Summertime...

I woke up early today. It's the 4th of July, and I am actually off from work on a Saturday.

I'm trying to decide whether or not to go to the beach today, or to go to the festivities at a local park nearby. Either one will have hoards of people, and I get so uneasy in large crowds. So maybe I'll just hit the beach, at least I won't have that trapped feeling there.

I've been feeling the traveling bug again. Last summer I was fortunate enough to travel to Connecticut for a short 4 day vacation. I want to do this again, this year. I'm so restless in Florida in the summer, but this time I want to go back upstate New York. It's absolutely beautiful in the summer, and I get especially homesick in the summer and fall. I even sometimes get homesick in the winter. I'm just homesick for the north, in general. It feels so unnatural to be in the same climate all year long. It's no secret that I've disliked Florida since I've moved here, but being that my kids have a life here, and their dad lives here, that has kept me anchored here. I wish I could just move back, sometimes. But then the kids would be unhappy.

I missed my 25 year high school reunion recently. I had hoped to save enough money for a plane ticket to go, but it was not to be. They are having another one in November, though, so maybe then.

I seem to just be stuck here. It amazes me that other people can travel, enjoy their life, go wherever they want, but I'm trapped. I know that is a slightly negative way to look at it, but it does feel that way at times. Really, the only thing stopping me is money.

I do not have any health issues that prevent me from traveling. I can ask Kathryn to watch my animals for me. So why don't I just go?

I could drive, I suppose, but my car would never make it. If I have a newer car, then I have a payment that prevents me from going too far, due to money issues. So, flying is the only real option. I've been hearing that flights are "cheaper now than ever before" but you couldn't prove it by me! And the flights are so scattered, nothing seems to fit into my tiny window of opportunity. My job is great, but the owners are not the best about allowing time off. At least not for me... Others have taken days off with no trouble at all. I spoke to her yesterday about it, and she seemed reluctant to let me have more than a day off for travel. I guess I'll just take two days and just take the loss of income. This gives me five days to enjoy myself. If I take a Wednesday and a Saturday, it gives me time to travel there and back, without worrying. Then back to work as soon as I get home. This way I'm only losing one day of each pay period.

Fortunately, the summer hasn't been as horribly slow as I had feared. I've gotten a lot of referrals, and I'm not only able to pay my bills, but I can actually eat too. If I'm extremely careful, I can save my tips until I have enough. Money will be really tight, but if I have a place to stay I don't have to worry about hotel expenses.

Next week looks pretty empty. Must be my bad week. But instead of having only two good weeks and two bad weeks, it's been staying pretty steady. I'll be a bit short this week due to the holiday.

I've had K2 all of this week. Its been so nice to have her home, it's been way too quiet around here without her.

I'm trying to get her into Cocoa Beach junior/senior high school. It's a much better school, and has advanced enough curriculum that by the time she graduates high school, she will have a college degree. She wants to go so badly, but it all hinges on where the bus stops are. If it is too difficult to get her back and forth, she will have to stay with the local school, which to me is horrific. I truly do not want her going to that school.

I'll do anything for her to attend a decent school. Even if it means moving to Cocoa beach. Perish THAT thought...

Ugh, so stupid

I can't believe what I did.

I'm so pissed at myself. Here I was, going along, things are going great, I'm healing well, feeling good about myself again, and I decided to purge my inbox of HUNDREDS of emails from a certain person I never want to see again, hear from again, or even know about again. There was one with certain information on it I wanted to save, as it was important for something personal, and I inadvertently sent it back to this person, as I was trying to forward it to another email address of mine. Shit.

I should have just deleted it, but there was information I needed on there. I hate when I do stupid ass things like that. So humiliating.

When someone hurts you as badly as I was hurt by this person, it is sometimes a victory to delete and get rid of anything that makes you think of them ever again. It's cathartic, and healthy to purge. Symbolically washing your hair of the person.

