A True Matriarch

Sorry for my delay in posts... as most of you know my Great Grandma Noble passed away last week. I went back to Wacousta, Michigan, for the viewings and the funeral. I drove up on Sunday morning, was supposed to drive back to Cincinnati on Monday afternoon but the weather wouldn't allow it. So after a stop over in Ft. Wayne (thanks to my Step Aunt Linda and Step Uncle Bob) I made it home safe and sound on Tuesday afternoon.

In any case, my Great Grandma was an amazing woman. The first thing I think of is how she was a true Matriarch of the Noble family. Her husband, Rollin, passed away before I was born and she carried the torch for the family. She is survived by 4 children, 13 grandchildren, 30 great grandchildren and three great great grandchildren!

I want to share some of my favorite memories of my Great Grandma Noble here.

• She always made pistachio pudding and I learned to like it.
• I remember braiding the tassels that acted as a skirt around the bottom of her couch.
• I remember making forts inside her living room with sheets and whatever else she had around.
• I also remember making a fort outside in the bushes near the side door.
• She had such a big appetite! I took her and Grandma Noble to Wendy's for dinner when I lived in Michigan in 2003. I had raved about the chicken ranch sandwich and so they suggested I take them there to try it. Great Grandma ate the entire thing - no crumbs remained - and her order of fries! I couldn't believe it. She was 91 at the time. :)
• She used to send me flattened flowers from her garden. It wouldn't be surprising to get a violet in the mail... or the leaves off the big pine tree in her yard when the leaves were turning colors.
• I remember playing "telephone" using the two pipes on the cement block just off her side door/deck.
• She was the nicest lady you'll ever meet, and very selfless. At her funeral the pastor mentioned how many people had made comments over her lifetime that she's as close to a saint as anyone has known. Then my dad shared a story about how Great Grandma walked out onto the ice over Brevort Lake one winter... and the pastor said "Wow! She truly walked on water."

Five people spoke at the funeral, and it was great to learn more and more about my Great Grandma through all the stories. They ranged from how adventurous she was, how she lived to serve Christ, and funny stories from friends. Overall, it was much more a celebration of this wonderful woman we were so blessed to know. God bless you, Great Grandma Noble. And thank you.

Bonding with Mr. P

This weekend Dave and Riggins are in Nashville, so Parker and I are taking the time to bond. I love weekends with my big doggie. It is so relaxing. He is not as high maintenance as he once was. He likes to chill, sleep on the bed with me, and lay on the couch with me under the heating blanket. Last night we watched shows on DVR on the upstairs TV. We came downstairs to have dinner and to watch more TV. Then we headed to bed around 10:30. This morning I woke up before the alarm, and I stayed and bed and cuddled with Mr. P (see his pic from this morning... he loves to get under the covers and lay his head on the pillow - so cute!). We hung out a little this morning before I headed to the salon for a mani/pedi and a haircut. I left Mr. P out the entire time I was gone and he was a perfect angel. This afternoon we laid on the couch together for hours. We cuddled, napped, watched some TV, and talked to Dave on the phone. Parker and I went on a walk, then played in the backyard. It's so much fun to watch him play in the snow! He goes in circles really, really fast and only stops every once in a while to catch his breath. We are back inside now and getting ready to eat dinner (Parker) and make mine. Tonight has a lot of the same relaxing on the agenda. I'll eat a good dinner (buffalo turkey blue cheese meatloaf) and drink some wine, watch more HGTV and read a book. I hope everyone else is having a relaxing weekend!

People are Inherently Good

I had a great experience yesterday, and it reminded me another one I had earlier this month and one from years ago, in which people really surprise me.

As I was pulling into the Starbucks parking lot yesterday morning (it was Wednesday!) a guy in a yellow jeep disregarded my right of way and almost cut me off. I honked, sans middle finger, and kept on my merry way. I parked in the first spot I saw open, though it was kind of far from the front door, just so I could avoid this person. I never saw the jeep driver get out of his car. I was disappointed by a middle-aged man who didn't hold the door for me to enter Starbucks, but rather hurried himself through the door forgetting about me. I thought this must definitely be the rude guy from the jeep. But it wasn't. I waited in line, paid for my drink, and a man in his mid to late 20's approached me. He said "I'm sorry." And I said "what?" I wasn't sure why this guy was approaching me. He called himself "the guy from the jeep" and apologized for cutting me off. He said he was in a big hurry and just wasn't paying attention. I accepted his apology, we both wished each other a good day, and then he went on his way. WOW! I was very impressed. Looking back I noticed the jeep guy waiting a few feet away from the cash register while I was in line. He already had his drink, but he waited for me to get through the line before approaching me. So even though he was in a hurry he waited for me to order and pay before apologizing to me. Maybe it doesn't take much to impress me. But it made me realize that there are good people in this world! I hope he had a great rest of his day and got where he needed to go on time.

