Oops I did it again ...

technology beware!

Although generally a close friend to technology... I uh, well um, I sort of, unintentionally, caused the -- I killed broke another device.     = {  

~

Well, typically my M.O. is to break headsets; which initially I was afraid of when I invested in my Bluetooth -- a serious upgrade for me.  It has survived since January; however, I did manage break off the 'on' switch (yes, off, the entire button thingy is gone); but, hey, it still works -- at least I never have to remember to turn it on before calling!!   

(Now, if only I could remember where it is -- as I'm rummaging in my purse, saying "hang on a sec' I gotta find my headset.")      =)

~

It's not like I drowned knocked my phone into the toilet bathtub ... or threw dropped it on the concrete... or even that I killed broke it doing something stupid silly with it {never use near open super glue).  


Nope, I simply put it into a small carry case, put it in my gym bag and carried it with me to the gym.  Upon arrival I pulled out my ID card and found it was sort of lodged in between the slider & the keyboard -- which must've been near that known manufacturer's defect:  an easily loosened screw... 

That's when I was resigned to bid "farewell, my cell friend -- rest in peace."

~

Thanks (GREATLY) to it still being within the 1-year warranty (and to that manufacturer's faulty screw), happily I will not be without my cell phone for very long.  

Today I borrowed Jet's phone...  my not so much "tweener" but definitely soon to be "teen."  

So, sorry for not responding if you texted or called me today.  I didn't bother to transfer my number -- will be using this adorable teen phone until tomorrow.

~


I can hardly wait to greet my new cell friend when it arrives tomorrow.

Wish me it good luck!!!

HonuGirl

Time ...

such a strange thing, Time.

I have numerous clocks around the apartment, they are set at different times.  Some exactly on time, others fast and one I'm sure is slow now {gotta remember to change the batteries}.  Yet only the boys know for sure which one's are fast/slow/on-time.   Hmmm.


~


I find it strange that I know the clocks are fast, but never re-calculate the time to be sure I'm 100% accurate that one is the fast one.


You see, there's a method to the madness of speedy clocks.  I must confess that I'm not the most efficient at getting out the door on time {thus the 5 - or is it 6? - minutes set ahead on speedy clock(s)}.


~


Yesterday was one of those mornings.  I thought, since I awoke early, worked out, found clothing to wear, ate drank breakfast, I was certain that I would be on-time!


Which seems not to be the case most mornings.


Here's the thing about mornings -- not each thing every day, but one thing almost every day -- it goes something like this:

• I load my 'stuff' into the car, get in, reach for the hot cup of coffee I should have just placed in the cup holder... realizing my hands were so full on the trip out the door, I left my 'perfect' cup of coffee on the entry table; check clock in car - not enough time to stop at Starbucks.  Grr, get out, lock car {well, my purse is in there now}, go back up the sidewalk, unlock apartment grab coffee -- you get the picture, get in car with hot coffee and "no" time to waste.

• I get half-way to the car and my bluetooth "dings" the tone that says "uhh, hello Dory, walked too far from your phone - I'm turning off now".  Auggh, go back set all my stuff down, unlock the door ... walk around looking/wondering where did I set that last????   Finally pick up home phone and call cell phone.  Duh, of course, it's on the bed under the last thing I tried on before realizing such cute stuff was TOO cold to wear.   [side bar ~ I have REALLY missed the sun, glad it's finally here.]

• Inside the apartment I am ready to go; look at the clock(s), have plenty of time.  Have all essentials: purse. phone. coffee. snacks. calendar. bluetooth. to-do notepad. other miscellaneous items girls carry and rarely admit they tote (6 lipsticks, 2 lip glosses, 1 lip liner - ok, I counted and was shocked that I still had room for my wallet); anyhow, where was I?   Oh, right...
  
  I'm ready to head to the front door all loaded up - I need keys to lock the door.  Keys? You know, those things that are always in the right spot, uhh, until you think you have all your "stuff" together.  Grr.  Set everything down look for keys.  Wish for some magical, cool, expensive gadget that makes them talk "hey, you left me by the coffee maker" or "down here - you dropped me in the wrong bag" or "Geez, Dory, I'll poke you in the butt if you sit on me."   Hmmph.  Take keys from back pocket (which seemed like a good idea at the moment - so I could carry the coffee) ... collect all the "stuff" get out the door -- no time to spare.

