Taxes

I will attempt to finish my taxes today...  I think I can do it...

I should get some money back which is nice.

Today they are doing the bedbug inspections in my apartment building... fun times!

Today is payday and I'm poor...  I think I need to just pull the reigns in on my spending...  gah!  I hate being poor...  at least I have a place to live and a bed to sleep in... and a television...

I don't need much more.

Maybe I should get moving early so I can get my apartment spic and span before the puppies come to smell my apartment.

Here it goes again...

Monday.

I have mixed feelings about you.

Here is what I have to report.

Went to see Dad yesterday - he's looking better, but still pretty week in the legs and the arms...  he has to regain his strength before he can move back into his apartment. 

I did laundry and saw my puppies yesterday afternoon... their status (the laundry and the dogs) is the same (although the laundry is clean).

When I got home yesterday afternoon there was a notice on my apartment door stating that there was going to be a canine bedbug inspection unit coming into the apartment tomorrow...  I sure hope there's none in the building...

Core class from Saturday has left me ouchy...  I will survive though.

Things could be a whole bunch worse.  Then again they could be better if I could get a date every once in a while....

Another Wasted Day...

Am I the only one who feels like a slug?

Yesterday I didn't do anything past 11:30 am...  I suppose back in the old days I spent my time shopping and spending money I didn't have to fill up the hole of emptiness in my life...  Now I just fill that hole with television and the sofa.

I did check in with a friend to see if she wanted to do something but she wasn't feeling well. 

I do try to get out and do things, but usually I am shot down.  Rejection is hard.

Today I teach, I'm going to visit my dad and then I will go visit the puppies... They are going to have a long day without grandma so I said I would come visit.  Maybe I will take some laundry over there and get some clean underwear while I'm at it.

Maybe today will bring a change in my motivation and fortune.

Then again, maybe it will bring more of the same.

Next weekend I have a bunch of plans so it will get better...

What else do I know?  Not much.

Errrrh.

It's Saturday - I'm not quite ready to face the world.

High point of my day yesterday was when my friend from work finally took off her wig after cancer treatments last year.  Her hair has been growing back and her wig was just bugging the crap out of her...  she got really emotional when she took it off for good....  her hair looks really cute, sort of Mia Farrow-ish from the Romemary's Baby era.

I can understand how hard it must be, when you've always associated yourself looking a certain way and then it changes.

What else...  last night I watched Moneyball.  I liked it.  I approve.

I was thinking I might go see a movie this afternoon...

I should do a lot of other things too...

Last night I came home and the light fixture in my kitchen came crashing down while I was work... it was not pretty.

I need to get going... face the music of the scale.

Fryday

I was thinking it might be interesting to stay in bed this morning, but it is mini quiche Friday so I hauled my backside out of bed.

Last night I went to a preview party for that Big Brother Clothing Company's new season.  I tried on clothes and ate a bunch of yummy treats...  I also scheduled a party for April first....  it gives me a plan for cleaning up my apartment....

Update on the parental unit (Dad)...  his brain hasn't changed for the past four years (CT scan)... they are adjusting his meds so hopefully he'll have some better mobility soon...  it's stressful dealing with all that stuff - and I'm not even as involved as other members of my family...  that's where I suppose having a significant other can come in handy (having someone to talk to about these things... ) that's why I have you... however impersonal it may seem... 

I feel like I'm going to be sick (no- I'm not really going to be sick... it's just stress)....   I'll be alright.

Slow Moving

This has been one of those mornings when nothing is happening quickly...  I've been sitting around for the past 45 minutes goofing off... now I've run out of posting time... I'll hit the high points of yesterday and today...

Chiropractor visit - good, he said that my gait looks a lot better since I got my knee fixed.

Work - busy but not too bad...

Tonight I'm going to a big brother clothing company preview party.

There is going to be a new apartment manager starting in February...  it will be nice to have someone here - maybe some of the burnt out lights will get fixed...

That's all I know...

oh, I'm poor.

A date with my favorite man...

I am going to the chiropractor this morning... yay. 

I have been having a few headaches, so I think this will help.

