My Sister from Another Mister

Not really, but it sounded good yes?

I'm a lucky girl. I don't travel in a girl-pack like the young uns do, but I have a couple of girlfriends that I adore and love to spend time with.

One of them is the lovely Reechie. I met her on the job about, OMG can it be 18 years ago??? We worked together for several years and then I quit the job to open a consignment store in my small town.

She came in with some stuff one Saturday, we had lunch, and a friendship for real started up.

Over the course of the next years we discovered that although we LOOKED as though we might not have anything in common we had the most complete and random set of things that the two of us did identically.

Our talks were always peppered with, "OMG - are you kidding me? I sort my undie drawer by type with the descending color-scheme starting with lightest to darkest too! OMG - what? You love daisies? Obsessively? OMG - you laugh like a hyena and break the sound barrier at the same time? Love you"!

Over the years we would show up at events with nearly the same thing on. And we had not talked about what we would be wearing. We would shop separately and call each other to talk about what we had bought only to find out the other had the same thing.

We had the same leather coat, the same Coach handbag. One Christmas we exchanged gifts with each other only to find out we had given the same, identical, Coach lipstick holder to each other. In red. I'm not fibbing.

When these things would happen we would start laughing in our hyena-way, attracting all kinds of looks. I love this girl!

So, this past weekend we had a girl's day and sleepover at her house. Had the loveliest time checking out holistic health stores, antique stores, and natural food stores. Then we went to her house to watch movies, drink wine, make a delicious dinner, and look at all the booty we had bought that day.

She went into her cupboard and pulled out this.

I started squealing like a little girl at a rock concert, stuttering and hollering, "OMG Reechie. I have the same freaking thing for all my damn vitamins and crap."

Can you even believe?

I'm sure all of you guys are thinking, "Why do I care about this"? and you'd be right. Maybe you have to be in our heads, but every time this happens we just stare at each other and say, "How did Mom not know she had another daughter"?

Connections are made. Friends are found. Aren't we all so lucky?

Trendspotting

Short Over Long

I've been noticing this for a while and it is definitely worth watching. What a lovely way to approach spring. Especially in this part of the country.

Euna Lee and Laura Ling

. . . Love Maegan

garance dore

Orchid Grey

Off the wall

Hot Men Friday

Real men have nummy muscles.

Quote

A dress makes no sense unless it inspires men to want to take it off you.
~Françoise Sagan

Thrifting a Go-Go

So much fun on Sunday with my darling Sarah Bella thrifting!

Yes, both of us were PAINFULLY aware that it was Valentine's Day (both Pup and the big B were pouting a bit), but HEY! It was thrifting!

Cross-body bag vintage, from Wilsons Leather, a lovely clutch with a leather rosette for my VEGAS trip - whoooo hoo!, a clutch I'm still pondering, two throw pillows in my new fav color for bedroom, and look at that scarf! It's long and lovely.

This sweater has promise - see my fav color? ;) It also has an exposed zipper in the front. I imagine this thrown in the back of Ruby for me to pull on when it's chilly riding around with no top. The Jeep peeps! Not me.

Vintage tie blouse. I swear I actually owned this blouse in 1978.

A lovely scarf and who can resist a Banana Republic tank with the tags still on it? Who?

This was waiting for me when I got home. Love it!

Valentine's Day at White Castle

Check it out. Maybe Pup and I should have rethought our steak-at-home night.

:)

My Dad Sent Me a Valentine

I thought it was from Momma Bee, but it was my dad. Oh it made my heart swell. Love you Dad! I hope you and MB are having the most wonderful day.

I'm up early on this Valentine's day, as is my want. I'm on the PC in the guest room, (Excel homework dollinks - rapture!) drinking coffee from my newish ginormous red mug, contemplating my morning shower, and should be contemplating my morning Callanetics, but love is calling to me.
How are all of you guys spending your day?

Me and Pup will have some nice steak tonight. Poor baby is working all day so my darling Sarah Bella and I are going thrifting. It will be a beautiful February day here in frigid-land, sunny and teens (want to talk about how SICK I am of my Uggs? Hmm?).

