There I go practicing my social skills again...

I am happy to report that I successfully navigated a social interaction activity last night (apartment potluck).  I did not die.  I had a good time in the courtyard, I met a few new people that I didn't know and re-met my neighbor down the hall.  Overall a pretty successful evening and I got "home" by 8pm.

Today I am going to brunch with some cycle friends..  and then I really have to do laundry.  I mean REALLY have to do laundry. 

I am feeling the effects of running around Greenlake yesterday.  My legs are a bit tired and my core is sore again.  I guess that's the price I pay for being healthy.

I don't have much else to report.  I think the remodel with be complete for the most part this week... all I can say is that everyone is lucky that I didn't go over the edge of sanity during this whole process.. I guess there is still time though.

I think I will go back to my coffee and prep myself for the upcoming festivities.

what's happening...

I only gained 3.8 pounds this week!

Yeah, that might sound a little weird but I was expecting to be up 5.

After facing the scale I did a little shopping and stocked up on veggies, then I ran around Greenlake twice. 

Now I sit on the sofa while said veggies roast in the toaster oven.

Tonight we are having a potluck in the courtyard for my apartment residents.  I figure I should go for a little bit...  I do live just outside so I don't really have any excuse.  Maybe I will take a nap first... I do have to do laundry as well (that's nothing new).

I am hoping the weather holds out for tonight....

Tomorrow I have a belated birthday brunch with my cycle friends..

I actually bought cycle shorts yesterday, but not "those type of cycle shorts"... they are bermuda type short that are padded (but they are sneaky padded).

See - you can't even tell that they are bike shorts right??

Okay - what else?  I don't know...  I really could go to bed right now and sleep forever and ever!

Damn laundry!

There has got to be more than this.

I'm nearing the end of my patience...

I am so ready to do something else with my life.

I wouldn't say I'm in a bad mood this morning, but I did wake up with a headache.  I will be so happy when this remodel is over... by this time next week things should have settled down.

My life has been going nonstop since February.  I left for the conference in New York, my dad died, I get home from the conference and the remodel is in full swing, memorial planning, and on and on and on...  I am getting to the point where I don't even get around to opening my mail - I've been finding things that I brought into my apartment and haven't even had a chance to open.

Luckily my place is not looking like an episode of hoarders.

Something needs to change in my life.  I miss making art.  It's not all about making money ya know?

If ever there were a time I needed to go to camp it is now... only a few more months.

I have been riding my bike to work... it's not too challenging.  Riding home after teaching class can be a hassle, but I will get used to it.  I still have to get my attire adjusted... and my legs are killing me. and my core...  my butt is just fine - all that teaching has gotten me a accustomed to the saddle.

Random thoughts are spewing forth from my fingers today....  I really don't want to go to work today, but I must.

Crap.

Jen + Sugar = icky tummy

My experiment with cake went just about how I expected it to.  I felt sick and gross.

I got home last night and had to shove large quantities of steamed broccoli into my system to counteract the sugar.

I am feeling a bit better this morning, but still not great.

The Birthday went pretty well minus not taking a lunch break because it was too stinking busy at work.

One thing that did happen was the partners did get me a gift certificate for the big brother clothing party for all the work I've been doing.  That was nice (although it's not a trip to Hawaii).  I will take it and say thank you.

A lot going on around the office - we are winding down on the remodel.  I should have a desk by Monday. I am going to have a ton of space.... I will take photos when I get a chance. (and when it's done)...  We are also interviewing someone for the Legal Assistant position... she's a ringer.  Sort of like I was a ringer when when they hired me (although I don't think they knew how awesome I would turn out to be when they hired me).  I think we are taking this person to lunch this week because they want our (the staffs) opinion on her.

Today I am going to ride my bike again into work.  Now that I have the initial ride out of the way I think it should be easier... I think - could be wrong.

I actually slept in until 6 this morning - sleeping in yesterday was a good thing to do... I may see about getting a sub more often...  I like sleeping.

46 so far is okay...

Happy Birthday to Me!

How did I get to be 46?

I don't really feel like I'm 46.

oh well... nothing I can do about it.

I am happy to report that I slept until 5:20 this morning and I am enjoying a semi-relaxed warm up to the day. 

