2015

2015...when did this happen? So last year I decided for my new year's resolution, I would try something new each month and I did just that.  It started out easy but by the time December came around, I was done!  Brain overload if you know what I mean.  I enjoyed my new talents and new found knowledge on some subjects, but for 2015 it's going to be different.  I have indeed made another new year's resolution for this new year.  I actually made this resolution in the summer but decided to wait until January to begin.  I like to do home projects and I decided for 2015 I would take one room a month and re-do it.  Most of the rooms just need cleaned to be honest but in addition to that deep cleaning, I will paint walls, ceilings, and even baseboard.  Some of the rooms will get new ceiling fans (that's where the husband is a participant in my resolution)  I am starting with my old "office" because it is the smallest room in the house and I want to make sure I like the colors I pick.  I will post before and after pictures of each room.  So here's to 2015!!

Before....

JAN 3

So I did it!  I have to say, it wasn't as easy as it sounds.  My resolution for 2014 has officially come to an end and I did it.  I tried something new each month all year.  From ballet to guitar to juggling to making homemade soap.  Some of those challenges were right up my alley and others were not so cooperating.  I feel my brain is on overload at this point and am ready to relax a bit. Of course I did make another resolution for 2015 but it isn't the personal resolution as 2014.  I challenge everyone to make their resolutions and whatever you resolve for this year, just stay with it.  That was the most important part of my resolution to me.  I did not want to give up or quit.  You will feel a sense of accomplishment just following through and finishing whatever you resolve to do.  What a great year, that 2014 and now, time to move forward!  Happy New Year!!  I think I'll sleep now....

DEC 31

 Dec. 31, 2014, and I have finished my last two quests.   Dog training and soap making.  I'm happy to announce I passed my dog training class.  The puppy has learned to sit and say hi (shake) and she's actually ringing her bell to "go outside".  The Rottie already knew how to sit but he too learned how to say hi.  I will continue training especially with the puppy as she is a wild thing!  I didn't think I could get over the loss of my last little "sugar" doggie this past summer but my heart has grown already for these two knew additions to my family and I can't imagine life without them now.

Soap making 101 has been fun and now that I know how to do it, I can get as creative as I want.  I went simple for my first try and just added scents to all four and a rose color to two.  I will try them out to see how they lather up.  I figure as long as I don't break out in some major hive I've done it right!  Maybe I'll combine the two and bathe the dogs in the soap.

DEC 18

 

Well, I've made it to December!  I actually picked two things to do this month.  One is a much needed thing in my life and the other is just something I've always wanted to do.  Having recently inherited my son's three year old Rottweiller and getting a new 9 week old puppy myself, I have decided to take a course in dog training!  The Rottie is already well trained and is a good teacher for the puppy.  This puppy is a holy terror!!  She is in need of some serious commands..such as DON'T BITE!!  I have actually already started on the sit command and she has that down.(no pun intended)   Of course I don't know if she'll be able to sit without expecting a treat afterwards.  This will be a fun and hopefully rewarding class for man (in this case woman) and beast!

My second course and resolution for December is soap making.  I don't know why this facinates me but it just does.  Every time I go to the festival and they are making soap I want to try it.   I'm hoping this isn't a lye soap recipe, as I want to wash off grease, not bathe in it!   I'll be curious if my family can tell a difference once I have a few bars made. Maybe if I scratch Irish Spring on the bar....

So here's to December 2014.....dog training and soap making.

NOV 18

Wow, what a night!  Background.....Action!  I must have heard that a few hundred times.  Oh, along with let's do that "one more time".  Really?  Why does it take so many takes of  a bus pulling away from a curb?  I was on the Clara bus, with Ms. Jessica Beal.  We had a fun chat.  I can say she was very friendly and talkative with we extras.  It's all true what they say...a lot of waiting around and craft services is terrific!  I decided with all the extras, they wouldn't really remember one from another so instead of just sitting waiting to be called, I just told a few of the other extras, we're getting in the next group regardless.  Time for another "lineup" and we just joined ranks.  Next thing you know we're on the Clara bus and need to come back in a few days for the diner shoot!  Ha! Ha!  The saying is true, you snooze, you lose.  I don't know how many more 14 hour days I can handle, though.  Hopefully this will be the last one.  I don't know the story of The Blunderers, except that Jessica's character ends up at the bottom of a cliff. (and she's not looking for truffles)  It's not clear how she got there, but after a very cold day of filming with her I told her in order to speed things up, that we re-write the script and the bus driver did it with the ticket puncher.  She agreed and called it a wrap (that's movie lango for we're done)      Background....Action!

