Thursday, July 8, 2010

Fair

As kids we used to whine, "that's not fair!". It could have been some one was cheating in a sport or game. It could have been the fact that our parents didn't have the money to take us out for ice cream.

As we got older we had to swallow our pride and admit 'life is not fair'. Its a bitter pill to swallow and it is never easy. Okay maybe at the end of the week at the end of the bar with drink in hand, it can go down easier.

One thing I have never found fair is women that let the passion out of their married life. Sure its an effort to put on something lacy and when both people work it can be hard to find the time. Its there something great about being desired? That some one wants you? Has to have you? Of course!

So why be ridged? Why keep that away from your man, and in effect away from yourself? If we want our men to stay faithful we have to give them a reason. So take that long hot bath, get nice and smooth and fresh smelling for him, why not?

There is tons of advertising out there, with cute touched up photos of women ready to sell sex for anything. Soap. Remember people it's just soap. Or car tires or whatever. Again its not fair, not all of us are blessed with 'Model' looks. But remember ladies, your man picked you. You are still worthy of his attention.

So get some nice lotion,yes you can even find bath salts at the 99cent store. Smell nice and fresh and get it on with your man. Fair is fair, right?

Thursday, July 1, 2010

Grace

There are times when we have to set aside vanity and go out with out makeup and jewelry. There are only a few times, when we go to the beach and when we have to go to the hospital.

The later is what I am talking about now. How can a visit there be done with Grace? First off, prep ahead of time. Take a night to do a facial and waxing before hand. Next take off your nail polish and make sure your nails are filed neatly.

Do what you are told. When the nurse tells you no liquor and no liquids after 12.30 pm the night before, do it. In fact stop at 10.30 instead, and no cheating. This is not the time to exercise your free will and do as you please. They also cover no illegal drugs, again all these rules are for your safety.

The interview was unusual. I have never had them ask me so many personal questions. Am I in an abusive house. I guess they wouldn't let me go home to that? I never knew they asked things like that. No on mentions that on TV.

What to do in those endless array of waiting rooms? Bring a book or grab a magazine. I found a great article on Panama hats in the Forbes lifestyle magazine. I also brought along a novel I have been reading. A good thing to bring, your Ipod. Put on some soothing music. Maybe not hard rock, something relaxing instead.

For an operation, they tell you to leave your valuables at home. Have a friend or relative handy to take care of your things while you are under. Also have them hold things you will need. I made sure to bring my softest, fluffiest slippers to go home in. Extra pillows in the car were already on stand by for me.

Let go! Yes we can be control freaks. I am used to being the one that helps everyone. It can be hard to be on the other side. I had to take a moment and think about what was scaring me. For me, my first memory of my life is being alone in the hospital when I have pneumonia. I almost died. My fear was based on my younger life. Then I thought about now, I am in the hands of trained professionals. They have all gone to schools and learned how to do their jobs, they wouldn't be here if they didn't know what to do. Let them do their job, listen to instructions and just let go.

Get to know who is working with you. I had a really nice nurse who was concerned about my blood sugar levels and did some research for me while I was under. She was very effectuate. The nurse in surgery was nice as was the handsome anesthesiologist. I made jokes with them before going under, it helps.

Afterwards, speak up. I was cold and in pain when I came to, in the recovery room. I didn't yell, but called out in a mild tone. "Nurse,Nurse!My pain is at 10." She a very considerate person, took care of me and helped me get some pain killers and breathe and did what she was trained to do. It was a real comfort and the pain went away. I had some juice and water before leaving. I also thanked all the nurses for their care and attention to detail.

Home. Don't think you are tuffer than you are. Relax, this is not time to clean the house or cook meals. If you are that controlling, you will have made meals ahead of time labeled with the days of the week for some one to microwave. I have spent the last few days, in bed watching my favorite films and shows on DVD. I need to take a shower and I have only lifted my spoon or fork. Nothing else. All the water, broth and jello diet, along with all the pain killer induced naps have made my skin look great. Bed rest, is just that. While I feel better today and will leave the house, I am not going to walk the dogs for two miles. There is no need to rush things. This weekend will be low key as well.

With a little planing ahead of time. I cleaned out the guest room, since I would be using it. And some trips to the store, my man has done all of those. For extra food and broth. Keep you head up and you can have a visit that will help you and you can still do this with a little grace.

Friday, June 25, 2010

Water

These days the saying "water, water everywhere and not a drop to drink" comes to mind when I think of sales.

In the last few weeks I have been to, 2 warehouse sales. I have been to these before and other years there were lines around the block to get in on the good deals. They have been good deals this whole time and this year was no exception. What was the exception, no on was there to buy things.

Okay, not no one, hardly anyone. I was able to walk right in and there were no long lines.I was able to pick out the things I wanted and hardly any check out lines at all. Earlier this year I mentioned that it would be a shame and a real acid test if no one was able to take advantage of these deals. Yes, sadly hardly anyone could even shop at blow out, discounted prices. It really shows how bad things are.

