On Thursday, I left behind a week's worth of rain for a much needed beach vacation. I joined Jen, Traci, and Michelle at Grayton Beach for five days and four nights of sun and sea salt on our skin. There was laughter, shopping, good drinks, even better food and the best kind of relaxation. Nowhere to be, nothing to worry about. Five days to let go and allow the sun to melt away whatever worries I may have been carrying. I came back yesterday, leaving summer behind, coming home to Halloween decorations up on the house, a chill in the air. And a restlessness that tells me that something good is coming, if only I have the courage and determination to go for it. There are too many paths to choose, but I'm ready to pick one and run toward the future, without looking back. It's amazing how much clearer things become when you stop staring at them for a little while.
Since I'm feeling both hopeful and nostalgic, I'll leave you with a few memories made in the salty air:
-Just a short walk down a flight of stairs to sand, shoes not required, to a beach viewable from our window
-Floppy brimmed hats being swept off by waves
-Shimmering trails of greenish light left behind by twirling arms and uncovered skin
-Swimming in moonlight, waves, and so many stars you could just drown by looking at them
-Hushed laughter and futile attempts to rid ourselves of too much sand, a consequence of too much drink and just enough fun
-Conversations with strangers who act more welcoming than some friends
-Music and rain and the feeling that all is right with the world, if only we'd slow down enough to realize it
The end of summer
It smells like fear, but it's not really
As Dave and i were finishing up dinner on evening recently, I was casually flipping through a Yankee Candle catalog when I came across a candle named "Wedding Day." Not really expecting any answer from Dave, I asked out loud, "I wonder what Wedding Day smells like?" to which he replied, without missing a beat or even looking up, "Fear." God, I love that man.
Things have been going really well, lately. I have been one three interviews, none of which turned into job offers, but I have really enjoyed the time away from the stress and routine of working a full-time corporate job. No longer am I feeling embarrassed about being let go from a job that I wasn't even very happy with, but didn't realize it until I was forced to give it up. I miss a few of the people I used to work with, but that's it. Time to move on.
Things that I've been doing to occupy my time since involuntarily becoming a house-wife.
1) Remodeling. I am really good at painting! I tore all of the wallpaper off the guest bathroom one day in a very impulsive (and very Chelle-like) move. Afterwards, the dry wall was in rough shape, so Dave put a skim-coat of joint compound on it, but after applying two coats of paint, I decided it still looked rough. So I decided to add sand to the paint! For texture! To cover up all of the dings and uneven spots on the walls (there were a lot) and what do you know? Corporate America had not sucked all of the creativity out of my soul as I had feared! The sand makes a nice subtle texture and adds a little something to a bathroom that has been decorated in a mosh-posh of beach and garden themes.
2) Exercise. Forcing yourself to workout isn't nearly as difficult when you aren't exhausted from working full-time. Who knew? I've been running, walking the dogs, lifting light weights and plan to start the 30 Day Shred program soon. I decided to put it off until after my sister-in-law's visit next week. That way I do not embarrass myself by having to exercise in front of her.
3) Travel. I have been to Florida three (3!) times since May. Once to pet sit for the grandparents for about a week, and twice to help my mom set-up, then immediately dismantle a third grade classroom (long story).
4) Reading. I had forgotten how nice it was to sit and read for a spell. In the past 3 months, I have re-read the entire Harry Potter series. I got confused after seeing the latest movie, so I decided I needed a refresher. I've also been reading a bunch of romance novels that mom keeps sending/giving to me, but I doubt anybody really wants details on those.
I am currently being stared at by three very hungry cats, so I better go start feeding the menagerie. Wishing you and yours a happy Friday and a wonderful weekend!
Solitude and catharsis
1. I had lunch with a couple of my former coworkers today. It was nice, but I'm beginning to get the feeling that it is time to move on. Out of respect for my feelings (I think), they don't bring up work all that much. So I have to. And then it gets a little awkward. Because, really? Why should I still care? I am trying not to, but it's hard when you're the one who was dumped. I'd much rather have done the dumping. I took all of my work shirts to Goodwill yesterday, so that felt a little cathartic. I miss the routine, though.
2. I've been in a weird place lately where I am wanting to just stay inside myself and not let the world in. I am experiencing a lot of introspection and I'm glad Dave has been working the night shift this week, because I've really enjoyed the solitude. I'm trying not to wallow or shut myself off from the world too much, but in a way, this break from the world has been nice.
