Uplifting and Lively Messages. No holds barred..
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I could have guessed as much Michelle, as our closets are symbolic of everything else going on in our lives. Still have mine on the agenda, but only after a few more things get sorted out during H2 of this year.
I realized today that I finally have the hair style that I had wanted post treatment. It's getting thicker once again, and the just above shoulder length suits me. So a major win which deserves celebration. I am ready for a bit of excitement, and even a new romance. It's been 3 years, far too long.
I will use fabulousness as my guiding mantra.
Cycling bib that arrived today turned out to be shorts. No matter, as the goal was the padding that really works for cheap. My "buns" are already thankful.
Had steak and wine for dinner with oyster mushrooms I picked off the tree during my walk/run this evening. Beyond delish, and I see steak salad on the agenda for tomorrow evening. Perhaps the chicken in the freezer with the remaining mushrooms?
My YSL Muse Bag has been attracting the right sort of attention. Just loving it. You are right - no more fake anything.
All of us deserve to go first class to the extent that it sensibly fits our budgets. Or makes sense, as something like upscale dishwashing detergent isn't worth the money, in my opinion. But heavenly-scented bath soap and gels are. An example of this is that I bus and light rail it to SeaTac airport for a song, but Uber it back because the connections just don't work.
One more day.... Then a metric century to whip my sorry hide into shape on Saturday. Supposed to be glorious. I can't wait!!! - Claire
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OMG, I had to defend my closet today from an intruder. My daughter, who moved back from the dorm, wanted to use a rack in my closet, which I had very carefully planned out how I would use it. I went absolutely bonkers and gave her a rolling rack. She has a room, shares a closet with my dh, who uses the other half. I am putting a lock on my closet door, making it only available by key. I have worked my butt off, to get myself together. No longer am I modifying my life to fit my kids' needs. Been there, done that and not again. My house is a wreck from them bringing all of their "stuff" home and depositing it by the front door.
I did work on my closet today, putting items on hangers and in the cubby boxes. It was hot here today, and my closet got hot as well. Tomorrow, I need to get mini blinds and a black out curtain to cover a window. I am getting very excited to see my closet transformation.
Hope everyone has fun weekend plans!!!!
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Michelle, I feel your pain. LOL my daughter will be moving back in at the end of the month and I'm feeling the stress man. Trying to get everything cleaned out and trying to find a place to put all my stuff and I'm realizing that all my storage places are kind of jammed up with her stuff. LOL I've come to the conclusion that my house is just going to be pretty much a mess for the next two and a half years while she attends her dental hygiene school.
On another note my mom's cataract surgery on her left I went fine. She's just doing some drops and she has to do them up to three times a day so I think that kind of stresses are out but she is able to do them. She's having the right eye done on Wednesday. Then she's going to be doing drops in both eyes for the next 6 weeks and then hopefully all of this will calm down a little bit. She will have to get new glasses at some point. I guess we'll just cross that bridge when we come to it. Hope everyone has a good night. We're going to spend the evening at the hospital visiting Gary Aunt who has a leaky heart valve and is not a surgical candidate so not a good situation there. Have a good night everyone. Happy Mother's Day to any and all that our mothers out there. And if you ever wanted to be a mother and couldn't I know it can be a difficult day for you please hang in there hugs and love to all.
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Today was bittersweet, my son graduated with a bachelor's degree in accounting at 5:30pm, and my mom passed on at 4:30pm. I was on facetime with my family beginning at 3:30pm, and then on my phone with them as she was passing for the duration. Three months to the day that she was placed into the hospital. They gave her ativan and morphine at the end and she gently passed on. We kept saying positive messages to her, told her that she would be with my father and her siblings/parents. It was her time to go and we have accepted it as a family. She turned 89 in March.
I am mentally and emotionally exhausted at this point and need to calm myself down. I will be turning on season 8 of Doc Martin, which I love to watch.
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oh man! So sorry Michelle! Your mom is at peace and your son is starting the next chapter of his life. What a roller coaster. Please hang in there. Love and hugs
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Michelle, I am so glad that your mother had a peaceful passing. Even more that your family accepted what was about to happen. Much to be thankful for. But indeed a bittersweet day!