Its as if we are in the ocean and can't drink the water. We don't even have the money to buy things we need. I did get some new things and I fear that we are not at the worst of it. I have a very real feeling it will be true, I wont be able to buy anything more this year. With the things I did get, I made two piles. One I will use now so I can feel good about myself and the other I will keep for later. Then if I have a picnic or BBQ to go to later in the year I can break out a new top. That way I can feel like a just got something new.

I did this last year with a pair of Prada shoes I bought. They were white satin and it was fall. So I tucked them away for this spring and used them on a special night. I had a feeling I wasn't' going to get a new outfit for that night and I was right. Instead I did have the brand new shoes to wear, and that felt good.

The other things I hold on to, I buy up a few cheap hand fans and keep them. They only cost a few dollars in China Town. I usually get 4 at a time, they don't last the test of time. That and a few parasols and I am done for the summer. For colder weather I stock up on vintage clothes and coats. I have spent at the most 35.00 on my winter coat, but its cashmere and keeps me toasty warm.

Only time will tell when people have the money to spend again. For now keep your money and only get the things you need. Wants are not allowed right now. Okay maybe a few. As long as they don't cost too much.

Friday, May 28, 2010

Exhibt 2

This last week my man and I went to see the "Secerts of the Silk road" exhibit at the Bowers museum. This will be on till mid July.

It was so great to see these thousand year old pieces of silk that have still survived. It was also interesting to note that the girls that made these started learning their craft at 6 years of age. The final exam being the making of their own one of a kind out fit. Some of these taking years. All in the effort to catch a husband. The age they were married off at was about 16. That means at age 14 they started making these garments. At a festival, when other family's with boys that could be suitors were around is when they displayed them. They would be judged on style, complexity, and the use of different types of embroidery work. The way they used all their skills was a testament to their over all craftsmanship and made them desirable as wives.

It made me think about 10 years. If you devote 10 years to something, how good of a craftsman should you be? What have I done over the last 10 years? I have been cooking well since I was 15, and I did that so I would be a good wife. I still enjoy cooking, I could use more recipes in my routine. What about the next 10 years. I want to keep up my writing, how much better will it be in 10 years? It seems like such a long time when you are young. 10 years goes by fast.

Thursday, May 20, 2010

Mid week

One of the nice things about being unemployed is the time to do things in the mid week with out others around you.

I love going to the movie house on a Monday when they first open and there are not any screaming kids to deal with. You can really enjoy the film that way.

Yesterday, which was a Wednesday I went to Santa Ana to see Laurie Lipton's exhibit at the Grand Central Station Gallery. Having seen the write up about it on OC Weekly, it seemed like fun. It was and there is something so soothing about looking at art, away. Then I went to my fave Mexican restaurant to top it off. She has more patience than I even have to do all those details in pencil and charcoal. Perfect afternoon!

Next week I plan to go to the Bowers museum and see the "Secrets of the Silk Road" installation. Again another treat when not that many are around. The last time I was there was for the Terracotta Warriors exhibit, which was fabulous. I may take a trip to the Getty Center. I feel like I owe it to myself to make the most of this time that is been given to me. Ok not given, just no one is hiring right now. Might as well talk in some culture since its there. Especially Mid week.

Friday, May 14, 2010

Fear

It has been said "we have nothing to Fear but Fear itself" True, in a way. The fear of success or of failure can cripple people.

Fear can paralyze and make people give into inaction. I have a friend that was trapped in her mothers home, now she is married and making herself the same prison. She is so used to being home she just stays there. While it was horrid to be at home with her tyrant mother, she is so used to hiding from the world. Now its her comfort zone. It know she is depressed from all those years of being stuck at home, and I hope she can one day get out and live her life for herself, and her husband.

We all have some kind of fear, some of crowds. What ever it is, we need help of our friends. Some of course may need more help than that, I'm not here to point fingers or give medical advice.

We can all use a hand every once in a while. If we tell our loved ones what is scaring us and if they will help. If they do not, we need to keep looking. Even when some one is doing well, that can be hard as well. Be there for your loved ones when they need some one to talk to. Other wise what good are you. For my friend mentioned earlier, I will have her to dinner and later do a heart to heart with her.

I go to my friends when I am going to do something new and I am scared to take the leap. Usually it takes some kind words and encouragement to get me going. Then I can put aside the fear for the joys of powering through and finding out I can do this after all.

Friday, May 7, 2010

Away

There is still something romantic about getting in your car and going away for the weekend or more. We all need to get away every once in a while.

The reality is that we don't always have the money to travel. We haven't and after enduring a boring lecture about time share's we were able to get a two nights stay in Vegas. It was not easy, it was if the company didn't want to really give you anything for free. We had to badger them to make good on the offer.

The reason for us being so persistent? We really would not have the funds to travel other wise. After all we have been through in the last year, we really needed to just get out of town and relax. I still don't have a job and I need one. We were able to do some outlet shopping and that is the last time I will be able to in a while.

In the times when I really can't get away, I can always go the beach. That might not be available to everyone. There is the mountains as well. Still no gas money to travel? Then get an adventure book and take a trip in your mind. It still can be refreshing. In these difficult times we can't always get away, at least not like we used to. I have many friends in Europe I have not seen in years and I would love to. Some might come to visit us and that would be nice. If not, we can always email.