Today I am going to eat sweets for the first time in 122 days...  I have 7 Trophy Cupcakes sitting in my entryway... I got them yesterday for dessert after my birthday lunch.  I have my eye on a salted caramel one.. or a taste of a chocolate mint... and no, I'm not going to eat all 7.

Today I am going to work and then teach tonight.  I don't have any special plans.. except for the cake.

I got some nice cards from the nephews and niece yesterday - I will take photos and share them later.

I like that I'm called "Anty Jen"...

I think that's all I have so far today...

Party on.

Awake again... this has got to stop.

Sunday morning is my sleep in day.

I woke up at 4:30... got out of bed at 5:00.  Cleaned up the apartment a bit.

That's fine I suppose, but it's not going to help me tonight when I try to stay up past 9pm.

I have a sub for the class tomorrow morning so I can "sleep in" on my birthday.  I bet you anything I will be awake at 4!

okay, enough with the complaining....

Yesterday I met up with my friend Kristen and we went to Red Robin so that I could get my Birthday hamburger.  It was good.  I have eaten most of my extra ww points already this week and I'm only on day two of tracking.... this does not bode well.

Today I am teaching my class and then the family is getting together for lunch at Mr. Villa.  It's a mexican place... we shall see if everyone can get along.

No crying while celebrating my birthday this year.

I think that's it so far today.... I know, it's only 7:03 am...

Birthday weekend?

I've been so stinking busy I haven't really even had time to talk about my birthday!  I am one who really loves their birthday and I don't even have a spare moment to gloat about it.

Oh well...

I managed to survive the week... our office is coming along pretty well... should be done in about a week or so.  I can't wait.  I am so tired of people complaining about design decisions and expecting me to know what is going on....  I would say I have a pretty good idea for someone who has been out of the loop since the beginning.

A lesser woman would have gone running out of the office a month ago.

This weekend I am meeting my friend Kristen for lunch/dinner at Red Robin today.  I have a birthday burger I have to eat.  Tomorrow the family is getting together at Mr. Villa for lunch.

What else do I know.

Not much...  I had a dream that I was scaling a building from the outside...  it was a sheer face which looked like the Dickeyville Grotto  - outsider art environment... I was so relieved when I got to the top...

I can only imagine what it would mean if I were to begin to analyze it.

I think that's all I have this morning... need to finish my coffee before I get going...

Awake at the Crack of Dawn (again).

Once again I am up too stinking early... I am taking my car in at 7 to get the timing belt replaced and the rear brakes fixed. 

I was hoping just sleep until my regular alarm went off (5:45) but I was awake at 4:00. 

Either I am turning into my mother or my brain is just really busy.  I think it's the latter...  too much going on in my life right now, my brain is full and I don't have much space left in it...

So... to go back and talk about my bike commute yesterday,  I made it.  Both ways...

The ride in was fairly easy.  It was light out and my friend Chuck rode with me.... it was pretty much a straight shot across 17th Ave E and then down Pine, right to my building.  I think it took 15 minutes tops... and not a lot of traffic.

For the ride home I had considered going back the way I came, but my building's parking garage exits onto Olive way and from there it's just a straight shot up the hill home.  I decided to be brave and follow another bicyclist up the hill.  I still have to figure out how to get up hills more comfortably...  I think if I didn't teach so much and have legs of steel I might of had problems but for the most part I did alright.  My foot did slip on the pedals a few times and I scraped my ankle a bit... nothing too bad.. my right knee is a bit sore this morning... I think I will survive. 

It's always the first time that it's the hardest...  it can only get better right?

Here are two photos to commemorate this momentous occasion...

This is me outside my apartment building!  Looking semi-afraid.

This is my bike in the rack at my building...  Pretty isn't she?

The hardest part was getting that stupid bike lock on the thing.

Okay - carry on people... it's time for me to finish my coffee and get ready for the day.

I did it, I did not die.

I knew I wouldn't... but you never really know for sure.

The ride in was fairly effortless... the ride home a bit more challenging.  My knee is a little bit sore from riding uphill.  Perhaps I shall take a bath later on to rest it.

I am going to need some better rain gear for my rides.. what I have will do for now but I need a little bit more.

I am tired.

I am eating a corn dog for dinner because I can.

Today is the day.

I am doing it.

I am riding my bike into work today.  I'm a little nervous, but at least it's not raining...  who knows..


The only problem I will have is getting back home tonight...  I have a buddy this morning.  I have traffic to deal with tonight.  I suppose I could always walk the bike home if I need to...  eventually this won't be an issue.

