40. Sold some gold jewelry
I've been hearing about how high the price of gold is right now- saw on a network news story that someone got $51 for one earring back! So I decided to see what I could find in my meager jewelry box. Surprisingly, being the pack-rat that I am, I determined that I could live without my Parkview High School class ring! I checked with my daughters to make sure they didn't harbor a secret desire to inherit this heirloom- sure 'nough, they didn't. So I took that ring, an old watch face (14K gold) and a gold ring. (BTW, apparently, most class rings are not 14K gold, so don't expect a fortune when you take yours in.)
My "research" told me that you need to go to several different gold-buying establishments to get the best price possible. The first place I visited looked like it was a very temporary set-up. Basically just a couple of folding tables & chairs in an empty store-front. However, they did check the "karat-ness" and weighed the items in front of me. Their offer was $200.05.
Stop #2 was much more permanent looking. They have to buzz you in, then you visit with a young girl at the desk. I told her I was shopping around, & she asked what I had been offered so far, as they like to be the best price in town. She took my jewelry & went through a door into a mysterious back room. When she returned, she asked "If I can talk my boss into $250 cash, would you take that right now?" I figured I surely wouldn't get significantly more than that at a future stop, so I agreed. She disappeared again, to "talk to her boss..." But she did come back with $250 cash :) Not a bad profit for a lunch hour!
I'm motivated to dig deeper into my jewelry box!
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Saturday, August 27, 2011
Inspiration
39. Act on "inspired" ideas.
Most of my "firsts" have been just to INdulge my fantasy list or to get over some INhibitions. This post has to do with INspiration- some I have received and some I want to pay forward to inspire my faithful readers :) Both of you... haha~
a) The idea for this blog of mine was inspired by Micah's "30 by 30 list." She has an official list of things she wants to accomplish before she turns 30, several years from now. The birth of 2 babies in 2 years has slowed her down a little, but I'm confident the list will be completed. Thanks for the inspiration, daughter!
b) Another Micah-inspired act occurred today. A few years ago, she read an article about simplifying your life, paring down to only 100 possessions. No, she didn't go quite that far, but she did actually make a poster of 100 things that she gave away or sold, freeing up some space in her house. My attempt at this was even a little smaller, but better than nothing! Today I gave away 55+ items to Big Brothers/Big Sisters. If I did this once a month for the next 55 months... ahh, how great would that be! I would feel like I had a new big ole house :)
c) A few weekends ago, we kept an adorable little 11-week old baby boy for a weekend. The inspiration for this act, besides the selfish one of getting my hands on a really cute & smiley baby, was The CALL. This is an amazing organization that promotes foster care and adoption of children in need. The baby we kept is in the foster home of a sweet family in our church. They wanted to take their older child for a last-minute quick vacation before school started. My challenge to others (and to myself) is to look for ways to be of a little help to families as the idea pops into your head. We all know of someone that could use the surprise of a casserole or a few hours of baby-sitting or "I'm headed to the store- what can I bring you?" My other inspirers- Tommie & Jill & Pam, who amaze me with the giving of their time to others, just because. Further suggestions are welcome---
d) For several months, I have felt a desire to put into writing how my former pastor of several decades continues to influence me, and to invite the input of others. I finally got around to this, with an open-ended post on Facebook. I LOVED reading what others remember. (Hopefully, just so I will have it forever, I will copy these comments into a future blogpost.) My other inspiration for this act was my friend Andi, who is quick to act when she feels the Holy Spirit leading her to do something, no matter how strange it may seem. Challenge- jot that note you have been meaning to send to someone, do that random act of kindness you've been thinking about, make that long-overdue phone call to a friend, etc.
Other suggestions???
