Accentuate the Positive

Is This The End??? Nope...

2008-01-21T08:30:00.000-06:00

Taking some time off from this blog while I get a better hold on my life, health and career.
I'm obsessed with getting the weight off that I gained from quitting smoking.
In my quest to make some money blogging over this last year, I've gain not only weight, but an internet addiction, and a sedentary and almost reclusive lifestyle. While I lost the cigarettes, I also lost what little confidence I had in myself as well as my ability to communicate with people, even my family. I've been feeling mentally and physically atrophied.
It's time to take care of me, get ahold of my life and go forward with healthier habits, a part time job I can be proud of and ...
last and most exciting is going back to school for a new career. I've been accepted into the Midwest Academy of Healing Arts! By this time next year I will have my certificate in Massage Therapy.

This isn't the end of my writing or blogging, just greatly curbed for the next while. Heck, I'm already thinking I may start a diet/food/health blog over at 3fatchicks.com.

Hold down the fort, John-Boy!

The Happy Medium

Big Things Coming - A New Career

2007-11-10T08:56:00.000-06:00

Wow -
It's been just shy of a month since I posted. In the past two months my entire working/life game plan changed... More than once....

I think I won't bore you with the details of the physical events and mental jumping jacks it to get from point A in September, to point B at the end of October to finally settling on a new career path at the beginning of November. (Well actually, you know I will at some point, just not now! HA)

I am going to become a Massage Therapist!

Yes, I'm serious. I'm so serious, I'm not going to let "go back to school" scare me. I never went to college, but this 600 hour course doesn't feel like "college". Does that make sense?
I am so-o ready for new and different and stimulating brain-food. I'm so excited to be learning anatomy and I want to absorb all I can about the different modalities.
I'm not terribly phazed by fact that I'm almost 40 and finally starting a "grown up" career. The timing is so right. My family is so supportive they are beeming.

OK More later. Just wanting to check in and UPDATE!

The Happy Medium

A Gift for Getting Her License

2007-10-12T13:10:00.000-05:00

As of last Friday, Kiddo has her own set of keys to the trusty Chevy Lumina. It was brilliant timing as the dog tag I ordered for her from QuickTrophy came on Thursday!
See how cute it is? There are 3 lines of type. (engraving is free) The key is covering her name at the top.
This was such a quick, convenient, inexpensive way to mark a special occasion. Now she can add this dog tag to her keychain and it will be a reminder of the day she passed her driving test!
I'd never thought about dog tags as a gift before but parents certainly could order them in quantity (discounts) for their winning high school sports team or cheer squad. One could even mark a milestone for a bowling team. There are plenty of colors to choose from, and anyone who knows Kiddo knows that her life moovesss to music. That emblem was the clear choice!
I was pleased with the service at QuickTrophy.com. Twice their system lets you make sure you have the lines of type correct. They even send confirmation of receiving the order and again when it's shipping.
The chain that came with didn't clasp as it should, but I don't think she needed it anyway. All in all we are both pleased with this little momento!

The Happy Medium
Technorati Tag:dog tags

Just...Wow

2007-10-12T12:45:00.000-05:00

The last thirteen days can be lumped into the fictitious category "Holy shit-I can't believe I survived it" kinda weeks.
Only speaking in generalities because I am not a stupid woman, I can say I'm a tad older and wiser for having stood my ground through it all. Though I'm feelin' it in my bones (groan).
Although I try not to let life's events get me down so badly...they sometimes squash any writing creativity...and that's why I've not blogged on here since the 4th.
The other blogs Daddy-O and I want to start haven't even made it out of the gate because I couldn't begin to march my brain cells that direction.

I think, sometimes - accentuating the positive in life means taking the time to step back and fully acknowledge what you've just come through. Reinforce the positives, your own positives that YOU have that kind of strength and character to have braved and overcome some of the river of life's rapids.

The Happy Medium

Remodeling? Think Faucets

2007-10-04T12:55:00.000-05:00

Mentally filed under "Winter Projects" (and don't forget to check the specials)

Part of the fun of remodeling is shopping for new shiny things. More than a decade ago we mostly remodeled two houses and I picked Price Pfister faucets for both house for both bathrooms and kitchens.
I love the brass and gold finishes. Beautiful! At Faucet.com, they have 39 pages (yes - pages) of single handle kitchen faucets. All the popular brands. My recomendation is Price Pfister, of course, but don't let me stop you from browsing the simple, easy to navigate pages and the Victorian Style Faucets by trusted major brands.
I know I will be faucet hunting this winter as we begin remodeling yet one more house. I be keeping this store in mind.

