I am about a week away from putting Granola Barpocalypse 2014 behind me. Oh how happy this makes me! In April, I bit into a granola bar and it broke two of my upper teeth. One tooth broke all the way out and the other cracked down the middle. It was the plan that one tooth would be replaced with an implant and the cracked tooth would be crowned in an attempt to save it. Of course the teeth were on opposite sides, which made eating difficult. The implant part is done and my final crown on the broken tooth should be in next week.
It's been months of dental procedures, pain, another stupid flipper, and the general uneasiness that comes with being toothless. I tried to not let my jack-o-lantern smile stop me from anything, in the same way I tell people not to let being fat stop you from being in photos with your kids. Between April and now, my husband had his knee replaced, we traveled to Canada, I went to Nashville to help my niece get moved in to college, I got a horrible haircut, and life kept happening. Lots of selfies happened with and without the flipper in. Perspective was kept, most of the time.
On bad days (tooth aches are the worst!), when I would comment that I hated meeting people while I do not have teeth, friends would tell me the space was not noticeable and that I look fine. Uh huh. I decided that telling someone something totally and obviously wrong with their face was not noticeable is just the silliest thing EVER. The totally not visible space was like a magnet! Almost every in- person conversation I had with people involved them moving more and more to my left side to see the space and figure out what was going on. It was hard not to laugh when it would happen but the more I laughed, the more people could see the gaping hole where the granola bar attacked.
I decided that if you have a loved one complaining about anything on their face, be it a pimple, a missing tooth, or an eye patch, just give them the real deal. Yes, that thing is noticeable and about 5 minutes into the conversation, it will suddenly become invisible to the person you are talking to. Ask the person something about themselves and your problem will disappear before their eyes. This advice works for all issues.
I am looking forward to the new season with a new haircut, teeth to chew pie with, a husband who can walk again, and whatever fun adventures await us. And just to be sure everything stays good for at least a day after posting this, I have smudged the house, hung new prayer flags, knocked on wood, and praised every God there is.
I was doing some redecorating and set one of my larger beach paintings down in the living room to ponder where to put it. To my surprise, Zibby can't stop looking at it! She sits or lays in front of it as we would do at a real beach. Now I can't bear to move it- even Zibby wants a room with a view or a change of scenery.
I am looking forward to a change of scenery, a change of weather, a change in food, a change in accents this week. We are finally going on a little vacation. We have a cat sitter and security cameras that we check obsessively so if you are a burglar, choose another house. We are going to our vacation spot without a plan. I am 100% cetain that no plan is the best plan for us! If we plan for sun, it will rain. If we plan for rain, there will be a heatwave. If we plan to take a train, there will be a train strike. I am happily plan-free and you can be sure there will be a skort and a rain jacket in my suitcase.
I will post to my instagram when we have wifi, if you want to see the photos from an unplanned trip. Have a great week!
I have been trying to find a bra that fits forever, and more recently in the last month when my current bra suddenly stopped fitting right. I am a freak of nature. I am a size 32 G in the two brands that fit me. Size 32 anything is hard to find, even harder with the massive cup size. I have never not been top heavy. I just woke up this way when I was 12 or 13 and since that morning have been searching for a good bra. I know every single woman who wears a bra has a bra issue, so mine is really not unique other than my choices being extremely limited (Freya and Fantasie). I am not the least bit shy about trying to find a good bra because I hope that in being vocal in my search someone will know something I don't and direct me to the seamless bra of my dreams.
A couple weeks ago, a friend read my tweets about bra searching and just as I hoped, had new bra intel! She sent me a Jockey Bra Fit Kit and I was so excited that a well-fitting bra could be in my immediate future. Jockey has a new way of measuring your bra size with their unique kit. The measuring tape finds your band size and you try on these plastic cups to see exactly which shape/size fits you best. By Jockey sizes, I was a 32- 9 cup. Their cup sizes range from 1-10, just like a pain chart at the doctor's office. I was excited to fit into their size spectrum and could not wait to order my dream bra.
And this is where the story has the most predictable ending EVER. Thirty-two/Nine is a size option in the Jockey measuring kit but they only make up their special bras to a size Thirty-two/Seven. The "Jockey Bra that speaks volumes" ain't speaking loud enough. Out of 55 sizes, mine was not an option. While they did not have my size, they were quick to invite me to chat again. Good customer service, too bad there was no bra. My bra may not fit but Maria is clearly size BFF.
