Robud's Musings

A Thought For Today....

2012-02-20T07:46:00.000-08:00

A friend sent this to me this morning. I find it approriate for myself as I can feel down so easily. Enjoy!

Cheers!
Robud

Sculptor's Attitude
by Author Unknown

I woke up early today, excited over all I get to do before the clock strikes midnight. I have responsibilities to fulfill today. I am important. My job is to choose what kind of day I am going to have.

Today I can complain because the weather is rainy or I can be thankful that the grass is getting watered for free.
Today I can feel sad that I don't have more money or I can be glad that my finances encourage me to plan my purchases wisely and guide me away from waste.
Today I can grumble about my health or I can rejoice that I am alive.
Today I can lament over all that my parents didn't give me when I was growing up or I can feel grateful that they allowed me to be born.
Today I can cry because roses have thorns or I can celebrate that thorns have roses.
Today I can mourn my lack of friend or I can excitedly embark upon a quest to discover new relationships.
Today I can whine because I have to go to work or I can shout for joy because I have a job to do.
Today I can complain because I have to go to school or eagerly open my mind and fill it with rich new tidbits of knowledge.
Today I can murmur dejectedly because I have to do housework or I can feel honored because the Lord has provide shelter for my mind, body and soul.
Today stretches ahead of me, waiting to be shaped. And here I am, the sculptor who gets to do the shaping.

What today will be like is up to me. I get to choose what kind of day I will have!

Really??

2012-01-10T14:55:00.001-08:00

So I was in HomeGoods looking for pink things for Kappa Prep's swap and I saw this "painting" an I use that term loosely. If you have this, please tell me why you bought it and secondly sorry that I am questioning your taste, but WTF?? Someone please explain this to me!

Cheers! Robud

Resolutions...

2012-01-09T10:47:00.000-08:00

Everyone seemed to post resolutions last week.
I do have a few and even since I have made them I have updated them.

-Remember people's Birthdays. I was so good at this and I have really let it slide this past year. So I want to get better at that.
-Blog at least 2 times a month. I was going to try to blog every week but I have a hard time with it, so I need to start small.
-Finish one project a month. I have a ton of projects I have started but I have not finished. So I need to get somethings finished. I think it will make me feel better and it will get rid of some of my clutter.
-Organize the house, most importantly my Craft room.
-Find a organization (or 2) to volunteer my time.

I think these things will make me feel a lot better about where I am in my life. Also it will help me get into a good schedule and keep my mind off the bad parts about not having a job.

So Cheers to 2012! I wish everyone Heath & Happiness!

Cheers!
Robud

Adventures in Home Ownership

2012-01-08T20:21:00.000-08:00

If you follow me on Twitter you know I have had some issues with my Kitchen recently. Issues is a nice word. It more like a total disaster!
Let me start from the beginning.

In September, My refrigerator leaked. The floor beneath warped so eventually I called my insurance who agreed that they would replace the kitchen floor. Good News!

Flash forward a few months and we begin to take up the floor and clean up the mess. But what we find is a bigger mess. The family that had lived in my house before I purchased it had put in a new kitchen. It is lovely and a selling point for the house. But what I did not know was that when they put in the new kitchen they also covered up a huge issue... a HUGE MOLD issue. To say that I was angry was an understatement.

So the before Christmas we really started looking at what was going on. This is what was going on....

Why Yes, That is a crap load of mold. So I got a dehumidifier and an Air Purifier for Christmas!

So I had to wait till after the holiday but then we decided we had to pull it all up. There was too much mold and too much "unknown" because we could not see under the cabinets. So the Thursday after Christmas the cabinets came out along with the Corian Countertop (which is one piece).

So I spent my New Year's Eve in my bedroom, which I now call my "studio apartment" because that is where I have been living.

Right after the new year we pulled every thing up to see what was really going on. Turns out that we had to pull all the plywood up in a portion of my kitchen.

This is what that was all about....

What I really want to know is, WHO THE EFF COVERS SHIT LIKE THIS UP? It makes me so angry. I had to sleep in my house one night with the floor open (ok it was covered up) and risk sleeping with a raccoon in my bed. (yes, I realize I am being a bit over dramatic) But it really makes me mad.
And not only was the floor a mess there were 3 different wires that were in the walls that were fire hazards that an inspector would never see. So I guess it is a good thing that this happened so at least I don't have quite as many fire hazards anymore.

As of right now the new floor is in but the cabinets are not in so as soon as that is complete I will let everyone see. In the meantime I will be in my Apartment eating my dinner off my bed and hoping that it all gets fixed sooner or later.