I don't have much to report today except that it was really windy last night and I'm happy I didn't loose power.  The lights flickered a few times but I was spared.

This is what my horoscope says today

Today is an 8 -- Aspire to great heights. Friends gravitate to your orbit so get something exciting in action. Explore every lead. A benefactor appears.

I like benefactors..... maybe something will work out.

I wish I had a rant for you, but I don't... things are okay so far this week...  I give my mood a 7.5.

Okay, fine.

This morning I woke up at the correct time.  I even managed to get some dishes done this morning.

All I can say right now is that my backside really hurts.  I took the body sculpt class last night and it included a lot of butt work.  Now it hurts to walk.

Last night Mr. Clunky returned... he'd been gone for a week visiting his girlfriend in Mexico (or someplace like that)... I had forgotten what it's like to get a good nights sleep without earplugs until I had to use them...

oh well.

Oscar nominations were announced today.  I remember when I used to get up and watch them live...  I would have done that this morning if I had remember they were going to be on...  Moneyball is in the running for best picture, and it should be in my mailbox when I get home tonight.  Maybe I will watch it!  I may also put the Help in my queue... 

What else...

My sister took my Dad to the neurologist yesterday... (she's a peach for taking care of things all the time...)... hopefully they will figure out what's going on with him.  It stresses me out a but but I will survive...

Work is much better this week - there was a full staff so I didn't have to run around like a crazy person!

I think that is all I know this morning.... if I can make it to work without hurting myself I will have accomplished much today.

Short update...

I forgot to set my alarm...  (okay, I forgot that I had turned it off)....
I don't have any time to post.

I am sorry... Coffee trumps blogging this morning... I have four minutes to suck it down.

It's a miracle

I lost weight last week and I'm a bit surprised...

Yesterday was pretty uneventful.  I ended up coming home around 3pm with a headache... I took a shower and then a nap.

I put my pajamas on a bit after 4pm and I'm not out of them yet.

Today I am off to teach my first class in almost a week...  I am pretty sure it will be okay - I don't think I've forgotten how to do it. 

I am also going to visit my dad this afternoon.  I had a weird dream about him - hopefully it's not foreshadowing anything...

My horoscope said this today

Today is an 8 -- A word from you helps a loved one stay on track. Your intuition's right on target. Follow the recipe and adapt as necessary. Step into responsibility and shine.

I think that's good - what do you think?

I am going to go check and see if my paper is here... I've checked twice and no luck yet...  I like to read my Sunday ads....

We're going to venture out today!

The snow is melting and it's really sloppy but I'm going to get out and go ww.  I'm sure I've gained this week, but I'm not to worried about it. 

On the agenda today - ww, maybe the gym, definitely laundry, waxing appointment and then possibly a visit to Dad...  it depends on whether driving and time permits...  I talked to him the other day and he sounded tired but okay...   I'm sure he's probably bored out of his mind... I will get out to see him this weekend.

First thing this morning I get to clean my car of ice and snow - so I better get a move on...  I'm going to wear my hip waders out so I don't get doused...

Lucky

I consider myself very lucky...  I still have power, I have food, I have coffee...  I can walk to work, I can walk to the store, I don't have to feed anyone but myself.

Overall I have fared pretty well...  I will take everyone's whining in stride...  The only thing I don't understand is people going stir crazy...  I mean, read a book, bundle up and take a walk (but not under falling ice)...

I am thankful that I am fairly active so it's not a big deal for me to get out and walk someplace...

Here's my report from yesterday...

I went to work, worked 7 hours straight, sent out 26 Fedex, 6 certified letters etc... only to find that Fedex picked up early and my stuff won't get out until today... wa wa... that's alright.  That's what happens when it snows in Seattle...   I think we may send out a bunch again today...

Maybe I'll get to leave early today... not at 4:15 like yesterday...

I bought bubble bath at Lush yesterday so I am all set for my Friday night bubble bath/Entertainment Weekly date...