It has been two months plus a handful of days since my husband got his new knee. He gets better and stronger every day. He has reached the point in his recovery where the doctor says NO LIMITS! and he goes full throttle getting in shape. The "no limits!" thing is good or terrifying depending on which person you are in our house. Every time I say be careful, the Bionic Man says NO LIMITS! The doctor will give him the ok to return to work when he can hop on one foot while holding ten pounds. I tried doing that with my non-bionic knees and it was not easy. Can anyone do that easily? I suppose we will soon learn how bionic he really is. My husband is back to working out at the gym a couple hours a day and dammit, he will be hopping on one foot much sooner than anyone anticipates, I am sure. As far as pain goes, he has little to no pain in his knee now. The weird feeling from the scar is still happening and I have invested in every type of scar cream there is to try to make that less annoying. He is feeling great in general now, but going back to work where he climbs tall buildings and crawls under short houses will be the true test.
I think the hardest part of the recovery currently is cabin fever and wanting to be working again. We are still walking daily (I am sure people think he is my trainer) and being more social now that the exhaustion is less. Ok, HE is being more social. I am trying to get caught up on work and life things from the last few months and get new projects started. I am still annoyed by anyone coughing or sneezing in his direction but I don't think that will ever change. My patience does have limits.
I have no major life lesson from this experience yet other than you really have to do what works for you and have a go with the flow attitude. Everyone will tell you what they think speeds recovery (no gluten! lemon oil! kale! no carbs!) and I have learned to say thanks for the information. People mean well. We just try to keep a good attitude while we do what makes us happy as wellness progresses. NO LIMITS!
*I love orange peppers and green peppers but I HATE red peppers. *I have never seen The Notebook. *Cream cheese pie and mashed potatoes are my current go to meal. If it looks like a cloud, I will eat it.
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*A morning sky full of clouds. *Friends who are full of suggestions on how to beat the heat until our A/C is repaired. If you want to know how to keep from dying of heat exposure, ask a woman with hot flashes. Women dominate this subject, sorry guys. *Bag-free vacuums. I am so glad canister vacs were invented in my lifetime! Memories of changing the bag in our 1974 vacuum still haunt me. *Listening to laughy nieces and nephews telling stories and debating around a kitchen table in true Goldberg fashion. The traditions continue! *Anything with the word Talenti on the package. The Sea Salt Caramel Pops are our new addiction.
We are celebrating life and some freedom at our house. It is 50 days post bionic knee and every day has gotten better. The doctor has given the ok to start working out with weights and living life like we normally do- so that my husband can get back to work in about 6 weeks. The focus is now building strength and stamina. Being a Grip requires a lot of lifting, pushing, and contorting to fit in odd spaces while wearing a 20 pound tool belt, kind of like shopping at Trader Joe's at noon. Maybe I should send him to do the shopping as a fitness test?
It has been a difficult few months for sure. But, there's nothing like watching someone persevere in hard times to make you want to do better in all things yourself. On the other hand, it also makes you realize what NOT to worry about. It is a rule that at the worst times your car will break down, a pipe in your house will burst, a loved one will get sick, and your cat will barf all over. The inconvenient things always happen when you can least afford them financially or emotionally. Once you get that, it doesn't really frazzle you as much. It's also a rule that at those worst times, the people you'd last expect to be supportive end up being totally supportive and reassuring. Isn't it odd how that happens?
I knew going into this that times would be hard financially and I started saving up mileage points, gift cards, and travel rewards so that when it got to be the time when we really needed an escape, we could have one. Sometimes the escape is going for a scoop of ice cream and sometimes it is a weekend getaway- both are part of the living like we normally do now plan. Focusing on good things really does make you get better faster in all situations. I am excited to plan some fun things for the next 6 weeks!
It has been one year since we welcomed Zibby into our home and hearts. That means it has also been a year without our beloved Suki. I still get all teary thinking about Suki and it is hard for me to look at the million photos and videos we took of her. I am so glad we did document her every moment because when I am less weepy, I know I will love looking at them, just as I do with photos of our dogs.
The reason we got Zibby is sad but she gives us so much joy and love. She is seriously happy to be here. We saved her and she saved us. After 22 days in the kill shelter, Zibby was in bad health and too scared to sleep with her eyes closed. Zibby is 5 1/2 years old now and I do not for one second regret adopting an older cat. She is the easiest cat to care for and she is spoiled beyond belief! All her health issues are under control, and she's claimed our bed as her own. As soon as the sun rises, she does her best to get us up and off her bed. She is chatty, cuddly, playful and sweet. So sweet.
