Twinhead

2006-12-05T12:54:00.001-08:00

I TAKE MY HAT OFF TO........

Sometimes one has to stop and recognize people who have done something, no matter how small that thing may seem to other people. Last week, while Christmas shopping, I bought a pair of earings for myself. Couldn't afford them. Couldn't resist them. Got them. Yesterday, I lost one before noon. I was heartbroken: I lost my new toy. I went back to the outdoor booth at Union Square where I bought them, and pouted until I got the owner's attention. I pointed to a pair just like mine and said "I need to buy just one", and proceeded to tell him how disappointed I was at my loss.

He repeated over and over that he couldn't just sell one earing, but I would not be moved. So, he offered to call his partner and see if she had a "spare" anywhere. He whispered a little. She apparently whispered back. And, we both waited. "She has one", he announced. I squeeled with delight. All the other booth owners crained their heads to see who was getting held up (this is New York, you know).

Today, I returned to pick up my earing. When I inquired about the price, this gentleman told me there was no price. He explained that he would just give it to me. I squeeled again. After all, I was desperate to complete my pair of earings and he could have named his price. Even if he were not that type of guy (which he proved he isn't), shouldn't I have paid at least half of that I paid for the pair? To receive a gift from a total stranger???? How nice is that?

Happy Holidays and Peace on Earth. Isn't this how it starts? One person at a time?

PEACE

2006-12-05T12:54:00.000-08:00

2006-10-26T07:12:00.000-07:00

WHILE I'M ON THE SUBJECT...........................

....let's talk about dressing rooms today. And, I say to all the major department stores (some you would be surprised to be included here because of the image they project and the prices they charge)... why are your dressing rooms so disguting? Sometimes I get confused. Do they really want me to shop in their stores, try on the clothes, get excited by how they look and BUY them? Sometimes I wonder. Retailers would much prefer customers take off their shoes before they try on pants or any other below the waist item, right? Then, why are the floors dusty and dirty with visible signs of dustballs, pins, old tissues and other unpleasant things?

I have to protect myself, so I take off one shoe, balance on the other foot, slip one leg in the pants and start all over again. Good thing I took dancing lessons as a kid, right?

Then, there are the dressing rooms that don't have someone or somewhere to leave the "rejected" items after the customer is through. So, those customers, and some who are just too lazy to empty the room (I'll get to them some other time), leave clothes all over the floor and the hooks in the room. I don't know about you, but that makes me so uncomfortable, I would rather put my clothes back and go home. (After all, usually I don't really NEED those nice clothes, do I? So my impulse to shop has turned into an impulse to get out of there quickly!

I would imagine that most people would be embarrased to have guests come to their home and find the place in such disaray! Well, aren't we really guests of the retailers? And, if they want us to reward them with our purchases, shouldn't they try to make things as comfortable as possible?

What happened to "the customer is always correct'?

I know I am "correct" on this one.

2006-10-25T06:31:00.001-07:00

This one is for "The Big Girls"

I have been quiet for quite some time, but I can't hold my tongue any longer. This one is directed to clothing retailers. My comment is: "When you have a clothing department for "Women" ( a euphemism for large ladies), don't you think you should also sell underwear, nightwear, accessories and pantyhose for them (us) as well? I can not tell you how many stores sell outwear, but no underwear or accessories. Hey, I know I am a tad bit chubby, but I like belts. OK Ok, I may not need them to hold up my pants (since the hips are doing very well in that regard), but I have a sense of fashion too, you know!

The weather is changing and I need panythose. Please! And, I don't just mean in "flesh" color. My flesh color may be different than those. And, bring out the funky hose. I have a sense of hose, you know!

And lingerie in a larger size would also be appreciated. Have you ever tried to get a good nights sleep in a t-shirt and sweat pants (all they sell in some stores). That's not right. I have a sense of sexy, too! Don't just doo it for us; do it for the men who love us!

And, while I am on the subject, to those retailers who do have a limited selection ( and, I do mean limited) would you please put the larger size bras and panties on a higher rack? Are you intentionally putting the larger sizes on the lower racks to torture us? We are fat (overweight, pleasingly plump, chubby...whatever) and to expect us to bend over with all that we carry and "shop" on the lower rack is no fun...Hey, why don't you decide to eliminate lower racks for everyone except the kiddies?

Let's be realistic here. A little common sense would go a long way. But, I guess, as my Grandmother said: "Common sense is not so Common". I miss my Grandmother. Wish I listened more.