Congrats on your son's graduation. I am sure that the accounting degree will serve him well. A bright future ahead. You and your husband have done well in raising your children. I am suspecting a work ethic as well. Because self-promotion only gets you so far. I am seeing so many who don't get the fact that you need to have substance behind your claims, and I am convinced that success goes to those who can make a real contribution.
I did the Metric Century yesterday, though seriously dragging. I needed to take a cut-off at the end as couldn't face another gust of head wind and my knee was memorably painful. It's fine now, but I had strained it earlier in the ride, and OUCH!! We had a glorious day, and really a mini-vacation which refocused the mind and spirit. The shortcut proved to be much prettier than the regular route as those final miles are to round the distance upwards by about 3 miles. So I did 60 and not 63. I am claiming victory, especially since I also had a 1.5 hour drive in each direction.
I was on eBay this morning, and snagged three pairs of Jil Sander trousers. Two are for the upcoming reunion as need something super-chic and comfortable. I am raiding my closet for the Alumni Banquet. No need to spend dollars when you already have something more than fab.
Today is recovery and laundry. I do need to do a half day of work as a brutal week ahead. I am hanging all my dark items outside as sunny and dry. (Notice that yesterday's "breeze" is still here.)
Will post pix from the ride later. Take care of yourself, Michelle. - Claire
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Since I was off work on doctors orders to rest, my friends and I went to the beach. There is nothing like the sound of the waves and the feel of the saltwater in my hair. Ahhhhhhhh.
And then there was sunburn. On my legs of all places. Not my face. Not my shoulders or back. My lower legs and feet. What’s up with that?!? But it was a great time. Very relaxing. I did stay hydrated, we drank a LOT of water.
This was our view Saturday morning.
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Thank you girls, for being there for me. Claire has been supporting me privately for over three months with my mother's condition. It has been a torturous three months, but I have found comfort on this thread and through people I have met here.
Today we celebrated mothers day, breathing a sigh of relief that our mother's passing was quick. I picked out a very cute duster for her to be buried in. Pink pansies on navy blue will look nice on her. I found a purple top, long sleeved to go under it. Trying to decide on how to make decor for the top of the casket for a grave side service. Ideas?? Thinking maybe big tree topper bows on top of tulle swags. I could do navy tulle with pink or aqua bows. I learned how to make bows for my christmas tree.
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I think that is just lovely, Michelle. I don't know for a graveside service, but would say to use your mother's favorite colors.
My ride today was lovely with all the exquisite fragrance of spring. Very summer like and people were swimming in Lake Sammamish. Think the water may be still nippy as was 46F yesterday morning. Part of the training is to get back on a bicycle even if still hurting in a couple of tender spots
I have my Alumni Banquet outfit figured out - black flowy trousers and top with gold-and-pearl jewelry. Decided NOT to fit in, but to go for fabulousness instead. The best thing is that it all works, and I don't need to spend any money on an outfit!
I am making chicken in wine with fresh herbs from my garden. I was going to do something more complex, but just didn't have it in me. Have the door open as it's still warm out. I learned when I stayed in Florence back in the day to adapt evening meals to the outside conditions. Which means that I dine later this time of year.
I am planning a feast in two weeks for a neighbor who is leaving. She had cancer a year ago, and is no longer able to work. I encouraged her to walk throughout treatment which meant that she is now fit and strong as opposed to being weak and housebound. She was lunching with another neighbor and a gent told her beautiful she looks. There is hope!!! However, not being able to work means that when she was called by another apartment complex who had an opening for something a lot cheaper, she jumped at the chance! I am so thrilled, as it's been tough going for her. I plan to make a feast and should be able to get fabulous local veggies from the market, so will be a double feast. Not sure of the entrée, but thinking spaghetti vongole. I have the pasta, butter, and fresh parsley. I do a better job with this dish than most restaurants.
Body is feeling the effects of the exercise which will be a good thing in the long run.
Thinking about the true meaning of "commencement." It's double this year, Michelle - both you and your son. Congratulations to you both. - Claire
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Both the actual commencement and the antonym of commencement have occurred at the same time. So many feelings, plus alot of attitude from my family. Who knew that this time would be loaded with both endearment, rage and envy? I am at peace with everything and have no ill will towards anyone. Trying to keep my head above the fray.
