The charity that gets an automatic monthly draft from us is Puppies Behind Bars.  I love and support the concept so much.

No one has ever become poor by giving. ―Anne Frank

Joey has told me stories about all the Orlando themeparks from his numerous childhood vacations.  Epcot has always been the one that sounded best to me.  A "life to-do list" kinda place.  For the past month he's secretly been planning all the details.  We'll fly out of Atlanta in the 6am hour and return around 10pm.  (He respected that I'm uncomfortable with us both being away from Berke over night.)  He's even already arranged the rental car.  I have nothing to worry about except thinking about all that I want to eat and see!  (Though I might be a teeny bit nervous about my first plane ride...)

The best part?  How much he loved giving this gift.

Mah ladies (Mickie, Annette, Gina) and I always celebrate our birthdays together.  For years we've gone out for long lunches, but when Annette's special day came up this year, I decided to plan something a little different.  (Note: I'm the planner of our foursome.)

I found some really great Yelp reviews for a place in Atlanta called Scents N' Suds.  I called and spoke to the owner, Michael, who suggested that we come up on a Friday evening.  He offered to close the shop a little early and let us bring wine for a private perfume making party!  Perfect!  Something unique, interesting, and a custom fragrance would be my gift to Annette who, as a spa owner, really appreciates girly stuff.

I highly recommend this experience to other groups of girlfriends!  Michael has been in business for over thirty years, so he's super knowledgeable about oils and scents.  He was also really patient about my need for a structured elimination approach to creating my special smell.  We sniffed and sniffed─ he had hundred of bottles ─ and were amazed by how different blends "reacted" together.  We spent about an hour and a half and, in the end, Annette, Mickie, and I have little bottles of custom perfumes for about $25 each.

My blend is equal parts white amber and blush peony, with a touch of cinnamon that gives the scent a warmth.  I smell lovely.  And I'm finding that the essential oil scent lasts way longer than a name brand perfume (plus doesn't flare up my allergies.)

I would love to go back, and I probably will!

At first, the 2013 Year of the Snake made me a bit nervous.  Sounds creepy, right?  But I came across a great review and explanation of the transition from the 2012 Dragon.  Some highlights—

• Perhaps the biggest difference between the two is Snake is the thinker and Dragon the doer.  That means we’re likely to see significant developments in the area of science and technology.  Research and development will flourish.  It’ll be a great time to be in academia.
• Snake is a world class sensor. It effortlessly picks up vibes.  I’m talking not only physical but mental.  Snake knows what’s going on.  It senses truth – and falsehood.  In Dragon year a former director of the American CIA was embroiled in scandal.  Just wait and see what Snake reveals!  Dragon served up an appetizer, but Snake will give us the main course!  It’s a good time for all of us to be on our best behavior.
• It’s a great sign, a positive one.  Advancement of new ideas, great works of literature, art and philosophy are due at least in part to Snake energy.  It’s also the one most closely associated with mysticism, reflection and introspection.  This is a time to ask the important questions.  To go deep.  What’s it all about? What’s going on – in our personal lives and in the world?
• It represents a pause between the high charged energy of Dragon and Horse years.  This is a pause with a purpose, however, not just a resting spell.  It’s time to reflect on the past and to plan for the future.  We live in exciting and challenging times.  Snake energy can help us face the challenges.  Let’s take advantage of it to improve our lives and our world.

So the snake has a purpose.  A phase for the mind and heart. 

And, specifically for a Year of the Monkey baby, like myself—

• If you were born in the Year of the Monkey 2013 can be a positive year if you do the right things.
• The Year of the Monkey person could have some challenges in 2013 because of their frivolity but they are clever enough to rise to the challenge - if they wish to!  Think of a monkey in the jungle - making a lot of noise and disturbing the peace around them. The snake is annoyed and strikes at the monkey.
• Be too mischievous and you will annoy people.  Temper your behaviour and make the best use of your natural intelligence to achieve the best in 2013.

Good to know.  I'll be a good monkey.  :)

Me: [speaking to teenage boy behind Kroger fish counter] Is this [indicating styrofoam tray] your way of packaging salmon or Kroger's new way?

Boy: I use the tray so the fish won't get broke up.

Me: Well, its just that this [indicating styrofoam tray] isn't recyclable...