So, going forward, I'll simply pretend that he died. It works well. It's always worked for me in the past, with men I've gone out with, liked, and never heard from again. I like to pretend that they died. Maybe some have. There's just no telling.

In other news, my red face aside, the casual relationship I am now in has continued, but stalled, if that makes any sense.

He is in Europe, the UK, for the next two weeks on vacation, and then goes to Vegas on business for two weeks after that.

Fortunately, I'm still a free agent, as is he, and can accept a date with anyone else if I so choose. That's the freedom of a non-committed relationship.

Of course, I'm not made that way, really, and won't date anyone else. Yeah, having to juggle more than one man? So not worth the trouble. I'm simplifying these days, not making more drama.

Do I miss him? Sure. Am I crying? No. I've kept him emotionally at arms length ever since he told me he's not in a good place for a committed relationship. Why would I get attached? That would be emotional suicide. Been there, done that. At least THIS guy was honest about it. Can't ask for much more than that, now can I?

I enjoy his company, and I like him a lot, but until he is open to more than just a casual relationship, I can't allow myself to feel much more than I do, which is pretty much ambivalence.

Sad that timing is everything. I wonder if I WILL feel anything more for him should he decide he wants that; it feels as if things are a bit stunted and unnatural, and prevented from evolving naturally. So who knows?

But again, we do have fun together when we are together, and maybe this is all I can handle right now. I'm pretty busy and overwhelmed for the most part, so there you go. Fitting a man into an already tight schedule is not easy. It really is nice to date someone who isn't an emotional vampire... I have such little patience for needy men.

In other unrelated news, my 25th high school reunion will be going on without me July 3rd. I'd have loved to have gone, but money constraints have prevented it. They are talking about one in the fall, too, so maybe then if I save my pennies. Plane tickets are much more expensive around the holidays, though. But if I buy them early, maybe I can get a good deal. I really would love to see Corning again.

There is one other distressing thing on my mind, but I don't dare talk about it here. It involves my daughter, so I can't really discuss it. Perhaps soon, if it irons itself out. Both kids are well and healthy, so it isn't about that. Time will tell if change is in the air.

I have K2 for this entire week, and tomorrow after the washing machine is delivered, I'm going to take tours of different schools with her to decide on which one to go to. I also have to fit in one of her seventh grade shots, at least the first one, so she can get in. It's hard doing anything with her when her dad has had her the whole summer so far. But she's having a blast!! She's happiest around horses, and works her butt off taking care of them. I once asked her if she'd like a babysitting job now that she's 12, and she looked at me as if I were crazy and said, "I'd rather muck out a stall than change a dirty diaper!!"

Can't say I disagree, there. LOL.

Hope all my blogger friends are well, and happy. Over and out.

Find a cure...

My beautiful sister sent me this in an email, and I thought it was adorable and perfect. I had to blog it.

As the days fly by

Lately, I haven't been in a very bloggy mood. I apologize for this, as I've been experimenting with "real life". I've been watching some TV, reading some books, and catching up with my life apart from the computer. Work has been going very well ever since that issue last month, and I'm happy to say that I've been doing quite well. I've had lots of repeat clients, and some new ones too. Lots of referrals, which is always wonderful, and the four days I spend at work are extremely long and busy ones. I really do need that three days off after four such intense days. I work 40 hours a week doing hair, sometimes more and sometimes less.

Life this summer has been strange without K2. I can't express how much I miss her, and some weeks I don't hear from her at all. I've left the calling up to her, because it seemed as if every time I called her (when I get off work) she's already asleep. I get to see her on the weekends, and have tried to pack some fun into our time together. It is so incredibly quiet around the house without her and Leo.