I want to resume working on my closet project today and hope that I can focus. Both kids drug all their stuff from uni home and into the very front of our house. Can't wait for them to put everything away. One little surprise that my son has is a nice massage chair. His friend lent it to him and I have been using it. I tried to make bows for the wedding this weekend, and the ribbon was soaked in glitter. After one bow, my hands face and hair were covered with glitter. I told the bride that she would need different ribbon, because this was a disaster. I also told her that I would be happy to make bows, but not with glitter ribbon. She said "no, that's okay." So, that is off my plate.
I met with the funeral director today, and then went to get flowers for the casket swag. Thank God I taught myself how to make bows at Christmas. Here it is:
I am going to put horizontal pieces of tulle and gather the bottom like a tassel, probably in an off white.
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Just exquisite Michelle. Your mother would be so pleased.
It's hot here but glorious sun. Was happy to be in AC late and do a walk in the early evening. Gorgeous, and it's still light at 9!
Dinner in a bit. Glad I made enough chicken for 3 meals. Exercise first, though. (Even though my body is still "reminding" me of what I asked of it this past weekend.) Need to wow them at my class reunion.
Will watch the sunset as I lift my weights. - Claire
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I went to the funeral home today, and was able to put tulle and the arrangement on my mother's casket. If she were alive, she would love the colors. It has been a very difficult 24 hours.
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Michelle - I'm so sorry for the loss of your Mother. The flower are so beautiful with the black and white bow. The tulle adds a soft but elegant touch. Sending you a big hug!
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Oh Michelle I couldn't feel worse for you. What you did there is absolutely beautiful. The bow and flowers look gorgeous. Please hang in there love and hugs.
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Michelle that is beautiful. I’m so sorry you are having to do it, but I’m sure your Mom would love it. Hug
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Thanks, girls. I am glad that I was the one to make the floral swag. It gave me something to focus on and I know she would have got a kick out of seeing me make it. When she was in the rehab center, I brought sewing with me. We would sit for hours at a time watching Steve Harvey, Dr. Phil, and Ellen. I would get her a latte from the machine and sit down and embellish a jacket I was working on. We were lucky to have her 89 years. Tomorrow is the graveside service.
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Thinking of you Michelle. Casket decorations are elegant and appropriate. I am sure that your mother is sending you hugs from Heaven. I don't know what else to say other than I am so thankful that all of you are finally at peace. - Claire
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If you didn’t hear about the #RedForEd rally in NC today, it was amazing! Only me and 30,000 other educators converged on the legislative building. I’m the little one down there in the middle wearing red.
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Here I am with the WRAL reporter
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You go girl! TaRenee there were several teachers from my County there today too! I work for the school system for 13 years before I resigned in 2011.
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tarenee, nice! Were you on the news?
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You go girls!!!! I am a bit tired today, but have my son's graduation party tonight. I might take a 10 min nap, then get ready to get my sister and finish up collecting things needed for the party. Woke up at 4am today, then again at 8 am and ran around doing errands. Thanks for everyone's support. I really meant alot to me.
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Michelle - lifting you up while you go through these changes in your life. Sending a hug from NC!
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Well, I can check the grad party off of my list. Whew.... My son cut off his college hair at his party. It was 14 inches long and he is donating it for wigs for kids. It was tied into 7 pony tails, and numbers were drawn to choose who got to cut off a tail. After everything was cut off, we had a stylist even it up a bit outside on the patio. We laughed so hard and it was wonderful. He went from looking like Jesus to looking like Matthew McConaughey. He could pass for Matthew's brother.
My mother's burial was nice, the weather was perfect and the sun was shining. The bag piper played several songs, the priest accorded burial rights and they lowered the casket. I say forget going to the funeral home and have a graveside service. We are doing a celebration of life next week, when her out of town brothers will be here. The tone will be set by me as upbeat and joyful.
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Michelle,
The service and the swag you made sound like a loving and lovely way to send your mother to her eternal rest. Next week's celebration of life is a wonderful idea and I hope you and your family find it consoling and uplifting. Extra hugs to you, my dear. What a wonderful daughter your mother raised.
Congrats, also, on your son's graduation. The "hair cutting" sounds like good fun. Is your son ready to join the workforce? We have a new grad that just started in our department on the 14th & he is so eager!
