Traveling In Style
By Marisa | April 24, 2008
When Brian decided to go to Hawaii to work, it was kind of sudden. He had less than a full week to decide, pack and go. That’s fast. I’m not sure where most of our luggage had gone over the past year but all I could find that quickly was MY luggage. So guess what Brian took with him? Yep. My luggage.
We both agreed that I’d keep my eyes open for good deals on new luggage but I just can’t seem to find what I want. I did see a Delsey carry on that might work but I was hoping to buy a two piece set rather than each piece separately. I’m trying to do this as economically as possible.
I think the carryon is the biggest challenge. I need to have a place for my laptop but it also has to double as an overnight case since I’ve ended up in Hawaii without my main suitcase - and a change of clothes - before. There is no way I want to go through that again!
I’m sure I’ll find the right luggage eventually. I’m just getting excited, planning for this trip.
Topics: Travel | No Comments »
My Day Is Coming
By Marisa | April 24, 2008
It’s almost Mother’s Day. Every year for Mother’s Day in May and for my birthday in November, I do a few things just for me. For one, I color my hair. Yes, I do that twice each year. I now have about two dozen gray hairs so I think I may have to start color a little more often than every 6 months, though.
I also get my first and last pedicure of the season on these two dates. The timing works out well and I’m really looking forward to my pedicure next month. I try to be good to my inside health, too, so I make sure to do a colon cleanse every May and November, combined with a cleansing fast.
In 2001, I got my first and only tattoo as a Mother’s Day gift to myself but I have no plans to do that again. Some years I buy makeup or tech gadgets, too. This year, I’m keeping it simple.
Topics: Life | No Comments »
Window Dressing
By Marisa | April 23, 2008
Boomer and I stopped at the store yesterday, on the way home from school, to look at new curtains for his room. We didn’t find curtains that either of us liked but I did find these interesting roller shades that I’m going to try.
The shades were all one size but the box claims that they’re very easy to cut down to size. Most interesting was that they hang without any extra hardware. They’re sticky! I’d never seen shades like that. I don’t know how well they’ll stick or stay up, but I figured it was worth a shot.
So I bought two shades and I’m going to hang them in my bedroom. I have nice draperies in there but the sheers underneath are old and should be replaced. If these shades stick and stay, I may just toss the sheers.
Topics: Home Decor | No Comments »
Now I’m Angry
By Marisa | April 22, 2008
This past weekend was very busy, at least for me. I’m happiest when I’m laid back, coming and going when I please, with no schedules or time frame. This weekend wasn’t like that at all. That’s okay; it’s good to do something different now and then.
The thing is, I didn’t have a lot of time to blog more than a paragraph or two here and there. I didn’t have time to sit down and really delve into any topic. For some reason, with everything going on around me, I kept getting these ideas for great blog posts. All the while I kept thinking that come Tuesday, when everyone was off to school doing their own things, I would sit down to blog these great topic ideas.
Except now that it’s Tuesday and I’m the only two legged animal in the house, I can’t remember a single idea from this weekend.
I’ve been taking this aging process in stride, resigning myself to the gray hairs popping up and the wrinkled skin sagging down. The memory issues, though, are just beyond what I’m able to accept. Either give me my youthful appearance or return my brain to its former brilliance. No fair taking both.
And now I’m going to sit and think. And hope I don’t nod off.
Topics: Life | 2 Comments »
Health Insurance
By Marisa | April 21, 2008
When I was a kid, the labor unions were strong, the coal and steel industries were booming and health insurance was a given. We seldom went to the doctor, though; it was enough to know that we could if necessary.
Everything is different today. More and more people have no health care coverage. I’ve searched for health insurance online and found some good prices. It’s important to research Health Insurance Rates before making a decision. The prices really vary widely.
I know that most people look to the government to “fix” the problem with health care. I don’t believe it’s the government’s place to fix it, though. In fact, I just don’t understand why everyone looks to the government to solve all our problems. Hasn’t it occurred to anyone that the government may be the reason for the problems in the first place? Perhaps the best thing our government can do is nothing.
