My apologies for being lost in action the past few days. Truth be told, I’ve been stressed.
How stressed was I? I ate five Kit Kat bars and four Heath Bars from the stash of Halloween candy. I gained 5 pounds, which I thought was going to be more. So now I’m back to counting points and being choosy about carbs and dairy.
Those Heath Bars–I ate more than I stated. Kit Kats too. I’m now back to counting points and calories. I need to cut on the carbs too! But, I’ll admit. Halloween candy is the best for stress-eating!
Being out of work basically, sucks. It sucks not because I don’t have a current job, but it sucks because I have no steady income.
Buh bye money honey. I miss you–but that’s about all I miss!
And the worst part is that I told the boys and Oona that it would be a good idea if we didn’t exchange Christmas gifts this year because I just can’t afford to do so. With no disposable income, everything is going toward the mortgage, car payments, my affordable health care, utility bills, insurance for the automobiles, and food.
Actually, the worst part of that was the fact that all three kids were fine with it. All three said there wasn’t anything they wanted except to be together during the Holidays. I’m blessed.
Add to that, I’m not networking very well. I haven’t as much as wrote a sentence for my book, my YouTube channel is absolutely horrific because I lack the skills to edit and script, and my lack of subscribers makes marketing the blog very difficult.
What’s a deeply shallow individual supposed to do when the unsuccessful life she leads makes her stressed?
Yeah, well, besides a nap I need a good weekend of binge-watching TV!!! Get the tee shirt and jeans off and get the PJ’s on!
Why—she watches TV!!! That’s what she does I did I’ve been doing!!!
And my new favorite TV show is “At Home With Amy Sedaris”. It’s only three episodes in and already it’s a bag of chips and more!
Amy is the perfect next door neighbor. She can do EVERYTHING!!!!!
I love Amy Sedaris. (Did I mention that her brother, David is my favorite author?)
Amy, a cute elfin sprite of a woman, had a show some years back. The show was “Strangers With Candy”. In a nutshell, the show was about a woman, Jerri Blank. Jerri was a runaway. An ex-con and drug addict, if you will. She returns home to Flatpoint at the age of 47 and returns to high school—as a Freshman. The show was hysterically funny—or at least it hit my humor button. And I was hooked and watched every episode. I also love the fact that Sedaris isn’t afraid to make herself look less than beautiful.
Sedaris as Jerri Blank in the show “Strangers With Candy”. I need to binge watch this again!
Anyway, her new show is Pee-Wee’s Playhouse for grown women! She lives in a cute almost animated looking house. It’s colorful and fun. She does crafts—just like Katie Brown and Martha Stewart.
I can’t WAIT for Amy’s Christmas Crafting! Look! Jane Krakowski is helping her. Amy has such cool friends!
She cooks—just like The Barefoot Contessa and Martha Stewart.
27056_003 At Home with Amy Sedaris 102 – Alison Rosa
Dare I attempt to make this Shrimp and Olive tree the next times we have guests? Amy has the happiest kitchen!
She has “friends” who stop by—like Stephen Colbert and Paul Giamatti. (My favorite one, though is Nick Kroll—playing the creepiest but funniest guy trying to get into Amy’s pants).
That Amy, she gifted Stephen Colbert with a raisin necklace and an ice cream she made–all because he sat her turtle!!
Nick Kroll is so hip. Does this scene look familiar? Amy is teaching Nick how to make an ice cream cake. Things are getting awfully hot–hope that ice cream doesn’t melt!!
Paul Giamatti was a very naughty businessman who stayed beyond dinner time at Amy’s house! Ohlala!!!
She is bubbly and effervescent and always positive. And that is why I love this show so much. It makes me laugh at my own lack of perfection and my attempts to be the perfect hostess/crafter/cook.
She even covers skin care–just like you-know-who!!!
And sometimes things go wrong–but look at that chair. I want it!
Overall, she’s a cross between Donna Reed and June Cleaver! Sort of….
I wish Amy Sedaris was my friend! And thanks to Amy, I channeled her and made a five-minute Christmas wreath that is now ready to be hung in the house! I hope Bonaparte likes it!