Cheers!
Robud

Distractions

2011-06-21T12:16:00.000-07:00

Because I am unemployed I spend a lot of time in Starbucks, Panera Bread or Barnes & Noble. All have free Wifi and "usually" pretty distraction free. Well it is better than home where I can think of 10,000 other things I need to do and then end up sleepy.
So coming to one of my favorite hang outs usually works out better for me. I seem to get more done. Well as I sit here at the Barnes & Noble I have been distracted 3 times.

-As I walked in a saw a puppy.... in the store. So of course I went over and checked him out. Cutest 10 week old French Bulldog. Nearly Scooped him up and put him in my "very loved" Lilly Pulitzer bag and ran away with him. So now I keep thinking about that puppy. Distraction Numero Uno.
- Not one but two separate guys are/were sleeping in the chairs upstairs. One right next to me. @lifeofmarge suspected that they have wives they are avoiding. But a chair.... in the Barnes & Noble? Things must be really bad at home.
-Then there was a table that was obviously occupied. It had a bunch of papers and books piled on it. Now while I don't agree to Saving yourself that space while your trot over to the Earth Fare for a snack. (i saw the girls whose table it was over there while I enjoyed my lunch) It is your table. But some chick with a Calculator that needed to be plugged into the wall came in and sat down with her piles of papers and made the table her own... The girls came back from snack time and she had to move. The only calculators that I know of anymore that need to be plugged into the wall anymore are called COMPUTERS.
-My favorite man is here today as well. He plays Chess by himself. I am not sure he really plays. But he seems to enjoy his time with his fold up cloth chess set and I can usually bet that he is here 90% of the time that I am. I should introduce myself but then I would be making friends at Barnes & Noble and I would have to get a hole punched in my loser card.

So for the past 15 minutes I have been distracted by those silly things enough to distract me from my real purpose which was to search Job boards for a job that will pay me money to be distracted by other things like twitter and pintrest while at work.

So since I have really got nothing done except write this post & make an appointment for the Genius Bar at the Apple store I think I am going to go look for that puppy.

Happy Distractions to you all!
Cheers!
Robud

I wanna win something....

2011-06-15T11:00:00.000-07:00

So my Friend Shasta over at Shasta Anne is having a Fabulous giveaway. Full of things that this unemployed, fair skinned, pool going lover need all wrapped up in a cute bag that I think I will monogram with my Twitter handle: @HRobud. Now that I think about it how cute would that be??
But I digress. You must check out Shasta and her blog.

Photo Courtesy of www.shastaanne.com

She even gave a shout out to Moi (her word not mine) and my sweet baby Claire. Shasta and I have an affinity for Smushed face babies, AKA Pugs. I truly am jealous of her now that she has 2 pugs in her family, Those are 2 very blessed pugs to have hit the jackpot like they did with that great Pug Mama!

So if you are or are not in the need for all things that make you look nice and summery check it out. Or if you just love pugs check it out too!

Toodles,
Robud

For my Fans...My 1 Fan.

2011-06-14T17:56:00.000-07:00

I don't really have any fans. I have 21 flowers and I think one of those is me. But anyway, my friend Shasta from Shasta Anne asked me "why no bloggy?" And quite frankly I don't know. I have lots of things to say: Unemployment sucks, I wish I could lose weight, I love Twitter but LOATE Facebook. See lots of things.
But for now I need to talk about something important, really important. Why the Eff does Ashley on The Bachelorette insist on showing off her abs. Yes, I am being serious. (but I will get to that later)

I am currently on week 2 of no cable. Meaning if I turn my TV on I get static. My roommate moved out and with him he took the Direct TV boxes and the account that went with them. Since I don't have a "big girl job", I decided to save money I would not get cable. I pay my Mom's Cable bill each month and for basic cable its about $75. That is $75 I could spend on something else. It is the summer and despite it being 95 degrees already in June; there are many other ways that I can spend my time other than watching TV. Including but not limited to FINDING A JOB.

But I did find Hulu. Its great, If I ever need a "fix" I can find a show that I love and check out the recent episodes. I have always been a fan of the Bachelorette Franchise. I even "interviewed" to be on the show during the run of the Italian Businessman, Whatever his name Borghese. Obviously, I did not make it because I would now not be looking for a job but I would be driving Italian automobiles on the California coast. Or at least that I what I think I would be doing. But I digress.