2006-10-25T06:31:00.000-07:00

This one is for "The Big Girls"

I have been quiet for quite some time, but I can't hold my tongue any longer. This one is directed to clothing retailers. My comment is: "When you have a clothing department for "Women" ( a euphemism for large ladies), don't you think you should also sell underwear, nightwear, accessories and pantyhose for them (us) as well? I can not tell you how many stores sell outwear, but no underwear or accessories. Hey, I know I am a tad bit chubby, but I like belts. OK Ok, I may not need them to hold up my pants (since the hips are doing very well in that regard), but I have a sense of fashion too, you know!

The weather is changing and I need panythose. Please! And, I don't just mean in "flesh" color. My flesh color may be different than those. And, bring out the funky hose. I have a sense of hose, you know!

And lingerie in a larger size would also be appreciated. Have you ever tried to get a good nights sleep in a t-shirt and sweat pants (all they sell in some stores). That's not right. I have a sense of sexy, too! Don't just doo it for us; do it for the men who love us!

And, while I am on the subject, to those retailers who do have a limited selection ( and, I do mean limited) would you please put the larger size bras and panties on a higher rack? Are you intentionally putting the larger sizes on the lower racks to torture us? We are fat (overweight, pleasingly plump, chubby...whatever) and to expect us to bend over with all that we carry and "shop" on the lower rack is no fun...Hey, why don't you decide to eliminate lower racks for everyone except the kiddies?

Let's be realistic here. A little common sense wopuld go a long way. But, I guess, as my Grandmother said: "Common sense is not so Common". I miss my Grandmother. Wish I listened more.

2006-07-27T11:13:00.000-07:00

Friends

Last evening I had dinner with a friend of over 25 years ( I wish I could say we met in nursery school, but oh well). We laughed over drinks and dinner and reminisced and created new memories. And, of course, we talked about the up-coming nuptuals. Since she considers me her little sister, she was thrilled and could not contain her excitement. It was so touching to see someone so happy about something that was happening to someone else.

On the way home from dinner, I checked my voice mail and had received a call from an old friend of the family (actually, one of my Mom's sorors whom I have admired and respected since Day 1) and she had just called to tell me how excited and thrilled she was to hear the news and to wish my beau and me Congratulations.

It all makes me wonder what people really thought about me and my single status.....

And, finally, as I stepped out of the subway, a colleague, upon learning of my engagement gave me a great big hug in the middle of the street and immediately extended my fiance and me an invitation to brunch with her and her husband. I have to say, I never knew that all of these people cared about me. Friends. What a great word. Waht a great feeling!

2006-07-26T07:38:00.000-07:00

It's Not ABOUT ME!

I have been reading a blog by Clairborne Stranger, a soldier in Iraq. He (she?) has not posted anything in a bit and I am worried. So, I will pray and ask that you'all do the same.

2006-07-25T10:37:00.000-07:00

Conspiracy

OK, I think there is a conspiracy of corporations trying to prevent me from getting on my blog. I tried Sunday and yesterday without success. But I can't be stopped... I have evil friends. So, with a little evil on my side (67%?) , this is the story I must tell....

I stopped at the drive-in window of a popular hamburger joint the other morning and ordered an egg mcbreakfast sandwhich (trying not to get sued). That is all I ordered, mind you. No coffee, no juice, no hash browns, no whatever; nothing to trip up the genius behind the microphone. However, when I ripped open the little bag and opened the sandwhich, there was NO EGG!!!!! how can you serve an egg mcsandwhich without the egg?????

Now, I ask you: How hard was that order? What was confusing about that?

Not to be daunted, though, in my quest for fast food, I went to a famous chicken joint (which cut its name down to initials) the next day for a simple order. I reminded my beau of the Mc Egg mishap and ask him to check our order, but he has more faith in fast food kind than I do. But, lo and behold, as we sat down to eat, he noticed that his corn on the cob (which he had been craving all day) was missing from the order. Could this happen twice in two days? People can't be that careless, can they? Hence, my conspiracy theory.

2006-07-22T12:17:00.000-07:00

We're Easy

Not much planned. Attended a memorial serive with my fiance. His best friends's Dad passed away. During the service the glentleman's Grandson kept wiping away his tears with the tip of his tie. It was so touching to see. Just a lazy day, ducking the rain. Riding in the car with my fiance and with no radio to interrupt us or to fill in the blanks. We have no blanks...just comfortable spots interspersed between conversation and laughter. I do love this man......