Two additional examples of how good people really are:
1) I had a flight from Atlanta to Los Angeles on my trip to see Alabama play in the BCS National Championship game. I boarded the flight, was happy to have a window seat and a small woman as my seat mate. I noticed she was talking to a gentleman a few rows back. I asked if it was her husband and she said it was. I offered to switch with him so they could sit together. She was worried that I wouldn't want to sit in an aisle seat but I assured her it was no big deal. I made the switch and was content in my new seat, albeit a little less comfortable due to my new, heavier set seat mate (but it turns out this guy is a doctor in a small town in Alabama who has my friend's mom as a patient - although I'm pretty sure he wasn't supposed to tell me that she was a patient). About one hour into the five hour flight the flight attendants made the rounds with snacks and drinks. When they got to me a flight attendant asked me if I was the lady who switched with the gentleman so he could sit with his wife. I replied that yes, I was the one. She said he wanted to buy me a cocktail or snack as a thank you. I declined, because I was really happy to have helped them; it was such a simple gesture! Okay, and I already had a bag of the $2 peanut M&M's in my hands. And I would have felt guilty for ordering a $7 red wine. I thought it was great that he appreciated the gesture and wanted to show his appreciation.

2) I don't remember the details of this example, as it happened years ago when I lived in Albuquerque. Back then I went to church every week. That church is actually the only church I really enjoyed in all the places I've lived. I have never found anything quite like it. Anyway, I usually sat up front because once I sat in the back and a guy in the row next to mine was clipping his fingernails. Seriously. It was disgusting. After the service on this particular Sunday I was making my way from the front of the church to the exit when I young girl, approximately seven years old, allowed me to exit in front of her. It was so simple, but made a huge impact. Out of all three examples I've shared here, this is the only one that brought me to tears. I was overwhelmed with emotion at her simple, polite gesture. And from such a young girl! It made me think we all want to do good, but bad habits develop over the years and society doesn't really reward good behavior.

Good deeds fill me with joy. I look forward to spreading some joy to others based on my recent inspiration from jeep guy, airplane guy, and little girl.

Note: I am not the best writer. I never have been. Maybe throughout this process I will improve. Here's to hoping!

Great Shopping Day!

I just had a great day shopping. I decided to go today because I noticed I had coupons to Ann Taylor and Dick's Sporting Goods that were going to expire at the end of the month. I also had a gift card to Ann Taylor and Macy's burning a whole in my pocket.

I headed to Kenwood Mall, which is the nicest in the tri-state area, and very close at only 3 miles up the interstate. I first visited Aveda where I had two post card offers for free product. I picked up a free travel-size body wash and a personalized full-sized lotion. I was off to a great start!

Then I headed to Ann Taylor where I went to specifically by a pair of nude color patent heels. The heels were there, but the employee told me Ann Taylor no longer carries size 9 1/2. What? That's crazy... and made me feel like a freak. I'll admit, I have big feet for someone who is 5'4". I left discouraged. Once I left the store I whipped out my cell phone and looked on Ann Taylor's website... there they were: the patent shoe, in the correct color, in a 9 1/2! So I decided when I got home I would get online and buy them, using my 40% off coupon.

I ran by Starbucks on my way to Macy's and ordered a tall, non fat Caramel Macchiato, light foam to lift my spirits. I paid for the tall and waited for the barista to make my drink. The barista called out for a grande, non fat Caramel Macchiato, light foam. Yea! They made the bigger size by accident and told me I was free to go on my merry way with the grande. Score!

I went to Macy's to look for workout clothes, but didn't find anything I liked. I walked around and found a cute jersey wrap dress. It has a bright pink on it which made me nervous so I took pictures of me wearing it and emailed them to Mom and Kenzie. Both gave me their approval so I bought it! I had enough gift cards that the $89.99 dress cost me $17.91! I was on a roll.

After a stroll through Nordstrom to buy a new pair of Spanx for the new dress and to Dick's for a new pair of Nike pants to run in, I came home. I immediately got online to search for the Ann Taylor heels. I made it through to the purchase, went to apply the coupon code, and realized the coupon was for in-store only. AHHHHHHH! So I called Ann Taylor customer service to explain my ordeal. The lady on the phone told me she couldn't apply the in-store coupon code because the system wouldn't accept it online. But she did have a 30% off code she could apply, which didn't beat my 40% off code, but at least it would work. So I asked for free shipping and said she could do it as a one time courtesy. Woo hoo! After applying the code, free shipping, and my gift cards the $155 shoes cost me $0!!

Anyway, I got nearly $350 worth of items today and only paid $100. I consider that not just a great day of shopping, but an awesome one.

Day o' Merritt

I took advantage of my day off today to do whatever I wanted. Dave had to go to work, so I was on my own for the day. The key to this day was taking the dogs to daycare... which is the second thing I did today after breakfast. I love our dogs, I truly do, but if I wanted to do half the things on my wish list today I needed them to go to daycare. Parker and Riggins needed the exercise, too. They had two days off and they were almost unmanageable yesterday afternoon.

