The Little Things

Prompted by the lovely legged Lola Nova. 

Some of my favourite little things:

• Aurora smiling at me in the rear view mirror
• Finding a "new" book in the depths of a used book store
• Sleeping through the ENTIRE night
• Getting a letter in the mail
• Hearing TOOL unexpectedly (but on purpose is wonderful, too)
• Driving with the windows down with my radio blasting
• Writing
• Aurora telling me that I am awesome
• Sitting in the garage talking with my oldest friends
• The smell of cigarette smoke mingled with Oscar de la Renta
• Mulder and Scully conversations
• Falling in love with a book
• Brown eyes

What are some of your favourite things?

Flea Market Finds

Today was all sorts of fun filled getting pressies day!  AND because I'm pretty sure all items are thrifted from somewhere such as a flea market I'm going to join in Sophie's adventures.

I have had a bit of time off from work, but found such a lovely quiet creature awaiting me today.  I must admit when my eye caught the new bit of decor I almost cringed because my friends delight in leaving my squirrels.  BUT instead I found...

Isn't he so beautiful?  

And THEN! on my way to a meeting I was handed this

Doesn't it inspire you to dress is lovely shades of brown, mauves, and purples?  I can't wait to dress up with it!

AND it was filled with these numbers! So I fully expect to find some things to make L337!

(Forewarning.. the numbers totally are FTW, however, the picture is a fail)

So thank you to the lovely ladies who SHOP for me (Don't I have the greatest friends)!

and don't forget to visit Sophie!

Today's post brought to you by the letter "V"

I am officially on Vacation.  There is very little traveling for me.  Just down the road to Nana's to play with Brandy and the kids.

We are currently playing ponies, getting a few stitches in on (owl)ies, coloring, napping, and watching old school Seasame Street.  And I've seen my favourite clips, like making crayons, peanut butter, the aliens listening to the radio.  Except Seasame Street is currently making me cry because Mr. Hooper just died.  What a downer.

But the sun is out and soon we'll be out playing in the pool - the kiddie pool.  Oh and I'm totally spoiled getting a one sided clothing swap going through "mommy mart" as we're calling it since I've lost so much weight and far too many clothes aren't fitting.  And soon we'll be going through all my Mary Kay and handing out lots of sparkly goodies to the girlies (mom, Brandy and Stella) and watching a "how to apply" movie so Stella gets some more knowledge under her belt.  She did a lovely job practicing on me last night (at least since the blush was so light it didn't matter she got it everywhere except my cheek bones - but I'll blame that on my pudgy cheeks since they aren't really easy to find).

We finished off a delicious bottle of Huck - which was a gift from Rebecca (who is currently livin' it up in Portland on a short trip) - last night and I hope to be breaking into the tequila soon.

xx

Things upcoming

In just a few short days my sisters are converging onto the state of Idaho.  WATCH OUT!

Brandy is bringing the bebes; Stella (11), Zene (6) and Jax (1).

And I get a bunch of days off and half days during their stay!  I am so excited.  Aurora is, too; however, I'm not sure it's really hit her that the kids will BE HERE because she isn't yet bouncing off walls.

With my busy weekend Aurora went "camping" with Eddie.  In the backyard.  But she had s'mores and a tent and a fire, so what more do you need really?  For the rest of the weekend they are headed to his parents' house where there is a trampoline and kids to play with in the neighborhood.

I'm having fun at work meeting lots of alums and hearing lots of great stories!  I think I must have been a bit lame in my college days.  I rarely did anything as exciting as these rebels did in the 60s-80s.  Or maybe they just sound better because their eyes are alight with nostalgia.

My break time will also be around pay day time (kind of) which means more polyfill for the (owl)ies half concocted and awaiting birth and freedom from the cauldron in which they currently are brewing.

and the other things in my life - the not so pleasant things - I'm just pretending they don't exist. That will surely make them go away, right?

Hope your weekend is filled with sunshine and craftiness and loved ones!

addictions

do you have any of these nasty little buggers?

like food?

Why exactly is that reeses peanut butter cup sitting in the fridge screaming my name?

 (here)

I may have even gone as far as to pick it up and head towards my room with it for a quickie, but then thought I'd feel so dirty afterward it wasn't really worth it and hurried back to put it away.

or perhaps alcohol?

I could really use a margarita.