I'm still dating the guy I've mentioned in earlier posts. I have a lot of fun with him, and he's such a sweet guy. We haven't gone out much lately, just hung out together at either of our houses which is also nice. I cooked my famous sauce and meatballs on Sunday night and invited him over for dinner. Both my girls were here, and we all had a nice time talking, eating, just enjoying each other. Then the girls left and it was just the two of us. I learned how to play poker, he's quite the master of the game. I started to get the hang of it and even won a few hands. Its a really fun game! I don't know why I haven't tried to learn sooner. We don't get much time together, as he is out of town a lot for work, and my job keeps me there till ten at night some nights. So weeknights are hectic. I'm taking it one date at a time, and having no expectations. It keeps things on an even keel that way, and I'm enjoying myself immensely.

I just got done reading the book, My sister's keeper. Major tearjerker, but such a good read. I don't know if I'll want to see the movie now. Already the trailer has shown much higher drama than necessary between the husband and wife, and I thought the story was brilliant just as it was. Why ruin it with unnecessary fighting that didn't even happen in the book?

Also, I joined Netflix, and have been watching past episodes of "The Office". I thought Scrubs was funny, but this show is hilarious. Steve Carrel is the funniest man I've ever seen. I love that show, my new favorite. I don't watch TV as such, but I think I'll make a point to see that show on a regular basis from now on.

So, yeah. I've been entertained, since K2's been gone. Its still way too quiet around here.

I just got finished with someone's hair, who came to the house to get her roots touched up, and now am passing time waiting for yoga tonight. Its my Tuesday night thing. I'm feeling very sleepy and lazy today though, and am not even sure I want to go tonight. I skipped last week so I should go this week, to stay limber. It really does make me feel great to stretch every muscle in my body, and prepares me for the week ahead. I'm hoping for a busy one.

Well, time to finish cleaning the house. Procrastination time is over. Hope you all are having a great week so far.

Recipes

I recently wrote a post about some dishes I'd prepared, and a few of you requested recipes for them.

Here they are:

Red pepper orzo

1 large red bell pepper
about 3 tablespoons of butter
about 3 tablespoons of olive oil
about 2 tablespoons of Chicken base
(this stuff)









1 pound package of orzo, brand of your choice. I prefer Ronzoni.
1 package (ten oz.) of frozen chopped spinach, such as Bird's Eye, thawed and water squeezed out.
1 tablespoon of chopped garlic.
1 teaspoon of dried parsley.

Take one tablespoon of the butter, and melt it into a saucepan big enough to boil the orzo. Throw the orzo into the butter along with a teaspoon of dried parsley, and brown it slightly till golden. Add water, and bring to a boil, and cook according to package directions. When finished, drain and set aside.

Meanwhile, chop red pepper into 1 inch pieces, melt the remaining two tablespoons of butter in a very large dutch oven, along with the 2 tablespoons of Olive oil. Saute the pepper lightly, and add the chicken base. When all combined and nice and melted, add the garlic, and then the spinach. Mix well. Add in the orzo, and mix well.

The next one is a two part recipe...

You make 2 herb roasted chickens, and one is for dinner that night with whatever sides you prefer, and the other is for the stuffed shells. or you can just make one, for the stuffed shells.

6 tblsp. olive oil.
1/2 cup of poultry seasoning
1/4 cup of fresh rosemary, finely chopped
1/4 cup of fresh thyme, finely chopped
4 tsp. of fresh minced garlic
2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. pepper
2 (3 to 4 lb chickens)

1. Stir together oil and next 6 ingredients until well blended.
2. If necessary, remove giblets and neck from chickens, and reserve for another use. Rinse chickens with cold water; pat dry.
3. Loosen and lift skin from chicken breast with fingers (do not totally detach skin) Rub 2 tblsp. olive oil mixture evenly underneath skin of each chicken. Carefully replace skin. Rub remaining olive oil mixture over both chickens, coating evenly. Place chickens, side by side, on a lightly greased wire rack in pan.
4. Bake at 425 degrees for 30 minutes; cover loosely with foil, and back 45 to 55 minutes more. Let stand for 15 minutes before slicing.

