Tuesday, February 28, 2006

The atmosphere around this house has definitely changed since Elvis came along. I wasn't sure how the man would take to him when I brought him home, but let's just say that he loves that puppy! He can't wait to get home from work every day to see Elvis. He doesn't mind cleaning up after him either. The dog even sleeps with him. It's amazing the change in this guy. He told me Sunday that Elvis has brought 'joy to his heart and a smile to his face.'

The last several years have been very stressful for both of us...And still are at times. This sweet little puppy dog is just what we needed to lighten things up, I guess. It's hard to be in a bad mood or be depressed when this playful pup makes you laugh and play. I still feel the need to keep my distance, but at least we are able to talk, mainly about the 'baby', but at least it's a start.
I have heard and read about how having pets is good for you. They can be very therapeutic in many ways. Yes, Elvis is just what the doctor ordered.

I had to go to the shop and work some today, trying to catch up from being off sick last Thursday. I always end up staying longer that expected because I have a hard time saying 'no' to people. I took a little longer with one lady because one of her foils bled onto her scalp and made a spot. I had to put some color on it to make it blend in. That made me run late with my next client, then she wanted her lip and brows waxed. I got done about 3:30.

I went next door and see the girls at the insurance office and ended up hanging around there for 30 minutes chatting with them. We got onto one of our favorite subjects...men. We can really get on a roll when it comes to male bashing! Of course, it's all in fun ( yeah, right!) and we all feel better after venting to each other.

I just read Mad Ethel's post about smells. Now I can't stop thinking about how good blueberry muffins smell while they're baking or chocolate chip cookies or bread...why am I thinking about food smells at 10:00 pm ? I am the only person in the world who gains weight when they're sick because I can't stand to eat salads and grilled chicken breast when I don't feel good. I want carbs, lots of carbs, like french fries, rice and butter, pasta, toast and jelly, ice cream. The man brought home 4 boxes of girl scout cookies, which are a rip off, but I absolutely love the thin mints! I ate a whole box!

Oh Lordy, I need to cut this off and go to bed. I'll probably dream about junk food all night!

Sweet dreams, literally, Ya'll!



Saturday, February 25, 2006

What a Week!

This has been one busy week, ya'll. Between working late, being sick and taking care of Elvis, I have hardly had time to check my e- mail, much less post an entry to this blog. I'm still trying to get over a sinus infection. The crummy weather we have been having has not helped. It has been rainy, cold and damp all week. I have been staying in when I'm not working because I hate getting out in the rain. Talk about a bad hair day! Elvis hates walking around on the cold, wet ground, too. I'm trying to train him to use the puppy floor pads, but it's been hit or miss, so to speak!
Elvis starts his puppy training this Monday evening. We have already been practicing walking on a leash. He seems to be 'getting it. We still need to work on not biting. He gets all excited when we play and starts nipping with those sharp little teeth. I just hope he doesn't freak out when he sees the other dogs. Especially the big ones. There are several labs and a yorkie about his size in the class. What fun!
I have been watching some of the Olympics, but I'm not as into it as I usually am. Chad Hedrick, the speed skater is from Spring, so it has been interesting to see a local boy win all those medals. Some of the people who come into the salon know his family.
The ratings probably went down when Michelle Kwan decided to drop out. They were probably counting on the competition/rivalry between her and Sasha Cohen to add some excitement. Then when Sasha fell, the ratings went with her. I'm sorry for her, but she did seem a little full of herself.

So, that's about all that has been going on in my world. Kind of boring, I know. I am beginning to get cabin fever, though. I will be so glad when I get to feeling better. Come on Spring!

Think I'll go cleanse and exfoliate my face, then do a mask. We seasoned women have to take care of our skin so we won't look all wrinkly and sh**!
Funny how we do all that stuff to look younger, but the men don't notice anyway, because they are all still looking for/at 20-30 year olds.
Weird!

Men can just grow a beard to hide all their wrinkles, the lucky dogs!
Hairy old men, yikes!

Peace Ya'll

Friday, February 17, 2006

Strange Happenings

A woman walked into the salon Tuesday afternoon around 4:30 pm as I was finishing my last client. She looked very familiar to me and as we made eye contact, I said 'I know you'. She said 'I know you too'. We even recognized each other's names. I could tell from her black brief case and attire that she was a sales rep. I asked her to have a seat while I finished styling my clients' hair. I was racking my brain where I knew her from, but just couldn't put my finger on it.
She started showing me these shears that are ergonomically designed to help prevent carpal tunnel and tendonitis. As she demonstrated the shears and gave me her speil, we both kept mentioning various places or events that we could have known each other from. To make a long story short, neither one of us could remember. Is that weird or what? I know her from somewhere and it has been driving me crazy all week. I liked the shears, they came with a free pair of thinning shears, the price was right, so I bought them. Well, later that evening I began to wonder if she said all that just to build a rapport with me so I would make a purchase. Am I being overly suspicious ? Who knows? I need to call her because the shears aren't cutting as well I would like. Do you think I've been ripped off?