Most of my "firsts" have been just to INdulge my fantasy list or to get over some INhibitions. This post has to do with INspiration- some I have received and some I want to pay forward to inspire my faithful readers :) Both of you... haha~
a) The idea for this blog of mine was inspired by Micah's "30 by 30 list." She has an official list of things she wants to accomplish before she turns 30, several years from now. The birth of 2 babies in 2 years has slowed her down a little, but I'm confident the list will be completed. Thanks for the inspiration, daughter!
b) Another Micah-inspired act occurred today. A few years ago, she read an article about simplifying your life, paring down to only 100 possessions. No, she didn't go quite that far, but she did actually make a poster of 100 things that she gave away or sold, freeing up some space in her house. My attempt at this was even a little smaller, but better than nothing! Today I gave away 55+ items to Big Brothers/Big Sisters. If I did this once a month for the next 55 months... ahh, how great would that be! I would feel like I had a new big ole house :)
c) A few weekends ago, we kept an adorable little 11-week old baby boy for a weekend. The inspiration for this act, besides the selfish one of getting my hands on a really cute & smiley baby, was The CALL. This is an amazing organization that promotes foster care and adoption of children in need. The baby we kept is in the foster home of a sweet family in our church. They wanted to take their older child for a last-minute quick vacation before school started. My challenge to others (and to myself) is to look for ways to be of a little help to families as the idea pops into your head. We all know of someone that could use the surprise of a casserole or a few hours of baby-sitting or "I'm headed to the store- what can I bring you?" My other inspirers- Tommie & Jill & Pam, who amaze me with the giving of their time to others, just because. Further suggestions are welcome---
d) For several months, I have felt a desire to put into writing how my former pastor of several decades continues to influence me, and to invite the input of others. I finally got around to this, with an open-ended post on Facebook. I LOVED reading what others remember. (Hopefully, just so I will have it forever, I will copy these comments into a future blogpost.) My other inspiration for this act was my friend Andi, who is quick to act when she feels the Holy Spirit leading her to do something, no matter how strange it may seem. Challenge- jot that note you have been meaning to send to someone, do that random act of kindness you've been thinking about, make that long-overdue phone call to a friend, etc.
Other suggestions???
Sunday, August 21, 2011
Frank Lloyd Wright house
38. Visit a Frank Lloyd Wright creation.
This is on my real-live, written-down list of things I want to do. And I've wanted to experience this for a long time, well before I even heard the term "bucket list." My Dad was an architect and instilled in me a love for well-designed buildings. I think my Dad even studied under Fay Jones, the architect of Thorncrown Chapel and the chapel at Garvan Gardens, and a student of F.L. Wright. (I'm not researching these facts as I go, so my disclaimer is that these are the facts as I have them in my head. Hopefully they are not part of a fantasy I have invented...) I even own a DVD set about the life of F.L. Wright- found out a little TMI about him, but still greatly admire his work. :)
On this last trip back home from Colorado, I made Brian take a 10-15 minute detour at Kansas City to see the home pictured below. It is now a museum, and only open by appointment, so all I could do was walk around it and take pictures, but that is closer than I've ever gotten before! (We did drive by a FLW-designed residence in Frankfort KY when Micah lived there, which pacified me for a few years.) Hopefully before my next birthday I will actually set foot in a FLW building. I have plans brewing in my head for one in Tulsa...
This is on my real-live, written-down list of things I want to do. And I've wanted to experience this for a long time, well before I even heard the term "bucket list." My Dad was an architect and instilled in me a love for well-designed buildings. I think my Dad even studied under Fay Jones, the architect of Thorncrown Chapel and the chapel at Garvan Gardens, and a student of F.L. Wright. (I'm not researching these facts as I go, so my disclaimer is that these are the facts as I have them in my head. Hopefully they are not part of a fantasy I have invented...) I even own a DVD set about the life of F.L. Wright- found out a little TMI about him, but still greatly admire his work. :)
On this last trip back home from Colorado, I made Brian take a 10-15 minute detour at Kansas City to see the home pictured below. It is now a museum, and only open by appointment, so all I could do was walk around it and take pictures, but that is closer than I've ever gotten before! (We did drive by a FLW-designed residence in Frankfort KY when Micah lived there, which pacified me for a few years.) Hopefully before my next birthday I will actually set foot in a FLW building. I have plans brewing in my head for one in Tulsa...
