2016.... Where has this year gone....?

A workmate and myself were talking about how fast this year has gone by.

And that got me thinking. Where DID the time go this year?  I thought and thought and thought some more- and I can't remember anything outstanding that I did this year.....nor last year, to be honest about it.
Shouldn't we be able to look back on any given year and think- "Ahhh yes!- That was the year I(insert accomplishment/event here)!"

My office-mate, Tom, bought his first home this year in May. And the year before that he changed jobs and came to work at our company- enabling him to buy said house. He also went to London for a week- just to see the sights, just like a tourist. He's been to a couple of concerts too.

All I can remember is waking up every single weekday, getting dressed,  dragging myself into work every morning, mindlessly doing mind numbing repetitive work, then coming home, cooking/eating dinner, watching a bit of television, then going to bed.
Weekends are spend either going to town to run errands with lunch out, or catching up on housework on Saturday, then watching movies or playing games on the computer and cooking/eating dinner on Sundays.

That's it. We haven't done much of anything out of the ordinary- oh, other than the occasional dinner and board game night at a couple of friends we know. And that only happens every 3 or 4 months.

We haven't went to any of the relatives for dinner, or a barbecue, or a picnic. No road trips other than into town to pick up and odd this or that, or to a doctors appointment or spectacle exam. No movies, or concerts, or  trips into City Center in Manchester or Liverpool either.

On the upside, I am going to visit the folk back home for Thanksgiving for a bit over a week. But that doesn't keep me from wanting to do something different with my husband, too.

It's giving me a headache. Maybe 2017 will be the year we get to say- we bought a new car and we bought our house.

2020.....

Well, Today I had a bit of a mini breakdown.

I was on FaceBook as we were coming back home from our trip into St. Helens today and one of the posts asked this question.

How old will you be in 2020- Be honest!!

Now, anyone that knows me knows I dont give a rat's behind about age- it's nothing  but a number. However, there are exceptions to the rule.
a) Your First Birthday. Huge big deal!!!
b)Your 13th Birthday....you are now a TEENAGER!!!!
c) your 16th (especially if you are a girl raised in the "Capital O/Capital S" Old South, You may now go on unchaperoned dates, not just double dates or chaperoned ones. Upper Class Girls turning 16 get a Debutante or Coming Out party- Middle class ones get a Sweet 16 Birthday party.)  At 16 you can get your full drivers license not just a provisional one.
d) your 18th.... you may now vote(when I was 18 you could also drink and buy alcohol  but that's now allowed on ....
e) your 21st.
You are now a full fledged adult- get a job (you should have already been working part time since the age of 15 or the very LATEST 16) and get your own place if you haven't already.

Well, when I turned 25- it was an eye opener for me. I was a QUARTER CENTURY OLD!!! My life was over and I was officially OLD. I was depressed the week before, the week OF, and the week AFTER my 25th Birthday.... until I realized aint nothing going to change.... Everything is the same as it was before I turned 25....and finally, life returned to normal.

I turned 30. That didnt bother me.
I turned 35..... That didn't bother me either.
I turned the BIG 4-0.... Nope.
45....... Nothing.
50... Nada.
55......Zilch.
Not even a twinge.

And then I read that post.

 How old will you be in 2020?

 And I thought a second and said "60.....Wait......what? 60?" and something clicked in my brain and I burst out crying.

Mini meltdown... lasted about 15 minutes.  Then I took a deep breath, dried my eyes on the tail of my shirt....(a dozen pkts of tissues in my different handbags and I chose TODAY to change purses and chose the ONE that didn't have a pack or even a single tissue in it to be found.

I told hubby I guess I'm gonna have to up my lie-age. Usually when someone asks my age I tell them I'm 60 or 65..... I always get the response that I certainly dont LOOK that old. So now when I give a lie age I reckon I'm gonna have to up it to 70 or 75. 10 or so years over my REAL age, you know.

Ahhh... the things we women worry and cry about.

 

 

A Little Hiatus....

Well, I didn't realize, but I've been on quite the little hiatus this past month.

I just couldn't face trying to write anything at all. I have three active blogs and four books and I haven't written a word for any of them in a month. Ive been blogging for over twelve years now and have written on pretty regular basis until this past year. I've noticed a slowing down of my creative juices and an increase of re-posting earlier posts as well.

I've been in a bit of a depressed mood too. My mom's health is failing and I am going home this Thanksgiving instead of next - and I fear this will be the last time we will be together before her health fails her and she leaves this world. It is going to be painful to me to walk away from her when it is time to come home knowing that.
I really wish my husband could come with me and be there to support me, but financially, we had to make a choice. Wait til next year and both of us go- or me go this year alone. And as I said- I don't think there is a good chance of next year being a good year at all. As it is, we will probably be flying back for a funeral together and, altho I may need his support this time, I will need my husband's support more then than on this trip.

