Fabulous Contest

CurlyWurlyGurly is hosting a fabulouso contest on her blog. She has recently returned from an extensive vacation including the City of New Orleans. In true sharing fashion, she is giving away goodies from the vacation and this fabulous griddle. Visit her blog and enter to win!

http://curlywurlygurly.wordpress.com/
Now, if she would just provide the cook.....

I AM NOT MY BOOBS!

It was that time again. It was put off as long as possible. Sigh, the "girls" needed some support. I would ALMOST rather have a root canal than to shop for bras. Oprah endorses her favorite as do many other celebrities. I have not found the ideal bra yet. I often wonder if these devices were originally designed by men to "keep us in place". Bras, for most of us, are a necessary evil! They keep the girls supported and they keep us modest. There are so many issues involved when shopping for the dreaded bras. Fit, comfort...straps that stay put, a back that doesn't ride up, no pinching or stabbing anywhere. I remember thinking that I would never have anything to fit into a real bra. A training bra sufficed until I was about 17 years old. A late bloomer...but when they bloomed...the rest is herstory. I wanted to feel pretty and at the time the options for larger breasts were pretty much limited to the Playtex, Cross Your Heart bras. During my twenties I often wanted to wear a shirt with an arrow pointing to my face. I wanted my male employers to acknowledge that I had a brain. At times I wanted to shout "I am not my Boobs!" Approaching 50, I just look at them and sigh! Gravity is not kind. My husband on the other hand is a happy man. (sorry kids, that's all I'll say) Coming to terms with who I am...I have changed the way I dress. I have given up the t-shirts to the neck with jean jumpers or anything that approaches my neck too closely. While trying to draw attention away from my chest, my clothes made everything appear larger. My look is mostly v-necks and lots of black but with a softer look! I like it.

I have been thinking about breasts due in part to several friends that have suffered the effects of breast cancer. These brave women have undergone surgery, chemotherapy and all the emotional effects of this disease. One of my friends related that every time she told someone she had breast cancer people would automatically look at her chest. Our breasts should not define who we are as women.

Recently I made the acquaintance of a wonderful woman that decided to have her silicone implants removed. She emphatically stated that she did not wish to have "these things" anymore. Who decides what is enough? This lovely lady decided to be true to herself and no one else. Bravo for You, J!

In honor of breast cancer awareness some time ago I e-mailed my friends an article written by a nurse describing how to "Phluff the Girls". Monthly breast exams are critical, yet how many actually take the time to do so? "Phluffing the Girls" has numerous other benefits for breast health according to the article. Look it over at http://www.cherylchapman.com/pdf/phluff.pdf

Big or Small, Perky or Not...our breasts are just our breasts and not a measure of who we are as individuals. The sum of all your parts makes up YOU! You are unique and beautiful, a creation of the most high God!

WARNING, Do Not Eat

I recently purchased this wonderful shower attachment with hose to install above our jacuzzi as it is extremely difficult to clean with the current set up. As I was looking at the contents of the package, I noticed one of these enclosed...

This is one of the many forms of drying agents, moisture absorbers and so forth that are included in various items you wish to keep dry. So...you'll notice the words DO NOT EAT stamped all over the packet. Somebody, somewhere whilst installing a shower attachment looked over at their partner and said, "Look honey, they included a snack!" Many of the appliances I purchase come with instructions in numerous languages. I have yet to see these little packets with any other language on them. So is this just an "American" thing? I am sure the packets come in products from other countries, however the little packets are written in English. Feel free to correct me! I just don't know. The only people I would think you would need to warn would be very small children that put everything in their mouth. In which case, they can't read so did their parents say "Look honey, they put a snack in here for the children?"

Somebody did it or there would not be a warning. I personally would not eat anything labelled oxygen absorber or silicone crystals or drying agent. As I thought about all the "obvious" labels and signs one sees posted about I wondered if this was due to the ridiculous amount of frivolous lawsuits generated in the United States. Some of my personal favorites included but are not limited to; Warning: Hot Coffee, Coffee is Hot! or Hot Chocolate is Hot! I have spilled enough drinks in my lap to know you are taking a HUGE risk drinking hot stuff in the car.

