Better Today

I trugged through the day yesterday and managed to find a sub for my 6:30 class - I ended up falling asleep on the sofa around 8 and slept soundly through the night.

After talking to my sister yesterday morning I guess I'm not the only one who didn't sleep.  The mind get's going and boom, there you are.

She went to visit my Dad yesterday and he was sleeping (what a surprise)... but he was actually sleeping on his side which is not normal... but it's nice,  He appeared comfortable.  He's not eating much and it appears as though he's ready to go.  He's always been stubborn and he does what he wants to do so I wouldn't expect it to be any other way.

I am hoping to swing by soon (still coughing a bit but I don't think I'm contagious)... 

One of my favorite Dad stories is probably not going to put him in the "Father of the Year" category but it is very telling of how he worked.

When I was in my teen years and I was going through my time of the month and had horrible cramps he gave me half a valium to help.  I'm sure giving your child prescription  drugs is not the answer to those sorts of problems nowadays but he did what he could do.

I did a piece of artwork as an homage to my Dad for my 2009 Show at Gallery4Culture, I have posted a link below

Take Good Care of Yourself

It's my favorite piece of work I've ever made (I think)...  If you ever want to hear the whole thing let me know - I think I can find it.

um... that's was no good.

I hardly slept at all last night.  It sucked - and now today I have to teach at 6am and 6:30pm.

Hopefully I can stay awake.

I got a call last night from my sister and it looks as though my Father is winding down.

He's lived a good 86 years and I think he's just ready to go.  I don't think you can ever be quite ready, but I can honestly say I have no regrets on any of my interactions with him, he knows that I love him, and I know he loves me.

I don't want to type too much or I won't be able to get my act together to make it to the gym...

It's weird... I have a sense of joy and peace along with the sadness.

As with all things I will get through this with my family and my friends.... we just have to keep moving forward.

The other side of sickness...

I still don't feel great, but I'm feeling much better than last week.  I still have a stuffed up nose and lingering cough (although I'm not coughing so hard now that it makes me want to barf).

I managed to accomplish all tasks at all jobs yesterday.  I got home and made the mistake of getting horizontal on the sofa - I was out like a light.

I managed to wake up about 45 minutes later and stumble to the bedroom.  Once again I was out like a light.  No drifting off the sleep, just out.

I am getting ready to head to New York in a few weeks for the College Art Association Conference.  I had some business cards made with my "Failed T-shirt Design" logos on them... I think they turned out pretty good.   I'm going to leave them around the conference - maybe it will lead people to my website.  I should probably get my website in good working order before I get there.... perhaps I should do some updating.

These are mini cards so they fit in the palm of your hand...  I like them.  I got them through Moo.com.  They are the best do-it yourself business card website!

I am pretty psyched about New York.  I have signed up for a few workshops, one on Syllabus Writing and one on finding Jobs in the Art World.  They may not be the most beneficial, but they certainly can't hurt.

I'm also looking forward to seeing my friends in New York... I don't have a ton of friends who live there, but I have a few.  It will be nice to check in with them.  I also will get to go to Museums and check out art!

Okay, I think that's all I have this morning...

Feeling a bit better.

My time-out has resulted in a feeling of better-ness (is that a word?).

I still am a bit stuffy and croupy but overall I am feeling much better.

Before I forget to tell you all I have found out that they are airing episodes of Artstar on the Ovation Chanel on Demand.  It was a television show I took part of back in 2007.   It followed me and 5 of my fellow graduates from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and we moved to New York and made it in the art world.  The first four episodes are available until January 31 if you want to take a look.  I had seen most of the episodes but hadn't seen the first one in which I audition.  I watched it yesterday and I have to say - it didn't look as though I was talking out of my ass.

You should check it out if you have a chance.

Today I am going to venture out to ww and then I have a hair appointment... then I will return to my hibernation mode I think.  If I feel good enough I may go to a fundraiser concert tonight for one of my friend's children.... 

and there's also the on/off light festival which I should take a look at...

tomorrow the plan is to head down to Olympia to visit the sister and go to an ordination...

