Stuff & Things vol.10

Jumping right into my random thoughts this Thursday...

• Adele was here.  I know lots who went.  I like concerts (I mean, I like them a lot), but for some reason, I had no desire to see Adele.  Actually, I think I'd enjoy having some beers with Adele but just wasn't wildly interested in her concert. I mean, if someone gave me a free ticket, I'd have gone.  I'm sure it was spectacular, but I have no feelings of missing out.

• I've mentioned to Heather and Kathy, so I thought I'd share here....you know how the American president is often called "the leader of the free world"?  I'm in favor of passing that torch to the Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

Photo from article: Justin Trudeau's 7 Most Wonderfully Feminist Moments Will Make You Love The Canadian Leader Even More

• Remember when I decided to offer my books that I'd already read?  Only 4 books remained unclaimed and those were donated.  I was pleased, I enjoyed sending the packages, and will definitely do this again. 

• I've had some bizarre dreams the last week.  I'm a regularly bizarro-dreamer, but these have been pretty special.  For instance, I had a dream that my mom's guy was lifelong friends with Kenny Rogers.  He ended up visiting them at the same time that I did, and my mom kept cancelling plans with me to hang with Kenny. 

• Currently, I'm reading The Rose Garden by Susanna Kearsley.  There is a part with the ashes of a loved one being taken to a special place.  I've decided, if I die I want half my ashes in Texas and half my ashes here in Australia.  If my wishes are expressed on my blog, is that legally binding?  Probably not.  Guess I need to tell the appropriate people.

lajva[g]a kja"R j

ah     <---------- Astro just walked across the keyboard.  I thought I'd keep his "thoughts" in the post for you, just in case you read cat lingo.

• If you are a rock music fan, this is a "must watch".  This video is just one of those examples that I'm so happy the internet was created, so something this entertaining could be shared.  Watch "Kids React to Guns N' Roses":

Linking..... with  Kristin:

Stuff & Things vol.9

Not complaining, just thinking out loud...

• New job started, and nothing like a new job to throw the personal routine into a tail spin. 
• I have two weeks of training at a different location to where I'm actually working.
• I'm still in retail management, but before, we owned our own business, so I ain't gonna lie, I'd have the laptop open at work and play around in the blog world when no customers were in the store. 
• Now, I won't be doing that at all while working because I'm working in a much more fast-paced environment (I love that so far!), and I won't be online during work hours.
• Before, I worked with my guy.  Now, I don't.  So, you know, when I get home, I spend time with him instead of immediately sticking my nose in a book or into the laptop.
• I have never been a fan of reading or commenting on blogs or answering emails via my phone.  I just find it more comfortable to do it from the laptop.  And I use the google reading list over bloglovin'.
• Speaking of bloglovin', I only go on there about once a week.  I noticed this week that people can now comment on a blog post through bloglovin'.  That comment doesn't show up UNLESS you go to bloglovin'.  No email notification and no comment on the actual blog post.  Has anyone else noticed this?  Or has it always been this way, and I just don't use bloglovin' enough to know?
• It's been raining all week, so no walking for me.  But, I'm on my feet all day running around my work, so I'm not sure my legs, feet, and knees could take walking for exercise right now.
• Which takes me to the fact that I really would like to incorporate yoga into my new routine.  I practiced yoga probably 15 years ago and enjoyed it.  Personally, I think it would be good for my mind and body to start it up again.  Need to research some yoga studios in the area.  My house is just not a place for it.
• What a boring post this has been just putting my thoughts to words.  Nothing inspirational.  Nothing about International Women's Day.  Nothing funny.  Nothing informative.  Oh well.  It's still me and still real.  Thanks for sticking around (if you're still reading this.) 
  
  

Linking..... with  Kristin:

Currently...linking up vol.11

Starting..... a new job on Monday. 

Thinking..... I probably won't talk about work/job stuff here on the blog.  I did before because we owned the business, but now I will be working for a company and just feel like that should remain separate to my blog life.

Celebrating..... that I have a job.

Mourning..... my mini vacation from employment.  I had two full months off from working.  I didn't get nearly as much accomplished around the house that I intended to do. 