Stuffed Pasta shells

18 jumbo pasta shells
2 (10 oz) packages of frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed out.
2 cups of chopped cooked herb roasted chickens
1 tablespoon of chopped fresh basil (I use more, usually)
1 (16 oz) container of low fat cottage cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 large egg, slightly beaten
1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg
1 (16 oz) jar of Alfredo sauce.

1. Prepare pasta shells according to package directions
2. Meanwhile, drain chopped spinach and squeeze moisture out.
3. stir together spinach, chicken, basil, and next 4 ingredients. Spoon mixture evenly into shells.
4. Spread half of jarred Alfredo sauce in a lightly greased, 13 x 9-inch baking dish. Arrange stuffed pasta shells over sauce, and pour remaining sauce over shells.
5. Bake, covered at 350 degrees for 40 minutes, or until filling is hot and sauce is bubbly. Remove from oven and let stand 10 minutes.

YUMMY!!!

Salon Stories

Sometimes I think about writing a series of short stories about the comedy of errors that is my profession...

I've been asked by people often what the most insane incidents have happened in the salon. Many times, we all say how great it would be to turn our lives into a sitcom, because it is just too funny sometimes.

The first one happened about 12 years ago when I started back at a small salon in Port St. John. It was my second time working there, and I'd gone back just after K2 was born, and when we moved back to this part of Florida.

A man walked into the salon and asked for a haircut. I was available, and took him back to the shampoo bowl to wash his hair. Making small talk, I asked him how he'd like his hair cut, and he described the cut to me. I noticed that he had very bad breath, and considered offering him one of the candy mints we served at the desk. I decided against it, as I didn't want to offend him. I just stayed out of the line of the odor, and whenever I couldn't avoid it, I held my breath. We chatted while I cut his hair, and he grew quiet. As I continued to cut his hair, his head started moving, and I automatically said, "Sorry, but you'll have to hold your head still." He didn't respond, and his head kept moving, up and down. I glanced at him in the mirror, and his eyes were open, and glazed over. I touched his shoulder, and he was drenched in sweat. I realized he was having seizure, and horrified, I left him and went up to the front desk, where the owner was on the phone. I asked her to hang up the phone and call 911. She looked over at my client who was now twitching most alarmingly, and put the phone down on the desk. I said, "NO, hang up, we need to call 911 for this guy!!! I'm not a nurse, I don't know what to do for him!!!" The owner went to the man and asked loudly if he were ok. I said, panic stricken, "He's not there!! No one home upstairs, Deb!!!" She then told me to go to the desk, explain what was going on to the client on the phone, and call 911. I quickly did as she said, and as I hung the phone up, I realized that someone had been holding on the other line. In a raspy cartoon voice this person said, "Yeah, I'd like to schedule a haircut and a butt pluck, please!!!" I thought, holy shit, a comedian??? I said, "Yeah, yeah, later, right now I have to hang up and call 911 for someone having a seizure!!" and hung up the phone. I called 911 and they were there within seconds. They looked the man over, asked him if he'd been drinking the night before, and told us that he just had a small blood sugar incident. Small??? The guy had a seizure!!! IN MY CHAIR!!!

I went into the back and stayed there till he left. I was shaking so hard I couldn't compose myself. I now know I could never be a nurse. The owners first instinct was to help the guy, and mine was to run screaming out of the salon.

It occurred to me that if I had, in fact, offered him the mint, it might have prevented the seizure. Just a little bit of sugar was all he needed.

Later, I remembered the comedian on the phone and told Debbie about it. She laughed and said, "THAT WAS DAN!!!!" Dan was her husband. We all cracked up over it afterward, such a weird thing to happen right in the middle of an emergency. But for a hairstylist, that is all in a day's work.

Anything can happen, and most often does.

This week's thoughts...

Tomorrow K2 graduates from 6th grade. The end of an era. My youngest is no longer in elementary school and will be entering middle school. Naturally I am worried about this, as the middle school in our district leaves a LOT to be desired. I'm trying to get her into a local charter school, but she is pretty far down on the list, started out at 134. Not good.