Every Feb 14 I am mostly ambivalent. It's brilliant to have love showcased and admired. I have problems with the pressure put on everyone to have the "perfect" gift, plans, flowers. I feel badly for men on this day! Oh the pouting I've seen! Oh the "dump him" comments I've heard over the years pertaining to men - mine and other's men because of this day.

Here's a new thought (ha!) - love is every day, not this day. I told Puppers, "Let's just stay home, have steak, and be cozy with our Big Love and our love. Who wants to sit in a resto with dozens of other people watching harried staff try to make special moments?

It's all good. Let's mark this day any way we want.

For me, I love my Pup, I love my family, I love my friends, I love my animals. Simple Simone Signoret yes?

Knock it out of the park peeps. Have a redhearted day. Smooches.

Overheard

Overheard in class this morning.

I commute all the way from St. Paul to attend this class.

Hmm . . . class is in Minneapolis. It is called the Twin Cities for a reason Mr. Mister.

Hot Men Friday

I've had this discussion with several women so I know I'm not waving any new freak-flag here, but how hot was Tony Soprano?

A balding, paunchy, narcissist that not only cheated on his wife every minute of every day, but had his own nephew killed.

Before Pup entered my life I had never owned cable television. In fact, even though I loved television, I only had a lonely 19-inch in my tiny city apartment (granted it was in a darling living room with tiny french doors that opened out to my darling tiny wrought iron balcony, but again - that's another story for another day).

So, with that tiny apartment came some down time on weekends in the winter where I would curl up in my enormous green corduroy chair with a glass of red wine, the latest Vogue, and my Netflixed Sopranos.

I was mesmerized for weeks.

I had heard people talk about the Sopranos for years. How I HAD to watch it. I had seen the cast and the show win awards year after year. I didn't think it would interest me.

Why I decided to Netflix, I cannot really remember, but from the first chords of the opening song I was in like a quarterback on prom night, in like your hips into your skinny jeans when you're feeling thin, in like your foot to the perfect shoe (how did I get there??). Oh I was in.



Tony!

Marilyn

My eyes need something lovely to look at. I thought I'd share.

Wrong Assignment

I know that being left-handed has its challenges. I know I have to be in absolute quiet to read my Financial Accounting textbook. I know I will have to work twice as hard to get half as far.

Grr and arg!

I am enjoying the organized process of this class. I do love the neat (well, kinda neat) rows of numbers (with some erasure marks to be certain).

But turning in the wrong homework? ::banging head::

Twice?

I had it written down wrong. I heard him and wrote it down wrong.

My instructor gave me credit in spite of that. I'd kiss him, but he doesn't look like the easily-influenced type. You know what I'm saying? Ha!

My brain fascinates me! Should I donate it?

My Loves Do It Good

I've been tagged by the lovely and talented Danielle. Check out her digs! She has mad-love for awesome nail color and 80s music! Smooches.

I am to tell seven interesting things about myself . . . hmm . . . this could take some time.

1. When I was little I had irrational fears of both escalators and docks. I always thought one would eat me up and the other one would throw me off. Weird little kid.
2. This one isn't as interesting as it is a commonly-held guilty pleasure. I like driving in my car and seriously singing at the top of my lungs. I bounce in my carseat, hit the steering wheel with emphasis, shake my head, play the same song over and over (Journey!). I have a HUGE delusion that someday, somehow, I'm going to be discovered.
3. I can't go barefoot. I cannot STAND to feel stuff under my toes. Blech and scary!
4. I cannot go into a store without checking out their handbags. I just KNOW if I don't that I will miss out on something fabulous.
5. I laugh loudly and often. I've had people look at me in disbelief and I've had people search me out to see who is attached to that laugh. Either is fine with me. I'm a loud girl!
6. I played trombone in school. First chair.
7. I had 60s love way before it was cool. I have a 60s style phone in my kitchen (huge tank I call it) and whenever someone new comes over they always say, "Does that work? Can I dial it and call someone"? Yeah dude, it's how the world used to work.

Danielle has me thinking, once again, about 80s music. Here is something for a little listen . . .

Super Stickies

Oh the fun! Found them on Write-Brained. You can find them here.

Overheard

At Nordstrom Rack in the shoe department, hidden somewhere in the size 8.5 boots.

Mother, I just hate it when the shoe department is so full of people!

