Lesson Learned

When I was 16, and a junior in high school, I signed up for a music class. It sounded wonderful! I'd have 3 electives, 2 of which were music classes! This class was supposed to be about ear training, writing music, and learning about music history.

In all reality, we just watched a lot of movies. With really good music. For 90% of the time. But we always knew 1 thing, we'd have to write a song for our final exam. We were told this in August. And we'd have to perform this song, or have someone else perform it for us, in May.

I don't think many of us thought about it. At least until January. It was always at the back of my mind. But I rather enjoyed it, way back there. Then 2 days before our recital, I realized, I had no song.

Yes, I had waited all that time. Not without a plan. Because there was a piece that I was working on. In my violin lessons. I didn't like that song. And I would always make up my own music, on page 3, 10 bars in. My teacher wasn't too thrilled about that. But it got me through my lessons. And eventually, I was given a different piece to learn.

That was the melody I'd use. As inspiration. The one I had made up at bar 10. The one I always got in trouble for. Honestly, I never put pencil to paper. Never had a better plan than that. Didn't practice. Wasn't worried. In the end, it all worked out beautifully. The song was amazing. I received a standing ovation.

But I couldn't repeat it. Not even if my life were at stake. My parents recorded it. With about 15 other families. But I couldn't repeat 10 bars of my composition...



Now 12 years later, I've realized something. You can't put things off. You simply can't put off what can be done today...for tomorrow. That much, I've learned.

And as I pulled out of my driveway this morning, I realized something important. I'm glad I don't put things off anymore. Why? And how does this story all tie up together?

Well, the "Codes Man" was out. At 6AM. Notebook, computer thing, and pen. Happily walking the street, writing tickets, leaving notices, and doing whatever else he does.

I saw neighbors scrambling. You know, trying to get out to their yards. Making an effort to clean, before he got to their home. And I was so happy, to not be them. To know, that just days ago, I cleaned my yard.

Sure, at the time, I had wanted to sleep. To rest. To be lazy. To recover from the graduation party, and the wedding. And to be cool. Instead of sweating in triple digit weather. But I worked. And this morning, I was glad I did.

For me, there are no fines. No notices. None of that. Back in February, a lady was arrested for not keeping up with her property. Crazy! But they're strict out here. And we all know it. We just have to stay on top of. Honestly, I'm glad those crazy days of procrastination are long behind me.

Instead, I'm at work. Getting the payroll ready. Snacking on some pecans and a smoothie. Dogs at my feet, beautiful flowers on my desk, and an easy feeling about my day. It really does pay to work hard first, and play hard later. I'm just happy that I was 1 step ahead of my buddy...the "Codes Man." ♫

I Can Count on Him

It's really funny. The last person I thought I could count on, has really been here for me. If you would have told me this 2 years ago, when we barely muttered hi to one another, I would have laughed! But in the last year, My Music Man, has really stepped up his game.

Let's just talk about the last 48 hours...

Yesterday, I had planned on cleaning my yard. Let's not even talk about the disaster I found, when I got home. You know, last week, we had the graduation party. And I was gone for a few days. I should know better. But when I got home, I found almost all my flowers were dead. The grass was yellow! Triple digit temps are literally killing me.

And for anyone that lives around here, they know that Codes Enforcement is all over these things. So I needed to clean. And I had a crap load to clean! And only days to do it in. Because I'm going back to my hometown, later this week.

My neighbor...well she was on her 3rd day of partying. At 11AM, on a Sunday morning. The street was lined with cars. And I didn't want to "ruffle any feathers." So I put off the cleaning. Because we share a fence. And I really respect her parents. They no longer live there, but they own the house.

So I went in my house. And tried to occupy my time with something else. Until I heard bottles breaking. I found that the party-ers were throwing their beer bottles into my backyard. I didn't go all psycho. I probably should have. But I didn't. I just went back inside. And tried to cool down.

Hard to do, when the outside temps are near 100. You can just imagine what it was like inside my house. With no AC. But I tried. I could feel my blood boiling over. And somehow, he just knew. Before I knew it, My Music Man was at my front door...

He came over to help. He knew I had a lot of work to do. And he is only here, until the middle of the week. So we had sorta planned things out. He'd come over and help for a few hours. Well, nothing was getting done. I was getting madder by the second. And a certain hombrecito, well, he suggested we head over to his house.

