Sundays

I love quiet Sundays.....I look forward to being at home, reading the newspaper, and relaxing......no pressures....just me and Walt (with the doggies of course) hanging out at home.

I'm hoping this next week goes by quickly. I hate to rush time, but I am really looking forward to seeing my friend Elena and her husband Frank. It's been almost a year since we've seen them. It's kind of a long drive, but that's 1/2 the fun. Walt and I need some alone time to talk and reconnect.

I've never been to Fresno...not that I think I am missing anything in particular. Except that is where Elena lives. Its something new for us....as I don't think Walt has ever been to Fresno either. I love the drive down Oregon and into California. What's funny, is that at the end of October, we'll make basically the same trip.

I'm feeling overly sensitive though.....worried and fretful over things I can't control. The actions of another are not within my control...and to worry is for not. I can't help how I am though. I drive myself crazy.....I have to think positive and focus on things that are within my own control.

Looking forward: Cruise in October....will be a much needed vacation; the holidays.....will be especially special since they are our last here; cruise to Alaska in May for our anniversary; the summer; and then WV....busy year ahead of us.

Posted a recent picture of Oscar....hope he's still hanging out tomorrow when I get to work.....

I'm thankful for: forgiveness; my blessings; loving friends; opportunities; getaways; puppies; not being alone; love......

I'm exhausted!

What a week! I was afraid I'd made a mistake and dreamed today was Friday....thank goodness it is...and I have two days at home. Yay!

Week's highlights: Oscar returns - bigger, better and spins his magic; tons of work was accomplished.....I'm feeling very proud of myself; Sarah's check came...'bout damn time!; dinner at Tam's Thursday was fantastic...yummy pizza and a funny movie....good combo; and it's FINALLY Friday!

I definitely need a vacation. Next weekend we are making a quick trip to Fresno to see Elena and Frank. A much needed break. It'll be nice to just get in the car and drive and have Walt all to myself....=)

In two months, we'll be heading the same direction except we'll keep going on in to LA. I'll be on the hunt for Dodger gear, Mickey Mouse, Michael Jackson's star in Hollywood, tequila, and awaiting those beautiful Mexican sunsets. Ahh...it'll be heaven. 13 days away.....no work, no problems.....no worries.

I'm thankful for faithful friends, my loving mate, puppy love, and the fact that my girls are finally seeing me as someone who knows something about life.

Weekend wishes: sleeping in; breakfast in bed; sunny weather; clean clothes; a clean house; and snuggling with anyone who wants to stay in bed with me!

G'nite Oscar.....I hope to see you on Monday.....

Oscar reappears!!

Oscar is outside my window again! He looks different and he's bigger.....and for awhile his old "skin" was hanging there. I was so excited to see him. We'll have to see if he stays. The web is messed up.....I hope I come in tomorrow and he's spun a new web.....I'm keeping my fingers crossed!

Things worth being excited over: Oscar's return; loving someone; friendship; vacations (especially ones to new places and visiting good friends); cruise ships; tequila; good food; a pound lost; a good hair day; my happy puppies in the morning; forgiving someone; Fridays; jackpots; a new day!

Rock on Oscar!! I hope to see you tomorrow!

My friend is gone....

Well, I came in this morning and discovered a mangled web and Oscar was gone. How sad....

We had a good thing while it lasted. Maybe he's moved on to someone elses' window, and is making them smile.....I'll sure miss him. I'm grateful for the time he hung outside my window.....

I imagine maybe he's off cavorting with other spiders...maybe in a spider commune. Spider parties every night.....maybe he met a girl spider and they ran off together.....I'll never know.

Cherish each day....

Things I cherish: My sweetie; my kids; four legged friends; my circle of friends; sunsets; special memories.........

August

Oscar is still outside my window....I'm sort of amazed since it's been two weeks. He's become something I look forward to when I sit down in my chair.....preparing for the day.

August is coming to a close. I'm not sure where the rest of the month went, but as I sit here viewing the calendar and wondering what it is I've accomplished so far this year.




Well, I've accomplished a lot I guess if you consider remaining employed, losing weight, making new friends, getting a new bladder, a nice trip to Vegas......that's not bad for a year's time. And it's not quite over yet. There's still more to come.





August reminds me of school supplies, school clothes, and the idea that Fall is just around the corner. While I love summer, Fall is my favorite time of the year. Maybe that's while checking out the calendar, I know it's close and I am filled with anticipation. There won't be school supplies or clothes.....those days are long gone since the girls are on their own and grown up. (sad though)





What is ahead is colored leaves, apples, pumpkins, rainy days, our cruise in late October, Southern California touristy things, Mickey Mouse, Thanksgiving, and the holidays. Maybe that's why I love Fall so much.....filled with so much activity.....





Past Fall memories: Halloween cosutmes; buying school supplies with my Dad; apple cider; pumpkin patches; running through the dried leaves in our yard; baking cookies with my Mom; Sarah's bumble bee Halloween costume; Holly's birthday in early November; getting engaged to Walt in October 1997.....so many memories......I'm so blessed.

Life

There's been a tiny spider living outside the window of my office for about two weeks. He (of course I don't know the gender of this small spider, so I have fondly been referring to him as "him") In the two weeks he's been living there, he's created a huge web. The webbing is so fine, I can only see it when the sun is shining on it.

He has been suspended in the same spot each day. I can only assume that he's busy at night since the web is so large. But he always seems to come back to the same spot.....right in front of me. I'm not a fan of spiders.....but here he is....and I am facinated by him....watch him.....and look for him each morning.

Some times, he's stretched out and I can see the spots on his tiny legs. His whole body can't be bigger than a pencil eraser. But against the window and in that web, he looks large. I haven't seen anything get caught in his web, so I wonder how he's surviving. I can only see about 1/2 of the window, so maybe his food supply is somewhere else.

Right now he appears to be sleeping...all curled up and moving so slightly in the breeze. Does he have spider friends? Do they have wild spider parties at night?

I want a life with that much serenity. Just hanging out waiting for whatever.....being admired, even though I might not be the prettiest of creatures. Undisturbed by life's worries. I imagine he's got plenty of worries with birds and bigger insects out there who might enjoy him for a snack.

For now, he's my tiny friend....when I feel overwhelmed or ready to give up....I just look at him. Serenity.....relaxing in the morning sunshine......

Things I am grateful for: today being a new day; Walt's unwavering love; friendships that make life enjoyable; my girls; coffee; my tiny little spider friend reminding me to enjoy life and don't sweat the small stuff; puppy kisses in the morning.

I think I'll name my tiny friend Oscar.