Due to my status as a graduate student working several jobs to pay for tuition along the way rather than taking out a lot of loans, Steve and I continue to look for ways to clip coupons, cut corners, and save. Even former reality star Kate Gosselin is hitting the coupon circuit with her new blog gig on CouponCabin.com.
My favorite black leather boots and a pair of Mary Jane style shoes needed desperate repair. The soles were worn out on both pairs and my boots needed a zipper replaced on the left side.
Instead of tossing them out and buying new pairs (as I probably would have in my pre-graduate school days), I took them to a place called Alex's Shoe Hospital. It's a boot and shoe repair store.
When I picked up the items, I receieved the bill for around $56.00. It's not bad considering all they had to do with the pairs. In addition, the store shined them so they look brand new. And it's a drag to break in a new pair, only to have them fall apart when they are the most comfortable.
The cost of the new boots and shoes would have been over $200, so I saved over $100 . Plus, I feel like I am contributing to the environment by reusing rather than tossing.
I have another pair of suede boots in the shop right now. Unfortunately, the flats were beyond repair, so I'll have to invest in a new pair. Of course, I'll make sure there is a coupond or they are on sale.
Saturday, November 5, 2011
Saturday, October 29, 2011
On Being Weird
I enjoy quotes; I am a quote collector. Facebook provides a lot of interesting quotes in late, so I borrowed this one that George Takei of the Star Trek series. Fortunately, I met my weird counterpart nearly twenty years ago. We call it nerd love. All nerdiness and weirdness aside, it's an off- the -vine concept to embrace who you are. I am weird. I like to prefer the term "eccentric", but weird will work. I think the world needs a little more weird, but in the best weirdly worldly way. :)Sunday, October 9, 2011
Start Something that Matters
The death of Steve Jobs this week and his inspirational commencement speech from 2005 inspired me to check out this book at the library: Start Something that Matters by Blake Mycoskie. So far, I've only glossed the cover, but it looks like a meaningful tome by a visionary named Blake MyCoskie. I am hoping this blog will inspire the 40 and better crowd. (I know, need to post more.) I am hoping to do something more with writing to help others. Anyhow, hopefully this book will help achieve my dreams and life purpose. I'm still figuring it out.
Friday, September 30, 2011
Kip and Nuts
I love wordsmith.org. The word of the day on the website was kip, which means to nap. At the bottom of the website is a quote: "Everyone, in some sanctuary of the self, is nuts." -Leo Rosten, author (1908-1997)
Love it.
Love it.
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
No-Cook Recipes
September 28, 2011
I found these no-cook recipes on notebook paper. I thought it would be good to bring this to the blog:
1.) Raspberries and Cool Whip. Blueberries and Strawberries can be substituted. Raspberries and cream are one of my "madeleine" moments. Reminds me of my grandmother.
2.) Oranges, walnuts, and honey. My mother brought back this recipe after a trip from Hawaii.
Laney honey from North Liberty is one of the best.
3.) Celery, cream cheese, and green olives. Another recipe passed down from my mother.
4.) From the spa: cucumber water. Add cucumber slices to water. You can also use lemons for the same effect.
5.) Avocados and bananas: mix them together. It makes a tasty pudding. I learned this in a no-cook cooking class.
6.) Red and green apples in a bowl. Great for a holiday treat.
I found these no-cook recipes on notebook paper. I thought it would be good to bring this to the blog:
1.) Raspberries and Cool Whip. Blueberries and Strawberries can be substituted. Raspberries and cream are one of my "madeleine" moments. Reminds me of my grandmother.
2.) Oranges, walnuts, and honey. My mother brought back this recipe after a trip from Hawaii.
Laney honey from North Liberty is one of the best.
3.) Celery, cream cheese, and green olives. Another recipe passed down from my mother.
4.) From the spa: cucumber water. Add cucumber slices to water. You can also use lemons for the same effect.
5.) Avocados and bananas: mix them together. It makes a tasty pudding. I learned this in a no-cook cooking class.
6.) Red and green apples in a bowl. Great for a holiday treat.