Monday, August 8, 2011
Massage
37. First massage
Sadly, this was FAR from what I had hoped it would be. My last day of summer freedom was this past Friday. I had a delightful frou-frou lunch with a friend :) then had a nice chatty haircut, then headed to my much-anticipated 1st massage. As were a few other firsts, this one was sponsored by Groupon. I'm beginning to feel that you might not get the full experience of services when the establishment's Groupon participation makes their business bloom uncontrollably. Or maybe this particular massage therapist is just not very friendly even when business is slow.
I located the side door entrance to the "salon" and headed down the stairs to the tiny, multi-door (all closed) hallway. Turned around a few times & then saw an office door open. Very secluded. Hmmm- a little freaky to one who watches too much CSI. Long story short, I never fully relaxed, which I imagine is essential to an enjoyable massage. This therapist, who is friends with some very nice men from my church (that helped a little), was a short, very strong, quiet man. The music was soft & relaxing, but the songs were like "In the Arms of an Angel," etc. Again, not relaxing when you are in a secluded office with a stranger & wearing only 1 item of clothing and a wonderfully large sheet. It did smell good, I'll give 'em that, like eucalyptus or something. I just had the creepy feeling that Mr. Quiet Guy could snap my vertebrae in an instant. And I was so slippery when I left, I thought I would slide out of my flip-flops! My shoulders are just now over the muscle soreness of the whole situation.
Sorry to be so complaining. Maybe some day I will try a massage again- anyone know a small talkative woman you could recommend???
Sadly, this was FAR from what I had hoped it would be. My last day of summer freedom was this past Friday. I had a delightful frou-frou lunch with a friend :) then had a nice chatty haircut, then headed to my much-anticipated 1st massage. As were a few other firsts, this one was sponsored by Groupon. I'm beginning to feel that you might not get the full experience of services when the establishment's Groupon participation makes their business bloom uncontrollably. Or maybe this particular massage therapist is just not very friendly even when business is slow.
I located the side door entrance to the "salon" and headed down the stairs to the tiny, multi-door (all closed) hallway. Turned around a few times & then saw an office door open. Very secluded. Hmmm- a little freaky to one who watches too much CSI. Long story short, I never fully relaxed, which I imagine is essential to an enjoyable massage. This therapist, who is friends with some very nice men from my church (that helped a little), was a short, very strong, quiet man. The music was soft & relaxing, but the songs were like "In the Arms of an Angel," etc. Again, not relaxing when you are in a secluded office with a stranger & wearing only 1 item of clothing and a wonderfully large sheet. It did smell good, I'll give 'em that, like eucalyptus or something. I just had the creepy feeling that Mr. Quiet Guy could snap my vertebrae in an instant. And I was so slippery when I left, I thought I would slide out of my flip-flops! My shoulders are just now over the muscle soreness of the whole situation.
Sorry to be so complaining. Maybe some day I will try a massage again- anyone know a small talkative woman you could recommend???
Sunday, August 7, 2011
Some second/firsts & grandson's heartbeat
We made a trip to Colorado last week to help keep Micah & Ben company while daddy Daniel was in Kentucky working on his doctorate studies. While there, I got to ENJOY a mother/daughter pedicure (updating first #15) and branched out big time with my polish color (updating first #28). Even Ben commented on my bright toenails :)
36. An OB appointment with Micah
As blessings would have it, Micah had an OB appointment on Monday while we were there. So I got to go with her and hear baby Isaac's heartbeat. Brian went to an appointment with her when she was pregnant with Ben (she had a LONG list of Daddy-Do chores and I couldn't take off work), so I was not about to be outdone! :) It was so wonderful to, first of all, see my daughter so far along in her pregnancy, and then to have the special treat of hearing my "baby"'s baby's heartbeat. I truly did consider it a real-live blessing! And I'm one of those women who love to feel babies in tummies kicking & wiggling- and Isaac really puts on a show. The few times Micah sits down... she seems to immediately put her hand on her little boy baby and loves to enjoy his antics. She is a wonderful mother! Love getting to watch her in action.
