Compliment or... not so much

So, I'm standing in line next to a stranger, a woman probably in her early-to-mid 50's. She says, "I think my daughter would REALLY like your cowboy boots... she likes to wear weird stuff."

Ummm... thanks?

Double the Trouble

I realized that not everyone may know I have two blogs. I started this blog ("Katy Streams Her Consciousness") because I wasn't really sure what I wanted to blog about... 

While I still love blogging here about all-things-random (weekend recaps, silly conversations I've overheard, craft projects, miscellaneous lists, etc.), I decided I should start a blog with more of a niche. So that's when "A Life Fulfilled: Atlanta" was born. I mostly blog about thrifty shopping, my personal style (or lack thereof) and restaurant reviews. It's been a lot of fun.

Enjoy!

Keepsake Blog Award — and my Keepsake

PLT tagged me last week with a keepsake blog award. A few simple rules (care of Miz PLT's blog): 

Post a funny or sweet keepsake that tells something about you.

1. Pass the award on to 10 other bloggers that you think are keepers!
2. When I read her blog, I knew right away what keepsake I should write about:

Starting with the moment I met Lauren and her parents (and still true to this day), the "Grinder" family has always been incredibly hospitable. Lauren's dad is telling stories and making snacks, her mom asking people to get comfortable on the sofa, etc. 

For many years, Lauren's grandmother was a regular staple at their home. She was a happy, friendly and crafty lady. As the years went on, she became less mobile and ventured out of her mother-in-law suite less and less. Regardless, she was always busy creating little keepsakes for the people important to her. She made Christmas decorations and stockings, doilies and more. 

On a winter evening (when I was 16 or 17), I made one of my regular visits to my friend Lauren's house. We were probably playing cards or a board game or something when Lauren's mom announced that her grandmother wanted us to come over to apartment-style mother-in-law suite. When we made our way over there, Ms. Griner presented me with a crocheted cross. She told me to keep it in my car, as it would help angels watch over me while I was on the road. And I have.

To be honest, I'll forget ocassionally that I have the cross in my car. It's been there for about 10 years. But I'll tell you what: every time I open my glove compartment and see that familiar blue and beige treasure of ribbons and strings, I smile. I think about the people who love me on earth and the people who love me from their posts high above us. Ms. Louise Griner joined those heavenly ranks in April 2008.

For those who know me less, I should also explain a little more about why I chose this keepsake. In addition to being nostalgic and having a love for handmade gifts, I have/had kind of a tendency of being... well, let's say, an occasionally haphazard driver. I've had a fender bender or two and have sent a few cars to the body shop (or the auto graveyard). This keepsake from Ms. Griner is a reminder that despite what annoying or expensive repairs my car endures, or whatever bumps and bruises I acquire, I'll end up okay...

So, I henceforth anoint the following bloggers with a keepsake blog award. Keep it going!

• Julia from Handbags and Handguns
• Molly from I Caved
• Ashley from My Blog Phase (come back from your blogging hiatus, please! OMG... you deleted it!?!?)
• Dawn from The Gahan Girls
• Allison from Busy Living
• Laura from Knitters = Angry Mob
• Devon from Slight Obsessions
• Heather from We Met in a Bar (I know you have a wedding-related keepsake to blog about!)
• Steffi from It Is What It Is
• Laura from Dog Days of Summer and
• Harry from Stories and Songs from Harry C.S. Wingfield

Coffee Date

With Collins.... oh yeah, and Olivia, too.

Another Sibling Blogger!!

Paul decided to take the plunge today... so, Paul, welcome to the blogosphere, or bloglandia or whatever trendy thing you want to call the blog world.

Check him out: http://paulbeck-aworkinprogress.blogspot.com/.

Operation: Spicy, Tasty Hummus

Maria, Api and I had long-standing plans to get some pool time in today. Maria promised margaritas, some kind of tasty dip and chips — and dinner after the pool. She asked me if I could bring hummus and pitas. 

