Spring Twilight

[Como Lake, Saint Paul, MN]

911 Emergency

I don't think I have ever called 911 to report an emergency. With the advent of cell phones, it's not a surprise that I had to call 911 two days ago.

Just this past Thursday, I took the bus after work to meet my brothers at the laundromat. While on the bus, I was playing sudoku on my phone. I started hearing gasps and several women stating, "Oh my gosh." I looked up just in time to see an SUV hit a van. The impact was so great that the van flipped right over onto its roof. The other bus riders were already commenting on how the van, as it landed, nearly missed a biker on the sidewalk.

I stopped playing sudoku, got out of the game, and called 911. I'm sure there may have been others who already called, but just in case there weren't, I wanted to report it. My conversation was brief and the operator was quite helpful. He informed me that help was already on its way.

As I hung up, the bus was abuzz with talk about the accident. From what I gathered, the van ran the red light and crossed into the intersection. The bus driver saw that the van, which going north while the bus and SUV were going east, was running the red light and opted not to go forward. She stated that had she gone forward, it would have been the bus (and not the SUV) crashing into the van. For whatever reason, she said, the SUV did not wait like she did (yes, even though the bus and SUV had the right of way).

I guess there is always a first time for everything, including making a 911 emergency call. Of course, it helps to have a charged working cell phone on hand when the emergency occurs.

Creative Juices

Lately I feel a lot like myself again. The anticipaton of spring and the passage of time have helped me so much. Of course, I've also changed for the better (e.g. wanting to clean all the time), and something is stirring inside of me, ready to start living again, to be active and ready to try new things.

I've found the enjoyment of books again, having read for pleasure four novels in about a month' period. I want to start cooking and baking again. And I want to get creative again. I've been telling myself that I want to take up painting, and I think I will this year. I'll even try to stretch and prime my own canvas to paint on. I also told myself that I would run a 10k this year (just need to keep training some more).

Right now I feel as if I'm up for anything that comes my way. I'll try and keep you posted.

Signs of Spring

[Taken March 28, 2010, Minneapolis, MN.]

Quiet Reflections

I love this quote:

"Time is not measured by the passing of the years, but by what one does, what one feels, and what one achieves."---Nehru

As of late, I've been in a reflective mood. The anticipated changing season (seriously, where are you spring???) is a contributing factor to my mood, but I believe that much of it comes from what had occurred to me during the winter. So, what kind of mood are you in as of late?

New Bedroom Lighting

I've forgotten to mention that the last few days have been wonderful spring-like days. The temperatures have been in the mid-40s to low-50s. In my neck of the woods, that is spring weather. The sun has come out and the sky is blue (not a mucky gray). It might be the weather and it may just be the passage of time, but I've been feeling good on the inside and like my old self again. So, I just wanted to share the DIY moment I had for today.

For some time, I've been wanting to change out the overhead light fixture in my bedroom. The original light fixture is generic and found in most homes today. Yes, it's practical but not very stylish. So, I purchased these white globe light fixtures from IKEA (yes, still somewhat generic, but not as generic as the existing light fixture). I wanted these globe fixtures to be put in my living room, but since my ceiling isn't all that high (average height, but definately not cathedral-high), I thought the IKEA light fixtures might be installed in my bedroom and my guest bedroom.


I don't want to go into too much detail as to how I was able to install my new overhead light fixture (FYI: read instructions, take pictures, and have with you a home improvement book). Yet, with some gumption and following instructions (yes, instructions with IKEA products are too vague, that is why I suggest having with you a home improvement book and taking pictures of how the original fixture was wired), I was able to install the new fixture and have it working too. What do you think of it? I like it very much, although I can see some people complaining that it might be too low. The light fixture is slightly over the feet of the bed, so it's unlikely to hit someone on the head. I think it adds some flair to the bedroom.

Prints with a Cause

[Birds in the Bush, by Susan Schwake; image from theworkingproof.com]

Hi all.

I hope you are doing well in your neck of the woods. I came across this blog and wanted to share this information with you. As you must be aware by now, Japan is in need of severe help (e.g. earthquake measuring 9.0 on the Richter scale, tsunami, nuclear radiation). You can purchase a print from this website (http://www.theworkingproof.com/) and all the proceeds will be given to "Médecins Sans Frontières, who are currently in Japan assessing the post-quake needs, setting up mobile clinics, and focusing on vulnerable populations, such as the elderly, children, and victims suffering from chronic illnesses." The website, The Woking Proof, also sells other artwork prints, in which proceeds are donated to various organizations. Please check them out too.

My Thoughts . . .

The weather here has been okay. Much of the snow is beginning to melt, but it's still cloudy out and sometimes there's snow. So far, we've only gotten flurries and not another major snow storm. I'm so ready for winter to end.

However, I'm not complaining sooo much. Yes, it may be cold here, but it doesn't compare to earthquakes and tsunamis. My thoughts and wishes are with all those in Japan, Hawaii, and everyone in/near the Pacific Ocean and are being affected by the tsunamis. I hope most have evacuated the coastal areas and have found some kind of shelter.

I Love My Neices and Nephews!

I love my little ones. They are so cute and I love spending time with them. However, at the end of the day, it's great that they get to go home with mom and dad.

Thank You, Friends and Family.

As a few of you may already know, I've been going through a really tough time right now. Of course, the sub-zero degree weather and the snow is not helping me stay positive in any way. Work has been keeping me very busy and has been physically demanding (e.g. lack of sleep). At the same time, two significant relationships in my life have ended, causing a huge emotional toll on me. To say the least, I'm a wreck.

I am ready for a new beginning and for a new season. I don't know when it will happen, but I will emerge stronger than before. I must also thank those who have listened to me, offered me lots of support and advice, and have given me so much of their time. I just want to say "THANK YOU." I really would not have been able to get through this really tough period of my life without you.