~

I could go on with that list but I really was going to tell you how different my story was yesterday morning:

There I was walking down the sidewalk, on-time but not too early.  I had all the stuff I needed (or cared to remember).   As I'm happily walking toward my car, smiling at the sunshine that's winking from the sky; my peripheral view alert system notifies my consciousness that a car is matching my pace.  As I approach my vehicle I catch a glimpse of the car, driving along the street parallel to me.  It's white with markings down the side, hmm, law enforcement.  I glance over again, aware that it's slowing to make the turn into the parking lot.  It's nice to know that the apartments are always monitored, I muse as I continue to load my car; only feel slightly concerned when it pulls in right next to my car. 

Well, it did pull in but now it's exiting, no - it's blocking the back of my car... I cautiously, but politely, walk over to inquire ... just then I recognize the officer -- I know you!  Hah, it's Sheriff Starr {offering his first name, yet again, but I had forgotten} hey, I noticed you're driving a different car - no more 'unmarked' car?!!  Seems my sheriff friend had been given new duties in a flashy, very obvious law enforcement vehicle.   


Now I'm thinking - wow, he's good.  How the heck does Sheriff Starr recognize me walking down the sidewalk??  I think it's been, nearly a year since our last Starbucks encounter.  We made small talk (briefly, as I'm sure I sounded edgy with precious fast second passing)... imagine that, he didn't know I lived at these apartments... well, it's not something I tell my Starbucks acquaintances.   How are things -- he's not happy, but doesn't want to complain (too much anyway ... seems there's a lot to complain about); we agree there's not much point to complaining anyway.  Hah, well, it's nice to see you ... uuhh, thanks for stopping...  when he finally says --  oh, hey, I bet you are probably heading to work -- well, I wouldn't want to make you late.  [right, thanks]   Said goodbye.


~


Exactly as I thought, checking my speedy clock in the car -- I was going to be late for sure.  Until I arrived at the office only to notice:

 None of clocks on the walls, the computer, or my cell phone read the same time!

Hah! Although I worked an extra few minutes, I'm still not sure if I was late or not...  

But I am certain that time remains a mystery to me!

HonuGirl

UP, UP & aaaa….

whooahhh wait a second – no up, up … or awaaay? 

~

Auughhh …  sploooshhh, whoosh, and whirl into a horrible vortex of thoughts … spiraling downward with such momentum – unable to swim free from the mind-trap.  


Know what…?  I hate swimming; fear of drowning in deep water — very bad mo-jo.

Cold, dazed and confused… can I wake up now?  



~


Yep, that's pretty much the sad description of an hour (or two) of my life today. 

You see, usually when my mind wanders and thoughts endlessly flood my brain, they take me daydreaming or dream-playing or something much like a helium balloon floating up, up and away; with grace and poise {no water here} I’m delicately cloud hopping; drifting aimlessly into the blue skies and hot sunny days of summer.

~

“Usually” is the key word there …

Yet, conversely my bitter vortex of groossh ( gross outpouring of sh-ouldn’t says ) was so depressing and impulsive that I almost didn’t recognize myself. 

Now that, my friend, is startling in itself; need I say more?

~

What I learned, however, is just how important it is to wake up on the “right side” of a vortex mind-trap or it will ensnare you in the spiral of aimless swill!

~

Thank God for close co-workers, BfF, and my Sweet-T who reminded me it's better not to swim alone, Dory … 

"Just keep swimming, just keep swimming, just keep swimming swimming swimming"

HonuGirl

TKO...

and he's down for the count.


Today begins day 11 of sickness for double digit (Jeffrey's new self-reference since his birthday).  
Doctor says he has bronchitis; actually he just sounds like he coughing up his socks.   


~


I'm headed to bed now ... cuz, sometimes the nurse is just as tired as the patient.  


hmmph...  and my head feels like I've been in a boxing match.

HonuGirl

be inspiring ...

