Sleepy Time Tea

It was 5:30pm when I managed to get out of work. I rushed out, only to rush over to the grocery store. I don't like going to the grocery store ever...especially around 5pm or 6pm...everyone is there rushing to get food for dinner. No one is nice. Everyone is on a mission. Including me.
As I was turning off the canned food isle to go down the isle with the pasta, a little old lady crossed my path. Our carts went smoothly passed each other and I smiled. Apparently that was a sign to her that I wanted to talk. I stood there as this little old lady proceeded to tell me all about this Night Time Tea that she bought from Trader Joe's. I literally stood there for 4-5 minutes as she explained why this tea was so great. She had never slept better. She told her entire church about it. Her friend, who has trouble sleeping, tried it and has never had a better night's sleep. And it's only $2.99 at Trader Joe's.
As I'm standing there listening to her tell me about this tea, it dawns on me.....she just wants to pass along a little nugget of wisdom. So I let her....and by the end of our one-sided conversation she was smiling ear to ear. She just wanted to tell someone.
And then I saw Newman from Seinfield on the way out.
Maybe going to the grocery store at 5:45pm isn't that bad after all.

Loading the Boat

Sometimes I feel like I'm just loading up the boat.
What I mean by that is that I'm just adding weight to my life. Stuff.
Stuff is all around us. In our houses, in our cars, at the offices and even in our heads. As I get older, and acquire more stuff, I realize how much I don't need these things.
Who's telling us that we NEED more things? Society? Maybe. But when we get right down to it, it's really us. WE are the ones buying into this theory. WE are the ones that are actually buying the stuff.
I'm not quite sure where I'm going with this. Even now, as I write my self-righteous blog about stuff, I'm waiting for deliver of my new car.
Stuff.
That's all it is.
And I'm a victim of a heavy boat.

Amazing Home

My good friend Raya Carlisle is not only an amazing photographer, but has a nack for home decorating. She can see an item at a flea market that looks so 'kitchy' that you want to throw up...and she can make it super hip in her beautiful cottage home.
I sometimes shake my head and wonder at those that just 'have it' in them. Thank God they are my friends...and Raya is one of them for sure!



Well, apparently Raya's amazing talent is being noticed by others! Check out Design*Sponge today to see all her amazing pictures of her house featured on this legendary blog. You not only will want to sign up for your local photography class, but you will get some great ideas for your own home.
Enjoy!

Wine. Dine. Donate.

After much time and planning, Jim and I finally had our "Wine, Dine, Donate" party that benefitted America's Second Harvest. It was such a great feeling to have friends over, enjoy some good wine, and give something back to others less fortunate.
We were able to earn $550 in our first dinner. We are hoping to have several more before the year end!
To find out more information on how you can host your own party, visit Wine.Dine.Donate.

Wow...That was a long Hawaiian Vacation!

So...it's been awhile since I last 'blogged'...but I'm back and dedicated again.
Promise.
I think the main reason I haven't been very good at this is that I'm just too busy. I know...bad reason...but it's true. And I think that leads to a realization - We (meaning me) commit to too many things that we don't leave time for ourselves.
The times I feel the most stressed are the times that I don't have a minute for me. A minute for me. That should be my new slogan. Sorry, can't hang out....I'm taking a minute for me.
With that in mind, I'm taking a minute for me. What do I like to do?
I like working on the house, sleeping late on weekends, watching Conan with Jim when I know I should be asleep, playing with The Boy, cooking for friends, catching a favorite show on TV unexpectedly, going to breakfast at Aroma, walking in the door from a long day and seeing Jim, playing Madden with Jim, beating Jim at Madden, getting my hair done, visiting friends, entertaining, going to the flea market, laying on the couch looking at a magazine, having an occasional cig, picking wine based on the label, seeing dirt under my finger nails knowing I worked hard in the yard, drinking whiskey with Jim's dad, learning to sew, dreaming of my start up business, reading books for my book club, going to the church on the corner, taking a nap under the tree in the backyard with Jim, closing a deal, watching The Big Idea, 31 Flavors Mint Chocolate Chip, looking at old family pictures, watching my nephew turn into a little boy, planning the future with Jim.
This has been a minute for me, but Amy Roach