Loose Threads

I have a lot of things rolling around in my noggin, and not much of it is coherent...or maybe related? This is likely going to be a dumping post.

1. I am tired of hearing the word Ebola. I am tired of the fear mongering that the news stations are pandering. I am tired of the panic that others are succumbing to over this. Yes, it is scary stuff - it's unknown and that makes it more scary. Yes, you should be smart about washing your hands, etc. I personally do not think that we all need face masks to go outside our houses, and I live in the Dallas vicinity. I don't think that this is going to wipe out all of North America. I think it's damn impressive that this is the first time we've had to deal with Ebola here given the numerous travel that happens between those countries that are dealing with Ebola and the rest of the world. I think we should all be much more concerned with the flu and the number of people who choose to not receive the flu shot if they can.

2. I'm already tired of the early political ads here in the South. Beating me over the head with biased ads will not win my vote. Give me some actual information and then we can talk. This is exactly why I block certain "friends" on Facebook once the Presidential election machine starts up in earnest. I'm capable of having a discussion regarding why I have views and why I choose to vote the way I do. I don't respond well to someone shoving their views in my face while yelling "SEE?!?!? I'M RIGHT AND YOU'RE JUST IGNORANT!"

3. On a much lighter note DH and I nailed down our Halloween costumes. My work is having a costume contest and so the 80's are coming back with a vengence on Friday! Full blown leggings, lace and leg warmers. DH is going to be Bob Ross...I'm assuming only the parents who are helping little trick-or-treaters will know who he is. I'd be surprised if anyone under the age of 30 knows who he is. Evie also got into the Halloween spirit by trying to eat the Bob Ross wig and licking the adhesive off the packaging for my fingerless gloves. My exact words were "Stop licking that! It was probably made in China and will kill you!" She paused, considered, and continued on her quest for the 1.5 seconds it took me to wrench the cellophane away from her.

4. Henry had a surgery a couple weeks ago and we were finally able to remove the Cone of Shame for good this week. He is a rare one indeed. Most cats do not grow fatty tumors, otherwise known as lipomas. But Henry did. He had a little extra jiggle in the booty area when he walked. So now he is both tumor and hair free in a large part of his right back half. Our magnificent vet assured us the fur will grow quickly but for now it's like seeing the man beneath the clothing - he's got such long hair that it's easy for use to forget how much of his hulking self is hair.

5. DH took the PE exam this past week. I'm so proud of him! He took classes and studied for months. Now it's sitting on pins and needles for the next 2 1/2 months waiting to see if he passed. I have every faith that he did! He's currently enjoying some time gaming, something he hasn't had a whole lot of free time for lately. Can I just say I do not understand the video game side of my man? It makes my head hurt to think of sitting in front of the TV for that long shooting at things, driving cars or saving Ellie.

6. I miss blogging. Which is ironic...since I'm blogging. But I miss the ease that the words used to flow off my fingertips with. The way my older posts were witty and funny. Well, at least to me. I have forgotten how the practice of writing makes you a better writer.

7. I am beyond ready for Fall. Yesterday was our Number One Niece's first birthday. When we got her invite a few months ago and saw the party would be at a park, I was really nervous about it being a nice day. I was hoping for no rain and nice temperatures. The 70's would have been nice. I need not have worried. It was 90 degrees. 90. Degrees. Is Fall ever coming?!?!? I'm ready for sweaters and boots and scarves and slouchy shirts and fleece lined leggings and a fire in the fireplace and hot chocolate. Do you hear me Mother Nature?!?! I'm done with this verrrrrry long Summer. Oh, but don't ice us in over Christmas. Please?

8. My father-in-law built us a kitchen table and it's a dream. It is a gorgeous family style farmhouse table that Henry is sure was designed just for him to lounge upon. He is constantly laying on it when we walk through the kitchen. Luckily there is a place nearby that sells unfinished chairs so we can stain whatever we pick to match the table. He doesn't build chairs anymore; which is understandable if you know how much work goes into constructing one, much less four.

Evie has just curled up with me and is slowly pushing my laptop onto the floor, so I'm going to wrap this up. Still have a few loose threads but there always are.

I'm Thankful

So the fantastic Stasha is once again giving me something to think about with her Monday Listicle. This week it's thanks. Wow. It's so easy for us to forget what we can have to be thankful for and focus on the what isn't working for us.

10 Things to Be Thankful For

1. Sculpt class this morning at the gym. People, there was grunting, heavy breathing, sweating, and almost tears. I yawned at one point to try and pop my ear and the instructor caught me. That earned us some extra bicep work. Sorry classmates!!!! Seriously, after Zumba last week I was thinking group classes were not for me. But these women were encouraging, all sizes, laughed and got after it. I can totally do this type of class! As for how hard I worked, it's a little uncomfortable just to type and when I talked to DH earlier, it hurt to hold my cell phone by my ear.

2. DH. I am so thankful that God brought my perfect mate to me in His perfect timing. I had a mini-meltdown yesterday and DH wasn't sure what to do with me, but he knew to ask me what I needed and to reassure me when I confessed some of my fears to him. How amazing is it that I am marrying a man who makes me feel complete, even in the face of my insecurities.

3. Fresh basil and tomatoes on pizza. I made one for lunch and it pretty much rocked my face off. The only way it would have been better was if I had the time and knowledge to make my own crust.

4. My mom who will tell me what I need to hear, not what I want to hear. I called her last night very frustrated about something and she let me vent, let me tell her my thoughts, and while she was sympathetic, there was a mom instinct that kicked in. She told me what she honestly believed was in my best interests both short and long term. She was loving but not condescending. She was honest and didn't talk around the issue so that my feelings were not hurt. I'm so thankful for her.

5. I'm very thankful that even though I forgot to add water to the stuffed peppers, I think I'll still be able to eat them. Just saying.

6. Henry. I love him. This is him in his new crinkle toy. Puppy doesn't know what to do with this.

7. Ross Dress For Less, I am eternally grateful for you keeping me elegant for very little moola. And my SIL for loaning me the killer earrings that were perfect. I'm a little less thankful for the new wedges that were pretty comfortable and then weren't.

8. Cheap nail polish. Wet n wild megalast is pretty amazing for only a couple bucks. I love me some OPI, but at almost $10 a bottle, I generally don't splurge on it for myself.

9. Money in the bank. I know that might seem like a silly thing to be thankful for, but when you go from not knowing how you'll make ends meet every month to being blessed with enough and then even a little extra, dang. That is something I try to thank God for every day. That I don't have to choose which bills to pay or to choose between electricity or food.

10. Lists, links and blog friends who keep me writing, expand my ideas of what my blog can be and how real I can be online. Thanks to many of you.