Before…a twig wreath, cranberry embellishments and plaid ribbon. All less than $12!
After. My five-minute wreath. No hot glue needed either! Easy Peasy. I can’t wait to hang this up!
And I’ve binged on Fuller House. YES!!! I did! I spent last Sunday in bed. All day. Watching Seasons Two and the first half of Season Three.
There is a special place in my heart for “Fuller House”. This is a continuation of the wonderful “Full House”. It takes place where Full House left off—only years later.
Just when you think TV can’t get any cornier–it does! But in the best way!
And Fuller House is even more corny than the original. There are “ohhhhhs” and “awwwws” and enough canned laughter to last through a nuclear holocaust. It is rife with dopey innuendo and the most cloyingly precocious children. Danny Tanner, Uncle Joey, Uncle Jesse and Aunt Becky make appearances. And Aunt Becky looks fabulous. It’s not fair.
Oh yes. The New Kids On The Block choreography as well as NKOTB are back this season!
The same ridiculous catchphrases are back. “Oh Mylanta!” “How Rude!” “You Got It Dude!” Thirty years later, it warms my innards when I hear those words.
Kimmy Gibbler is back and she should be a guest on Amy Sedaris’ show. They would make a great pair. This time around she is engaged to her Latino ex-husband (don’t even). Stephanie Tanner is coupled with Kimmy’s brother Jimmy.
My favorite subplot is the romance between Stephanie Tanner and Jimmy Gibbler!!
The story lines are just as convoluted as the old ones. With one twist that is really starting to get on my nerves. DJ Tanner, now a widowed DJ Fuller, is in the middle of a love triangle. Her old high school boyfriend Steve or the handsome vet she works with, Matt. Just for the record, I’m team Matt.
And my least favorite subplot is DJ’s indecisiveness with Matt…or Steve? TEAM MATT!!!
But silly storylines aside. The reason that this show calms down my stress level is because the show is about family. Extended family. And no matter how crazy things get, you always have your loved ones to make you whole.
In the end, it’s about family; no matter how corny!
DJ Tanner-Fuller has always been that organized, well-grounded big sister. She plans. She has it under control. And I’m now channeling my inner DJ by making another attempt at Bullet Journaling.
My third attempt this year. Let’s hope third time’s a charm thanks to DJ!!
I need to get organized—about my blog, my book and my channel. With the holidays coming I need to get prepared and seeing visual lists and making entries of what needs to be done and what I have done will only help that. Thank you, DJ!!
My last binge is a series on Netflix. It is a remake of a movie from 1986. The movie was a TV one. The Worst Witch. I can’t begin to tell you how many times I’ve watched this with my kids when they were younger. We had the VHS tape and DVD! The movie was based on the series of books by Jill Murphy.
My favorite version of The Worst Witch! Charlotte Rae, Diana Rigg, Tim Curry and Fairuza Balk. This movie was epic!
The original cast stars Charlotte Rae is Miss Cackle, Diana Rigg as Miss Hardbroom, Fairuza Balk as Mildred Hubble and the amazing Tim Curry as The Grand Wizard!
It was everything I needed to help me forget about my worries, anxieties, and stress. And instead, I remembered watching the adventures of Mildred Hubble with Jake when he was three years old—and then Roman and then Oona. And for two Halloweens in a row, Oona was Mildred Hubble for Halloween.
I wish I could find the photos of Oona dressed like Mildred Hubble!!
Naturally, I was very intrigued when surfing the Netflix choices and came upon the new Worst Witch series. And since I had no plans to get out of bed on Saturday, except to cook dinner, I decided to have a go at binge-watching.
I felt extra-special about binge-watching this series because my son Jake now works for Netflix!
And I’ve always loved the idea of having magic powers and being able to cast spells. And the great thing is that the witches of Miss Cackle’s Academy ultimately learn that it is better to follow the Witches Code and to use your powers for good over evil.
Perhaps I’m drawn to this show because of the uniforms! I can’t help it!
And the newest Miss Cackle is so sweet and nice!!
There’s a little of Mildred Hubble in us all. We are Mildred when we make mistakes. We are Mildred when others make fun and even despise us. But in the end, we Mildred’s are the winners when we are able to bypass how others see us and we remain strong and positive.
