"And they call it the dear little Shamrock of Ireland"

Forget your troubles today.

I've noticed that people of Irish descent do this on a daily basis. It might be with a pint at ye olde pub down the way, or with something simple, like walking down a cobblestone street saying "top of the mornin to ya" to everyone they meet. I LOVE St. Patricks day. I always have, all things green and shimmery beads hanging from my neck and the sound of bagpipes......they make me stand still with respect when the men walk by wearing their kilts, playing that beautiful sound. I don't mean to wax poetic here, but I'm telling you, the sound moves me.

May your blessings outnumber
The shamrocks that grow,
And may trouble avoid you
Wherever you go.

Irish blessings are countless. I have a few books, I've googled, I even have the good luck of having some true blood Irish friends in my midst that tell  me how lovely Dublin is, and have the great skill of describing it so well that I feel as though I'm there. I will kiss that Blarney Stone one day.
 
Corned beef and cabbage? I've mastered it. I only have it once a year, and thoroughly enjoy it when I do.
 
I will leave you with the sound of those bagpipes, tell me this doesn't get you in the spirit of Ireland. I'll buy you a pint if it doesn't!
 
See you soon friend,
Tiffany
 

 
There's a dear little plant that grows in our isle,
'Twas St. Patrick himself, sure, that sets it;
And the sun of his labor with pleasure did smile,
And with dew from his eye often wet it.
It grows through the bog, through the brake, through the mireland,
And they call it the dear little Shamrock of Ireland.

I hope March brings you a leprechaun that whispers to you

Spring Forward

It's that time of year again, it seems like it passed all too quickly this time. Didn't we just spring forward a few months ago? No?
When I glanced at my calendar today and saw that this Sunday was Daylight Savings Time I immediately chanted "Spring Forward, Fall Back" to myself. I always do that.
So we're going to lose an hour they say. It will feel like 5:00p but it will say 6:00p on the clock. It always takes me a little while to adjust to this change, and it's only an hour. We've been ROBBED!

I'm just kidding. Well sort of. Do we really lose an hour? Maybe we'll try to live more, a little faster, to catch up with that missing hour. I always think of it like this. Spring Forward; in the Spring, after the winter thaw, when the birds are chirping more in the morning when I wake up, and the tulips outside my window are blooming, I get the itch to work out in the morning, be more active, on-the-go more, etc. I'm actually s p r i n g i n g f o r w a r d into the new year, fresh with promise, and excited to be inside the birthday month, especially since it includes St.Patricks Day. Irish eyes smiled during the month I came into this world. I love saying that, and I LOVE green.

Fall Back; the air comes with a crispness, bringing my favorite holiday (Halloween), and all things Fall (my favorite season) such as Football, Autumn leaves, Fall foilage, pumpkins, roasting seeds, and my favorite Month, October. I have a feeling of f a l l i n g b a c k and relaxing. I'm not saying not working out, or being active, but when the weather starts to turn chilly, I think people turn towards being indoors, and the chilling out with friends, having a fire going, etc.

Each comes with its own rewards. But I have to say, I love both seasons. I like Spring, with all of the pretty blossoms it brings (my nose doesn't love it, just sayin) and the fresh, new ideas I, at times, come up with out of the blue. I realllllly like looking forward to the planned travels ahead, Charleston in May, a cruise in October. It's difficult to not want time to pass quickly when you're looking forward to a trip, but I won't wish time away.

Because we've already lost an hour, remember.

I hope March brings you a leprechaun that whispers to you where the pot of Gold is, and you go find it.

See you soon friend,
Tiffany

PS How do YOU celebrate St. Patricks Day? I think Breakfast should have something green in it. Veggie Omelet?

Insanity cleaning

I'm a crazy person.

No seriously!