That's all I know.

Home Sick

I know, I know.... I have finally come to reason and decided to stay home sick.

There is a constant battle going on inside me between the work ethic instilled in me by my mother and the inner child in me that just wants to sleep on the sofa.  I have let the inner child win out today.

Hopefully by resting and taking it easy today I will heal quickly and get back on my feet.

I left work early yesterday, when I got home I took a three hour nap (with the help of some cold medicine)....  I am feeling a bit better today, but not 100 percent so I figured I should stay home.  I really don't want to spread my germs around.

The only downside to being sick is that I can't go to my father's care conference today... hmmm. I'm sure I'll get an update though.

Yuck - phlegm...  I don't like it. 

I think I'm going to try and go back to bed for a bit and see if I can get rid of this headache...

Crappy

That is how I'm feeling.

The cold is back and now it's in my chest. 

I think I am going to take it easy at work.  I have a few things to do, but I will see about heading out early.

My apartment is a mess... it's looking like a sick person/confirmed bachelor's pad.  Too many dirty dishes.

Last night I tried to find a sub for my class but no luck... it's aggravating sometimes not being able to find people.  Maybe it's because I'm so flexible (or don't have a life) and am able to cover for people.  You would think it wouldn't be so hard. Sickness does not make me kind.

Maybe I need to start thinking about a life change... ah, who am I kidding.  I don't have time for a life change.

I have a feeling if I type anymore things are just going to come out that I could get in trouble for... 

frustrated is my word for the day...

What the heck?

I think my cold may be coming back... I woke up with a bit of a sore throat... I don't feel too stinky, but it's not great.

I think I have recovered from this weekends activities.  It has been a while since I counseled at a midwinter retreat...  I had this idea in my mind that I didn't really like counseling them... I think I was wrong...  I think I had the idea that they were a big jumble of confusion... not enough time to really get anything out of it... I was wrong.

I decided going in that I was going to participate...  In the past I skip out on Ice Breakers (getting to know you games)... this weekend I decided to participate, and you know what?  I had fun.

I have come to realize that I was just blowing stuff out of my ass....  I separate myself from the group when I don't participate... that's not good when you are counseling - I know there's times when you have to step away, but I was stepping out of things just because I didn't like them... but it turns out that I do like them...  maybe it's time to rethink things...

Yesterday I taught both of my classes.  I did laundry and watched the Inauguration... I also stopped by to see the puppies... not too thrilling of a day but it was alright.

The rest of the week looks to be pretty much the same as always.  Later in the week is a care conference for my Dad.  I'm going to try to go to it so I can be in the loop as to what is happening with him.   It will also give me a chance to see him.  Next weekend is shaping up to be a bit busy and I might not get a chance to stop by. (that is I will go if my cold does not get worse)...

This is a photo of me from this weekend...  I also found out this weekend that High School students are really impressed when old people do head stands...  It turns out it doesn't take much to please them.

I survived...

I had a very pleasant weekend at camp.

I actually slept both nights and EVEN slept in this morning until 8!

I don't have a lot to report, but I did manage to stay away from the sweets (even the chocolate covered macaroons...).

I get to teach tomorrow morning but then I can come back home and take a nap and do laundry...  I think I may work on art stuff tomorrow...

I am considering going to bed soon - I am a bit tired (even with the sleep..).

Perhaps tomorrow I will expound on the weekend.

Enjoy the silence

I am trying to appreciate my time on the sofa this morning...

This weekend is going to be good but tiring.

I am sort of packed and ready to go.... I am trying to decide if I want to take my laptop this weekend.  I'm thinking if I take photos I might want to download them while I'm there... maybe do a blog post... plug in my activity monitor and see what I'm actually doing...

but part of me wants to not take it...  I will probably take it and not use it.

Here is my report from yesterday...