Recuperating..... I have been sick on & off throughout January and February ... stupid mono/glandular fever ... who gets this at my age?!  Then, this week, a stomach bug hit me.  I lost 4 pounds, but that's not the way I would choose to lose weight.  (I'm sure I'll gain it back as soon as I eat something.)

Feeling.....  the temptation to watch Real Housewives of Sydney.  I gave up watching all RH series years ago.  I used to watch OC, NY, NJ regularly and dabbled with (as in, I think I've seen one episode of each) ATL, BH, and Melbourne...but somewhere along the way, they lost me.  The Sydney installment has hit the airwaves this week (I think), and the marketing machine is pushing it hard.  I'm tempted.  I might watch one episode then say "nope, not for me" like I did others.  I do not fault anyone for watching these.  Watch what you want.  I don't judge.

Watching.....  Big Little Lies.  So, if you know me, you know I'm not much of a TV gal, but I'm making an effort with Big Little Lies.  Don't worry.  No spoilers from me.  I commented to Kerri how intense and twisted Celeste & Perry's (Nicole Kidman & Alexander Skarsgard) relatationship is? I seriously couldn’t watch the “make up” scene in the closet because I was so disturbed. AND, I’ve read the book, so I know all about the relationship! I think that means that they are acting the shit out of those roles. 

Sharing.....  this post of mine from earlier this week because I don't want any book lovin' bloggers to miss out!  (psssst:  free books!)

Encouraging.....  you to participate in "twelve things to celebrate in march: a scavenger hunt" by quirky pickings; you don't have to do all the things, you don't have to do them in order or on the exact date listed, just do something fun/different/creative that often involves putting a little good out there in the world.

Linking..... with Kristen and Gretchen:

Linking..... with  Kristin:

Stuff & Things vol. 8*

*Somewhere, I lost count what volume this is, but I'm going with "8", not that anyone really cares.

Happy birthday to this guy...my guy...I don't gush about him much in this space, but let's just agree that he's a great match for me, and I appreciate him and his love immensely.

I'm going to walk a 10K.  I'm not even sure I can walk 10km, but I'm going to try.  At the end, there will be cured meats, artisan cheeses, wines from local vineyards, and craft beer.  Reward me with food.  Please, and thank you.  If you feel so inclined to support a worthy cause (and support me), you can make a contribution here. 

A fascinating, scary, informative, and interesting read:  The psychology of why 94 deaths from terrorism are scarier than 301,797 deaths from guns.  And, I suppose I should mention, I'm not trying to take away allllll the guns from every American.  I just think sensible regulations are worth discussing (and enforcing.)  But, enough of what I think, read that article.  I swear it is all the things I said it is -----> fascinating, scary, informative, and interesting.

I had an in-depth conversation with a friend the other night.  I'm going to try to keep it simple when summing it up:  She is American, in her young twenties, and entering a master's program here in Sydney.  She is a survivor of a sexual assault that occurred approximately two years ago.  She reported it to the police.  No charges were filed.  You know, that whole "he said/she said" reason.  Her parents are big Trump supporters.  She asked her parents (after some failed attempts to explain to them why she did not support their choice for President) to not talk "politics" with her anymore.  An argument ensued.  The parents ended up telling her that there is no correlation between her sexual assault experience, and the women that accused DT of inappropriate sexual behavior.  Her parents didn't talk to her for a month, and then when they did contact her, they demanded an apology for being disrespectful to them.  Again, this is me trying to keep it simple.  I've been thinking about this ever since she and I talked. 
One, I'm thinking of my friend.  Her assault, her struggle, her emotions and feelings, her strength, her path of healing.  Two, I'm thinking of other victims.  Those out there who may be struggling silently.  Or arguing with loved ones.  Who are needing support but not getting it.  Three, I'm thinking of people like my friend who reported her assault to the police but got little to no support from authorities.  She is not my first friend to tell me a similar story.  Four, I'm thinking of the negative impacts that this election season and new administration has triggered in victims of sexual misconduct.  Some are feeling like the American people excuse such behaviors.  My friend specifically mentioned this.  She also mentioned the laughable sentence received by the convicted rapist, Brock Turner.  Five, I'm thinking we have a long way to go to smash this rape culture that is still alive and real and prevalent. 

