Starting to Look a Lot Like Christmas & Pulling Teeth (Literally)

It was a busy week trying to wrap up all the loose ends at work (as if that is really possible).  I have finally realized that I will never have everything ‘done’ before I take time off at work.  I am either at that point in my career or in my life that I realize it simply isn’t even possible.  Yet, I still try every single time.

It certainly feels like the Christmas season around the house with presents under the tree, the smell of baking and 70 degree weather (yes, southern California is lovely this time of the year).  Although, I wouldn’t mind a chill in the air.

It’s starting to look a lot like Christmas…I narrowed down my Christmas decorations this year and really just kept those things that I absolutely loved.  I mean really loved.  Here’s a small sampling of this year’s tree.

The tree skirt is got to be at least 15 years old.  I made it by hand; it was a cross stitch pattern that I probably bought at Michael’s and took a few years to complete.  It needs to be updated I think; maybe a project for next year.  I am thinking it needs some type of quilt backing and an update on the edge ribbon.  We shall see.

I also tried my hand at a few hand made gifts besides the cookie baking and pretzel bag gifts in my previous post…I tried my hand at some homemade sugar scrub.  Stay tuned for that in my next post.

The biggest bummer about this week was that Cali went in to have her teeth cleaned only to come out with 11 teeth extracted.  Now, first, I feel like the biggest jerk dog owner in the world because her teeth were in this condition.  But, second, I signed up for a teeth cleaning, dropped her off and called to get a status only to find out that they removed 11 teeth.  The initial appointment was predicated on a teeth cleaning and maybe having to remove one tooth…NOT 11.  Much to my surprise when I called for her status, I was casually informed that she was doing well and that they had to remove 11 teeth.  My first response was “how many teeth does she have”.  Well, apparently they have 42.  I don’t know about you, but they would never remove 11 teeth out of a human at once.  NEVER.  I am not a happy camper.  I paid for the x-rays so that they could call and tell me ahead of time what the plan was…NOT so that they could remove 11 teeth and tell me after the fact.  They assure me that this is fairly normal and that she will be fine.  I am most unhappy that no one notified me and when I did call, they were so casual about it.  So, I am waiting for her to come home so I can make her feel better…..I feel so bad.  So, so bad.

Sweet Cali - I am so sorry!

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The Week in Review

Loving the idea of phone photos  ( aka Insta Friday ) the week to catch life in action….this was a busy week for work and that’s mostly where I spent my time.
Gosh…she is beautiful…but, I am biased.  Quaint 750,000 square foot hospital in Escondido….she is coming along.  And, we are approaching the finish.  I cannot really believe it and take in all that has happened over the last few years.  It is amazing to work with such a talented group of men and women.  This building was built by the hands of over 5,000 hardworking individuals….we should all be proud.  One day sometime soon, this place will provide patient care to those in need.  Such an honor to be part of the journey.

Palomar Medical Center West....spending a lot of time here....still under construction....

Tours, tours and more tours.  Hard to be mad at all the people that want to come and see this great place.  It is not every day that a new hospital is built.  Tours…some nice and curious people, some not so nice and just plain rude people.  But, all in all, mostly respectful and gracious folks who just want their experience in this place to be before it opens and not after.  You can respect that.

lots of tours....people coming to check out the new hospital...

Lots of blue booties….on every foot that enters to minimize dust.  Kind of like blue smurfs but not as cute.

Lots of blue booties.....

She sure is pretty on the outside, but all the hard work is covered that went on behind the scenes.  This is the ceiling space…really a work of art and true craftsmenship in the finest sense.  Did I tell you how proud I am of this place and these people?

Checking out stuff in the ceiling....

Cruising west on Thursday evening towards an evening event….the sun was stunning and I tried to capture the moment without ending my life….beautiful.  And, I lived.  :-)

cruising on the freeway...

And, a surprise award for Board Member of the year.  I joined this board a year ago unsure of myself and my surroundings.  I took on a challenge with a group of people that weren’t so sure of me either.  I found strength in trying to figure it out and believing that I really could do something out of my comfort zone.  It has been a growth experience for me and something that has challenged me in ways I didn’t quite expect.  Another blessing…not the award, but the experience.

Getting an Award

And, the tulips that continue to amaze and open day by day until the first petal falls to the ground.  I love that quite sound and I heard it just a bit ago as the flowers start to deconstruct and gravity takes over.  So common, yet so amazing all at the same time.

Watching the Tulips open....

Still inspired by this shape …

Still daydreaming about quarterfoils

and those stripes….hopefully, I will find the time to sew those window panels this weekend.

and thinking about horizontal stripes

I am linking up with..

The Trunk   and  Mrs. DIY

Now it’s your turn!!!

Grab a button, link up and visit at least two other InstaFridayers!

life rearranged

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In the Moment

In an effort to live in the moment, I am jumping on the InstaFriday band wagon with a bunch of other bloggers.  It is a great way to remind myself that it is the little things that count each day.  I sometimes get so focused on what is coming and  what I should be doing that I forget about the now.  I worry about how it’s going to turn out, who is going to talk to who and what will come of anything and everything that I lose site of the right now and do not enjoy the moment.  I was reminded by several wise people of that this week (my husband credit for this).  I think it comes from lack of control, but the reality is that you only have this very moment and nothing else is promised.  So, why worry about every single moment that is to come.  You will be there quick enough.

Of course, my first reaction when I was told to live in the moment and the here and now was HOW????  I don’t even know what that is.  Or, do I?  The moment seems so fleeting nowadays, but then I was reminded that it is all around us.  It just means taking in what is before you…the smell, the sight and the sound.  And, appreciating all of those things in that very moment.

So, here goes my appreciation of the moments over the last few days…

Starting at Target before the Black Friday crowds….wandering the aisles looking at the Christmas Decorations.  I like these lighted branches…at first I thought they were kind of corny, but they have grown on me.

Shopping at Target...I am in love with these lighted branches....

Then, a little daydreaming with a cookbook…so much possibility in one little book.

Daydreaming about baking...love these magazines

And, oh, my stubborn chocolate lab Cali.  She is exploring the new backyard and continues to push the limits.  She goes up on the banked portion of the yard and won’t come down.  Each time you get close enough to help her down, she makes herself so heavy that you couldn’t possibly lift her.  Life is always on her terms.  Hmmm…interesting.  Maybe I should consider that a bit.

My stubborn dog Cali....

I really forget how much I like baking until I set aside time for me to actually do it.  And, the mess I make is half the fun.

Let the Baking Commence

My best recipes look like this….they are covered in drips and drops all over.

Well Worn Recipe

And, the finished pumpkin cheesecake…nummy!

Pumpkin Cheesecake.... :-)

I am linking up with..

Not Just 9 to 5   and  Good Times Never Sewn So Good

Now it’s your turn!!!

Grab a button, link up and visit at least two other InstaFridayers!

life rearranged

Have a great day!  My goal is to continue to live in the moment….how do you live in the moment?

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