To tat or not to tat

I'll blame it on a recent post on Keith's blog, Can Opener Boy, but I'm thinking about a second tattoo.  Probably nothing as meaningful as my last, unless I'm struck by an idea.
I'm not even sure where yet.  Although I do like the tats I've seen around ankles.  They'd definitely have to duct tape my jerky leg down for that!

Hairy progress

Ever since I spotted a women rocking a hairstyle I coveted (and wished I'd had the guts to get a photograph of) at The Bite and Brew, I've been scanning the web for an image of anything even the tiniest bit close.  I found a couple that were similar, but not close enough to really get the point across to hairstylist Karyn.  But I printed them out and took them along to my Thursday appointment anyway.

Lucky for me, she was running late.  So I had ample opportunity to leaf through her hair style magazines.  Still nothing.  Sure it wouldn't lead to anything, I presented her with my two printed pictures.  Keep in mind, that after several months of growing out, she's given me the style I'd been shooting for.  She asked me if maybe I wanted to skip my appointment to continue growing it out.  I knew the answer to that!  When my thick wavy hair gets to a certain point, my head begins to sprout "wings".  Wings of hair on the sides of my head.  Not a good look--even in the 70's or 80's.

Then an idea popped into Karyn's head and she reached for a little photo album where she keeps hairstyles clipped out of magazines.
"How about this one?", she asked.  Although, it wasn't like that coveted head I wished I'd photographed, there were some similarities and I was ready for a change without losing the softer look I wanted.  The photo was of Meg Ryan, with one of her less super short tousled looks.  Karyn began to perform her magic and when she was finished,  I realized that she had known better all along.  I'm glad I followed my impulse and trusted her with my hair.
Now . . . . if I could have her face . . . .  ;>)

A letter to a congressman

On July 26th, I wrote here about my decision to take action regarding F's s loans.  We had been struggling for months to make any kind of progress and were beyond frustrated trying to trudge and slog through the red tape barriers that were continually knocking us down.  First we learned that there's a 3 year limit on loans being deferred.  Then she was told that her diagnosis of "chronic pain" was not an accepted condition for the next step of getting deferred due to disability.  I feel I need to state, if N and I weren't still paying off our own portion from both daughters, we'd find a way to take over her loans.
Yesterday, we learned that thanks to Schrader's aide, Pugsley, her situation is well on it's way to being solved.  John responded immediately to my first online contact, sent forms for us to fill and told us what information he needed to take action on F's behalf.  He stayed in contact every step of the way, to keep us in the loop.  Even though we still need to wait for one more step, having this nagging issue tended to is an enormous relief.
An advocate in the world of red tape is a wonderful thing to have.

Movie a week

That's the kind of evening I could easily find a slot for every week--a leisurely get together about 30 minutes before the movie starts, chuckling together during the film and a little tweeting afterwards.

Cyrus gave us the impression of being hilarious, and while there were many laughs sprinkled throughout, it was more of a cautionary relationship tale with a happy ending.  My favorite part, were the characters and how they came off together on screen.  All of the characters (with one exception) were likable, real people.

I characterize a good movie as one that holds my attention throughout and never makes me say, "um, riiiight! as if that would ever happen!".  The story has to hold me and this one did.

Signs of August

No, not an over abundance of tomatoes or zucchini--remember our yard still has a lot of shade.

What I'm talking about is the reminder I received this AM.  Jon packed his bags and pointed his car towards Ashland.  {sigh}  We always enjoy having him around.  He has a way of keeping us all centered.
What's beckoning Jon down that road?  He's a high school band teacher and it's time to start contacting students and preparing for the school year.  Plus, (I'm guessing here) it's probably time for some kind of band camp.

Thanks for your company, Jonathon!  And for the help in the kitchen!
Hopefully, we'll see you soon!  Very soon!