Home show sticks

Yesterday, we went to the local home improvement show. On our way in, we made guesses as to what would be the "special" gadget or gizmo at this year's show. Would there be Sham-Wows available? Would we see the waterless cookware? What would be the hit of this show?

We would soon find out - it was the "sticks". One of the first displays we passed was giving out longer-than-a-yard sticks. We each took one.

Now, I would have thought that the vendor would take advantage of this long stick and put a catchy saying on it. You know, like "we go the extra distance for you" or "we really measure

up", something like that... but there was nothing there more than their name and phone number. Missed marketing opportunity, I'd say.

The funniest thing about these sticks was the number of comments and questions they drew. I can't tell you how many people wanted to know where we got those "sticks". "Wow, that's a long stick you got there, must be 3 1/2 feet long." (They were four feet long.) "I'm just holding my friend's stick; can you tell me where I can get my own?" "Hey, I like your ruler, where'd you get it?" It was unreal...the whole time we walked through the show, people asked about our sticks. And no....we weren't the only people with the sticks. Go figure.

Big Ass Fans

So...I went to help with the cleaning today. That's not really that noteworthy. But...since I was last out there, these Big Ass Fans have been added.

These are some monster fans - each blade is like 12 foot long, making the diameter (counting the hub) 25+ feet! Big Ass Fans!! They are huge!

Wayne asked if I needed one for the house - those hot flashes can be brutal. I'm passing for now but nice to know they're out there!!

By the way....Big Ass Fans is the brand name. That just cracks me up for some reason!!

Strangelove

No, I'm not talking about the movie. This is something about me that is not new, but I was reminded of it this week.

I get attached to my cars. The "Soul-less White Van" got sick this week and had to be towed. I felt so bad seeing them pull it helplessly onto the tow truck. It's been so loyal and seen us through so much, I just hate to see it not feeling well. As if it had a brain, eh?

As I said, this is not something newly realized. I remember crying like a baby when my dad

traded in the red bug years ago. The little yellow Subaru, after all its service - donated to whoever would take it. The old, rusty Ranger - literally put out to pasture.

I'm not sure if there's a psychological name for this phenomenon, but I'm pretty sure it's weird.

AMITL : II

Yes, I'm actually adding to my blog...after a lengthy hiatus.

Today I participated in A Minute in the Life: Take 2. The assignment was to take two pictures - one of what was in front of you, and one of what was behind you - at 2pm today (03/20/2010). I did that, and actually added two extras - one of what was below me, and one of what was above me. The first two pictures were submitted to the project to be compiled with many others from all over the world. All taken at the same minute in time (time zones were taken into account). Seemed to me like a cool idea. I can't wait to see the results...

We were at the North Carolina Botanical Gardens in Chapel Hill when the picture time rolled around.

Before me:

Behind me:

Above me:

Below me:

The 25 not-blogged challenge

As a challenge from a fellow blogger, I'm going to list the 25 blogs I haven't had time to write about (I may not make 25, but I'll give it a go):

1. Our house is relatively empty now. We've raised the kids and off they've gone. Hmmm...this should count for more than one empty blog.

2. Wayne just got back from his yearly cross-state bike ride. Six days of riding a bicycle from the Blue Ridge to the coast. What's vacation to him would be work for me. Totally admire his focus on a goal.

3. Speaking of goals and focus...I really need to lose weight and be healthier...have the desire, just can't seem to get that focus.

4. I've been recently told that I'm officially in the change of life. This one should count for at least five blogs.

5. We just had another awesome family day with Mary in Asheville and Warren Wilson. Love spending time with my girls and better half.

6. Went to an awesome spot in Asheville for breakfast called Sunny Point Cafe. Homemade organic fare with a sunny patio on which to sip your coffee while you wait. Lots of interesting-looking wines that would be fun to try out later in the day.

7. Got a chance to watch Mary work a bit...as an artist. She's been an artist all her life, but now it's official, and it's officially awesome to see what she can do.

8. Moving away from home has been quite a challenge for Amy. So proud of the progress she has made in the last six weeks. Does a parent's heart good.

9. As much as I like my life in North Carolina, it is sometimes quite hard to be far away from people I care about.

10. I recently started volunteering at hospice doing medical transcription. This type of behind-the-scenes job suits me well. It makes me feel good that I've found a way to help people.

11. The piano here has been quiet. That's not right...pianos are supposed to make music.

12. I have a new boss. He's very nice and likeable, but he's almost 20 years my junior. This is a learning experience for both of us. Thank goodness I have friends at work to help me through all the trials and tribulations.

13. I turned 50 this past summer; the doctor has given me the gift of a colonoscopy. It's scheduled for next week. Not really worried about the procedure, just the prep and the result.

14. As a celebration of getting all our kids to 18 and out of the house, my sister-close friend and I are planning a getaway to Los Angeles in February. It's her stomping grounds, so she's gonna show me around. I. am. excited.

15. I currently do more text-messaging than I would have ever thought possible.

16. We had the chance to see our displaced neighbors in Charleston over Labor Day Weekend. It was great fun. Comforting when even though you don't see each other often, you can fall right back into the old routines.

17. Sienna is a dog.

18. My brother is a firefighter, and I think that is just way cool.

19. Laundry multiplies in the dark of night.

20. Pedicures are pretty wonderful. This is a new find for me.

21. I never fully appreciated my parents until I became one myself. Not chiche...the truth. Funny that this is true one generation after another. Do we never learn?

22. I can operate a VCR, but I don't know how to work the Tivo.

23. I rely on my daughter to change the time on my foreign-made watch.

24. Epilepsy (a.k.a. seizure disorder) stinks. Having said that.... Totally admire the way Amy has handled hers, and am so very thankful that her case is not more severe.

25. My life is busy. Sometimes too much, sometimes not enough, and sometimes just right. Not always sure what takes up the time, but it sure does fly....

On My Own

Well...this is new....

On my own for the week. Girls are at college and seemingly doing well. Husband is off riding his bike from mountains to coast.... and here I am...with the dog, of course.

Thinking tonight this feels kinda weird.

Maybe this is the empty nest everyone speaks about? Sure seems empty tonight.

Hmmm......

Change of Season

Today is the first day of autumn. Where the heck did the summer go? Well, I know where it went....a lot happened...but it doesn't seem like it should be over already. Geesh.

I actually like fall weather and the cool foliage colors. What I don't like is the fewer daylight hours. It has been dark when I leave for work the last couple mornings, and there's not much light after dinner in the evening. I guess I'd never make it in Alaska, eh?

The timing seems ironic as I recently learned that I myself have entered the autumn of my life. Not such a bad thing, really. At least I still have the winter to go after that...