08 September 2008

It's All About Me Monday!

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See this guy? Does anyone know what he is? If I get a bunch of "It's a grasshopper, grasshopper" comments I'm going to feel quite foolish. See, this GIGANTIC rather large critter was on my living room wall the other morning. Seriously, the thing was at least 2 feet 2 inches long!

Yes, entomology was a part of my job in the Army, but critters belong outside, not inside! I made husband hunt this down while I stood on a chair and screamed like a little girl - and yes, it was a catch and release moment for all of you critter lovers!




Some of you mentioned wanting to see the wall in my family room. Well, here it is - Venetian plaster in all of it's glory. Don't mind the strip of crown moulding over there in the corner. It's only been there for about a year while husband decides if he likes it. I decided 11 months ago that I liked it - it's crown moulding for goodness sakes, not a tattoo! And can anyone tell me what movie that is on the TV??



Did you notice those are new flowers on the mantel? I bought those for myself. After enjoying the flowers that Lynn sent last week, I decided that I deserved fresh flowers every week! My market sells "nice" bouquets of flowers for under $10, so now when I do my weekly shopping, I'm including a bouquet of flowers with my food purchase!




Oh, and I did something else exciting yesterday - I joined our local gym! This is something I've been wanting to do for over a year, but something that has not had much support here at home. Guess what? Husband was not thrilled.

You see, this means that dinner might have to wait until 7PM instead of being served at 6:30PM. More importantly, it means that I had the audacity to do something for myself - the latter being the most "offensive." How dare I! Quite honestly, I think the real issue here is that these changes might make me feel good enough about myself - give me enough self-confidence - that I just might realize that I deserve better treatment from those around me *gasp*

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34 comments:

Karen said...

I am going with Ferris Bueller's Day Off for the movie. I don't know for sure but that looks like Jennifer Grey.

I love the wall. Very pretty.

buffalodick said...

Saw a great big grasshopper yesterday too! The movie? "Dirty Dancing"? Room looks nice!

Schmoop said...

More people should have the balls to use more color on their walls.

I could have sworn that the bug was a Katydid...No, seriously. Enjoy the sweat. Cheers Dana!!

we're doomed said...

Time at the gym is time well spent. Isn't it all about taking care of yourself? If you don't take care of yourself, how can you take care of others? You and your family should benefit from your gym time. Take care of #1, so you don't step in #2. That last sentence is my Monday morning philosophy. However, that philosophy is good for all week, any week. "Dirty Dancing" baby talking to Johnny in his cabin. Finish the molding, it will look great.

Real Live Lesbian said...

I LOVE that wall!

As for you becoming more self centered....I'm all for it! Congrats on both joining the gym and buying the flowers!

Osbasso said...

You're such a girl!

I'm disappointingly going to say "Dirty Dancing" as well...

Anonymous said...

I am shooting for Dirty Dancing.

Love the wall.

And *gasp* you thought for yourself, and to do something for yourself. Da' nerve I tell you. tsk tsk. I think there should be a ruler that says "Bathroom Break" and you have to ask for permission to carry the ruler. tsk tsk. Go you, Dana. That took balls to do that and I am proud of you.

Have a great day!

g-man said...

That is a weird lookin' bug. Grasshoppers are not so leaf shaped (I think).

Nice wall, I like the crown molding too, I'd use the corner "Blocks" to save on the odd cutting in the corners.

Dirty Dancing?

Cant beat fresh flowers.

Have fun at the gym! I need to go with greater regularity. :)

Lu' said...

In realizing you deserve better and radiating that outward, you just may get it, and from your hubby.

Anndi said...

Yup.. Dirty Dancing. Almost as sappy as Grease 2... hehehe!

buffalodick said...

I'm pretty sure that bug is one of the katydids...

Anndi said...

Want to come help me paint my living room?

You know, that bug was a lovely shade of green though...

Yay for the gym! And um, tell him he should take a cooking class. *evil grin*

Dana said...

Karen, see what happens when you are the first to comment? You make yourself so vulnerable *giggle*

Buff, DING*DING*DING We have a winner!

Matt-Man, a Katydid huh? I don't know, but it was BIG and SCARY!!

Dana said...

Doomed, it's not me that needs convincing to take care of myself ... well ... OK ... sometimes I do! And BONUS points to you on knowing which scene from "Dirty Dancing" was showing. That kind of concerns me ...

RLL, I started to feel a bit guilty for feeling so good about ME, but then I came to my senses *wink*

Os, I try to be tough, but bugs?? *SHIVERS*

Dana said...

Anaïs Satire, who new there were so many Dirty Dancing fans *giggle* The silly gym membership really was a HUGE step for me. The more I do these things the easier it becomes, and I like it!

g-man, if you "BIG" the wall photo you'll see that there is one of those very corners you speak of on the hearth. I think the crown moulding make the 9' ceilings look not quite so intimidating. I think I'll just do the project myself!

Lu, in a perfect world, that is what would happen. Either way, it's time for change.

