Day 10: 1 confession.

Sometimes I eat frosting straight from the can.

Day 09: 2 smileys that describe your life right now.

Day 08: 3 things that turn you on.

1. talent
2. guyliner
3. geeks and nerds of all sorts

Under his feet...

That's what people used to say.  He picked his feet up, I set my feet down.  That's how I remember it too.  He got an early start everyday and until I was a wretched teenager (insisting on staying up all night and sleeping in until noon) I started with him.  You know, to "help".  I put that in quotations because we all know just how much help I really was.  He let me tag along though.  If he was ever annoyed by my constant presence and unrelenting barrage of questions, he never showed it.  To me, he was a man of infinite patience.  Even in my most dramatic moments, I couldn't come close to overstating his role in my life.  I frequently say that he spent his life saving mine and I really feel that way.  He was my very own personal "fixer".  I told him what was wrong and he figured out how to fix it.  I'm sure that  right about now you're thinking "Wow, he spoiled her."  You'd be right and it'd be a gross understatement.

Having said that, I should tell you that he was no push-over.  When I look back, I can see that he was teaching me.  Teaching me to be a good person and teaching me how to handle the difficult things.  He was an anchor.  I knew I could count on him.  In a very uncertain world, there is something that I am quite certain about.  He loved me more than I will ever comprehend.  And I loved him more than I could ever give words to.

Maldon T. Taylor

1925-1996

Day 07: 4 things that turn you off.

1. Smoking
2. Know-it-alls
3. Being told "I love you" when your actions say something else
4. Lack of confidence

Day 06: 5 people who mean a lot to you (in no order whatsoever)

1. My grandmother
2. My brother
3. My sister and the kiddos
4. The BFF
5. The Ex

Day 05: 6 things you wish you’d never done.

1. I wish I had not given my grandparents such a hard time when I was a teenager.
2. I wish I had not taken out student loans when I was completely capable of earning a scholarship.
3. I wish I had not started drinking coffee regularly.  Now I can't function properly without it.
4. I wish I had not been so careless with my things as a child.  Especially my book collection.
5. I wish I had not lost all my group grade school pictures.
6. I wish I had not played with and lost my grandmother's wedding rings.

Day 04: 7 things that cross your mind a lot.

1. What should I have for dinner?
2. Is it healthy to be this obsessed with Criminal Minds and NCIS?
3. Those socks are really loud and totally awesome.
4. What craft project do I want to work on right now?
5. Does this match?
6. Geez!  Get a grip already!
7. Can I get away with my hair in a ponytail today so I don't have to wash it?

Day 03: 8 ways to win your heart.

1. Snuggle under a quilt with me and watch a movie.
2. Ask for my opinion and then listen.
3. Be honest.  Be genuine.  Let your vulnerability show...trust me, it's endearing.
4. Share an inside joke with me.  Make me laugh.
5. Reminisce with me.
6. Encourage and foster my creativity.
7. Take a walk with me and hold my hand.
8. A mix tape...make me a mix tape.  (and if you get this reference, you're already in)

Day 02: 9 things about yourself.

1. I just got my ears pierced again (2nd holes)
2. One of my favorite quotes is this one from Douglas Adams: "I love deadlines.  I love the whooshing sound they make as they fly by."
3. Fall is my favorite season.
4. I'm very good at making playlists.  I make them for just about every occasion.
5. I'm a Leo.
6. People who don't know me always think I'm younger than I am.
7. I {heart} crafting.
8. Fresh cut grass and line dried linens are my favorite smells.
9. I'm a serious foodie.

Day 01: 10 things you want to say to ten different people right now.

1. SG - thank you for doing everything you said you would.  I'm very glad that we're still close friends.  We did it right and I don't care if people think it's weird, what do they know?
2. JT - I love that you've got my back and that we've become so much closer this past year.  Even if I had 15 brothers, you'd still be my favorite.
3. Dr. K - Stop talking to me in lines from Westerns I haven't seen yet.  It isn't fair.
4. Work Peeps - thank you for admiring my Christmas tree and for listening to me go on about the meaning of each ornament and especially for pressing the button on Waldorf and Statler's balcony...they crack me up every time!
5. Scrap Peeps  - your friendship means the world to me.  Each of you has touched my heart and lifted me up.  Thank you for sharing in my obsession with all things crafty.
6. D - consider it arranged...now get your butt to T-town A.S.A.P.
7. HB - I have a ton of fun hanging out with you...and bonus, I never have to worry about zombies because you've got it covered.  LOL!  You are an awesome friend.  Thanks for going in on the cricut with me...glad you've caught the scrapping bug.
8. J - I promise not to step on your toes too many times. Correction: try - I'll TRY not to.
9. Pop Suede - lolcats Twilight Saga is hysterically awesome!
10. Dear 2010 - It's been a whirlwind.  Dear 2011 - Bring it!