There are days when I get home from work and I simply do not want to change into workout clothes to do the one thing that makes me feel the best. Beer? no. Glass of wine? no. I mean I want. But no. Y*O*G*A.
Then there are days I'm bursting with so much energy I'm bouncing off the walls at work (my coworkers loooooove these days) *disclaimer at the end of post, and I get home, workout, clean the house, rearrange the thing I've already rearranged before, blog, read, write, watch, talk, tweet, and so on....and so on....like the duracell bunny!

Then, there's the day I find out my parents are coming to Dallas for a visit. Dun dun dun........you heard that music didn't you? The theme to Jaws? or.....the music they play in scary movies right before the dumb girl that's running, trips in the yard and then gets axed because that blade of grass was too tall for her to jump over? (you know I'm right, it always happens). Well, I'm not saying that my parents coming for a visit is like a swim in the ocean with a great white. What I'm saying is, why oh why do I get the urge to clean the entire apartment as though it's the dirtiest place on this planet?  My apartment is not dirty people. I swear. But it's this whole "oh.my.God. the 'rents are coming!!!!! I MUST CLEAN ALL THE THINGS!" **

So I don't even eat when I get home from work today. I do put on the workout clothes. Hair in ponytail, game face on, I get alllll of the things out to clean with. Mops, paper towels, Pledge, Windex, Clorox wipes, Floor Cleaner, sponges, rubber gloves, a broom, vacuum, a screwdriver....I'm just kidding, I don't need a screwdriver.
Then, instead of taking my time and finishing one job at a time, I start everything at once. Who mops halfway, then vacuums, then dusts partially, then wipes down walls, then mops the other half, then scrubs, then .....sigh, I'm out of breath. But who does that? I'm in every room 10 times before it's all over. I just told a good friend today that I'm not obsessive, I just don't like dirt or clutter. My house is "lived-in", and you're welcome to throw a pillow, I won't get hives.

But the MOM and the DAD are coming! eek!

After I realized that I was acting like a maniac I calmed down, attempting to do one thing at a time. I still have two days for godsake. Visits like these make me want new things though, like the cherry wood cabinet the t.v. is sitting on in the living room for example. Beautiful it is. Love the cherry wood. But now I want that in my room, (to match the cherry wood sleigh bed), for my t.v. there, and thennnnn I want a new cabinet for the living room that's more suited to the size of that t.v. And I want a new chair to replace the black leather one that sticks out like a sore thumb, matches nothing, and is old. *cough* it was a gift, and yes friend if you're reading, I love the chair, (and you) it's just time to let it go. And then I want a mahogany desk for my room. And thennnnn I want a new painting for over the fireplace. I love the ocean scene that is there now, but I can move that elsewhere.

Do you understand what I'm saying? I start looking at my house with different eyes, and I want to flip it upside down and change things, then turn it rightside up and voila! everything is new and different. My loving friends tell me my house is inviting, cozy.....comfortable. I so appreciate them saying such things. Really.

Since I can't go out and buy all new things, I think I'll just start with the t.v. cabinet in the living room. Oh and I still need a new stereo.

But not before Friday. Mom and Dad will just have to settle for a v e r y clean apartment.

I get to fix them Breakfast at Tiffanys, YAY!! Very excited about that.

See you soon friend,
Tiffany

p.s. is it obsessive to mop walls?

*disclaimer: I have a feeling my coworkers don't really love me bouncing off the walls. But they do love ME. I just know it.

**"clean all the things" is a phrase dubbed by Allie Brosh, the most hilarious blogger/illustrator known to man. Go.Here.Now. http://hyperboleandahalf.blogspot.com/2010/06/this-is-why-ill-never-be-adult.html

What I learned today at the dentist

I think I'll just do a top ten, why not?

1: Thank GOD for dental insurance, otherwise I would be penniless.

2: Drinking coffee through a straw is not a good idea.

3: If your mouth is numb on one side, do not attempt a smile. You will look like the Joker. Or Elvis, with his lopsided grin.

4: When the dentist and his assistants continue to engage in conversation with you, with their hands in your mouth, just make a few small noises here and there to show that you're still breathing, don't attempt to talk.

5: Floss. I've said this before. But please, do it.