Mildred screws up flying the way I screw up driving. But it’s cool!
Today is Wednesday. I’ve had my few days of rest and I’ve de-stressed a bit. I’m ready to move onward and upward. The weather is where it should be on this November first. There is a crisp chill in the air. It is time to get the scarfs and boots out of hibernation.
It was so exciting to get dressed in jeans and boots, a blazer and a SCARF today!!!!!
It is time to start the big clean for Christmas. It is also time to plan the desserts that I will be bringing over to my sister’s in-law’s after Thanksgiving Dinner.
Every now and then we need to take a step back. We need to stay in bed for a day. We need to relax either by reading or watching silly tv shows. It’s time to rewind.
So, tell me, how do you rewind when you are stressed? Do you give yourself a pajama weekend? Stay in bed? Sit on the sofa all day with a big comfy blanket around your body? It’s a good time to talk about this because many of us will be a bit stressed or depressed around the Holidays and we need to have support so let’s support each other!!!
And sticking to the Fuller House theme, Jodie Sweetin, who plays Stephanie Tanner is a very gifted singer. I can’t get this song out of my head!
My husband was unemployed for 2.5 years until a few months ago. At 62 he was offered a full time job so it does happen.
I have had so many Christmases where I have had to pull back and tell my kids that we need to scale everything down and it is depressing. This year will be similarly pared back as we are recovering financially from the last few years but at least we will be with family and friends.
I have missed your blogging and I would give the vlog a bit of time to build up and for you to become more comfortable with the medium.
Best of luck and I hope you are feeling more at ease now.
Hi Smog! Thanks so much! Yeah. I just needed a little rest. I’m very well-rested now and am rarin’ to go with more posts! It makes me happy for you that your husband became employed again. That’s great! Looking on the brighter side, at least we are paring down and not exchanging when the kids are adults. It would be awful to tell children that Christmas won’t be the usual.
Thanks again my friend!!! XOXOXOXO!!!!
Hi Catherine, Hang in there, sometimes it seems things don’t work out, but eventually they will. When I’m stressed I go for a walk, cook something, colour in my book, go on computer and just search around for different things.
Julie. I like your tactics for calming down–especially the coloring!!!! Thank you!! XOXOXOXO!!!!
Why do I find “Shameless” so relaxing ….my warped relaxing family???
Heath Bars rock!!!
My friend took herself to Paris for her 60th birthday a few weeks ago and … well let’s say she had her Sex in the City adventure and I saw pictures so it is all true…. there is a lot of woo hooo out there !!
Yo Jane!!!!!!!!! LOL. Shameless is a great show..and much like my mother’s side of the family when we get together–which there will be a reunion in April!!!! That’ll be a great blog post!!!
Your friend. What a way to have an adventure!!!! XOXOXOXOXO!!!!
Heh heh heh glad you are a Shameless fan lol it makes some of my life not seem so bad!! People give me the look when I note it is my fav ….
I can’t wait to hear about the April family reunion!
XXOXO
Jane
Catherine, this post really resonanser with me! I’m totally stressad out at work as my workload is unbearable and I still need to be calm, collected and infuse hope and confidence in my clients. So what do I do when I dont collapse on my sofa and watch British interior decorating shows and real estate shows and dream about a Place in Cornwall that never will happen because of Brexit, unless Gerard Butler marries me or I make a shitload of money because everyone wants you then. Sorry for rambling. Well, when I dont do THAT I guess i I listen to a new app on my Iphone called Calm or I draw cottages on another app and pretend I can decorate it, while I binge-eat licorice. But mostly I make up plans for when I will retire. Lots of plans. I have an app for that as well.
Angelin. Whats App Girlfriend? Isn’t it amazing at how stressed we can be? And, oh..I don’t think I’ll ever see retirement. I’m laughing though because whenever I watch House Hunters, the real-estate home show here in the States, I get more stressed because the house hunters are so incredibly ignorant. They want custom everything on a minimal budget. It stresses me!!
Can we now officially both be fighting over Gerard Butler–oh wait, we have to add my daughter Oona into the mix of women who love Gerard Butler!!!! XOXOXOXO!!!!