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Yoga
September 26, 2011
I checked out two yoga DVDs from the library. Now I just need to check them out at home. I took a yoga class while attending Manchester College. I loved it and do not know why I never went back to it. I think 40 is a good time to start again. Time to get my OHM on! :)
I checked out two yoga DVDs from the library. Now I just need to check them out at home. I took a yoga class while attending Manchester College. I loved it and do not know why I never went back to it. I think 40 is a good time to start again. Time to get my OHM on! :)
Sunday, September 11, 2011
An Off the Vine Poem for a Friend
September 10, 2011
Last night, Steve and I celebrated a friend's birthday. She is off-the-vine sixty, amazing,beautiful, and vibrant. We are so fortunate to have a friend like her (and we love her husband, too!) I was trying to write a poem proir to her birthday, but was inspired at the actual event. It started to rain, so I found the craft markers and paper and started to write.
Here is the finished poem:
Candles in the Clouds
-for Marci
September Saturday evening
Droplets of soft summer rain
adorn the white wine in my glass,
creating ripples like candles
like the lights and candles that
continue to flicker in the
curl-enhancing-hairy-rainy night,
As we stand in your fairy garden
Under your magic tree-- and absorb
The light created from the candles
of your love light that you light
for everyone.
Light in the clouds, light in the hearts
of family and friends and the angels
who bestow peace and love into your
Heart--and into ours.
lcs/2011
Last night, Steve and I celebrated a friend's birthday. She is off-the-vine sixty, amazing,beautiful, and vibrant. We are so fortunate to have a friend like her (and we love her husband, too!) I was trying to write a poem proir to her birthday, but was inspired at the actual event. It started to rain, so I found the craft markers and paper and started to write.
Here is the finished poem:
Candles in the Clouds
-for Marci
September Saturday evening
Droplets of soft summer rain
adorn the white wine in my glass,
creating ripples like candles
like the lights and candles that
continue to flicker in the
curl-enhancing-hairy-rainy night,
As we stand in your fairy garden
Under your magic tree-- and absorb
The light created from the candles
of your love light that you light
for everyone.
Light in the clouds, light in the hearts
of family and friends and the angels
who bestow peace and love into your
Heart--and into ours.
lcs/2011
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Quote of the Day
September 6, 2011
"A crust eaten in peace is better than a banquet partaken in anxiety." -Aesop.
In late, I am searching for crumbs of peace.
"A crust eaten in peace is better than a banquet partaken in anxiety." -Aesop.
In late, I am searching for crumbs of peace.
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Writing Tuesday
August 30
Fun writing class. Good stuff. Here's a quote I found online from one of my favorite poets:
"Poets need not to go to Niagra to write about the force of falling water." -Robert Frost
We also discussed the poem "The Road Not Taken" by Robert Frost. What if? What if I took a different road?
Fun writing class. Good stuff. Here's a quote I found online from one of my favorite poets:
"Poets need not to go to Niagra to write about the force of falling water." -Robert Frost
We also discussed the poem "The Road Not Taken" by Robert Frost. What if? What if I took a different road?
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
If I Had a Dollar...
Rawr.
If I had a dollar for every time someone told me that I am oversensitive and/or not to take something personally, I could retire. I am so over hearing it and need an effective OTV comeback.
Monday, August 22, 2011
Monday
Monday, August 22
Successfully shaking off sour grapes. Perhaps it's the subtle changing of the seasons, although we technically have another month of the summer solstice.
Good things happened today:
1.) Taught a great class. We discussed literature. We freewrote. We talked about books and Shakespeare. Good old Billy Shakespeare.
2.) Booked a author program for December. Yay for Greenwood Public Library! Bunheads unite!
3.) Working on Lia Sophia blingy. Forming a Dream Bling Team. Delivered bling to a customer/friend on Monday.
4.) Worked on jewelry shows.
Grateful for Steve. Grateful for friends and family. Grateful to my three administrative assistants, who are always demanding raises in increased cat food and catnip.
Sunday, August 21, 2011
Sunset
Saturday
Threw a Lia Sophia soiree for a friend. Met nice new people and saw a friend from library.
