New angle

I know I'd tried similar drastic measures before, but after reading this article about the link between dairy + sugar and upper respiratory allergies, as well as joint inflammation, I decided today to go cold turkey on the dairy and sugar. I've been suffering from post-nasal drip since November and I've felt arthritis-type pain in my fingers, toes, hips and knees for awhile now. I'm going to give it 6 weeks of strict compliance and see if it makes a difference. Wish me luck! [p.s.: to get ready for it, last night I ate 5 mini Milky Way bars and a bag of Pirate Booty Cheese Puffs...]

Trash talk

Last week I contacted Pacific Disposal service to request a new trash bin, as mine was cracked and broken up in several places. They said to have it out next Wednesday at 6 a.m. Today is that Wednesday and both Rich and I, of course, totally forgot about the assignment. We slept in a bit, as we were going in to work later than usual, and were in the kitchen stretching for a go 'round the block about 7:45 when we saw the truck from LeMay pull up in front of the house and the driver check his clip board...What timing! A moment later and we'd have been gone, earlier and we'd have still been in bed oblivious. As it was, I was able to run out and wave my arms indicating I'd have the damaged bin out to him pronto! All's well that ends well.

Arts wow

I've been thinking about what to paint for a contribution to an upcoming auction and saw a book in the library that fueled my inspiration. (Abstracts : 50 inspirational projects by Rolina vanVliet). The book helped me decide on a medium and style, but I was somewhat confused as to how to go about implementing the technique. Then last night as I was swimming laps I decided on the subject. Today on Pinterest my friend Jennifer posted an art project that provided a step-by-step guide to the very technique I was contemplating! Lovely synchronicity! Thank you!

Right place right time

This accident in Buellton, CA provided an opportunity for a synchronicious rescue. The BMW with a mother and two children inside were rear-ended by a trailer truck. They were pushed half-way through the rail and dangled over the ravine below. What was needed was a fork lift to support the car and prevent it from plunging into the ravine before the family inside could be rescue, but the fire department's forklift was at least 45 minutes away. Cue the Seabees from the Mobile Construction Battalion who just "happened" to be driving by with the very equipment that was needed. Two and a half hours later, mother and both children were pulled safely from the wreckage.

Monkey Hug

Rich was especially affectionate today, spontaneously coming up to me and hugging me periodically "for no reason" except that he "felt like hugging me." After the second such occasion, I opened my email and read my daily "Care2.com" offering, which contained this video entitled "Monkey Hug" from YouTube. I showed it to Rich with the explanation that this was his alter-ego for the day. Wonderful synchronicity at work!

The Frog decided it

This is a great back-story to a great book!


Story behind the Story: Mo Willems' City Dog, Country Frog, by Ilene Cooper | Booklist Online

Speaking of awesome, here's my seasonal list, some borrowed from Neil Pasricha, some my own:

1. Seeing the first cartons of eggnog on the store shelf.
2. Flipping channels and finding a cool movie you've wanted to see (Shrek the Third). It's almost over, and you hit "record" and it records it from the beginning!
3. Chewy Molasses Ginger cookies, warm from the oven, all gooey and soft. Almost as good as eating the dough raw!
4. Getting 99% of your holiday shopping done in one 4 hour marathon at the PX. 
5. Having my husband help with the gift wrapping.
6. Finding the perfect gifts for everyone on your list.
7. Having a grandchild sleep over and help with the holiday decorating.
8. When the Christmas tree lights are the only lights on in the room.
9. Learning Christmas songs on the piano. 
10. Family gatherings.

AWESOME!