It's cold here in the Lone Star State! Winter has finally arrived. I can still wear my boots and leather jacket. I may even get to wear my hats (not western) this week. I have a black felt that looks more like a Zorro hat and a brown felt trimmed with a cheetah print band. The rodeo is coming up soon and it's always cold as heck during the chili cook-off. I'm not a 'kicker', but just about everyone 'goes Texan' during rodeo time. It's fun to drag out the western duds.

The entire city is consumed with The Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo. Lots of money being spent and partying going on!


Yee Haw, Ya'll!

Wednesday, February 15, 2006

I took Elvis to the vet today for his check up and shots. Several of my friends recommended her to me. We loved her and her staff. Her office is in an old house that has been renovated. It is located down a country road on some acreage with barns. There was another cute country house near by. It looks like she lives there on the property. It was obvious that she loves animals. There were bird houses and feeders in the yard. My kind of place!

I watched American Idol tonight. They are down to 12 guys and 12 girls. Looks like a pretty good mix of talent. I know a lot of it is a bunch of hype, but I still like to watch it. Besides, Ryan Seacrest is such a cutie.

Well, I'm glad Valentine's day is over. It was just another day around here. I worked until 7:00, then came home and ate left over pizza from lunch. The man must have eaten a sandwich or something. The atmosphere was obviously not romantic....no further comment.
Oh well, he's probably relieved that he's 'off the hook' as far as doing anything for holidays is concerned.

We talk about the dog and that's about it, because I just don't have the energy or inclination to even try to discuss any real issues. We both know the score anyway, so what's the use?
Nothing will change and I just get even more upset. It's a waste of energy! I'm afraid I have become rather cynical about matters of the heart. How sad!
I need to concentrate my energy in a more useful way, such as getting all my tax stuff ready, then working on getting the house ready for my daughter and her family when they come to visit at the end of March.

On a more positive note, here are a few interesting tidbits I read today:

'A happy person is not a person in a certain set of circumstances, but rather a person with a certain set of attitudes'. by Hugh Downs

'The way in which you endure that which you endure is more important that the crisis itself'.
by Sam Rutigaliano

'A cheerful heart is good medicine'' Proverbs 17:22

Take care and be happy ya'll

Monday, February 13, 2006

Full Moon

I went out early this morning, about 6:45, to fill my bird feeders. As I glanced to the west the moon was setting behind the trees. I took one picture with the night setting, the second with the landscape setting. I like the foggy effect, but I don't know how it happened. The sky was clear but it looks kind of eerie, doesn't it? After the full moon rose last night the wind died down with the temperature about 28-30 degrees. I'm sure the deer were out and about, but this city gal wasn't about to go traipsing out in the woods to see what the wild life were up to. I leave that stuff up to my redneck son!

Sunday, February 12, 2006

A Cold Day in Texas

There was a white blanket of frost on the ground this morning when I got up to make coffee. I decided to stay in because it was also very windy and I am still not completely over 'the crud'. In fact, my ears were aching last night. Guess I should have gone to the doctor when I first got sick..I would probably be over it by now. Oh well!

As I was reading 'Soul Retreats for Women' today, I came a cross this little gem:

When life isn't the way you like, like it the way it is.

The lesson is about being content with what you have and where you are. It suggests that one think about all the things you love about your life. Jot down a list of everything you already have. Ignore what might be or how you wish things could be in an ideal world, and cultivate an appreciation for life just as it is.

Philippians 4: 12-13 says; 'I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or want. I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength'.

Yes, certain aspects of my life aren't they way I like, but whose is? I do have so many things to be thankful for. I have two wonderful children who have grown into fine young adults. They are both married to fine people and have given me five beautiful grandchildren between them. I am healthy, my children and grandchildren are healthy. I have a great career, many sweet friends and associates. I have two loving sisters and a 'baby' brother whom I adore and who adore me.
The list goes on, as I begin to think about all that I do have. I really must try to ignore what might be and learn to appreciate life....just as it is. God will work out the rest!

It is dark now and there is a beautiful full moon, the wind has died down. I'm going to go play with Elvis, who by the way, is another sweet blessing in my life these days.

I love that puppy, ya'll!