Do you know about Booksgiving by The Bloggess?  Check out this link.  It's wonderful.  Gifting books to strangers.  I love it.  I gifted one. 

Do y'all know about NE Patriots Tight End (and former Texas A&M University Aggie) and his children's book?   I love stories about athletes who aren't just athletes.  NFL Star Martellus Bennett Pens Children's Book Based on Daughter's Persona  Apparently, there is a free app that you can download as well.  If you have young readers or gift books to young readers, check out the website for it.   Bennett was also named to Forbes 30 Under 30 list.

Source

Friday night, we're going to see the 2017 version of Guns N Roses.  I saw them in 1993.  I saw Axl's version of himself with hired musicians a few years back.  I've seen Velvet Revolver several times with Duff and Slash, and they played some GNR in their setlist.  I saw Slash solo a few times too.  But, Axl, Slash, and Duff are back together, and I'm excited to witness that reunion live.  Slash is my favorite live guitarist, Axl is a phenomenal vocalist, and Duff is just cool.  If you need further proof of how cool he is, check out this post of his on twitter:

Speaking of twitter, I give you this:

Linking..... with  Kristin:

Currently.....linking up vol.10

Laughing.....  at the fact that my guy (who cares very little about sports) knows Tom Brady only because he's married to Gisele. Not for his sports prowess or accomplishments.  Makes me laugh because that is what most often happens to women.  This time, it's "Gisele" who is known and Tom Brady is just her "trophy husband".

Admitting.....  I may be late to the party, but I might have developed a LuLaRoe addiction.  You see, when I first heard of LLR, I discovered it is one of those new(ish) phenomenons that is only based in America so far.  You can't make purchases without an American shipping & billing address, so I just shrugged my shoulders and moved along.  My girlfriend who visited from Texas gifted me a pair for Christmas.  Then, my cousin hosted a pop-up party, and since she's family, she was willing to arrange shipping my purchases to me.  Now, I've looked into it more, I want allllll the adorable & cute stuff (hello, prints with cassette tapes or kitty cats or lipsticks or sugar skulls....)

Applauding.....  the movie, Lion.  Have you seen it?  You should.  There is so much ugliness in the world, but there are some extraordinary stories as well, and this is one of them.  I read the book "A Long Way Home" by Saroo Brierley, and this movie was an excellent film adaptation.  Dev Patel is tremendous, and the little boy who plays a young Saroo was too. The stark contrast between the two locations on film creates some amazing scenes in the cinematography.  Tears were shed, and my heart was so full when I left the cinema.  I get goosebumps even from watching this trailer:

Planning.....  on my next movie to see being Hidden Figures.  That looks like an amazing, based-on-a-true-story movie as well.

Walking.....  I am in the worst rut as far as lack of exercise and physical activity.  I gotta start back up somewhere, somehow, so I've started walking.  I have an app that tells me how far, for how long, and how much energy I've burned.  It's a start, and I'm glad I'm doing something, anything, to get myself moving again.

Reading.....  Trail of Broken Wings by Sejal Badani; review to come next Tuesday on "Show Us Your Books" day.

Acknowledging.... that I haven't mentioned one thing political in this post or what I think about the state of America since the new President has taken office.  I've got 2 different posts in draft concerning those topics and feelings, and I am just finding it oh-so-difficult to articulate. 

Appreciating.....  this response from the President of my university, where I graduated, regarding one of the Executive Orders.

Contemplating.....  I'm in the midst of job hunting.  So, I'm contemplating my security settings on social media.  I'm not private on Instagram or twitter, and bloglovin' automatically posts a link on twitter to my blog every time I publish a new post.  Should I be set to private on these sites?  I don't feel like I have anything to hide, but is there a certain aspect of our private life that we should keep private from potential employers?  I suppose if they search hard enough, they'll see me ask this question too.