So, at any rate, the weather has gotten cooler this month- a GODSEND to be sure for me. The Beautiful Autumnal colors are starting to peek out more each day, and it's downright nippy here at night.
No, I am not going to close my window until it gets cold-cold. I like the fresh air, altho I fear that may be the reason listed on our divorce papers should Paul decide to one day do the deed. (JK- he doesn't believe in divorce- thank goodness- else my snoring would have already made his decision for him, I'm afraid.)
I've also been concentrating on losing this weight. I've been making careful calculations and looking at all the data and  the dips and rises when something was changed. I don't know the science, but I am seeing a pattern developing and I have been able to tweak my workouts and eating plan to correct(somewhat) these increases in weight and maximize the losses.

Also, my team mate at the office has been on holiday last month.....ALL of last month. Seriously, I saw her in the office two days in between Holiday 1 and Holiday 2.....which means between my boss and myself, we have had to do not only OUR work, but hers as well. I have to take my lunch in my car to get away from all the calls and emails and extra work that occurs if I try to stay at my desk and have lunch there. And I have to come in from work and just have a lie- down on the bed for a half hour after work to be able to calm down and de-stress before starting dinner for Hubby and myself.  I'm so glad aforementioned team mate is back tomorrow, I can't begin to describe how much of a relief it's going to be.

On the upside, I think my doc and I have the correct dosage of Migraine prevention meds now. I had the beginnings of a headache only once this past month and as soon as I got home I took my meds, albeit a couple of hours early, and problem solved. It's lovely to be "normal" and not have headaches rule every day and aspect of my life!!!

In other news.....

I've ordered this new duvet set for hub's & my bedroom. It's not one of thee dark colors I usually choose- it's a lovely mostly white with a bold black floral pattern on.

I don't know what came over me but I'm sick to death of all the dark colors all the time. I also want to buy white towels for the bath and a large white rug for our living room to cover this hideous "blue with a pink pattern but it looks purple" carpet that's in our entire flat. I want to lighten things up in my life... a LOT of things.... and that just seemed the perfect place to start.

So......this past month, I've  cooked, eaten, played games, watched movies and talked with family via Skype ....pretty much just led a written word free life- with the exception of FaceBook.
And now the conundrum..... Do I continue - only posting once a month? Or do I go back to my regular routine?

I didn't really get why one of my Blogger friends stopped blogging a few months ago-(it still seems like years and I do still go back and read his now defunct blog..... because I really do miss his wisdom and style.) But now I totally get it. And as much as I would LOVE to follow his lead, I don't think I could totally shut it off. I love it too much, but, now that I've had a taste of freedom, I may have to take it down to only posting on the first weekend of every month. At least for a while.

And now that you are all caught up.....

Sunny Says-
Until Next Time...

Contemplation & Reflection.....

I went this weekend to my salon to get a hair revitalization.
I was not happy with the results. A trim and wave with restyle was what I was supposed to get. A "butchering" is what I received. WAY too short- way too poofy. Even tho it will grow out, I am most certainly not amused.

It's one of the things about this world I do not like.
In Valhalla I always looked picture perfect. Hair never out of place, face on to perfection, my figure perfect and my wardrobe immaculate.
When I decided to come to spend time on this world, I consented to taking on human form and all that came with it..... I did not realize that my hair would become limp and lifeless without certain procedures being done to it on a regular basis.... I also didn't realize that I would enjoy human nourishment quite as much as I do. My figure has become rounder and softer and not at all to Goddess standards.  I have found that I must wear concoctions called "cosmetics" to have the flawless perfection of skin  and the soft red lips and quiet blush on the cheeks  that came with no effort whatsoever. Here, I must "do" and "pluck" my brows to obtain the perfect arch I was born with in Valhalla. I see wrinkles  and brown "age spots"creeping slowly onto my body- especially my hands -and can you believe I'm being punished for smiling with a thing they call "Crow's Feet" which are creases at the corners of my eyes!?!
  Imagine the absurdity of being punished for laughing and smiling and being happy!!!

This world is a brutal place- especially for Goddesses. The males of this realm, Mere Mortals, do not seem to fare nearly so badly. They do seem to acquire the wrinkles and such, but somehow it seems to reward them with better looks as the aging progresses. Altho the look can in no way, shape, or form be called Youthfully Handsome- there is a mature ruggedness or at least they become the epitome of Aged Wisdom.
I suppose there has to be some type of reward for serving their Goddesses so faithfully all the years on earth tho. It seems it sucks the life out of Goddesses and breathes it into the Mere Mortals.