You see, last week we made plans. Which included taking Big M out to dinner. That was the plan for Sunday night. So we headed to his house. He put on the NASCAR race, made me lunch, and left me to cool off. I was that mad!

Meanwhile, he left. To go pick up Big M. By the time he got back, he had Mi Princesa, and Little M. Oh, and My Jellybean. :) 4 girls, 3 sisters, 2 Goddaughters. Oh, and Jeff Gordon won the race! Things were looking up.

We went out to dinner. At the Double Eagle. Yum! Everyone thoroughly enjoyed dinner. About 20 people came to our table. To compliment us on our beautiful and well behaved daughters. :) Do I look that nuts? 4 under 5? But we smiled and said Thanks.

And we met my favorite chef...My Music Man's little brother. He works at the restaurant that is 1/2 a block away. He met us at the Candy Store. Where we all had some yummy ice cream. Well, My Jellybean had some leche. :)

The girls ran around. We may or may not have taken a detour. You know, for some new toys. :) There was a little bit of Echo watching. And pleading with a certain uncle for the videos. And eventually, we got them home by 10PM. We're such a bad influence! But their parents' all looked very happy. A few hours without the kiddos...

I got home to find the party in full swing. And my neighbor managed to party until 3AM! I was not a happy camper. At all! Third night in a row! But I had plans on Monday. To CLEAN my yard. I didn't care how it was getting done. Or who was still partying next door. I was going to be cleaning!

At sunrise, My Music Man showed up. And we got to work. Pulling and dragging dead tree limbs. Every single time it is windy, at least 4 big limbs break from my trees. We pulled weeds. Bagged leaves. Where were they from? I have no clue. We picked trash off my fence. Mowed the lawn. Pulled out the grass in the flowerbeds. And did whatever else needed to be done. I had just cleaned my yard. The day before I left for my hometown...

My neighbor, she wasn't happy. At 6:15AM, she was screaming at me. At 6:30AM, she was cussing out My Music Man. By 7AM, I had 3 bags full of broken beer bottles, and 2 of cans. She was also calling her dad.

By 8AM, my old neighbor, was apologizing to me. I wasn't trying to make his daughter look bad. But I wanted him to see what I was dealing with. We had pictures. And bags of trash. She was still screaming. The 2 elderly neighbors, one lives across the street, the other next door, soon joined us. And we all talked.

I think things were sorta figured out. That nut job was still screaming. Her dad was still apologizing. Her little girl was crying, and her ex, well he was just trying to pick up their daughter. And he was thanking me for his daughter's birthday present. The same one, that had been thrown at me, just an hour before. I'm pretty sure, the dresses had gotten dirty. But little A was in heaven with her present.

All this time, My Music Man had my back. He defended me. Kept his cool. And tried to help me keep mine. Which at this point, was tough. After all the excitement died down, we got back to work. And by 1PM, we were ready to die! Red faces, 2 broken shovels, and 20 bags of yard waste, we were done. He went home. I went inside to clean up.

I was gone for days. Yes, days. As in, less than a week! And my yard got that bad. You see, I spend about 2-3 hours working in my yard. Every single day. During the summer. It's that big. And requires that kind of maintenance. Some days, I just wish that it was all dirt...

But my friend, he was there to help. And he even came back...with lunch. This evening, he returned. With Big M, some flower bulbs, and ice cream sundaes. We enjoyed the shady part of the yard. Ate all of our ice cream. Big M helped plant the bulbs. And my psycho neighbor yelled until her roommate came home.

Friends like this, they don't come around often. And I don't just mean the ones that bring you stuff. I mean the ones that are there for you. I can sit here all night, and tell you about the amazing things he does. Like going to Patrick's funeral. Just in case I needed him. Or protecting me from my psycho stalker. Or bringing me chicken noodle soup, when I had the flu.

He's a great guy. An amazing friend. And one of the best people I know. Who else, would spend their days off...helping me with my yard work? Or taking a bunch of kiddos out to dinner. Or putting up with my cranky butt? Not many.

I'm glad that we're friends. I'm glad that we met...almost 10 years ago! And that he talked to me every single day...until I caved. Because My Music Man is much more than a friend. We're starting to feel a heck of a lot like familia. More than family. You know, we were just meant to find each other. ♫

Ranunculus

Last year, I literally stumbled over flower bulbs at Dollar General. I never knew that they sold them. When did this happen? And I ended up buying a few packages. Some lilies, gladiolas, and ranunculus.