I realize I haven't been blogging much lately. I've kept up on the blogs I enjoy the most, commenting and keeping up. I blame Facebook. I have the option to "update my status" and that is like a mini blog in itself. I update, and friends comment the update, I comment back, and it gets the job done. Bad news for blogging. And yes, I've been preoccupied with a few of the games on facebook, such as "mafia wars". Just Bob will back me up on how much fun THAT game is. Ok, so it's the ONLY game I play on Facebook, LOL.

Also, I guess I've not been in a very "open" mood lately. I'm not sure why, perhaps just gun shy from the last year. I'm afraid to reveal too much here. It isn't private here. So I've backed off the information superhighway, LOL. No need to spill all my information all over the road so others can swerve around it...

I will say that the date I mentioned in my last blog post has continued satisfactorily. He is a very nice guy, and I really enjoy his company. He does the nicest little things, unexpected little things, that show how thoughtful he is. He seems to be a giver, rather than a taker, which is rare. Sad that givers most often tend to be hurt. They are often taken advantage of. So then, they back off and aren't sure if they can trust their feelings or instincts anymore. Yes, I'm talking about me, too. Mostly me. Having been a giver most of my life, yes, I've been hurt badly.

It often goes unnoticed just how much damage was done in the previous relationship, until I am teetering on the edge of a new one. I suppose I should feel relief, he is most certainly not ready for anything serious, and I'm so messed up still from the last ordeal, that I'm not sure where my head is either. But I am having fun with him. As cautious as I want to be, I like being around him. He's funny, positive, kind and smart. These are rare characteristics these days, and we all need to be more exposed to such characteristics. There's plenty of hatred going around, a veritable minefield of it. Depression, anger, negativity, substance abuse, laziness. You name it, it can be found nearly anywhere. And it sticks most annoyingly to me when I'm near it. So when I find a man who doesn't exhibit those traits, I enjoy his company immensely. So liberating. Enjoyable.

We went to a really nice restaurant on Friday night; Cafe Margaux. I had been there once before, ironically it was the first date with "he who shall not be named". I wasn't as impressed then, most likely because I had ordered something I didn't really enjoy. This time the food was incredible. He ordered a bottle of Cabernet, and we had baked brie with macadamia nuts, in an orange Merlot sauce for an appetizer. It was amazing. So delicious. The atmosphere was wonderful, and I was completely relaxed. He had brought over a bottle of wine when he picked me up, and we had a glass out on the balcony before we headed out. So after the appetizer, we ordered our meal, and it was impeccably prepared. The presentation was wonderful, and the taste was divine. He had the New Zealand rack of lamb, and I had the filet Mignon. Both meals were amazing, as we enjoy swapping a portion so the other can taste.

It was still raining that night, but we enjoyed ourselves in spite of the bad weather. We left the restaurant and went back to my place and talked. I sent the poor guy home in the rain. Yes, I'm cold hearted.

Actually, it shows how much I like this guy that I'm NOT jumping into something I'm not ready for. In the past, if a man exerted any pressure whatsoever, for sex, and if I gave in before I was ready, I'd dump him in a heartbeat. Or, if I liked him a lot, he'd never call again, having gotten what he wanted. This guy seems to be a good guy.

Lets face it, all guys want sex. From the nice guys all the way down to the sleazy predators.

A nice guy will have patience when a woman needs to wait. Simple. He won't push, and he won't berate her into giving in before she's ready.

If he doesn't wait patiently, then he isn't really a nice guy. If he isn't? Then I don't want him. Plain and simple.

The only way to tell is to wait. Trust me, its just as difficult for me.

Ok, so I have revealed more than I intended, but it's ok. I'm back, I guess.

So, good times ahead. I'm dating someone I met in "real life". It feels good not to have met this one online. It seemed that everyone from online was either a serial dater, or not really interested, or too interested. Or I picked up on some off thing about them that I couldn't put my finger on. But I will never again ignore my instincts. Last time I did that I lost a year and a half of my life. I'm the fool to blame for that, though. No one else.