2006-07-21T07:04:00.000-07:00

GRINNING FROM EAR TO EAR

Yesterday, I finally got in touch with a friend of almost 25 years. She is one of those friends that you don't have to speak with often and can catch up with immediatly and it always feels like we just spoke yesterday. Well, with a litle drama (couldn't resist), I told her about my engagement. (Actually, because there was so much drama, she guessed before I could utter those beautiful words). And then....and then...and then...she screamed for more than five minutes! And, because she was so obviously happy for me, I started to grin. And, hearing her scream and gasp for breath and try to express her joy made me grin some more. And, I kept grinning. Finally, my jaws started hurting and I had to ask her to please stop. And, when she did, she said...

"I couldn't be more thrilled. I am absolutely thrilled, from the bottom of my heart! I always thought of you like a sassy little sister. I used to always pray Lord, I hope she finds somebody who is good for her. This is somthing I always hoped for".

And, when I described the ring of life and the sacrifice my fiance made to get it, she added "ain't that loving you, baby".

Amen, friend, Amen.

2006-07-20T08:58:00.000-07:00

HONOR YOUR DREAMS

I have always wanted to get married in the chapel on my college campus in a small town in New England. Loved the "dimple", loved the duck pond, loved the greenery and the sense of peace it all exudes. In all this planning mania, I found myself opting for the "easy" way out. I was starting to make plans that were just "make do" with a sense of "let's just get this thing over with". But, what would be the point of that? My fiance gave me the "ring of life". And, when I tried to second- guess him, he explained why he was not cutting corners. So, I will take a lesson from him (and from my sister who told me to go for my dream wedding) and have the ceremony on campus. I am actually excited now. Things are looking good!

2006-07-19T07:08:00.002-07:00

Another Flower Girl!

Yesterday I asked my "little sister" (Big Brother, Big Sister organization...in case you are wondering how this old gal has a little sister) to be a flower girl at my wedding; joining my future niece. My little sister is 11 years old and as cute as she wants to be (and she knows it)! She was so very excited and even offered "...and I already have a dress! Apparently her older cousin outgrew her graduation dress from elementary school and her Aunt promised it to my little sister for her graduation. So, my little sister is coming with dress and all even though I explained to her that we could go shopping and get everything new! "Nope", she repeated (as if I were an idiot) "I have a dress! It's pink". So, there you have it!

2006-07-18T11:29:00.000-07:00

Flower Girl!

I have asked my beau's 5 year old niece to be our flower girl, and she has gleefully accepted! Her Mom assured us that this is "right up her alley". So, we made a little girl happy. That's nice. Trying to figure out where to wed, what to eat, where to feast. Although someone asked me whether I was really going to have a flower girl, I said Why not? Now, tell me, why the question: because I am an older bride? hmmmmm

2006-07-17T10:09:00.000-07:00

Think first!

I thought I was having a casual conversation with my beau this morning and soon learned otherwise. On the topic of the size of the wedding party, I threw out a number without thinking. Since I think too much about inconsequential things (did the dead deer in the road suffer before it died?), he rightfully assumed that I had thought and re-thought this thing through. So, the number I picked is now carved in stone. It's probably a good number, because I was going a little off the deep end, but geez, I have no option to second or third guess myself, and that just takes some of the fun (and agony, I admit) out of the wedding plans. Plus, I am older; I know more people. I have to remember that I am an adult, and that I can and should only invite those people with whom I feel something and not invite people for appearance sake. You thinki?

2006-07-16T00:00:00.000-07:00

Mid-Life Wedding
I am getting married. Forgive me if I repeat myself, but this will be my first and I am no spring chicken. Anyway, My fiance and I have to sit down and decide: Traditional? Big? Small? Budget? I just want enough people to dance and have a great time. I relly don't care what they wear and if I could pull off a clam-bake or fancy barbecue, well, I would even consider that. But, yesterday I spoke to my future sister-in-law so is so very excited about having a wedding in the family. Since hers was small and she was young, and both her brothers eloped, this is something she said she has always dreamed about. Does that bring me back to the traditional weddng? Must it be a big splash? So, even though it will be my fiance and I sitting down and "making the decisions", will we, really?

2006-07-14T08:41:00.000-07:00

Sometimes other people have wiser things to say than I. This is one of those days.......