 (here - but I'm not sure who drinks margaritas that small - maybe children)

I may be salivating at the thought of one at this very moment.  However, there is no tequila in the house - I took it all to Sunny's.  There is rum or kahlua or vodka, but fortunately none of those are so sweet to me as Jose (or Jim or Jack).

maybe an addiction to a television show?

 (here)

I recommend X-Files (yes, still) or NCIS, which thank goodness is still on the air and going strong.  I'll refrain from any tonight, though because I'm almost too tired to think.

Stories?

 (here)

Harry Potter, The Outlander Series, Vampyre Chronicles (by Anne Rice, of course).

Or even singular novels?

(here - & I know this isn't technically the book, but COME ON!)

How many times have YOU read Pride & Prejudice?

Maybe yours is crafting (in fact I think it might very well be)?
Do you sew (on a machine, or by hand), crochet, knit, decoupage, collage, potter, paint?

What is your addiction?
And is it a little secret or do you wear it proudly like a badge?
Does it make you feel guilty or is it your comfort, your solace, your happiness?

Perhaps it is a little of everything.  And that's okay, too.

I think some of the most perfect days on earth are filled with my addictions such as delicious breads and cheeses and any other lovely food I might come across, margaritas, sun, a friend, crafting, movies, and certainly references to Potter, vampyres, NCIS and Mr. Darcy.

Weekend Recap

Friday evening went with some girlfriends to a private book signing for "Blood Oath" by Chris Farnsworth.

If you are in the mood for a vampyre book, especially a well written and interesting vampyre book, you must get this book NOW!  Do not even hesitate.  Get it in book form or on the kindle (like my sister).  I heard several people say how they read it in one or two sittings; I am one of them.  I read the first four chapters one evening and sadly put it down because I promised Aurora she could sleep with me - which meant early bed time for mommy.  The next evening however I didn't put it down until I finished.  I have every intention of reading it again soon.

I got all dolled up in honor of the special occasion.  Many will ask if this meant I turned into an emo punk with fake fangs for the evening.  The answer is a most resounding NO!  I certainly enjoy a good costume and have been a vampyre many a time; however, I am of the steadfast opinion that a black cape, fangs and eyeliner DO NOT MAKE ONE GOTH.  I have had many friends who do have fangs (real ones.. well, implants anyway) and wear capes, etc.  They were goth.  But not because of their appearance.  Because it is simply how they think, live and feel.

I felt there could be no better honor for such a wonderful novel then to be entirely 100% myself with my 100% goth heart beating to the rhythm of Type O Negative's cover of "Cinnamon Girl".

The red wine flowed, Chris read the opening chapter of the book and we all drank and chatted and laughed.  And Chris's wife is wonderful as well and it was so lovely being able to talk with them both.

I MAY have also expressed my goth opine, because we know how shy and reserved I can be (just throw in a couple glasses of wine).

Afterward - and we did stay quite late I headed with some delightful ladies out for another private party wherein we imbibed more and it was also fabulous.  I even managed to wake in the morning without a hangover.  But this may have been due to the blinding headache at about four in the morning which caused me to lurch from me bed to stumble into the bathroom for ibuprofen and water.  Or I just got really lucky.

Either way, I was up in the morning and having an official day off!  Surprise!  Got one sooner than I thought thanks to the thoughtfulness (and forcefulness) of a wonderful boss.

Stole Aurora for the day and we headed to the farmer's market - where she got her face painted by a recent alum.

And then to The Hollow for a day of live music, dancing and good food.  Made it home fairly late but it was entirely worth it!

And for those of you who might have been forced to listen to Type O Negative because you are my friend (or even dragged to a show) or if you happen to be a fan I'll take just a few moments of your time to remember an amazing man - my sexy Frankenstein, my favourite bass guitarist, and the man with the most orgasmic voice ever:

Peter Steele (1962-2010)

I will never forget the affect you have had on my life.

I Spy

Today is another busy day.. but I'm so far ahead I'm giving myself a coffee break!  And wouldn't you know there are some delightfully coffee oriented finds on etsy!

1.  This could help keep me crafty

from dottyral's shop

2. Do you think she'll have one in my size?  I'd like to be cosy too!

from vforviolet's shop

3. W(H)OOT!

from mypolkadotpottery's shop

4.  in case of emergency use flame

from worthysoycandle's shop

Hope this caffienated post helps get you through the rest of your day!

xx

a non-internet week

I finally have internet again.  I must admit it has been very tough not checking in even for a quick bit (thank goodness I have FB on my phone so I could complain about lack of netness).

