Expect the Unexpected

I received two very interesting and unexpected telephone calls today. One of them came from a client of mine for whom I have designed invitations to her annual Client Appreciation Event. When she didn't contact me in early August as is her custom, I assumed that the economy had caught up to her and she would not be using my services. Fancy my surprise when her assistant called to ask what information I would need to begin designing the card and how quickly I can turn the job around. Aaah, the joys of doing what I love and getting paid for it.

The second call was even more unexpected. I was contacted by a recruiter for a benefits firms seeking managerial personnel to accommodate their company's expansion. Apparently the resume I had posted on Monster.com last week received a nibble. After some discussion I determined that the job and I were not a good match and declined to interview for the position. Nevertheless it was gratifying to know that my experience is still worth something in today's market.

Hmmm, maybe I should get my business suit drycleaned just in case.

Ballo ergo sum,
- Gitana, the Creative Diva

Steely Resolve

Last year I had embarked on an elimination diet intended to free my body of toxins for the purpose of eliminating the various recurring infections I was suffering from. The diet worked very well. The recurring ear infections that were haunting me disappeared as did the maniacal vaginal itching that my gynecologist could not effectively treat for three years. It also took care of the peskiest and most embarrassing problem I suffered from...flatulence. I was as gassy as a blimp day and night. As long as I stayed on the diet none of these issues recurred. The ancillary benefit of this diet is I lost weight due to its strict nature. During the time I followed this regimen I lost 17 pounds and was able to wear clothes I hadn't worn in years.

In time I grew lazy and went off my diet. The pounds crept back and my flatulence and vaginal itching returned. I once again steeled my resolve and returned to a modified version of the diet. In the two weeks since I have been on the diet I am happy to report that I have lost five pounds and the bloating and itching are gone. I have passed a weight benchmark and am fixing my eyes on the next level down. Only 8 more pounds until I get there.

Years ago I had promised myself that when I reached 55 years of age I wanted to be remembered for the fabulous shape I was in. My mantra is "55 and fabulous". Well, my next birthday is number 55 and I'm on my way. Now if I could just eye that exercise machine with the same resolve.....

Ballo ergo sum,
- Gitana, the Creative Diva

A Long Haul

It has been nearly three months since I've posted here. Believe me it wasn't for lack of things to write about. On the contrary, there was waaaay too much to write about. I have been kept so busy that I have to schedule time to breathe. My garden has been a big time and labor intensive venture. There has been so much rain this summer that the flowers AND the weeds are growing like wildfire. No sooner than I pull a weed that two grow in its place.

Then there's Marla, our adorable beagle. We have been acclimating to her presence as much as she had been acclimating to us. It hasn't always been an easy row to hoe. She demands lots of time and attention, something else that has to be wiggled into my schedule, like it or not.

Getting my younger daughter ready for her summer activities was another time eater. She spent two weeks in North Carolina with my older daughter, then returned to immediately take off for a month as a camp counselor. I met her in North Carolina during her second week and we both returned at the same time. Then my son went to NC upon our return. The travel arrangements alone for the three of us took up a big chunk of my time.

The clothes dryer motor burned out and needed replacing. The stair steps leading to the second floor are cracked and need replacing. Cooking, cleaning, washing, folding, shopping, gardening. Whew, it's been an exhausting few months. I guess that why it's called houseWORK. I can't imagine how anyone has the time to watch television. There's just too much to do.

Now if we stay-at-home moms who work like animals 24-7 could only get the respect we deserve (and the paycheck to match), we could truly rule the world.

I'll try to be more diligent about posting. Maybe I could find some time in the mornings...right after I pull those weeds.

Ballo ergo sum,
- Gitana, the Creative Diva