News and Updates from the Big Brown House

Thursday, March 16, 2017

I realize I haven't been writing much about, you know, my life since 45 won the election. Mostly it's just been Link Me Up posts pointing people to those who are far smarter and more qualified to discuss our current political climate than I. But this is my space, after all, so I thought I'd catch the world up on the goings-on here at the Big Brown House.

1. Yesterday was the twins' birthday. This day affects me weirdly now. On the one hand, it reminds me that my baby girl will never be older than 22, and I grieve anew for her loss. On the other hand, it's also the Smart Son's birthday, and he's grown into a fine human being, a man of good character, humor, honor, and curiosity. I'm hopelessly proud of him, and celebrate his time on this earth and am delighted he's my son. So, weird.

2. We're attending an "invitation only" sale this evening at our local flooring store. The carpet we bought when the house was built was the default option with no upgrades, and we basically hate it. It's separating at the seam to the hard wood floor and the hardwood is thoroughly scratched at the points where it overlays a thoroughfare. I suspect you can imagine the reason for that. (cough*Miss Jackson Pi*cough). So we're replacing the carpet and the wood floors in the main areas and halls (but not my office or the bedrooms). This was always the plan, but it will be expensive and a pain in the ass, to boot.

3. Miss Jackson Pi had an upset tummy over the weekend, and now I feel like I need to write a note to the Bissell Corporation thanking them for the efficacy of their SpotClean Pro™Portable Carpet Cleaner. This machine is the cat's pajamas, y'all.

4. From a leadership perspective, it's irksome that leaders have to spend 90% of their time on 10% of the people, leaving little time or room to actually accomplish goals. This was true when I was a Senior Non-Commissioned Officer in the Navy, and it's true now.

5. The "March for Science" demonstrations are scheduled for April 22nd. That's Earth Day, for those of you keeping track at home. I'll be attending here in Denver with some science-loving friends, and I've been knitting "brain hats" for us to wear to the event. Here's an example:

Brainz...it's what's for dinner.
Once I'm done knitting the hats for our group, I may consider taking orders from long-time readers and friends for the cost of the yarn. These take longer than my usual projects, though, and the yarn is much more expensive.

6. I paid off my Fiat this month. So both my Jeep (for which I paid cash) and the Fiat are now free and clear. I figure I'll just keep driving them until I retire, and in the meantime save all that car payment money for my retirement transportation needs.

7. After finishing his general education courses at our local Community College, the Smart Son has been accepted into two of our state universities here in Colorado. I don't know which school he'll end up selecting, as his GI Bill allows him to go to any state school, anywhere, with tuition paid in full. Ah, to have so many choices!

8. I have been assigned a task at my day job that is incredibly tedious and will take a long time to complete. I think I'll have to pace myself, as I'm already so bored I want to take my eye out with a spork.

9. I like lipstick. This is not exactly "news," but as someone who smoked for many years, I have trouble finding a product that will not seep into the fine lines around my mouth and make me look like the Joker. But the new matte liquid lipsticks were made for me! My current faves are Tarte Tarteist Lip Paint and Revlon Colorstay Overtime Lipcolor. The Revlon has the advantage of coming with lip gloss in addition to the lip paint, which is convenient.

This counts as my once yearly public display of girliness, by the way.

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