During each season of the Bachelor or Bachelorette there seems to be something that gets to the masses or gets to me. While Ali was on I remember lots of talk of her hair extensions, I liked her hair and I liked her but what do I know. But I have noticed something this season. I am probably only picking up on it because I watched back to back episodes on my Mac that is 2 feet away from my face but Ashley likes to show off her abs. Don't get my wrong, if my stomach looked like hers I might be showing it off too. However, I would not be going to great lengths to show it off. I noticed it when she was 'dancing' at her local studio where she would break it down. But I really noticed it this week.

She is in Thailand, we get a panoramic shot of the hotel that is graciously given them a place to lay their heads while they are visiting and then BAM! Ashley walking along the sidewalk, in a tank top... But no its no Ordinary tank top. Someone, somewhere has insisted on taking the front of said top, cutting a slit up from the bottom so she can tie it in a knot, thus showing off her abs. Really, just let the poor girl wear her bikini and a sarong. At least she would not look so silly. So next week I challenge you to find the Ab spotting's. I am sure there will be many.

Speaking of next week, do you really think they will bring Bentley back? If so the producers are mean-spirited jerks. But I bet they would be fun to sit and people watch with. But really, he said he did not like her at all numerous times. I don't think it would be fair to have him come back other than for some good television. I am sort of hoping that they bring Brad back. Rumor has it that he and Emily are done for good and she is shopping at my local Nordstrom. Who knew we had paparazzi in Charlotte, but dang it if I did not see a photo of her with a Nordies bag with a caption that said she was out "running errands" in Charlotte. If I catch a photo of her and sell it to Star magazine do I have to claim that money for my 2011 taxes? Looks like I might have found a job after all......

Unemployment

2011-03-08T11:55:00.000-08:00

I have been unemployed for over a month. With not even a call to say you suck.
I did get one form letter rejection for a job that I think I was over qualified for but it still stinks.

I think what really sucks is looking for jobs and seeing your old job show up on Job search websites. That really sucks. I had to block the job so it would stop showing up.

But my head is still high and I have a fun little job that keeps me busy 2 days a week. But it is just sad when you get 2 paychecks that did not even 1/4 of a pay check that I would have got before.

I have learned a few things about being unemployed. You can catch up on your sleep very quickly and also start bad sleep habits as well. I wanted to get up "at regular time" and get all sorts of stuff done. That has not happened yet.

I found the good Starbucks to go to for seats, But it does not matter which one you go to they are all full of people and by the looks of it a lot of them have jobs. Excuse me sir, Please go back to your office and give me that chair, I'm the unemployed one here...

At Panera, they have free wifi too. And you can get a large drink and practically drink yourself into a stupor from soda with free refills after 3 hours.

Barnes & Noble has free wifi too, that is where I am right now. It is quite and I can do some people watching if needed. I also don't have to spend any money to take up a seat. Its not like they are going to come around and check what you are doing.

I have wifi at home, but with 3 dogs and a TV, I am either always being annoyed by a dog or decide that I have seen that episode on the Food Network already and I take a nap. (please see above on catching up on sleep). Plus getting out of the house is good for me. It makes me take a shower and put on clothes that are not full of dog hair.

I decided a couple weeks ago that I could do it from home. It just does not work. I was a hot mess for 2 days. I need to get out.

As I learn more about unemployment, I will be sure to pass on my revelations.

In the meantime, remember I am an AWESOME Trade show & Event planner looking for a job. Please let me know if you have any suggestions, I am moving my search beyond North Carolina. So I am up for the new adventures!

xoxo,
Robud

Jobs (or lack there of)

2011-02-02T19:44:00.000-08:00

I lost my job today.

1/2 because I'm stupid but 1/2 because I was not in the "circle" that someone wanted to save.

I did something wrong. I accept that.
I don't accept that I was given a punishment that many that have gone before me who had done just as bad or worse were never given.

I don't like to disappoint people.
But I have.

But I will get through this and it will be OK. But to be frank it sucks right now.

I think in a movie or a TV show or someone told me.
God does not give you things you cannot handle. Things that are hard make you stronger.

It might take a few days to believe that but I will.

I cannot help to thank Tammy, David, Michelle, Joanna, Mia, Lara, Richard and EVERYONE on Twitter today and going forward.

I love you all.
Thank you,

Robud

Healthy Meals

2011-01-18T19:07:00.000-08:00

I should wait till Friday to discuss this but I need some help now...

I made some "healthy" meals from a book that I had purchased. Well they are HORRIBLE.

I mean really bad. Like "why did I ever think that I was going to like Kale?" bad.

So I am in looking for love in the Grocery store and with some fabu meals. I need things that are good for me, have good taste and don't take 45 ingredients to make them.