Bear in mind that Lorenzo and I were the only ones within bitch-slappin' distance.

I mumbled something appropriately inappropriate. Bad girl!

My First Tag and My First Spam

Spam excited me!

Well, I DO live in Minnesota - home of Spam. Don't lie, you like Spam too. Want some of my Trailer Park Salad? Num!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The lovely Niki tagged me so I will do my best to answer these questions:

Do you have any piercings?
Two. I had three . . . but there was a mind-searing accident. Don't make me talk about it.


Do you have any tattoos?
One


Have you ever told anyone they were fat?
Oh my goodness no! Well, maybe behind their big arse, but NO!


Have you ever told anyone that you loved them but didn’t mean it?
Never


Have you ever done a hit and run? For example, accidentally scratching the car beside yours and then driving off?
Nope, I'm the one who always leaves a note. It might only say, Hey, I'm leaving a note because people are watching, but it WAS a note. Technically.


Have you ever lied for financial gain?
Do taxes count? (don't read this Pup)


Have you ever stalked anyone? For example, lurking on facebook?
Do I have to answer this one? Does it lessen the offense if I was drinking?


Have you ever started liking a guy/girl only because your best friend told you that they had a crush on them?
Heavens, no


Have you ever dated your best friend's ex-gf/ex-bf behind your bff's back?
Good grief, no


Have you ever stolen?
You know, maybe? But I really don't think so. I did walk out of a pet food warehouse once with extra balls in my bag, but that's another story for another day


Have you ever blackmailed anyone?
I don't know how! Or I surely would have.


Have you ever bribed someone to have your way?
Bribed with what? Again, sounds like a useful talent I do not have.


Have you ever cheated in school?
I've tried, believe me, I've tried


Have you ever stood anyone up on a date?
My husband! Our first date never happened because I changed my mind.


Have you ever lied in a job interview or on a resume?
Isn't that called "creative license"?


Have you ever logged into or looked at a girlfriend or boyfriends facebook or email account to see if they were talking about you?
No Facebook account. What could be comparable? . . . I'm sure I would though.


Have you ever been in a physical confrontation?
Somehow I've made it through my life without hitting anyone. I'm a mean-talker when provoked though. I've made people cry. Is that bad? (sheepish)


Have you ever made a small kid cry by harassing him/her?
No! That's horrible.


Have you ever used your work computer for non-professional purposes?
I plead the fifth please.

I Am Going Shopping Tomorrow

Shopping being the key word here. Not buying, shopping.

Here is what Pup always says, "Honey, we are buyers, not shoppers." When the man is right, the man is right. Would you guys believe me if I told you he is waaaaaaaaaay worse than me?

I'm listening.

Hey, I can take it! Hit me!

Well . . . he is worse. The man recently bought a new computer because his had a virus. I'm not fibbing!

But, I'm going shopping tomorrow.

Here is a visual wishlist.

I need this bag. And everything else she has.

Sigh. Really, isn't this perfect?

Hmm . . . I can shop in someone's closet for this . . .

I don't think I have enough luggage.

Good god, the bag, the shoes, her scarf, her hair, her legs. I hate her. :)

Rinse, repeat . . . I am a broken record. But really, could she be cuter?

Wait, I meant this one.

How about this one? Would you believe this photo is from the 60s? Love it.

And . . . I wouldn't mind finding one of these. Do you think Pup would mind?

Hot Men Friday

Do you remember when you were a wee girl and you were just beginning to get that wriggly feeling? You didn't know what it was, but it sure felt good?

Paul's was the first image that I would stare at to feel that way. Oy, I was such a young un! So so a little girl. Loved him then and love him still.

Love him with scruff.

Love how he loved his Linda. Oh he loved that woman. Talk about thick and thin yes?

Here's to Paul and his lovely Linda.

Shoulda, Woulda, Coulda

This is where my creative, fun time comes into play.

This is where I am spending all my time lately.

Notice the difference between the computers?

One is sexy.

One is not.

PCs are just not sexy. Sorry PC people. I love my little netbook and love taking it about with me and love that I can have the damn thing in the study dining room while studying.

But the office with my Mac calls to me when I'm out in the dining room studying. It wants me to begin projects.

I could start shooting videos and edit them. It's easy with my Mac.