With lack of cars on the road, comes the increase in volume of things that are out there - that would be trains (the whistle sounds like it's next door), and the guy who lives next door who decided to start singing at 11:20...  I wanted to poke my head out the window and start yelling like they do in New York, but I thought that wasn't such a good idea...  he stopped eventually...

Am I just a grouch?  Maybe....

Here are a few photos I took while I was walking to work yesterday...

Um... Okay.

Yesterday I got to work right on time... then we got an email saying that we didn't have to come in if it was too hard...  I stayed until 3:40 though...  I am going to attempt to walk down again today.

There are things to go out... but that all depends on whether or not my boss gets in.  Oh the joy.

At least I have coffee this morning.

There is an ice warning this morning...  I just hope the power doesn't go out.  Because that would really suck...

I am not going to rush into work this morning because I know that I am the closest one to the office and nobody will be there before me.  If it turns out that I don't have to work today I can just hang out downtown and maybe see a movie...  that sounds like a perfect idea!

Last night my friend Jenna from camp came over and hung out with me... I made her one of my fabulous grilled cheese sandwiches.  It was nice to hang out with her for a while...

They canceled classes at the gym through 1pm today... luckily I don't have to teach until Sunday now...  I'm just snug like a but in a rug...

The lights are blinking again... maybe I should find some candles..  even though candles are not allowed...  more later!

Flurry Fest!

So, it's not really snowing as much as they predicted it would... not that I really mind.

I have to walk to work anyway...

I am trying to find a sub for my class tonight so I don't have to head out there and have the possibility of getting stuck.  I haven't ever missed a class due to snow, but there's always a first time too...

I am a bit distressed this morning because I don't have a full pot of coffee... luckily I had enough for half a pot, but still... it's a bit challenging today.

Yesterday at work was crazy... nonstop work... which was good, because I didn't end up eating a bunch of crap in my spare time.

If my coworker get's into the office today, it's going to be just the same thing today.  Yikes. 

I just got a message from my boss at the gym...  I think I've got the class covered... woot woot...

Okay, I have to suck down the rest of my coffee.... that little bit that's left...  I may have to suck the moisture out of the grounds...

Snug as a bug...

I'm snug as a bug for at least a few minutes...  until I have to go out into the world...  It's supposed to possibly dump snow tonight and tomorrow... but so far today, so good...   it's one of those classic cases of Seattle overreacting to the prediction of snow...  I am pretty jazzed that I don't have to really be anywhere besides work until tomorrow night.  We will see how things go then and play it by ear...

Yesterday I spent most of the afternoon with my Dad.  He has had to move down to the health center because he's had a couple of falls.  They are going to try and figure out what is going on with him and they can take better care of him down there.  Hopefully they can manage what is going on and get him some good results. 

Driving in the snow yesterday wasn't too bad...  I just went the bus route and it was no problem.  I don't really have to drive until Saturday if I don't want to...  I can take the bus to the gym tomorrow night if need be, and then spend the night at Mom's house...   oh I am so adaptable...

My ankle looks like this now (but a little more bruised now)....

That's what I get for trying to be a step aerobic queen...

Oh well... at least I can walk on it.

I think that's it this morning...  Overall I give my general feelings of self worth and value an 8 today.

I hate snow.

I'm sure I've mentioned this before but I really dislike snow.  It's okay to look at, but to get around and drive in it?  No thanks.

It's a little worse now that I live on Capitol Hill... too many hills to get around on...

I rescheduled my lunch appointment with Dad to today...  I hope it will be easier to get to Greenlake when it's not snowing like crazy...  I also have to teach tonight so hopefully I can make it to and from without major incident...  I must say I do like having a car that is great in snow (at least from what I could tell yesterday)...

I have to confess that I haven't been eating that healthfully the past few days...  I had an incident with some Ding Dongs yesterday (need to help Hostess out!)...  I am feeling pretty gross though...

I should get moving... I'm doing laundry - need to have pants to wear to teach...  can't teach naked.

The view from the sofa...

Well - the ankle feels better this morning but it's still not great.  It doesn't hurt enough to not teach this morning...  now I just have to get to the gym in the trace amount of snow.