Work is busy busy.  So if you see me and I'm a bit zombified I apologize.  Please offer me a coffee.

While I have been struggling through my work days, even with coffee, today I had a not-so-delightful adrenaline rush to get me through the rest of it.  Some of you might know I am terrified of squirrels.  This is because of interactions I have had with them during college.  You might recall I work at that very same college, which is otherwise known as Kingdom of Fat, Evil Squirrels.

The building in which I work is older and we frequently get animal visitors.  One day I hear Debi very calmly say from her desk just out the hall from my office, "Tracylea, shut your door."  I automatically listened without question.  Good thing, too, because there was a squirrel bounding up the stairs.

Today, as I'm quickly updating a spreadsheet for a group I just checked in I catch something out of the corner of my eye and squeal, "DEBI! There's a squirrel IN my office!"  At this noise I THOUGHT he ran out of my office, but he must have heard Debi coming because just as I take a bit of a sigh I hear the scuffling under my desk and then let out a BLOOD CURDLING SCREAM with my hands over  my face and my eyes tearing up.  IT RAN OVER MY BLOODY FOOT!  The scream, however, propelled it out the door and down the hall into a nearby office where it stunned itself a bit by trying to jump out a closed window.

The good news is my hands only shook for a good 5-10 minutes afterward.  More good news is maintenance trapped it.  Bad news is it escaped unharmed and will likely try another infiltration.

On a brighter note, however, tomorrow we have a book signing alumni event AND the book is "Blood Oath" written by Chris Farnsworth, alum.  Read it Tuesday night and it is a GREAT Vampyre book!  Really!  I have to admit after the Twilight disasters and even the Stackhouse series (yes, I've read all of them and I watch them and I love them because of Vampyres not because they are anything to brag about in the writing department) I was very hesitant.  But I thought "Blood Oath" was intriguing and well written.  Pick it up if you're in need a vamp fix.

I have borrowed a lovely dress and hope to be able to post another HGI outfit.

(quick interruption to take my first on-call run back to campus...)

Okay!  The rest of the week has been filled with evenings soaking up as much sun as possible.

(Aurora at the park Monday Night)

(Me soaking up rays and reading Tuesday)

(Aurora giving her best Princess Tigerlily act Tuesday)

(Aurora enjoying playing with random boy at park Wednesday evening)

Have to say it's been a lovely week!

Eight Questions

I am joining in with the lovely Kate at Foxslane, because who can resist Kate? Certainly not I. And I don't imagine any of you either, so after you've read this go post your own and link up with her, please.

1. What is your favourite meal?
Will anyone be surprised to hear I have several?  Probably not.  These are my favourites depending on my mood or where I happen to be.
(a)  CBLT (the cheese being pepperjack) and fries with Tiger Sauce (spicy deliciousness) and a GingerWheat brew from The Hollow
(b) Kung Pao Chicken (extra spicy)
(c) Chili Omelet with lots of cheese

2. Do you have a quirky eccentricity?
I snorted when I read this question. I know others think I have plenty of them - and I do get told about them fairly often.  However, I think probably my nearest and dearest quirk is Fluffy.  Some of you may have read about him in a much earlier post.  Fluffy is my 26-year-old teddy bear with whom I sleep every night.  In fact, he is sitting on the bed with me right now feeling very proud.

3. My middle name ...ummmmm, this might be anti-climatic to any of you who know my name.  It is Lea.  I combined it with my first name in college because there were far too many other Tracys about and I don't like being like anyone else.  Oddly enough I've met A LOT of Tracy Lees the past few years and even a Tracilee.

4. I am passionate about ... being myself.  It has always been immensely important to me not to conform to situations or beliefs or a lifestyle with which I did not/do not agree.  My beliefs, however, are not stagnant and I hope I am always capable of making changes to my life for the better of myself and my daughter.  It is even more important to me that Aurora be herself.

5. Thongs or Birkenstocks?
Oh thongs definitely.  I once owned birkenstocks, never really did anything for me.  But can't live without thongs.. I have about 6 pairs floating about my house at any given moment.

6. Who was I before I had kids? 
I'm not sure if anyone would disagree with me on this.. but I think I am today just an older version of myself before I had Aurora.  Not that motherhood hasn't changed my life, but I don't believe it has changed how I react to things or treat things.  Of course, if anyone disagrees I would love to hear in what ways they feel I have change.


