meg's garden: Thirteen Thursday

A rousing chorus of cheers

Thu, 18 Jan 2007 23:27:11 GMT

In an earlier post, I mentioned that I don’t make New Year’s resolutions anymore. Instead, I set some small, attainable goals that I think will improve my life, & I rarely put any deadlines on myself. It’s more about growing as a person, & less about trying to achieve perfection. So, in the spirit of being real & open about my world, I humbly present, in full public view, my:

Thirteen Goals for 2007 (& beyond)

Throw out all the back issues of magazines stored around the house~ I mean, really, it’s getting ridiculous- I have some that are 5 years old (& more). I seriously doubt I’ll ever have a lack of reading material around here, not with my book obsession & the close proximity of both the library & Barnes & Noble. If I haven’t needed them by now, I doubt I ever will.
Read 1 non-fiction book this year~ I have a tendency to stick with a couple genres of fictional material, mostly because I’m trying to escape from real life for a while; but now that I’m out of school for a while, I feel the need to expand my mental horizons. Nothing too heavy or intellectual- maybe a biography.
Use the library more often~ I started cleaning out books this time last year- I have too many paperbacks & not enough shelves. Besides, I know I spend more on books than I should, since our library is 3 blocks from my work. Now that our Library system has an online catalog, I can find & reserve books to pick up.
Take on a new challenge activity~ I know what you are thinking, but I really do have time to do something new in my life! I suppose it comes from being in school for so many years, but I need the stimulation of being outside my comfortable little world. This is tough for shy, lazy homebody like me, but I need this to grow. I already have taken the first steps on this one, but I’m not ready to reveal all at this point; never fear, you will hear all about it soon.
Cook dinner two nights a week~ After so many years of night classes, I got out of the habit of cooking; fortunately for me (& my children) I married an awesome man who likes to cook & didn’t see it as an imposition. It is time for me to take my share of the responsibilities again; besides, I want to improve my health & cooking from scratch will help me control the amount of crud in our diet.
Drink two 16 ounce bottles of water each day~ Yes, I know I’m suppose to drink more than that, but if I can get to this point daily, I’ll be ahead of where I am now.
Lose (& not re-find) 25 pounds by December 31st~ As I mentioned in my previous post, I have a lot more than that to lose; this is a place to begin- 2 pounds a month isn’t too scary or overwhelming.
Take a 30 minute walk three times a week~ Again, this is a starting point; it’s a realistic commitment for me- it’s all about forming the habits.
Go to the gym once a week~ To this end, I changed our membership to another facility closer to our home. It is a small, brand new club that just opened last week; it’s only 0.7 miles from the house, close enough to walk (with the added benefit of being $7.00 a month cheaper). Viola, one 30-minute walk (to & from) down.
Buy a new camera~ This about improving my skills; I love photography & have a certain level of natural talent (I won a contest a number of years ago with a snapshot from a plain old Kodak Instamatic), but I would like to take it to the next level. Though I’ve taken college courses, I think this is going to be more about getting out & doing it, then reading & studying about it. Of course, given my nature, I will probably still be doing some reading on the subject; hey, there could be my non-fiction book!
Install & use the photo software I bought 2 years ago~ Part of this is clutter relief- the box has been shuffled around the computer desk & needs to be dealt with; the rest is about doing something with all the pictures stored on my computer that need fixing or enhancing, & then actually printing some of them out.
Attend two scrapbooking crop nights~ To deal with the results of #10 & #11. A rather large scrapbook store opened up last year just across the street from the knitting shop. They have a regular monthly crop events- something like $10 for 6 hours, access to store equipment, & individual tables.
Deposit $25 a pay period in my “Scotland” savings account~ If I ever want to take that trip, I have to get serious about saving for it. I can (& probably will) do more than that, but if I can commit to a minimum & consistent deposit, I’ll have something to show for it pretty quickly.

Cat Haiku

Oh no! Big One
has been trapped by newspaper!
Cat to the rescue!

What do you do in your spare time?

