2-17-11 listening brain
When I was in the art room Monday night, I found an 4 inch slip of newspaper clipping, which had fallen behind a shelf. There is no year one this, but I can see why I saved this quote from Tom Brokaw.
"The long lesson? It is not enough to wire the world if you short-circuit the soul. It is not enough to identify the gene that predetermines the prospect of Alzheimer's disease if we go through the prime of life with a closed mind. No piece of software, no server or search engine will offer you the irreplaceable rewards of a living; personal relationship, the strengths and comfort of a real community of shared values and common dreams, and moral underpinning of a life lived well, regardless of financial scorecard."
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Slow progress
2-16-11 organizing brain
Monday night I spent one hour in my guest room and art room..... not really cleaning, but rather organizing and rearranging, in order for me to continue my art room cleaning project.
I took the advice of Ann, and moved the exercise bike out of the art room into the guest room. AND I took the advice of Molly who said I needed to get a long table for the art room in order to have a lot of flat surface area to work on my art.
For now the table will help create a space I can use as I clean out the art closet. So for now, the guest room is looking pretty good, and can accommodate an over night visitor.... but currently the art room is a total disaster!
Greg and I bit the bullet and decided to schedule the sump pump work in the basement. I had an estimate last summer for the work, but we just didn't have the money to spend on that last year. March 16th, pending a snow storm, the two day project will happen in the basement, causing more chaos down there. But once that is done.... then back to really getting the basement cleaning project back to full speed this summer.
Monday night I spent one hour in my guest room and art room..... not really cleaning, but rather organizing and rearranging, in order for me to continue my art room cleaning project.
I took the advice of Ann, and moved the exercise bike out of the art room into the guest room. AND I took the advice of Molly who said I needed to get a long table for the art room in order to have a lot of flat surface area to work on my art.
For now the table will help create a space I can use as I clean out the art closet. So for now, the guest room is looking pretty good, and can accommodate an over night visitor.... but currently the art room is a total disaster!
Greg and I bit the bullet and decided to schedule the sump pump work in the basement. I had an estimate last summer for the work, but we just didn't have the money to spend on that last year. March 16th, pending a snow storm, the two day project will happen in the basement, causing more chaos down there. But once that is done.... then back to really getting the basement cleaning project back to full speed this summer.
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Weekend Part II: Humor is my aphrodisiac
2-15-11 giggling brain
Over the years I’ve come to realize that I’m really not so much of the romantic type, but what turns me on is humor, and the “funny-silly” type of guy. Some one like Steve Martin was my leading man, when other friends had eyes for Brad Pitt, or George Clooney.
So for our Valentines weekend together, Greg made sure I had plenty of laughs. Friday night we attended the Oscar nominated Animated Short Films, which was showing down at the Trivoli Theater in Westport. Molly went along with us. It was hard for us to pick our favorite, but the one called “Madagascar” had the most incredible artwork that I have ever seen in a animation. Guess that could me my favorite one.
On Saturday night, Greg took me to see the one man show of Martin Short, held at the theater at the Johnson County Community College. Short has many memorable characters from this time on SNL, and movies. My favorite for sure is Jiminy Glick and I was ecstatic when Jiminy Glick made an appearance in the show.
Back in Des Moines Sunday evening- Sue, Carolyn and Ann came over to watch the Grammys with me. We all brought some food together and it was fabulous. I made an Indian dish, Carolyn brought a healthy salad, Sue brought dessert, and Ann also brought another Indian dish (not trusting that mine would be good?) and she agreed to make us some home-made naan bread, since she is half Indian… she knew what she was doing!
Watch out! HOT bread!
Over the years I’ve come to realize that I’m really not so much of the romantic type, but what turns me on is humor, and the “funny-silly” type of guy. Some one like Steve Martin was my leading man, when other friends had eyes for Brad Pitt, or George Clooney.
So for our Valentines weekend together, Greg made sure I had plenty of laughs. Friday night we attended the Oscar nominated Animated Short Films, which was showing down at the Trivoli Theater in Westport. Molly went along with us. It was hard for us to pick our favorite, but the one called “Madagascar” had the most incredible artwork that I have ever seen in a animation. Guess that could me my favorite one.
On Saturday night, Greg took me to see the one man show of Martin Short, held at the theater at the Johnson County Community College. Short has many memorable characters from this time on SNL, and movies. My favorite for sure is Jiminy Glick and I was ecstatic when Jiminy Glick made an appearance in the show.
Back in Des Moines Sunday evening- Sue, Carolyn and Ann came over to watch the Grammys with me. We all brought some food together and it was fabulous. I made an Indian dish, Carolyn brought a healthy salad, Sue brought dessert, and Ann also brought another Indian dish (not trusting that mine would be good?) and she agreed to make us some home-made naan bread, since she is half Indian… she knew what she was doing!
Watch out! HOT bread!
Monday, February 14, 2011
Weekend report part I
2-14-11 loving brain
I left a Valentine for my sweetheart on my desk in KC.... I hope he finds it today.
We had a wonderful weekend together. Ahhhhhhhh..... the weather was so wonderful- sunny and 50's on Saturday and even close to 60 on Sunday when I left yesterday afternoon.
Spring was in the air and I loved the country side with patches of grass pushing back against the melting snow.
Saturday I did make a trip to the fabric store. The pattern I talked about on Friday was sold out, so I picked one close to that. I'm wondering if I am "retro" or being just old fashion? This was a Simplicity Pattern 3833.
The fabric I picked might be too thin, so I believe I will need to use lining. I did get the pattern cut out, but left it in KC and will sew the next time I am down there in March, since that is where my sewing machine has landed.