Awaiting.....  correction:  Eagerly awaiting..... my next trip back to Texas which is booked!  Niece 2 graduates high school late May, so I'm going home for that.  Then, for her graduation gift, my mom is taking my niece to San Francisco in early June and letting my sister-in-law (niece 2's mother) and me tag along.  Pretty excited about this!

Asking.....  for any San Francisco suggestions that you categorize as a "must do", "must see", or "must eat".  We've got a list of things already with many, many options...but, of course, I enjoy blogger suggestions!

Anticipating.....  meeting bloggers in real life.  I know jenn IRL because we were in the same homeroom together our 9-12 grade years, so she's a friend who knew me pre-blog years.  And, I enjoy reading about friendships forged through blogging that turn into seeing each other in person friendships.  Rachel moves here in a few months, and we are already planning to catch up for tea, and Kristen comes for a visit in June!  I get to have one of those "blates" I've been reading about.  Yay!

Linking..... with Kristen and Gretchen:

Linking..... with  Kristin:

Stuff and Things New with Me

I keep meaning to write about my thoughts and feelings about closing a small business.  I keep meaning to write about what the future holds for me (in the professional sense.)  I keep meaning to do these two things, but I haven't because, if I'm being honest, my thoughts and focus are scattered.  So, here's my stream of consciousness...random, jumbled, wordy and all.  No pretty pictures or funny gifs included.  My bad.

My husband and his father opened their store 12 years ago.  I joined the team 7ish years ago.  Throughout those years, in addition to me, there would only be one other employee, in a part-time capacity.  So, we were truly a small business, family owned and operated. 

Every sale mattered.  Every repair mattered.  Every customer mattered.  Because they paid for every aspect of our livelihood.  There was no set, stable, guaranteed income.  But, it wasn't just about money.  It was about our name.  Our family.  Our reputation.  Our business. 

And, when it comes to the product that we were providing...fine jewellery...often the purchase was made to commemorate an important occasion.  An engagement.  A wedding.  A birthday.  An anniversary.  A gift to oneself after earning a bonus that required hard work and commitment.  A gift to oneself to just "treat yo self".  A graduation.  And more.  We truly wanted the items from our store that marked these important events to be unique, special, quality, and memorable. 

There are not enough words to describe my husband's commitment and work ethic.  I won't even try.  Nothing I could say could do justice to how hard he worked, how committed he was to doing his best, providing the most, giving his all to the business.

Working with him, we learned that we truly made a good team.  We knew each others' strengths and weaknesses.  We bounced off each other well.  We knew how to depend on each other when needed and when to give each other space and autonomy.  Working together truly prepared us for marriage in some ways, without question.  I think that we made such a great team professionally in some aspects, that it convinced us that yes, we'd make great life partners too.

Deciding to close shop wasn't an easy decision.  Not at all.  Reviewing things that went wrong.  Recognizing things that should have been done differently.  Examining the business, trade, and market.  But, once the decision was made, we were ready for it.  The final day those doors closed, we were celebrating.  There was even an impromptu dance session to "The Final Countdown" mixed in there the last week.

What does the future hold? 

We have several ideas and ventures in mind. But, for now, I think we are both in a space that we want one of us (me!) to have steady, stable, known income...even if it isn't a big income...while the husband pursues other ventures in the jewellery trade that are a gamble.  He has some custom orders already established that he will be working on in our home workshop.  He has other opportunities that have been offered to him, and he has some new ideas for a different type of jewellery product launch as well. 

So, I will be on the job hunt.  I started resume writing today.  I haven't written a resume for myself in over a decade.  I reached out to a few people that I've worked with in the past to ask for a few adjectives/buzzwords to describe me.  I gotta admit: I'm pretty humbled, astonished, and quite frankly, proud of their responses. 

I have decades worth of sales experience from building materials to fine jewellery.  I've got a BA in Sociology and years ago worked as a caseworker at a juvenile prison.  A few years ago, I completed a Diploma of Tourism (similar to an Associate's Degree) because the travel industry has always interested and excited me.  Getting a focus on the avenue(s) I want to pursue is my challenge at the moment.  But, I'm confident I'll work through it. 