Thu, 04 Jan 2007 21:12:13 GMT

As I've mentioned before, I finally completed the first of my college degrees back in May of last year, after attending classes part time for... wait for it... 15 years. The past 7 months have been a bit of an adjustment, rearranging schedules & priorities, after so many years of school & studying gobbling up my time. The biggest challenge has not been what to do with my time (there are so many things I wanted to do, but had to say no to over the years); it has been deciding which activities are the most beneficial & necessary. Among these are knitting, gardening, private baths, teatime, & blogging!

Even during the years in school, I always made time to read for pleasure, usually just before bed, while waiting at the doctor/dentist/orthodontist office, & semester breaks. The paradigm shift has been not feeling guilty about reading for fun! I cannot count the number of times over the years that I’ve sat down to read a new novel, & caught myself thinking, “I really ought to be doing my homework/research/project/term paper.” Now, I am enjoying that satisfying moment when the realization dawns that, no, I don’t have to do anything else & really can just sit here, treating myself to a little literary escapism.

In that frame of mind, I offer my first Thirteen Thursday of 2007:

Thirteen Favorite Authors

Jane Austen: Having discovered her in my early 30’s, I faithfully re-read at least two of her books each year
Lillian Jackson Braun: “The Cat Who…” series of mysteries- funny, quirk sleuth & his cats
Lucy Maud Montgomery: I first read her books after seeing “Anne of Green Gables” on television, & have since read nearly everything she had published- I especially love her short stories
Tamar Myers: Two wonderful series of mysteries- one based in Pennsylvania, the other in South Carolina
Maud Hart Lovelace: I discovered the “Betsy & Tacy” series when I was in Jr High
Elizabeth Peters: A relatively new discovery (with the past year) though she has been writing for years; I have devoured these mysteries set in turn of the century Egypt
Jan Karon: Delightful stories of the town of Mitford & Father Tim
Stephanie Barron: A series of fictional mysteries based on the life of Jane Austen
Miss Read: Delightful stories about a small village in England & their beloved teacher
P.G. Wodehouse: A prolific author, he wrote more than 100 books parodying upper-crust English society- Bertie Wooster & his man Jeeves are his most famous characters
J.K. Rowlings: Our entire family has devoured the entire “Harry Potter” series; the first books that Sam wanted to read
Agatha Christie: The Grand Dame of cozy mysteries; I particularly love Miss Marple & Tommy & Tuppence
Mary Daheim: Another modern mystery author- humorous & engaging, I enjoy her series based in a Seattle Bed & Breakfast inn

What's in your stocking?

Thu, 07 Dec 2006 20:17:20 GMT

During the holiday season, nearly every party I attend has a gift exchange- something small, usually with a $10-$20 limit. Now, I don’t know if it is a California trend or actually reflects the larcenous nature of my friends, but we normally play “Steal the Gift” at these parties. If you don’t know this game, here is the premise:

Each person brings a wrapped gift, places it under the tree, & then numbers are drawn for each participant. The first person chooses a gift & opens it; the second person can either choose a gift or take the gift the first person received. If the gift is stolen, the first person may choose another gift. The third person (& so on) can either choose a new gift or take one from the others. The rules are that 1) A single gift can only be stolen 3 times- it is considered locked & can’t be taken again; & 2) If a gift is stolen from you, you can’t steal it right back- you can only chose a new gift or take someone else’s. After the last person has chosen, you go around the group one more time & each person has the opportunity to steal or exchange for another gift (unless it is locked) or keep what they got; this gives the earlier numbers an opportunity to have a chance at later gifts.

We always have a lot of fun with this game, whether the gifts are “white elephants” or clever & heartfelt. It’s also a great place to see some great idea for stocking stuffers, so here is my list for Thirteen Thursday

Thirteen Gifts to Stuff Stockings

Mini Book light- this is not only great for reading, but I keep one in my knitting bag so I can work during evening car rides
Disposable camera- never know when you’ll need one
Travel sewing kit- thread, needles, safety pins, 5/8” buttons
Folding umbrella
A Slinky toy- I was given a plastic one & keep it at my desk; everyone picks it up, smiles, & plays with it
Lint brush roller with refills- this was the most popular gift at this party
Travel-sized games- checkers, Uno, Sorry- there are hundreds of them; great for car trips
Funny or Scenic postcards- Kids love to mail them (& receive them)
A book of stamps- I’m always running out of these when I most need them
Gift cards- I like to give them for coffee, ice cream, a local bookstore or the movies
Wild & crazy socks- the girls particularly like these (but so does Chris)
Travel mugs- the come in all sizes & designs, just make sure they have sealing lids!
Small scrapbook album- can be autograph book & photo album all in one