The Happy Medium
Technorati Tag:remodeling
Technorati Tag:faucets

Driving Test Tomorrow

2007-10-04T12:50:00.001-05:00

This is it - I'll let y'all know what happens o'course. She even waited an extra week to get an appointment for tomorrow after school. (Because she didn't want to miss any school - isn't that cool?)
Here' one to file under Murphy's Law: She held her permit for six months and has had a great and safe time learning, but last weekend she managed to back into a neighbor's car while backing out of the grandparent's driveway.
When she gets out of our house, someday when she has some bigshot job...I'm going to ask for the $1,200 back that we have to pay to fix said neighbor's car!
The Happy Medium
Technorati Tag:teen driver

The "Cat" and"Car" Look

2007-10-04T12:36:00.000-05:00

Daddy-O and I went for breakfast this morning and afterward we toodled around town skimming the car lots.
Nuthin' much to see, so we drove to the pets store. They've got a batch of kitties!!!
Daddy-O groaned, but waited - mostly patiently while I baby-talked and petted the most beautiful blonde kitten.
I can't hardly stand this anymore.
I NEED A KITTY
Daddy-O shot me the same look as the look he gave me when I almost bought that car a few weeks ago.
pfft!
(I'm wearing him down)
The Happy Medium
Technorati Tag:pets

Needing More Leaves

2007-10-03T13:21:00.000-05:00

Do you ever want more greenery around you? Every once in a while I have a burst of buying houseplants. Daddy-O thinks it's funny because I only buy two or three varieties and by the time winter is over only one type remains alive.
Over the years this one type has taken root in nine different pots. I managed to cross-breed a solid and a variegated so that was cool.
Daddy-O and I were in Aldi's a couple days ago and there were more of my infamous houseplants. He groaned and said he'd rather have silk trees all over the living room than see another of that same boring plant come into the house.
For the record, I have no idea what is the plant's name. It vines quite nice, though >:-)~

The Happy Medium
Technorati Tag:plants

Technorati

2007-10-03T13:13:00.000-05:00

Just noticed the new Technorati scroll. I like it a lot! Better than the hodge-podge of months past. Oh, and welcome to Richard Jalichandra,
The Happy Medium
Technorati Tag:technorati(I always wondered what would happen if I tagged a post this way!)

Wages

2007-10-03T12:07:00.000-05:00

Under Momisms...
It's funny how, if you like your job - money doesn't matter.
If you don't like your job money is the only thing that does matter.
The Happy Medium

Life Insurance

2007-10-02T13:37:00.000-05:00

I almost canceled my tiny little life insurance policy a few days ago. We've borrowed against it in the past and always paid it back. I just thought this time it would be easier to cash it out and I wouldn't have to remember about it anymore.
Silly me.
Daddy-O doesn't want me to. hehe.
Whole life, term life, what a confusing mess that just looks like another bill we don't need. Yet I think the internet is at least making it easier to educate ourselves about policies and helping us make informed choices.
eLifePolicy offers a quick and convenient way to purchase coverage without a medical exam. They offer some comparisons of their products, FAQ section and more. They cover the United States and Canada and are A+ rated.
Get informed and get covered for your childrens' future.

The Happy Medium
Technorati Tag:life insurance

Men and Fixing things

2007-10-02T13:30:00.000-05:00

Filed under - Rule of Thumbs...
Why do all men begin a task with the optimism of a toddler?
"It's just going to take a few minutes, honey"
PFFT - yeah right
We heard that before!
Whatever project it is, it will always require a new tool to fit the task.
Some other thing will break in the process.
Someone will inevitably track mud grease, epoxy, glue, caulk etc. through clean parts of the house. You won't find all the spots for weeks.
Either too many or too few parts.
And in the end we just smile and settle for "at least it's working now." and cross our fingers behind our backs and just be glad they saved us the expense of a repair call.
le sigh
The Happy Medium
Technorati Tag:husbands

'Tis the Season to FREAK OUT!