The Attitude of Three Hairs
===========================
There was once a woman who woke up one morning, looked in the
mirror and noticed she had only three hairs on her head.
"Well," she said, "I think I'll braid my hair today," so she did
and she had a wonderful day.
The next day she woke up, looked in the mirror and saw she had
only two hairs on her head.
"HMM," she said, "I think I'll part my hair down the middle
today," and she did and she had a grand day.
The next morning she woke up, looked in the mirror and saw she
had only one hair left on her head.
"Well," she said, "Today I'm going to wear my hair in a pony
tail." So she did and it was a fun, fun day.
The next day she woke up, looked in the mirror and noticed that
there wasn't a single hair on her head.
"YEAH!" she exclaimed, "I don't have to fix my hair today!"

Remember you may not be able to control what someone says or
does or some of the situations that life throws you, but you can
sure control the way you react.
~Author Unknown~

2006-07-13T07:17:00.000-07:00

How do you tell someone to stop smoking; stop frying every meal and butter and salt should be used sparingly, if at all? My friend is in the hospital after having given all of us a scare yesterday. After complaing all morning about a pain in her left arem, and then she began to sweat, she went to the medical department here at work. But, it was lunchtime and NO ONE WAS THERE! When they knocked on a window, a woman popped her head up and pointed to a sign informing the ill that the medical staff was out to lunch and to dial a number. Upon doing so, my friend got voice mail which suggested that she call 911 in the event of an emergency. Well, couldn't every employee do that without our agency incurring the cost of maintaining a medical department? I know that in my department, we eat luch as well, but the phones are always covered because we stagger lunchtimes so there is no great mass exodus during that time. Not mind blowing to figure out, is it? Or, is it?

2006-07-12T13:15:00.000-07:00

On my way to the hospital emergency room to check on a friend who had pain in her left arm and sweats. Please pray for her.

2006-07-11T07:40:00.000-07:00

As I sat and thought about what I would write about the goings on of a newly engaged women, the following was eamailed to me. It is too good not to share:

A young wife sat on a sofa on a hot humid day, drinking iced tea and visiting with her Mother. As they talked about life, about marriage, about the responsibilities of life and the obligations of adulthood, the mother clinked the ice cubes in her glass thoughtfully and turned a clear, sober glance upon her daughter. "Don't forget your Sisters," she advised, swirling the tea leaves to the bottom of her glass. "They'll be more important as you get older. No matter how much you love your husband, no matter how much you love the children you may have, you are still going to need Sisters. Remember to go places with them now and then; do things with them. "Remember that 'Sisters' means ALL the women... your girlfriends, your daughters, and all your other women relatives too. "You'll need other women - Women always do." 'What a funny piece of advice!' the young woman thought. 'Haven't I just gotten married? Haven't I just joined the couple-world? I'm now a married woman, for goodness sake! A grown-up! Surely my husband and the family we may start will be all I need to make my life worthwhile!' But she listened to her Mother. She kept contact with her Sisters and made more women friends each year. As the years tumbled by, one after another, she gradually came to understand that her Mom really knew what she was talking about. As time and nature work their changes and their mysteries upon a woman, Sisters are the mainstays of her life. After more than 50 years of living in this world, here is what I've learned: THIS SAYS IT ALL: Time passes. Life happens. Distance separates. Children grow up. Jobs come and go. Love waxes and wanes. Men try do what they're supposed to do. Hearts break. Parents die. Colleagues forget favors. Careers end. BUT......... Sisters are there, no matter how much time and how many miles are between you. A girl friend is never farther away than needing her can reach.

2006-07-10T12:25:00.000-07:00

Having gone through the excitement of getting engaged, it has now struck me (in response to all of the questions at the office) that the next big thing is the wedding. Though I am a "grown" woman, I sat through advice (non solicited) from an office colleague who asked me whether I was "ready" and did I realize what I am up against. HUH? Was he kidding? so I listened and began to wonder whether he was talking to me or to himself.....or maybe to his two girls who chose to have children without the wedding. Maybe they weren't ready.....

2006-07-08T08:04:00.000-07:00

A sunny Saturday morning in the summertime. What could be better? The child in me is awakening. I remember going to bed in my bathing suit so I wouldn't waste any time dressing and could just run outside and jump in the pool! I won't tell you how old I was...will just say that I was young at heart. Still am. So, what is on the agenda for today? Don't know. Would love to sit on the beach finishing "Beautiful Lies," which I just picked up in the bookstore; maybe go for a walk in the park, or maybe find a festival or a crafts fair or any kind of fair!

What ever you dso today, hope you stay young at heart!