Sunday
Had a nice lunch with friends. Then captured an amazing sunset in New Buffalo. Dealing with some depression; the sunset made me sad tonight. Grateful to Steve for his company and love.
Threw a Lia Sophia soiree for a friend. Met nice new people and saw a friend from library.
Sunday
Had a nice lunch with friends. Then captured an amazing sunset in New Buffalo. Dealing with some depression; the sunset made me sad tonight. Grateful to Steve for his company and love.
Friday, August 19, 2011
Running on Empty and Write It Out.
August 18
Like the classic movie, I was running on empty. Literally. After teaching class, my gas light went on while I headed home. I stopped (at the right gas pump, NOT diesel--that's another story) and attempted to prepay. Credit card was denied. (I knew I was close, as I had a lot of business expenses this month) Of course, the gas station doesn't accept checks (and I forgot them anyway) and I had seven dollars in cash. I then filled up with the seven dollars and sheepishly called Steve. (I always bug him about running on empty. ) He drove right over and kindly put gas in my car on his card. We drove home and was welcomed to the sight of cat vomit on the dining room chair.
August 19
Writing is not just a sequence of words; writing is therapeutic. I wrote in a stream-of-consciousness mode on my laptop for over two hours in the night; I stopped writing at almost 2:00 a.m. It seemed as if I was in a trance.
Like the classic movie, I was running on empty. Literally. After teaching class, my gas light went on while I headed home. I stopped (at the right gas pump, NOT diesel--that's another story) and attempted to prepay. Credit card was denied. (I knew I was close, as I had a lot of business expenses this month) Of course, the gas station doesn't accept checks (and I forgot them anyway) and I had seven dollars in cash. I then filled up with the seven dollars and sheepishly called Steve. (I always bug him about running on empty. ) He drove right over and kindly put gas in my car on his card. We drove home and was welcomed to the sight of cat vomit on the dining room chair.
August 19
Writing is not just a sequence of words; writing is therapeutic. I wrote in a stream-of-consciousness mode on my laptop for over two hours in the night; I stopped writing at almost 2:00 a.m. It seemed as if I was in a trance.
Monday, August 15, 2011
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
I Kissed a Mannequin (And I Liked It)
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Ah, Stan. We meet again. I visited you at the Centre Township Branch today. You came to us from the now defunct Marshall Field's when I was working there many years ago. You also visited me at the LaSalle Branch as a guest star for a program. You were always a good listener. Besides the fabulous people I haven't seen in years, I saw you. You sported a sombrero and stood quietly in the corner. I reached into the abyss of my purse and located my NYC Retro Red lipstick. I lacquered my lips, reached over, and kissed your porcelian cheek. Then I pulled out a black marker and drew on a curled moustache. You look more sophisticated now.
Au revior, Stan. Until we meet again.
Ah, Stan. We meet again. I visited you at the Centre Township Branch today. You came to us from the now defunct Marshall Field's when I was working there many years ago. You also visited me at the LaSalle Branch as a guest star for a program. You were always a good listener. Besides the fabulous people I haven't seen in years, I saw you. You sported a sombrero and stood quietly in the corner. I reached into the abyss of my purse and located my NYC Retro Red lipstick. I lacquered my lips, reached over, and kissed your porcelian cheek. Then I pulled out a black marker and drew on a curled moustache. You look more sophisticated now.
Au revior, Stan. Until we meet again.
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Early August Musings
August 2, 2011
Teaching Introduction to Literature. I have four students. It's a lot of fun so far.
August 3, 2011
Good class today with student. Looked forward to sharing bling and dinner with friend. (E.)
Beautiful weather today. Blue skies.
August 4, 2011
One of my closest friends (E) and I dined outside Wednesday night at Bar Louie and talked about when women really go "off the vine". Forty is a good age (and a better metaphor than over the hill, that's for sure) for us, but what about you out there? When did you come into your own and really discover who you are?
