Word To The Wise...From A Wiseacre

A friend asked me recently what my word of the year was going to be and my first thought...it sure as heck ain't gonna be one that I feel inclined to include in the title of each.and.every.post!  What the heck was I thinking when I dreamed up that nightmare?  Folks...if you ever see me thinking of doing that again (and you'll know 'cause my eyes will be spinning in opposite directions and smoke comin' outta my ears)...do us both a favor and  slap me on the forehead, get all up in my face, and holler "DON'T!"  Let me tell y'all...some of my titles for 2011 were a stretch...even for me.

Like a lost marble (or two...or three), I've rolled this around in my head since New Year's eve trying to take a'holt of what and where I wanted to be in 2012.  Looking at the date on the calendar this morning and realizing January was slipping away, I thought "Bingo...got it!".

  PROCRASTINATION

A word that fits like a pair of Spanx.  I do believe I could single-handedly put the Pro in procrastination.

(I stole borrowed this from somewhere and can't remember where!)

I tell myself all the time, I don't drag my feet...it's just that I work better under pressure...but I'm only fooling myself.  To be fair...it's not entirely my fault.  In doing a little prep work for this post, I did my research on the word procrastination and it seems it's actually a slight kink in the ol' wiring of the noggin...kinda like ADD.

For all my joking about Squirrel Alerts, it really is true.  I'm easily distracted and even easier to talk into doing something...make that anything...instead of what I should be doing.  It isn't always laziness on my part or even a lack of will power...it's poor time management more often than not.  Obviously, a skill I failed to learn over the years.  Ooops!

I have a tendency to put off and put off until I'm so overwhelmed, I don't know how to even begin.  I'm not making excuses, but to keep from beating myself up relentlessly, it really got out of control while waiting for Bella to be born and continued to spiral downward like a kite that had lost its wind while waiting for her to come home.  Like the wind...my priorities shifted and with it...my attention. 

For example...remember this photo?

(Ugh...my Black Hole of Casita de Trash!)

'Course you don't...how could you?  We'd have to take a trip in the Way Back Machine to jog your memory 'cause it's from December 2008 and half of you didn't even know me then.  Would you be shocked if I told you the only thing different in this room is the boxes are back in the Christmas building (she says hanging her head in shame!)?  It's true.  This room is the bane of my existence...my Achilles heel...my Kryptonite.  I walk in there...get the heebie-jeebies...close my eyes...slowly back out...shut the door...and promise myself I'll do it later.  Deny..deny...deny!

The thing is y'all while doing my research, one suggestion for coping was to quit trying to be it all while doing it all.  Instead, the experts suggest commit only to the first step and see how that goes, thus staving off the guys in white jackets and possibly real commitment.

S-o-o...here it is...my word for 2012.

ONE

That's it.

One step at a time...instead of trying to skip a few in haste and stumbling...or worse...falling.

One piece at a time...instead of running back and forth doing ten...and watching in horror as they all turn into hot messes.

One project at a time...instead of fifty that never get finished or wind up looking like...well...for lack of a better analogy..dog poo.

One day at a time...instead of worrying Thursday what could happen on Friday or what went wrong on Wednesday.  Tomorrow can wait and yesterday's gone.

Finally...one life...mine...and me repurposing it.

My first step/project/day reclaiming my sanity began this week...in that blasted bedroom.  The walls are swept down...along with the cobwebs...the holes patched.  The blue tape is in place and the paint has been purchased. (Y'all would be so proud of me and how I handled making my paint choice. I kept calm and no bodily harm came to Cat Daddy throughout the entire ordeal!)

Once I begin painting, it'll go fast, but for now...I have to take a little breather from everything else in order to remain focused on one thing at a time.  If I can conquer that dratted dreaded room...I'm on my way to conquering my fear of failure.

After that y'all...the world is my oyster...served on the half shell...

and I can't wait to slurp it down!

Word up...y'all! 

  

Games Of Chance?

Random...an adjective defined as having no specific pattern, purpose, or objective...

or in layman's terms...

chance.