So, that's "Stuff and Things" that are "New with Me".  How about you?

Linking..... with Kristen and Gretchen:

Linking..... with  Kristin:

'Tis the season for stories from retail

I was able to jot a few stories down that I've witnessed over the last two weeks from the wacky world of retail during the holiday season...........

Guy comes into store wanting to buy his girlfriend a gift.  They got in a big fight, and he wanted to apologize and let her know he's not going anywhere.  Why did they argue about?  That he found her "meth pipe" in her bag...but she hasn't used it since January...so, clearly, there's nothing to worry about.  He bought a bracelet.

Guy comes into store wanting to buy two presents - one for his girlfriend and one for his ex-wife, but he still "likes to keep the ex-wife happy", if I know what's he's sayin'.  He bought two necklaces.

Guy comes into store and thoughtfully buys girlfriend emerald earrings.  He specifically liked the emerald ones because his girlfriend is Colombian, and Colombia produces a lot of beautiful emeralds.  Girlfriend comes in a week later and rudely states "I don't like these. I won't wear these. I am Colombian, and I don't need anyone buying me emeralds. I have emeralds."  After calming the ungrateful hag down, she selected a diamond necklace to exchange for the emerald earrings.

Guy comes into store and looks at a variety of items.  He selects a ring and negotiates a "best price", even a further reduction from the already discounted price.  He says he is going to his bank and "will be right back" with the payment.  We never see/hear from him again.  (This happens all.the.time.)

Lady comes into store to check to see if her ring is ready to collect.  She has her claim ticket out, but she is a repeat customer, and I know her.  I also know that the ring isn't ready quite yet, that Neil has been working on it, and point out that the due date marked is another 3 or 4 days.  Her response is "well, can't he get it done early for me?"  I have a few diplomatic responses for this and assure her it will be due on time.  Her reply "well, if he is so busy, why isn't he back there in the workshop working?"  After (fake) laughing and assuring her again that I would phone her as soon as it was ready, she says again "No, seriously, why isn't he here working?"  Finally...I responded truthfully "he's in the toilet."  Really...can't my guy just do his urination and defecation business without having to justify it to a customer?

Guy comes into store wanting to buy diamond earrings.  After an extensive discussion that includes price comparisons to large chain stores/big box stores...the quality of their product, their buying power due to volume purchases, etc...guy tells me that I am very knowledgeable and have provided him excellent service, but he's still going to buy from them because they are cheaper.  Awesome dude.  Thanks. 

Guy comes into the store and really likes some earrings that are on sale for $699, but he says he better bring his wife in just to make sure she'd like them.  He brings her back.  She selects a different pair of earrings that are on sale for $2,100.  His reply? "Darling, if that is what will make you feel special, let's get them."  See, there are some lovely stories too.

Linking..... with  Kristin and reminding you to be kind to your helpful retail workers:

Currently...linking up vol.9

Counting.....  down the days until our shop closes.  I'm sure I'll write a post of my mixed bag of emotions about being a small business owner closing our store and tackling new adventures in the future.

Feeling..... the Christmas spirit a little more this year.  I think it's a combination of knowing that I won't be working Christmas Eve for the first time in years and having friends coming to visit from Texas.  It's got me all the more excited this year.

Doubting..... that my tree is going to make it this year.  It's not even December and branches are bent with ornaments falling off.  "Why?" you may ask.  Because out of our 3 cats, one considers himself an expert tree-climber...or he wants to be one of the decorations.

Planning.....  fun stuff for my friend that is visiting.  She and her 11 year old son will be here Christmas through New Year's.  Their excitement for this trip is contagious.  We're going to the beach, to the zoo, camping surrounded by Australian wildlife and more!

Appreciating.....  how sweet my stepkid can be.  We've been talking a lot about my friend and her son visiting and the fun things we have planned.  He asked me "what are you the most excited for?", and my reply was "all of it!"  I asked him the same, and his reply was "I'm just excited to meet them."  How sweet is that?