Although, a diet coke filled to the brim with ice gets mighty chilly when you dump the whole thing in your lap and you have to sit in it until you can change your clothes. Here's a new sign, Warning: Sodas with ice are really COLD, you could spill it and freeze off your ...........! I love the warnings on scissors and knives...they are sharp and they can cut you. Numerous warnings abound, so take heed and DO NOT EAT the little packets! So, have you seen any wacky warnings lately?

I SEE THE MOON AND THE MOON SEES ME!

My pitiful attempt at capturing the most glorious full moon. It was so beautiful last night. I attended our monthly book club meeting which is always, always a good time. A group of people who love to read, discussing, laughing and just having a great time! My grandchildren are learning very early to love books! Little Miss Anna attended book club last night. I rode with her in the backseat...on the way home we looked for the moon, she was soooo excited every time she spotted it. I remember reading Good Night Moon by Margaret Wise Brown to my children every night for what seemed like years. The words "I see the moon and the moon sees me" popped in my head and I was reciting parts of the book for Anna. Every time she would spot the moon she would say "I see the moon and the moon sees me". My daughter called me and asked if I would take some pictures from my house as I have such a clear view of the sky. She said that Anna was still looking for the moon and kept talking about it. I tried many attempts at stabilizing the camera (I need a tripod or a better camera) I finally retrieved a blanket from the garage and just sprawled out on the lawn. DH was in the garage working on a new airplane...sigh. I cannot begin to describe the loveliness of lying on the grass looking at the night sky. It reminded me of childhood drive-in movies and yard camping.

I have been "coming out" of my cocoon at a very alarming rate. The revelations, ideas and epiphanies that are swarming through my brain are astounding and exhilarating...stay tuned for this crazy journey! I feel like I have been asleep at the wheel and am waking up to a whole new world!!! What truly amazes me is my strong desire to be outdoors. My children and I spent a great deal of time outside when they were "small". As they got older and went their separate ways and a series of life events occurred I settled indoors and nested. Now it appears I am being kicked out of the nest by my own inner voice! I am excited to wake up in the morning to see how the new day will unfold! Yippee!!!!

Rejoice!

If the sight of the blue skies fills you with joy,

If a blade of grass springing up in the fields has power to move you,

If the simple things of nature have a message that you understand,

REJOICE, for your soul is alive...Eleonora Duse

A gentle breeze is fluttering outside the window. I stepped out to go to the bank and felt the sun on my face and the breeze blowing wisps of hair around my head. I am craving a walk in the woods by a stream. Some ice cold water to drink and some fresh berries or an apple for sustenance. Sigh...

Note on 50 books:

I am on the last couple of chapters of The Witch of Portabello by Paul Coelho - fiction, but has some meaningful messages throughout the story as told by the different characters who knew "the witch".

Maryjane's Outpost, Unleashing Your Inner Wild by Maryjane Butters - this is a delightful feast for the eyes and the soul. A practical guide to surviving the outdoors from your porch to the "real" outdoors and making it a truly beautiful experience. A vast array of topics is covered such as cleaning fish, decorating your porch, edible wild plants and making aprons. The photographs take you to a wonderful place. One you may remember...I will have to read this one a few times.

You've Come Along Way Baby!