Also since I am just feeding myself, I don't mind making something and eating it for a few days. I just can't keep eating the same things week after week. I did that once. I can no longer look a turkey burger in the face without throwing up in my mouth a little.

So send me your ideas! I am looking for help!

Cheers!
Robud

Fat Fabulous Friday: The Intro

2011-01-14T07:08:00.000-08:00

I'm Fat. I can say it. Its OK, I have watched myself get this way and have done nothing to make it better or to stop it. But I need and want to now.

There is a reason that I have not posted a photo of myself on the blog or on twitter. I am embarrassed. Its downright embarrassing that I have let myself get to this point. I am going to put this number in writing once then we will never speak of it again right now I weigh 260lbs I did not say I was going to sky write it but I did put it out there.

We are starting a body fat challenge at work today. Goal is to loose body fat. I do believe I have an unfair advantage. I most likely have the most to lose. The winner gets around $400 but even better they get bragging rights which around here is better than any amount of money. I work for a sports supplement company that is dominated by men. So when there are bragging rights on the line it is a big deal.

I am excited about this challenge, we have done this at work before but I was smaller and I did not have as much to loose. I am a competitive person and this is just the kick in the rear that I need to get started. During the past I have done these challenges and I done quite well. I actually got down to 13.5% body fat. Yes it is possible and even more possible that I am a complete ass for letting myself go like I have.

But today is a new day and I will start my weight loss & body fat challenge with new vigor and excitement. Its not going to be easy, I say that from experience. But I did it once and I will do it again. And when I have lost some weight and I am feeling fabulous and I can fit into some pants that I have in my closet I will post a picture. Maybe even a before and after... but we will see.

Wish me luck, I am asking for it as I can use all the luck and well wishes that you can muster.

Here's to clean eating and healthy days ahead,
Robud

Crappy Christmas

2010-12-16T20:42:00.000-08:00

I am not a big fan of Christmas. I was an only child and for most of my life it was me, my Mom and my Dad. It was OK and they were great Santa's but it was nothing so special that I miss it.

I actually remember going to my Grandparents in Connecticut when I was about 8 or 10. All the "family" came over and were exchanging gifts and I did not get anything. I remember being devastated. I still remember it. I guess it sunk in.

But in an effort to try harder this year, I got a tree and decorated my mantel and put up lights. I am trying, I promise. But it is not working.

My Dog is sick and all I want for Christmas is for her to be better. I want to believe in Santa but even if I had been the most perfect girl in the world I don't think he can deliver. So on top of my dog being sick my BF & I decide not to exchange gifts. He cannot truly give me what I want and I cannot afford to give him much of anything so we decided to fore go Christmas. For the record, it sucks.

So since Tuesday night, I have cried every day. And I'm not depressed I am just sad. I'm sad that I cant get what I want and I know that sounds so selfish but its so true.

I am staying home this Christmas and not traveling, a decision that I am very glad that I made as it now seems that this may or may not be my last Christmas with my Pug. I will make it special for her, even though know its really for me. I will also be relaxed with no stress because in reality I think this is what it should all be about: Being with the ones you love, enjoying your life.

So with this I say to you: Enjoy the ones you love, do not waste time on things that will stress you out and know that Robud & Claire are thinking about you this Holiday Season.

Best-
Robud

More of Me, Part Deux

2010-12-06T19:59:00.000-08:00

So I posted the other day and I think I forgot some things. I think I was just too excited about posting that I did not get it all down at one time.
So more about me... (I love ellipses, even thought you really should not use them)
Here are some of my likes in no particular order.
I love Country Music and it literally makes my BF's skin crawl. Although he has been a trooper and gone to see Keith Urban with me 2 times. I like Lady Antebellum, Keith Urban and Zach Brown. I am also a fan of the new song for the Movie coming out in soon with Gwyneth Paltrow, Country Strong.
I love clothes, just like any good woman. My tastes are conservative and preppy. Unfortunately, My weight has been fluctuating so much that right now most of my fashion comes from Target or Old Navy. But I do love the Girls: Lilly, Tory and Kate. I have loved Kate forever. I have a black Kate Space bag that I got for my Birthday from Coplon's in Charlotte 13 years ago. I wonder if I can call that Vintage. I also had a bit of an addiction to as I would call them "over priced jeans". If I could afford it I would have more Diane von Furstenburg, Marc Jacobs, Tibi, Milly and Tracy Reese. But for now I will take what I can get.
I am trying to limit my Television watching. I think it is rotting my brain and I know there is so much more I could be doing. This is a recent revelation, so we will see how long it really lasts. But right now there is nothing on TV that really floats my boat.
Anyway, I am sure there is more but of course right now I cannot think of anything... so until next time.

