Wednesday, February 28, 2007

All My Teeth

For awhile now, I've had sensitive teeth. When I say aWHILE, I mean for years, and it seems to be getting worse. And when I say worse, I mean on a cold day I try not to smile at people if I'm standing outside because as the cold air hits my teeth, well one in particular anyway, it HURTS. And by hurt, I mean it feels the way fingernails on a chalkboard sound! yuck.

I've mentioned it a few times to my dentist. He told me it's just my receding gums. Super. I remember once he mentioned something about if it ever got to be too much and was really bothering me, I could have a skin graph. I've heard about the procedure and it sounds painful. They take skin from the roof of your mouth and transplant it to your gums. And you feel like you have a big bad pizza burn on the roof of your mouth that lasts far longer than I can fathom.

I also know I've got an OLD filling in that tooth. Over 20 years old. So maybe my filling was breaking loose. Or falling apart. Or leaking. Hey wait, isn't there mercury in those old fillings? Isn't that poisonous?

So before my dentist appointment this week I was thinking of the hell I was sure to have to soon go thru: Either a skin graph, a crown (and NOT the kind a princess wears), a root canal, or the removal of my molar. If I didn't love my dentist I would've bailed out of the appointment. I could just continue avoiding cold things on that side of my mouth. But please, don't pull out my teeth!!!

But as it turned out, they (the dentist and my hygienist) attributed my pain to the receding gums. They just brushed on this stuff that looked like clear nail polish that is actually a desensitizer. YAY!

This turned out to be a way, way better day than I thought it would be- I've still got ALL my teeth! YIPPY!

Monday, February 26, 2007

What Diet Coke Taught Me

I just completed the week of NO Diet Coke. It wasn't nearly as challenging as I had anticipated. There was only one day when I wished for one...I was tired, I was hungry and I had a headache. I thought, "If only I could have a Diet Coke...." But then, like a determined recovering addict, I said NO.

And all in all, I'm glad. I think my stomach is happier. There's a funky acid feeling I get when I drink a soft drink that isn't all that great. Also, I think more water can never be a bad thing. I've always been a big water drinker, but now I have even more because it's ALL I drink. (Oh wait, I did have one Chai Tea from Starbucks this week.) And I just enjoyed depriving myself. No, really. I did. Just like with anything, if you restrict it, than it's even more of a treat when you actually do have it. Case in point: That Starbucks Chai Tea I drank this weekend tasted so delicious because I don't regularly have them. I use to, and I just didn't appreciate them the same way. I loved it so much this weekend that I was actually making sounds like "MMMMMMMMMM" and "ahhhh" as I drank it.

A week or two ago, we had plumbing problems and kept running out of hot water during showers. Even worse, I couldn't take my usual nightly bath. This lasted for only a few days, but by the time I had ample hot water again I was SO elated to take my hot bath at night. I always love it- it's my bedtime ritual, but just being deprived of it a few nights made me appreciate it all the more.

So, I've learned I don't "need" the d.c. as often as I thought I did. I still haven't had one and I'm not really anticipating it with glee. I also learned depriving myself of things that become habits is a good thing. By changing things up I can re-evaluate if I really need it, or really want it, or if it's just simply an unconcious decision I make.

Thursday, February 22, 2007

Friendster Still Exists

I just got some junk email from Friendster. A name I hadn't heard in years. From my recollection, its a network thing, like myspace, maybe before myspace. ?

Altho I'm not very familiar with myspace, I know it is a HUGE entity. I've only visited some musician's sites, and I like it that I can hear samplings of their music easily and for free. Other than that use, I don't use it and from what I've seen, I don't get it. But if I was a teenager I would probably love it. But I'm not, so I don't. From what I've seen, with the whole "friends" thing, it seems like a bit of a popularity contest. "Look how many friends I have". Whatever.