I personally find this amusing since I don't happen to hold with chance...even with something as seemingly mundane as choosing a number for a giveaway.  I couldn't have sat down, gone through all the entries, and picked a better number to win the Spoonin' pendant than #1.

# 1...Rebecca at A Re-Purposed life just "happened" to be the first commenter...just "happened" to be only one of two still awake at the stroke of midnight to ring in the New Year with me...and just "happens" to be anything but random.

R.E.'s life is full of purpose...God's purpose for her...hence her blog name.  She never sits still for very long, always has an on-going project or her Bible at hand, runs up and down the highway like she was born with wheels on her tooshie, and epitomizes the words SQUIRREL ALERT.  God is constantly diverting her attention with random beauty causing her to stop...pull over to the side of the road...and marvel in His goodness.  She may begin a major over haul of a room, only to have Him whisper "Made you look!" sending her out to lecture, teach, and reach out to others.  Her daily planner is full of changes, scribbled out dates, and cancelled plans, but it's also bulging with friendships, love, and proof-pudding of a most beautiful Re-Purposed Life.

Big...huge...thanks to all of you for your oh-so-funny comments and for taking the time to humor an old lady.  BTW...one of the best was Susie's.  If you get a chance...read it.  Law...it's a squirrel tale to end all squirrel tails tales!  (Warning:  empty all contents of your mouth before reading!) 'Course I was sad to have to eliminate her, but good golly...she can make her own!

Sorry I had to eliminate a few others from the drawing as well, but there are rules about family members...Jenn.  (Play nice and maybe your gorgeous mother will get you one for your birthday!)

A special thank you to those of y'all who became new followers.  I appreciate the pleasure of your company and hope you come by again.  I'll be sure and leave the light on for you...even if you've only time for a drive-by.  Believe me when I say...I'll take it!

I want to emphasize...y'all are all numero uno in my book, but sadly...that ain't how the game is played.  I will say here and now...for all the world (or at least a few hundred) to read...y'all could never be the dog poo on the soles of my Yellow Boxes.  You're way too busy being the Dr. Scholl's to this ol' gal's heart and...SOUL!  

Random... could be, but you'll have a hard time convincing me...

'cause people...

I just can't make this stuff up!

'Cause Sometimes You Feel Like A Nut

In hindsight, vision is always 20/20, but when writing a post while drinking Pink Squirrels,  it's more like 20/12.  Let me be a warning against BWUI*...don't do it!

(*BWUI...blogging while under the influence.)

Nuts and bolts get omitted...important nuts...and even more important bolts....like extra ways to earn brownie points.

(~I do not like the cone of shame.~Up)

Why on earth didn't I mention giving a shout out to Susie on your own blogs...either with a post or on your sidebar?  Really...tell me why?  Oh yeah...I remember...my SADD* got in the way!

(*SADD...squirrel attention deficiency disorder.)

This people is why I cannot be left unattended...SQUIRREL!

(~Won't you please be my prisoner, please, please, please.~Up)

I also failed to mention that I'll be needing contact info...just in case you're the nut who falls from the tree when it comes time to shake out a winner.  I'm not trying to get y'all to chase your tails...BUT...if you do decide to do a assorted nuts sorta soup-to-nuts on my giveaway...go here (not here) to let me know about it.  Otherwise...I'll be the one running around...trying to gather all my nuts in one basket.  I think I'm also gonna change the date to the 8th for announcing the winner for one reason and one reason only.

(Do you not agree with that I am saying to you now?~Up)

In a nutshell, the way I got it figured...the more folks who know about Susie Q...the more orders she's gonna be filbert filling and I really want to see her rattling that squirrel cage round and round 'til 2014!  Yeah...her talent and prices are just that off-her-nut good!

(Susie girl...~My name is Dug.  I have just met you and I love you.~)

Remember...let me know on the previous post here...not here.  Don't make me take my earrings off.  Got it...get it...good!