While we were there, Micah had all 3 of us painting her playroom. Now that was quite a sight to watch! I'm not gonna count this in my official "firsts"- though it definitely was one- but I was the most able person on the crew this time. Picture Micah 7 months pregnant and Brian with his right arm in a sling from his rotator cuff surgery. That left me to get up in a chair and paint along the ceiling line. (I'm so "handy" I can't even think what that action is called...) Brian did paint with his left hand with a roller and Micah painted close to the base boards. And we got 'er done! Looked just fine.
And now, just for fun, here's a picture of cutie Ben wearing Granddad's sling (sorry about the almost closed eyes- he's a moving target):
And Granddad in his lovely sling with Jude & Cale:
Snuggling takes a little planning & maneuvering, but it CAN be done!
36. An OB appointment with Micah
As blessings would have it, Micah had an OB appointment on Monday while we were there. So I got to go with her and hear baby Isaac's heartbeat. Brian went to an appointment with her when she was pregnant with Ben (she had a LONG list of Daddy-Do chores and I couldn't take off work), so I was not about to be outdone! :) It was so wonderful to, first of all, see my daughter so far along in her pregnancy, and then to have the special treat of hearing my "baby"'s baby's heartbeat. I truly did consider it a real-live blessing! And I'm one of those women who love to feel babies in tummies kicking & wiggling- and Isaac really puts on a show. The few times Micah sits down... she seems to immediately put her hand on her little boy baby and loves to enjoy his antics. She is a wonderful mother! Love getting to watch her in action.
While we were there, Micah had all 3 of us painting her playroom. Now that was quite a sight to watch! I'm not gonna count this in my official "firsts"- though it definitely was one- but I was the most able person on the crew this time. Picture Micah 7 months pregnant and Brian with his right arm in a sling from his rotator cuff surgery. That left me to get up in a chair and paint along the ceiling line. (I'm so "handy" I can't even think what that action is called...) Brian did paint with his left hand with a roller and Micah painted close to the base boards. And we got 'er done! Looked just fine.
And now, just for fun, here's a picture of cutie Ben wearing Granddad's sling (sorry about the almost closed eyes- he's a moving target):
And Granddad in his lovely sling with Jude & Cale:
Snuggling takes a little planning & maneuvering, but it CAN be done!
Saturday, July 23, 2011
We ran away from home!
34. Trip to Capt. Henderson House Bed & Breakfast
To "celebrate" the one week anniversary of Brian's rotator cuff surgery, I kidnapped him Thursday and took him all the way to Arkadelphia :) "Take BC to the Henderson House" has been on my actual Bucket List for quite some time, but I've had trouble finding a time to accomplish this. Poor Brian is stuck wearing a large, bulky sling for 4 weeks, and he is not supposed to drive for that full 4 weeks. AND we don't have cable TV to make his confinement a little easier :( So I just decided Wednesday that the time was now! He wanted to go in to work for a little bit (a co-worker chauffered him), so I gave him strict instructions to be home by noon, and pack a change of clothes and a toothbrush. We got in the car around 1:00 (departure delayed a little with the welcome opportunity to Skype with Ben) and headed south. Brian was a little worried about the fact that I was driving and I was the only one who knew our destination- who would be able to make sure I didn't miss any turns? I'm known for my absence of any sense of direction. We stopped for a late lunch (see next entry) and got to the Capt. Henderson House in Arkadelphia around 3:30. We checked in and then met up with our friend, Mike Reynolds, who gave us a tour of Ouachita. Wow- it is SO different from when we were students there. And it is looks great! Way to go, OBU!
Mike dropped us back at the front door of the CHH. I have stayed there before with some friends and LOVE it. And this time did not disappoint! We had a nice suite, with cable TV :), a relaxing whirlpool tub, and a great breakfast Friday morning.
Here are a few pictures, to further entice you to run away from home yourself. Take your hubby, your friend(s), or just yourself. You'll be relaxed & refreshed.