M said...

No frickin idea what kindof bug that is, but when you find out, let me know cause we have them all over here. Maybe it's a midwestern thing, idk??

Good for you for joining the gym too!!

Deech said...

Beautiful home! You have exquisit taste! The movie? Dirty Dancing!

Anonymous said...

From one strong woman to another strong woman, with each moment you take back you age gracefully and as a lady. You are strong beyond your own fears, here is to a new brighter empowering day.

Keep us posted on the gym workouts. :)

Nolens Volens said...

I am not a bug expert by trade, but I can tell you that it is a katydid and I can tell you that they're harmless. Fun to entertain kids with and they'll ADMIRE you for holding such a huge bug in your hand calmly. ;)

Dana said...

Anndi, I'd love to help you paint! I'm actually one of those odd people who find painting quite therapeutic.

Buff, Katydid what?? *gigglesnort*

M, after googling Katydid, it appears that is exactly what it is! I'm excited about the gym - it's something I have missed terribly since moving out here.

Dana said...

Flyinfox, thank you! Now, would it surprise you to hear how much I hate this house? Far to pretentious for me!

Anaïs Satire, I was chatting with someone last night who reminded me how good the road trip was for my growth, and I have to say that I didn't realize just how bad it was until I got away from the environment for a bit.

Nolens Volens, harmless?? Tell my over-active imagination that! I could almost hear him thinking, "My her toes would be tasty!"

Anonymous said...

Often times it takes an outside to remind us of what is missing. I have had those epiphanies. I will keep tabs on your progress, and when you slip up - I'll tell you to straighten your ass up! *smile*

As American as Apple Pie said...

"Nobody puts Baby in the corner". Perhaps that should be your new motto?

Love the wall and the flowers. I also see you have the Crystal Trio from Partylite. I have the set also. Try grouping them together in a hurricane glass...really cool effect when lit.

Congrats on the gym membership. Soon you'll be even more hot!

Vinny "Bond" Marini said...

OK, they guessed the bug....

OK, they guessed the movie...

OK, they even guessed the scene...

So what the hell do i have to comment on for goodness sake?!?!!?

OH, I know...damn good going joining the gym and if he wants dinner earlier show him where the food and pots are and tell him to cook it himself...

I am really into my gym time for the first time in my long 54 years...and the weight is coming off and as mom said to my sister on the phone "Yeah, he looks good, things are moving around!"

Knight said...

Just vacuum up the bug and it's all good. No need to make the husband get his ass of the couch. He might miss the best scene in Dirty Dancing. I think a new bouquet each week is an excellent idea. If hubs fights it just say you are trying to balance out the half done molding.

Unknown said...

Oh my Gosh! I LOVE that wall! It is just gorgeous!!!! And oh, yea, Dirty Dancing, that's for sure.

The bug? I have no idea but I've seen them here. They freak me out.

Jay said...

That bug's life expectancy around here would be near zero. I'm a live and let live kind of guy for other humans. But, for bugs and spiders? Not so much.

Cool beans on joining the gym. I quit my gym when they raised the monthly fee 33%.

Dana said...

Anaïs Satire, a swift kick in the ass is always appreciated - especially when needed!

Apple, I really am excited about the gym membership. I do have an Elliptical machine and a Total Gym at the house, but I get rather bored with the workouts. With the gym - even our small one - I have some variety and a great bunch of like-minded folks to work with!

Bond, I've always enjoyed a good sweat, but kept putting of the gym membership thinking I'd use the resources at home. I think paying will give me additional motivation.

Dana said...

Knight, that critter was so big he'd have clogged the vacuum! Had to laugh at the rest of your comment *giggle*

Bina, they are just so unnaturally BIG! Bugs should never be bigger than my thumb!

Jay, our local gym/fitness center is quite small and no-frills. I was thrilled to learn monthly membership was only $39, and if you make it in 20 times each month for six consecutive months, your 7th month is free! Great motivation!!

Scarlet said...

I like your fresh flowers idea. We're worth it...dammit.

Btw, congrats on winning Jay's book. I'm visiting from his site.

Anonymous said...

I like the flower idea, too.

Love that wall. So pretty! Congrats on the gym membership. My dh wasn't too keen on the idea at first either. Guess he didn't think I'd go through w/ canceling the Directv (his condition for my joining) but I did and I don't regret it one bit!

Brian Gardes said...

The plaster looks fantastic! We thought about doing that in the kitchen, but opted for just taking out the wall instead!

Congrats on the gym membership. everyone needs to carve out a little time/space for themselves!

Dana said...

Scarlet, thanks for stopping by! And the flowers? Well, I think a smile every time I look at the flowers is worth $10/week!

FF, I actually tried to get both husband and Cam to join the gym with me. Husband has been complaining about his weight/fitness. Neither had any interest though *shrugs*

Garbonzo, thank you! I really like the way it turn out too!

tt said...

I guess it's all about 'him'? Too bad. Do whatever makes you happy girl!
( love the wall btw! )