~I can smell you~Up

Jumping To A Foregone Conclusion

Grab a glass of bubbly...this is gonna be a long-un!

As I sit here betwixt yesterday and tomorrow, I find myself drifting over the years...and not just 2011.  I could wax poetic about twenty-twelve's scheduled arrival in just a few hours and all the promise it brings, but instead...I'm thinking of the past.  While I don't make it a practice to live in the past, it is a nice place to visit on occasion...like New Year's eve.

And y'all wonder why I'm easily distracted...reason #1...and #2!

I've been reading all the wonderful, uplifting posts about the hidden promises of the new year and the realization of the past year's accomplishments.  It does this ol' heart good to read how so many of y'all accomplished goals and reached for the stars...and got a handful for your efforts.

Many costume changes are necessary to get through Christmas Eve!

Tonight, I'm thinking on all the folks I've "met" through blogging and how each of you have enriched my life.  You've been my cheerleader, coach, and confidant.  You've put up with my ramblings, laughed...and cried...with me...and I hope I was there for you as well.

It's funny, but I've also realized that some friends I've made over the last 4 years don't come around as often.  Gotta be honest here...at first I thought maybe I had done something wrong or maybe like Duckie said "Do I offend?", but then I came to the realization that things change and so do people.

For those of you who have been so kind to ask...Brandon is doing well.  He is an amazing young man and Susan has to be smiling down at him.

Just like we can't stop the passage of time (although if anyone does come up with a invention that does...I'll be first in line to buy one.), so it goes with people.  If we're truly lucky, we get blessed with individuals who may only come into our lives for a season and then have to move on...and that's okay.

As goals are set and met, friends drift out of our lives to find their own path.  Doesn't mean they don't care...it's just the Lord doing His business.

One of my favorite Christmas things...cookies...and the more the merrier!

I'm as guilty as the next person.  Perhaps the old adage about birds of a feather is true.  I find myself more and more drawn to those who are seeking peace in their lives coupled with simplicity.  Doesn't mean they aren't working as hard as the next guy/gal...just different...quieter.  No fanfare, bugles, or trumpets...just their work and talent saying it all.

Take a good look at Barbie.  She looked nothing like this the next day thanks to Grayzilla the beautician!

While we're on the subject of different, I find myself seeking that in blog posts as well.  Not necessarily cutting edge different, but something that tells me a little bit about the person writing it.  Ya know...you can tell a lot about a person by their voice/blog.  If they dare to try something a little out there...whether I like it or not doesn't matter.  I applaud them for trying...and their bravery in attempting to fly.

If there is humor on board...so am I.  I love to laugh and I got the wrinkles to prove it.  Make me laugh and I'm yours forever.  In fact...just call me Ol' Shep. 

Not to worry folks.  No babies were harmed in taking this photo.  As a matter of fact...we caught her in the act before any real damage was done!

Just as Bella Baby isn't afraid, those of you who risk it all and put yourself out there have my loyalty forever.

Who can resist a baby girl dressed in Nick & Nora's paired with boots?

What I'm trying to say (and not doing a very good job of it), is while I may not always leave a comment, I'm out here and I'm reading.  I like to think you are too.

Like I was telling Rob-Uh-Lyn the other day, there are folks in our lives that are like dog poo on that favorite pair of tennis shoes.  Try as you might...once it gets stuck down in those grooves...you just can't get it all off...which leaves you with two choices.

One...you can throw those sneakers out...

or

Two...you can keep 'em and pretend you don't notice the smell.

Consider me your dog poo.  I'm here for the duration and while you may not see me...you're bound to get a whiff of me from time to time. 

I do believe in Santy Claus and at my house, he wears a red corduroy shirt.

Are y'all still with me?

People, if this wasn't a lesson in Squirrel writing...I don't know what it.  Let's blame it on three glasses of Champagne...agreed?

BUT...

if this doesn't illustrate how hard it is for me to stay on track...I don't know what will!

Y'all put up with a lot when you come to visit me and I want you to know...it's appreciated.  To let you know how much I treasure you taking the time to visit...I'm making a change.