*The picture of the plate of food is in special tribute to Deborah "Sam Perkins" White, who took pictures of every plate of food she ate on her recent mission trip with Brian's crew to Haiti :)
35. Fried Green Tomatoes
I have never tried fried green tomatoes! Until recently, I've never had a desire to try fried green tomatoes :) But, now that I am 55 and so brave... I branched out. On our way to Arkadelphia, we ate at Brown's Country Store & Restaurant in Benton (another "first" but I'm gonna lump all the restaurant firsts together later). Brown's boasts that it has a 100' buffet table and it is filled with country cookin' comfort foods, like chicken & dumplins, turnip greens, cornbread, fried chicken, and FGT. They would probably taste better served fresh, rather than sitting out on a buffet line, and maybe a little crispier, but they were pretty tasty. I'll try them again another day, another place.
To "celebrate" the one week anniversary of Brian's rotator cuff surgery, I kidnapped him Thursday and took him all the way to Arkadelphia :) "Take BC to the Henderson House" has been on my actual Bucket List for quite some time, but I've had trouble finding a time to accomplish this. Poor Brian is stuck wearing a large, bulky sling for 4 weeks, and he is not supposed to drive for that full 4 weeks. AND we don't have cable TV to make his confinement a little easier :( So I just decided Wednesday that the time was now! He wanted to go in to work for a little bit (a co-worker chauffered him), so I gave him strict instructions to be home by noon, and pack a change of clothes and a toothbrush. We got in the car around 1:00 (departure delayed a little with the welcome opportunity to Skype with Ben) and headed south. Brian was a little worried about the fact that I was driving and I was the only one who knew our destination- who would be able to make sure I didn't miss any turns? I'm known for my absence of any sense of direction. We stopped for a late lunch (see next entry) and got to the Capt. Henderson House in Arkadelphia around 3:30. We checked in and then met up with our friend, Mike Reynolds, who gave us a tour of Ouachita. Wow- it is SO different from when we were students there. And it is looks great! Way to go, OBU!
Mike dropped us back at the front door of the CHH. I have stayed there before with some friends and LOVE it. And this time did not disappoint! We had a nice suite, with cable TV :), a relaxing whirlpool tub, and a great breakfast Friday morning.
Here are a few pictures, to further entice you to run away from home yourself. Take your hubby, your friend(s), or just yourself. You'll be relaxed & refreshed.
*The picture of the plate of food is in special tribute to Deborah "Sam Perkins" White, who took pictures of every plate of food she ate on her recent mission trip with Brian's crew to Haiti :)
35. Fried Green Tomatoes
I have never tried fried green tomatoes! Until recently, I've never had a desire to try fried green tomatoes :) But, now that I am 55 and so brave... I branched out. On our way to Arkadelphia, we ate at Brown's Country Store & Restaurant in Benton (another "first" but I'm gonna lump all the restaurant firsts together later). Brown's boasts that it has a 100' buffet table and it is filled with country cookin' comfort foods, like chicken & dumplins, turnip greens, cornbread, fried chicken, and FGT. They would probably taste better served fresh, rather than sitting out on a buffet line, and maybe a little crispier, but they were pretty tasty. I'll try them again another day, another place.
Monday, July 18, 2011
Canvas family portrait
33. Finally have a canvas print of a family portrait.
(Forgot to post this one earlier.)
Remember the family portrait we finally took at the beach? I have long wanted a nice 16x20 canvas family picture in our house. Using that beach picture and a site called Canvas on Demand, I uploaded the digital print and had the canvas delivered and hung on the wall within about a week of our return from vacation! Very pleased with the finished product. They even upgraded to a 16x22 size to better fit my picture. Good customer service!
(Forgot to post this one earlier.)
Remember the family portrait we finally took at the beach? I have long wanted a nice 16x20 canvas family picture in our house. Using that beach picture and a site called Canvas on Demand, I uploaded the digital print and had the canvas delivered and hung on the wall within about a week of our return from vacation! Very pleased with the finished product. They even upgraded to a 16x22 size to better fit my picture. Good customer service!
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