Surprises

Today has been Cheri's Terrible, Horrible, No Good Very Bad Day.  How I did not get in my car and head a random direction to never be seen again, I do not know.  Guess hubs can thank my astronomical pain levels. 

As I fought tears (but later lost that battle), I heard the doorbell ring and on the doorstep I found:

Makeup Heaven!!  Makeup Nirvana!!

Check it out - look at all those eye shadows.  Wait....

Oh my - those lip glosses!!  Can you tell which purple I'm rocking right now?  I've never owned a purple lip gloss/lipstick, ever.  I'm channeling my teenage years, back when I thought adult hood sounded fun and exciting.  lol

This set contains:

- 98 totally original, iridescent effect eyeshadow shades
- 70 shiny lip glosses
- 6 cream eyeliners
- 2 lip liners
- 3 eyeliners
- Mascara
- 4 applicators

Sigh.  I'm in love with Sephora.......and I get to play "makeup" to take my mind off my day and all the days that will follow.  Almost every day, I do something different with my makeup - guess I'm a closet makeup artist!  lol  You know how our spouses "train" themselves to notice our hair, making sure they don't miss a change?  Mine makes sure to notice my color palette for the day.  lol

But I can share one tip I learned for those of us with dark brown eyes and over 35 (lol).  I always, and I mean ALWAYS wore some peachy shade below my brow with a brown of some sort in the crease.  Well, dearies.......this ages us.  Peach shades are a no-no for the over-35 crowd.  The ideal combo for brown eyed 40+ year olds is pink/purple.  Your eyes will POP like they never have.  

In fact, if you go back and look at Sarah Palin photos from the campaign, she always had the peachy brown shadow.  Nowadays, she wears the pink/purple.  Go see how much younger she looks!

Hope you day was much better than mine!

Where Do I Blog?

I'm joining Censational Girl today on the meme - Where Do I Blog?  This is crazy timing, as I just posted last night about my "nest" and that's where I do almost everything.  I will today explain in more detail.

Do you know anyone disabled?  Or someone who is convalescing for an extended period of time?  If so, you might want to check out these details to make them more comfortable.  Being able to do things on the Internet is a GREAT way to distract our minds away from stress and to help pass the time.  There have been many studies proving this.  For me, the number one way I cope with my 24/7 pain is - the Internet.

Without further ado, I am going to be "real" and show you my "nest" aka, "command center" without staging.  We have just moved and are trying to make things work and for now, a piece of plywood is required.  Here is the photo:

Our former house has laminate flooring and my laptop desk rolled easily.  Here at this home, the carpet combined with my lack of an ability to twist, lean or push/pull to control the desk makes for multiple messes = dumped drinks on the floor, etc.  The guys are gracious to help clean it up (as I can't bend, lift or twist) but they are happier when I keep my spills to a minimum.  lol  I'm debating painting the plywood like a cool rug or as suggested by a friend, get some decorative paper and some Mod Podge.  What do you think?

Here is an example of the adjustable laptop desk you can purchase.  I found mine for $40, but they can be found for nearly $100 other places.  I am bargain girl!

You have to watch out with the legs at the base - depending on your chair/recliner/bed - it makes sense to get just the right height/style.

Credit

It doesn't show, but I use a wireless keyboard and mouse - the mouse is on the desk, and the keyboard I keep in my lap.  This allows me to recline and still write/type on the Internet.  My arm reaches up to the mouse to navigate and I can stay comfortably reclined (which keeps my damaged nerves happy.)  In the photo above, my keyboard is on top of the laptop, but once I sit down, it goes in my lap for easy typing.

Notice down to the right (to the viewer) are my high school year books for easy checking for Facebook friends!  lol  On my desk, I also have my cell phone, pens, nail files, medicines, drinks, etc.   Everything a convalescing person might need to limit the need to get up 100 times a day.  The more I rest/recline, the most I can do when I have to (errands, doc appointments, etc.)

From this position, I can also watch TV easily, even fully reclined (see my feet with socks and slipper and velour pants yet I need a fan on my face?  Thanks, nerve damage!:

Down by the butter gold and red table that hold the fan is a basket that holds all the cables I might need for charging, uploading photos from the camera, etc.  I have that small fan to keep me cool from the hot flashes the different meds cause.   It is strange, as my feet and legs FREEZE all day long, yet my head and face will get warm.   The joys of nerve damage!

At our former house, my station was much more "disguised" as I was up against a wall and it wasn't as obvious.

In this house, we switched and put our beige chairs in the beige room with the beige carpet and I might go insane.  It's teetering.  lol  Hubs put the red couch in the sunroom and I miss the color, but with the TV mounted so high, we need the recliners to feel like a drive-in movie.  lol

Share a smile - you never know who needs one!