I should really get a better camera and do cool photo manipulation in PhotoShop. My blog would be fantastic with different visuals.

Now I'm thinking of all these things I could be doing. Things I would do if I had time.

I really need to design the space in our bedroom. Wouldn't it be cool to redo the wall of windows with . . . blah blah blah.

I could make those drops for the wii space. I bought the fabric, I could hang it from the . . . blah blah blah.

Shoulda, woulda, coulda. Now that I can't I really want to! Ha!

< /whining>

School is kicking my butt peeps. I am finding out much about myself.

1. I will do every little, mundane, unimportant, can-wait-till-later task that I can find before settling down to actually do my homework.
2. My homework takes me an inordinate amount of time. I have to be methodical! My biggest fear is it will all slide out of my brain and I'll lose it in the Minnesota black slush (ugly time of year peeps).
3. I'm enjoying the studying part in spite of my bitchin'.
4. Class makes my brain become mush. The minute any of my instructors begin speaking it sounds like Latin. I just read the crap in my text and it made sense. Why not now?
   
5. Number four leads to number five. I am visual. BIG FREAKIN' SURPRISE yes? I have just discovered why I have struggled with school when I was younger.
   
6. I am a nimrod.

Notice the picture of Staging Your Comeback? I have not forgotten it. I will be cracking the spine of that book more regularly now as well.

Meanwhile:

• I am thankful that I have a brain
• I am thankful it still works (I had major doubts)
• I am thankful I am married to a CPA so when I am so mired in numbers he can help me sort them out
• I am thankful no one is sitting behind me pondering my need for a root touchup. (cuz we all know my hair is PERFECT. Ha!)
  

What are you guys doing during this winter season to stage your comeback? What is your wrecking ball? What new passion is keeping you up too late at night?

I'll Miss You Allie

I've only known my neighbor, Allie, for about five years. I met her when I first started dating Pup. She is friendly, funny, sassy, opinionated, hard-working, lovely.

She wears leggings and tunic tops. Rakes her leaves even when her children beg her not to. Rides her bike even in the winter. Works for the Star Tribune hoisting newspapers onto a conveyer belt. Gives you presents of elaborate, birded Christmas wreaths. Reminds you of the city ordinances when you forget (do NOT leave your garbage can out until Saturday).

She colors her hair, wears eyeliner and mascara and lipstick every day, looks lovely and put together.

She is also 87 years old.

Pup told me a story about Allie that happened just before I moved in. Allie lives on one side of us and on the other side is a rental property with about 25 people living there (yes, a slight exaggeration). Very messy people. Their crap continuously would blow around our yard and ultimately into Allie's.

One day she had enough. She gathered up tons of the crap, marched over to the renter's house, opened up the front door (it was warm out and only the screen door was closed), and threw the trash in their door!

God, I howled for days after hearing that one.

When Barnabee (Barney, my dad, and Momma Bee) stayed with us during the month of June, he would move his Honda out onto the street to sit under a tree. Allie gently reminded him a couple of days in a row that cars were only allowed on the street for 12 hours (or whatever the time - I don't even know!) and he needed to get it back in our driveway.

Again - one day she had enough of my dad's shenanigans and left a firmly worded note on Barnabee's Honda. I love that woman. She is the Gladys Kravitz of the neighborhood.

My office faces the street and every day, when Allie would get home from her newspaper-hoisting job, I would see her don her bike helmet and go for a ride.

I chatted with her many times when I was out walking George. She loved dogs and has a bossy cat of her own that she had named "Butthead" from Beavis and . . . She would beg me to let her walk my dog. I never let her because George weighs 75 pounds and I've seen him knock over 200 pound men. She never let me forget that. Couldn't understand why I was being so selfish!

Allie died last week. Suddenly. We are so sad. She will be missed just terribly in this neighborhood. They don't make them like Allie anymore.

I will do my part by picking up her Gladys Kravitz torch and stick my nose into everyone's business. I've been training with Allie's guidance for years.

Miss you Allie. Keep everyone straight up there will you? I count on it.

P!nk Just Might Be My Favorite Color

Sweet sweet Pink.

If you haven't seen this yet, watch it! Obey me!

If you have already seen it, watch it again! Do not disappoint me.

:)