K2 is graduating elementary school, and the school year is coming to an end, day after tomorrow. She will spend most of the summer at her dad's, as she is going to horse camp.
This will be a huge change; I've never been without her for more than a week at a time. I'm dreading it, actually. The entire summer will be a huge upheaval, as I won't have every other weekend free like I normally do, and will be alone all week. I'm hoping she will be able to take Leo with her, as I do not want to crate him all day long. That would kill me. I was looking forward to her being home so she could keep Leo out of the crate. I've asked her several times in the past two weeks to talk to her dad about that, but she keeps "forgetting".

I will have to find another home for the dog if the ex won't take him along with K2, because there is no way in hell I'll allow that poor dog to be stuck in a crate for 4 days straight for more than 6 hours at a time. I won't do that to any animal. He loves his crate, but not that much. That's no life for a dog, and certainly not for eight weeks.

So, here's hoping...

These are better days...

I've had a really good week. Not from a financial standpoint, since it was pretty slow this week at work, but from a personal one.

K2 and I enjoyed last weekend together, and the week started out well. We enjoyed each other's company and got along really well. Sometimes we get into battles, and I forget how it even starts, but the good times more than make up for it. I figure I'm really in for it with my youngest daughter, as she is very strong willed at times, and quite demanding at the same time, but for the most part I think the battles are because we are almost TOO much alike. We tend to forget that at times, and butt heads. We haven't had a battle in quite a while, thankfully.

This past week was great... I had tons of down time at work, so I was able to catch up on some reading, and to my surprise, a client I had taken an interest in brought his twin brother in for a haircut.

I had developed a mild interest in this man over the past couple of months, but never for a second thought he'd feel the same way. He had just finalized a divorce, and I figured he wasn't ready to date, so I figured I'd leave the poor guy alone for a while. I also was struggling with my own shredded emotions; was I ready to date again, or should I stay solo for a while longer?

I had considered giving him a friendly call, to see how he was holding up after his divorce went through, but decided against it. I couldn't bring myself to make the first move in that way. I figured that the next time he came in for a haircut, I'd give him my phone number and see how it played out from there. I had no clue as to whether or not he had any interest in me at all. You just never know about these things. I did know that he was incredibly easy to talk to, and I felt very comfortable around him. He was funny, smart, and handsome. I have first hand knowledge that the man has a full head of hair, a pulse, and enough of an income to at least pay for the haircut without gulping, LOL.

My dilemma was solved when he unexpectedly called to ask if I had an opening for a haircut for his brother. I indicated that he could probably drive a Mack truck through the openings on my book that day. He set the appointment, and came in later that day.

To my disappointment, he dropped his brother off, and didn't come in with him. Hmmm... I wondered if he were setting me up with his brother...? Very soon, I was assured that he wasn't when the brother mentioned his wife and child. His brother was just as easy to talk to. Both really nice guys, and we discussed his twin a little. I mentioned that I had considered calling, and he told me that his brother was a "really good guy".

When I was nearly done with the haircut, "S" as I'll call him, came in. We joked and chatted, and it was nice. I was encouraged enough to give S my phone number written on the back of one of my business cards.

S called, and we made plans for Saturday evening. We decided to go to Matt's Casbah, downtown. I was excited about this; I had gone there with Kathryn, and the food was wonderful. This would be fun, and I was looking forward to it very much. I was so comfortable with him, in a way I hadn't been comfortable with a man in a very long time. He is a bit younger than I am, by 5 years, but I tried not to let that discourage me too much. 5 years isn't approaching cougar status, so no worries.