Joey: [steering me away] I'm sorry, I don't take her out of the nursing home often.

(Note: When Joey retells the story, I also call the kid "young man.")

My dinner menu and cost totals for the week of January 20, 2013. 

Sunday: taco chilli

• 28 ounces crushed tomatoes- .99 cents (Aldi)
• two cans black beans- $1.18 (Aldi)
• can of kidney beans- .59 cents (Aldi)
• taco seasoning- .35 cents (Aldi)
• ground turkey- $3.79/.70 cents off (Kroger) 

Monday: salmon salad

• salmon- $3.09 (Kroger)
• spinach- $2.99/.40 cents off (Kroger)
• ramen noodles- .20 cents (Kroger)
• red wine vinegar- $2.59/.55 cents off (Kroger)

Tuesday: toasted raviolis

• marinara sauce- $1.19 (Kroger)

Wednesday: balsamic onion, bacon, and goat cheese pizza

• large red onion- $2.17 (Kroger)
• bacon- $3.19 (Aldi)
• goat cheese- $1.99 (Aldi)

Thursday: pork tenderloin, sweet potato, and asparagus

• pork tenderloin- $4.01 (Kroger)
• sweet potato- .79 cents (Kroger)

Other grocery items:

• two bags of wasabi peas- $3.98 (Aldi)
• gallon of milk- $2.49 (Aldi)
• Jiffy cornbread mix- .49 cents (Aldi)
• cereal- $1.99 (Aldi)
• fig bars- .89 cents (Aldi)
• bag of navel oranges- $1.49 (Aldi)
• bottled water- $2.29 (Aldi)
• dishwasher detergent- $2.99 (Kroger)
• Country Crock margarine- $2.49/.75 cents off (Kroger)
• dozen eggs- FREE with coupon! (Kroger)
• protein bar- $1 (Kroger)

Grand Total= $48.35

In my kindergarten class, there was an easel.  On some sort of rotating schedule, every kid was given a set of cheap-o watercolor paints, some brushes, and artistic freedom.  Every single time that my turn came up, I painted the entire piece of paper red.  I knew that I couldn't produce anything worthwhile, and I didn't want an adult to lie to me by marveling falsely.  That's kinda weird, right?

(Joey has, like, zero memories of kindergarten.  He was a normal child.)

Look!  Someone made a pretty picture of something that I totally believe.  I think that everyone important in my life is someone whom I was just waiting to know.  And there's no missing the connection.  The path will find a way to cross because energy finds energy. 

I love looking forward to who's coming up next.

Image found on Pinterest. 

Clockwise: vintage candy color, preppy color block, minimal belt embellished, and roseo. 

I've adopted the blue baby from Hong Kong. 

(She came with free shipping and a 20% off discount!)

My dinner menu and cost totals for the week of January 20, 2013. 

Sunday: fish tacos with broccoli slaw

• bag of frozen tilapia fillets- $5.99 (ALDI) (One bag will make several meals!)
• three roma tomatoes- $1 (Kroger)
• broccoli slaw- $2 (Publix)
• oriental Ramen noodles- .25 cents (Publix) 

Monday: tamale pie

• two avocados- $1.78 (ALDI)
• shredded colby jack cheese- $2.99 (ALDI)
• polenta- $3.79 (Kroger)
• diced tomatoes- .59 cents (ALDI)
• a stem of green onions- .02 cents (Kroger) 

Tuesday: spaghetti and meatballs

• onion- .50 cents (Kroger)
• crushed tomatoes- .99 cents (ALDI)
• whole tomatoes- .99 cents (ALDI)

Wednesday: corn cakes with avocado goat cheese salsa

• goat cheese- $1.99 (ALDI) 

Thursday: ravioli fumet

• bag of frozen raviolis- $2.29 (ALDI)
• two cans chicken broth- $1.18 (ALDI)
• diced tomatoes- .59 cents (ALDI)

Friday: undecided

Other grocery items:

• cereal- $1.99 (ALDI)
• two containers of blackberries- $1.58 (ALDI)
• butter- $2.29 (ALDI)
• bag of navel oranges- $1.49 (ALDI)
• cooking spray- $1.39 (ALDI)
• sweet potato- .74 cents (Kroger) 

Grand Total= $39.03