I am a big worry wart.  I will survive though. 

I picked up my pannier last night so I can carry my purse with me... (that is an important aspect of the commute)...  I hope I don't barf.

Okay, I have to get hosed off so I can suit up for the ride.

Feeling a bit queezy.

uhhhhhhhhh

I actually slept until my alarm went off this morning - sort of.

I have made the executive decision to drive in this morning.  I have errands to run after I teach tonight and I think this is the way to go. (I also want to drink a full cup of coffee)...

I have found a riding buddy to go with me on my inaugural bike trip to work tomorrow.  My friend Chuck lives about two blocks away and he's going to go with me.  I'm scared and excited.  I'm sure it won't be too bad, but it's always the first ride that's scary.

Today I am meeting an ex coworker for lunch.  I am going to be having a Wedge Salad... have I ever mentioned how much I love the wedge salad?  I probably have...  people like to poo poo the iceberg lettuce, but it's one of my favorites...

hmmm... I guess I'm not totally awake... 

I've got to stop doing this.

so....  I get to sleep this morning and I only make it to 4:30.  Actually I was awake at 4:17am and didn't get back to sleep.  I know I'm going to crash tonight. I am turning into my mother.  She get's up at the crack of dawn (3ish? 4ish?) and stays up forever.  I will most likely hit a wall at 3pm.

I did not ride my bike to the gym yesterday.  I have too much stuff to carry with me on my back.  My friend Bob picked me up a pannier (bag) this weekend so I will be better equipped to ride after I pick that up.

Should I ride this morning?  I don't know.  I have two types of friends, those who tell me to just go for it, and those who tell me to take a class on commuting.  I have mixed feelings... I don't know what it will be like until I do it, right?

The jury is still out....  I did check out the bike locker at my office - it's nice... it's just a big cage with bike racks which I can hang my bike on.  I have official key card access.

May is bike to work month...  I am going to do it.

I never did get around to preparing a GAP application this year.  Other things have taken priority in my life right now...  There is light at the end of the tunnel though... Construction is coming to an end soon and I might be able to take a vacation someday!

I'm starting to accumulate a few piles of junk mail on my coffee table so I will have to take care of that soon....

um.... that's it this morning.  Now I shall contemplate the riding of my bike to work this morning.

Sunday Report

Yesterday I took my official first bike ride.  It was only for fifteen minutes, but I rode around the neighborhood and made sure I could shift the gears...  I didn't fall off and I didn't run into anyone.  That's a plus.

The rest of the day was fairly uneventful. I went to the office and made sure the server was up and running and in the afternoon I got my hair done.  Other than that I sat around and did a lot of resting.  Resting is good at this stage... the way things are going I am going to need a lot of "resting" in the next few weeks. 

I've been thinking about my GAP application.  I have been a total bum when it comes to this... I might just skip the application all together this year.  I will see how things work out this afternoon but POO.... sometimes it's just hard thinking in art terms.

I am thinking about riding my bike to the gym tomorrow morning... perhaps I should just bite the bullet and do it.  I will most likely have to leave the house at the same time to make sure I have enough time to put on all my reflective gear and lights so I don't get hit.  The only really hard part will be riding the bike home on Tuesday night (I am going to leave it in the office building overnight on Monday)... it should be interesting.

Today I HAVE to do laundry or I'm going to have to go commando.  That will just not do.

I already did the dishes this morning so I'm off to a running start....

I shall leave you with another picture of my new ride... just that 15 minute ride has made my core sore this morning... I guess that's a good thing.

Bike

Here she is.

I don't know if I am going to name her something... I will keep you informed.

BIKE DAY!

I was awake before 4:30 this morning... started thinking about my bike.. couldn't go back to sleep.

I guess I could have worse problems.

I took my car in yesterday and had a power steering hose replaced under waranty.  They suggested I have few other things done but I haven't pulled the trigger on okaying the repair.  My gut reaction is to not spend 900 plus to get something replaced just because it's old - there's nothing wrong with it (timing belt)...  I actually sent an email to the local garage I used to take my old car to get an estimate on the same repairs...  if it's the same I will most likely take it to Honda of Seattle.  I will get things repaired, I just don't want to waste money.  Life would be easier if I could just transport myself by "willing" myself places...