NOV 14

I can't believe it's November and my 2014 New Year's resolution only has one more month! But let's not get ahead of ourselves because I have decided on my November choice.  This is a unique pick because it was out of my control whether or not I could do it.  I actually tried this for my October resolution but it did not work out but now, for November, something I've always wanted to do but have never been able to or really not had the opportunity to is to be in a major motion picture!  Ok, so maybe I'm not the main character, but I got selected to be an extra.  I just had my fitting today and filming starts on Monday. I will be wearing an overcoat, hat, gloves and I don't know what they will do with hair and makeup.  My scene occurs at a bus stop.  That's all I know.  I'm guessing if you blink, you'll miss me.  I already decided that when the movie comes out, I'm going  to stand up in the theater and make an announcement that I am the gal in the white coat in the bus scene!!  Then, when the scene comes on, I'm going to shout....THAT'S ME!!  I will not be able to take my phone/camera on set but I will describe the experience in detail.  I wonder if I will get a line?  I'd better practice....these pretzels are making me thirsty....these pretzels are making me thirsty...these pretzels are making me thirsty....ACTION!

OCT 23

So October is here and almost gone and I don't think I've mentioned what my October resolution is.....so this is another struggle for me. I have chosen knitting!!  Looked easy.  I've always wanted to know how to knit.  Maybe my brain is on overload.  Maybe a person can only retain so much and then the cranium is full and cannot accept any more of anything!!  I feel I'm close to that point.  Even simple instructions are like rocket science to me...tie a knot....what?  A what?  How do I do that???  My poor dog thinks the ball of yarn, that I rolled, is a toy.  I feel like I have two left hands when it comes to holding the needles. So even though this is my October resolution, my scarf (if that's what it turns out to be) may not be complete until Christmas.  If all else fails, I guess the dog can have the ball of yarn, at least it won't go to waste.

SEPT 28

So I survived my first boot camp.  Well, if I'm honest, I only survived because I cheated just a bit. (You know, when the teacher's not looking, you take a quick breather) That was about the hardest physical activity I've done in a long time.  One hour of non-stop high intensity training.  We couldn't even break for water!  "If you need a drink, march yourself there an back...DON'T STOP MOVING!"...Yes drill sergeant!  I even asked as I signed in if this was a beginner's camp.  Oh, yea, I was reassured.  You can go at your own pace, they told me.  (Someone needs to tell Sergeant Carter)

You think you're in some kind of physical condition until you test yourself with something like this.  I walked into the building with a perky step in my walk and crawled out with rubber band legs and arms.  

SEPT 24

Ok, so it's already Sept 24th...did you think I was bailing on my resolution?  No way!  September is getting a late start because the class I'm taking doesn't start until Sept 28th.  It goes into Oct but it's my Sept resolution.  What is it you ask???  If my body holds out, I'll be in BOOT CAMP in a few days.  UGH!!!  What was I thinking?  (I wasn't)  I saw some painting classes and some cooking classes and even a cake decorating class but just wasn't getting excited about those and then I saw the boot camp and said yes, that's it!  Now I'm beginning to regret my decision.  We'll see.  My mind says yes....the body is saying leave me alone!!!!!

AUG 21

I passed!  Self defense class is over and yes, I passed.  I have to say, the last day was not easy.  They put us in "situations" and were not easy on us.  My only complaint (even though it was for my own good)  was that I did not train to be "attacked" by two people at the same time!  I actually took this very serious and tried to use the techniques during our situation training.  It's amazing what goes right out the window when the need is there.  Similar to natural child birth...what breathing???  I made some crucial mistakes on my last day.  They are clear to teach us to yell certain commands and it's not just to be having small chat with your attacker, but it's for your own breathing.  I put myself in a frame of mind,  I was screaming the whole time and of course was very quickly out of breath.  (My instructor thought I was asthmatic)  Hoping I am never in a situation where I have to use these things I learned but am glad it's in my subconscience and feel I could use them if needed.  Ladies, I highly recommend a self defense course like R.A.D...you WILL learn things.  It's actually recommended to take the class a few times to keep the techniques fresh in your mind.  Here's to empowerment....NO...STAY BACK....STRIKE!

AUG 8

So I've had two classes in self defense and I'm ready to do some damage! Actually, this is a completely new world for me...I can say I have never been in a physical fight in my life and hope I never have to.  Just listening to the description of what some of our "techniques" can do to another person is scary.  Officer Leising is very graphic in her descriptions and she doesn't hold back.  A huge part of self defense is awareness.  We are told over and over again to be aware of your surroundings.  Really love this class and have learned so much in just a couple of lessons.  We have learned many different "strikes" this past week and next week we get to practice them on Officer Carpenter!  This will give me much joy as I pointed out to Officer Carpenter that he got me TWICE for expired tags. STAY BACK!!...NO!!....STRIKE!!

AUG 1, 2014

The saying time flies is not an old wives tale...here we are in August and I'm ready for the August resolution.  My pick for this month is something again that I have never done but have always wanted to.  On August 6th, I take my first self defense class!  My hometown police department is having classes for the month of August and I am signed up ready to learn the proper way to kick the jelly beans out of someone!  It seems a bit ironical that my community is offering these classes...we were just named 3rd safest city in the state of KY.  (or maybe that's why they are giving the classes, people here know how to defend themseves)  I hope I learn some really cool stuff like poking out eyeballs or twisting the thumb of the assailant until he/she cries mercy.  (and even then it will be up to my discretion to let go)  Here's to empowerment!!  Wow, that sounded rather violent....