Applauding..... my husband.  While buying a coffee this week, he witnessed this lunatic of a woman spewing racial rants to people.  She had a Chinese girl in tears.  She told an Indian man to "go back where (he) came from" and that he stinks.  She told the Chinese coffee shop he also "should go back" where he came from.  When my husband confronted her, she called him a "nazi" and to mind his own business.  The coffee shop owner and my husband both called security, so as she was leaving and throwing out more racist vomit, my husband followed her until security caught up with her.  Oh, and by the way, this ain't her first visit into the land of being a disgusting racist and menace to society.  She's even on youtube for it.

Wondering..... what is wrong with people??

Moving..... to a happier topic:  How is it that I've never heard about Dolly Parton's Imagination Library?  An organization supported by one of my favorite people (DOLLY!) giving books to children?!?  What's not to love?  Jana mentions it (or has a link to it) in this post.  Oh, and by the way, if you haven't read Jana's post, you should.  The initiative "delivers a quality, age-appropriate book once a month direct to children at home from birth to 5 years old in targeted communities. Our vision is that all children start school ready to read and learn so that they can succeed in life."  There are programs in Canada, the UK, Australia, and the US.  Take all my money.

Promoting..... my book challenge: Book Challenge by Erin - you can check out our facebook group where most of the activity goes down or this page on my blog.  Categories are announced December 1st, as in tomorrow (if you're in my part of the world).  That's why this post is going live today.  What a great way to kick off 2017 - reading books!  Won't you join us?

Reading.....  Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein...just started it last night.  I'm pretty sure I'll like it based on those that have recommended it to me.

Listening..... to my personal mix of Bon Jovi, Goo Goo Dolls, and Butch Walker.  I dumped all other songs from my ipod shuffle at the moment and have just been listening to these faves for the last week while I'm commuting. 

Learning..... where bears live in North America.  Why?  Because Steph mentioned seeing bear poop, and I know Steph lives in Pennsylvania, and I had no idea bears lived there.  Then, I found this map and learned there are even bears in Florida?  And Louisiana?  Am I the only one that didn't know these things?  Yep, I'm feeling pretty dumb right about now.  See how educational blogging can be?

Source

Linking..... with Kristen and Gretchen:

Linking..... with  Kristin:

Stuff and Things vol.7

Let's jump right into this, shall we?

I've been busy.  We all get busy.  Question for you: if you get busy and you feel that you aren't reading blogs or answering comments in the timeframe that you want, do you stop posting?  Or do you continue posting and just catch up when you can?  I know there isn't a "right" or "wrong" answer to this question...I'm just interested in how others handle this. 

The election.  So much to say.  So many things have been said.  One friend of mine from high school has been teaching internationally for the last ten years.  She is currently in South America.  She has also lived in the Ukraine, Asia, and (if I remember correctly) Portugal.  She has been vocal on facebook.  One person asked: "Why do you care?  You haven't lived in the U.S. for years?"  Many others handled this question appropriately.  I responded to just count me into that category of "American citizen living in another country who still cares."  But, I really just wanted to post this gif:

I am inspired by this friend of mine.  She later posted that twice a year she scores essays for an international college and has done so for years.  She is going to use the money earned from that task and donate to two causes that she believes in - Planned Parenthood and the ACLU.  I love this.  It could be any causes or worthy organizations.  But, I love the examination of what she, as an individual, can give and supporting groups that she feels are deserving.

We had a woman drop of her watch for a battery one day.  She picked it up the next day.  When doing so, she received a document listing her item that she left, the work that will be done to it, and the amount owed.  We have MASSIVE, bright "Closing Down" signs in our window.  When she came back to pick up her watch, she said "oh, well, you're closing down...I don't think I should have to pay anything since you can't offer me a warranty."  For an $18 service.  Maybe she shouldn't have left it in the first place.  Am I getting overly annoyed with the general public as closing draws nearer?  Maybe.  I just need all idiots to stay away.

I signed up for a 10k walk (walk, not run) that's happening March 2017.  I'm in the worst shape I've ever been.  I gotta start somewhere, and I have a super duper friend who motivated me to do this walk together.  Plus, it supports the Starlight Children's Foundation which is a great cause.  Double plus, it's called "A Walk with a Finish for Foodies".  That's right.  At the end, there will be "Picnic Market stalls for gourmet treasures including cheese, cured meats, artisan breads, crafty beer and boutique wines." 