Ingenious TV Nook Idea

Yes, it has been 3 weeks since we moved and we are just now getting the TV figured out.  Until now, it sat on the piano bench in front of the fireplace.  Hey, we're taking it easy.  lol

Being married to an engineer has its perks, let me tell you.  We had this  TV nook area that was too small for our flat screen TV.  Here is the before picture:

In this photo, I have floral decor in the nook at the moment.

Our options included buying a swinging arm that would permanently attach deep inside the nook and allow our TV to be mounted and sit outside the nook.  Or we could have attached the TV to either side of the nook, also making an ugly and permanent mount for this rental.  Some of this hardware would definitely alter the walls and are not cheap:

Credit

If this were our permanent home, we'd make a different choice.  But what to do in a rental?

One night while watching TV, Andy jumped up and ran to the home improvement store.  He came back with some pieces of wood, one being a round table top (I believe).  I just stared at him - I'm the kind of girl who just can't picture things, so draw me a diagram or something!  lol

I think his idea was ingenious - he screwed the round table top into the nook and the table top extends out, the perfect amount for out TV to sit on.  And when we move, we just remove the screws and the table top and no one will know the difference.  NO marks to repair in the sheetrock!!  Check this out:

Now, at this point, I was worried the TV was going to fall right off, so hubby made sure it was secure.

See those tiny screws?

I'm so proud of my hubby!  I think it is perfect.  We will be painting the wood either white to match the shelf below or black to match the TV base.  What do you recommend?

Now, I have to show you this final picture.  I am in my "nest", where I spend most of the day reclined.  (See my feet?  lol)  My computer adjustable desk pulls right up to me (on the right) and with that TV so high, I feel like I am at a drive-in movie.  lol

We have our home theater chairs also in the living room, so basically 4 recliners, which is a good thing with the TV nook this high.  lol

We are also having to improvise with my "nest", as our former home had laminate flooring and this laptop desk moved easily.  Now on carpet, and my lack of ability to twist or pull with any strength, we had to rig something up to work.  So a large piece of plywood now sits under my chair - here is the gruesome photo I took without any staging (lol):

I can't get too upset - this IS my life nowadays.  It doesn't look this bad when I am in the chair, which is most all the time unless I have errands to run.  (Staying off my back and being reclined keeps my nerves in less pain, which allows me to "build up" stamina to live my life when I have things to do.)   Should I paint the plywood some cool colors to look like a cool rug?  Without the plywood, and my lack of strength and inability to twist to deal with it, the desk tips and my drink and other items hit the floor.  Not good.  The guys are tired of cleaning it up, since I can't get on the floor, to bend or lean down to clean it myself.  

This was much better disguised at the other house, as I was up against the wall and many of the small items were down out of sight:

See my chair and table in the far corner, with a blanket covering up the printer?

Imagine if this were your life.  OK, now go back to your annoying details and feel better about it!  lol  It could be worse, and I am truly thankful I can function as I can.

Anyone notice we went from gorgeous color to beige walls, beige chairs, beige carpet?  ARGHH.  I love and miss my color!!

 

P.S.  As our oldest has made an unexpected move back home, the sunroom now became what he calls his "fake" bedroom.  lol    Hopefully can come up with a better plan for his clothes than what we have currently.

Iphone 4 Stuck in Zoom!

Today, I was at the condo pool enjoying myself, the only one there, getting my Vitamin D, and playing "Angry Birds" on my iPhone4 when all of a sudden, the screen went HUGE.  As in, massive zoom and I had not zoomed it myself.

Angry Birds App for iPhone

With the screen in full zoom, I could not get to any controls.  And there was no fixing this!

I at first thought it was a fluke, but 3 restarts and 2 Hard restart later (holding the home button and sleep button down simultaneously) - I was starting to panic!  (Don't mess with my phone, people!  And while you're at it, don't mess with my computer either.  lol)

Now, since I learned a big lesson last week on what to do before you run to the phone store (did I forget to tell y'all about that?  Well, here you go!!)

Did you know that if your new bluetooth earbud will no longer connect to your cell phone, it is best to TURN IT ON before driving to the store for help? 

I have to give the sales gal credit for being so sweet and keeping her facial expression professional.  I thanked her kindly and carried myself out proudly, refusing to succumb to the mental imagine I'm sure she had pictured of me!  You KNOW she had to be dying laughing inside!  