Seeing in that the task was so simple, and I have been wanting an excuse to try making hummus*, I decided to give homemade hummus a whirl. I did a minor amount of googling the basics before deciding on a general direction for my thrown-together hummus.

I think the outcome was a good one (Maria, feel free to weigh in). If you want replicate what I did, follow these steps

• Drain one 16-ounce can chickpeas; pour into food processor
• Add the following into food processor: 1/2 cup 2% plain greek yogurt, 1/2 tablespoon garlic powder, 1/2 tablespoon cumin, juice of half a lemon, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon pepper and 1 medium, chopped fresh jalapeno peppers (seeds removed — I recommend using plastic gloves or plastic wrap while cutting — could be dangerous!)
• Grind ingredients in processor, adding 1/2 to 1 tablespoon olive oil as needed to smooth out the consistency
• Add approximately eight fresh mint leaves; grind until evenly distributed
• Pour into bowl; keep chilled until serving; serve with pita triangles
• (Keep in mind you may want to add more or less seasoning depending on your tastes... so don't be afraid to add a little at a time)

Enjoy!

*I also have a black eyed pea hummus recipe of my father's that I need to try making — it's sure good when he makes it!

Loved

Loved. 

That one word describes exactly how I feel right now. When I posted yesterday about being laid off, I neglected to include one very important sentence: "Part of the reason I know I'll be fine is that I have the most amazing support net of family, friends and professional contacts."

Well, as I went to get the mail this afternoon, I noticed a suspicious package in the carport. Something Dan ordered? A belated wedding gift? Nope, none of the above.

The box read "1-800-Flowers.com." Hmmm... this was curious. As I opened the box, I had no idea who the flowers would be from. Dan had already treated me to a massage — and I'd already had several nice phone calls from family.

Here's what I found in the box:

 Along with this note: 

"We were thinking about you and thought this might make your day a little better. Enjoy the free time you have for a little while and you are always in our prayers. We love you. — Anna, Ben and Paul"

Immediately after reading the note, I burst into tears. What a super thoughtful surprise.

If "Anna, Ben and Paul" don't sound like familiar names to you, these are my siblings. They're all younger than I am but all so strong, so wonderful and so thoughtful. Sibs, you did make my day... maybe my month and my year. Thank you so much. I love you all.

Making a List, Checking it Twice

Today, I join the ranks of unemployed America.

Before I continue my post, allow me to explain that I understand and respect the company's decision to do a small layoff. It's no secret this is a tough economy — and in the business they're in (or in any business for that matter), it's increasingly tough to secure new business and maintain current client budgets. I enjoyed my year there and have benefited tremendously from the experience. Management treated me well in my departure — and I hope to stay in touch with my former colleagues. Thank you for the experience — and thank you to those who offered to write me letters of recommendation or share contacts.

Resume post. Seeing in that I'm going to have a lot more free time, I should start brainstorming things to do. And what's better for brainstorming than making a... LIST!?!

Ideating... things to do in the next month:

• Get a massage (thanks, Dan, for scheduling one today!)
• Increase average LA Fitness visits per week statistic
• Work on my tan (and margarita quota)
• Make a list of corporate communications and agency folks to network with
• Read What Color Is Your Parachute and Carve Your Own Road (i.e. to help me think more about what it is I want to do with my career and my life)
• Hang out with Olivia and baby Collins before Olivia has to return to work
• Finally sew that dress (I've seriously had the pattern and fabric chillin' in the closet for nearly a year)
• Detox my closet and dresser drawers; bring detoxed items to Goodwill and The Nearly New store
• Paint the living room and dining room
• Master the art of low-cost meal preparation
• Mix some fiction books in with my serious/professional reading
• Network (see bullet 4)
• Generally help get our house ready to sell
• Learn yoga
• Start a book project I've been putting off...
• Try not to spend money (free time = too much shopping)

I'll keep you all posted on my endeavors!