In the last year, my husband has had major health issues. When either of us was sick or not feeling well, Zibby was by our side. I think even just being able to get up and feed her was a motivating factor in my husband's recovery. Isn't it amazing what the unconditional love of a pet can do? Caring for a pet can make you forget your own problems. It's hard to resist a cute face staring at you.
A year ago my friend Jinjer suggested I make a list of all the things I loved about Suki so I would not forget. I knew it was a great idea but I was too sad at the time to do it. I'm doing it now (in part)~
*She loved to have conversations
*She smelled like waffles
*She was always happy to see us
*She was a foodie and especially loved Golden Grahams
*Her tail looked like it had been dipped in ink and shook happily
*She loved going on walks
*She loved playing with Apocalypse at the sliding door
*She had no cat skills at all
*Her litter box was always too small
*I called her Petunia (I have a pot of petunias near her memorial stone)
*She loved being brushed
*She hated being in the car and would meow in protest the entire time
*Whenever I would lean down to kiss her head, she would try to play with the strings on my hoodie
Apocalypse is still living in our yard. We have made multiple beds and safe spots for her. We have taken her to the vet when we saw signs of arthritis coming and feed her a special diet, too. Many people ask why we do not bring her inside. She has lived outside all her life and while she is very loving and affectionate, she has razor sharp claws and fangs. Zibby has no claws and we do not want to risk her safety. Apocalypse is just not an indoor cat but rest assured, she is well cared for and gets lots of attention. Her age is catching up with her (16+) and we are paying close attention to her needs. Zibby has no interest in Apocalypse but Apocalypse keeps trying to get her to be buddies through the sliding door.
What do you love about your pets?
PS: Remember when I was terrified of cats? I think about that every time I write about how much I love these cats!
I keep coming across articles and blog posts about ways to help a new mom, ways to help a friend after the loss of a parent or child, and ways to help a sick friend. There is a great article in the April issue of More Magazine about ways to help a sick friend and it's one of the best I have read. It had really good tips and advice.
I have not, however, seen many articles about how to help a friend whose spouse is in the hospital a lot. It's odd because many people I know in my age group (45+) have a spouse or parent with health issues. When it is your spouse with health issues, more often then not it's not only scary to have to deal with the health concern, but the unexpected financial issues that arise when your spouse can't work can seem insurmountable.
I've come up with some things that have really helped me during my husband's health issues. Long nights spent in hospital waiting rooms have given me some insight. When it comes to personal comfort, time spent in the hospital when a loved one is sick is similar to being stuck at the airport when your flight is cancelled. If you feel your best you can better care for others. I have a "hospital bag" with necessities for those long days. If you know in advance that you will be at the hospital, pack a bag for yourself. If your friend is suddenly dealing with a family member's health issues, taking these things to her at the hospital can bring huge relief and none of them are expensive or hard to find. Of course, all these things work for men, too.
1. A scarf and socks: Hospitals are freezing. They seem even colder when you are sitting on a hard chair next to a person in a bed under blankets. Socks obviously keep your feet warm and a scarf can double as a wrap or blanket as needed. Both can be inexpensive and found at drugstores and stores like Target and Walmart.
2. Quarters: When you need a diet coke and the cafeteria is all vending machines, you need quarters. Most drinks are $1.50 in quarters. It sounds silly to give someone a handful of quarters but it is the most wonderful thing at midnight and you are parched.
3. Chapstick: All the cold recirculated air makes you all dried out.
4. Good smelling lotion: It's calming to smell something good and even more so when you are surrounded by hospital smells. You feel more refreshed when you are smelling good and your hands don't feel all dry from the constant use of hand sanitizer.
5. A tooth brush or mouthwash: After hours in a hospital, brushing your teeth is a religious experience.
6. OTC Pain Relief: You'd be amazed how hard it is to cure your own headache in a hospital.
7. A small notepad and pen: There are so many things you have to write down if you are caring for someone- medication times, doctor's names, room numbers, telephone numbers, terms you want to google later. A notepad is also good for mindless doodling or collecting your thoughts.
8. A phone charger: This is essential. Phone batteries die fast when you need them to last forever. If your phone is dead and you can't use the notepad feature, the actual notepad and pen become your lifeline. I have many chargers for my phone and if your friend has the same type of phone, share your charger. Or offer to go get them theirs. Texting people updates or information is essential in areas where you can't make calls and have to rely on semi-good wifi to communicate.