So I was surprised to see that Friendster still exists! I wonder how it's different from myspace?
Questions I will never know the answers to. I will never go to the trouble to find out! I'll just take 3 minutes to put it down in my blog...

A.I. Continued..

Night 2 seemed better. At least 1/2 of the girls were good.

I realized strongly something most of the contestants do that I found VERY annoying. I can't stand how they hold up the number of fingers that represents their call in number, as they mouth "VOTE FOR ME" while Ryan Seacrest is talking. I noticed the girl at the very end, with the big gigantic voice, didn't do that, so I liked her. I kind of think the girl who use to be a back-up singer didn't do it as well.

I sort of kept noticing during the show, that most of the really good singers seemed pretty humble, and the not as good singers were overly confident. That theme shows itself in life pretty often. I wonder why that is.

Anyway, I think a girl will probably win this season, altho I really have no idea who.
I'm not sure I care...

Wednesday, February 21, 2007

American Idol Begins


So this is the first week of the "real" American Idol. They're done with the fake try-outs where most of what makes it on t.v. is the singers who we're suppose to laugh at or cry for...

It's now 12 men and 12 women competing for their shot at stardom.
Last night the men performed. Tonight the women perform. And tomorrow night they eliminate 2 of each.

As I was watching the men last night thinking, "no one sounds all that good..." I then realized:
1. This is the first night in front of a live tv audience with over one gazillion people watching.
2. They probaby haven't had much help from vocal coaches yet.
3. This is the first night in front of a live tv audience with over one gazillion people watching!

Nerves alone would count most people out of attempting what they're doing! In front of 100 people, let alone one gazillion. On tv. In front of judges. So even though no one blew me away, (and I feel grossly like Paula when I say this but) I am so proud of all of them!

I'm gonna go out on a limb here to predict the winner, IF it's a man....Blake Lewis. Also known as the beat-boxer. Very cool. And I know he'll get better. And altho I hope he puts the beat-boxing into his future perfomances, I think he made a smart move in just singing last night. Because he has a pretty good voice too! And he's very cute. I think that's the main reason I've picked him as the front runner. But he's not amazing. But he's not up against anybody amazing either. BUT LIKE I SAID, first night jitters and all...

Tuesday, February 20, 2007

Detox

I don't know how it got to this point. It began so innocently, but yesterday I think I realized my dependence on Diet Coke.

Other than Diet Coke, I take in pretty healthy foods and beverages. I don't know how bad DC (from here on out, DC = Diet Coke) is, but I figure it can't be good and I realize that I feel a twinge of guilt when I have it. Because of the guilt, I often drink a lot of water to dilute the previous DC.

But yesterday at lunch, I started thinking, maybe I should just stop drinking it. For a week. I said it out loud to make myself feel more committed. And just like any other addict must feel, I felt unsure if I really wanted to stop. I know it isn't good for me, but I enjoy it so! And then after my husband's response, I realized my dependence on DC might not be normal. "A week? Is that a big deal for you?"

Well yes, it is. How did I get here? How did I get to the point that not ordering a DC for ONE WEEK wigs me out? It seems that if I quit COLD COKE TURKEY for a week, then I'll see that I'm better off with just water. And then maybe once in a blue moon I'll treat myself. But I think that's how this got started in the first place. I use to not drink one each day. But little by little, it became a daily habit. So although right now the committment is for just one week, the plan is to change the habit for the long-term. I think.

Thursday, February 15, 2007

Cry Baby

I decided, with the weather so cold and dreary and my schedule being pretty open, to treat myself to a movie the other day. I picked a movie called Breaking and Entering, mainly because Jude Law was in it. And it was playing at the Angelika. I usually like the movies showing there.

So I showed up, bought my ticket, got my popcorn and walked into the theater. It was about 10 minutes before the movie started and the only people in the theater besides me were an older couple and a lady with a baby.

But then two by two, more people arrived. I'm not just talking people, I'm talking ladies with babies. Little ones. Ones that look like they just might cry during the Jude Law movie.