No, really I mean "inspiring" not perspiring   -- hmmph!.

If a person calls to "inspire" another, they should know the definition of the word.


Not that I want to second guess whether that individual understands the premise of the word, but in my personal opinion, after a receiving a call to "inspire" – the person called should feel encouraged, enthused or perhaps uplifted and motivated to move forward… not afraid, threatened, worried, and visibly shaken.


Had I not been the person who opened the line of communication for such "inspiration" in the first place, perhaps I'd feel less responsible, angry and irritated by the outcome.



Uhhh, hmmm, nope… I'm quite sure I'd still be grinding down the enamel on my teeth.



Due to the extra emotional distress caused by my belief that 'inspire' has a commonly understood meaning, I suddenly felt the need know whether it means what I think it means; and to be sure I'm not crazy …



So, I checked with a well-studied, commonly accepted to be accurate and very knowledgeable friend to inquire what it means to 'inspire.'


– here's what Merriam-Webster, had to say:


in·spire 

1 a : to influence, move, or guide by divine or supernatural inspiration b : to exert an animating, enlivening, or exalting influence on <was particularly inspired by the Romanticists> c : to spur on : impel, motivate  


Ahh, oh thanks for that clarification.     Guess I'm not crazy after all.   (Hey, no comments from the peanut gallery.)

Aspire  to  I n s p i r e  before you expire!   

Cannot Compute...

seriously...

I'm borrowing a laptop for this post, which has generously been loaned to me by Sweet-T (many thanks).

~

A power outage did the big TKO countdown on my computer this weekend. Although, it was a peaceful 7 hours of candles, blankets, chinese take-out, and starbucks (yeah weird, but I couldn't make my latte in the morning -- it had to be done).

~

Learning that my monitor outlived my CPU - creepy, yet mildly humorous and a bit ironic, ya think?

~

Its late, I'm overwhelmed with what's still not done, yet clearly I'm cyber twiddling with my blog (also facebook and my email).

What's that all about anyway??

~

Is it addiction ~ insanity ~ avoidance ~ distraction ....

does anyone really know... or care?

Being optimistic -- let's just say that I cared enough about my blogger friends to spend a few minutes ignoring the chaos to let you know I'm ok!!

~

Well then -- check that off the list! Now I have to go panic about the rest (or sleep, yeah, that's another option).

HonuGirl

What? – I need a ‘benchmark’ …

Do I have to have my eyes open?

"Now is when you set your benchmark!" She called out during the first 5 minutes of class. I cringed at the idea that I wouldn't know if I've set the right benchmark – it's my first time. Arggh.

Wait – that's actually closer to the end of the story. Better fill in the beginning and middle first.

*-*

I have this new friend – to protect her identity (while I thrash on our after-work 'date') I fondly refer to her here as my Get-Fit Girlfriend (GFG), which reflects her desire/energy toward fitness, not throwing fits (she's so sweet).

In our brief acquaintance stage, we had fun discovering how much we have in common, yet remain quite different; she's taller, younger, and has not yet experienced motherhood (but she does have a boyfriend, so – uhh just kiddin' – I won't touch that.)

I think she very bright (intelligent & cheerful), driven, and goal-oriented. Today I learned she "LOVES" to play with babies – me, not so much anymore. Oh, I know, I've had them – I'm just not inclined towards reliving the fully-dependent, coo-ing and/or the uh-oh where'd he go now (crawling) stage. But I did give in today with the blue eyed cutie pie in his Osh-Kosh engineer duds, quite flirty too.

*-*

Back to my point ~ since our fitness goals align; we decided to join efforts to "create" the time to get fit. We both know what our personal fit figure feels like – when we wear it – which admittedly that particular body-suit is somewhat elusive and our options from our closets grow smaller as time passes! (yikes)

So we now bring our workout bags to work so we can grab the occasional lunch hour fitness opportunity or an after work gym date! So far so good; today was one of those successful plans – 5pm, meet at the gym for 5:30 class!

No problem. Uhh, yeah.

We had our first glitch in the parking lot, when she announced… ummm, my bag is not in the car (kind boyfriend put wrong bag in car; being helpful, of course) – I only have a tank and shoes. Hmmmph.

