New Things

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I, Stefani Tadio, went shopping on Sunday. On purpose. For fun. Yep, hell has frozen over, alright.

My massage therapist (I love saying that) has a couple of these reed diffuser things in her studio. I just love the scent (Citrus Cilantro) because it smells so fresh. I always thought these things were expensive but she told me 12 bucks at Pier One. I had to have one. It's sitting on a little table on "my side" of the living room couch. It makes me happy daily.

It's possible I have not been in Pier One in a year or two. Now I remember why. I want to buy everything! I decided to go there Sunday because I was feeling pretty low about all the stuff I've been whining about for the past few weeks and I thought some Stefani Time spent looking at cool things would cheer me up. Good thing I'm actually too cheap to buy much but man, my mental shopping cart was getting pretty full as I walked around the store.

I love this candlestick so much I probably would have paid full price for it - but it was on the clearance shelf so it quickly became a no-brainer. My intention was to put it on the kitchen table but it didn't look so hot there. The kitchen theme is apples, which is sort of country-ish I guess, so this looked out of place. Turns out it was meant to be here - on the fireplace hearth! It's perfect! It looks hand-painted in that funky whimsical style I love but I doubt it is. Hand painted, that is. But I just love it.

I also bought this black napkin at Pier One - and it turns out this stoneware bowl I used to have on the hearth - that's what belongs on the kitchen table! (Dad, that used to be your bowl - remember it? Was it Granny's by chance? Or where did you get it?) I want to find some nice "faux" red apples to put in the bowl. If silk flowers look real these days, surely I can find some decent looking red apples. I haven't looked yet but I know they're out there. (I'm amazed that Verona has not tried sleeping in that bowl yet.)

After taking the above pictures, walking down the hall to my studio, I realized I haven't shown you our lava lamp night light. To conserve energy, Steve and I tend to not turn hall lights on when we are walking around the house. Sounds kind of silly but there you are. Verona, a 100% black cat, tends to sprawl anywhere and everywhere on the floor and not move when approached. I swear I've never met a more relaxed cat. So I wanted just enough light so I could avoid stepping on Verona. This was sort of an impulse purchase at Linens & Things a few weeks ago. It's so frivolous and not practical, that I kind of got a thrill out of spending those 5 bucks. Now, of course I wish I had a more practical (brighter) night light, but this will do for now.

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Things are going much better at work. Even I was amazed at how my whole mood and attitude improved, just knowing that now that I officially have help. In fact, I guess I didn't realize fully how bad a mood I have been in. I mean, I did, but I didn't - know what I mean? I met with my new co-worker and her two former managers yesterday to prioritize her work and I trained her a bit in the afternoon. I didn't realize until we all met yesterday that she'll be reporting to me 100%. I thought I was only getting a piece of her. It remains to be seen how much AR work she'll be able to fit in with work she's still responsible for but I'll take anything.

I'm very excited about taking Friday off, as mentioned yesterday. For lunch I'm either thinking of a ravioli store I heard about the other day - or Panera Bread. But I'll be spontaneous. Will too!! This morning, Simon and I are leaving shortly to go see the orthopedic hand doctor about his chipped wrist. Then after work, I'm meeting with my counselor. I've been on such an emotional roller coaster about everything going on in my life. Sunday, I was near tears, couldn't wait to talk to her. Now I'm feeling so much better, it almost seems pointless. But like I've said, I always learn something from her so I know it will be worthwhile.

Off to start my day!