JULY 17

Oh my oh my...this summer is flying by!  What a fun July so far.  I hadn't selected my "resolution" for July because I saw my calendar!  Temp assignments, family outings and extra curricular activities!  But before this month gets away from me, I have made my July resolution.  I have decided to read UNCLE TOM'S CABIN...by Harriet Beecher Stowe.  Now look, I read books all the time.  I love reading.  That is not new, I get it.  Having said that, I have NEVER read this book!  I am ashamed to admit that, but it was not a required reading in school and I just never picked it up until now.  I have always had on my short bucket list some of the classics that I have never read and this was one of them.  So, here's to my rocking chair and back deck and a good  book!

2014: JUNE 23

2014: JUNE 23: So far my grade with three quizzes and three assignments is a 95.  I guess I hadn't forgotten my grammar after all. This class is broken...

JUNE 23

So far my grade with three quizzes and three assignments is a 95.  I guess I hadn't forgotten my grammar after all. This class is broken down into units with each unit giving assignments and then a quiz at the end.  My first assignment was to write two complete sentences.  They start you off with some options...the boy rides, or the lady walks and we have to add pronouns, adjectives and adverbs to make this a minimum 12 word sentence.  I was happy with the boy rides, frankly.  (adverb)   When I started reviewing adverbs and conjunctions and nouns etc, I remember where I was when I first learned of such grammar....Saturday mornings watching Schoolhouse Rock!  I didn't need a teacher...I had the cartoons!!!   Conjunction junction, what's your function??

2014: JUNE 20

2014: JUNE 20: Finally my temp assignment is over and I am ready to take on my resolution for June.... Crafting an Effective Writer: Tools of the Trade (...

JUNE 20

Finally my temp assignment is over and I am ready to take on my resolution for June....

Crafting an Effective Writer: Tools of the Trade (Fundamental English Writing)

As some of you may already know, I write children's books.  I have three published and am proud of that but  I have had an idea for another book but have not felt my writing skills were up to par.  I felt that English was one of my better subjects in grammer and high school but for some reason, I can barely remember what an adverb is these days.  I have felt for awhile that in order to pursue this new "novel" as it will be, I needed to go back to school.  This being the age of technology, I can do that from the comforts of my own home and have decided to take this online class to better my writing skills.  I'm sure it will all come back to me as I get into it and the good part about taking classes from home, I can eat, talk, chew gum in class without getting called out on it!!  Take that Mrs. Beatty!

JUNE 11

Wow....June has proven to be a very busy month!!  With my temp assignment I have struggled to find time to decide on my June resolution pick.  I'm torn between three that will accomodate my schedule.  The idea is to pick something new and interesting that I've wanted to try and am hoping once my temp assignment is over, I will get to do just that for June.   Stay tuned for my June pick!!

MAY 18

Second attempt at the homemade pasta for the month of May....delicious!  What a difference a pasta machine makes.  (and a lot of help from my daughter in law)  Actually, she made the first batch of dough while I watched.  I made the second batch which will be used for baseballs.  The third batch she stood right over my shoulder and supervised as I wasted so much flour on the second batch we were afraid we'd run out.  We teamed up the pasta with alfredo sauce, a lemon caper sauce and marinara sauce.  (grilled shrimp was optional)  All three sauces were a hit and the pasta was sooooooo good.  You wouldn't think you could taste the difference in store bought pasta and homemade but I am here to say you absolutely can.  Even Mr Hall complimented the meal.  I will try a homemade ravioli next week (with the pasta machine).  I just need to work on "eyeing" how much flour to add...that makes a difference in what comes out.... dough or baseballs.

MAY 9

Have you heard of the pasta wars?  Well that is the best way I can describe my first experience with homemade pasta.  It hurt I didn't have the pasta machine.  I  had a pasta machine but it mysteriously disappeared.  The recipe tells you to form a sort of  "well"  with the flour.  Once the "well" is formed, you are to add the whisked egg yolks and slowly pour them into the "well".  So far, so good.  What the recipe failed to mention is that as you begin to mix the flour into the whisked eggs, sometimes the eggs decide to run out of the "well" and take a trip down the cabinets!  It was all I could do to scoop up enough egg yolks to form a dough.  It kind of went down hill from there.  After the dough set up for a while, I began rolling it out.  Ugh. This is where the pasta machine would have come in handy.  I could not roll the dough out flat enough, thus, very thick pasta....not so good.  I will try one new homemade pasta dish a week for the month of May but I will get the pasta machine so I have nice thin pasta and not pasta dreadlocks!  Bon appetit!