It just doesn't seem fair and I'm trying my best to reverse the havoc this world is wreaking on my body. I'm making small bits of progress, thru a thing the mortals call "dieting and activity" but there are days when I contemplate rescinding  my consent and returning to the perfection of my home in Valhalla. I just think of that as a last resort- someday I will return- and I will have all my perfection and glory back, but I am determined to see this  journey thru to the end...if it doesn't kill me first.

I'm a Spo-Thief

Spo posted this meme on his blog- and I stole it to post today. Thanks Spo. You know what they say- "Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery that mediocrity can pay to greatness.''

P.S.- The answers are mostly mine...unless I agree with Spo's which to some I totally did- he's an intelligent man.

1. ARE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE?  

Yes. My Granny Coyle- whose name was Lola Ellen....and my Aunt Ann whose name is Anna Lavada. I wish I had gotten Aunt Ann's whole name and then the Ellen. As it is I got Lavada Ellen.

2. WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED?
Yesterday. I had a horrible crying jag. It was my the 9th Angelversary on the 26th, but I think it was a delayed reaction because it happened early hours on a Sunday Morning......so I associate it more with the Sunday than the actual date....
3. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING?
 Yes. It's becoming a lost art, cursive handwriting. 
4. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT?
Without a doubt, Roast Turkey Breast.
5. DO YOU HAVE ANY KIDS?
Yes. Three. Two on Earth & One in Heaven.
6. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS?
Probably not as this me is extremely standoffish making new friends and rarely finds someone intriguing enough to pique her interest. 
7. DO YOU USE SARCASM? 
Never. (Rolls eyes Sarcastically.)
8. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS?
Yes.
9. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP?
Oh, Hell No.
10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL? 
Cheerios. Not the multi grain ones nor the honey nut ones- the original ones that taste like cardboard. (Seriously.Truth.)
11. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF?
Yes- it ruins your eyelets if you don't and no one likes ugly shoes.
12. DO YOU THINK YOU’RE STRONG?
No, not physically.....Mentally- more so than I thought.
13. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM FLAVOR?
 Belgian Chocolate or Butter Pecan.
14. WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE?
 Their eyes, then their teeth.
15. RED OR PINK? 
Usually a soft pink....but around the holidays Christmas Red.
16. WHAT IS THE LEAST FAVORITE THING YOU LIKE ABOUT YOURSELF? 
My stomach.
17. WHAT COLOR PANTS AND SHOES ARE YOU WEARING RIGHT NOW?
Grey sweat pants that are about 10 years old and soft as velvet and barefoot.
18. WHAT WAS THE LAST THING YOU ATE?  
Band Holiday Monday Brunch. It was fabulous. Four slices bacon and three over-easy eggs. No toast altho I love toast. I'm cutting down on carbs this week in an effort to boost my weight loss.
19. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW? 
The dryer as my metal buttons on my jeans clanks as it goes round..... Driving me insane.
20. IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE?
Cornflower blue.
21. FAVORITE SMELL?
Thanksgiving Dinner cooking. All the smells mingling together is the most amazing and comforting aroma in the world.
22. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO?
My hubby. He asked me where his other two work shirts had gotten to. Guess what I will be doing when I finish with this??
23. FAVORITE SPORT TO WATCH?
American Football...or Golf. Also snow-skiing events and figure skating.
24. HAIR COLOR THATS REAL?
Mine is Honey Blonde- with a reverse widows peak. It's hereditary- my mom and my granny(mom's mom) had the exact same.
26. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS?
No. Tried em- my eyes reacted badly.
27. FAVORITE FOOD?
A 30 second each side rare Rib-eye or sirloin steak...... favorite veg- Taters.
28. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS?
I am all for happy endings. (<---I'm with Spo and his answer)
29. LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED.
Jungle Book...the new one. Kinda scary movie- I wouldn't recommend letting little ones under 12 watch it.
30. WHAT COLOR SHIRT ARE YOU WEARING?
Deep Dark Red
31. SUMMER OR WINTER. 
Winter- altho I prefer Autumn to them ALL.
32. HUGS OR KISSES? 
Hugs.
33. FAVORITE SWEET FOOD? 
Pie. Any fruit filling.
34. WHAT BOOK ARE YOU CURRENTLY READING?
 I just finished The Letter by Katheryn Hughes. Trying to decide on my next book now.....
35. WHAT IS ON YOUR MOUSE PAD? 
I don't have one. I have a laptop and the arm of my recliner is used as a "mouse pad".
36. WHAT DID YOU WATCH ON T.V. LAST?
Monkey Life. I love that show and could watch it for hours.....which I usually do on weekends while I'm relaxing.
37. FAVORITE SOUND?
Water, in any form, whether in rain, ocean waves, or fountains.
38. ROLLING STONES or BEATLES? 
Yes, please. I like ALL music....except that nonsensical jazz that has mo melody whatsoever.
39. WHAT IS THE FARTHEST YOU HAVE TRAVELED?
The UK/USA.
40. DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL TALENT? 
I'm an expert marksman with a 9mm or 38 revolver of any type.
41. WHERE WERE YOU BORN? 
A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away....