Monday, August 1, 2011
Having a Case of the Mondays
Monday, August 1
It was one of those mornings. I bemoaned my insignificant little annoyances to another OTV woman (and BFF) and then I realized I needed to pull up my OTV pants and face the world with a smile. So I did and I ended up having a great afternoon teaching and a wonderful evening with friends. :)
It was one of those mornings. I bemoaned my insignificant little annoyances to another OTV woman (and BFF) and then I realized I needed to pull up my OTV pants and face the world with a smile. So I did and I ended up having a great afternoon teaching and a wonderful evening with friends. :)
Sunday, July 31, 2011
Saturday & Sunday
Saturday, July 30
In the morning, my in-laws helped us tame the foliage in the front and back yards. We trimmed bushes, trees, and weeded. I am totally going to spoil them somehow.
In the afternoon, I attended a Lia Sophia training session. This training plus the training from the Lia Sophia conference is paying off. I'm now having $1000+ shows and bookings. My soirees are lining up for the fall season. This OFV woman is building consistency in her shows. I am happy to (finally) see progression! :)
After meeting with one of my BFFs late this afternoon, Steve and I visited Hacienda. The migraine I developed later confirmed the fact that I am allergic to all orange flavors, margarita included. The two aleve I took plus retiring to bed early averted a night drive with the porcelian bus.
Sunday, July 31
I finally awakened around 11 a.m. I feel much better. Today I spent cleaning out the upstairs bedroom. It's now the OFV office. Closing a Lia Sophia show tonight and prepping for Introduction to Literature Classes tomorrow afternoon. ;)
In the morning, my in-laws helped us tame the foliage in the front and back yards. We trimmed bushes, trees, and weeded. I am totally going to spoil them somehow.
In the afternoon, I attended a Lia Sophia training session. This training plus the training from the Lia Sophia conference is paying off. I'm now having $1000+ shows and bookings. My soirees are lining up for the fall season. This OFV woman is building consistency in her shows. I am happy to (finally) see progression! :)
After meeting with one of my BFFs late this afternoon, Steve and I visited Hacienda. The migraine I developed later confirmed the fact that I am allergic to all orange flavors, margarita included. The two aleve I took plus retiring to bed early averted a night drive with the porcelian bus.
Sunday, July 31
I finally awakened around 11 a.m. I feel much better. Today I spent cleaning out the upstairs bedroom. It's now the OFV office. Closing a Lia Sophia show tonight and prepping for Introduction to Literature Classes tomorrow afternoon. ;)
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Day Nine: Writer's Block
July 29, 2011
I sat down to write tonight to catch up on past days and darn it if I am afflicted with a case of writer's block. Well, I will do what I advise other writers and students.
Keep writing until you are unblocked. Even if you have to write nonsense like this:aznxncmdkroitdnsmsp123443mmfmf,m,m.
Just keep your fingers moving and write. I ended up writing a poem about my mother. I'm sure she's off the vine on a cloud somewhere in eternity. Here's the link: http://marimbaandice.blogspot.com.
Tonight I will be spending the evening with my girlfriends. I am so looking forward to it.
I sat down to write tonight to catch up on past days and darn it if I am afflicted with a case of writer's block. Well, I will do what I advise other writers and students.
Keep writing until you are unblocked. Even if you have to write nonsense like this:aznxncmdkroitdnsmsp123443mmfmf,m,m.
Just keep your fingers moving and write. I ended up writing a poem about my mother. I'm sure she's off the vine on a cloud somewhere in eternity. Here's the link: http://marimbaandice.blogspot.com.
Tonight I will be spending the evening with my girlfriends. I am so looking forward to it.
Friday, July 22, 2011
Days Two and Three
I should know better than to try to chronicle this journey since I don't speak math or sequences well, but I'm trying. I am sure you will forgive me if I lump some of the days together. It will all add up to 365 days anyway. Let's just call it... creative math. :)
Day Two: Thursday, July 21
Had to stop eating after 7:00 p.m. the night before so I could be ready for my test. I must have an affinity for patient gowns, as I have been donning them a lot recently. Thank goodness for the heat wave, since the gowns are rather, um... drafty.