3. Have I mentioned that I'll be pet sitting for my grandparents at the end of the month? They live outside of Panama City and a few girlfriends are joining me for a weekend of fun, sun, and dog kisses. I've been laying out in the yard, trying to get a little sun on my oh-so-pale skin. I can't wait; I am really looking forward to getting away and seeing my friends and my favorite ocean once again.
4. The house next door finally sold. Dave and I were going to make an offer and fix it up ourselves to resell, but then I lost my job. So we let that idea go. It's neat watching all the work that's being done, but I really wish they would start work at a reasonable hour. Waking up to the sound of hammers at 7 am is never fun.
5. I had a salad from the garden for dinner. Salads are a lot more appetizing to me lately, probably because I don't want all of the veggies we've planted to go to waste. Stuff I used from the garden: 2 kinds of lettuce, spinach, and cilantro. Stuff purchased: tomatoes (ours aren't ripe enough yet), red onion, raisins, almond slices, fresh parmesan cheese, strawberries, olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
6. Gray cat has been looking pitiful lately. I think he has feline leukemia, which breaks my heart a little bit. I think I should take him in to be put down, but I just haven't been able to do it. He's still eating well, but he's not fixed and I'd hate to think he's spreading his disease throughout the neighborhood. Poor cat.
7. I've been waiting to walk the dogs until late in the evening because it's been so hot recently. It's about that time, so I'd better get to it. I hope we see a bunch more lightning bugs today.
I just drive him around and let him bark
1. I spent the last two days weeding the garden and I have the dirt under my fingernails to prove it. So far, I have eaten 2 salads containing items grown right in my own yard. I admit I am a tiny bit impressed with myself.
2. It’s officially summer. I know this because the lightning bugs are out in full force. I noticed them while walking the dogs around the neighborhood this evening. Watching them makes me smile. The bugs,not the dogs.
3. Ever since I lost my job 21 days ago, I’ve been trying to exercise more. I actually have more energy and am a lot calmer than I was when I was working. I wish I didn’t have the nagging worry about money, though.
4. I made fish tacos for dinner that were quite delicious, so delicious in fact that I ate way too much. I’ve been cooking more lately (see number 3) and I am not hating it nearly as much as I used to.
5. While on our walk, Kaylee, Prue and I noticed a truck driving around the neighborhood with a dog in the back. The dog was barking barking barking and the driver was driving really slow. I admit I was slightly curious and may have stared a bit, so as the truck was passing us, the driver stopped and told me: “I should do it like you, but I’ve gotten lazy. I just drive him around and let him bark.” I still get a chuckle thinking of that man driving his dog around.
6. My life is at a crossroads right now. I have so many options available to me and I really don’t know what to choose. I am hoping that fate will soon take the decision out of my hands. Though my thinking that I am in charge of my life is probably a little naive. I just hate limbo; I need to be pointed in a direction soon. Do you hear me, Fate?
7. All of a sudden, I am craving sangria. It’s a good thing I picked up a bottle at the store today.
Hello, Spring
I love this time of year. So many changes are taking place, from the first appearance of tiny buds signaling spring to possibilities for Big Things blooming in other areas of my life. So much has been happening and everything shows such promise. I think I really needed the freshness that spring brings to get me out of whatever funk I've been in for a while now.
The surgery I spoke about went well. I have recuperated better than I expected I would. After a week of rest, I had most of my energy back. A week after that and all systems were back to normal (well, at least the ones that were normal pre-surgery). Fingers crossed that this was just what was needed.
A friend directed me to a link about marriage today and how we can learn to observe the behaviors of our significant others and tailor our responses to said behaviors to fit their needs instead of trying to always make it about our own self. The article, published several years ago, is titled: What Shamu Taught Me About a Happy Marriage and so much of what the author described really rings true in my own marriage. I don't consider the tips in the article to be about manipulation; I think it is about putting someone's needs before your own. After all, isn't that what love is all about? It's a struggle, learning to speak the language of those you love, but the benefit far outweighs the effort.
Happy First Day of Spring. May you enjoy the warmth of the sun on your skin and find pleasure in the colors blooming around you.
I do solemnly swear that I am up to no good
I have been drowning in work lately and it is beginning to wear on me quite a bit. L left the middle of December and I keep asking when she will be replaced, only to be put off again and again. I finally had it this week and went over my direct supervisor's head to the President of the company. I don't know why, but my supervisor is intimidated by our president. Some of his excuses for putting off requesting a new assistant for me:
1. We are going to wait until after the holidays. (10 weeks ago)
2. I'll talk to Mr. B about it after the convention. (3 weeks ago)
3. I'll talk to Mr. B about it when he is in a better mood. (Used several times)
4. I know! I'll talk to Mr. B's son about it and he can present the idea to his dad. (WTF? 1 week ago)
5. Haven't had a chance to bring it up. (Monday)
It was excuse number five that finally pushed me past my patience threshold. As soon as those words left my supervisor's mouth, I looked at him and said not to worry about it, that I'd request a meeting with Mr. B that afternoon. And I did. The meeting lasted 10 minutes and I am getting an assistant, finally! But now my supervisor is MAD at me. As in avoiding me and barely speaking to me at all. So professional, don't you think?
In other news, I am having surgery next week to correct an issue that may be preventing me from being able to get pregnant. It isn't that big of a deal, being outpatient and all, but I do not like to be cut on so I am a little bit nervous. I hope they give me some really good drugs that knock me right out. I do not want to know what is going on in that operating room.
Dave came home on Wednesday, only to turn right back around and leave again on Thursday. He has a Scottish Games in Jacksonville and rode down with someone who has family there and wanted to take a long weekend to visit with them. I hope he has fun, but I wish he'd come home to stay already (he'll be back on Sunday, so my whining is just me being whiny).
I am going to an Ellis Paul concert this weekend with L. I can't wait to see her smiling face; I've missed her.
Now, it's back to work for me. I admit I am excited to see how this political storm I've initiated plays out. It's just wait and see time - will my supervisor get over it and get me some help now that the position has been approved? All I can say is, my part here is done. Mischief Managed!
Home is where the fur is
I'm back at work after a week away at the large exhibition and convention that my company participates in every year. I have so much to do and I am trying to tackle one thing at a time, but I keep allowing myself to become distracted. I have a new neighbor that moved into L's old office when she left to start a teaching gig. This new neighbor is not to replace her, oh no. It is, instead, another sales rep...another person who constantly relies on me as the sole sales and marketing support person for three separate companies. He has an annoying habit of kicking or tapping the wall between our two offices and it is starting to drive me insane. As if this job isn't enough to cause my dive into the deep end. I am trying to listen to Coldplay to drown out the tapping and help keep me on the task of entering the information for business contacts from the large pile of business cards collected at the trade show. I have discovered one thing I am terrible at: data entry. I think I'd rather smash my fingers in a car door than type out all of the information contained on these little rectangular pieces of paper. Data entry + intermittent tapping = one shitty Monday.
The trade show was held in Las Vegas and as much as I love seeing new places, I was really ready to come home after such a long time away. I was able to spend one of my days away visiting with a very dear friend and her new puppy, so that was my silver lining. On the last night in Vegas, I rode the rides on top of the Stratosphere and did not die, so that is also a bonus. I'm the one who suggested that craziness, thinking no one would be game. Boy was I wrong, and even trying to play the "I-can't-afford-it" ticket did me no good, since my coworker who was so gung-ho just bought my ticket for me. I need to learn to keep my fool mouth shut; it's forever getting me into trouble.
I spent all day yesterday watching movies and resting. I need about three more days of that; alas it is Monday and I am back at work and day-dreaming about my plans for the evening. I am going to try to force myself to take the dogs for a walk when I get home. I need to start exercising again and the dogs sure do need to let loose some of their pent up energy. They were plastered to me like a bad rash yesterday and I'll admit, I let them snuggle with me on the couch while we vegged out. I miss those numbskulls when I am away from them for too long.
It's funny how each of my pets reacts differently to my return. The two most affected by my absence seemed to be the eldest: Leo and Kaylee. Leo was meowing his fool head off, probably trying to tell me the bad things his siblings did while I was gone. And Kaylee is just so emotional; she takes everything personally and I think she was afraid that if she let me out of her sight, I'd vanish again for a week. Poor kids.
In other news, Dave is out of town until the end of the month. I love the quiet and solitude at first, but the loneliness starts to set in by week two. Luckily I have a lot of books to catch up on and I may just take a trip down to Florida one of these weekends he is away.
Now why don't you unjam that
January has felt like Mack truck that ran me over only to shift into reverse and roll back over me again. It is already the end of the month and I just can't seem to get caught up...at work or at home. I still have all of my Thank-yous to write from Christmas, my house is a mess, and my work related responsibilities are threatening to drown me. If I can just hold on a little bit longer, things should start easing up a little. I have made a plan, though, which will free me from my job next fall. It is my light at the end of a dark and unpleasant tunnel and I just keep telling myself, this too shall pass.
We watched Get Smart last night and I could relate to the "office" environment in that movie. This scene shows what I'd like to do to a few of my coworkers:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ax9KyLWNT0o&NR=1
All I can say is I better get some help soon. I'm tired of having to do everything that other people are too lazy to do (including unjamming the copier!)
A month's hiatus
Has it really been a month since I last posted? It's hard to believe that time goes by so quickly. I blame it on the recession. Or maybe I was subconsciously boycotting NaBloPoMo for the month of November. Who knows? Here's a list of what I've been up too during the past 30 days:
1. I made a bunch of ornaments from miniature flower pots, paint, wooden hearts, florists wire, elastic cord, and buttons. Then I mailed them to friends. On time, even!
2. I stopped riding the motorcycle. It is so damn cold and I have heated seats in my car, so really it was an easy decision.
3. I taught a few of the topics in our contractor training at work! If you need to know how to repair a pipe penetration using oakum, I'm your gal.
4. I saw Coldplay in concert for Free. I am not kidding. One of my coworkers received free tickets from a friend who is a TBS bigwig and he didn't have anyone to go with. So I volunteered! And Coldplay was so good I wanted to take the whole band home with me.
5. I joined a group about giving thanks on Flickr and it has been so much fun seeing what everyone is thankful for in their lives. Check it out!
6. I finished my Christmas shopping for the in-laws and the package made it to their house before Thanksgiving. If you know me, you know this is unprecedented. I am usually a master procrastinator, so I'm not sure what got into me this year.
7. Thanksgiving came and went! Dave had to work, so we just laid low for the holiday. We ate at a buffet-style restaurant that I like to call the Golden Trough (real name: The Golden Corral). I didn't have to cook and I was really very thankful for that.
8. I bought new boots and so far, I love them.
9. I saw Kristian Bush (from the country duo Sugarland) in concert with Lisa Carver and Ellis Paul at Eddie's Attic in Decatur. Such a great venue...small, intimate with good food and drinks. I got to shake KB's hand and tell him how much I enjoyed the show. That is probably the closest I will ever come to a celebrity and I will tell you this, I would not have recognized him had I walked past him on the street. I am so oblivious to that kind of thing.
10. I am planning a trip to Michigan to see my friend Traci. In December. When it will most likely be snowing. I will be wearing my ski suit the entire time I am there, even for sleeping because I DO NOT like to be cold. I can't help it, I'm from Florida.
The End. (See, you really didn't miss much at all!)
And now we return to our regularly scheduled programming
This weekend was so so busy and fun. There was Halloween night, where we dressed up to hand out candy to the 15 trick or treaters that came to our door before we had to leave to head downtown to meet friends at a local restaurant that was hosting a Monster Bash for Halloween. Dave dressed as an undertaker and I was his fairy assistant, complete with pointy ears and wings. We met up with Oscar the Grouch, Dr. Feelgood, Catwoman, The Queen of the Nile, A Mime, and others. There was drinking, eating, and dancing. We got home around 4 am and slept in late.
On Saturday morning, we spent the day piddling around, finally deciding to go watch the Gators kick some Bulldog butt when our neighbor came over and invited us to be a part of his Halloween party that night. So we dressed up again...this time I was a witch...and we headed down the street. The neighbor had made a haunted trail behind his house and Dave and I got to participate in the scaring. Dave hid in a tree and jumped out at people and I got to be one of the trail guides. It was a lot of fun and we are planning to do it again next year. Saturday night we moved all the clocks back an hour and enjoyed an extra hour of sleep. The neighbor had invited us to join him and some of his friends on bike ride to the local swap meet, so off we went.
I got to experience my first ride in a pack of other bikes and it was so much fun. I also scored some lined leather chaps and winter gloves for $45 ($65 if you add in the $20 it cost us to get in to the swap meet.) On the way back from the swap meet, we left the pack and went to meet Dad for a ride to Lake Jackson. We had lunch with Dad and then came right back to the house. Total miles covered: 100. My longest ride yet. I am quickly improving, now that I am riding the bike to work everyday, and it is beginning to be a lot of fun. Now I just need a bigger bike so it's a little easier to keep up! I also need a day of relaxation to recover from my busy weekend...so jealous of Dave for having today off.
When procrastination pays off
For a long time now, I have been wanting a smart phone so I can access my email and favorite web pages no matter where I am. I kept putting it off because it just seemed like so much money to spend, not only on the fancy phone but also on the data plan so that browsing the internet would not end up costing a fortune. And also I am just that good at procrastinating. I think the planets must have been aligned just right this weekend, because I was kept very busy discovering newfangled technology, such as: Zappos.com, Netflix, and the Blackberry Curve.
Verizon was running a deal on the Curve, and though I was skeptical, we decided to check it out. We ended up with not only a Curve, but also a fancy new Motorola phone for Dave. And the price? Free! It seems we had waited so long to upgrade our old phones that Verizon had to basically throw the phones at us to get us to upgrade. I so love it when procrastination actually pays off, because you know that almost never happens.
Now I can check the tracking on my Zappos.com order to see when my new boots will arrive no matter where I am. My dvds from Netflix should be coming soon, too. What did people do before the internet? And is it sad that I am already addicted to my new crackberry?
I am Joan
My friend Bluesleepy just completed this quiz and I figured I'd follow suit. It's pretty neat...you should try it!
Your result for Are You a Jackie or a Marilyn? Or Someone Else? Mad Men-era Female Icon Quiz...
You Are a Joan!
You are a Joan -- "I need to succeed"
Joans are energetic, optimistic, self-assured, and goal oriented.
How to Get Along with Me
- * Leave me alone when I am doing my work.
- * Give me honest, but not unduly critical or judgmental, feedback.
- * Help me keep my environment harmonious and peaceful.
- * Don't burden me with negative emotions.
- * Tell me you like being around me.
- * Tell me when you're proud of me or my accomplishments.
What I Like About Being a Joan
- * being optimistic, friendly, and upbeat
- * providing well for my family
- * being able to recover quickly from setbacks and to charge ahead to the next challenge
- * staying informed, knowing what's going on
- * being competent and able to get things to work efficiently
- * being able to motivate people
What's Hard About Being a Joan
- * having to put up with inefficiency and incompetence
- * the fear on not being -- or of not being seen as -- successful
- * comparing myself to people who do things better
- * struggling to hang on to my success
- * putting on facades in order to impress people
- * always being "on." It's exhausting.
Joans as Children Often
- * work hard to receive appreciation for their accomplishments
- * are well liked by other children and by adults
- * are among the most capable and responsible children in their class or school
- * are active in school government and clubs or are quietly busy working on their own projects
Joans as Parents
- * are consistent, dependable, and loyal
- * struggle between wanting to spend time with their children and wanting to get more work done
- * expect their children to be responsible and organized
Take Are You a Jackie or a Marilyn? Or Someone Else? Mad Men-era Female Icon Quiz at HelloQuizzy
Seven plus me by the sea
8 Cakes
Originally uploaded by Tracy27
I planted a seed and watched it grow into something beautiful. You see, I had this Good Idea to get away for a weekend and spend it at the beach in Florida near my hometown. I mentioned this Good Idea to a group of my friends, just a casual suggestion, and I was pleasantly surprised that seven of them said yes.
I found us a beach house with six bedrooms and six bathrooms and an open living room with a back porch for eating and a front porch for coffee drinking, the beach so close that you could see and hear it while sipping and waiting for the house to wake up.
So much talking and laughter. Dancing on sand. Watching the sunset. Not wanting each day to end and fighting sleep until you fall over from fatigue. Not wanting to miss anything. Enjoying it all too much.
I am on day three of my return from this mini-break and I am still smiling, still saturated in contentment from the sun and sea and the love of all of my friends.
the very first day of my favorite month
It is October 1st and I am so glad September is gone. That month was beginning to stink, if you ask me. October is so much better...the leaves start to change, Halloween is fast approaching, and the holidays are getting close, but not close enough for the panic to set in. Dave has already put up the Halloween lights on the outside of our house and we'll work on adding fake spider webs over the next few weeks. I love Halloween and can't wait to have kids that I can dress up and take trick-or-treating. I have been so tempted to dress up the dogs, but so far, have kept myself under control.
October is my favorite month and I have a feeling that this one will prove to be one of the best yet. I have a trip to Florida planned with some really great gals and I cannot wait to see them again. This weekend is going to be so much fun.
While I am gone, Dave will get to take care of all of the animals, including the new cat that has decided to adopt us (though I am considering taking Prue so that she can play with my mom's dog Brynn, who happens to be her sister. Did I just confuse you?) The new cat showed up while I was in Florida for my grandmother's stroke scare, and Dave fed him. So now he will not leave. I wonder if he was left behind by former neighbors who have been forced to move because of foreclosure? We've had a lot of those in my area lately. New Cat seems well fed and is super friendly, so I'm not she if he needs adopting. But he has stuck around for almost two weeks now. And yes, we've started feeding him. How could we not? I mean look at that face!
And if that doesn't warm the cockles of your heart, how 'bout this one:
I guess once we've figured out what to name him, he's ours. I think when a strange cat adopts you, it brings good luck. I also think a fourth cat officially makes me a crazy cat lady.
Have fuel, will travel
So I'm not sure if you've heard, but Atlanta is running out of gas. Literally. Dave and I didn't do much over the weekend because of the gas crisis. But we were able to completely finish the bedroom renovations and we've moved out of the guest room. I went through all of my clothes and Dave went through a lot of his and we now have four huge trash bags full of donations for the local Goodwill. I am through with keeping clothes that I may someday be able to fit back into or that may come back into style. I am fighting the pack rat gene and so far, I'm winning.
Besides all of the cleaning and organizing I was able to accomplish, this weekend's gas shortage had another positive influence. Twitter's real-time messaging service was elevated to a whole new level when Atlantans started using it to let each other know where to find gas, and even what grades were available, how much the station was charging, and how long one could expect to wait in line at that station. The search tag #atlgas was added to these tweets to make it easier for others in the Metro Atlanta area to find fuel. I think at one time, the #atlgas tag was ranked fourth in the trending topics on Twitter, which at that time, placed it in a position above tweets about the bailout.
Speaking of the bailout, I am ready to hole up in my house and wait for teh storm to be over. The economy is not looking so good and all I can do is hope that our politicians know what they are doing when it comes to this plan to bail out the financial institutions that are failing fast. I also hope that the bailout doesn't allow those responsible for this fiscal mess to walk away scot-free and with millions of dollars of profits in their pockets, especially if the middle class is going to be taxed with providing the 700 billion needed for this bailout. Life can be so unfair sometimes; I hope this isn't one of those times.
But I am going to try and put all of the nation's crises out of my head for the time being, even if I have to play this song over and over in order to accomplish some semblance of inner tranquility. I have a full tank of gas and I'm ready to leave all my troubles behind. Beach vacation with friends, here I come!
On Fall, bathing suits and home improvement
Today is the first day of fall and this morning's chilliness definitely announced the end of summer, like a punch in the gut. It's also officially the second half of my work day and I am so tired and hungry. Maybe I should eat something?
I am hoping that a cold front is not scheduled for the first weekend of October. I have my last hurrah of summer beach trip planned and I want to be able to wear my new swimsuit. I made the mistake of trying on swimsuits late last night, since I couldn't sleep anyway, and discovered that most of mine are either too small or make me look like I am trying to be 21 years old all over again. So I got online when I first got to work this morning and bought this one. If it fits. (Please fit.) My size is fluctuating so much lately, that I am having a hard time figuring out what size to buy. I spent all day Saturday going through my clothes and now have 3 big black trash bags full to give to Goodwill. I don't know why I have been hanging on to stuff I used to wear in high school (hello, 10 year reunion that is coming up next year!). I do not think I will ever be that size again, so I was cut throat this weekend and got rid of a lot of things that I used to love. When they still fit.
This weekend was also spent cleaning out our hallway closet and finishing up our master bedroom. Dave installed the baseboards and I applied two coats of polyurethane to them. I painted the closet in that room, too. Now all we need to do is apply one light coat of paint to the entire room and closet and we'll be able to move back in. I can hardly wait until I get to sleep in my king sized bed again. If I get up in the middle of the night for any reason at all, Dave immediately rolls over and claims the entire full-sized guest bed for himself and I have to fight my way back in.
Two Important Updates:
1. My grandma is doing so much better. She's been staying with my mom since she got out of the hospital last week and I know that must be frustrating for both of them. I think she will be moving back into her little cottage very soon and she'll be back to her old tricks, as long as she takes her medication like a good girl.
2. I have kept to my exercising-during-my-lunch-break plan and it is going well. When it is too hot to walk, we have been doing yoga in an empty office using this site. I highly recommend it for people who do not have the time or inclination to go to a yoga studio (like me!) and would prefer to practice on their own time and at their own pace. At $10 a month, it's a very reasonable way to exercise.
Life is a highway
It's turning cooler in the mornings and I am beginning to dress more warmly before I leave the house. I'm not sure how much longer I'll be able to ride the bike, but I plan to continue as long as I can. I am going to have to invest in some thermal underwear and some warmer gloves.
I almost ran out of gas on my way to work. I forgot that Dave and I had gone to dinner on the bikes this week, so the tank that usually lasts all week didn't. I stopped at a station near the house that is completely out of gas, except for premium. That's been a problem around here since hurricane Ike shut down the oil refineries in Houston. I think Atlanta gets its entire fuel supply from Houston. I missed the panic where everyone was fighting to fill up over the weekend, since I was in Florida. I'm sure things will be back to normal before too long, but it's interesting to see how people behave when there is a shortage of something as crucial as fuel. It makes me appreciate the bike that much more...2 gallons and I've got a full tank!
As I was riding to work this morning, I was thinking of all of the things I've learned in the last few months of riding. So as soon as I got to my desk, I decided to write them out:
—Learn to be flexible and ready to shift into another gear or swerve around a problem at a moments notice.
—Forget about the road you've already traveled. If you mess up a little, mentally shake it off and just keep on going.
—Be aware of the road directly in front of you, but don't keep your eyes there. Keep your chin up and your eyes pointed forward. You will be a better rider if you are always looking toward where you want to be.
—Loosen up. Tension will just cause your ride to be shaky and your mind to become preoccupied with what could go wrong. The bike wants to move, so let it.
—Don't think too hard about how the bike is able to work the way it does, just appreciate that it works.
—Don't think too much about how fast the ground is moving underneath you. And whatever you do, don't look down.
—Don't panic. If you do, don't grab the brake for a full-stop or you'll end up hurting yourself and the bike. Pull in the clutch and just glide until you get your bearings.
—Wear protection. Even if it's uncomfortable, it'll save your skin.
—Baby the bike. Feed it the best fuel possible, check the tires and brakes often. If you take care of your ride, it will handle so much better, making the ride that much more enjoyable.
—The biggest hazard that you have to worry about is other people. Be confident in your own abilities, but be cautious of the intentions of other drivers. Learn to read them and be ready to anticipate what they are going to do before they do it.
Is it just me, or can almost all of these tips also be applied to living life?
Short but sweet
My weekend was a whirlwind, how was yours? My grandma was admitted to the hospital in the wee hours of the morning last Friday and it was not looking good. She was pretty much incoherent and did not know who anyone was or where she was. The news was pretty grim while the ER doc tried to figure out what had happened. When the possibility of encephalitis of the brain was mentioned, I left work, packed a bag and started driving to Florida.
When I arrived on Friday evening, Gram was doing much better. There was still no diagnosis, but she was a lot more coherent and she knew where she was and she recognized her visitors. But she was still dizzy and fatigued. She also didn't remember much of the ambulance ride or admittance to the ER. Apparently she was pretty hard to handle when she first arrived to the hospital and she doesn't remember any of it.
On Sunday, we finally got a diagnosis from her physician. It seems she had experienced a Transient Ischemic Attack or mini stroke. She had started some sort of diet that required her to drink 64oz. of water a day and by doing so, she had flushed her system of sodium and increased her blood pressure. She will have to be on several medications to manage her heart and to prevent clotting and future strokes. She was also ordered by her neurologist to stay away from any and all weight loss programs. He wrote it on a prescription sheet. At her age the last thing she should be worrying about is her weight!