So there you have it.....

I Do It To Myself.

Why must I make everything so complicated?

For instance, Not the best week for me.... so I ask hubby to pick up some sammich innards while he's grabbing his lunch at the nearest Tesco. I think, well, we can have a simple supper....either Pancakes....or bacon, eggs and toast.....or sammiches and tater chips.(Crisps)

Well, he gets us some lovely roast beef slices and when we arrive home, neither of us has our hearts set on anything specific, so I decide to make roast beef sammiches for our supper.

So, I go into the kitchen, pull out the finger rolls(Like Miniature Hot dog buns, actually) and then as I pull out the Swiss cheese from the fridge, think, well, I have some already sliced onions- and there is a couple of bell peppers in here I could slice up and toss in a pan to eat with it...so I do that too.. And I think well this is going to take a few minutes to saute so I'll just throw a few Oven fries into the oven too....so I do that. And then while the onions and peppers are sauteing I add a sprinkle of teriyaki sauce in the veg, and let all that yumminess soak in and then I put the cheese in the buns and wrap em in foil and place them on the back of the stove-top so the heat from the oven warms them up....then I slice the roast beef into thin slices and add them to the veg to heat and now the oven fries are done and I'm getting ready to add the onions and peppers and beef into the buns with the melty cheese and add a bit of mayo to the top and put a few fries on a plate with a couple of them and THAT was my EASY Meal???????????
Expected to be in the kitchen 5 minutes putting the sammiches together then have a lovely relaxing evening and end up spending 30 minutes in there making an actual MEAL!!

I wish I wasn't such a creative cook- Life would be so much easier if my "Recipe Book" was a Delivery Menu Directory!!!!

Geeze!!!!!!!

My Get Up & Go...

...has got up and left.

I'm just so exhausted and UNMOTIVATED this week.....heck= to be honest the entire month has been a bust for me. I have a ton of things I need to do- and have been working on (halfheartedly), but whereas I usually am the organized, OCD one who does the motivating, I fear that bird has flown.

I've decided to do a proper YouTube channel for my videos- altho I have serious reservations about it. I wish I could do a podcast without the visual part of it. I hate the way I look....I used to do modeling for Christ-sake... now I just feel like a beached whale- and altho I do feel better about myself than I have in years- and am trying to make improvements, I dont feel confident in my appearance yet.
I've asked one of my chosen sisters to join me in the Vlog, because after seeing my solo performance  on my blog, I think we will talk about some interesting topics and our discussions will be so much more entertaining than my boring monologues are.

We have made up a nice list of things to discuss. So that's one thing I've been working on.... also my eating plan is alternately working/not working....August is awfully stress filled for me and if I stress, I dont lose no matter what I do.
I'm still plugging away at it tho. I'm not giving up. Not by a long shot.

I have my trip home I'm planning for. Trying to cut back on my spending, and I'm putting back the cash I would have spent on other purchases for exchange for my spending money home.
Brexit really put a hurting on the exchange rate- but I've still got a couple of months and am hoping that particular situation will improve before I leave.

I have a library of books I've bought up over the past couple of years- and I've splurged on an Audible subscription.... I get one credit a month for subscribing and I have a half dozen audio books so far and I LOVE it. I do tend to have to listen when I go to bed, and I usually fall asleep after an hour and then have to backpedal an hour the following night, but that's neither here nor there. I love being read TO.
My latest read is a series of books called Surviving The Evacuation by Frank Tayell. Book 1 is a first person story of the evacuation of London after a Zombie Virus Outbreak.
At first I thought, "Oh here we go- another Zombie story", but it did have some interesting changes- such as the main character is alone instead of with a group....... well, so far anyway. I'm not sure what happens in the rest of the series, but I'm going to be finding out in the next few months!!!

I'm glad this week is almost over. I do live for my weekends now. And Autumn with it's lovely cool weather and beautiful colors and smells.
Roll on Autumn.