-Robud

Shades of Pug

2010-10-23T11:00:00.000-07:00

Meet Claire...

This was at her first birthday party. Such a sweet face!

This is Pug and her Best friend Gus. Aren't they so sweet?

Goodness is she not the sweetest thing?

I have had Claire for over 5 years and she is 6 years old. She has gotten older over the years but she is the sweetest thing. I can't imagine my life without her.

What about you do you have any pets? Let me know about your fur babies.

-Robud

Birthday Recap

2010-10-22T19:45:00.000-07:00

I had a great birthday. I think one of the best in recent memory.
I finished up the evening with the BF at George's. I had the Beef Bourguignon it was delish. I had some champagne cocktails that were quite strong, but I did enjoy them. And we finished off the meal with Chocolate Mousse, it was the perfect ending to the wonderful meal.
We then went over to Taco Mac and enjoyed a cold beer.
It was an early night in but it was a nice night.
I also received some nice presents. He got me a Kate Spade Laptop bag that i had asked for, but i decided to take it back. I just felt like it was not a smart purchase and I could use something more practical. So I exchanged it today for a cute tote and some Twirl Perfume. I'm looking forward to wearing my new scent this fall. He also got me a Gift Certificate to my favorite Needlepoint shop, Po's Point. I know that sounds like a cop out gift, but I love needlepoint and if you know anything about it; its not cheap. So I was able to take a Needlepoint class that they are having next weekend. I am very excited about that.

I then met my Friends at Cafe Monte for Brunch on Saturday morning. It was so great to see everyone and catch up. Most of my friends have kids so it is hard for us all to get together. They were also sweet enough to add to my collection of Needlepoint gift certificates. I have such wonderful friends.

I finished off Saturday with the Chelsea Handler show. It was really funny and she had some great jokes. There were a couple that were really funny that had me snorting. You always know it is funny when I snort. I actually had to hold my nose at one point to stop the snorting.

I also got this beautiful necklace... Its handmade by my friend.

Now I jsut need a new outfit to wear it with! Maybe some shopping this weekend.
Thanks to everyone that sent me wonderful birthday messages. It was wonderful.

-Robud

Shameless Self Promotion

2010-10-15T12:38:00.000-07:00

Today is my Birthday! And I am not afraid to shout it from the roof tops.

My Roommate made me breakfast and brought me flowers. He even had to wake up early to do all that so that was extra sweet.

I have got lots of emails from co-workers and friends.
This Awesome Card from my Teammates at work. (they know me so well)

Lots of great tweets from my Tweeps. It is always surprising how sweet people can be whom I have never met. Thanks to my Tweeple!

I also got these lovelies from my sweetie.

We are going to dinner at George's tonight and then over to Taco Mac to check out the beer selection.

I also have brunch with the girls tomorrow at my Favorite Breakfast Place, Cafe Monte. I will get the waffle and I will love it. I am also heading to see Chelsea Handler tomorrow night.

A fun filled weekend is planned and I am so blessed to have such wonderful friends.

I'll post a weekend wrap-up on Tuesday after I go see David Sedaris too! (just keep the fun coming)

Thanks to everyone for the wonderful Birthday love.

-Robud

Who is Robud?

2010-10-04T20:05:00.000-07:00

I should start with what is Robud? Robud is my nickname from college. When I lived at the Sorority house we all went to Target one day, I proceeded to apply for a Target card. When my Card arrived it was addressed to Heile Robud. I then started to get lots of mail for Heile Robud. So it stuck. And 16 years later I still like it.
But who am I really?
I am blond with blue eyes. I'm not too tall but when I put on heels I forget how tall I can get. I am a daughter, a co-worker, an ex-wife, a girlfriend, a caretaker but most of all a friend. I am funny, smart, creative, shy, out going and friendly.
I am a pug lover; her name is Claire. She is a fawn Pug. She is my best friend; she sticks by me when I feel like my life is crumbling around me.

I am "Craftastic". I love all crafts; I have tried nearly all of them. I have made my own furniture and my own clothes. My personal crack right now is Needlepoint. I have basically picked the most expensive "take along" hobby that I could find.
I am in love with love. I have been married before and we are still friends. But I know that there is someone out there for me that will love me for who and what I am and the baggage that I bring along.
I am a Trade Show Coordinator for a Sports Nutrition Company. I like my job and I am very good at it. I don't however like some of the things that go along with where I work. I work hard and have a good work ethic. I think I have really changed my department in the past years that I have been there.
I think this begins to tell the story of who I am. I hope you will come back for more.

-Robud