No...I don't intend to start writing more cohesive...mainly 'cause that just ain't in my genes.

No....the change is I had told y'all I wanted comments relating to squirrel attacks y'all might have had over the years, but because I'm feeling so mellow...I'm gonna give y'all a break.

Oh Law...do y'all have any idea how hard it is for me to give this away?

As I mentioned in a previous post, Susie of Vintage Susie & Wings, designer extraordinaire of Spoonin graciously donated this pendant for my giveaway.  I first met her on line as she was traveling to Texas from California.  Her posts about her road trip had me laughing out loud and almost wetting my pants...I kid you not.  Meeting her at Zapp Hall, she managed to change it from almost to I did!  I promise you up and down...I have never laughed so hard in my entire life.

In addition to being a hoot and a half, she is also talented out the wazoo.  Her Spoonin line is just one of her products.  This girl has mad skills when it comes to anything she puts her hand to...and to think...she's my friend.

Aw heck!  Who am I kidding?  I'm gonna order me one too!

On a side note (you didn't think you get off that easy...did ya?), some folks collect pottery, some art...I collect artists and I'm so blessed to have Susie and other amazing ones in my life.  Now if I could just find some way to display 'em...life would be perfect!

So here's the deal pickle...because y'all take the time to read my meanderings...all you gotta do is leave me a comment telling me how fantastic you think this necklace is...that's it.  No hoops to jump through...no following me (unless you just fall in love with me, which in that case...follow by all means), nothing else.  If you have a facebook account...give Suze a shout out.  It's not gonna get you any brownie points, but it's gonna make me and my girl Susie really happy.

Now...if you do decide to regale me with stories of squirrel attacks...bring 'em on.  I never...repeat...never turn down a good opportunity to giggle or to know I'm not the only wing nut on the planet...and...and...that will get you an extra entry! No pressure though!

I'll announce the winner...ummm...how does January 7th sound?  That gives you time to talk to me and gives me a week to get the Christmas back into the tubs from whence they came.

Gah...just add roller skates, a Roy Rogers pop gun with matching holster and I could be the poster child for Christmas gone amuck!

As I shake my tail feathers to "Mama's Got a Brand New Bag"...I'll close 'er down for 2011 with one last hurrah.

Besame Mucho and...

HAPPY NEW YEAR Y'ALL!

Red Sparkly Jumpsuits

Guess whose lap I'll be jumping on tonight?

Rudolph, cue the sound of sleigh bells please!

Ta Da!

The Ghost of my Christmas Past, Present(s)...

and FUTURE!

Fa La La La La, La.La..La...LA!

MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM THE NORTH TEXAS POLE...Y'ALL!

Jumpin' Down The Chimney!

My lovely, soulful friend Rebecca at A Re-Purposed Life celebrates her birthday a week before Christmas.  Last year, as well as this one, she threw herself a party...only she didn't get gifts...she gave 'em.  I was one of the lucky ones and my package arrived just after Christmas.

Me being me...I started to open it but found myself stopping just short of decimating it.  Talking to the voice that only I can hear...the conversation went something like this.

Myself:  "Girl...why don't you wait 'til next year?"

Me:  "Hush your mouth...have you lost your cotton pickin' mind?  I'm dying here to see what's tucked inside that beautiful paper!"

Myself:  "Yeah, I know...myself included, BUT if you wait...think how much more of a thrilling surprise it'll be.  Kinda like ol' Santy Claus dropped by early just 'cause you're his favorite naughty nice little girl.  Right?"

Me:  "Law...I hate to admit it, but when you're right...you're right.  Okay...but I'm putting it on a low shelf so I can at least stare and drool during the year thinking about what's inside...and You.Can't.Stop.Me!"

Myself:  "Wouldn't think of it ol' girl.  Be my guest and I'll be thinking the same thoughts...kinda like we share a brain or somethin'!"

So-o-o...there it has sat on that shelf...just waiting for me to pluck it off and rip into.  Has it been hard not to peek you ask?  You betcha!