Hopefully the snow will stay away for the majority of the day.  Well at least until I get done going over to my Dad's place this afternoon...  I'm going to have lunch with him and then hopefully help him figure out his telephone.  It was stuck on speaker phone and he doesn't have the instruction manual with him.

I love my dad, but dealing with him stresses me out sometimes...  I guess I'll get used to it eventually...

Okay, to change the subject - tonight is the Golden Globes.... I am really looking forward to watching them.  I've only seen a few movies - (Bridesmaids and Young Adult), but I do watch a lot of Television so I will know about those categories...  I am also looking forward to Ricky Gervais grilling everyone...  I like him as much as I like Kathy Griffin I think. 

Tomorrow I don't have any plans - I think I may sleep in and then veg out again... who knows - maybe I'll work on some applications or cleaning my apartment...  I always say that and I never do it though... 

I should probably round up some clothing and try to get my broken body out the door...

Here I am, foot up!

Guess what I did this morning?  I twisted my ankle again!  Damn that step class.  I stepped on half the step, turned the ankle and went down like a drunken sorority girl...

The knee is okay (tweaked a tiny bit), but the ankle is big and puffy and sore...  it will be alright but I'm taking it easy today...

Pretty huh?

 

I am just going to hang out today and catch up on television... I might even nap.

So much for my career in taking step classes!

Oh well.... I thought things were going too well.


Did you all see the sunset last night?  Here's some highlights...

Glad to be here....

I sure am glad to be here at the end of the week....  I am pooped.  It's been one of the longest weeks in recent memory.

I just have to get through today - tonight I am meeting some friends for dinner/whatever...  my best friend M has had an even harder week than I have.  Today she is going to the memorial service for her Step mother (it's a long story - but basically her biological father's ex-wife who has been like a grandmother to her kids)...  she had aggressive breast cancer....  after dealing with all the grief of today she wanted to hang out with some friends so that's what we'll do.  It can't hurt to spend time with friends.

They are saying that it's going to snow this weekend.  I'm sure you all remember how I feel about snow.   
I don't like it.

I would rather sit on a beach somewhere...

I don't know what else... I did dishes this morning so I'm feeling a bit virtuous...

Oh, I made a plane reservation to go to LA next month for the College Art Association Conference.  Luckily I made some friends while I was in Vermont who live in LA so I have a free place to stay!  That will be fun... now I just have to work on Teaching application so I might actually get an interview while I'm there (I sort of dropped the ball on this so I don't think that's going to happen - but you never know)...

Oh well... I guess that's the way things go.

Well - it's time to get off the sofa...

Are we sure it's only Thursday?

I could use a day off after yesterday.  It was a long long long long day.......

Everything went fine, it just took a lot out of me.

I did get to look at the hole they cut out of my Dad's scalp.  Icky..... wear sunscreen everyone.  You don't want to have skin cancer.  Yuck yuck yuck... the smell of burning flesh was gross too...

Today I am back to work and I'm subbing the cycle class tonight.

Did I mention that my foot has kind of stopped hurting?  I found a bottle of arnica in my desk drawer at work and started taking it as indicated - my foot isn't killing me all the time..  I think I'll stick with it.  It might heal (no, not heel) after all.

I have a glimmer of light in my future.

The good news about the rest of this week??  Payday tomorrow...   I think that's it. 

That will be enough to push me through to the other side.

Late Morning

I have the duty of taking my Dad to a doctor's appointment today so I get to spend a little more time with the sofa/news this morning...  I thought about sleeping in, but that didn't happen.

I have a few things to report today.

Yesterday I walked home from work and my foot didn't really hurt!  -  I think it's because I found a bottle of arnica in my desk drawer at work and started taking it...  who knows?  Maybe I have found some relief.

I was so excited about being able to walk that I went to the gym and took a Total Fat Burning Class...  I think my backside is going to fall off...  ouch.  I made it though.  It's a combination of cardio, weights and step aerobics.  2012 is going to be the year when I get my core muscles back (I miss my two pack)...