After I dropped the dogs off, I headed to the gym to take a Pilates class. Today was a full class - all women (my class last Thursday morning was all men, except me) - and it was great! We started off the same way as always, with our backs on the moving thing (forgive me, I do not know all the technical terms) and our feet on the bar. But then we stood up, with one foot on the stationary part and then our other foot on the moving thing. We did lunges and it really worked the inside of my thighs. It burned and it felt awesome! Then I went to the treadmill and ran. I really rocked it today! I ended up walking/running four miles... and one of those miles I ran consecutively. I know that doesn't seem like a lot, but I've got to start somewhere. My knees made it through the workout! That's the best news. Although tonight my right knee is very sore. I should have iced it this afternoon but it's so cold. I just cannot imagine purposely making myself even colder!

Next I ran some errands. I went to Kroger for shaving cream and razors. Then I was off to Whole Foods to get gluten free bread crumbs which I need for dinner tonight. I also treated myself to a one serving gluten free cheesecake. It was delicious! After Whole Foods I went to Petsmart to pick up dog food. Once I was home I showered, ate lunch, and then sat down on the couch with the heating blanket and a book. I read for about five minutes before my eyelids started closing. So I turned off the light and took a nap on the couch for an hour. It was great! I loved it. Then I watched a little bit of House Hunters before finishing my book. At about 5:30 I got up to get the computer out and in walked all three of my boys. Dave picked up the dogs, which I hadn't expected. It was a nice gesture.

The Day o' Merritt is officially over. I've got to finish a creative brief for my agency. They have a meeting tomorrow to discuss my project and I want to have the strategic document ready for them. Dave has gone off to the gym so I'll start working on dinner soon. Not sure if we are having Chicken, Spinach, and Mushroom Risotto or Pecan Encrusted Pork. I am thinking Risotto... it's one of my favorites. I just wish I had a glass of red wine to enjoy while I cooked... that would be a great way to finish the day.

Wednesday Mornings

I love Wednesday mornings. Not only because it signals we are that much closer to Friday, but because I work offsite at Starbucks (hence my ability to add a blog post during work hours). I started doing this in November after I got not-so-great feedback from my boss. Apparently, I am not an exceptional ABM until I am better able to set the vision. In my opinion I think this could be two things: 1) I really do have a vision I just struggle to communicate it to the appropriate people, or 2) I have no idea what I'm doing on my projects and just sit around executing. Unfortunately I think it's a mix of the two. I find it easier to think when I am not at the office, so I sit at Starbucks, white earbuds in with slow music on (currently listening to Basia, Mom!) and just jot down my ideas on paper.

Today is the exception because I HAD to finish a one-pager (that's P&G speak for a Recommendation in a really anal format, which I happen to appreciate because someone else set the vision for this format and now all I have to do is execute) for a 10:30 AM meeting. Upon finishing my one-pager I was inspired to write here because of the mother and son duo who happened to sit down next to me. I know it's a free country and I am not sitting at the Library in an adult only section, but I was completely annoyed when they first sat down. The boy, approximately 4 years old, was wild. Apparently his mother likes him this way because he had his own Starbucks in hand! He was unruly until his mother handed over her iPhone. I overheard her saying to him, "just wait, I am trying to find you WiFi." He is so young! What is this world coming to? At that age I would have been happy with a educational workbook (thanks Mom).

Anyway, one of the side benefits of sitting at Starbucks on Wednesday mornings is the ability to people watch. There are so many interesting people in this world. We are all so different. And I appreciate the diversity because this world would be very boring if we were all the same. Which brings be back to the vision setters - thank you! - because I really like to execute.

New Year's Resolutions

I am a fan of setting New Year's Resolutions... I'll take any opportunity to challenge myself. One year, I believe it was 2007, I gave up M&M's and Skittles. I made it through the entire year without enjoying either snack. Well, almost. I had one slip up at work. I was in a meeting that was running long and ended up going through lunch. One guy's assistant went out to get everyone Subway for lunch. She remembered I couldn't eat bread but that I could eat Skittles, so she brought me Skittles for lunch. It wasn't the most nutritious meal I've ever had but 1) I was desperate to eat because I was hungry, and 2) I didn't want to insult her by not eating the Skittles.

Anyway, this year I have three resolutions (in priority order):
1) Reduce the number of times I crack my knuckles each day. Notice this is reduce, not eliminate. So far I am doing pretty well. I think I've cracked my knuckles about twice a day over the last four days of this New Year. And I used to do it two times an hour, at least. It's completely out of habit and sometimes happens by mistake.
2) Run in a race. This one surprises even me! After the damage I did to my knees while training for the half marathon in 2006 I never thought I would run again. But I miss what running did for my mental health. I have been working with a trainer at our gym once/week for almost two years now, and he has been super helpful at getting me to strengthen the muscles around my knee. I hope to run a relay leg (approximately 7 miles) of the Flying Pig Marathon in Cincinnati the first weekend in May.
3) Start a family.

What are your New Year's Resolutions?