I planted them all! Almost immediately when I got home. And I had such hopes for them. I watered every other day. Waited. Pulled weeds. Got rid of the grass that was trying to take over. But nothing. No flowers. Not even a hint of a flower.

So I did some research. I had planted the bulbs according to the package directions. But after reading some information online, I realized I hadn't done something important. Something that wasn't on the package. I hadn't placed the bulbs in warm water, before planting.

Then we had that horrible freeze in February. My neighbors lost all their roses. Some of my bulbs didn't return. My tulips froze. But there was some hope. Like my palm tree. Which is fighting to live. I've seen signs of my ranunculus.

Yes! I might actually get a few of these beauties. I'm so super excited. I think they're such a pretty flower. And like my peonies that magically appeared, these little guys are growing. I have so much hope for my flowers. Maybe that horrible freeze wasn't so bad after all! ♫

I LOVE this Apron!

This picture instantly made me smile. And it got the wheels turning in my head. Like...I can make this. By know, you should know about my "love affair" with aprons, crochet, and all things vintage.

This picture, well, it just sums up everything. All together, in this little image. And those creative juices, well, they are begging me to create something like this. Maybe in a fun pink color. With a touch of lime green. Or teal with red. The possibilities are endless!

As the weather is getting warmer, I want to be "nesting." Have this urge to really make my house feel like "home." And I want to fill my home with lots of handmade things. If you could see my list, you'd just laugh! It's that long. :) Happy Monday! ♫

Operation

I don't know about you, but I really do enjoy playing board games. I've always really enjoyed them. And now, I'm sharing my love of board games with the "itty bitties." We've got a pretty good collection going on at my house. Everything from Scrabble to the Disney Princess. And don't forget Cootie!

Most of the girls just LOVE to play Candyland. It was one of my favorites growing up too. Until I was about 5. But that story is for another time and another day. One of Care Bear and I's favorite game to play is Operation. She just loves it! And honestly, until a few years ago, I'd never played it!



We can easily get lost for hours and hours, just playing operation. Using our "skills." And just laughing at one another. Why did I not know about this game when I was younger? Maybe I wouldn't have been so opposed to dissection, in my high school Anatomy class. :)



And recently, I've run across this game. For the more "itty bitties." "My First Operation." More fitted for little hands. So as to not frustrate them. Now I just need to buy it! :P

What about you? Are you a "Closeted Board Game Lover" too? What's your favorite? I'm a HUGE fan! And I'm always looking for more games. Even if it's just me and a bunch of little girls playing. Ya, I'm the cool "Tia." ♫

Peace and Quiet

It's funny. I yearn, honestly yearn, for peace and quiet. It's funny because my life is so chaotic. So full and jam packed. I have little time to myself. Even less time to be in peace and quiet. But I yearn for that time.

I'm one of those people, honest to God, that wouldn't go crazy if I lived in the middle of nowhere. I would actually thrive. If I went days without seeing people, it wouldn't bother me. Not one bit. Why? I have absolutely no clue. But it wouldn't.

That part that makes me laugh is, I'm constantly surrounded by people. Constantly! At work, at school, even at church. And I thoroughly enjoy it. I enjoy helping people. Nursing babies back to health. Talking to their parents. Experiencing new things through music.

But I'm a "loner." To the deepest part of my soul. I like to be alone. I like to sit and reflect. Listen to myself from the inside out. I like to write in my journal, every morning. Without fail. I enjoy long, quiet runs. And digging in my garden at sunrise. It's not out of the ordinary, to find me quietly sitting in my backyard, at midnight.

Or even curled up with my favorite book. The house dead silent. Just me and my latest book. I yearn for that. The time when my soul rejoices! And actually heals itself. The time when I am free to just be me. When I listen to my thoughts. Not the world.

I don't get much of this. If I'm lucky, I still 5 minutes a week. For just me. Without all that outside noise. Even my commutes are jammed with phone calls, studying, or practice. So maybe, that's why I long for these times. When I can shut the world out.