I was a little disappointed to find out the Suze Orman's show is not available on Demand...  poop.  You would think every cable channel would carry Oprah's network, but no.....  another reason why Comcast is not always the best....  oh well...  Better than no cable or internet I guess... (I'm paying for a phone I don't even use to get a better price - but it's still expensive)...

Hey, was that a little bit of a rant there?   I think so!  It feels good.

I think I will leave you with that then.

The Same old Thing

Nothing new to report.

Status same as yesterday.

My body isn't used to the extra work I have been putting in... it hurts.  I guess that's what happens when you don't use things (muscles)... they hurt more when you start using them again.

My class was full again last night....  I give it a few more weeks before people start falling off the exercise wagon...  I'd fall off if I thought I could get away with it.... but I can't keep my girlish figure by not working out.

My goal for the rest of the week?  Get through it without having a nervous breakdown...  I think I'll make it...  I just need to make it through Tomorrow and I'll be good... 

I think tonight's agenda will include my watching of Suze Orman's Money Class...  I don't know if I've ever told you, but I'm sort of a fan of hers... she's got a new series on Oprah's Network.   But of course I don't get OWN on my Cable plan so I have to watch it on Demand today...  the things I have to go through...

I think it is time for me to drink more coffee and contemplate the raw spot I have on my lower back (tailbone) from doing reverse curls on a bench without a mat.... ouch.

WHat?

It is Monday once again...
I don't have much to share today...

My body still hurts and I have a rug burn (or I should say step burn) on my tailbone from my core class on Saturday...  I guess that's what happens when you are sweaty and not using a matt on the bench...  ouch.  Feels like razor burn.

I am trying to get some motivation to (okay - I totally forgot what I was typing there...)...

I guess I just need more coffee.

On the agenda this week?
Work, Teaching, Taking my dad to a surgical appointment on Wednesday, subbing cycle, and then another three day weekend... woot woot.

I have been approached about teaching a cycle class at the Downtown gym one day a week... I think I might do it.  I could use the income to go toward my emergency fund...  it would be a bit more convenient than going out to Lake City one extra day a week...  I am still pondering...

Yesterday I went to hang out with my Dad - he seems to be better, I think he's just lonely and doesn't like having to depend on other people to get places...  I can empathize a little bit, but I really have no idea of how it really feels.  It makes me sad, but I guess this is just something we have to get through..  my Dad wanted me to stay for dinner but I had errands to do...  it broke my heart a little bit.  I made a date with him for next Sunday dinner (which is lunch)...  hopefully that will suffice.  There's something to be said about getting out there and being more social... when things happen you have more people to support you.

Well, I guess that means I should just get out there and be more social... 

I think this week will be good!

owie wowie!

I worked out extra yesterday and now I really hurt...  my legs, my core, my biceps... ow.

I fell asleep on the sofa at 8pm... I woke up around 9:45 and went to bed.... it was a long day. 

I am heading over to my Dad's this afternoon to hang out....  he seems to be in a better mood since Christmas - that's good....

I don't really have much to say this morning....  I should have a full class and I'm thinking about putting together a new playlist this morning... can I do it in a half an hour???  Maybe.  We shall try.

Update...

I only gained four pounds this week.

I took a step class this morning and I didn't die.

I went to Dad's and sorted through things (and removed some contraband from his apartment).

Now I am on the sofa and I'm going to lie down and probably take a nap before I go to bed.

That is if Mr. Clunky will keep it down a bit.  It sounds like he's playing a musical instrument.  (a base?)

Time to go put on the pajama bottoms...

Too many cookies.

I had a little issue with cookies last night and I am pretty sure that I will be up about 4 pounds when I weigh in.

Um...  I'll be back later (I hope)...  I may try to go to the gym and work out today... it will be strange to be there without teaching... oh well...

Ergh - Friday

Why is it that the short weeks always take the longest to get through...

I am wiped out and ready for a big long nap...

Yesterday I ended up walking about 10 miles overall so my body is a bit sore this morning....  I wish my foot would miraculously get better...   it hasn't though...  maybe this year sometime.

What's on the agenda today?  It's bagel day.  I'm going to try and control myself and not eat too many.  I have been a little less than successful in my eating plan this week.  Oh well, that's just the way it goes sometimes.