Saturday arrived, and I woke up after very little sleep the night before after downing a couple of Pepsi's and baking a cake for the boss's birthday. The cats were going crazy, and I must have had too much caffeine, because I could not sleep at all. When I finally fell asleep in the wee hours of Saturday morning I woke before the alarm incredibly enough; grainy eyed and sleepy as hell. I stumbled out the door, walking the dog, and came back in and poured coffee down my throat. One thing about not enough sleep, it definitely exacerbates every tiny ache or pain you might have. My back hurt, my head hurt, and my feet hurt. I dragged myself into the shower, and got dressed. I didn't bother to dry my hair; I figured I'd do it at work anyway, and besides I was already running late. I hoped I would be able to last for my date. I was soooo tired!

I got to work, feeling a bit grumpy, and delivered the cake safely. Everyone brought some form of yummy food, and it was nice to not have to worry about buying lunch for the day.

I had a fairly busy day, and the end of the day arrived, finally. I got home, walked the dog and checked my emails. Then I got in the shower and got ready for the date.

I drove downtown, and got stuck in traffic. I stressed about being late, but arrived on time. When I got there, there was no sign of him, and I wondered if he hadn't arrived yet. I told the hostess that I was meeting someone there, and asked if she knew if he had arrived. Another hostess came up to me and asked if my name was Karen, and when I said yes, she escorted me to a nice table in the back. He stood when he saw me. I liked that.

We sat and ordered wine and appetizers. Already I could tell that this would be a great evening, as he was every bit as easy to talk to as he was on MY turf, at the shop. After a very enjoyable meal, and some great wine, I went to his house. I had no qualms whatsoever about this. Normally I'd not go to someone's house on the first date, in fact it had only happened one other time, but I felt comfortable with him, and trusted him instinctively. This proved to be a good decision; he was a complete and total gentleman the entire evening.

This was a wonderful first date. It lasted 8 hours. We met for dinner at six, and I left his house at 2am. When I got home, my dog was frantic to be walked. I was so exhausted, I told him I was sorry, and went straight to bed. Four hours later, the dog woke me, tired of waiting, and I reluctantly got up and walked him.

Once I'm up, I'm up. I can't go back to sleep. I made coffee, and began cleaning the house.

Several hours later, I spoke to S, and he invited me over. I went. We had another wonderful time together, and talked the whole time, about everything. He is so easy to be around, I really like him a lot. We spent a long time outside, it was such a beautiful day out, and talked the entire afternoon away. During my time there, my daughter called, and we made plans to have dinner together. While in the yard, S and I looked at all his landscaping, and his friend's landscaping, and there were several beautiful plumerias. I said how Kathryn was wanting one for her yard, and he gave me one to give to her. This touched me, it was such a sweet thing to do. Kathryn would be so excited about it.

I left about an hour or so after the phone call, and met with my darling girl. K2 would be spending another night with her dad, and I talked to her too. She was so excited; she had won another ribbon in her dressage competition. She's such a good little rider. I'm so proud of that kid.

Kathryn and I had a nice dinner together at Longdogger's, and she was very excited about her plumeria. We talked for over an hour and a half. I told her all about S, and how nice he was, and then I drove her home and headed home. It was such a great day. Beautiful outside, and spent with great people.

Life is good. It's nice to spend time with someone who enjoys my company as much as I enjoy his. I could get used to this.

Monday Morning

This morning, I woke up before the alarm went off. I love it when that happens, as there is no noise more aggravating than the beep, beep, beep of the alarm clock. Oh, how I despise that sound!

I got up, and pushed the four kitties off me, and went into the kitchen to make coffee. K2 was already up, getting ready for school. I rarely speak in the morning, so groggy am I. She took the dog for a quick walk, and I emptied the dishwasher while I waited for the coffee to brew. The newest tiny little kitten came darting out from under the couch, and purred around my ankles, hungry for some affection. I picked him up and listened to his little motor, and then took him into my room where his food was. He commenced to eating right away, hungry as could be. I got him on Saturday after work, and he is just the sweetest little lovebug you could ever imagine. My big male cat, Robert, took him immediately under his wing, and protection, and has given him several long vigorous baths. I knew Robert would be a perfect big brother to this little kitten, he is so sweet to his fellow cat. While all the other cats glare and hiss at the little guy, Robert is sweet and loving. My heart melts when I watch the two of them, Robert a gentle giant, and Oreo, tiny and fuzzy, going cautiously up to Robert and accepting a nose bump from him. The baby, as I call him, is still afraid of Leo, and will hiss uncontrollably whenever Leo gets too close, but will finally stay in the same room with him.

