hopefully start a new level of comradery. Our staff members don't really seem that interested in staff issues at the university level, so this might be a good direction for the year, right?! Get people talking about things in an open dialog, rather than gossiping and stabbing each other in the back. But how does one lead when the group probably doesn't give two figs about what I do, suggest, provide, etc. and would in no way miss me if I was gone? A group that will complain about anything, just to have something to complain about. I just need to figure out how to leap over that first hurtle - having them open to the suggestion and to the thought of "everyone just get along." Because we're all here for the same thing, right? Christy was going to provide the PR on this particular campaign - because everyone loves her - and now I'm stuck trying to change the minds of people who seem to have closed their minds to anything different a long time ago. I can plan anything. That's my thing - logistics. However, you can plan the crap out of something, but the real kicker is that the final outcome depends on the level of participation. How do you convince people to participate? Hmmm. I guess that this just proves that when I say that I'm over something, that doesn't mean that I've completely given up on it. Yet. Why is this so important to me? Is it just that I want people to get along and work well together? It is that simple? What a headache.

It Kills Me What People Have Money For

noreply@blogger.com (Pattie) — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 13:29:00 +0000

Photo from here.

Family Holiday

noreply@blogger.com (Pattie) — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 17:23:00 +0000

So over this past weekend, M&J&I decided - meaning I basically said this is what we're doing - that instead of giving each other a lot of gifts this Christmas, we would give one thing to each other. It couldn't be clothing, food or gift cards. But it has to be something handmade. M&J will go along with it. Maybe. Now that I've come up with this ~~great~~ idea, what on earth should I make? I have a feeling I'll be spending a lot of time on Pinterest in the upcoming weeks to get some ideas!

More Ponderings

noreply@blogger.com (Pattie) — Tue, 04 Oct 2011 23:21:00 +0000

How do I tell my mother I'd rather not attend the family Thanksgiving meal because I'd rather not see the new babies my cousins have had in the past year?

Does stress make you dumb(er)?

Why can't I tell that I barely had any carbs for the past 24 days?

To Halloween or to not Halloween?

How do you fix wooden chairs?

So. Anyway. Yup.

noreply@blogger.com (Pattie) — Tue, 27 Sep 2011 20:21:00 +0000

It's been 89 days since my last ~~confession~~ post.

A short recap:

Still not pregnant, even though I should be since I responded really well during the last IUI - 5-7 good eggs. Could be tube problems, but there isn't really a test for that. According to the doc, IVF needs to happen no later than December/January. IVF costs are roughly $16,500. Any ideas? Trying to stay positive.

Still at the same job. Department still an unorganized mess. Have applied for 3 others. Had 1 interview. No news is good news? Nothing promising is being posted at UGA and will have to expand horizons even more to stay with the System for another 5 years to be vested for retirement. Tired of staying positive.

Mama had cataract surgery on both eyes over the summer. Next up are both knees, but she'll probably wait until the last possible minute. Will have to work out logistics.

Decided that the Baha hearing aid really will not work for Joseph. Still need to find out if holes in ears can be repaired.

For my 37th birthday, Joseph sent me 3 emails (which he never does) and Dottie went outside without me yelling at her or pushing her out (which she never does). The next day, Joseph said sending those emails gave him a headache.

I managed to visit Charleston over the summer. Which is to say that I sat on the beach at Folly Beach all day on a Saturday and later at dinner got to know my cousin Heather better than I ever have before. We had never really talked before. She follows up that weekend by occasionally butt dialing me.

Have started 3rd Junior League year as Communications VP. MUCH less stressful than cookbook!

Am now the Secretary of the Board of the Morton Theatre.

My 3 person book club has met again this year and will again in October, with the lofty goal of 3 books.

Happy Blogoversary to Me!

noreply@blogger.com (Pattie) — Thu, 30 Jun 2011 14:57:00 +0000

First of all, a HUGE thanks to Teena in Toronto for commenting on Christy's guest blog post this morning. Otherwise, I would have completely missed my...

3rd Blogoversary!!!!

Also, I have 10 followers!!!

And I have 3682 visits!!!!

Though it's never really been my goal to have a lot of readers, because, who could I kid - I don't post that often - and I can't claim world wide readership, but I'm very thankful for these 3 years, those 10 followers and the 3682 visits.

It all started here. I can't believe what has happened since those first posts! (And what might happen in the next 3 years!)

Update (96 minutes later)
Gah - Just realized that my blogoversary cake has a number 1, not a number 3! I blame it on the Follistim ;)