I did something stupid.

I need a TV for my bedroom. Unfortunately, I left my other one in Portland (dumb, dumb, dumb). So this morning I'm browsing craigslist, and find a Sony 36" for $30. Uhhh.....YEAH. I call the lady, who's amazingly nice, and make arrangements to go pick it up. She tells me "It's super heavy, so you will need at least one more person to help you move it." I'm thinking "I got this." My dad and I have become experts at moving furniture and such, so I'm thinking no problem. We drive out there, the TV is beautiful, yadda yadda yadda. Then we try to pick it up.

Holy crap.

I have never EVER EVER felt a TV this heavy. Never in my life. I mean, it's got to weigh 200 pounds.  But because my dad and I are both too full of pride to ask for the money back and leave it where it sits, we *finally* manage to get it down off the entertainment center, onto a furniture dolly, and up (my god) into the back of my suv. That's where it still sits. Because once we were sitting in the car driving home, we both realized our backs didn't feel very good. Not good at all, actually.

So there's now an ad on craigslist for a 36" television that's stuck in the back of an SUV. Except I upped the price $10 so I can go buy Tylenol.

*sigh*

Obscura Antiques and Chili

I have a little cold. Just what I need. BUT as I was lying on the couch flipping through channels, I came across a gift, a godsend, an AMAZING piece of television that I have to share with you all. The show is called "Oddities" and it's all about this phenomenal store call "Obscura Antiques" out of NYC. I suppose it's better I'm on the other side of the country because I would be like a kid in a candy store - there would be no money left for rent or any other pesky bills. I would be living as a squatter in some abandoned warehouse surrounded by ventriloquist dummies, insects, bones, and taxidermy. Now that I mention it, doesn't seem so bad......... Anyway, please go visit their website and blog..... and don't forget to watch the show every Wednesday night @ 9pm on the Science Channel!!!

Obscura Antiques website
Obscura Antiques Blog

I want.....nay, NEED....to make some chili. I'm really tired of my recipe. Do any of you have one you'd like to share? It would be much appreciated!!!

That's all for now. I'm not quite back to myself. Maybe after these holidays are over, I can get back to normal life and begin to heal.

Love,  Lysa

THANK YOU

I just want to thank everyone for the love and support you've given me. I could not have made it through the last few weeks without it. I feel really fortunate and blessed to have you all in my life.

Now if I could only concentrate and quit screwing up, I'd be golden!

If you'd like to sign the guestbook for my mom, you can do that here

Debra Ann 1952-2010

My mom lost her battle with cancer today. She was surrounded by all of us who love her, and I hope she knew that and felt our love surround her. I am in shock still and waiting for the hurt and sadness to hit me like a ton of bricks.

Thank you to everyone for your kind words, phone calls, emails, and comments. Although this turmoil has weeded out the useless, it has also shown who is truly there for me and who truly loves me. I am very lucky.

For everyone local reading this:  At mom's request, we will not be having a funeral. She asked that we have people over to the house, just to hang out, eat some food, and say nice things about her ( for ONCE, she said!). She said she wanted a casual thing where people could come in their slippers if they so wished. I scoured the house last night for her "get well" cookie recipe, and they will be my contribution.

And I don't mean to offend anyone, but my mom's last words before she slipped into a coma were, "This fucking sucks."

My sweet, sweet mama...... I couldn't agree with you more.

Be well, everyone.

Love, Lysa

THE ONE-TWO PUNCH

I don't like to write about things that are TOO personal. I try to separate business and my personal life (aside from my posts about thrift store finds, etc). But at this point, I feel I owe everyone an explanation.

As most of you know, I had to pick up and move from Portland rather quickly. Let's just say that was a bad situation that is now in my past, where it will stay. But although it's in my past, it put a rather large dent in my business.... one I hope goes away at some point.

Unfortunately, right after moving to California, my mom was diagnosed with cancer. She is now losing the battle. We received some very bad news yesterday.... news I won't go into here. We as a family are facing some extraordinarily tough times ahead.

My mind has been so scattered - I go back and forth between anger, and the ever-present "Why US??" all while trying to maintain my business. Quite honestly, if it weren't for medical and everyday bills, I would probably close up shop completely right now. I must go on, though. I have a beautiful child to provide for and a house to maintain. The struggle is choosing to go on with life and be that provider, or stick close to my mom and let everything else fall my the wayside. I could not feel like LESS of an adult right now.

I'm struggling more than I can tell you. The thought of losing my mom - although inevitable - is unfathomable to me. I simply cannot imagine it. She is too young, too kind, and just way too awesome for this. She's my best friend.

Many of you have become my friends, and that is why I feel I must be honest about my situation. I'm finding it increasingly difficult to hide it.

Thank you for being there for me during the last few months. My life has been a whirlwind of drama, upset, and heartbreak. I've learned a lot about people and I've found strength I didn't know I had. I will be relying on that strength to get me through the next few months.

I will be working. It gets me through the pain and enables me to pay these ever-increasing bills.

Again, thank you for being a part of my life. My days are better because of it.

Love,  Lysa

The tattoo I got for Mom