Have I peeked?  Not on your life...although I came close a coupla times when I was having one of those days.

Let me tell y'all...when it came time to start dragging in the boxes for decking the halls, I first went to the bookshelf in my office and took this bad boy down.  Thank goodness R.E. didn't use a lot of knots and tape or I would've been reduced to using my teeth to tear into it.  (At my age, using one's teeth for anything other than chewing or grinnin' is a gamble at best...and sometimes even that is risky!)

Goodness knows I tried to be a good little girl this year...and look at what I got for my efforts!

Can you say Oh Mylanta?!?

I knew her handcrafted stockings were going to be inside, but I wasn't prepared for this pirate's booty of loveliness that awaited me.  My poor eyes didn't know what had hit them...from all the shiny...or all the tears running down my chubby cheeks.

The photos did not do justice to the tiny stockings she had crafted with her own two little hands, nor the bird that winged it's way from Illinois to Texas.

SIGH!

And the pendant...2 die 4 perfect.  This is exactly how Myself pictures me and our view on my life...at least in my mind's eye.  As a wise person once said..."When the legend becomes fact...print the legend." and let's be honest...I tend to be a legend in my own mind...'specially around the Casita de Trash when no one is looking!

This is my way of saying Thank You Rebecca for being such a cherished friend and for getting my Christmas spirit going early on...and a thank you to myself for making me wait!

It was so worth it! 

Speaking of giveaways...have I got a doozy coming y'alls way next week...thanks in part to my crazy, gypsy-souled friend, Susie of Spoonin fame.  (Did I mention crazy?)  Now pay close attention...there will be a test later.

One day next week (I'll not say when, 'cause in case y'all haven't noticed...I've been more than just a little SADD* here lately.) and to convince myself I'm not the only nut job Lone Stranger this time of year, I'm planning a special post to give away this fantastic pendant made by Susie.  Very apropos...wouldn't you agree?

(*SADD:  Squirrel Attention Deficiency Disorder)

I'm all over the place normally, but at Christmas...seems like I'm worse.  Could be all the glitter, tinsel, and lights.  (At least that's what I tell myself...and myself always has my back in agreement.)  'Course it could also be the crazy hoops we all jump through to get it all done by the 24th.  Whatever the reason...I am a loose cannon until the 26th.

I've been known to hide gifts and not find them until 3 years later.  One year's family Christmas portraits are still MIA.

I've prepared appetizers lovingly referred to as "foot dip".  FYI...there is such a thing as too much fresh bleu cheese.

I've been caught swinging from the chandelier with my hair in hot rollers, sans underwear by early arriving guests...talk about shock and awe!

I've set guests' holiday sweaters on fire.  Who knew ugly sweaters were that flammable?

In other words...I am a squirrel gone amuk this time of year, but I have a hunch I'm not alone here.  To prove my theory hunch...I'm gonna give y'all a week to think of your most hilarious squirrel tail...ooops...tale to leave as a comment.

Not this week y'all...next week...got it?  If you do it this week...it could count as a squirrel moment...or just that I'm too long winded and you zoned out eons ago!  Hmmm...I may even find out if you really do read me.

I'll be back next week to give y'all all the 411, but in the meantime, if I don't talk to you between now and then... 

 

from my casita to yours...and with much love from me and mine...

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

You Say Jump, I Say You Betcha and I'll Shout Too!

My goodness...it seems like forever since I last sat down here and talked.  What's that you say...it has been forever?  I know...I know.

So much going on around here at the Casita de Trash, I hardly have time to catch my breath.  You too huh?  Yeah...this is a crazy time of year for all of us...and talk about crazy...you will never guess what we were up to (or should I say down at) this weekend.  Instead of being covered in tinsel, glitter, and scotch tape...we were surrounded by tulle, perfume, and leather.

Oh you naughty boys and girls...I know what you're thinking, but no...not that.  Cat Daddy and I made the trip to Round Top for the first ever Winter Junk Gypsy Prom.  Can you say "Oh Law...Trash in a can-can!"?