I took my car in and it needs a new bumper.  It's only going to cost me $914.00.  I actually don't feel too bad about that... I think I'm going to save up a bit before I get it fixed...  maybe a month or so.  I have some cash in savings so I'd like to not put it on a credit card if I don't have to.  I also figured out how much I could get for my car if I decided to sell it... it's a hot commodity - almost 10,000 for a trade in and over 11,000 if I sold it privately.  But  that's if I have a properly working bumper. 

I also talked to my apartment manager about garage space.  When I moved into the building I didn't even know there was a parking garage...  there are no spaces available right now, but I"m on the list.  It's only $85 bucks a month and might be worth the investment in order to keep my car ding free.

I have given myself five more minutes before I have to get up and get moving... 

I have to enjoy this time right now... this weekend is going to be busy!

word.

Ummmm....

I just can't seem to shake this last bit of croupiness I have... it's driving me crazy.

Thank goodness I don't have to teach again until Monday...  I need a break.

This weekend I will be counseling at a Mid-winter retreat with some of the campers that I counsel during the summer.  It should be fun if I can get there on time...

They want me to be there by 5pm but unfortunately I work until 5!  I may try to leave a bit early, but I think it may be stretching it to even get there by 6.

It will be fun though,  one of my friends that I met when I was going to camp there as a kid is going to be a Director.  She's the one who actually got me started counseling there oh so many years ago.

Today is going to be busy.  I shall start out by getting an estimate on my car to see how much it will cost to get the bumper repaired.... then it's work and then I have to come home and clean and pack so I can hit the road tomorrow...

I have Monday off so that will be nice (minus the fact that I have to teach my 6am class)... I may just drive down there and then drive back home when I'm done...

oh oh oh....  I am tired.

Yesterday I turned my ankle on the way to the gym - I didn't do any permanent damage but it's a teeny bit sore... of course it was the same one I sprained in the past. 

I think that's all I've got.  Besides phlegm. 

It's Early

Yesterday I slept in until 6:30 - that's why there was no blog post.

This person is tired... 

Sometimes 4:30 comes too early...

At least I have some coffee in me, but now I have to run.

Home again...

Back on the sofa again.

I almost feel like my cold might be going away.  I'm experiencing a few coughs every once in a while but I don't feel really crappy.

I'm a little bummed about the Seahawks losing today, but I will snap out of it.  I sat in front of the Hearthstone for 15 minutes listening to the end of the game before I went in to visit the parental unit (he was napping per the norm).  I woke him up a bit... not much social interaction but that's okay...

Right now I'm watching the Golden Globes.  I am in love with Amy Poehler...  

What else - I forgot to mention that I backed into a pole with my car on Friday.  I drove into the office and as I was leaving I backed into the pole and punctured a hole in my bumper...  I'm going to get an estimate on Thursday before I decide whether or not to file an insurance claim... and I don't even drive that much.  It sucks wind.  Sure, once I get my credit card paid off I might have to use it again... or risk having my insurance rates go up if I file the claim...  I'm not a bad driver... really, I'm not.  Some days I just want to sell the stinking car or get a big bubble to encase my car in so it doesn't get hurt.

Tomorrow it's back to the grind. 

Maybe I'll go to get at 8:30 to get a jump start on my sleep.

demanding puppies...

I must say I do enjoy hanging out with the dogs.  However I did not enjoy having Tucker (Stinky) start barking at 2:30 in the morning.  Whereas Grandma usually get's up and gives the girl some food, I just put in my earplugs and drowned her out.  I guess she figured out that I wasn't going to come and pay attention to her so she went back to sleep.

Tucker also seems to think she needs to be fed all the time.  I'm not playing that game...  Grandma will be back tomorrow and all will be right in Stinky-land.

I almost feel alright today.  Still coughing a bit, but it's not too bad.

If I can get my butt in gear this afternoon I may swing by to visit my Dad.  I'm thinking I am over being contagious - maybe I should get a flu shot while I'm out as well.  We shall see if either of those things materialize.  A nap sounds kind of good too!