9. Protein or Snack bars: It's really hard to leave a loved one's bedside to grab some food because in the 3 seconds you are gone is when the doctor will come and you will miss getting all the information you want.
All of these items will fit together in a small pouch or bag.
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On Sunday I made it to my friend's house in Glendale without getting
lost. That's two days in a row I didn't end up pulling over calling
someone for directions. If I were you, I'd prepare a disaster kit and
keep it with you at all times. I am going to. This weekend was such an
adventure! We went from Glendale to to the Renegade Craft Fair in
Downtown LA and I saw more color and was inspired more by the life I saw
getting there than anything at the fair. The day before Renegade, I
went to the Quilt Festival with friends and despite the Holly Hobby
dress I posted, there were some really amazing quilts that were so
detailed and bursting with color and story that you could not help but
stop and stare. I could look at them for hours. Trees with wild limbs,
villages full of fun houses, even rebellious black boots were honored
in quilt form. It would surprise me that the most abstract and haunting
quilts were most often created by the most bland looking people ever.
They sat proudly behind their amazing quilts wearing the same bra
they've had on since 1974, in a t-shirt with cat appliques, hair
half-gray, and skin so in need of moisturizer I almost pulled out my
travel size tube of Jergen's and started smearing. I kept expecting the
really modern quilts to be made by people who looked like their art.
Everyone was really nice and very open minded and creative, they just
did not look happy. Or alive. It was weird. But, sellers in the booths
were really friendly, talkative, and outgoing. There was never a time
when we walked in a booth and were not greeted with a hello. Average
age= over 40.
So, on to Renegade. The people in the etsy booth were really nice,
outgoing, and fun. That was pretty much the only booth where the people
were energetic and fun (except for one t-shirt booth that I feel bad I
forgot the name of). The people in the Urban Craft Center booth were
lifeless and aloof. There was a lot of really good jewelry with really
good displays and the jewelry designers seemed busier than everyone else
even though nobody seemed to be buying much of anything. There was
beautiful pottery! The paper arts stuff was all the same thing done to
death. Clip art owls, water towers, and birds on telephone wires on
everything. EVERYTHING. There were way too many people using old
typewriters to display their items. Owls and typewriters! I don't get
what is so renegade about these things. If there were not enough owls to
buy, you could pose in an owl cut out and have your photo taken near
the band. Many of the artists sat in their booths working on their
projects while people browsed. Many of the artists were tattooed, had
piercings, or dreadlocks. Of course, they worse scarves and it was 95 degrees out. They looked like they belonged with the art
quilts. Average age of the Renegades= Hipster.
My overall thought is that grandmas made really cool art and hipsters
made art I thought was made by grandmas. The Renegade craft people
should give the grandmas makeovers and do a fair with them. Everything was backwards. Nobody looked like the art they made.The Quilt
Festival won.
In between the Quilt Festival and the Renegade Craft Fair, we explored
Long Beach. Oh how I loved it! The best display I saw of the entire
weekend of art events was at a sunglass shop. No old typewriters were
used! An artist created a display out of old Clorox bottles. How unconventional ! The shops in Long Beach were full of cool, unique things.On Sunday , we made our way to Glendale where the shops were also full of
good things to see and buy. Lots of different things. No owls, no
typewriters. Lots of quilts.
My second overall thought is that right now stores have better stuff
than the indie-craft fair did. The stores are also catering to a market
of adults who like things made for adults. Little drawings of girls
dressed as penguins holding umbrellas just don't seem popular with
people over forty.
My third overall thought is that if you take your dog to an out door
craft fair, don't. Dog poop smell on a hot day is bad at a craft fair.
It's bad any day but come on, it's not nice to do to the
crafters/artists who have to sit there all day after you don't pick up
after your dog. Also, when people are looking at stuff in a booth at eye
level they don't expect a dog to be at their feet and could
accidentally kick your dog. Why would you want your dog to be stuck in a
crowd of people?
*A bad photo of the cool Clorox bottle display
*A bad photo (so I made it really small so you can't really see it) of
me and my new BFF Alisa- see we both wear those rolly up sleeve shirts! I
love that it's a bad photo because my friend who took it had never used
an iPhone camera before and that was funny.
* Way too many owls.
*Way too many typewriters.
*We are real renegades. We rode the trolley at The Americana while
trying (many times) to get a decent iPhone photo of us on the trolley.
I'm so losing my street cred. That trolley is fun. It would be even
funner with an ice cream cone. It's free, ride it!
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