Today is Bike Day!  I am leaving work early and I'm heading out to buy a little piece of joy.  I was reminded that May is Bike to Work month...  I'm pretty excited.  And a little nervous.... I haven't actually ridden a real bike in a very long time...  I don't even really know how to shift gears.. I'm sure it's not hard, but you would think that someone who teaching cycle classes would know about basic bike riding.

They say you should do things that scare you.  This definitely scares me.

This weekend I am going to try to pull out a GAP application out of the blue - need to write up my jeneratorroadtrip for it...  I am also getting my hair cut and colored... for the past week I have been trying to camouflage my skunk stripe and it's not easy.  I had a dream last weekend that I had been given bangs without my consent and I was a bit upset.  I don't plan on getting bangs anytime soon.. I think I will cut off about an inch or so... get rid of some of the icky ends...  I was just going to keep growing it out until I got asked out on a date but that doesn't seem to be happening anytime in the near future so I will cut just a little bit so I don't look like one of those middle aged ladies that are trying to hold on to their youth by having really long hair.

Goodness - that was a really long sentence.

The only drawback of getting up at the crack of dawn is that I've been up forever and it's not even 6am...  oh well - more time for coffee I guess.

I think that's all I have this morning.  I will update you later on the bike purchase.

Did I tell you I'm buying a bike?

Needless to say the last few months have been a bit challenging.  My Dad dying, work upheaval, friends who are ill... I have managed everything pretty well I think but it's been a chore.

I do have a glimmer of joy though, okay - two glimmers of joy - One, when I went to the Credit Union the other day the teller told me I had excellent credit and Two, I am buying a bicycle.

Yes, I am finally biting the bullet and purchasing a new bike on Friday (tomorrow)...  I am pretty dang excited about it too.  My friend Bob works at Gregg's Cycle in Alderwood and I'm leaving work early to go shop for a bike.  This is going to be my one Birthday/Bereavement present to myself.

I've even got it planned out, riding to the gym in the morning, riding to work, riding home... I even filled out the paperwork so that I can use the bike lockers in our office.  It's pretty great. 

One of the best things about this?  I can sleep in a little bit on mornings that I teach because I won't have to leave so stinking early!

Yay.

Bob suggested that I look at this bike..

Today I have a date with my chiropractor and then I'm taking my car in for a safety recall problem.  Some hose can break down and cause problems... as long as it doesn't cost me anything I'm good with it. 

Well, if I don't get driven over the edge today at work I will check back in sometime in the near future.

Go go go!

I had a restful night's sleep... nice.

I don't really mind getting up at 4:30 on the days I teach, but I would much rather sit on the sofa and drink coffee instead.  I have already done the dishes, now it's time to settle down and watch the news, warm my lap with Crusty II (my laptop) and catch up on everything.

This week is going to be a bit crazy.  We are winding down on our construction at the office, but now we're getting into the part where we will be impacted directly.  They are working on interior offices that already exist so we have to get people to pack up some of their things so their walls can be skimmed and something else (I don't know)...  they have me go to the construction meetings but they totally keep me out of the loop when it comes to schedule/what I really need to know.

I'm going to demand a really big reward when this is all over....  maybe a trip to Hawaii.

In other news one of our legal assistants is retiring so that's an added stress to my job.  Trying to come up with an ad and figuring out how to hire someone.. grrrr...  Things keep on rolling in... I/we just have to keep going...

This weekend I got a little bit of money from my father's estate - it's not enough to pay off my student loans but it was enough to give me a cushion in savings and pay off my visa bill.  I'm not going to go all crazy and blow it, I'm actually going to figure out how to make some money from it.

I have decided on one splurge. THE CYCLE INSTRUCTOR IS GOING TO BUY A BICYCLE!  Yes, I'm going to buy a bike.  This is going to be my Birthday present to myself.  Yay.  I have a friend who works at Gregg's Cycle and he is going to help me. I'm thinking of buying something that I can ride to the gym in the morning so I can actually leave after 5am and drink a full cup of coffee before I leave..  I don't know if I can actually ride a real bike.  It's been a really long time.  I guess I've never really had a bike that fit me so this will be good.  Getting set up with something that suits my needs - maybe I'll even get some riding lessons.