This morning at ww I was down 4.4 pounds.  I guess cutting out the sweets is a pretty good strategy (and the exercise too...).

I broke open one of my Christmas presents today (Applewood Smoked Bacon) and made a pesto blt.  It was not as good in reality as it was in theory - but it was alright.

Okay I think it's time to snuggle with the puppies.

this is what Zoe looked like this morning - trying to kiss me!

Less Dead

I think I may be getting better.

I only woke up once during the middle of the night coughing, and I don't really feel like crap right now...  a little croupy but things are moving.

Last night I had a crazy dream that my car was stolen at the gym.  I pulled into the parking lot got out of my car to check something and turned around and the car was gone...  there was a lot more that went on during the dream but that's the most memorable.

Today I am driving to the office - I have to do some errands for the office so I'm just going to do them and then go in...  my activity monitor is not going to be happy...  oh well. Yesterday I walked to and from work, but only got 4 activity points (this is a ww measure)...  4 points is pretty good, but when you usually get 11 - 17 on average a day it's a bit challenging to look at that number.  I don't really care.  If I were anymore active I think my legs would fall off.

I am looking forward to hanging with the puppies this weekend (and doing laundry!)

There's nothing like hanging out on the sofa with a warm dog on your lap.

Here I am (sort of)...

Last night I got to the point where I think if I had gotten vertical I would have been asleep instantly.

I don't think I've been that tired since the time I stayed up all night when I was camp counseling (I think I was in my mid 20's).  Ow ow ow...

I finally have a day off from the gym.  I am looking forward to doing nothing tonight (except dishes)...  This weekend I am dog sitting for Stinky and Zoe - mom is going to Oregon for the weekend so I will have some serious puppy time on the sofa with my girls.

Here's a photo from a few years ago... cute aren't they?

In addition to spending time with the puppies I think I'm going to find myself a flu shot this weekend - I've been hearing horror stories - and one of my bosses has come down with it.  Luckily he hasn't been around me too much, but I don't really want to get sick.  I've had this cold long enough (it finally seems like it's going away...).

What else?

Oscar nominations are out this morning - maybe I will go see a movie?  I don't know... maybe, maybe not.  I used to be a big movie goer but not so much anymore - I don't really have a lot of down time to do those sorts of things.

I don't think there's much more to share this morning...  I'm sure there is, but I can't think of anything... 

It's all the same...

Still croupy... although not as bad.

I made it through my first Monday back at the gym... the throngs of new people... the lack of parking in the parking lot.  Fun times.

The most significant thing that happened yesterday is that my pedometer broke and I did not replace it.

Pretty much every day since 2006 (April I think) I have recorded every step I have taken.  Until yesterday that is...  I have many notebooks that contain my steps walked, miles covered...   In the past when my pedometer has gone belly up I just ran over to Weight Watchers and picked up a new one..  I decided to put an end to that chapter yesterday.

I still wear my fancy activity monitor - so I know when I'm being active...  I guess it's just the progression of things.

The one bright note is that I won't have that noticible lump at my waistband.. and I won't look like I have a tumor.

One bright note?

My steamer came yesterday - it's beautiful.  Maybe I'll post photos of it later.

That's all I know this morning - I need to finish this cup of coffee sitting next to me.

congestion is not my friend...

I am still dealing with this stinking cold.  I have gone through three bottles of generic brand tussin syrup in the past two weeks and bought another round of cough remedies and drops this morning.

I don't feel terribly crummy - but crummy enough to not want to go out and socialize too much.  I've been able to teach and go to work but it's getting old.  I just wish I would quit coughing.  It's not even a cough that hurts - it's just annoying and not really productive anymore.. what I would give to hack up a good amount of phlegm.

But no.  Sorry for the visual.

This weekend has been busy, but kind of uneventful... same old same old.