And me!
You deserve a nice respite whenever you feel like it. Job and financial setbacks can be devastating emotionally and monetarily. Give yourself time to catch your breath. We all (I feel like I can speak for all your admirers) heartily enjoy your posts and your videos. Your sweet spirit and sincere desire to be informative and helpful shine through. There is no need to aim for slick production values; your realness is much more wonderful.
Thank you Marsha! Your words made me feel really good! I do strive for realness so it is all good. I just needed a few days and now I’m ready to move on!!! XOXOXOXO!!!!
Oh hon, sometimes life sends you curly ones so I’m glad you are on the up again pet. How to re-group or destress… it depends – if it is work related (and a lot of it is, as sometimes some pretty appalling people get away with things) I take a long shower, watch the suds and visualise the baddies going down the plug hole with the soap scum. Clean jammies, cosy bed, mug of tea…. bliss. I also find getting out for a walk amongst plants and nature – that helps, basically I am quite antisocial so a mooch around the botanic gardens, a decent flat white in a favourite coffee shop, doesnt take much to make me a bit chirpier, and if all else fails – do something creative – it frees up other parts of the brain and can help with solutions, seriously anything creative helps, even if you dont feel very creative to start with – it will come almost like muscle memory – drawing, knitting, fused glass, sewing, – anything. Mainly, getting out of the village where we live and having a jolly good potter about.
I can also say binge watching your vlogs interspersed with my other favourtie vlogger (Justine Leconte – oh my lordy) also cheers me up immensely
Juliet. JUSTINE LECONTE!!!! She. Is. My. Absolute. Favorite! I love her!!!! We are thinking alike here.
I think getting outside is great–but I miss City life so much. For me, the greatest nature walk is walking along Riverside Drive in NYC or Central Park in NYC!!! XOXOXOXO!!!!
I totally get the need to get back to the city – my favourite parks are in Glasgow, I am miserable out here in nowheresville. In the city you can have nature and as much peace as you want – people dont believe me, but then I ask them where they were at the weekend – 9 out of 10 left the city to go to the country. The countryside is full dammit! The city is empty – heaven!
Exactly. That’s why when I lived in NYC, I loved it in the summer because all the natives left for the hamptons or the beach and I would have my neighborhood to myself. Cities don’t get enough love!!!! XOXOXOO
‘gotta watch the midwife shows sooooooooooooooooooogood! Don’t forget Hallmark Christmas movies too.
Hi Margaret! Oh, I’m all about those Hallmark movies. I started listening to Christmas music in my car today…and I need to start watching the midwife!!!! XOXOXOXO!!!!
Tim Curry isn’t dead! Sheesh Cathe, you almost gave me a heart attack, I had to double check. He’s one of my favorite actors. Aside from that, I’m sorry you’re so stressed, but it sounds like you’re getting back on track. Give yourself more credit. You have a lot more YouTube subs than a lot of people just starting out. I think you’re doing very well! As for me, I’m stressed all the time, being a full time caregiver, no family or friends around. So I paint and play with my hair. Lol. I also vegged out on Sunday and spent the entire day watching the old Dark Shadows tv series. That was wonderful!
Oh Shit–Lori. Thanks for the heads up on Curry. I swear, I thought he passed after he had that stroke!! I’m glad he is still here! What channel did you watch Dark Shadows on?? Barnabas Collins. OMG. I loved that show!!! BTW, I dig the way you are playing with your hair. It looks great!!!!!! XOXOXOXO!!!!
It was the Decades channel. The night before that they showed both original Dark Shadows movies on Turner Classic. I was in Collins heaven! Thanks for the compliment on my hair. I’m regretting cutting it so short and anxiously awaiting some growth!
I believe I”ve had 4 mini Milky Way bars. I just hid the bag in the freezer so no one finishes it on me.
Last weekend I didn’t shower or change for 2 or 3 days cuz I was sick.
Stressed? Take a nap. Always.
Who is playing the youngest daughter who was played by the Olsen twins in Full House?
Hi Patricia! OMG. You are my twin. I didn’t change for 2 or three days because I was reveling in just being a slob!! Hope you are all better now!
