You're So Vain

For a long time, I didn't believe I was a vain person. In my 20s I barely wore makeup, only on important occasions. My hair started graying, I shrugged it off. It made interesting highlighting. I noticed the lines around my eyes and mouth. Who cares? I smile and laugh a lot. It shows I'm a fun person.

But when hubby and I returned from New Zealand, I was a little distressed to learn that people on our trip thought I was older than hubby. Considering he's five years older than me, it was upsetting. I decided to cut my long tresses and had it colored, only to have people tell me, I appeared ten years younger. What! I was shocked and appalled. I slowly established a routine of covering the gray, wearing makeup and smearing facial cream to cover those lines I used to believe were a mark of my humor.

In the past year, I have upgraded my closet selection to include cute shoes and boots to match my recent acquired outfits made for my pear-shaped body. Now I have decided I need a further change. I want to have a makeover. Yes, one of those things we used to have done before prom, but you never bought the makeup they slathered on you. This time, I will buy the products, if I think they look good.

Here's where I need your help. Any recommendations of where I should go to have a makeover? Does anyone want to join me? Just for fun!

Movies, Movies

Kay provided me with more movies to continue my education.

I, Claudius I had to remind myself when this mini-series was created. The make-up, hairpieces, and even the acting at times, were disturbing. I'm not sure why the women looked so much older than the men either. But the story was great and Patrick Stewart and John Hurt were impressive in their roles. The mini-series has a soap opera feel to it, which sweeps you along, where you want to know what happens next.

Libeled Lady I believe William Powell is becoming one of my favorites. I have to admit I found Spencer Tracey's character annoying. The movie was a cute story of miscommunication and misunderstandings.

Tell No One A great suspenseful French film. I found myself completely engrossed in the story, which leads you on a shocking ride through a man's fight to find his wife and prove he is not a murderer.

Here's the Answer

I have been quiet recently about my health issues, since I have been utterly confused. Over a month ago, I had a procedure done that was a possible temporary fix for my problem. Unfortunately, from the first moment of insertion, my fix was a problem. I was in pain daily (think mild birthing pains) and felt pretty miserable all the time, plus the initial symptoms did not go away. Several very concerned friends recently ranted, I mean, made it clear to me that I shouldn't suffer in pain and needed to admit the procedure did not work. (You know I love you guys for caring so much, and yes there was more than one person a day telling me to go back to the doctor.)

Last week, I had the "fix" removed and had a long discussion with my doctor. There are no further options available to me. Yes, I will have the dreaded operation, which will lay me up for a bit. Yes, it means I will not have children in the future, unless I decide to adopt. Yes, it means I will no longer suffer from multiple symptoms.

Do I feel okay with this outcome? Shockingly, yes, I am very resolved in my feelings. The past month, I had been so miserable and suffered so much, that I know the path I'm currently on is the one for me. My body has rejected every treatment we have tried and the last one was too much for me physically, mentally, and emotionally. The surgery is scheduled for after I return from Salt Lake, so I have time to fret over having surgery. I thank all my well-meaning caring friends who voiced their concerns to me. I was afraid to get to this point and needed your understanding and support that I was making the right decision, which you all gladly gave.

Eclipse

The 90 second trailer has been released. What do you think?

Source: Yahoo Movies

Salt Lake City

I will soon be visiting the genealogy mecca in Salt Lake City for the first time. As a genealogist, this is a huge deal for me and I am excited at the prospect of all that research. I'll be visiting for a conference, but will have some brief moments to research, plus two researchers will be visiting, who are at my beck and call. My mom and uncle are meeting in SLC to work on a little family research. Yes! I've already informed mom she can use my computer and enter information straight into my software program.

When I travel, I like to visit the area. When I was in Seattle for 24 hours for a job interview, I managed to see the Sci-Fi Museum, the Wharf area, Space Needle, and drive around the city checking out various apartments and neighborhoods. When in Philly for a conference, I completed the historical tour of the city. I would like to see more of the Salt Lake region than just the research facility. Does anyone have any recommendations? I was thinking of driving into the mountains to just experience the views. Can I do this driving I-80? Any help would be appreciated. Obviously, I won't have much time, but would love some ideas and of course, my mom and uncle can check out some sites as well.

Uh! I Have a Rep

Arriving to work today, I received a gift. Steve found Go Gators! at a book sale and thought of me. Who knew I had such a reputation, that coworkers are giving me Gator gifts? I mean, it's a known thing among my friends, who supply me with Gator memorabilia all the time, but now, it's coworkers. My reputation is growing.

Duh! Why didn't I think of that?

Hubby and I finished watching the National Parks documentary by Ken Burns. I absolutely recommend it. The amazing views of the various parks were breathtaking and made me want to pack my bags and go. The story was actually quite interesting considering all the passionate outdoor lovers, political squabbles, and those who's childhoods were impacted by parks. As I watched the documentary, I pointed out the places we had visited when I was a child and started sharing family stories. It made me yearn to share the experience with other people, especially to make an impact on a child.

I realized my nieces may never get the opportunity to experience these types of family trips, yet I send N postcards when I travel, in an effort to entice her to want to see the world. Why don't I show her the world myself? Why couldn't I dedicate one week a summer to show my nieces that there is this wondrous world out there, full of scenery, culture, and history.

So it's a plan. Maybe not this year, since things are so confusing right now, but definitely a plan for next year.