I then noticed right in the middle of the main aisle a white baby changing bed. Uh oh. Then I remember hearing something about this thing called "Cry Baby Matinee" that the Angelika has during the week. A friend of mine that had a baby told me about it. For her it sounded like a cool solution to, "How can I take my often times crying baby to a movie without pissing off everybody around me?" Who can get mad when the feature you've chosen it called "Cry Baby Matinee". But since it was a "Mommy" thing, I wasn't as clued in as I could have been to what she said and then soon forgot all about it. Until yesterday!

I was getting a little nervous as I counted 8 babies in one small theater. Then the previews started. The volume was turned way down. Which is just fine for previews, but was I going to have to watch the whole movie this way? It was hard to hear, and what if one or more of the babies started crying?

But then I realized, maybe the babies weren't my biggest challenge. I had a woman behind me that sounded like she had just run a marathon...breathing really hard after just climbing the stairs to get her seat. Then she started making all sorts of noises. The kind my dog, Scout makes as she's laying down or getting up, like its a big physical struggle "UUUUUUrghhhhh". Then she popped open a canned soft drink. And then she had some kind of snack package that made a peeling noise- Like the kind of noise Sprees would make as you peel away the paper. Her noises were endless.

I felt like I was the one that was going to be a big crybaby before this thing even got started.

Fortunately as the movie began, the volume went up. But the lights stayed ON. They were dim, but oh yes, they were on. That's a cool thing if you need to look at your baby, or if you need to change a diaper, or breast feed?! But I really didn't need the lights on, at all, for any of my purposes, which were very few.

Eventually I had to use the restroom and when I returned I got to see a mom actually putting the changing table to good use. Yay. Then I got to relocate a little further away from the lady with all the food packaging noises.

There was a little bit of crying here and there, several diaper changes but nothing too distracting. If I were I mom, I'd be all over this movie option! What a great idea for them. Not that great for non-moms tho.

Tuesday, February 13, 2007

Not Just a Guilty Pleasure


I just read something about the benifits of napping during the middle of the work day. Which then reminded me of a story about the same thing I saw on CNBC this weekend.

The article in the paper today was mainy focused on the heart healthy benifits of napping. The story on CNBC focused more on improved productivity. Either way, I'm all for naps! I could probably take a nap at any time, but I am not a fan of the power nap. (And there goes the productivity) I like my naps as long as possible, somewhere between 1 and 2 hours.

The lady on CNBC tried napping (I guess she had never heard of it before?) and said she couldn't fall asleep, she just laid there. But according to this new story, just laying there rejuvenates you too. But she didn't seem to enjoy nap time. She said it would take some practice. Some practice???? Are you kidding me? I am just a natural, I guess. I've always been very talented in the napping department. No one had to teach me how, give me guidelines, and I've never needed practice to improve.

I love reading and hearing stories about the benifits of the nap. I feel like the universe is granting me permission on what I've thought up until recently was a guilty pleasure. And it's like with all things you start to notice, now that I heard one story about napping, I will likely see and hear more and more similar stories.

Take a nap today!!!

Sunday, February 11, 2007

I Want to Listen

Today I went to sent in on the Allegro Guitar Society meet-up held in the community room at 1/2 Priced Books. I hadn't been in a few months. Every time I go I am inspired by these humble, classical guitarists who meet once or twice a month to perform for the group, and for who ever else happens to be in the community room.

So, as expected, the music was lovely. Inspiring. But, there were so many other people meeting in the same room that I had to strain to hear the music. It was so sad to me that there was so much talking going on and so little attention being given to each guitarist. Many of these people, from what they've said, don't play for people other than at these meet ups. I know how brave they have to be to get up there and play these beautiful and intricate pieces they have memorized. I think everyone in there should drop what they're doing (if it makes any noise at all!) and LISTEN. They only meet once or twice a month for 2 hours. Can't they have a little peace and quite so they can concentrate and so that all the lovely sounds they make with their instruments can be heard?