Oh..they wrote the youngest daughter, Michelle, out of the show. She’s working far away and they always reference her. It’s crazy but at least one of the twins could have come back!!! XOXOXOXO
Hi Catherine…once again, we’re soul sisters…stress…yesterday at work I had to go to the ladies room to cry…then I got mad and then I got over it…it’s the nonsense/adversity/stress that makes us tough…pull up the bootstraps tough. Binge watching those crazy shows is a great idea…yesterday’s cry-fest for me was a culmination of a few tough work days…I had planned to go to work on Sunday (when no one else was around) to crank out some stuff but I was so exhausted that I sat on the couch and watched 4 Hallmark Christmas movies…Mr. Doodle watched 3 of the 4 with me. We drank coffee and chatted away about the Hallmark-formula…and before I knew it, it was 2PM, the day was shot, it was time for Sunday dinner and I felt 100% better. Oh..and the formula…check it out: each show starts with a man and woman, they are always single love, the storyline love interests (no extra-marital affairs here) and then of course there is conflict between the 2…the setting for the story is always heavily decorated for Christmas, whether its an office, park, house, apartment…trees, lights, wreaths, Santa, stockings, in every room…outside there is always melting snow…the snow drifts even look similar from show to show…into the mix is a kid who hopes/wants/prays that the 2 will get together…in the final 15 minutes they work out their differences…and then the finale (the last 3 minutes)…the couple stand facing each other…they each take turns saying Merry Christmas and then kiss. Mistletoe is usually included..The End. Stay Strong, My Dear. Love You Bunches. 🙂
Hi Jeanne. Or…..it’s about a stray family member. It’s 7:04 in the morning. I just watched the end of a Hallmark Christmas movie. Now I’m getting ready to make Pizza dough!! It funny–workplaces are such high-stress areas. I think a lot of it has to do with the fact that you are placed in an environment of people that you normally would not choose to be with and have to be with them most of the day, 5 days a week. Hang strong my L.I. soldier!! I’m with you!!! XOXOXOXO!!!!
I read your posts and then all the wonderful, supportive comments that followed and I immediately thought of the final scene of It’s A Wonderful Life, when George Bailey reads the inscription Clarence wrote in a book left for him: “Dear George, no man is a failure who has friends…..” You are rich with friends, Catherine, and deservedly so!
(P.S.) At Home With Amy Sedaris is my FAVORITE show and her brother David is my favorite author!!!)
Hi Deborah! I was just thinking of that movie. I’m getting my Christmas movies in order and I cry every time I see the end of It’s A Wonderful Life. I’m like George because I’m blessed with all the friends I have who are in this little community!!! Thank you!
Oh..I have a GREAT David Sedaris story for you. He’s my favorite author and Me Talk Pretty One Day is one of my favorite books. Anyway, I wrote a letter to him inviting him to have aperitifs with us at Daniele’s Paris apartment because David Sedaris used to have a place in Paris. HE WROTE BACK TO ME!!!!! He sent me a nice note explaining that he would not be in Paris at the time of my extended invitation. How can I not love him or any member of the Sedaris family???? XOOXOXO
I saw him at a small, intimate theater in Santa Barbara a few years back and had the time of my life! My sister went to one of his book signings in Philadelphia years ago and she said there was a very long line of people waiting out in the heat to get into this little shop…he took it upon himself to come out and “work the line.” He talked to each and every person waiting in that line—before the event even started! I am MAD for that man. And, I have loved Amy since the Strangers the With Candy days….so glad to see her back on TV regularly!
This makes me love the Sedaris family even more!!!!! XOXOXOXO!!!!
Being out of work is SO STRESSFUL. God I was stressed that entire first year of trying to get my tutoring up and running and watching it progress SO SLOWLY. Hell I even ended up with shingles!! Hang in there and be patient with yourself. The universe IS looking out for you and when the time is right a bright and shiny new endeavor will be right in front of you. Trust the process. Part of moving on to new adventures is taking time to mourn and process what you have lost. I found “Crossing the Desert” by Robert Wicks to be a really good read during that year of transition. Also another one called “Without a Job, Who Am I?” by Abraham Twerski – so much of my identity was wrapped up in my work before I quit, and this really helped me move beyond that. Good luck to you. Oh and I LOVED Strangers With Candy! What a demented show that was.