2006-07-07T05:48:00.000-07:00

What is going on here? I am on vacation. I have to struggle to figure out what day it is, I rarely look at a clock, and I have not read a newspaper in days. BUT, I jump out of bed to read my fellow bloggers and to craft something crafty on mine (ok,ok so this is not so crafty but I am trying to be engaging and funny and stimulating... Give me time : ) ..... What is going on here? Where are you my bloggin' friends? What's up today???? Is there a cure for this? Or, will I have to quit cold turkey if and when the time comes?

2006-07-06T08:11:00.000-07:00

Today is the first day of the rest of my life. Heard that before? So, the cookies I ate yesterday don't count today (they weren't even good). I am going to concentrate on good health to match my extreme happiness.
Just a note to all who think it can not happen to you! Trust me, please....it can. Prayer worked for me, some positive thoughts and a smile brought me good friends whose company I truly enjoy. Here's to good friends! You all know who you are. Sisters count too! : )

2006-07-05T16:11:00.000-07:00

Well, I'm back! The future in-laws are great, welcoming, loving and a lot of fun! Not to mention good cooks (gained 4 pounds)!

Made the 8 hour trip down there in 12 and about 9 on the return trip. In that time, I saw a lot of bathrooms. And, I notced that the bathrooms heading south on route 95 are a whole lot cleaner than those on route 95 north. Why is that? I have always wanted to shout about dirty bathrooms in public establishments, be it hamburger joints, department stores or any other place that has a cash register. Please people, if you can send a man to the moon, is a clean public toilet too much to ask?...especially if you want me to sit down and eat at your place....makes me wonder about the kitchen......imagine how much more I would order if my tummy weren't tumbling.......

2006-06-29T08:50:00.000-07:00

I need to say something meaningful today because I am going away for the weekend to meet my fiance's family. I can't say anything about that yet, because I am still trying to digest the fact that I have a fiance!

So, on the way to work this morning, I thought about my raise and continued to wonder about when I would see it. You see, my anniversary date is in January, but in the 21 years I have been working in this office, not once has my increase been approved any time near my anniversary date, when it is supposed to become effective. Once, I got it in May, but only once. Most of the time it comes in late summer, then late, late summer, then late, late, late.....well, you get the picture. And, so, the meaningful thing I would like to say is:
Even though there are no repercussions for the higher ups to get this done on time, there may be some people who truly depend on those incremental raises no matter how small they may appear to someone else. Mortgage approvals depend on those numbers (the bigger, the better) credit card applications and so many other things. So, my message is: Just because you can do something, doesn't mean you have to. Just because the senior staff can delay this matter year after year without fallout, doesn't mean they should. Power. If you have it, shouldn't you know when to use it? I guess we are slipping into a discussions of ethics, here.

In any event, Happy Fourth of Julay to all and I'll see you next week!

2006-06-28T07:45:00.000-07:00

Good Morning. Well I started off with a fizzle. Strated blogging two, three days ago and it has taken me this long to figure out how to get back on the darn site. Plus I have a username, a password, an address and a display name: all different. This may be my challenge of the day!

Been waking up at the crack of dawn these last few days, because I am so excited about being newly engaged! At my age, (don't ask: I don't answer questions that have numbers in them: weight; age; income.....) being a newly anything is a charge! Let's see, there's "newly diabetic", "newly arthritic", "newly retired"...all things down the road of life, but I guess I have a few twists, turns and detours before any of that kicks in, if ever. At any rate, I am counting the days until the ring is finished. Then it will be real, and people around me will finally figure out why I have this stupid grin on my face all of the time. And even people who don't know me will know that someone special loves me and that I am someone special to someone. Ohhhh, here I go geting misty again. That is happening more and more every day. Later

2006-06-26T09:54:00.000-07:00

This is my first posting and I hope I do not disappoint. I am a tad bit slow about understanding new technology, so when I first hear the word "blog", I repeated it a couple of times to myself thinking I could make sense of the word. Didn't work. So, I whispered it a couple of times, hoping the feel of the word on my tongue might help; but finally, as with all new things, I had to ask a friend for help. And, help she did because she blogs! And, now I check in on her blog daily and feel like something is missing when she (or I ) miss a day.

Whenever anything struck me as being "just plain wrong" or "hilarious", or just triggered my curiosity, I threatened to write a book. I can't tell you how many times, in the middle of a conversation, I would interject "That's going to be the subject of my next book". But, anger at a fast food restaurant for having a dirty bathroom, dating beyond my teenage years, or my escapades trying to take off a few pounds may be funny in the telling, but hasn't so far provided me with enough material for the books I have been threatening ( or promising) to write! So, to the world of blogging...here I come..slowly but surely!