6: I thought I had a high threshold for pain. But, when the dentist says "please tell me if you feel ANYthing", and you do, tell him. A few quick shots and you wouldn't feel a brick thrown at your cheek.

7: Pharmacy technicians are not happy people. Oh I kid, I can't generalize like that. But really, I've found that most of them are just irritated by your presence. What I learned: A big smile can change that. But see number 3. That's probably why it worked, he thought I looked like a clown.

8: Singing at the top of your lungs in between the comings and goings of the dental assistants provides sheer entertainment for their day. Try it.

9: I don't enjoy the elevator music version of The Lion Sleeps Tonight near as much as the one with words.

10: I love Trains new song, Marry Me.

And there you have it!

See you soon friend,
Tiffany

PS tomorrow needs to include a soft breakfast. Scrambled eggs? Join me.

"You cannot find peace by avoiding life."— Virginia Woolf

Last summer (2010) I stumbled upon a blog that had me so riveted I read every post written, from beginning to end, in one day. It was like reading a book I had just bought that I fell so in love with, I couldn't put the book down.
Her name is Whitney, and her story really does resemble a fairytale. Her bio begins with "I'm a 25-year-old former anti-romantic who followed my heart 4,757 miles to London to find my Prince Charming....."
That had me at hello. I told you I was a romantic at heart. (sshh don't tell anyone)

I've yet to meet Whitney but I know I will at some point, thank you social media. She lives in Dallas and we know some of the same people, one day I will be asking for her autograph.

Every once in a while Whitney shares stories from other people who write to her. As Valentines Day 2011 comes to a close, I've just read one that reminded me that I need to stick to what I've recently said. Live life out loud. Get out. Do more. Say yes. Go go go and go some more.
It's been a great year so far, and there's a lot to look forward to.

If you are in a place where you need to be reminded how truly short life really is, read Whitneys February 14, 2011 post.

Go here:
http://www.fairytalebeginning.com/

You should probably have kleenex handy. I'm just sayin.

I hope you had a day filled with love. Mine had lobster tail that can only be described as succulent, a toast of champagne, a chocolate covered strawberry, warm hugs, phone calls from neices that I would hang the moon for, and an Elizabeth Barrett Browning sonnet that falls perfectly in tune with Whitneys post today.

"How do I love thee? Let me count the ways. I love thee to the depth and breadth and height my soul can reach, when feeling out of sight for the ends of being and ideal grace. I love thee to the level of every day's most quiet needs by sun and candlelight. I love thee freely as men strive for right; I love thee purely as they turn from praise; I love thee passion put to use in my old griefs and my childhood's faith. I love thee with the love I seemed to lose with my lost faith. I love thee with the breath, smiles, tears of all my life! - And, if God choose, I shall love thee better after death."



See you soon friend,
Tiffany
PS The Virginia Woolf quote is one I am giving a standing ovation too. It's true.

I saved the best for last

You know what I like?

Soft blankets.
Fluffy, warm towels from the dryer.
A song coming on the radio that I LOVE but haven't heard in a long time.
Snow. Oh come ON! I know.....I hear you. But I do like it. It's pretty.
The beach. There, I've redeemed myself, you summer lovers.
The smell of chlorine and coppertone.
Sunrise, and sunset, equally.
Inspiring blog posts.
Books that stay with me, days after I've read them.
Wine.
Fire. I should say contained fire. Fireplace....firepit.....even the flame of a lit candle.
New pillows for my bed.
Down comforters.
A text from a best friend "I <3 U"
Singing out loud.
The dentist. aHA! gotcha. Well, I do have to say that I'm grateful for them. I don't enjoy them, but I'm glad they exist.
Football.
Gumption.
The color pink.
Spa days that include massages and pedicures.
Hoops and YoYo. (hallmark dot com people)
The sound of rain, and the smell it brings after.....especially in the Spring.
My new interest in international recipes. Pad Thai coming soon, to a Tiffanys near you.
Puppy faces. Have you seen "Boo" on Facebook? I melt.
Ice-cold beer.
Coffee of unlimited proportions.
Paris.
Autumn.
A locket dangling from a necklace.
People who give time to charities.
Halloween.
Pigtails and cowgirl boots. They go hand in hand.
Lip Gloss. Never leave home without it.
My sisters, who share my sense of humor.
Smiling.
Laughing so much my stomach hurts.
Butterflies.
Barbecue grills with charcoal in them, turning white from flame.
Movies.
Song lyrics.
Faith. Unshakeable, faith.
Poems.
Falling asleep in the sunshine.
Trips I can look forward to, months in advance.
Lopsided grins.
Bubble gum. I don't partake often, but I still like it.
Paintings.
Yoga.
Time.