Hi Cynthia. Thank you tons for the encouragement! I am going to look for that “Without a Job…..” book on my next Barnes and Noble trip. It could be what I need! I also think with the holidays inching in on us, the stress levels start to rise like mercury in a thermometer!!! XOXOXOXO!!!!
Was getting worried about you going MIA …believe me everybody needs a slob day(s) to recharge and just do things that don’t require too much thought or effort but take you away from reality for a hour or two. Netflix is the perfect solution. A few years ago I was off sick for a few weeks and the last person on earth who I thought would, suggested I watched Nashville on Netflix. I became quite addicted to it ( I can’t stand country music) The friend who suggested it is a well travelled, chic, fashionista so it’s weird what we get into in our darker moments. Having been pretty sick this year with one ailment and then having emergency surgery for something unrelated has had me watching WAY too much daytime TV….so to escape from Dr. Oz I have been playing games on my iPad like Farm Heroes and Blossom Blast, Candy Crush etc. They become more challenging as you move on and I found myself to be quite the guerrilla warrior in the barnyard;) I also read blogs…plenty of blogs so many I could write a thesis on blogging and the mid life woman!!! Some are soooooo bad it’s irritating so last weekend I unsubscribed from a bunch which left me with three. Of course YOUR blog stayed!! My ‘me’ time is going to be in short supply, as I write this my DIL is in labor….by tomorrow I’ll be Grandmomcat!! No time anymore for negativity.
Catherine I know something is going to turn up for you. Your have such spirit and positivity. I never leave your blog feeling ‘less than’ like I do after reading some other blogs. You know like I dress all wrong, wear the wrong makeup, don’t get to Paris often enough, don’t spend ALL my money at Nordstrom’s on shoes… I have read your blog for awhile and have read many of your older posts and you are always kind and supportive to everybody who takes the time to comment. You really do make us feel like we are all friends. That’s a gift you have girl. Someone’s going to see it and want you to join their team!!!! I’ll get Gran’s rosary out and do a turn for you and since you love music listen to
Meant to write: since you like music you should give a listen to Sia’s ‘Never Give Up’!!
Hi Grandmomcat! (It’s Thursday morning)! I hope mommy and baby are doing extremely well right now!! Thank you so much for your kindness toward me. And I’m happy that you “get” how I have been feeling! Oona suggested I binge-watch “Friends from College” she said I would love it–so now I’m intrigued but I’ve got a lot to do today! Planning Thanksgiving desserts to bring to my Sister’s In-Laws, cleaning the house for Christmas, checking the table linens washing slipcovers…all the fun stuff!!! I’m blessed that I’ve got the greatest friends in our little community here! XOXOXOXOXO!!!!
You poor thing, being unemployed is no fun at all! I got laid off after 25 years and went stir-crazy. Do you like to volunteer? I found a job thru volunteering and it got me out of the house and busy!
Hi Bonnie!! Yes. I’ve been looking into volunteering because I did hear that is a great way to network and find future employment. I thank you so much for validating that!!!! XOXOXOXO!!!!
So glad you are back! I’ve been checking for a new post wondering where you were – addicted to your vlog and blog! Sorry that you have been down over the past few days, hang in there, you are a real voice for older women. I know from reading your posts that I am one of many women who are SICK TO DEATH of being ignored, overlooked, turning invisible and condescended to simply because we are no longer young. I recently gave up working at 67 and found the very worst thing working with young people was not that they were deliberately unkind but that I felt like I was in a cone of silence. The entire shift could go by with not one conversation – the young were in their clique and I had no place.A very lonely feeling.I think that our age are the first lot of women who have to keep working until well over 60 and we are the guinea pigs in a way. Further down the track it will be the norn – I know now what the old rock stars meant when they said that there was an expectation that they should no longer keep touring because they are too old to be still performing but they were the first of their kind also and who should say when if ever they should stop! You keep doing what you are doing, you are our voice and we are relying on you. You brighten up my day! Love and best wishes, Anne.
