Vocabulary Lessons

I started this entry to come talk about how I"m about to be gone for a while, how excited I am, and how I should be working right now to finish things up before I go.

So, I opened m-w.com (Mirriam-Webster Dictionary's site) to find some alternate words for "excited" that might convey the vibrating feeling inside me a bit more clearly. The home page always has something interesting, but today's really caught my eye, and I need to share it before we move onto my original topic.

Retrosexual

Definition:a man who adopts a traditional masculine style in dress and mannersExample: "Think of him as the anti-metrosexual, the opposite of that guy who emerged in the 1990s in all his pedicured, moussed-up, skinny-jeans glory. That man-boy was searching for his inner girl, it was argued. The retrosexual, however, wants to put the man back into manhood." — Lini S. Kadaba, Philadelphia Inquirer, Apr. 7, 2010 Submitted by: West4th, NY Editor's Note: Retrosexual is a word that has been used in two very different ways. It sometimes describes an old-fashioned "manly man" – e.g. a beer and football-loving guy who cares little for his appearance. But it has also been used, as in the example above, to describe someone who self-consciously adopts traditional masculine styles – e.g. old-fashioned manners and clothes typical of the early 1960s (think Mad Men).

This is a new word to me, and one that I love. I don't know anyone who I would consider as someone who falls into this category (of traditional male styles, not the beer jerk guy), but I know men who, given the option between retro and metro, would choose retro in a heartbeat.

I leave the country tomorrow. TOMORROW people. Excited doesn't cover it.

Entry Word: excited

Function: adjective

Meaning: 1 being in a state of increased activity or agitation <excited trading on the stock exchange followed in the wake of the favorable economic report> — see feverish 1
2 showing urgent desire or interest <everyone was excited about the upcoming family vacation at the ski resort> — see eager

Feverish? While I don't have a fever, I AM highly agitated, but in the best way possible.

Have you ever been so on edge, anticipating something SO MUCH, that it feels like you're literally vibrating inside your skin? Like you have to jump around, skip, run, do anything to keep from being still because your skin might actually decide it doesn't like the motion sickness you're giving it, and leave on vacation?

 

No?

 

Figures...I'm just odd in yet another way. I have no IDEA how I'm going to be able to bear sitting on the airplane for 10 hours, but I'll do my best not to drive my dad crazy. Sorry dad, in advance.

 

Entry Word: feverish

Function: adjective

Meaning: 1 being in a state of increased activity or agitation <scary stories that were the product of a feverishimagination>

Synonyms agitated, excited, frenzied, heated, hectic, overactive, overwrought

Related Words ardent, burning, fervent, fiery, impassioned; high-strung, jittery, jumpy, nervous

Phrases keyed up

In learning the meaning and synonyms for "feverish", I'm thinking this is the ideal word to describe what I'm feeling today.

 

Jittery, jumpy, high-strung and keyed up....Hi there, it's me again.

 

To add to my excitement, a package arrived for me yesterday, which included this lovely dress!! It was an absolute steal, it looks fabulous on (and will look more so when the pounds start dropping off), and it's comfy. What more can a girl want?

I've finally found a work out partner, someone who lives near me (2 blocks!) and her kids and my kiddo love hanging out. We've been on two "power walks" so far, this last one including about 500 yards of lunges...holy cow. We've agreed to get in shape together, and she's a great partner for this stuff: encouraging, motivated and able to work with my insane schedule. Thanks Lisa for doing this with me! :)

I'm going to sign off now, as my To-Do list that's hanging near me is taunting me, saying I'll never get it all done.

 

Wordless Wednesday

Oops

I have random, weird oral food allergies. I specify oral, because these are not the "I get hives if I eat this" sort of allergies...I have a serious anaphylactic reaction that starts in my mouth within 5 minutes of eating it, and if I don't stop eating the item and take an anti-histamine, I'll end up in the ER.

I've been vigilant over the years since discovering these allergies, but every once in a while I let down my guard. Friday was one such day...I tried a "donut nectarine", which was fabulously sweet. Unfortunately for me, the only thing I can assume is that they are a hybrid of nectarines and a fruit I'm allergic to.

After popping a Benadryl, I sat and did my best to work and not panic while I waited for the pill to take effect. 

About 45 minutes later, having forgotten that I took the pill (yes, I have that kind of memory) I couldn't figure out why on earth I was barely awake. This was not the Monday "I had a killer weekend and barely drug myself out of bed and now I'm here at work" barely awake. This was the drug-induced "I took 5 painkillers instead of 1" barely awake. Complete with spinny brain, no focus, and a leaden feeling in my legs.

Dudes, I only took ONE pill...what on earth? But, I hadn't had much to eat, aside from the half of a nectarine, and so it was very potent. Fortunately that was near lunchtime, so I jumped in my car and dashed through McDonald's before heading back to work. McD's is roughly 1.3 minutes from my office, so once I was back in the parking lot, I turned off the engine, took off my hoodie, leaned my seat alllll the way back, and, get this:

I took a nap.