When K2 returned from Leo's walk, she finished getting ready for school while I drank coffee, and tried to shake the cobwebs. Soon we were off to school, and got into a very funny conversation. We are so goofy, and laughed all the way to her school. She was telling me about her dad, and how after dinner one night (at a restaurant) he developed a slight bubble in his throat and it made him talk funny. You know what I mean... We've all had it happen. I mimicked his "New Jersey" deep voice, and then suddenly switched to an impersonation of Stitch, from Lilo and Stitch, the movie. K2 cracked up, and we both laughed so hard we literally cried all the way to her school. We couldn't stop, it was just so funny. K2 has a very infectious laugh, when she laughes for real, a good belly laugh, and it never fails to make me laugh. I'm hoping she doesn't remember it during a test at school, to where she cracks up and gets in trouble. It was a very fun ride, much more preferable to the rides where I'm lecturing her for having a smart mouth, or being disrespectful, or having too many sign and returns, due to failed tests. It was a great start to the day. I'll take laughing hysterically to lecturing any day.

Once home, I cleaned the house, and fed the herd of cats. Leo begged for a walk, and I ignored him, as he'd already been out. There was laundry that needed to be folded, from yesterday, and dishes that needed to be washed, that were soaking in the sink. I'm picking up the kid early today, as she has a dental appointment, and then we are visiting her horse. She is very excited about this. Always a great day when she gets to see a horse.

Yesterday was Mother's day, and it was wonderful. Kathryn and Nick came over and we all relaxed and watched the "House" marathon on TV. I rarely watch TV, so it was fun to relax and all talk together. Kathryn was overjoyed to hold the new kitten and he curled up and went to sleep on her, which gave her joy beyond measure. He's such a sweet little guy. They left after a few hours to go see Nick's mom, and grandmother, and I went to the store with K2 to get ingredients for a nice vegetarian dinner, as Kathryn and Nick were coming back to eat with us.

I made Pasta Fagioli, but added my new favorite things, fennel and shallots to the classic recipe, and used mini bowties instead of linguine. I FORGOT to add, of all things, the garlic, and was really mad at myself, as the garlic is what makes it taste so good. Dammit. But it still turned out ok, and I also made vegetarian lasagne. Not with vegetables, but with meatless sauce, and no meat, LOL.

It all came out great, and K2 made brownies for dessert. Yum. It was a great meal, and a great Mother's day. Kathryn and Nick got me the cuddliest throw on earth, this thing is so soft and fluffy, I love it. They also got me a nice candleholder, which I put over the fireplace. I really need to get a mantle for the fireplace. Soon.

What a great Mother's day. Relaxing, great food, great company, a darling new kitten, and just a perfect day all the way around.

Life is good.

Oh. Mah. GOOODNESSSS!!!!!

Yup. This is a picture of my new baby. I'm getting him on Mother's day. Isn't he beautiful?

Yes. I am a crazy cat lady. I love him already. I can't wait to have him in my clutches. Mah EEEEbil clutches.

K2 has named him Oreo. I think it's perfect for the little guy. He is getting fixed and microchipped tomorrow. I can't wait to get him, he is so incredibly PRECIOUS!!!!!!!

What's one more?

Besides, it isn't like I'll ever actually have a man in my life. This is man repellent if I've ever seen it. 5 cats? Yeah, they'd run screaming away from me now, LOL. Perfect. Mah eeebil plan is working.

I love him already. Awwwww.....