Interview Cinde via facebook chat

     You've all heard about my bff, Jenne.  Well she is awesome and she has a cousin who is pretty terrific as well.  She gets us.  She is the chick who has sent me little goodies because she thought of me and my goofiness.  I have a cake ring, a bacon wallet and bacon bandages because I'm weird and she felt inspired to celebrate it.  She takes amazing photographs and celebrates life and I love her spirit. 
     I left my new thing to the bitter end tonight but sometimes in these moments where I open myself up for some new fun...it comes to me.  I popped on facebook and posted the need for a new thing idea.  Her response..."stuff 10 marshmallows in your mouth".  Now I not only usually have them around and would love to rock the Blue Man Group vibe but we are currently out of the pillows of sugar.  Next...."tarzan yell in your yard at the top of your lungs".  This seemed dangerous with it being spring and bears and skunks running amuck.
     So I suggested an interview before she had me drinking tequila with my dog in my undies on the front porch.  I asked...she answered.  Favorite Ice cream:  chocolate!!!  Middle name: Campbell...very cool bc it's a family name.  Best age so far: 40's ( I was excited to hear this yet again as I am 38 and love the idea of the best still waiting for me!)  Favorite place you have traveled:  Nana and Poppop's house and Hawaii.  Years at National Geographic: 27.

Finally, when asked what words of wisdom would she pass on to me - this was her response:           "trust yourself....your instincts/heart whatever you want to call it....it's there for a reason

and really.....stop giving a shit what other people think, it's a waste of energy.

let yourself be happy".

    So there you have it.  I have found a connection to what I've been trying to learn lately and the symbols and guides along the way.  I have been talking about my gut instincts for the last two days.  I have been digging for them.   They were strong and for years I have buried them.  I can't ignore them for they are too big lately.  And just when I needed to hear it...poof...there it is.  Ironically, my instincts told me to bug Cinde for some reason and sheesh, I guess now I know why!!!  Thanks lady!

Make a clay butterfly button

     I worked today.  After doing some packing and shipping I headed down to the inner sanctum of pottery land.  Lots was happening because orders are plentiful and the team is prolific.  I was shown a few new things to do and was happy to help in the process.  As we talked about every topic under the sun I realized I had no plans for my new thing.  I was invited to cut out a form from the clay that would grow up to be a button.  It was a butterfly.  There it is again...the symbol of transformation.  It serves as a constant reminder lately of what is happening.  I would like to thank the ladies of MudWorks and the universe for the gentle and kind reminder.   Now we just need a sunny and warm day to try out these new wings...

Cluck U with the Little Man

     Ethan eats at Cluck U quite often with his Dad.  It works out nicely for the mornings that I work.  Plus, overall it is a pretty healthy little helping of protein and he devours the chicken bites so it's a win win.  One day last week he brought it home with him and ate here instead.  I had a taste.  Mmmmmm.
It was quite delicious and I've been thinking about those tender little morsels ever since.  So today when Ethan was pondering what to eat I realized I could make it my quest.  (This new thing per day sometimes works out really nicely).  We headed on in to Cluck U and ordered up some honey hickory yummy goodness.  I had a lovely lunch date with my little guy complete with sweet chicken and even sweeter conversation and I have a feeling it won't be the last time.

Use an accent at the Dunkin' Donuts drive thru

     Today was work, chores, laundry, dinner, dishes, and running Dad around on some errands.  I didn't feel motivated to do something new.  In fact, I wanted to go to bed around 3.  Life doesn't allow that though.  Right around 7pm I finally felt inspired to do something...GET A COFFEE from the Dunk.  So I hopped into the car and blasted some music with the goal to come home with a stroke of genius for my new thing.  As I pulled into the drive thru...I felt something...and before I could stop myself I was ordering my tall light and sweet with mocha in an accent.  A horrible one - but an accent nonetheless.  Halfway through my order I thought about bailing but then I figured if I finished I would HAVE my new thing of the day.  I committed to the nonsense and completed the order with what seemed to be an accent that got progressively stronger (and more horrid) with each word.  By the time I reached the attendant I was giggling.  Seems I got my little pick-me-up from the drive thru even BEFORE my large coffee reached my hands!

29 Gifts

     Today was a day of many firsts.  Sometimes I wish I could spread them out because that seems to happen from time to time.  I won't complain though because I think it's a pretty amazing thing to have many firsts in one day.  One particular one stands out.
     My dear friends, Sandi and Ousmani, have begun a challenge of 29 Gifts.  She started a blog and everything and I am very excited about it.  She was checking out some other blogs and stumbled across something that has inspired her and in turn is inspired me and my daughter.  29 gifts in 29 days.  You give.  That's it.  Simple.  You give of your time, work, money, gifts, love...whatever.  My little buddy made me a beautiful card complete with butterflies.  (Yet another reminder of my recent metamorphosis...the symbol seems to be everywhere!)  I already had my gift for her picked out and waiting.  A butterfly pin sparkly and beautiful just like her.  Strange how these things work.
     It will be a challenge to find some more time in each day to make sure we are doing even more than we already do.  It will take creativity at times...maybe some energy.  It will also remind us how much we all truly need one another.  Take the focus off of what's insignificant and remind us of what really matters...how much people need to know that they are valued, how much we appreciate them and how much they are loved. 
    

Dine at Sweet Lorraine's

     I made the mistake of watching the Top Chef finale at 6am the other day.  I have been craving good food...really good food since.  So on this warmish almost sunny day I thought of a place I haven't been to in years...Peddler's Village.  Though I was disappointed that a few beloved shops were closed  I was quite excited with a great new restaurant find. (New to me that is).  The menu was eclectic and sophisticated and the ambiance was wonderful.  I went with the jerk chicken nachos, the "fire island" coconut shrimp and the pear and mixed greens salad with hazelnuts, dried cranberries and gorgonzola.  Little samplings of each to go with my yummy mango iced tea/lemonade.
     The menu had an assortment of dishes I would like to try as well as appealing vegetarian meals.  I highly recommend the restaurant.   I say all of this as I pretend I am a restaurant critic.  If you think that's silly then I shouldn't tell you that while dining and deciphering sauce ingredients  I was playing Top Chef judge as well.

April Fool's Day prank on facebook

       I adore April Fools.  Weird I know.  I have pulled some pretty juicy pranks over the course of my life.  Today I just wanted to have a little fun.  At first I was going to go with "join the Peace Corps" but when I researched their site I thought it sounded too amazing to play around with the idea.  Plus, we all know how I feel about my friends and family right here so 27 months away at this point in my life would never do.  I went with another slightly less crazy and more believable concept...moving to NY.   "Apartment searching in NY". 
     Those of you who know me VERY WELL...replied with a  "very funny" and I could hear the sarcasm and tone through the computer or phone text.  Some of you were in on the deal and it really helped...thanks.  Others, I gave a little scare.  To those of you I apologize but hey, it's the day and I am festive with all holidays.  One friend was kind enough to send me links to apartments she was researching for me.  I beat the panic of my employers and let them in on the secret...jobs are hard to get these days...lol.  A couple of you were thrilled and proud for making such a bold move...wah waa waaaaaaaaaaaaaaa....sorry to disappoint.  I was going to allow this shenanigan to go on all day but I am starting to replace my morning giggles over the whole thing with feelings of "my bad".  So I will pull the plug and come clean.  Now,  I have to cut this short and fill in my application for a cdl license...ice trucking pays well and looks really exciting!