Off-the-vine girls need to tend to their inner grapes, so they can continue to ferment and age properly. I like to collect rocks and stones and my GP wanted to ensure that my gall bladder did not do the same. So I called today and all's well, which is great... but still do not know the source of the pain. Hmmm... However, this OTV (off the vine) girl will not be sour grapes about this and will keep plugging away until I find out.
I had lunch with one of my dearest friends. She made me an OTV bracelet with a note. I was floored. I love her so much! :)
In the evening, I worked a Lia Sophia soiree for my hostess. It was a grand evening. I met a lot of nice new people and reconnected with others.
Day Three: Friday, July 22
Woke up. Frequented the local CVS. Visited bank. Cashed checks. Asked teller if he was a proponent of cash in the middle of the board in the game Monopoly. Returned to CVS. Bought Visa cards to use for show. Drove back home. Drove to lesson and was loved on by large puppies. Drove to hostess' venue and conferred to close show. Returned home. Loved up kitties. Steve came home early with pizza. Ate pizza and drove to commencement to participate as faculty. Realized I was running on empty. Steve drove behind me (on way to store) and paid for gas. I gassed up Greenie the car. Made it to a church venue for commencement. Participated in a lovely commencement. Afterwards, went down slide at venue in the dark in my robes. Met with a friend and student. Visited store. Came home. Relaxing and blogging. After reading this entry, I understand why I am tired.
Day Two: Thursday, July 21
Had to stop eating after 7:00 p.m. the night before so I could be ready for my test. I must have an affinity for patient gowns, as I have been donning them a lot recently. Thank goodness for the heat wave, since the gowns are rather, um... drafty.
Off-the-vine girls need to tend to their inner grapes, so they can continue to ferment and age properly. I like to collect rocks and stones and my GP wanted to ensure that my gall bladder did not do the same. So I called today and all's well, which is great... but still do not know the source of the pain. Hmmm... However, this OTV (off the vine) girl will not be sour grapes about this and will keep plugging away until I find out.
I had lunch with one of my dearest friends. She made me an OTV bracelet with a note. I was floored. I love her so much! :)
In the evening, I worked a Lia Sophia soiree for my hostess. It was a grand evening. I met a lot of nice new people and reconnected with others.
Day Three: Friday, July 22
Woke up. Frequented the local CVS. Visited bank. Cashed checks. Asked teller if he was a proponent of cash in the middle of the board in the game Monopoly. Returned to CVS. Bought Visa cards to use for show. Drove back home. Drove to lesson and was loved on by large puppies. Drove to hostess' venue and conferred to close show. Returned home. Loved up kitties. Steve came home early with pizza. Ate pizza and drove to commencement to participate as faculty. Realized I was running on empty. Steve drove behind me (on way to store) and paid for gas. I gassed up Greenie the car. Made it to a church venue for commencement. Participated in a lovely commencement. Afterwards, went down slide at venue in the dark in my robes. Met with a friend and student. Visited store. Came home. Relaxing and blogging. After reading this entry, I understand why I am tired.
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Turning 40 with MDA
As of 8:02 p.m., I officially turned forty. I am thrilled to turn forty. I am not forty years old, forty years young, but forty years off the vine. The purpose of this blog is to chronicle 365 days of turning forty. I want to make these days and posts as inspiring and as meaningful as possible. During the 365 days, my intention is to do at least 40 meaningful things. I wish for this blog to morph into a book to inspire others that turning forty can be a joy. Today marks a wonderful day. In the morning, I visited the Tippecanoe Place and "went to jail" for the MDA . I called people for bail money. My husband offered more money to keep me in jail! Ha! :) The staff was a blast and so gracious. It's a great cause: send MDA kids to camp.
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
One Day Looking Up at 40
This is the last day that I am looking at up at forty from the grapes in the vineyards. I am waiting to be picked. Tomorrow, I will be what they call over-the-hill, but...
I will be over the hill, standing at the hilltop, looking down at the grapes of decades that represented my first life and my formative years.
I will be in a new form-- a lovely wine-- that will age and ripen and progressively get better with each passing year. I will be chronologically, metaphorically, and spiritually, off the vine.
And I can hardly wait.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)