You guys, it was killer. I set the alarm on my cell phone so I'd be back inside on time, and just put the hood of my hoodie over my eyes, using the rest of it as a pillow. It was so comfy, the car was warm because it was a warm day (but not super hot yet), and I wished I could have slept longer.

I worked for another 3 hours or so, and didn't ever really escape the haze from the Benadryl. After taking off to pick up Little M, we went home, I turned on the TV, put my pillow on the couch, and

took ANOTHER nap.

I was woken up for dinner, then we went to the craft store (I never say no to that!), then I came home and took a lounging, long hot bath. With lots of bubbles. And a good book.

Then I came over here to my bed and picked up my laptop.

I have been a lump today, all because of my efforts to eat healthy.

I want to teach you

Friday, we went up the mountain to see Grandma K, and had ourselves a little adventure!

Our grandma is moving out of her retirement facility and into a lovely "apartment" in one of her kids' homes. It should be a wonderful change for her, she'll be with family, and her little dog will have a big playmate (they have a big Lab), and a yard to play in. We're very happy for her, because while she was happy at the care facility, it's just not the same as being with family.

Yesterday we went out to see her, as it was her last night staying there, and she has some china that she's giving to my in-laws. Little M ADORES Grandma K's little dog, Heidi, and was terribly excited to go see them again. The facility is a warm, friendly place, and Little M is allowed to "walk" the dog in the hallways mostly unsupervised.

As she's doing this, we're standing around in Grandma K's little apartment, chatting while the china is packed up. Little M comes in again, and asks if she can go into someone's "house"/apartment who invited her. She didn't know the person's name, so I went with her, because THAT is not an unsupervised activity.

Turned out to be Grandma K's neighbor, a dear little woman named Rosa. Rosa is from Puerto Rico, and just a dear. She invited both of us into her apartment, and showed me her grandson, and the lovely crochet items she makes. Rosa held up a beautiful crocheted baby blanket she'd made for her grandson, who was born in November, and I noticed she'd also made a lampshade (very delicate and frilly), a doily and a table cover. There were at least two afghans draped on her couch, and I'm willing to bet she gave away a lot more that we didn't see.

As Little M and I are appreciating these items, she then turns to Little M and asks if she likes to make things. Of course, crafty little diva says yes! Rosa, in her adorable broken English, tells Little M "I want to teach you crochet, do you want to learn?"

We sat with Rosa for nearly an hour, as Little M patiently watched and learned the basics of crochet. Rosa was gentle, patient and had her hands on top of Little M's hands to guide them. It was so sweet, and a memory I will cherish. As we bid her good evening, she gave Little M the yarn and hook she'd been working with, so she can practice.

When we returned to Grandma K's place, she asked who it had been, etc. As I told her, Grandma's eye became huge saucers. Apparently, Rosa is very solitary, doesn't talk much, and often eats alone, etc. She's embarrassed because she doesn't feel that she speaks English very well. When we were there, Rosa was able to communicate easily, and while it wasn't perfect English, it was just fine. As I told Grandma K, Rosa understands and speaks a lot more than she thinks she can, and I hope that perhaps the time spent with her might give her the confidence to spend a little more time with some of the people she shares a building with.

Little M came away from the lesson a little frustrated as she had trouble understanding Rosa, but still REALLY wants to learn crochet. We had a mini lesson on the way home, and will continue to work on it as long as she's interested.

My little beans, has an older person ever taken you under their wing?

Psst!

Ahem..

Progress! :)

5 Things Thursday

List 5 things you like/love about yourself. It can be cheesy and superficial (I love my sexy eyes), it can be deep and thoughtful (I love the compassion within me), or any mix of them. So many of us women have serious self-esteem issues. Think about it, if a stranger came up to you right now and said “quick! 5 things that make you awesome!?” What would you say?

The sad thing is, many women and girls would struggle to come up with just one reason they’re amazing. They don’t realize that just being themselves makes them incredible, unique and beautiful.

Today's 5 things...

1. I'm not afraid to wear crazy clothes
2. I carry burdens for my friends as much as I can
3. My hair makes me feel like Jessica Rabbit
4. I can figure out how to make just about anything I want
5. I have a tattoo, with more to come

Now, little beans, what makes YOU so incredible?

Hi!

Hihihihihihihihihihihihihiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii!!!!

You guys!

I"m getting ready to leave the country for Belarus y'all!! I might be a tad manic right now..my anxiety is on high alert, I just got to have lunch with my girl Ester, and I've been reading the most hilarious blog ever invented in the history of history.

In that vein, she inspired me. I've been reading through all the back posts, because context just doesn't even matter when you're as funny as Allie is. One of her old posts is about Googling herself to see what's up, and using Urban Dictionary. I've used that on my name, and it's crazy! SEE?