Heidi...do you have any idea what a mischief maker Jackson is when he channels Buddy Holly?

I know I should have been decking the halls, but y'all know me....I can't resist a party...

and y'all also know Cat Daddy can't resist a photo op and we all know how the ladies can't resist him!

Animal magnetism with a splash of Hai Karate...what can I say?

"Be careful how you use it!"

They were lined up and waiting to bust a move!

I gotta stop here for a disclaimer.  For any of y'all who might be thinking the Gypsies are sittin' pretty with their new HGTV show...think again.  Sittin' is the last thing this family is getting to do these days!

Oh mylanta!

I do believe they are working harder than rented mules, what with the show's filming schedule plus trying to get their brick and mortar store built.  Sheesh...there is so much that goes into shooting just one episode...I can't begin to wrap my noggin around what they've been through getting 13 into the can.

(BTW...did any of y'all watch the sneak preview?  What'd ya think?)

In addition to coordinating the entire event...down to primping the hall...there were interviews, prep work for another shoot this week, running back and forth...all while taking care of sick babies and being sick themselves, but in the world of show biz...there are no days off...the show must go on. 

Walking in, we were hit with a blast of music from The John Evans Band and Baby Cakes...the show did go on and boy howdy...was it ever ON!

Lights...cameras...action...

and a whole lotta tail feather shakin'!

Told to wear their junkiest prom attire, the 150+ guests complied...whole hog and whole hearted.  It was a Texasified tangle of big hair, big hats, and big fun!

Folks came from miles around for this gaudy extravaganza and an extra, heapin' helpin' of whoppin' good times!

(Does she remind anyone else of "Jessie"?  I swear up and down...she was just as tiny, but way cuter!)

Sisters On The Fly were representing and they were just so gosh darn cute!   Their motto on their site reads "We have more fun than anyone." and let me tell ya...they were out to prove it.  They asked everyone to write a short note to Amie and Jolie and presented the girls with a huge jar full of love notes.  How sweet and thoughtful...right?

I'm telling y'all...SOTF girls are rootin' tootin' cute in fuzzy chaps!

I got tickled watching how many times the Gypsies had to replace kissed off lip gloss.  That gloss was outside the purse more than it was in it 'cause that outhouse-turned-photo booth hasn't seen that much action since...well gosh I don't rightly know.  I reckon since being replaced with indoor plumbing!  All I do know is the line to get a photo and a kiss with the girls was stretched out for a mile...and so were the grins! 

I don't know if I've ever told y'all, but I adore paper dresses.  I think it's one of the most fanciful and beautiful art forms out there.  Can you imagine my face when I got a load of this dress?  Stunning is the only word to describe it...simply stunning.

Alas, being paper, it wasn't necessarily built to last...talk about a paper trail.  Close to the end of the evening, I wondered if this gorgeous lady was going to be modeling her birthday suit, but the dress held up.  I didn't find out who the tailor was, but BRAVO!

Hmmm...I wonder if Royer's had any pies go MIA last week.

.This creation was another of my faves.  Queen of Hearts you ask?  Nah...I dub thee The Queen of Tarts!  Both of these ensembles deserved standing O's.

Look Ma...no pigtails!

See...I really was there...and no Janie isn't pretending like she doesn't know see me.  She's just a busy, busy woman.  With the show, I don't know if there ever is down time for any of them. 

Even Phillip takes a back seat to text messages....especially when there are sick, little ones back at home.  Sigh...I wish I had got a good photo of the two of 'em dancing...best couple on the floor.

It was a duke's mixture of glam...with some of that glam even arriving in matched sets!

At the end of the night all I could think was...

CAN I GET A YEE TO THE HAW?

Lest y'all get to thinking ol' Trash has forgot about my little teaser a post or so back...fret not.  A hint is hidden inside the tree of what else I've been cooking up besides Christmas cookies, but for now, it's time to take the...

TRASH OUT!