10 Day Challenge

So I'm stealing this from Twisty Girl's blog , via Donna's blog...

Literally, I lifted this straight from her post.  I thought it would be good for me to start posting again and this seemed appropriately reflective.  Below is the daily list and I'll be starting today.

Day 01: 10 things you want to say to ten different people right now.
Day 02: 9 things about yourself.
Day 03: 8 ways to win your heart.
Day 04: 7 things that cross your mind a lot.
Day 05: 6 things you wish you’d never done.
Day 06: 5 people who mean a lot to you (in no order whatsoever)
Day 07: 4 things that turn you off.
Day 08: 3 things that turn you on.
Day 09: 2 smileys that describe your life right now.
Day 10: 1 confession.

Thoughts from the craft room floor...

Weird title, but that's exactly how I got here to this post. I was on the floor in my craft room and I was feeling inspired. Really inspired for the first time in a while. It's been building the last couple of weeks. I'm guessing the vacation helped. (I spent last week at Disney in case you missed the memo...I doubt you did since it's all I could talk about for the last month.) Anyway, back to the floor. I was just sitting there amongst all my many crafting tools and supplies and I was letting the random thoughts just run behind the one thing I was actually focusing on. You know how your brain does that, right? I was pulling together the supplies I needed for the project I'm about to start. I was thinking, "would this red or that one be better?" Deep, right? But this is what I was focusing on while my brain churned through random thoughts...need to put away the laundry, looking forward to the Christmas Village with Iras tomorrow, need to work on the project list, maybe I should look at Donna's list again. That's about the time my brain tuned in to the Mat Kearney song that was playing. He's my new musical obsession. He's a singer/songwriter that started out in Christian music and crossed over to mainstream pretty successfully. He's a few years younger than me chronologically, but based on the lyrics he writes he's light years ahead of me in terms of self expression. And I think that's saying something. I think I express myself well. Colorfully. Thoughtfully. I give myself credit for being a pretty emotionally intelligent person and I think most people would agree. If I have one strength above others, that's it. I notice people...really try to see them. Try to realize what they need emotionally - when I'm really on, I can get it even before they do and then provide it. I occasionally make someone uncomfortable with the amount of focus I'm using...though I try not to. I hope that more often than not, I'm helpful. See, I think people can't always find the good, valuable, wonderful thing inside of themselves. I like to find it and then shine a light on it and illuminate the hell out of it. We all need someone to shine a light on us from time to time. The world and the people in it aren't black and white. It's a world full of color and shading and it's beautiful. Everyone has good within them. Everyone has faults. You know, it's complicated. You have to see the whole person. You have to see the balance to truly appreciate the person they are. When I think about it, I can't remember any extended period of time when I felt truly worthy to be taking up space on the planet. I've had moments sure, but I think the reason I so enjoy lifting others up is that it's easier than trying to find something in myself that I want to shine a light on. Ugh, self-introspection. So, this random post is my statement that I believe I am valuable. I contribute something good to the world and specifically to the people in my life. Even on the days when I settle for just breathing in and breathing out, I am worthy of the love of my family and friends. Love, that's the thing...the thing I'm trying to get to. "All you need is love." Apparently it's a night for song lyrics and musical genius. I do so appreciate talent...but that's a whole other post. In case you're wondering what song initially provoked all this random musing from a floral patterned rug in the middle of a room, it's "Never Be Ready" and if you want to know more about Mat Kearney read this. http://artists.letssingit.com/mat-kearney-2b6hx/biography

Westerns?

"You've never seen any old Western movies?" he asks, incredulity obvious on his face. "Nope." I said with a shrug. "Not my thing."

John Wayne and Jeffrey Hunter in a scene from The Searchers

I have a colleague who loves Westerns. In fact, he's something of an aficionado on the subject. He quotes lines from Westerns pretty much daily...slips them into a conversation with an almost comedic sense of timing. I'm sure I'd laugh, if only I got the point of reference and could place the line. For now, the best I can do is recognize that whatever he said probably is a line from a movie. I quote lines from movies fairly frequently too...though my taste runs more to romantic comedies. Anyway, I was really bothered that I couldn't "get" his references. This combined with the fact that his enthusiasm on the subject is contagious, had me agreeing to watch my first Western. "Start me on something that won't make me quit," I told him. And so my "Western education" began with The Searchers. A John Ford/John Wayne masterpiece filmed in Monument Valley. It's breathtaking. Definitely some of the best cinematography ever. I have to admit that I thoroughly enjoyed it (and all the others that have followed). You couldn't be more surprised by this than me. I mean, I was just humoring the guy...after all, he is on the short list. So I reported back to him... "It was amazing. Did you know that Steven Spielberg said in an interview that The Searchers is the best Western ever made and possibly the best movie ever made?" I got totally hooked on the scenery and the music. If you haven't seen it, you should. While you're at it, see all the Westerns on my Movies list...trust me, you won't be disappointed. You may even get hooked liked me. As it turns out, Westerns are very much my thing.