• One of the coolest people you will ever meet. She is always there when you need her. She likes to kiss her guy friends. She got that cashflow. Drives a silver mustang, and dont take *#@^ from no one. (I don't kiss my guy friends. Love you guys but...no. That mustang better be a 64 1/2 or I'm not driving it.)
• The most loving, beautiful, caring and amzing girlfriend.
  You're best friend. (I've left the spelling/grammatical errors as they are on the site, because if Urban Dictionary doesn't bother to fix them, why should I?)
• Wondeful in millions of ways. There are no words that describe the sheer radiance of this beautiful creature. Wise beyond her years she can tap into nature and reveal all of its secrets with nothing more than a smile. An angel in disguise she is free-spirited and fun loving. Recognized as one of the most sensual and erotic lovers. One could only wish to tame this wild temptress. Graced by god.
  "ohhhhh Kristin.... OOOOhhhhhhh Kristin!!!!!!" (kapow! this is now my bio in every online site that allows me to create one)
• a language used by someone who wants sex, used to turn people on.
  "i wanted to bone her, so i talked kristin." (I had no idea that I, amazing as I am, had become a language. Thus begins my plot to overthrow Hollywood with MY version of sexyawesomegoodness.)
• Sexy B*tch and a sex goddess, no one can ever imagine...
  "Wow...now she is a kristin!" (While I've been called one of these things, I'm guessing people can imagine..at least SOME can. *wink*)
• A brown skinned urban goddess. Intelligent, Beautiful, and Interesting, Kristin can be a man's upbringing as well as his downfall.
  "He thought no one to be as beautiful as Kristin." (It's because no one CAN be as beautiful as me...EVER. Even though this guy is clearly not talking about my pasty self.)
• A beautiful girl who is a bit shy & likes to wear puffy shirts.
  Known for making killer strudels and sarcastic remarks.
  "Damn that strudel was tasty"
  "Must have been a Kristin strudel" (This is funny. I totally wore puffy shirts back in the day, way before I ever watched Seinfeld! I'm also a bit shy (I'm getting better, I promise!), I've never made strudel but it would probably kill you because I suck at food stuffs, AND MY WIT IS SHARP LIKE A RAZOR SO WATCH YASELF FOO.)

But, Allie doesn't simply go to Google.com and punch in her first name.

No, she puts in "Allie looks like" and sees what comes up. COULD YOU BE MORE BRILLIANT ALLIE?

So, I decided it's time for me to do the same.

Here's what I found!!! (sorry, no awesome screenshots, my computer won't do them. *pouts*)

• Kristin looks like hell on the airplane...it's morning. Will and Kristin in row 14 en route to Orlando ...holla! Kristin looks like hell on the airplane...it's morning. Kristin on the airplane ... (I fully expect to look like hell on the airplane. Who DOESN'T?)
• Kristen looks just like a cross between Chyna and TA2 Maria! Gawd, that's one of the worst If They Mated scenarios. ... (So, between a misspelled country and a lady with a random acronym in front of her name...)
• Kristin looks like she just dumped a bottle of shoe polish on her head ... (oh dear, sorry about that guys.)
• Kristin looks like an exact mixture of Sarah Jessica Parker ... (this had an interesting link, where I discover another blogger did the same thing 4 years ago...)
• Kristen Looks Like Michael Jackson (I am rather pasty...)
• smart.: Kristin C. looks like a hooker Jun 9, 2006 ... No, she looks like someone who threw a pair of shorts and coverup overtop a bathing suit to run out and grab a drink. I do it all the time. (Sometimes I look like a hooker, but I don't do shorts, ever.)
• Kristen looks like Joan Jett. (OMG I wish)

(PS - I have no idea why this list is randomly spaced. I think WP knows bout my OCD issues and decided that it was going to laugh in my face, spraying spittle on my cheeks as it makes my brain go broken trying to fix it. 

UPDATE: it's only randomly spaced on the backend. When it's published it's fine. Thanks WP...just..thanks.)

That's the end of the interesting ones. Most are about Kristen Stewart or other actresses who stole my name.  I have no witty wrap up for all this...I"m at work, going stir crazy because I"m not home to be getting ready for my BIG TRIP ACROSS THE WORLD.

You guuuyyyysss!! I leave in EIGHT FRIGGIN DAYS.

5 Things Thursday

Ok, trying yet another "feature" - 5 Things Thursday. For this, the rules are simple. List 5 things you like/love about yourself. It can be cheesy and superficial (I love my sexy eyes), it can be deep and thoughtful (I love the compassion within me), or any mix of them. So many of us women have serious self-esteem issues. Think about it, if a stranger came up to you right now and said "quick! 3 things that make you awesome!?" What would you say?
The sad thing is, many women and girls would struggle to come up with just one reason they're amazing. They don't realize that just being themselves makes them incredible, unique and beautiful.
My 5 things:

1. I love my natural red hair - I didn't when I was a kid, but as an adult, being a redhead is pretty wicked.
2. I love the tears that well up for me when I see something especially sentimental, sweet and touching. I don't like others to see it (a weakness that I'm working on), but I love that something can touch me so deeply.
3. I like that I'm empathetic, and can tune in rather sharply to others' emotions. I don't always like it, but overall I think it can be a wonderful thing to allow me to see how I can help the person I'm with.
4. I love that my family loves me just as I am
5. I love that I can be wacky and stupid silly with the people I love - and while they laugh, they join me.

Now, little beans, what makes YOU so incredible?