We are now on night #7 & Chris still has not said anything about the new bed. The gift bag is still on the bedside table unopened- I even turned on his lamp, so the light would shine on the bag- he just reached passed it & turned the light off. I bought a new blanket last night at Costco - micro fiber fleece, light green & very soft; it’s laying on his side of the bed in the package, so hopefully he’ll take the initiative & put it on the bed tonight while I’m at choir. My idea is that he will see & feel how much thicker the mattress is & finally clue in, but who knows?

BTW- in answer to the several inquiries- yes, it is possible he does know & is really yanking my chain, but since I'm more patient (& stubborn) then he is, this might take a while! I think I may have to trick him into "finding" the remote or owner's manual, then he'll have to cave.

What I am Thankful for

Thu, 23 Nov 2006 06:24:27 GMT

Thanksgiving Thirteen Thursday

1. The gift of salvation given freely by my loving, heavenly Father

2. My husband- devoted, patient, hardworking, silly, affectionate, he is the other part of me

3. That my Robb has become such an awesome man

4. That my Jessica is back in school & starting to find her way

5. That my Sam is still willing to kiss me in public

6. For the companionship & unconditional love of our feline children

7. A place to call home- a retreat & shelter from the harshness of the world

8. That both of us are able to work, to provide the needs & a few of the wants

9. Having a job, close to home, where I am needed & valued

10. Having my health restored, after so many months of pain

11. The freedom to express my creativity, in whatever form the Spirit strikes

12. Our church family, who holds us up in every way

13. My new blog friends, who lift me, challenge me, & give me a safe place to be myself, warts & all

Here is my prayer for each of you to have a blessed Thanksgiving, filled with contentment, affection, & gratitude.

Where are my tunes?

Thu, 09 Nov 2006 20:44:26 GMT

This one-person office I’m holding down today has only a portable AM/FM radio- the kind with rabbit years, no CD or cassette player, & four stations: news-talk, Mexican polka, Bible reading, & dance/rap music. This has become a bit of a difficulty, because I always have music going when I work & I’m finding myself getting sleepy. Since the powers-that-be frown on my napping while we are open, I brought in all the CD’s I have in my car to play on the computer.

If someone were to look at this stack of music, they would think 4 or 5 different old people work here! So, since I didn’t post one last week, here is the current installment of my version of “Thirteen Thursday”

Thirteen Compact Discs on My Desk

1. Handel’s Largos: Various Artists- composer of "The Messiah" magestic, stirring

2. It’s Time: Michael Bublé- think Frank Sinatra, with modern edge (my 15 yr old sings along)

3. Nickel Creek: Nickel Creek- modern bluegrass/folk mix; awesome mandolin player Chris Thile

4. Ready for the Storm: Browne Sisters & George Cavanaugh- celtic folk, incredible harmonies

5. David Russell Plays Bach: David Russell- guitar master

6. Bella Tuscany: Various Artists- classical Italian

7. Nights of Fire: Benise- two word: Oooh Baby! Flamenco/Cuban guitar

8. Local Ground: Altan- modern Irish folk music, gorgeous vocals

9. Legacy of the Scottish Fiddle, Volume Two: Alastair Fraser, Natalie Hass, Muriel Johnstone- traditional Scottish dance music, based on the works of Robert Burns

10. The Best of Narada: Flamenco Guitar: Various Artists- I dare you to sit still through this one- sexy & danceable

11. Celtic Woman: Various Artists- as seen on PBS, beautiful, ethereal vocals

12. Tchaikovsky at Tea Time: Various Artists- very soothing & evocative of days gone by

13. One More Day: Diamond Rio- great mix of love songs, rocking fun & classic country

What are you listening to today?

Cruel & Unusual, or Justice?