I left a Valentine for my sweetheart on my desk in KC.... I hope he finds it today.
We had a wonderful weekend together. Ahhhhhhhh..... the weather was so wonderful- sunny and 50's on Saturday and even close to 60 on Sunday when I left yesterday afternoon.
Spring was in the air and I loved the country side with patches of grass pushing back against the melting snow.
Friday, February 11, 2011
TGIF
2-11-11 tardy brain
FIRST of all: WAY TO GO People of EGYPT!
Today I am tiring of my winter wardrobe. But let’s face it, my wardrobe is redundant. Since I work at home, mostly I’m layered up in some type of sweats and hoodie. I put jeans on if it is going to be a special day :)
Yesterday, I actually had a hat and scarf on all day, just to stay warm in the drafty KC house. But then KC is suppose to have highs in the 40’s this time of year, not wind chill of minus 0.
I’ve learn that this spring that I will be attending a National Conference in Florida in May. My biggest concern is what am I going to wear!? I do have a few more choices in my closet for warmer weather, but still feel so unprepared to “look professional” these days.
I was out shopping last weekend, but still find myself drawn to athletic wear. I’m finding it hard to know how to dress and not look like I’m trying to look too young for my age. Either I find dresses that are to sexy/causal, or to formal/prom looking. Where is the in between stuff?
I’ve been thinking about sewing, and recently found some sewing blogs which have inspired me to try again… just keep it basic with a simple dress or two, or a skirt. I think I’ll plan a trip to the fabric store this weekend and see what types of material are out there. Maybe I can get inspired.
Check this blog out: (Built by Wendy)
HERE is a pattern I like, but I think this material maybe too young for me.
FIRST of all: WAY TO GO People of EGYPT!
Today I am tiring of my winter wardrobe. But let’s face it, my wardrobe is redundant. Since I work at home, mostly I’m layered up in some type of sweats and hoodie. I put jeans on if it is going to be a special day :)
Yesterday, I actually had a hat and scarf on all day, just to stay warm in the drafty KC house. But then KC is suppose to have highs in the 40’s this time of year, not wind chill of minus 0.
I’ve learn that this spring that I will be attending a National Conference in Florida in May. My biggest concern is what am I going to wear!? I do have a few more choices in my closet for warmer weather, but still feel so unprepared to “look professional” these days.
I was out shopping last weekend, but still find myself drawn to athletic wear. I’m finding it hard to know how to dress and not look like I’m trying to look too young for my age. Either I find dresses that are to sexy/causal, or to formal/prom looking. Where is the in between stuff?
I’ve been thinking about sewing, and recently found some sewing blogs which have inspired me to try again… just keep it basic with a simple dress or two, or a skirt. I think I’ll plan a trip to the fabric store this weekend and see what types of material are out there. Maybe I can get inspired.
Check this blog out: (Built by Wendy)
HERE is a pattern I like, but I think this material maybe too young for me.
Thursday, February 10, 2011
This and that
2-10-11 amazed brain
I’m blown away by the people of Egypt: protesting, risking their lives, standing strong, demanding change from their government. And here I sit at my computer today, late afternoon, watching the action on live video feed. The power of technology also blows my mind. Egyptian people were able to come together via social networks such as Facebook and twitter and I am able to see this with my own eyes.
I am reminded of an article I saw this last week by Robert Reich, the former US secretary of labor, which he spoke of the federal budget: Past, Present and Future.
“In the global economy, the only asset that’s unique to any nation- and that determines its living standards- is the people who comprise it. Everything else- money, equipment, factories, supplies--moves across global boundaries at the flick of a computer key”
Reich has a blog HERE
Also interesting to note in this week’s news, an article about Taxes. I don’t want to hear anyone complaining about taxes THIS year! Income tax payments this year will be nearly 13% lower than they were in 2008, the last full year of the Bush presidency. Taxes will be the lowest since 1950. I guess it is still more important to stimulate the economy than pay down the national debt. (?)
I’m blown away by the people of Egypt: protesting, risking their lives, standing strong, demanding change from their government. And here I sit at my computer today, late afternoon, watching the action on live video feed. The power of technology also blows my mind. Egyptian people were able to come together via social networks such as Facebook and twitter and I am able to see this with my own eyes.
I am reminded of an article I saw this last week by Robert Reich, the former US secretary of labor, which he spoke of the federal budget: Past, Present and Future.
“In the global economy, the only asset that’s unique to any nation- and that determines its living standards- is the people who comprise it. Everything else- money, equipment, factories, supplies--moves across global boundaries at the flick of a computer key”
Reich has a blog HERE
Also interesting to note in this week’s news, an article about Taxes. I don’t want to hear anyone complaining about taxes THIS year! Income tax payments this year will be nearly 13% lower than they were in 2008, the last full year of the Bush presidency. Taxes will be the lowest since 1950. I guess it is still more important to stimulate the economy than pay down the national debt. (?)
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Cool Cats
2-9-11
No it's not Tony the Tiger, this is my soon to be 5 year old nephew Brenan. I only get to see him once a year, so pictures of him are special.
No it's not Tony the Tiger, this is my soon to be 5 year old nephew Brenan. I only get to see him once a year, so pictures of him are special.
My other cat, Clover, is my office mate when I'm in KC working. I'm lucky when she is sleeping on the day bed in my office room.
Other times she hovers over me. Sometimes it is difficult to work. She likes looking at TV and videos. Here she has taken over the computer and watching a tiger on YouTube. Yesterday I turned on the TV in the living room to distract her- she was watching Sesame Street for quite some time.
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