We've all seen little sayings/memes like the one above, right?  I guess that I am a dog.  I am motivated by food.  I'm not ashamed.  I rather like dogs. 

When we close the shop, I'll be changing library that I frequent.  I've gotten carried away by this fact.  It seems like I'm trying to get all the books before I change, and a lot of my reserves are coming in.  Currently, I have 10 things checked out, and I've received notice for 4 more things to pick up.

During a major "Spring Clean" about a month or so ago, I found some leftover Christmas cards that I planned to use this year.  Do you think I remember what I did with them?  Nope.

Making my Christmas list...why is it every year that I get to those important men in my life (my husband, my dad, my brother), and I can never figure out what to get them? They are also the ones that are no help...they tell me that they don't need anything and to not buy them a present. 

What do you buy those "hard to buy for" men in your life??

Linking up with  Kristin:

Currently... linking up vol.8

Laughing..... at myself.  Tuesday, it was "Melbourne Cup Day" here in Australia.  Think the Kentucky Derby on steroids.  They call it "the race that stops the nation."  Women wear pretty spring dresses and fascinators (sp?) in their hair.  What are fascinators you ask?  Pretty hats with flowers or feathers.  Offices throw parties for their staff.  Pubs are busy with fanfare all afternoon.  I show up to work and notice all the lovely ladies dressed up today.  What was I wearing?  A black shirt, black pinstripe pants, black flats, and my hair in a clip...the most UN-Melbourne Cup Day attire possible.  I bought a flower and threw that in my hair.  Best I could do.

Admiring..... this cover of People magazine. I've made some lousy choices with men in my life, but when I picked my lifetime celebrity crush, I did well. This man just keeps getting better and better.

Appreciating..... that Ericka thought of me when she saw the People story. We Jovi girls stick together. 

Tallying..... all the books read for Book Challenge by Erin 5.0.  After 4 months, we wrapped up at the end of October.  Hosting this book challenge brings me a lot of joy, and I love being a part of community that encourages each other to read.  Next one will be held January 1, 2017 - April 30, 2017 with categories announced December 1st!

Participating..... in other book challenges too:  Semi-Charmed Winter Book Challenge, Aussie Author Challenge, Around the World in 80 Books, USA Reading Roadtrip; Yep.  I love a good book challenge. 

Finding.....  new books to read.  Goodreads announced nominees for Goodreads Choice Awards 2016.  I blew up my "to read" list (as if it wasn't ridiculously long already) looking at all the books nominated.

Reading.....  I Hear the Sirens in the Street by Adrian McKinty.

Watching.....  movies for the fall film challenge; Okay.  Let's be honest.  I'm not watching many.  I'm pretty sure I've watched the least amount of movies in this challenge than I've ever watched before, but I've watched a few.  One that I watched was Pride & Prejudice.  I'd never read the book, and I'd never seen the movie.  I finally watched the movie, and yes, it was lovely.  Damn, that last scene between Kiera Knightly and Donald Sutherland is acted to perfection.

Looking.....  forward to cracking open a bottle of wine that a customer gave us this week to thank us for years of good customer service.  How nice is that? 

Wearing..... a headband.  You see, I have this super stylish friend that I've known for almost 30 years.  He's also super sarcastic (one of the reasons that we are friends.)  He shared a pic of Sandy in Grease singing "Hopelessly Devoted to You" and said that he was going to bring headbands back into fashion.  I replied that I still wear them as I'm not one to follow "what's it" and "what's out" kind of rules.  So, yea, I busted out a headband this week :)

Needing..... to read some blogs.  I'm usually pretty good with devoting a little bit of time everyday to this wacky world of the blogosphere, but I feel like I've gotten behind lately.  I'm sure no one has noticed.  I'm the one who has noticed.   

Announcing..... a new email for the blog; it's now texerin-in-sydneyland@hotmail.com

Linking..... with Kristen and Gretchen:

Linking up with  Kristin: