Rebecca Homecca

It’s been a while since we had a good top five, so that’s what your getting! I considered going off topic and listing the top five reasons you shouldn’t throw bricks at your senators or top five ways to protest the new insurance reform bill without having the feds drop by for a visit. But instead I decided to go with the old stand by…

The Top Five Things I’m into right now

5. Mumford and Sons I heard an interview with the band on NPR, and thought that their music sounded interesting. Next thing I knew, they were all over the place. I’m digging that blue grassy/not quite country/kind of folky sound. That is totally a genre, by the way. I’ve been hearing other bg/nqc/kof bands coming out right now, but so far, for me, these guys stand out.

4. Summer clothes, even though it’s too cold. Something about this time of year, when the sun is out, the days are longer, and the robins are back  makes me think it is warmer than it actually is. Mostly though, I think I am just tired of my winter clothes. That cute brown wool sweater that I dream of it being cold enough to wear come October is so last month. My new short sleeved cotton button up is screaming for me!

3. Sleep. I know, who isn’t right? But seriously, my new job starts an hour later and I can not tell you how happy that makes me. I am not a morning person, I am barely an afternoon person, and this extra hour of sleep is amazing. And don’t tell me to go to bed earlier. If I went to bed any earlier I wouldn’t be able to work at all. I’m not a good fall alseeper. It takes me forever. So it’s much better for me to make it up on the other side.

2. Longer Days. What is it about the sun going down that makes me not want to do anything? Somehow, now that it is lighter longer, I feel more motivated. Like I have more time or something. Except, really it’s the same time, I just don’t have to turn the lights on. So weird.

1. Painting. I am sure you are thinking, “haven’t you always been into painting?” True enough. But I have not been feeling very creative lately. I bought a book (I don’t remember the name, but it was on clearance for $4!) that has lessons showing different watercolor techniques and has tips for taking it to the next level. I started one a couple of weeks ago and it is nice to have some direction (that I don’t have to count on myself for!) Also, at the beginning of the year we assigned a topic for each month (March is windows) and we each have to do a painting relating to that topic. It’s pretty fun. The topics are somewhat vague (on purpose) so it is interesting to see what everyone comes up with! We got our taxes done this week so I didn’t go to studio, but hopefully next week I will have my lesson completed. Pictures to follow!

Dis-honorable mention: The one thing I am so NOT into right now is American Idol. Worst.Season.Ever. The singing is terrible, the personalities are duds, and the judges can’t seem to make up their minds on what kind of advice to give. They are all over the place. The singers are so confused, it’s no wonder it’s a train wreck every week.

It’s mid-March in Michigan, the sun is out and it’s about 50 degrees out side. Which one of these things do you think you will see?

A. A man in a speedo swimming in Lake Michigan

B. A woman in snowpants walking her dog along the beach

C. A convertable car with the top down

D. People downhill skiing

E. People golfing

F. All of the above

If you answered F you are correct! It should also be noted that speedo guy and snow pants girl were at the same beach.

Day 2 down at my new job. So far I LOVE it. It is so fun and busy.

Not just busy, but BUSY BUSY BUSY!

I knew I would like working in real estate. It is so interesting.  I like learning about all the different areas of town and seeing all the different houses. I also like hearing all the behind the scenes real estate stuff.

I also like that buying and selling houses is real. It’s an important part of peoples lives, it’s a real event, that has meaning. There are reasons behind every transaction. I may not know all the reasons, but I like knowing that they are there.

I know not all the reasons are good. Not everyone is buying there first house with the all the excitement that brings. Some are selling because they lost there job, or got divorced or whatever. But the point is, it is important. Good or bad.

I also love looking at houses. I even like just reading the descriptions. I know it’s nerdy. We posted some pictures of an ugly house today. It was UGLY. So we were trying to put pictures that showed it in the best light (not easy) and describe it’s positive features (of which it had many-if you could look past the ugly).  And even that is fun.

I didn’t talk about my old job much, because there wasn’t much to say. I find myself wanting to talk to everyone about my new job (sorry about that), even though it has only been 2 days.

I’m sure I will have both good and bad days ahead. It’s a lot easier to take the bad ones though, when there are good ones to balance it out.

Abba

Pearl Jam

Longish, soft, flowing hair? Check.

Beard with Mustache? Check.

Big Collard shirt? Check.

Awesome Falsetto? Well played Abba. Well played.

Marvin and Maisy snuggled on the couch almost all afternoon. At one point Maisy gave him a little bath while they cuddled. Marvin is a bit of a couch hog, but Maisy didn’t seem to mind. She just snuggled right up.

I guess they are getting along.

The other day I went shopping for some new school clothes so that I could have some new stuff at my new job. I wasn’t in the right frame of mind, so I did not have much success.

Since my old job has officially ended, I decided to give it another try today.

Besides, I had a couple of gift cards burning a hole in my purse.

I had much  better success today (actually had to put things back because I exceeded my gift card budget). I got a 3/4 sleeve cardigan in navy blue and paired it with a cute printed shirt to go under. You know how I love a good cardigan. I wanted one in every color!

I also got a cute lightweight cotton shirt for when the weather warms up. I had a couple of those before and I wore them out! It’s red, but not like red-red, more like a brown-red.

I  also got a light blue square neck t-shirt for casual time this summer.

I didn’t get any skirts or pants, which I am in need of. I just couldn’t find any I liked. I have another store I like to get those things from, so I might have to make another shopping trip. Twist my arm.

It was so busy at the store today. The weather wasn’t that great, so that wasn’t it. I heard someone say (while waiting in line for a dressing room) that the recession must be over!

Well, today was my last day at my old job. I start my new job on Monday.

My last week was a little more chaotic than I would have liked, but I survived. I am going to try and kind of decompress this weekend. I want to let go of all that old stress, so that I have nothing but excitement and positive energy going into my new adventure.

The hardest part about leaving was of course the people. I worked there for four years and forged some friendships and really good working relationships. There are a few people I won’t miss. But there are also people that I will remain friends with for a very long time.

It still doesn’t seem like reality yet. I brought home my box of stuff a while ago so that there wouldn’t be that sad moment on my last day. I really just wanted to go out celebratory, and for the most part it was.

I am trying to envision what it will be like to go into my new office. I thought I had my outfit planned, but the weather warmed up and now I have to rethink that.  I have no idea what my day will be like or to expect.

It is all very exciting.

I got my Master Naturalist paperwork today!

I’ve been on the waiting list for probably two years now. They are doing 2 sessions this year to give more people the chance to go through the program. There are 60 spots and over 70 people on the waiting list. So I filled my paperwork all out tonight so that I can drop it in the mail first thing. I don’t want to miss my spot!

Here are the classes:

Introduction to Conservation Theory & Practice

Woodland Wildflowers

Native Trees and Shrubs

Michigan Wetlands Habitats

Prairie Environments

Invasive Plant Species

I am also taking a supplemental class on Michigan Snakes.

I am pretty excited to learn all about nature stuff that is local.Especially since we practically live in a nature preserve.

We will be visiting different parks and nature preserves in the area.  I am hoping to find some hidden gems that we’ve not been to before.

As part of the program you also have to volunteer a certain number of hours in a conservation type setting. We will learn about what opportunities are available in the first class. I think it will be fun to get out in the community to help with conservation efforts.

I know I’m a huge nerd. But I like learning about things, what can I say?

I watched about half of the Oscars last night. But I feel I didn’t miss out because I watched an hour and a half of red carpet coverage (it’s like pre-game).

The winners were rather predictable. But Here are some random thoughts about the evening…

Miley Cyrus needs to learn to stand up straight.

Bright Pink lipstick is apparently in.

I am bummed that Gabourey Sidibe did not win for her role in Precious, but am glad to see that Monique won. I just think Gabby is so sweet and funny in interviews and stuff.

I am really excited that Kathryn Bigelow won best director because she is the first female to do so. However, I wish she had done something different with her hair.

Kathy Ireland stands like a Barbie Doll.

Jennifer Lopez and Queen Latifa are tied for best dressed in my opinion.

Demi Moore’s dress matched her spray tan. That is weird.

I don’t like the reading part during best screenplay. It’s goofy.

I thought Steve Martin and Alec Baldwin did a good job as co-hosts.

Guess that’s all! Award season is over, now we just have go about making our own opinions.

Last night hubs and I went to a fundraiser for the Art Council. My Studio went together and bought a table.

There was a silent auction and a live auction (we did not bid on anything). There were also games like Spin to Win and the Money Machine. I won 2 coupons to the ice cream shop. Someone from our table won $90 in the 50/50 though!

Here is hubs in the Money Machine.

He did not win either. Some guy cheated by catching all the money in his sweater.

And because I am a nerd I took a picture of our table. It had our name on it like we are official!

The attendance was way down and it seemed as though the bidding was pretty weak too. I can’t imagine trying to raise money for the arts during this economy.