Topics: Health | No Comments »
Watch Over Me
By Marisa | April 20, 2008
One of the biggest eye openers for me has been that TV show where the professional thieves break into a home to prove to the homeowner how non secure their house really is. The eye opener is that dogs aren’t the best way to go.
My dog, Belle, is a gentle American Pit Bull Terrier but she is a little territorial. Mostly, she barks when anyone passes by the house and she goes ballistic when they approach the doors. I can’t imagine anyone coming near the house without those inside knowing. But what about when we’re not here? I’m not sure she would attack anyone for just entering the house. She would have to sense that one of us might be in danger.
I’ve done some research into various security systems and I’m going to talk to my husband about them. I doubt many people, no matter how desperate they are for whatever is in this house, would take a chance with Belle in here but you never know. An additional ademco security method might be in order. I’m sure Belle won’t be offended and I know I’ll feel safer, especially with my husband traveling for work. Now, to work out the cost.
Topics: Life | 1 Comment »
Not Alone
By Marisa | April 20, 2008
I guess when you’ve been there, you kind of understand.
My good friends are going through a situation right now with their kids that I’ve experienced. They’re doing what I did and what so many other parents do. They’re keeping quiet, between themselves. They’re not talking to others about it because it’s just too painful or because they think it makes them look like bad parents.
When your child needs drug treatment the last thing you want to do is let others know about it. And yet, the best thing you can do is let others know about it. You’d be surprised how many people have been through what you are experiencing. You’d be even more surprised at how powerful prayer can be when a community comes together to support you.
I’m going to call my friends. Please pray that the right words come out of my mouth.
Topics: Addiction | No Comments »
Have Hammer, Will Travel
By Marisa | April 19, 2008
No way! That was my first thought when my husband made his request today. He called to tell me about the job he’s doing and the wonderful weather. He mentioned again that he’ll be there long enough for me to fly over at least once, maybe twice, this year. Sounds good; I love Hawaii.
And then he told me that when I come over, I should leave a little extra room in my suitcase for (are you ready for this?) a few of his air tools! No kidding. He wants me to leave out some of my favorite sun dresses and sandals so I can haul air tools to Hawaii? Is he serious?
You realize, of course, that it isn’t going to happen, right? My memory is getting really flaky with age so that’s one thing that I’m going to forget to pack. SHHHH! Don’t tell him.
Topics: Travel | No Comments »
Springtime Fix Up
By Marisa | April 19, 2008
When we remodeled/renovated/rebuilt our house, I got to pick out most of the details. Things like light fixtures and faucets were my department. The choices were huge - paring it down was quite a job! All in all, I think I did a good job.
The one thing that Brian did insist upon was that we have marble bathroom vanities in every bathroom. My mom’s bathroom has a fomica top, which is nice, but I have to admit that I really like the marble much better. Except that I’d like to change the color of my main bathroom and I’m not quite sure I can afford it. I haven’t priced marble vanity tops for over 15 years so I have no idea what the prices are now.
Looks like I’ll have to do some research. If the cost is low enough, I may be able to spring for ceramic tile on the floor, too!
Topics: Home Decor | No Comments »
Rethinking The Age Thing
By Marisa | April 19, 2008
Looked in the mirror this morning and saw wrinkles. A LOT of wrinkles. They’re not just around my eyes now, they’re on my cheeks, too. And my face is sagging.
So I’m trying to remind myself of all the good things about growing older. For example, I’m not as gullible as I was 20 years ago. I’m almost eligible for AARP, too. They have great discounts on travel, so that’s definitely good. And even though my body aches more now, I’ll consider medicare advantage, too.
The best thing about getting older, of course, is grandkids. Naturally, you need your kids to cooperate with you on that. I just can’t think of anything about being young that is as wonderful as having a grandchild.
Okay, the wrinkles are worth it. End of discussion.
Topics: Beauty | No Comments »