I think I will most likely just come home, take a bath and then snuggle up on the sofa and become a vegetable.

Dissatisfaction abounds.

Thank Goodness it's Thursday.

Weird stuff happened last night while I was sleeping...

1 - I woke myself up by saying "yes".... I think maybe I was having a dream or something and I was responding to someone (my mom) calling my name.

2 - Mr. Clunky and his girlfriend had sex sometime around 2:30...  this is the second time in a week that I've been woken up by that...  at least she Mr. Clunky's girlfriend sounds like she's having a good time...  I was able to go back to sleep pretty quickly afterward...  I must have been tired.

3 - That's all I have... it just seems like two things is not enough when you're making a list.

Last night my class was completely full... There were also people who were late so they didn't get in...  people need to be on time or I can't guarantee anything...

I am going to be subbing in the next few weeks so I will be able to afford that operation I need!  (just kidding - I don't need an operation)....

I called my Dad yesterday and actually talked to him.  He sounded alright... a little bit sleepy.  I am going to head over there this weekend and hang out/help him out...  I think for the most part he is doing better (that is according to my sisters)...  it's just going to take time to adjust.

My cold is getting better...  I'm still a bit croupy and my head hurts, but I will survive...

Tonight I am going to First Thursday... there's a show at Soil which I want to see...  I have finagled my friend Kyle into coming with me so I HAVE to go...  it will be good for me.

I think that's it....  I need more coffee and more motivation...

Better

I am feeling better this morning.  Not great, but better.

Thank goodness it's already Wednesday...  Only three more days and I get another weekend. 

My body is a bit sore because I did a body sculpt class on Monday... it's been a while since I did anything like that.... ouch.

In general my body doesn't hurt as much as it has in recent months.  My foot still hurts, but not like it has - and my knee is back to where it was before the torn meniscus... I don't have quite the flexibility I would like, but that's my own fault because I didn't rehab it like I should.  Maybe I will hit up a yoga class this weekend and work on that.

What's up the rest of the week?

Not much that I can think of.... work and teaching... trying to lose the five pounds I gained in the past three days of unregulated eating.

Oh, tomorrow is First Thursday...  I will go to that.

This morning sure came early...

I know it's only been a few weeks since I worked a full work week, but it was hard getting up this morning...  This morning I feel like I've been hit by a truck because I did a body sculpt class last night and I haven't done one in a while... ouch.

My cold is moving it's way through my body... today it's kind of in my head and nose...  it's not really in the chest right now which is good.

I don't have plans tonight - I think I will most likely collapse when I get home... it should be a busy day at work.  Everyone will be back and I'll have to start working on getting everything changed when it comes the departure of my favorite attorney... yep I said it - he was is my favorite...

Maybe tonight I will take my box of Christmas decorations back to the storage area...  I only got a few things out of it... oh well, there's always next year right?

MMMMMMM........ what else? not much...  coffee is calling my name.

What's going on?

My cold has progressed to my chest and head... I don't feel horrible, but I don't feel great.  I have to teach tonight so that will be interesting...  I hope I remember how to do it.

I'm sure things will be fine.

I have a good feeling about this year (I think I said that last year too)...  who knows?  Maybe I'll have more than three dates!  I'm sure there must be people out there that go out less often than I do....  they just don't talk about it.  I think the key is to get out and do things more often... I've been working on it.  I feel good (figuratively)...

I am watching an Intervention Marathon on A & E.... there is a new episode on tonight AND a new Episode of Hoarders...  HOW EXCITING!  I now have something to live for (today)...

I was thinking about visiting my Dad today, but if I'm sick I'm not sure I should go...  I don't want to spread my germs...  I will have to revisit that idea later on....

I'ze did it...

I still feel crappy - but I'm happy to report that I survived the Polar Bear Plunge... my only regret is that they ran out of patches for it.... so I got a leftover patch from 2011....

that kind of bites.  oh well....

I am back on the sofa, where I will remain until sometime this evening....  then I will go to bed.

here are some photos