And I think by being repectiful enough to listen, all of the "listeners" could really benefit from just listening. What a great way to unwind on a Sunday afternoon.

It's a beautiful thing what these guitarists do. They are passionate about their playing; it's clear as you listen to them interpret the songs they play. And they are going a step or two beyond just practicing at home. They're taking it out into the public domain. They're sharing their gift and hard work- for free, too! Just for the love of it. And I for one, WANT to listen!

Wednesday, February 7, 2007

My Praise to Givers!

When my friend Kelly was in town for Christmas, we made our somewhat annual visit to Sam Moon. Most people know what Sam Moon is, but just in case you're unfamiliar, it's a store that sells very inexpensive jewelry, purses, belts, and other accessories. I'm talking dirt cheap! And I love it. I turned Kelly onto it a few years ago and now she loves it too.

My mom and I use to go there. It was always "her treat", as most things were. So I will always love going there...the memories of me and mom on a shopping extravaganza!

So I'm so glad that when Kelly is in town, we sometimes make our way to Sam Moon. This year her daughter, Sara came with us. I've gotten to where I don't go quite as crazy in that store as I used to. On this last visit, one of the things Kelly bought was this super cute small beaded multi-color necklace with a small white flower on it... I can't describe it to justice, but believe me when I say: very, very cute. And so when Kelly put it on after we got back to her parent's house I was so envious. I just LOVED it and was kicking myself for not buying one also.

Kelly then gave it to me!!! and said the necklace was so "me" that she insisted I take it. Her 3 year old precious daughter, Sara, then had on the necklace and did NOT like hearing what Kelly was saying. She wanted it and I don't blame her! It suited her. And the last thing I wanted to do was give Sara a reason not to like me. But, by the end of my visit with them, as I was getting ready to go home, Sara gave me the necklace. Isn't that amazing generosity for a 3 year old?! So I feel like they both gave me such a sweet gift. We all loved the necklace and I ended up with it?? My philosophy is when someone gives so sweetly, you should sweetly accept. The people who give like that enjoy the giving. I know this because of my mom.

So I wear the necklace aLOT! And I never put it on without thinking, of course, of my generous, loving friend and her daughter!

Friday, February 2, 2007

The Yang of February


It is the beginning of February, and I'm pretty sure it's the coldest month here in Texas.

I bitch and I moan on days like this one...gray, wet and cold days. I am so cold I find it hard to breath right. I tend to tense up most of my muscles, especially the ones all around my back and neck and I find my neck feels really stiff!

But there is a yin and a yang to everything...

So now let me tell you about the yang!
I LOVE winter clothes. I have things that look great, but then I have things that feel great- Oh, I know it's very Granny of me, but I LOVE fleece! I have these 2 pair of fleece pants, one pair gray, the other black and they are so sickenly cozy, I can barely leave my house, and if I cared more about fashion, I wouldn't! I also love corduroys, sweaters, boots, some very cool coats I have and the over-all color of my winter wardrobe.

I love sitting by the fireplace every single night at the end of the day. (Ok, and sometimes, in the middle of it!)(Alright, and sometimes even at the beginning of the day!)

I love to watch my dogs curled up like little balls on there pillows to stay warm. Oddly, they are INSIDE and they're acting cold. These are Texan Siberian Huskies, clearly!

I love a cold, gray day when it just begs you to say, "Let's go to the movies!"

And I've said it before, and I'll say it again: I LOVE a hot bath. Is there anything better than that to warm you up?

I love Chai Tea and it is absolutely required drinking on a cold day.

A cold day inspires me to create a warm, home-cooked meal.

I love sleeping under the blankets and even the hell it makes me go thru to have to eventually get OUT of the bed. (There's some more Yin and Yang for ya!)

I love LOVE...the month of February is all about celebrating those that you love. It doesn't have to be romantic, but it is best if it is!