O.M.G. Anne!! You are so correct!! The job I just got laid off from, I was the oldest woman there. Nine millenniums and nobody spoke to me. I mean, they spoke to me when they had to but to start a conversation? No. I was the old, untouchable lady. It WAS incredibly lonely–even though I liked the job and I did like the people, I was an outsider. That bothered me so much. When people enter my home, I do my best to make everyone feel good and at work–it isn’t like that. Nobody is looking for constant attention, but every now and then–it’s nice. You hit it on the nail!!!!! XOXOXOXO!!!!
Your scarf was my high school uniform! Well the tartan was, despite my high school memories, I still love that tartan. (So really, I want your scarf Ms Fashion Icon).
I love both your blog for beauty products etc, and at the opposite end of the spectrum, I watch Olivia Jade on youtube, who just happens to be Aunt Becky’s daughter in real life 😀
Hey Q.!!! I’m mad for plaid. My school uniform was a red, green, yellow and white plaid (I can’t remember the name of the pattern). I can’t get enough. In fact, I need to go to the bins in the garage to get my plaid skirts out!!!
Olivia Jade??? I’ll have to check Aunt Becky’s daughter out!!!! Thank you!!!! XOXOXOXO!!!
Q.D, snap!!! I just realised that pattern is very close to my winter school uniform (skirt) I wore in high school. Memories.
Oh Catherine, sorry to hear you have been feeling crappy, hey we all go through this kind of stuff and it is ok to feel you got to hibernate for a few days. I love the whole outfit look with the boots and scarfe.
Hi Dianne! Thank you!! Now that I’ve regrouped–I’m waiting for yeast to rise because I’m making Pizza dough for tomorrow’s pizza! I’m also planning out a video on wearing jeans!! Thank you!!! XOXOXOXO!!!!
Cathy it’s Angie I just want to say that the whole political thing is so silly and I wanna apologize !!! I never should have stuck my 2 cents in. I had no right. As I’m not that politically savoy. Facebook just should not be catorgarizing and dividing us like this either . As it’s not intended for that . Now with that said , I’ve known you a very long time. I enjoy reading your blogs and have been all along , an I hope we can still b friends . Please except? And I’m so sorry you’ve become unemployed. U already know I’m a caregiver for my husband who has M.s ( 73 yrs old) my life is not easy sometimes and I feel Angry at the deal I’ve been dealt! Pease understand? Hey that’s a good subject for a blog! Caring for an aging forgetful loved one . It’s downright scarey sacrificing your life! But I’m suppose to get some respite in January and go to Italy for 10 days with a childhood friend . Her son is a cop In the navy and been living there for some time. I am traveling with her as she lives upstate. Hey maybe you have some tips for us as I’ve never ever been to Europe! ? So again life is to short to be pissed off at a friend . I don’t mind your politics rants . I didn’t vote for trump. I’m neither here nor there and actually my husband worked for n y c transit! So you know where my family would stand on this. Today I read your Blig and felt bad for you . But you know the saying Bring on the other Door 🙏 Love Angie
Angie. Your post made me cry because I felt awful about our situation too! I’m so happy that all is resolved. Is Kenny somewhat ok? Is he mobile? I’m praying for you. Yes. Let’s bring on the other door because we’ve known each other too long.
When exactly are you leaving for Italy? What part? What airline? Did you check airfares between JFK . and Zooark? (my name for newark airport).
Shoot me an email and I’ll give you a few tips for the traveling. I’m so glad we are back. I love you!!! XOXOXOXO!!!!
Two comments:
1. This too shall pass.
2. Amy Sedaris is AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!! She’ll get you through.
Hi Cathi! Thank you!! Oh, comment Number 2. Yes. Amy IS awesome. She’s definitely helping me in a big way!!!!!!! XOXOXOXOXO!!!!