No worries – your new friend is an indecisive pack rat and has enough "extras" to complete outfit – good thing you brought shoes, because we are not the same size! Whew! Problem solved.

All dressed and set… now get to class.

I am a newbie to this one… timidly, I walk to the back of the room, checking out the equipment with severe anxiety. How did I allow GFG to talk me into this? I should've suggested a different class. Ughh – heavy, sinking feelings ensue as I walk up to the stationary spinning machine – commonly known as a bike – but a fancy marketing idea to call it a "spinning" machine is rather appealing, compared to rump-busting, leg burning, pain-inducing cycle.

Guess that's just me being honest about the whole aversion to cycling. Yes, my friends, you see I have sworn off the real bicycle sport as in the past it did not treat me well… at least that's the way I "spin" the myriad of bad memories (and puns) from riding with FSU (former spousal unit).

*-*

Oohh-kaay... fine. Back to class.

It's all cool – for the first couple of minutes, spinning is easy. Then that whole… benchmark thing – what, why must I set a benchmark, I've never done this before. I don't get it. Hmm, just follow along it may make sense later (some things do).

Fast forward 10 minutes. Putting the past behind me (as well as a painful feeling).

And, I AM following -- at my own pace-- all commands …

"Gear Up" "Outta the Saddle" "Push it" "Another Minute" "Back to Saddle"

"Race it" "Gear down" "Benchmark" "Last Set"

(She repeats this pattern over & over for about 1 hour - and 15 more minutes, just because she has the microphone.)

Ugghh – gives new meaning to and keen awareness of the muscle group, including but not limited, to gluteus-rumpus (can't call it a maximus, not gona happen)—oww, my legs!! Course I may never walk normally again either.

Here are a few things I learned:

#3 – the floor is wood, stained purple. Which is really nice, because I thought that was God's way of ensuring me that I would survive to tell V2T that the floor was my FAVORITE color. I desperately wished to be walking on that lovely purple colored flooring, but no – still on the evil dreaded torture machine. Grrr!

#2 – people who ride these devices, S-W-E-A-T… oh my word – then again, that is a HUGE understatement. Oh, me? I had a serious glow about my person – no outward sign of over-exertion. lol

#1 – my benchmark I found, is that delightful space in time when I close my eyes and the urge to vomit is controlled by my subconscious mind and no longer the sole effort of my conscious mind, which is still "pushing it / gearing up / racing for 1^st in/out of the saddle all for another "minute".

Yes, I'm sure I put the past behind me now – at least I can't fall onto asphalt from here.

Suffice it to say, this was not a stellar performance on my part – but I might actually get on a real "bike" and not feel so anxious.

*-*

However, I'm sure I will have to keep my eyes open during an outdoor ride!

HonuGirl

TGIF … and then comes

Monday

I distinctly recall it being Friday and thinking TGIF!! More than ever the weekend sounds perfectly inviting after graduating from my 8^th week of training. Didn't have to cook dinner - Tony took the boys and me out for dinner to celebrate!!

Oh how sweet it is that the weatherman says the sun will definitely cooperate with my need for a little R&R in the hot sun.

Then came Saturday when I spent the day inside helping my Mom clean her fridge; babysit my niece so Grandparents can nap; help Dad clean the office and setup a printer; I even remember buying groceries (which I usually try hard to forget). Hummph, no sunshine for me I stayed mostly indoors except the few times I retrieved the indoor cat from outdoors.

Okay, so I went tanning with my little sis we could swap stories on the drive over/back (since I haven't called her).

Strangely it is Sunday; I am skipping church to help my parents – they are going to sell the house and haven't purged anything for quite a few years; which requires a lot of objective sorting, recycling and donating. Uhh, well I helped sort Dad's office until he threw up the white flag – completely overwhelming. I took Mom shopping – (note to self: never believe the weather report) running through mud puddles wearing capris and flip flops is so NOT cool!!

Sunday night at home I am in a full fledged parenting moment with my son over his refusal to attend camp this week. His options are: "go and have a good time or good and be miserable – the choice is yours; let me know how it works out!"