Thu, 19 Oct 2006 17:16:40 GMT

When visitors come to my Space for the first time, they will almost invariably mention the same thing: after complimenting me on my sparkling wit, stunning beauty, & brilliant writing ability, they will comment on the “Ways I Embarrass My Children” list. This list was created as an obvious ploy to grab the attention of browsers, so they would hopefully stick around long enough to read some of my ponderings & possibly return to see if I come up with anything else interesting.

I feel it is time make a few points clear. First: not every item on the list is done with the specific intention of embarrassing my children- that is just a lovely perk- some of the things are just how I express myself. Second: each of my children, particularly my sons, has a well-developed sense of humor, & they have become accustomed to their mother’s unique personality. Third: what might be considered my callous disregard for the dignity & tender self-esteem of said children is, in reality, a defense mechanism on my part to keep from being arrested for “teenicide” or being hauled off to the loony bin- if I can laugh at them, I’m more likely to take pity & let them live.

Thirteen Ways My Children Drive Me Crazy

Leaving damp towels on the floor in their room
Using my (brush, pen, tape measure, etc) & not returning it where they got it
Lying to me about anything
Using the last of something & telling me we are out when I return from the store
Changing the pre-sets on my car radio
Placing dirty dishes in the sink, when the dishwasher is 18 inches away
Making last minute plans & expecting me to drive them somewhere
Remembering all the words to a song they heard once, but forgetting that the garbage needs to go out to the curb every Wednesday
Playing their music on my CD player & leaving the volume on HIGH
Visible underwear- nuff said!
Muttering, mumbling & carrying on a conversation with me while they walk away or are in another room- being mildly hearing impaired most of my life (& all of theirs) the rule is “If I can’t see your face, I can’t hear you!”
“Remembering” they haven’t finished their homework at 10:00 pm Sunday, after spending the weekend complaining that there is nothing to do.
The gratuitous use of profanity; they know better than to use foul language with me, because I will snatch them bald-headed. What bothers me is the constant stream of profanity when they are talking to their friends or IM’ing online- there are so many other words to use, which will convey the same message with intelligence & respect.

Take me Away...

Thu, 05 Oct 2006 10:22:43 GMT

Vacation- what a lovely word! It conjures images of rest, relaxation, & family adventure. We have reached the time of year that we make plans for our family vacation. While I have work seniority & a flexible schedule, the seasonal nature of Chris’ work limits him to time off only between October & March; add to that the fact that Sam is in high school, & we end up restricted to the end of December for a family escape. The past couple of years, we’ve gone up to Portland to visit Chris’ family, but this year I wanted to do something different. Since the Queen’s word is law around our house (& since his Mom spent a week with us in April & a few days in May) we are headed south this year. I bought the tickets yesterday & we are headed to… Albuquerque, New Mexico!

We are going for a Christmas family reunion with my Dad, older brother Bil & younger sister Crystal. Neither Chris or Sam have ever been in that part of the country, & I haven’t been in 30 years, so we are all looking forward to exploring, visiting my siblings (whom I haven’t seen in 5 to 10 years) & maybe even squeezing in a little skiing for the boys. The exciting part is … we are taking the train! Yes, I realize it’s a very long trip- 24 hours total- but it’s much cheaper than flying, no one has to drive, we can get up & move around whenever we want, & I can knit, read, or sleep as much as I want!

So, in keeping with the travel theme of this entry, here is the latest installment of “Thirteen Thusday”

Thirteen Countries I Want to Visit

Canada: I want to see it all; my dream is to take a train from coast to coast
Scotland: I would love to explore the family sites & to take the Great Glen Walk
England: Oh, so many places I want to see! My dream is a walking garden tour.
Ireland: Another place steeped in family history- I would have to spend at least a month
Italy: I had a taste when I was 16; I want to wander Toscana & Umbria, & take a cooking class
Switzerland: I want to see & hike the mountains, and stay in hostels
Germany: A cruise down the Rhine, see the castles & visit our honorary daughter
Norway: This is Chris’ heritage; a raw beauty & rich lore
Greece: A fascination with ancient history & mythology
Israel: My spiritual roots are here
France: Paris would be interesting, but I want to explore the villages & churches
Australia: The ocean & the wildlife fascinate me; Chris wants to dive the Reef
New Zealand: We were spell-bound by the scenery in “Lord of the Rings”

So, what three countries do you want to visit?