Friday, February 10, 2006

I went to a fund raising event Thursday night held by a local boutique called Fancy Pants. There was a fashion show, silent auction and raffle, all to help raise funds for The Rose, a breast cancer screening and treatment clinic for economically disadvantaged women. The models were all cancer survivors. How inspiring it was to see these women and hear their stories. They were all so beautiful and positive, truly alive and vibrant! $20,000.00 was raised for The Rose! There were many more cancer survivors in the audience and a good time was had by all!

Other that attending this event, all I did was work and take care of Elvis. He knows when I put up the baby gate that I am about to leave for work. Smart pup!

The world of hair was fairly busy, but rather routine this week. I wasn't booked solid all week, but that was OK. I had a few hours to kill on Tuesday, so I went to Ross and looked around. I found a neat black bag with hot pink lining for $19.99. Like I needed another bag, but the price was right and I loved the hot pink lining! I could even put Elvis in it and carry him around, ( not!). On Wednesday after I got my nails done I went to Stein Mart. I was looking for a black skirt or pants to go with the top I wanted to wear to the Fancy pants affair. I tried on several things and nothing was working. Then I found a sale rack full of black pants and gauchos. I tried on a pair of the gauchos and thought they would go perfect with my black boots. Plus they were an extra 30% off the marked down price! Bingo!
I finished off my outfit with a black beaded necklace, earrings and bracelets.

The weather is cold and windy! It is supposed to freeze tonight and be windy and cold again tomorrow. Brrr, maybe we are going to get a little winter here in south Texas after all. I need to go put some of my plants on the back porch and cover them.

Peace, ya'll



Saturday, February 04, 2006

This has been quite a week. I have been sick with a bad cold and sinus infection, but still managed to work. My clients don't seem to mind if I'm sick, as long as I show up and do their hair. I take a big dose of Day-Quil and keep on going...then go home and crash. That's not so easy to do any more though, since I have Elvis. He is always happy to see me, greeting me with sweet puppy kisses. We have to spend a little bonding time after being apart all day. He does light up the place! I wait until he is napping, then sneak in to check my e-mail and blog.
We went to Petco this afternoon to buy a harness and leash. I found a cute little red sweater, but Elvis hated it. He tried to back out of it . So, I guess he'll just have to shiver in the cold when he goes outside to potty. He freaked when we tried the harness and leash, too. What a rebel!
I so don't want to become an obsessed dog mommy, but this guy is so adorable that it's hard not to. I just love him to pieces!
OK, I'll stop now with the doggy talk. My son came in town today to watch the super bowl with his dad. He's staying with my brother tonight so they can party. The two of them have always been very close since my brother lived with us when my kids were little. In fact, they are more like brothers instead of uncle and nephew.
Since I have no social life with the man, I'll make my own plans with my family and my son tomorrow. Elvis and I will find ourselves a party somewhere!

Party on, Ya'll!

What is up with all the police chases in Big H? Stupid criminals! The guy from Dallas who kidnapped his girlfriend and her baby got what he deserved!
And one more thing, all the Katrina criminals wreaking havoc in our city need to be rounded up and sent back to their crime ridden chocolate city!

OOps, there I go, getting all politically incorrect!

God bless our Police officers in the city of Houston, Harris and other surrounding counties!

Wednesday, February 01, 2006

Elvis & Me

I'm into day 3 with Elvis. He went to work with me yesterday because I didn't want to leave him alone yet. Of course, everyone thought he was adorable.
I have been in all day today trying to get over a cold and sore throat. Elvis woke me up at 6:00 am this morning, so out we go to 'potty'. Then back in to have breakfast and play a while before taking a morning nap. Just like old times, I think, only this baby doesn't wear diapers. And guess where he sleeps? I said I'd never allow a dog in my bed, much less on my pillow, but this little weenie dog ends up practically wrapped around my neck before the night is over! Oh no, I've been suckered in.. I'm a dog mommy! I'm even talking baby talk to him! He is sitting on my lap at this very moment, taking a snooze.
A strange thing has happened since Elvis has been here. I didn't tell the man that I had gotten a puppy because I just knew he would gripe. When he came home from work Monday afternoon, Elvis and I were out in the backyard. I was pleasantly surprised to see a smile on his face when he came out to see this cute little puppy frolicking about. Needless to say, he was smitten. Elvis ran to him and won him over with a sniff and a smile! The ice was cracked a little, and as we watched little Elvis play I recounted the story of how my son and I located him and his brother Marty. Later after we came in the house the two of them were in the floor playing!

Hmmmm, what to think?

Almost time for American Idol!

Later, ya'll