The Hit List - The same cloth

The last few weeks, I’ve been aggravated with my husband. Why? It’s because he decided to do some major reorganizing and renovating the week before my big retreat. And nothing has been completed.

I’ve been living in disarray for what seems an eternity.

The worst part has been the kitchen. I love to cook and have had zero access for cooking.

This has made me all sorts of anxious…and naggy.

Every week, I would ask: will it be done? When can I cook?

Every week, he would answer: Soon. Don’t bug me.

As Thanksgiving loomed, my anxiety grew. I host dinner here and the thought of no kitchen or a cooking war zone had me freaking out.

I fumed. I worried. And often, I thought about how different he and I operate.

Although we’re both perfectionists, I function on warp speed. He’s methodical and a procrastinator.

I’m diligent about time. He’s on the late show.

I’m out the door in minutes. He’s still brushing his teeth. Oh, and he decided to shave at the last minute. Grrr…..

If I’m going to do something, there is a neatly laid out plan. His planning? That depends. If it’s a project for his business, it’s meticulously planned. The house? Fuggettaboutit. (Although he’ll claim that there is some sort of scheme that is unfolding.)

When stuff doesn’t move at my groove, I nag. He ignores it.

How on earth can two people who are so different live together in peace for over twenty years?

It’s because we’re both alike where it counts:

We are both non-conformists.

We both love freedom and space.

Astrologically, we are cosmic twins (we each have six planets ruled by Mercury).

We have the same Enneagram number (seven).

We share the same spiritual and political beliefs.

We both need music and laughter every day in our lives.

We’re absolutely passionate about good food.

And we both dearly love our home.

Those are the threads that bind us together and remind me that we’re cut from the same cloth, even as I gritted my teeth as Thanksgiving loomed.

But miracles do happen and he got the house ready just in time for a smashing dinner with my family. (There was grumbling but it got done.) It wasn’t perfect (he still has more work to do) but I could cook at last in a peaceful and orderly environment. Sigh.

The next day…he started tearing down another wall.

Pass the wine. I’m going to need it.

Our cats are opposites but they manage to find some peace. Check out that sweet kitty kiss!

Other stuff:

While my kitchen was tore up, I ate plenty of good meals at the North Shore Boulangerie. They have excellent salads and cassoulet. Highly recommended!

Four videos of my tarot hero, Alejandro Jodorowsky, talking about what else…tarot!

Interesting post on why one young yoga teacher stopped teaching.

F. Scott Fitzgerald had a few ideas on what to do with leftover turkey.

An interesting map that renamed each US State to the country that shares the same GDP. Apparently, Wisconsin is similar to Nigeria! Huh?

“They are murdering our kids and getting away with it.” More stories on police brutality against young black males.

This woman’s doctor told her that women stop having sex at 65. Memo to woman: get a new doctor.

Smart stuff from The Brand Alchemist: Seen one too many 50K launches? This is for you.

I LOVE this post from Susan Hyatt: You’ve got love. What else matters? A must read fo’ sho!

My fave rapper, Rick Ross, has lost a bunch of weight. All through eating right and exercise. Looking good, Rozay!

Game of Thrones is such a tease.

Alone on the holidays? It may be a good thing. Check out this post from Elizabeth Potts Weinstein.

From Flight Club: What to do if your holiday flight is delayed. (Be patient.)

What would it be like to make zero trash? Not as hard as you think.

Perspective: If you’re concerned about the civil unrest in Ferguson, here is a reminder of other times when people got destructive. (Hint: sports.)

The feral cats of Disneyland have their own Instagram feed! (This would be the only thing to ever lure me to Disney!)

These 12 GIF’s on the ravages of addiction are enough to convince me. Very disturbing.

Loving this beautiful shout out from my friend, Dr. Suzanne Gelb.

All the renovation has taken a toll on my husband’s hands. We discovered Gloves In A Bottle 80995 Shielding Lotion, 8-Ounce and his hands have never felt better! BEST hand lotion, hands down (yes, I had to add that pun).

We are lotion fanatics around here. We also dig Curel Ultra Healing Lotion, 20 Ounce. Super creamy and hydrating.

Wisconsin winters are harsh on the skin (hence, the lotion frenzy). I also switch to a heavy moisturizing body wash: Olay Ultra Moisture Moisturizing Body Wash With Shea Butter, 13.5 oz.

I use a sun screen every day – even in winter. Olay Complete All Day Moisturizer With Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 15 – Sensitive, 4 fl. Oz. is really good and inexpensive.

What I’m Grateful For:

Holiday #1 – done.

Order

New kitchen counters

Every dish in the house has been cleaned

Time off

A solid work schedule

Easy to follow instructions

Gummy vitamins

Soundtrack for 11/29/14: Stayin Out All Night from Wiz Khalfia – is that Tia Carrere in this video? OMG love her!