As if by some freaky time warp now it's Monday. I remember working; leaving early for an appointment with my eye doctor (yes, my friend – I did say EYE doctor). I have let this eye thing go so long that very close friends have to 'nag' (or pretend to not sound like they are nagging, right King?) to convince me that it's important. … So then the cute eye doctor says I need reading glasses as he coyly infers that "time" makes that happen. Yeah, right along with gravity (wait that's wrinkles) and stress (that's gray hair) – then again, some things remain healthy and intact (appetite is just fine, thanks).

But at home I am blessed to hear how my son thought camp was great and asked if I was still going to "let" him attend the rest of the week. =)

I realize it's the weekend is over, so Happy Monday!!

Thank God for another day... and a chance to blog!

HonuGirl

Summer begins...

school ends...

... I WAS wearing heels -- they are just TALL!!!

HonuGirl

Branded by product or rebel for health!

In church today the minister quoted a bumper sticker:   

   “Jesus would’ve used his turn signal”

Which is what reminded me of Starbucks.

Okay, perhaps that’s a big stretch for you  – but just about anything can remind me of that delightful aroma of coffee brewing and the hope that I can fill my personal Starbucks cup with a delectable 16oz,  two Splenda iced latte … 

Mmm!                 

Uhh, are you following me?   

Now I’m feeling guilty that you might not be able to track how I got from turn signals to Starbucks …

Let me start again… it goes like this: 

I like lattes! During the week, I frequent a particular Starbucks; due to my full time job I have only 15 minutes for a break and must travel quickly to my destination a few blocks down the road.

About the third time I was there – standing in line – one of our county Sheriffs noticed me; he approached me by asking what I do for my employer; he addressed the agency by name, which he recognized the department from my security lanyard -- which explains why he was rather direct (a bit of a relief after all, as I was feeling somewhat uneasy that he was staring so intently at my … ummm  navel).

Any who – we’ve since said hello a number of times while getting coffee;  even sat to visit once while awaiting my latte with a co-worker.  Sheriff *Starr drives an unmarked vehicle – I know this because I saw him pull a guy over on my way to work one day (* not his real name, but given where we met, it’s apropos).

He’s apparently noticed what I drive too; I proved this last week.  As I was leaving work (with my window down enjoying the sun), I made a left turn headed toward home, while listening to my radio and beginning to make a call to my dad (using my headset of course). 

It was at that very moment a familiar car pulled up next to me.  What a surprise –it was Sheriff Starr – he called out to me through his passenger window “HELLO!!”  followed by  “you know, last I recall, turn signals are still required at that intersection!”   

OOPS!!!   =0) 

 “ Ohh, of course!   Hi ~ it’s so nice to see you … I’ll remember that!”   I called back, practicing the use of my right turn signal I waved…  “Thanks Officer - see you at Starbucks soon!”   

Perhaps you're tracking with me now?

After church today, while I was still thinking about the “Jesus would…” bumper sticker and howquickly my mind jumped to Starbucks; I giggled at how my boys are branded as well.

It started on a  a Saturday morning.  

I was preparing for a workout.  I had yet to put on my tennis shoes, when Jeffrey said:   “Mom, you are NOT going to wear those Adidas over your Nike socks, are you?”  

By the sound of his question you would have thought the world was ending or I was violating the some athletic code of honor -- the very idea that I would mix my brands.  

However, by the time I had both shoes on (yes, over my Nike sport socks) and had asked a few probing questions, I received a very thorough discourse on Nike's use of high-quality polyester fabrics explainly quite clearly and exactly why Nike products (not just shoes) are better than Adidas.  

"Hmmm, interesting."

I managed to sound very grateful for the lesson as I departed for the gym wearing my very competitive athletic fashion faux pas footwear – sheesh.   I figure I will get a great workout keeping the two brands in check.

It's all about the health benefits after all! 

Inasmuch as I should be drinking water instead of coffee right now, I am a rebel for flavor as I sip my iced latte – which I made at home with non-Starbucks coffee beans, and am happily content to drink it from my Starbucks personalized cup!!    

AAAAuuggghhh say its not so!!!

tee hee ~ I feel like such a rebel!!

HonuGirl