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Thank you Celia. I love working on creative projects and now I am working on a Remembrance Card for my mother. I am using her wedding photo, backed by a dark grey paper, with the vintage looking corners on it in black. The back will have a bible verse on it. I am only making 40 because I don't think that we will have a ton of people for her Celebration. When you live to 89 years old, you don't have many friends left your age. Some of her family will come in, including an uncle from the Dallas area. Also, I expect that some of my friends and my sisters' friends will come.
I was able to repurpose a picture frame from the goodwill which I had for 5 years or so. I used Gilder's Paste on it in silver and it turned out great. Today, I had her picture mounted and matted at the Hobby Lobby. I know that she would totally approve on saving about $80 for a frame. I am using her wedding photo in black/white for her main picture. I had her wedding dress from 60 years ago, and wrapped it up in a space saver bag, and had it placed into her casket.
I miss her already, feel a bit naked and vulnerable. Both of my parents are gone now, but my memories will keep me company. I have taken alot of pictures and videos which I am sure will be viewed frequently.
Thank you everyone for being here for me.
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I know all too well that transition to feeling alone in the world. The Celebration cards sound absolutely lovely. I think my mother approved of what I did for her funeral and burial as I followed what she had done for my father. Fortunately, I had help in planning this from both the funeral home and the church where I had grown up.
I got the news a couple of days ago that my old boss and mentor from my corporate days has died. I miss him, and remember all the great life lessons he taught me, the most important of which is around leadership. I think the funeral in Manchester NH is today. I am again reminded that our time on earth isn't infinite.
I just looked at footage of the Royal Wedding. Just amazed at Prince Philip and his recovery. Not to mention that he can still rock formal wear at 96! Truly an inspiration. I loved the Countess of Wessex' wedding dress too. Gorgeous neckline, and a refreshing change to the "bare all" trend of recent years. I have been to St. George's Chapel, and yes, it's as gorgeous as in the footage.
I survived the week (oops, nearly wrote "weak" there!). It was at least as brutal as I had expected, and it isn't over until tomorrow evening. I have a short assignment from an old client that came in yesterday. I need to revisit as didn't give her quite what she needed. The event speaker was truly inspiring, but I will write more on that later. A true example of facing adversity with grace and courage.
I can't wait for my visit to Boston and Vermont that are coming up in just 3 weeks. Will be fun to see everyone and I plan to visit Portsmouth NH for the first time. Plus, I want to share the last bottle of an '05 Syrah with my friend Dottie and her sweetie. It should be perfect right now, so something special.
Then I can concentrate on the back end of the year and my plans for continuing fabulousness and achieving better balance in my life. So many amazing things to do, so little time. That's my story and I'm sticking to it! - Claire
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I did not go to the wedding rehearsal, but was in full swing to keep things moving along. The wedding today went great, the reception was very nice and the bride is just so amazing. She even had a wrist corsage for me. The reception was at an estate nearby and was absolutely perfect for the event. I am so pooped right now and took a few minutes nap.
I caught a few minutes of the royal wedding, and loved the bride's dress. It reminded me of the Jackie O era styles. I am watching Roger Moore, in The Saint, and am digging it....
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Speaking of "uplifting", all I need to do is think of Roger Moore. Always a class act, funny, and just divine in so many ways. I miss him.
No surprise that the wedding dress designer is head of Givenchy. Drop dead elegance. Hoping for more of the same. Even if it doesn't happen, I am moving forward with doing the same in my life.
Almost through the Week from Hell and still (well, almost) standing. I am calling this a victory. One more day. Steak salad and steamed artichokes for dinner tonight. Need to get some real nutrition into me. Though do admit that the crepe with rhubarb-raspberry jam inside served with whipped was probably the experience that made my day.
Need to work on short-term fabulousness. - Claire
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michelle, what you did for your mom sounds absolutely beautiful. You sound like the strong woman that's going to hold everybody together through this. Claire and Michelle I'm right behind you with my mom being 85. That cancer about she had 2 years ago her chemo almost killed her. She got diarrhea so bad her electrolytes plummeted. It caused electrical problems with her heart. She bounced back from that but it was over a year before they could actually do the surgery for the colon cancer. She's doing okay now on her own but she went from being a very young 83 year-old to a very old 85 year old. She just finished getting both of her eyes done. her cataracts are out and she's doing drops for the next few weeks but hopefully she'll be able to see better. I really wish you were closer. It's super hard having her so far away but she loves her a little home in Indiana and doesn't want to leave.
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