2007-10-02T12:59:00.000-05:00

Do you have enough time to make the kids' costumes this year?? If not you might want to browse CouponChief.com. They are featuring BuyCostumes deals now until October 31.
Oh and how about Thanksgiving...It's just around the corner and if you're like me, you've volunteered time and energy you don't have to a family get-together. If you snag an offer at Wine.com you can get everybody drunk and they won't know you forgot to make a tablescape!
Then there's Christmas, possibly the most hair raising two week long event known to humans. I personally think that ClassicCloseouts Coupon Codes (say that three times fast!) could pull a busy Mom out of a jam. Online one-stop shopping and cover everyone on your list. Might just be better than Santa!
Would Santa think of the Nickelodeon store or the AreYouGame Store for the little ones? I think NOT. And for the teens...well I'm pretty sure Santa is terrified to go into Hot Topic, But you can order online and I bet the kids won't even roll their eyes at you!
The Happy Medium
Technorati Tag:online coupons

New Websites TBD

2007-10-02T12:35:00.001-05:00

I finally have enough money and the nod from Daddy-O to start the new blogs/websites! This is going to be a blast. Looking forward to learning Wordpress, picking themes and entering into new ways and venues of advertising.
Accentuate the Positive here on Blogger will remain active. After all this was my first blog and Blogger my first love... My first experience., and I still very much enjoy posting about this part of my life with these particular personality twists. Not much is changing here, but I can't wait to blog in more of a niche with an adult slant/voice/theme for one of the new blogs. Another niche will focus on the outdoors only, with a third yet to be thought out thoroughly.
It will be both challenging and freeing to have blogs on my own hosting.
Look out folks another redneck with control issues has been unleashed!
The Happy Medium
Technorati Tag:blogger
Technorati Tag:blogging

Flash Drive Confusion

2007-10-02T12:26:00.000-05:00

Remember a while back I wrote about Kiddo needing a flash drive for school.
OK Fine.
Bought her one...not the least expensive either I might add.
And yet it didn't work on our computer. I assumed they were all compatible. She had to call Cuz and have Auntie H drive Cuz to the house to trade flash drives so Kiddo could get her homework done that night.
I was working that night so I couldn't solve the problem even if I knew how to. She tried to explain it to me later....
but
I'm just going to file this under "Redneck Teck" and save the receipt just in case. One day when I'm feelin' froggy, I'll figure out why the dang thing won't work - UGH
The Happy Medium
Technorati Tag:flash drive

Just a Little Thing

2007-10-02T11:58:00.000-05:00

When I was looking for a job I applied to several convenience stores, fast food etc. One of the places I applied twice was Big Lots.
(This is categorized under...."It happens for a reason.")
Daddy-O and I were in there this morning just shopping and browsing for Halloween goodies. They play the worst and annoying music...ever!
So that's my first positive of the day...I'm so glad I didn't get the Big Lots job.
The Happy Medium

Drivers Dilema & Directions

2007-09-28T22:50:00.000-05:00

Out on a run tonight Daddy-O encountered a common problem of most truckers. Bad directions. Mapquest isn't always right, but nobody bothers to take notation for the next poor soul who needs a graveled plot of Scottsdale real estate to turn a rig around. I've seen driver-written directions given over the Qualcomm. Frigging terrible. Horrid spelling, no spaces or the driver didn't know East from his Mother's front door.
It's now close to midnight and Daddy-O should have been home by 10:30. Dispatch had sent him 80 miles out of his way.
Although he's just plain pissed, I'm disappointed, but not surprised.
The only positive of this situation is that we have the internet and he can call me most any time to talk him through a tough patch.
Now - who do I bill for MY dispatch services???
The Happy Medium
Technorati Tag:trucking

Sending Pictures

2007-09-28T22:02:00.000-05:00

Ya'll know I love my Samsung camera phone, but it's complicated to send a picture to my email. Seriously.
This redneck (me!) - I think I just sent a picture of Kiddo and BF to my bosses cell phone
O.M.G.
I think I'd better read the directions again. Maybe there's a shortcut.

(It dawns on me that maybe I need a blogger category for "Redneck Tech")

The Happy Medium
Technorati Tag:cell phones

Whacked Image

2007-09-28T20:19:00.000-05:00

What is the weirdest thing you ever did to gain or loose weight or look a certain way?

We do a lot of stuff to our bodies. I went to school with a girl who shaved her eyebrows, but didn't pencil them in. Just went browless. Another girl started sleeping with a bra on in the fifth grade so her boobs wouldn't sag. Never went braless.

We starved. We barfed. We binged.

Twenty years later we are either over exercising or over eating. We still hate how we look, but we're too tired to care. Yet we dye our hair, and buy stretch jeans.

And for some stupid reason, we are still buying adult versions of Teen Beat, only now they showcase people who drink muscle milk, eat protein bars and live at the gym.

Has anyone given a name to this particular method of torture?

