Tuesday Talk.

‎"You can't put a limit on anything. The more you dream, the further you get."
~Michael Phelps

I want to take a trip on the Trans-Siberian railroad in Russia. Starting in Moscow and ending in Vladivostok (or the other way around.) The culture, the people, the landscape--all of it is so intriguing to me. NPR recently did a project on the trip. Read about it here and here.

Tonight, I cooked myself some delicious salmon for dinner. Delish, I tell you. I love salmon and this was especially tasty.

So, my guilty pleasure is "The Bachelor" on Monday nights. Thanks to D&S, I have partners in crime. This season is interesting. The jury is still out as to whether that means "good interesting" or "bad interesting." Ben needs to cut his hair and there are a couple of girls who just need to be kicked off the show (that means not given a rose). I don't like the drama. I just like the romance.

But guess what... they've announced the next Bachelorette, whose show will premiere in the spring sometime. Ugh, they've already hooked me. It's EMILY. Yes, *that* Emily. Brad Womack's Emily. Tell me how I can not watch this?? I know, I watch next to NO television and I'm on opposite ends of the spectrum with the only two shows I watch: "Downton Abbey" and "The Bachelor" (or "The Bachelorette").

I never said I wasn't strange.

Recently, I've tried to open my house door with my car chicka-chicka--that's the clicker thing... the... what's it called? Oh yeah, keyless entry...thingy. Anyway, I've done it SEVERAL times. I'm a smart one.

Yesterday, I got a Tetanus shot. Just a routine-every-10-years-update immunization. But my left arm hurts. Ouch. And frankly, so does my right. I got the flu shot in that one. Ugh. I forgot how shots can hurt. I know. You're thinking, "Why did she get the flu shot when she was so deathly ill FOR TWO WEEKS STRAIGHT with intense flu-like symptoms (plus the chest pain. don't forget the massive chest pain--we're calling it "the heart-attack-flu")? Isn't it a little late for a flu shot?" Well the answer is, I didn't really have THE flu, so I might as well protect myself from getting sick again.

Oh, and earlier today, I got some closure regarding the Shoebox guy (man without a nickname). I was already moving on, but somewhat defined closure is always nice. And interestingly, I felt relief. Hmph.

Life is good. Optimistic is the best way to be. And Heaven knows I'm incredibly grateful a for a few choice friends who truly take care of me.

Oh and I read this on Sunday night. Take a look. It's a good reminder.

Goodnight!
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Another Shoebox.

"I am coming to terms with the fact that loving someone (or attempting to) requires a leap of faith,
and that a soft landing is never guaranteed."
~Unknown

Years ago, I started keeping a shoebox for each relationship that ended. You know, a place to house all the things (ticket stubs, playbills, love letters, pictures, etc.) from old boyfriends that I just can't throw away, but might just start swimming in my tears if I just *happen* upon them. Out of sight, out of mind. That's the theory.

Well, I think I'm starting yet another one. :( I've gotten less sentimental and cheesy, so really it will probably just be a small envelope, but nevertheless, it's going to come into existence.

"What happened?" I can hear you saying that in your head right now, and to be honest, I don't really know. Sometimes we aren't afforded the luxury of communication. And sometimes what may seem to be going well and progressively more solidified just suddenly ends with no explanation. And you're left wondering what you said or what you did to so swiftly make one change his tune...

Remember how I didn't want to talk about this one because I didn't think I could handle one more "another one bit the dust" story? Yeah. Well, here you go. Here's that post. Sad. But I guess it's better to know one's true character and feelings early on. Not that I really know them... but I'm smart, and I know that silence speaks volumes. Sudden silence confuses, but nevertheless sends a message. A loud one.

Aye aye, Captain. Message received. Shoebox being prepared.

Why does life keep trying to teach me lessons that I have no desire to learn? Lessons that aren't often learned for years following.

No worries. I'm definitely sad, but life is good. Being sick in bed for two weeks solidified a lot of things in my mind. One of them being that God is watching over me. And the best is yet to come. It always is. Everything always works out. And if he comes around again, I'm still willing to open up the shoebox again. Because I'm open. Remember?  We'll just see.

Photo credit unknown.
I can't remember where I found it.

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Lovely Downton Abbey.

"I couldn't have electricity in the house, I wouldn't sleep a wink. All those vapors floating about."
~Dowager Countess Violet Crawley of Grantham, Downton Abbey

Please tell me you're watching.

Downton Abbey. On PBS Masterpiece Classics. I don't know why I didn't know about Season 1 last year, but I'm just as happy to watch it all in one fell swoop on Netflix. Season 2 has just started and I'm all caught up. I admit I'm hooked and can hardly wait for next Sunday to roll around to watch Season 2: Episode 3. I'm thoroughly enjoying the drama, the surprises, the love stories, and all the characters so much. Oh Mr. Bates, I'm in love.

And who couldn't be fascinated with the elegance of the Edwardian era. All their dresses, their interiors, and their "proper" ways. Maybe it's a bit much for our age, but I think we ought to be less casual and take a cue from our early 19th century examples. What do you think? Highclere Castle in the UK stands in as Downton Abbey. Apparently you can go on a tour starting again in Spring 2012.

If you're not yet watching, you can catch up on Season 1 on Netflix, and Season 2: Episodes 1 and 2 can be viewed on PBS.org. I also think all of it can be accessed on iTunes, or of course you could order the DVDs. But Sunday nights, you'll find me glued to PBS.

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SO sick.

"The first wealth is health."
~Ralph Waldo Emerson

Photo found here.

I've been sick. Really really really sick. Scary, sad sick sick sick.

But I'm doing better and glad to be back.

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New Year. New Future.

"Be at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors,
and let every new year find you a better man."
~Benjamin Franklin

The future is in the air.
I can feel it.
Here's to a wonderful 2012.
May good things come our way and may we bring good things to others.
I welcome 2012 with open arms.

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