Currently I am watching the Seahawks - they're behind by a point.  It's a little too stressful.  At lease were only in the third quarter.

I felt good enough to eat fried chicken today... that's a good thing I guess.

Tomorrow I go back to the full time teaching schedule... go to bed early tonight so I can get up early and trek down to the gym for all the newbies.

I subbed yesterday's classes  (body sculpt and cycle).  It wasn't too bad.  I didn't die.

yep - that's it.

More to come on Tuesday maybe.

Turning the corner (slowly)...

I think I may have turned the corner on this cold... yesterday afternoon I experienced that thing you always yearn for when you are sick - A PRODUCTIVE COUGH!

Yeah, I bet you thought I was going to say something more interesting didn't you.

I managed to sleep through the night without much disruption - I think that was a combination of nighttime drugs and less congestion.

I'm still coughing, but I don't feel quite as bad.  That's good news.

What else is happening???

Last night in my cough syrup induced coma (I was carded for cough syrup the other day) I pulled the trigger and ordered a garment steamer...  I am pretty excited about this.  The dogs bought me one for Christmas, but it wasn't the one I've been dreaming of which is this one!!!

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE STEAMER I LOVE

I decided to return the one the dogs bought me and get the big momma of steamers...

Since I have a ton of fancy clothes from my big brother clothing parties it's something I've been thinking of for a long time... I finally decided to pull the trigger.  I can also finally steam my shower curtain which has been wrinkled since the day I brought it home from Bed Bath and Beyond.

This weekend is going to be a tad busy - advising young artists on what to take to a National Portfolio Day, cleaning, sleeping, teaching and finally football.  Perhaps I will do some laundry.  Having a break from teaching was nice because I didn't have to wash or wear my workout clothes so often.

A few final thoughts before I go hose myself off...

This new year has brought less foot pain (yay)
I bought an amino acid supplement at the club to help with my muscle cramping that I experience after I teach - I think it's working, although I've only used it once...  (don't worry - I'm not going to become some crazy buffed up muscle woman).... I didn't realize it at the time, but I also did a body sculpt class on Wednesday which usually leaves me sore for days after but I have been relatively pain free... good news I think.

Okay, that's it.  The shower is calling me.

The sickness continues...

My cold continues to linger in my chest.

It's not bad enough to not go to work though.

Other people in the office have it worse than I do.

That's what I get for being healthy in general.

I survived my first day back at the gym and I didn't die although I was extremely tired when I got home last night.  I didn't sleep well Tuesday night so I was running on fumes.

This morning I was up at 4:30 - the crap in my chest was just a bit too much to handle - had to get up and take drugs.

I don't really have any plans tonight (although I would like to go out to first Thursday)... I should probably just come home after work and sweat out this sickness.

What do I know?  I am in the process of cleaning my apartment.

I only have to work two more days and then I get a weekend.

My resolution to reduce sweets was almost thwarted yesterday when I was given a Top Pot chocolate bar...  I ended up giving it away.  It wasn't too hard.

I would like to apologize for not being more scintillating in my posts but it's hard with a chest cold.

New Year, Same Sickness

Boo.

I went to bed last night at 10pm.  This dang cold will not go away.

I am even missing the Polar Bear Plunge today because I don't want to get any worse.  I have to go back to my teaching schedule tomorrow and I will be in sorry shape if I don't feel better.

Yesterday I said goodbye to sweets...  I ate the few susan cookies which were at work and took out the recycling  this morning (the container was in it...) and I am now done.  I am not going to say I'm not going to have sweets at all, but I'm going to limit them.  I think it will help get me back on track and make me feel better overall.  I will be able to save money by not buying crap.

Today my plan is to head out at some point and pick up stuff at the gym.  I have to put up some signs at the Downtown club to advertise the cycle room....  Hopefully by advertising the classes and putting signs up to lead people to the room will increase attendance.

I would go visit my Dad, but I don't really want to spread any germs... that would be bad.

One last thought for the new year...

Phlegm is not fun.