Catherine, Give yourself some time. You have experienced a major change and taken on some big projects! I love the blog and keep passing the word. It takes time to readjust and make something new. If you already knew how to do it, you wouldn’t need to learn how, and learning is a process. OK: enough of my words of “wisdom” (ha!). When I am stressed I make Spotify playlists. I am currently IN LOVE with Peggy Lee. This summer it was Sophie Tucker. If you do not know who she is, Google her immediately! Might not be your cup of tea but that lady makes me feel GREAT! I also take hot baths with salts, bubbles, oils, if it smells good it is in the tub. I watch Dr. Who ( huge crush on Peter Capaldi). I read romance novels and suspend my feminist scruples about them and just go with the love stories and the happy ending. You can always craft or cook a surprise, inexpensive gift for your kids ( believe me, I know the mommy guilt and grief that comes with not being able to afford gifts for the kids) and share your unstoppable joy in life. Oh, and I read a blog called Atypical 60 when I’m stressed. It always puts a smile on my face. You got this, girl.
J!!!!! I LOVE ‘Miss” Peggy Lee! OMG, we watched her on every variety show during the 1960’s. She had the coolest mole/ beauty mark on her face and her voice is as smooth as cognac! I also am very familiar with Sophie Tucker—I’m a new yorker you know! Now, she is really old-school!!!
Hee hee. My feminist mores get thrown out the window with the Hallmark movies–and now that Christmas is coming there will be a whole new season of Hallmark sexist tearjerkers!! I’m very relieved in the weirdest way that the kids are fine with the no gifting. I just want to hang out with them!!!!!
Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh. I’m glad that you read the blog when you are stressed!!! I have some work to do honey!!!!! XOXOXOXOXOXO!!!!
Also…I have some thoughts about your book if you are open to them. I have been a freelance writer for years and have some ideas to share. If you are open to that please contact me privately via email. I can’t figure out how to send you a private message lol.
Hi J. Shoot me an email: Wynstep@verizon.net!!!! OXOXOXOXO!!!
Will do! Might be a couple of days. Thanks (replying from the bath as I enjoy a lovely Shiraz 😉 )
Hey Catherine.
Since we cut the cable we only watch streaming programs. We watched all the Andy Griffith and I watched all the Gilmore Girls now we are watching Frazier. Keep your chin up and good luck on the job hunt.
Catherine, thanks for sharing your bit of destressing! I love to watch shows when I need to escape, or I read, if I have a good book handy. I definitely have to find that movie. I love Tim Curry! You did the right thing by giving yourself some time to relax and recharge. Keep at it! Now that you are not working maybe you can put more time into all your bloggy stuff and start making some money that way. Not that I would know, cuz I don’t make money at mine. But it is fun to do. Hope you are feeling a little more up now! – Amy
http://stylingrannymama.com/
Breathe deeply, sing out loud and take long walks… These are great ways that help de-stress… I know how you feel believe me. But everything will be fine Catherine. You are so strong and full of determination. You’ll find a way to make it work. Meanwhile, you could also try to use essential oils. It does help reduce the perception of stress and anxiety in the brain. I’m a big fan of the room sprays and diffusers. Sending you good vibes. -Dominique
Cathe, I love your YouTube videos! They are informative, current, interesting, and friendly! We get to see you and are invited into your home, where are you share your cooking secrets, your makeup secrets, you’re styling secrets, it’s fabulous! Just like a visit with your best girlfriend! I know you want to do your best, but please don’t be so hard on yourself! I love the fact that you are so real and so sincere and you’re showing us how to do it! I’m so glad you took a few days for yourself, but I sure did miss you! As has already been mentioned in the comments, I too was afraid you were MIA. I hope you will continue to share with us because you beam rays of sunshine for so many!♡♡♡
I had no idea there was a movie of The Worse Witch starting Diana Rigg. Also a new BBC series. I can’t wait to tell Isabelle. We still can’t figure out how television works here but this is a real reason to find out for the holidays when the children arrive. Isabelle and I loved the Worse Witch and the books are fantastic – I wonder if JK Rowling read them.
You will find a job- you have so many attributes that are so important for being a great person to work with. Have you tried the universities in Philadelphia – universities in Australia have lots of casual contracts which can become permanent. I think working with people is important and I heard Larry Summers speak a few weeks ago and he said the same thing whilst disparaging Silicon Valley and their unaligned ideas on technology and the dignity of work.