I actually think my title was an advertisement for Virginia Slims cigarettes back in the day when they were still advertising those insidous, heinous health stealers. Okay, I'm better now. I loathe smoking. My mother smokes like a chimney and is in the beginning stages of emphysema. After many years of arguments, she finally does not smoke in my house or my car and cuts down when I am visiting her house. A smoker's house always smells like smoke to a non smoker. My eyes start watering and my nose either stops up completely in self defense or runs like crazy. I am thrilled that smoking is banned in most public places. After all I have to breathe and for years had no choice except to politely ask if smokers could blow their toxic steam somewhere else. My husband and I have some friends that smoke like they are never going to see another cigarette again. At work, our friend was complaining that she had to smell everyones perfume but yet she had to go outside, across the street to smoke. I am sure that some perfume and men's cologne is probably toxic as all get out, however, unless you have asthma it is still better than smoke. I love my smoker friends and family...that is why I wish they would/could quit. Lest you think I am totally angelic, I did smoke when I was about 17ish because I wanted to be cool. Hey, it was the 70's!!! I very quickly decided this was not an investment I wished to pursue at the expense of my health and my pocketbook! I have been in a reflective mood lately and have discovered many things about myself that I wish I knew when I was younger. Hence the old saying, "Youth is wasted on the young." It has taken me a very long time to realize I do not have to live by anyone else's rules or expectations. This is very liberating. I obey most rules, if they make sense and I obey the law except maybe the one about speeding! Approaching the age of 50, I have discovered that I like who I am. And what I don't like, I can re-invent should I CHOOSE to do so. Ain't life grand!!! I have discovered that friends come in all sizes, shapes, colors and ages. I am amazed and astonished at the level of intellect and confidence that my younger peers exhibit! They teach me so much. I love learning. It is a never ending process. I can devour books, articles, stories and gain a better understanding of all things. "Blogging" has opened up a whole new world for me and I find it slightly addictive. I look forward to "knowing" what is going on in the minds of my friends in North Carolina, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Florida and many other places in the U.S. and abroad. I love feedback and it doesn't necessarily have to be my point of view. I do not understand people that leave nasty comments on any one's blog. I guess the anonymity of it brings out the cowardice and meanness of some people. All we can do is not take it personally, it diffuses a blowhard pretty quickly. Reflecting on my life I realize I have been so blessed in so many ways. It has not come without adversity. Adversity makes one a stronger person. I really like my life. I have experienced many, many adventures and have some great ones planned for my "middle" years! I adore my grandchildren and am looking forward to travelling and playing with them until they are too cool to hang with Nonnee! Some random thoughts from Dr. Seuss keep running through my head such as the places you'll go and the things you'll see. As one of my friends mentioned to me, you sure have some lofty goals. If you don't aim high, you will never reach the stars!!! I just found an old birthday card that I saved...it has a Japanese symbol on it for dreams and says "Dreams don't follow the clock, they follow the heart." So now that I am not so busy rearing children I am following my heart and it feels great!

P.S. as to the list of things to do in the post on turning 50, one of my friends has sworn me to secrecy...she wants to get henna tattoos...I said sure, but you are not turning 50! Apparently it is something she has always wanted to do. (Henna tattoos are NOT permanent) Who knows I may soon sport a henna tattoo for a time! I am still entertaining suggestions for new adventures.

On Turning 50

Yours truly will be age 50 on January 24 2009. To celebrate this milestone I will be entertaining suggestions of 50 things to do between now and January! One item on my list begins August 2nd when I will enjoy a lovely dinner and stand in line for a book...yes, I have never in all my life waited in line extensively for the premier of a movie, a book, concert tickets or a game. This should prove to be highly amusing as the books are geared towards teenagers and are about vampires and werewolves. Just posting about it cracks me up! Why am I doing this...because I can...there are approximately 28 weeks including this one until my half century mark. Any and all suggestions will be welcome. Unless of course it involves anything that scares me very badly...I am not jumping out of aircraft!!! So far...

1. Weight loss challenge of 50lbs by January 24th. Officially starts today...have already taken steps towards accomplishing this goal.


2. August 2...stand in line for book release (midnight, is that too funny, I go to bed EARLY)


3. Kayak lessons


4. Play an actual beat to a song on Dear Husband's drums


5. Cooking class at Fleur-de-Lys


6. Read 50 books...suggestions...I probably have 50 at home that I haven't read yet.


7. Knit 50 hats for chemotherapy patients


8. Attend Hockey Game


9. Attempt to ice skate...again


10. beach trip


11. hiking trip to explore waterfalls


12. Donate blood 3X

I already participate in a variety of adventures, however, as you can see my list is nowhere near complete. Suggestions welcomed!