Coffee mugs

Since retirement, I have wandered around wondering what all those things were I really wanted to do in my retirement time. I was making a list, but I look at it now and think, "No, what was it I was really wanting to do?" I mean, the chores I had been putting off for the last four or five years are here staring me in the face, but they still look as depressing as every.

Receiving a new coffee mug made by Mud Ceramics as a gift inspired me to clean out a cupboard section. I put a few things into the giveaway box then stood back to admire the organized cabinet. A quick count, we have nearly 50 coffee mugs for two people. Mugs not cups. Some I use for tea, some I use for decaf, some I use for guests, but I must admit it is representative of our embarrassment of riches.

I haven't started on the travel mugs yet.

My helpers

I paused to take pictures of my helpers.

Izzy with a reverse mohawk. She wouldn't let us trim any further yesterday.

On the second day

Day 2 of retirement:

The absolute, most sure-fire way of physically moving in the direction of your dreams, Melissa, on a day-to-day basis, without messing with the "cursed hows," is living them, now, to any degree that you can.

And you can.
The Universe

Which I translate: get off the computer.

Last Wednesday before retirement

I tried to open my Social Security account on-line. The security question was "What is your mother's maiden name?" I entered such and the website said, “No that is not right. You will have to go to a Social Security office." Well, I'll be. I thought I knew my mother's name, but off to Elkins we went today to the Federal Building. Modern protocol is the appointments are now by phone. Within the month, I will receive a phone call from my Social Security representative, to apply for benefits. The time is here. I retire again. I re-retire. I took early retirement from employment with the State of West Virginia in 2009 to be home for Maggie’s senior year in high school. That was a good decision and we had a great time. It was also fortuitous as the winter was a humdinger with record snowfall. I would have been stuck in Wheeling for the month of February. I worked three winters for Timberline Ski Resort and two years for Canaan Valley State Park Resort. Nice learning curves were enjoyed at both. If I were indeed being naturalist at Canaan, I might continue, but being building attendant and cashier is not a payoff. Here I hope to chronicle my entry into retirement.

Recycling

Here in Tucker County, we do have available some recycling opportunities: aluminum cans, office paper and cardboard. Yesterday I made a stop with just a few things. Starting the blog posts about flotsam and jetsam is a catalyst.

Left Behind

Left behind in the front flower bed.

Flotsam and Jetsam

So I had an idea today. I have struggled for years with trying to thin out the possessions. The popularity of storage units is rising in the US and I hanker to have less. On the other hand, I love a bargain and a yard sale. Sigh.

Back to the idea ... As incentive I will photograph and blog what I am setting free.

Today, I set a passel of weeds free from the front yard. I didn't photograph it, because the sun went down. My note for today is that I am not interested in landscaping because it is too much work and like housework, it never ends. And I hate to spend money on it.

Brickfish

http://www.brickfish.com/Pages/VideosSeries/VideoView.aspx?qsi=52110663   Melissa Home: Davis, WV 304 259-5777 Cell: 304 940-3677

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The Flu Ends With U Sponsored by CDC

I said let's take a picture for Abbey and Maggie

Melissa Home: Davis, WV 304 259-5777 Cell: 304 940-3677

See and download the full gallery on posterous

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Oh, Sports Illustrated

I can give you the unique perspective on the SI Swimsuit photo shoot that you have never had before, the one your readers would never think of ... the MOM perspective. I am the penultimate CMT (chubby mom type:) level headed, understanding, compassionate, all with a great sense of humor.

I am good in front of the camera, a perfect counterpoint to dewy youth, while inspiring confidence and projecting down home warmth. Behind the camera, I am a hard worker, diligent, reliable, organized and dedicated. Having raised five healthy, well adjusted children, I am equipped to stand in as confidante and trusted adviser to young people on the shoot, who might benefit from the wisdom of the ages.

Check out my blog and Facebook page, better yet, give me a call. How can you refuse the mother?

Road Warrior

For three years before I retired, I commuted weekly 150 miles to work. That's when I truly became a road warrior. On free ways driving 5 mph below the speed limit, I found the time was the same with better gas mileage, plus less stress. My favorite driving was on two lane roads - beautiful from the Ohio River to the Allegheny Mountains.

In 2009, I retired to be home for my youngest daughter's last year of high school. To help with senior expenses, I took a part-time job at the local ski resort. Part-time turned into daily during the snowiest winter in years - 250 inches. I didn't miss a day of work. What helped me was safe driving and a dependable car. When the snow got too high for my front wheel drive car, I commandeered my husband's 4-wheel drive truck. I am a road warrior.

1 For All ENTRY for Sammy C filmed in 1080HD

From Byron Katie

"Sadness is always a sign that you're believing a stressful thought that isn't true for you. It's a constriction, and it feels bad. Conventional wisdom says differently, but the truth is that sadness isn't rational, it isn't a natural response, and it can't ever help you. It just indicates the loss of reality, the loss of the awareness of love. Sadness is the war with what is. It's a tantrum. You can experience it only when you're arguing with God. When the mind is clear, there isn't any sadness. There can't be." A Thousand Names For Joy

I need my rest

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Gardner Bailey

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Joe lost his head in the garden

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June 13 Bridgeport

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Ad copy for maggie

I’m off to my first year of college. My future is limitless. I need to be ready for any thing that comes my way. With chic styling and easy to use software to help simplify those assignments, HP’s Vivienne Tam Mini reflects me as if HP and one of the world’s designers knew I was waiting in the wings. Dad says I can rely on the warranty support and security, but the webcam that turns into a mirror, plus integrated wireless all wrapped up in Butterfly Lovers design that fits in my shoulder bag-oh, my! Look out theater class, here I come.

I bought a credit card holder today for less than five dollars. That was exciting. I felt I got a bargain.

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