The next month, well it's going to be chaos. Final exams, clinicals, presentations, traveling, work, hospital stuff, taking care of family, time with friends, and lots of celebrations. But I'm promising myself this, in a month, I'm shutting the world out. Even if it's just so I can stare at my flower garden. ♫

Thanksgiving Cornucopia

I found this pattern at Free Crochet. I'm so excited! I'm definitely going to be making this. I want to use it to decorate the shelf in my dining room. And I'm probably going to make My 'Rella one too! She just loves toys like this. Oh, I just LOVE Fall!!! ♫

Beautiful

I've always been a lover of the "Great Outdoors." I just didn't really enjoy being outdoors, getting dirt under my nails, and really gardening, until I had my own home. Things have greatly changed. Now, I spend most of my free time outside.



Aren't these flowers just gorgeous? I honestly don't know what kind of flowers these are, but I think they're so pretty. I just love the brightly colored blooms!



And this space, oh it's like a piece of heaven. I have dreams. That my side yard, can one day feel, something like this. You know, a bit enchanted. Like it's a secret hideaway in the woods. Something fun, beautiful, and natural. A place to escape and re-energize. ♫

Domestic Goddess?

Tonight was my only night off of work. And I spent it cooking and baking. You would think I'm "Little Sally Homemaker." I baked my Nanie's famous bread. I'm so glad that I begged and begged for that recipe years ago. Then I made caldito. And I even baked a chocolate cake. Can you tell? I was hungry when I started!

Now, I have all this food. And I'm not hungry! Not at all! I'm not sure what I'm going to do. I'm so nervous. I still haven't heard about my Auntie. And quite frankly, I have way too much energy right now. I might just go to the gym. At least that way, I can burn some of that energy off. With any luck, Steve my trainer will be there. And he can put me through heck and back!

Yes, I'm going to leave my comfy home, with this yummy meal, to workout. And yes, I'm hoping Steve is there. Not something I say a lot. Because I usually hate going to the gym. I workout every single day. And he puts me through heck and back! Running, lifting weights, the whole works. Let's not even talk about if I'm late or I miss a day. But right now, that's what I need. A good workout. ♫

Oh Laundry

I really need to do laundry. Like desperately need to do laundry! I'm leaving tomorrow. I'm going to go visit my parents and my grandparents for the holiday. But I've been slacking on the laundry.

Why? Because both my washer and dryer are broken. Heck, they came with my house. But honestly, they're both older than I am. And well, I can't afford new ones. So for the last year, I've trekked my laundry to the Laundromat, or to J's house. He travels a lot too. So when I'm doing paperwork, I also tackle my laundry.

But the last month, well it's been busy. And I have a lot of clothes. You know, I've got a bunch of socks...even if they have holes in them. And a crap load of underwear. To be honest, I've been living in scrubs for the last month. And that's 1 quick load of laundry. So the rest, well I've just been shoving it in my hamper. But I need to find some time to do it. I might just go to J's house. I know he's already on his way to TX.

Honestly, I would love to have a laundry room like the one in this picture. I have a large laundry room. But it just doesn't work. Mostly because my washer and dryer don't work. But I have HUGE cabinets and everything. I just need to make it function.

So that's on my "To-Do List." I really want to to a few projects in there. Like make a curtain for the window. Maybe put up some shelves. And finally hang those pictures I bought. Now I just need to make the time. You know, to decorate my laundry room. And to do my laundry! ♫

Doing the Prep Work

It's almost that time. You know, to start my garden. I'm a lot like my Tatie in that respect. I like a nice garden. I started planting veggies a few years ago. Last year, I really got into it. Everything was going amazing. Until our crazy weather got really crazy! My plants stopped growing in the middle of the summer. Then in November, my plants were growing wild. I had mini watermelons in November! Until they froze...

But it's Spring. And now I need to start getting ready to plant. So I spent 3 hours pulling small weeds, trying to kill part of my grass, and just prepping. The grass keeps taking over my flower beds and garden spot. And I'm trying to revive the grass in the front yard. I was covered in dirt, stickers, and weeds. But my yard is coming along.

And if you've ever seen the size of my yard, you know it takes a lot to keep it up. I'm constantly doing something! But I really do enjoy it. I can see flowers cracking through the ground. I've already got a bunch of seeds. I need to start them in my cups. I can't plants seeds directly in the ground. The birds eat them. But I'm almost ready to start my Spring planting. ♫