Ode to Ridiculous Sayings...

Okay, okay….I know they’re just trying to be helpful and supportive, but I wonder sometimes if people actually think about these things or if they just say them because it’s just what you say when someone you care about is struggling?

I’ve been pretty stressed and busy lately, so I need more fingers and toes to count the number of times somebody said “This too shall pass.” Really? Or else it won’t.

I gave up keeping track of “Everything will work out for the best.” a couple of weeks ago. This one is a sore spot with me anyway, having heard it so many times in my youth from someone who has an uncanny ability to be right more frequently than is decent.

How about “It will get better.” or better yet, the flip side “It could always be worse.” Yeah…THAT is definitely helpful.

But, at least "It's temporary." Whew! That's such a relief.

Oh and “The Lord never gives us more than we can handle.” or the slightly more clever “If you’re handed it, you can handle it.” or just simply “Give it to God.” *IMPORTANT NOTE* - I'm not discounting God, but he knows me and well, he's all about patience and it isn't my strong suit.

Then there’s my personal favorite... “That which doesn’t kill us, only makes us stronger.” By that theory, I should be able to lift a car all on my own…well maybe only a small compact, but you get my point.

Wow, I feel kind of bad for this rant. I know you’re only trying to help and I truly appreciate it. I’m normally a really optimistic person, and I’m sure I’ll get it together and be my old self soon. But until then, how about this one? “Yep Rach, that sucks.”

You don’t have to forecast the future or fix the right now…but thanks for listening and I TOTALLY love you for trying.

55 in 2010 Update

Ok, so I've been really lazy about blogging...preferring instead to lay in bed in my jammies and watch old Westerns in the limited spare time I have these days. Granted, the housework is piling up but I thought I'd take a few minutes to quickly update the 55 in 2010 list.

#4 Figure out how to organize my stamp collection:

Back in the Spring I found these really nifty 8-1/2 x 11 sheet protectors by We R Memory Keepers at Archivers. They come in several different versions which are perfect for storing acrylic stamp sets. I cut a piece of white cardstock to size and slipped it into the pocket to back the stamp sheet and make it easier to see the designs. I put the sheets into a zip around binder that I got on the clearance aisle at Walmart and presto...organized stamps.



#6 Paint a picture

I went to Sips n Strokes with some friends and painted this lovely picture of a tree. The bird is just a bonus...he had a mate, but sadly she had to be painted out due to an unfortunate stroke of the brush. (No doubt brought on by the very tasty moscato I was drinking.)



#8 Make and send Valentines

They were super cute...wish I had kept one to display here, oh wait...I did take pictures! I only made a handful, but I enjoyed doing it. I also made and sent Easter cards this year. They were stickled and stitched...what was I thinking?



#40 Reduse, Reuse, Recycle

Inspired by the guy from Canuckistan, I started recycling at home. I was impressed by his claim that he only has to take out two bags of trash a month. So, I added a bin to my pantry cabinet. It's super easy to recycle in Tuscaloosa...the fire station two blocks from me has bins for everything except glass. (Glass has to be taken to Bham.) So people, if you aren't recycling, you should be. Now get to it!

#47 Advance my career

I accepted the position of Assistant University Registrar in May and it definitely carries with it a lot of added responsibility. I'm facing my daily challenges with determination and poise...well ok, maybe not every day, but hey - everybody needs a goal. I'm enjoying the 50,000 foot view though. I'm not exactly sure when I decided I wanted a career in higher ed administration, but it was probably around the time I realized I might be good at it. Having a pleasant working environment and great co-workers likely played a role as well.

#51 Practice Self Awareness

I took a course called The Artist's Way at the first of the year. I won't pretend that I thoroughly completed all the tasks of each chapter successfully. I won't even pretend that I read every chapter of the book. I will admit that one of the things that I was the least faithful about (morning pages) was the one thing that was the most helpful. It was also the most difficult. You have no idea how negative thoughts can run your mind and life (or even that you had so many) until you start writing them down. The morning pages are the one thing from the course that has hung around. I'm not diligent, but they serve a purpose from time to time.