Mag-N-Gag

The Happy Medium

Iced Coffee

2007-09-28T20:14:00.000-05:00

McDonald's now has iced coffee.
I'm becoming addicted. It's the perfect beverage to sip while blogging.
They have regular flavor, vanilla and hazelnut.
Kiddo and I vote our favorite is vanilla, though she wishes they had caramel.

I don't care about the caffeine, but before I have too many more, I'd better find out how may calories - ugh.
The Happy Medium
Technorati Tag:blogging

Momisms

2007-09-28T19:37:00.000-05:00

Dates:
Should not end in marriages, babies, diseases or felonies.

Teens:
Should not wear black beenies and hoodies. That's not date attire; it's a cat burglar outfit.

Should you yell at a teen who texts while drive-thru-ing?

Free Raleigh, NC Getaway

2007-09-28T17:58:00.000-05:00

When we lived in South Carolina, we were very near the North Carolina border. Our weekend getaways would consist of bottles of water, a picnic lunch, binoculars, camera, walking shoes and jackets. (One of the things on your life's "to do" list should be to take a driving tour though the Pisgah Forest.) There are many places where a two lane road will widen for a drive off.
Pull over at a scenic spot and commune with nature. For us, few other landscapes are as breathtaking.
Though I'm not one to gravitate to big cities, I'd like to point you to a drawing for a free getaway in Raleigh, NC.

Getaway for two...
If you took someone special to North Carolina, what would you do for fun? Would you rent a Harley and cruise the serpentine back roads, capturing the fall colors on film? Would you spring for a hotel golf package and spend time on the range?
Getaway for the whole family...
Craving a family vacation, but the wallet is groaning? Raleigh has more than 23 FREE things your entire family can enjoy. There are family attractions and family events. Let your family take in the historical beauty of charming southern town via a self guided walking tour.
Whether you are wanting a romantic trip for two or have a slew of kids in tow...
Here's where you can enter to win a Fall Getaway!
Included: Bloomsbury Bistro, Rum Runners, and two museums one featuring Landscapes from the Age of Impressionism and the other featuring dinosaurs.
To enter the FREE Raleigh Getaway just enter your name, address etc.
Contest ends October 31, 2007

The Happy Medium
Technorati Tag:North Carolina

Profound...Something

2007-09-28T16:08:00.000-05:00

Took a ride with Daddy-O into Indy this afternoon. Down Georgetown Road - the industrial end - is a huge Planned Parenthood building. It's the first time I've been passed there.
"Why are all those people standing out there?"
"They do every day. They think they have to pray."
"Pray? Why Pr.. Oh, they're protesting."
A profound sadness came over me for all the women who might ever have to endure the righteous.
The Happy Medium
Technorati Tag:Planned Parenthood

Body Jewelry

2007-09-25T11:18:00.000-05:00

Kiddo's boyfriend has circular barbells in his ears. The kids just call them gauges. A month ago he lost the end off one and hasn't had a chance to buy a replacement. Small towns just don't have the selection that FreshTrends does. Kiddo, BF and friends aren't into gold body jewelry, they are more into the steel look.
Don't you think I'm such a hip Mom 'cause I'm learning all this stuff?! HA!! I'm so hip I may just buy Kiddo's boyfriend his replacement. There's decent prices at FreshTrends.
Guess what the next question will be...
"Hey Mom - Can I get a piercing,too?"
EEEKK!
"OK - only if you read and follow the piercing aftercare tips."

The Happy Medium
Technorati Tag:body jewelry

Laundry Stains - Food Grease

2007-09-25T09:49:00.000-05:00

Oil, vinegar, mayo and mustard. When I get home from work I look like I've been rolling in salad and condiments. Don't get me wrong; it's still a far way better than fry and burger grease....but a stain is a stain
is a pain
to get out
damn spot(s)
What do you do?
Oh, as an added challenge, my dark-colored work shirts can only be washed in cold. Yippee!
What are your laundry tips and secrets?
Here's some I've heard of/found and will test in the coming days, because Oxi is getting expensive and isn't treating every spot unless I saturate the top. That's a lot of spraying!
from ThriftyFun.com
~ Ajax dish soap and baking powder - as a paste to scrub into the stain
~ Oven cleaner
~ Goo Gone
~ Pine Sol
~ Simple Green
~ Goop
~ baby powder or baking powder and absorbent towels
Assorted tips from other places
~ Pour a can of Coke into the load of laundry
~ Adding vinegar to the wash will remove smoke odors, adding to rinse will cut excess laundry suds, will also brighten colors, reduce lint and add fluff.

Side note: was going to try the vinegar tip, but I'm out! Don't ya hate it when that happens??
The Happy Medium
Technorati Tag:household tips