7. Have I ever been arrested?  
This is the question that is making my closest friends snort.  No.  There have been some close calls, but all in all I'm very responsible and try not to get myself into too many situations in which such an outcome could occur.  BUT I do agree with Selina... if it were for a reason (and not just because I was idiot) I wouldn't NOT do something just because I might be arrested.

8. This weekend I will (with what is left of it) I will fold laundry, stitch (owl)ies, watch more "All Creatures Great & Small" and putter about on-line.  For what has happened before this.. see previous post.

And don't forget to visit Kate and join.

The Perfect Summer Start

This weekend has been delightful.  It seems a bit odd to say as I worked Friday and Friday night, Saturday morning into the afternoon and just finished a few hours at the office.   But as I'm fortunate enough to work for my Alma Mater I get to spend lots of time with people I've known and liked for a very long time and get to meet very interesting people I hope to know for a long time.

Friday night after a delicious dinner (wherein we had the perfect amount of seats - phew) I headed to the Student Union Building to listen to an alumni band called Innocent Man.   They were fabulous - and one of the members went with me on the Israel trip in '98 so it was so fun to see him!

(phone picture)

Drank a few beers, danced just a little bit and headed out into the dark night which included thunder and lightening.  As I'm terrified of thunder (loud sudden noises bother me immensely.. so I cringe and stutter a bit - which is better than the sobbing fetal position in which I used to end) I hurried to my car in a very empty parking lot.

I was curiously hailed by four college boys.  I don't know if they would have done so if I was a large scary man, but they shouted across the parking lot for a ride to the nearest bar.  Now, being one who finds it hard to turn down cute boys anything, I hurried them into my tiny two-door car and we headed out.  Good thing we all had such amazing timing because the skies opened and I could barely find my way to the street for all the water on the windshield!

When I awoke at 5:30 am - unable to sleep for fear of forgetting something for the impending commencement - I was pleased to hear the birds singing, which meant it could not possibly still be raining.  We were very fortunate for one day to have sun!  And I am oh so happy to report 2010 was our best commencement ever!

Two of my favourite boys graduated and, wouldn't you know alphabetically, they processed together - this, of course, meant as I'm doing my usual "congrats", "we're so proud of you" and checking to make sure no one is smoking or drinking in line I saw Brian and Alan walking towards me and I couldn't help but start crying.  Which then meant the slightest thing, or mention or thought of them kept me tearing up for the afternoon.

I had the good fortune to meet some wonderful new friends who were visiting campus this week taking photos.  I cannot say enough about how much fun I had spending time with them at work and after celebrating our successes with food and drink!  I was invited (whenever) to spend time with them in sunny Cali - and I must say it is such a tempting offer I might just have to save up some time and money and have a little adventure!

Rounded off last night with home cooked meal of enchiladas and rice by Amber, Sunny, and Flo - I.. ummm.. supervised.. because we all know how great I am in the kitchen. 

(Amber and Sunny) 

And then watched Alice and snuggled with blankies on the couch.  Perfect end to a perfect summer day.

 

It is here again already

Commencement weekend is commencing tomorrow.  I am almost ready.  Lots of lists - and I'm bettering Santa because I check mine more than twice.

Tonight at home I even have a few tasks to accomplish, like figuring out what I'm going to wear over the next few days.  This is always tricky because ideally I would wear a t-shirt and jeans and trainers.  Unfortunately, in Special Events, we do not get to often wear such fantastically practical clothing.  So instead it is what outfit is least likely to flash anyone when I am hauling tables or stacking chairs, and which dress shoes are least capable of maiming me.

Granted, I have broken down tables in strapless dresses; I have even used a dress to keep my hands from developing third degree burns while moving a metal table which had sat all day in the sun from three houses away all while trying not to fall down the steep hill into a creek (and this is actually normal, because it isn't really an event until someone flashes their panties).

I also need to shower and straighten my hair, re-do my finger and toe nails. 

Fancy dinner tomorrow night and Commencement on Saturday.. and then it is straight into conferences which we start prepping for more intensely on Sunday.  So I get to look for a day off on June 21 (I think.. I hope). 

So I will be a bit of a busy wee lass.  Hope to still find time to pop in and update (may be the only thing keeping me sane).  Hope you are all having a fabulous beginning to your June.

xx

I made it

I have made my first treasury!  It's very fun.  I recommend trying it.

I have no clue how to post a treasury on a post except by taking a screen shot... I even googled some not very helpful advice.

This treasury was inspired by the saying that morning dew is Aurora's tears.

Check it out before it disappears!