There are several other items that are "in progress", so hopefully, I'll have another update soon. Please don't hold your breath though...I'd hate to see you turn blue.

Rach

#26 - see a musical

I'm making progress on my 55 in 2010 list. There are several items in progress and I should have several more to post about soon. For now, here's #26.

I saw Fiddler on the Roof at Cobb Energy Centre with my Cartersville family a couple of weeks ago. It was pretty powerful. Not something I'm likely to forget anytime soon. Harvey Fierstein as Tevye was especially memorable. I'm still hearing "If I Were a Rich Man" all gravelly in my head. Such good fun! For a play based on such heavy material, I laughed a lot. Fierstein's comedic abilities are top notch and it took the edge off the darkness. My thought leaving the theatre was that I really love the theatre atmosphere and I should spend less on scrapbooking and more on tickets. :)

55 is the new 110

Last year I created and posted a list of 109 things I wanted to accomplish in 2009. As 2010 approached I revisted the list and took inventory of the things I could cross off. At first I admit I felt a bit disappointed in myself. I managed about half the list to some extent. I immediately discarded the original plan for a 110 in 2010 list. I brooded for a while. I didn't feel the sense of excitement that always comes to me at the start of a new year. That has been the toughest thing for me. I like looking forward to new adventures. I like a fresh start. I decided to let the list go. But it wouldn't go. I found my brain turning it over and over. I kept looking at the old list. Finally something occured to me. The old list was a success. Not because of the things I did and could cross off, but because it was a snapshot of me. It states in pretty simple terms what I felt was important in that period of time. It tells what my interests were. And if you read a little between the lines, it reveals me. Wow, glad I didn't trash it in a fit of self recrimination...bet it'll be super interesting to me in another 10 years or so. Suddenly I had wind in my sails for another list. 110 more things to...wait, I told myself...hold it right there missy. What's the one thing I have been saying over and over throughout this past holiday season. Oh right, next year, I AM NOT over-committing myself. 110 is a pretty big number. So, I decided to be more reasonable with myself. (pretty gracious, huh?) So I started thinking of the things I wanted to be different in my life. Mentally I made a checklist for the list. Don't act surprised, we all know I love making lists. Then I made the list. It had 67 items on it originally. I thought that was still too many so I condensed and re-worked items so that I only have 55. Now if you're any good at math, you'll find that this is exactly half of a 110 in 2010 list, which I think is perfect. 5+5=10 after all.

A few of the items on the list come straight from the 109 list. Some items have changed slightly. Some are brand new. All are so very me at the moment. Just click the 55 in 2010 tab above to see the entire list. I'll update you as I go. This year instead of just lining through items when they are done, I'll write a post on each. Some things are already in the planning stages. I'd love to have your thoughts and comments. And I'd love to hear about your plans for this new year. I wish you all much joy and hope you are blessed with many grand adventures in 2010!

Hugs,

Rach

Roll Tide Roll!

Last night was pretty exciting...almost too exciting. I think I almost died of shock when Fitzy reared back and lobbed that ball down toward Kirkpatrick. I for sure thought Coach had lost his mind. Definitely gutsy...and it almost worked. The game had it's ups and downs, but it was fun to watch.

I want to say a word about Colt McCoy. Here it is. Classy. It's a shame that he was injured and had to leave his last game as a Longhorn, and so early on. In his postion I think I would have made a complete ass of myself. His composure and grace on camera was inspiring. I hope that his injury is not serious and that he heals quickly.

My personal favorite moment of the game was watching Marcel Dareus spin with the ball and lumber into the end zone. The look on that kid's face was priceless. For about half a second I think he had no idea what he was supposed to do with that ball. For my non-football friends, Dareus is a defensive lineman...they don't normally carry the ball. The joy he expressed after reaching the endzone earned us a 15 yard penalty and I did not even care. (Coach did though, he was yelling on the sideline and even though I don't read lips, I had no trouble making out his displeasure.) Saban's like that though. Hardly ever see him cracking a smile. Being the emotionally reactive person that I am, I often wonder how he maintains that composure. Beats me.

Now, as my friend Kurt says, 13 is the new 12. It's been 17 years since National Championship #12 (under Gene Stallings in 1992) and the Tide is definitely high in Tuscaloosa. Looking ahead to this Fall, I can anticipate a new pre-game video. And then there's the matter of a new statue. And let's not forget that Bryant-Denny will be a fully enclosed bowl at that point. Yep, the future does look bright. And while everybody is looking forward to future success under Nick Saban, I thought it might be fun to see where he came from. I found this pretty neat video and being from a small town myself, it gave me the warm fuzzies.