This year I'm actually sort of looking forward to my birthday... I mean I always like my birthday, but this year hopefully will be better than last year.  Last year there was a bunch of stress going on regarding my dad and one of my family members said some very harsh things to me which totally ruined my birthday month... I won't get into details, but let's just say, you should treat people the way you want to be treated.  You can't bully your way to what you want...

I don't know much more than this today... well, actually I know a bunch more, but nothing I want to write about...  I have to go now and check my horoscope, drink more coffee, and think about what I'm going to wear today.  It's a hard decision sometimes.

There are no words when you have this...

Spud.  Enough said.

Saturday!

I am happy to report that I weighed in at goal this morning and I am going to stuff my face at Spud this afternoon.  (for those of you know don't know Spud is a fish and chip place)...

I have a coupon that expires today so I am going to use it.

What else do I know?  I walked around Greenlake this morning with my friend Ken.  After the walk we hit up Super Jock and Jill to look at running related gear and then we stopped to get coffee.  We ran into my friend Pat while I was there (no, I didn't knock her down)...

It's nice to get out and do things on the weekend besides just hitting up my ww meeting and the gym.  Who knows... maybe things will start to change - no, I take that back, things ARE starting to change... I feel things are brewing...

My list of things to do this weekend are to work on a GAP grant application for Artist Trust - it's due the 15th.  If I were to get a fair amount of it done this weekend that would be good.  I have to start writing about my "jenerartorroadtrip" soon... need to start figuring out how much money I am going to need to take six weeks off to drive across the country and determine what equipment I will need... then I can come up with a budget and write a proposal.

I also need to do laundry (what else is new?)..

I vacuumed my living room so that's a start to cleaning.  I'm actually not in too bad of shape when it comes to the cleanliness of my place.

I think that's all I need to share today... I have to go get some fish and chips!

Perhaps I won't lose my mind...

I have made it to Friday.

I am still kicking....  I don't know what to say...  I have done dishes this morning so I'm feeling a bit virtuous.

Tomorrow morning I have to weigh in at ww and I need to have lost 1 pound in order to not have to pay.  I have to be good today... I've not been totally out of control but I've been eating a few more cheez-its than is necessary.

Work was not too crazy yesterday - today should be better.  Not a lot of people are going to be in the office... that will be great.  Perhaps I can get some tidying up done around the place. 

Only a few more weeks and the construction will be over.  I am logging in a bunch of extra hours... this is going to equate to at least a few extra vacation days this year.  Now I just have to figure out what to do with them.  I didn't actually use all my days last year.  Maybe I will actually take a vacation somewhere that I don't have to go to a conference or a seminar while I'm at it..  Somewhere warm.  I think I shall investigate my options.

Yesterday as I walked home from work I took a few photos... the rain had just started and it was seeping it's way down the wall of the freeway...  here you go.

Today I am going to lunch with my sister and niece.  We are going to be going to Palomino.  I am having the Chop Chop salad.  MMMMMMM Yummy.

Well, I hear the coffee cup calling my name...  I need to go.

It's only Thursday?

I am worn out.

I still have two days left at work this week and I'm not sure I'm going to make it.

This morning I am heading to the chiropractor, hopefully this will be the last time I have to go for a while.  My head has been feeling better (although I have a headache this morming)... but my hips are a little bit out of whack, but that could be overuse from running etc...

Work is a bit crazy (when isn't it?)... one of our legal assistants is retiring so let's add another job description to my title - "employment coordinator"...  if I make it through the next few months without a nervous breakdown I will be surprised.  The one good thing about this is that I am one who "thrives" when there's a lot to do... I'm not one to just shut down and do nothing...  I do have the ability to fire on all cylinders and get everything done, but it exhausts me.

I'm glad to be done with all my classes this week... I'm looking forward to sofa time tonight.

I guess I should get a move on...  I have to be at the chiropractor at 6:30... at least I can go without showering first... he won't mind.  I took a shower last night after class so I should be too stinky.

Carry on people.  Tomorrow is Friday.

I suppose I should type somethihg

I've been loafing around on the sofa this morning and it finally occurred to me that I should post something....

They say when life hands you lemons make lemonade...

the way things are going right now I will be opening up a stand in the near future...

I can't go into much detail, but things are changing rapidly around me...  too much happening to good people...  I just have to keep going and be there when I can to help out.

Just when you think things are working out... bleh....

here's something to lighten the mood...

Zoe in the sun on Easter Sunday....