I saved the best for last. It's the one thing we think we don't have enough of and sometimes we are correct. The knowledge of "only 24 hours in a day and we should sleep at least 8 of them", leaves us with the decision of what to do with the remaining 16 hours.

I hope I use them wisely.

I hope you do too.

See you friend,
Tiffany





PS I can make you a pancake with your initial in it for Breakfast. No really. I can.

With cabin fever comes clarity

So I've learned a few things, being iced-in, working from home all week due to the inclement weather Dallas has had since Tuesday.

1: If you send a plea to the Weather Gods through your blog, they will answer. They will REALLY answer. Focus stage right.

2: When you absolutely have to get out of the house to stock up on necessities, wait until there is snow on top of ice, and go at 6:30a. It's the most peaceful existence in the world. The crunch of the snow beneath your feet and the sound of your breath are the only audible things that exist. Had a few childhood memories come back to me so quickly, with such vivid clarity, that I almost didn't want to go back inside. With firewood being a must in North Dallas this week, I am happy to report that I'm fully stocked.

3: I'm quite the chef when snowed in and my imagination wanders to all kinds of possibilities based on ingredients I have on hand. Like blueberries for example. And yes they are cookies. Delicious.


4: I'm spoiled. Did you just gasp? I did too at the admission. With "rolling blackouts" comes no electricity. I was reading a book by the fire going in the fireplace anyway, but all of a sudden I found ten reasons to need power. I sat there for a while, and then thought, what do I need it for right now. I'm warm, I can see what I'm reading, and I'm not hungry. Get over it.
I did, and it came back on within the hour. Of course this happened several times, but that's okay.

5: I'm a fire bug. Thank you Dad, for teaching me how to build one. After I stopped reading, I was sipping a glass of wine, staring into the flames leaping off the logs in my fireplace. Thinking.....always thinking. You can do quite a bit of mental organization this way. I imagined my life in folders, and began gently placing certain things in them. Some will be filed away for better use later. Some, will be tossed.

6: I love social media. Even though I was sitting in my apartment without these friends present, I was having so many conversations with various people during that time, because social media makes that possible. I knew what they were doing, drinking, eating, watching, and how they feel about ice storms. It was fun.

7: I absolutely love getting texts from friends that care about my living conditions enough to text me to make sure that I'm okay. Another thing I love about them is they make me laugh out loud with very few words.

8: Kittens are tiny furry beasts bent on destruction and mayhem.
Except when they're sleeping

9: After 3 days of being iced in, one can inch towards madness. I say this lightly, I'm fine. But only because I got out and walked today, in the winter wonderland. It's important to get exercise and fresh air every day.

10: The Superbowl is nigh. I actually didn't learn this while being iced-in. But it's a fact nonetheless. I have no idea what kind of weather Dallas will have on Sunday. But I have a feeling the weather gods decided to make the Steelers/Packers right at home by blowing arctic gusts over the Stadium in Arlington. May the best team win!

I hope wherever you are, you're safe and warm. And you have a lovely weekend.

See you soon friend,
Tiffany

PS I bought fresh watermelon and canteloupe this morning. Oh Texas, how I love you for that. It's February after all. That's what's for breakfast at Tiffanys!