(In my defense, the button to turn the earbud on was also the button you push to answer a call, so how was I to know?  P.S.  I have now skimmed through the instruction booklet.  lol)

Anyhoo.....so today, I was NOT going to rush to a store for help.   (Do not ask my 21 yr old if I came in from the pool, soaking wet, hair crazy and before I did one other thing, I got on the computer to figure this out like a mad woman.  No, that was not me.)  I knew I could figure this one out, but darn it, I had already tried everything I knew to do.  I set about entering all kinds of search terms trying to find help - iPhone stuck on zoom, etc. 

And lo and behold, I found a Youtube video that not only had the same problem, but told me what to do!  So here you go (if you have found my blog because you have the same problem!)  My phone looked just like this phone.

Seriously???  Tap it twice with 3 fingers??????  I can attest that using any other combination of fingers does NOT work!  Crazy making! Thank you Thank you, sweet internet person who put this video up for the panicked ones.  I DO appreciate it!

And so concludes my "techy tip" of the day.  Slip this in the back of your mind somewhere in case you ever get the attack of the random zoom!

Share a smile - you never know who needs one.

How You Know Your Husband Loves You

Hubby had a minor medical procedure yesterday (good report) and while he was coming out of the hypnotic anesthesia, he was cracking the nurses up.  I thought I'd get this on video in case he wanted to watch it later, and he thinks it is hilarious.  He gave me permission to post this.

He's a keeper!

Holt's Birthday Dinner

Holt is one lucky duck this year - he got a Red Lobster birthday dinner out of his Dallas peeps and now another Red Lobster Birthday Dinner out of his parents.   And lucky us - he picked something off the value menu - Steak, Shrimp and Lobster Oscar.  *Cough Cough*.  

There is one big difference in the photos - can you tell what it is?

Dallas - My sister was kind enough to take photos with her cell phone:

 Grandma and Holt.

Holt and his Ultimate Feast.

Uncle Craig watching intently while coaching Holt on how to eat crab legs.

And our family dinner tonight (a few days early):

Ryan, 21 and Holt, almost 18.  Where did the time go?  I love their smiles.  Amazing how physically different they are having the same parents!  lol

Steak, Shrimp and Lobster Oscar.

Y'all, Holt has been incredible.  I don't know where the Holt from June went, but the "new" Holt is amazing.   All week, he has been willing to drive me, stay with me, do anything to help, willingly give advice or opinion when asked, never complain, forgo sleep....whatever I need, he has been there.  Just wanted you to know - there IS some good news to share.

Holt, if you are reading this - thank you son, from the bottom of my heart.  You knew I needed someone to step up after dad had to go back to work yet "life" went on and I am so thankful that person was you.   I am really impressed with the man you are becoming.   I love you! 

In other news, Holt has gotten his job back after his summer hiatus and I believe he starts Monday or at least checks his schedule on Sunday. He's excited.

And we are finally moved.  I wouldn't say "moved in" quite yet, but we are here.  

Upwards and onward!

Who Wears Short Shorts

Who else do you "see" in this photo - the lanky legs and the expression?  lol

Band trip to Austin, TX in an unknown year, 1982-1984 - I'm guessing I was 15-16.  A friend from band in high school found this photo and posted it on Facebook.   Thanks Bryan!

Ha!


Don't forget to smile - you never know who needs one!  (As I obviously role model in this photo!  lol)

After A While by Veronica Shoftsall

After a While

After a while you learn
The subtle difference between
Holding a hand and chaining a soul
And you learn that love doesn't mean leaning
And company doesn't always mean security.

And you begin to learn
That kisses aren't contracts
And presents aren't promises
And you begin to accept your defeats
With your head up and your eyes ahead
With the grace of a woman
Not the grief of a child

And you learn
To build all your roads on today
Because tomorrow's ground is
Too uncertain for plans
And futures have a way
Of falling down in mid flight

After a while you learn
That even sunshine burns if you get too much
So you plant your own garden
And decorate your own soul
Instead of waiting
For someone to bring you flowers

And you learn
That you really can endure
That you are really strong
And you really do have worth
And you learn and you learn
With every good bye you learn.

Veronica A. Shoffstall

Shopping Score at Marshall's!

So the other day on a mostly weekly field trip to my favorite store, Marshall's (you know, the hubs has to take me since I don't drive much with the nerve damage and all).  We joke and refer to it as "taking the recliner girl to town for some sights".  lol

Anyhoo....I saw a fancy dress in a beautiful color - eggplant, with lovely flouncy layers all the way down it, and knew it would be perfect for my body style (which is quite top heavy!)

I carried it around like I always do - the "pretend I'm gonna buy it but just before I leave, I put everything back" plan?  (Strangely, I get the same satisfaction as if I truly buy it?  Have you ever tried that?  Seriously - try it!)

OK, back to the story - so I'm carrying this dress around in my cart (have to have a cart for stability, even if I put nothing but my purse in it....don't ya know....) and hubs says  -"Honeybun, go try that on."  (He calls me Honeybun - 'cause I'm sweet like one.  lol)

What??  Wait a minute - he is deliberately prolonging this visit?  Does he have a fever???  lol  He has perfected his "follow her around in case she needs something off a lower shelf, but don't sigh out loud, don't roll your eyes, and say "uh huh" every now and then" persona.  And did I mention that since I rarely leave the house and have this new "relax and enjoy life" life plan, these visits to stores are casual, relaxed and apparently, I lose all sense of time.  (Sorry baby!!)

I did go try it on, but honestly, where would I wear such a dress?  

Well, he LOVED it, as in L.O.V.E.D this dress.  He said I had to buy it for the spectacular price of $39.99!

I told him that's nice and all, but where would I wear it?  And then he laid it on me - he's gonna take me on a cruise some day.  (This after I ask and ask and almost book a cruise, to be told by him he'd never want to go on a cruise, but I digress........)

(I'd post a photo of this amazing dress, but it is currently already at the new place and I'm still at the old place.  We're moving - read HERE.)

But what shoes would I wear with this beautiful dress?  Not the Dansko shoes I showed HERE (at the bottom of that post).  NO NO NO.

I decided to watch as I shopped weekly (knowing this "cruise" is likely eons away anyway....) and today, lo and behold, I found a pair of eggplant shoes!!!!!!  And flats!!!!  So I won't fall and break my legs like THESE shoes might cause.  Could it be?  The perfect shoes?  

I grabbed the shoes and ran over to the dresses, frantically looking for just one dress to still be there - IT WAS!!  Here is the fantabulous photo I snapped - isn't it just an amazing photo of superb quality and staging?

Look at how the beads are the same color even????  Now you know I loved taking photos of myself in shoes (gotta chronicle these legs and their tan in case in my later years I also become bottom heavy and want to reminisce at these legs of yesteryear...........) so took more photos:

Guess I got some chigger bites there on my ankle, please ignore.  Well, actually, it's probably those attacking ant bites from the ones who keep landing in the pool.  Grrrr....

These are a little big - notice you can't see my toes in the little "peep toe" area, but they don't fall off and they are SUPER SAFE for this graceful wonder (NOT!).

  

Do you think these shoes were made especially for this dress?  How lucky am I??  (Keep in mind, I can't wear sexy shoes, no heels, nothing I would LOVE to wear.........so given those parameters, isn't this pretty great?  :)

Now, any tips on how to get this "non-cruise loving but promising a cruise" wonderful guy to take me on one?  Or where else could I go to wear this dress?  lol

We could always have a pretend date and I could wear it around the house.  That might be fun    Or not.

So now I'm back in my recliner, chronicling my big day.  Don't ya love it when you find just what you're looking for?  :)

Keep smiling - you never know who needs one!

Date Night

This weekend has been so much fun!  We:

Had a wonderful date night to Outback Steakhouse.  We had so much fun chatting, holding hands, sharing food and drinks, visiting with the waiter.  We're still talking about it all day today.  So sad to see those folks who sit staring at their food or watching other people, with little to no visiting with their spouse.  Just ran out of things to say after all these years.  Settling.  A dirty word in our home.

Took this photo using the new reverse photo feature on iPhone, where you see yourself before you snap.  Andy laughs at how much I fluff my hair, and try to keep my eyes from squinting shut.  Am I just old?  What is with all my photos having squinty eyes?  I refuse to tone down my smile just to have my eyes open.   :)  And I have one eye open here, so success!!

Now why this is so red I have no idea.  I was playing around with a new camera application choosing colors and different effects, but I was positive I cleared it all.  Hmmm....

And that shirt is a gorgeous deep eggplant color, so not sure why it looks royal blue.  Does it look royal blue to you?

And I mentioned my new "silent but commanding" supervisory style I'm using while moving?  (Or, errr, watching Andy move?)  Here is a photo - sitting in my chair at the new place, reclined, playing with my phone, being a loving, supporting and quiet wife, after chatting all the way there and then back.  Ha!

Ahh....it might not be an exciting life, but it is a great life.  With a great man.  And a great relationship.  And a closeness I always dreamed and prayed for and after a mere 23 years, it is here!  Thank you, thank you, thank you, cognitive behavior counseling.  Praise God!!

Girls, I'm living proof that if we put all our energy into focusing on what we can change, what we can improve and using every spare moment as an opportunity to show our man our much we respect, appreciate and love him?  Reap the rewards, just simply reap the rewards.  

All the other stress and nightmare issues in our life can just wait their turn.  We're busy loving each other like we only have today to do it. 

It's contagious - spread the love!

Have a glorious day!