My walk to the conference today...

I think my eyes are open.

I went to bed at a reasonable time but I am having a hard time getting up... My eyes are open but I'm not experiencing any energy just yet.

I have a busy day again... talks, seeing people, alumni receptions and then openings...

One of the great things yesterday was the book fair... I'm not a big book reader but I did stop by the Artforum stand and signed up for a subscription for half price.

I was thinking of getting to the conference early because they have coffee time in some room... I have to figure it out... I don't think I'm going to make it... I suppose I could just get out of bed right now and get in the shower...

I said last night that I'm going to see Karolina today - that will be great... I really do miss her.

My legs are sore this morning but the knee is still good. Whew.

Tonight I am going to an opening at Spoke... it will be nice to see people I haven't seen in a while...

Okay, nature calls... gotta go.

Survivor!

I spent a full day at the conference - pretty good. I caught up with some friends from school... went to lectures... overall it was a good day.

I am happy to report my knee is back in its place and it doesn't hurt too much today... now that it doesn't hurt I am focusing on my hip again... My feet are just tired from wearing different shoes without a lot of support.

Tomorrow I finally get to see Karolina. She's been really busy with teaching and getting things done in her studio. It will be nice to see her.

I ate too much tonight... I think I'll stick my finger down my throat before I go to bed - just kidding... I have to watch Survivor now....

It's a new day!

I don't want to jinx it but I think the knee might be back in place this morning... It doesn't quite hurt as much when I walk. My leg is a bit stressed out by walking on it all funny for three days though...

We'll see how it goes...

I'm giving myself a half an hour before I get out of bed.

Yesterday I went to the Career Services orientation... I should have gotten my act together beforehand (the conference I mean)... oh well.... I'm going to go to some sessions today about interviewing and something else which I can't remember - I've written it down somewhere... I have it planned out. I'm meeting more friends for lunch as well,

I did notice that the conference is in New York next year so you know I'm going! New York and the Today show here I come!

I did watch a few of the episodes of that show I'm not supposed to talk about... it turns out that I am very quotable. I have a lot of good sound bites. If it ever airs in the States I might get a following... I come off better than any of those "housewives" anywhere...

I still feel pretty good about yesterday... hanging out with Deb was good... it turns out that she checks out the blog so that makes me feel good.... the one thing I really miss about Chicago is that my friends here get the Art me. There also seems to be more avenues to be inspired and show your work. Seattle seems a bit stiff and less open to ideas... maybe I'll see if I can get in there and change it...

I should probably check my other important web sites.... checking account etc...

Yesterday I didn't have a really good food day... Sticky bun, pretzel roll, beer, beer, chicken vindaloo and tsatsiki.... oh, and some chocolate... and a few mushrooms. It's a good thing I weighed in at goal last weekend...

Evening Update...

Here is the carpet in my hotel hallway...



This is my friend Deb. She has a piece up at the MCA. It's really good... we talked a long time and looked at the work at the MCA... It made me want to make work again... (hooray!)...
(she looks a bit sinister in this photo but she really isn't - she gave me approval to post the photo)...



I found this on a ledge on Michigan Avenue...



This sculpture is off the NBC building... its the figures from American Gothic (the painting by Grant Wood)... there's a suitcase in front of them..



I ended up walking a lot today... over 8 miles... argh... had to take a bath to soak my legs/feet/knees/back... I'm going to need a vacation from my vacation...

I ended up spending a long time at the MCA. There's a show up of contemporary Italian Artists... I like it a lot... when I was done there I went to visit my friend Lisa. We went out for drinks... I know, I actually drank beer... I do it sometimes you know...

After that, I made my way back to the the Hyatt where the conference is being held to check out the scene (not much going on...). Finally I walked to my hotel where I am ready to collapse...

I think I'll go to bed soon.... I feel a bit icky.... more in the morning...

I am awake...

A bunch of snow dumped last night but I will still be able to get around...

Yesterday was fun getting to see every one... okay, it was only three of my friends but you get the idea. I ended up watching the Today show and hanging out in bed until 10... not something I usually do, but it was nice.

I ended up down at my favorite coffee store (Intelligentsia) for a while and then I went to Macy's to get some socks to go with the boots I bought on Monday night. I ended up waking over seven miles yesterday... on my bum leg. It still is really uncomfortable (I took drugs before I went to bed it hurt so much)... I wish it would just go away...

Here are some photos from yesterday:









I would make some annotations but I'm still trying to wake up...

Oh, there was an earthquake outside Chicago this morning too... they do the same thing here on the news... people call in and tell their stories....BORING after the 50th one...

Four minutes and I have to get out of bed and move...

This morning I am going to a Carreer Services Orientation at 7:30 and then I'm meeting a friend at 10:10.... then I'm free until 4 when I meet another friend...

Photo

Day two.

I guess I slept in... not quite sure though... I woke up at 5 Chicago time... watched the news and then fell back asleep for a little while. It's 8 now.... I slept about seven hours so I should be good... I think I could nap all day long and feel pretty good...

It hasn't snowed too much just yet... nowhere near a blizzard. It's a good think I flew in when I did. Chicago isn't like Seattle when it snows... it doesn't go crazy!

I'm giving myself until 9 and then I'm getting out of bed...life is rough...

I've been up a few times and my knee is still a little bit wacky...

My friend PJ is meeting me this afternoon... I think we might go to the MCA and check things out. My friend Deb has a piece up there... it will be nice to see things... tonight we are going out for pizza... yummy!

Maybe this morning I'll check out the gym upstairs and then go down to intelligentsia and get some black cat espresso.... hmmm... my favorite coffee in the world...

I think that's it for now... more later.

I made it...

I won't stay long because even though it's 6:17 on the west coast it's later - my time...

My flight went well... an abnormally large amount of men... not a lot of women...

I took the train into town and got to my hotel. It's pretty nice (funny carpet though)... it has a mini fridge and a microwave... it took me a while to figure out how to operate it though... it is right around the corner from the John Hancock Tower

There is wifi in the room but you have to pay for it. Abraham at the front desk looked at my room and saw that I was a Hilton Honors club member so he said he'd give it to me for free. It just goes to show you it pays to be nice and to ask if you want something..

There is a winter storm warning in effect... I may be in for the long haul. I had to buy some boots when I got here because there could be up to 14 inches of snow...The good news is that I'm within walking distance to Trader Joe's and Jewel - Osco.... I went both places tonight and found of few my favorite - can't be found in Seattle items. Pretzel rolls and horseradish hummus from Trader Joe's. I'm going to be a good girl and not eat it all tonight.

My knee is still really bugging me. I can walk but it's not comfortable... maybe we'll have to amputate...

I think that's all this evening... I will be back in the morning!

Central time zone - I'm watching Intervention and I'm hoping to stay up to watch Hoarders...
gotta run!

Chicago here I come! If I can walk...

I think I am ready to go with the exception of packing my toiletries....
I woke up at 3:30 with my knee out of whack... it does that every once in a while... it will go back into place eventually (I hope) or I may have problems walking around the windy city.

Yesterday I decided I can't be a wienie forever... so I sent Mr. Arms a message letting him know that I was the one who likes to stare at him - we're friends on Facebook... nothing ventured, nothing gained... Of course I timed the email to coincide with my vacation so I don't have to face him for a week.

Oh Chicago, how I am looking forward to seeing you! I don't have any plans this afternoon when I get there... I think I'll just check into my hotel and then wander.... do a grocery store fieldtrip to get food that's good for me and save a buck...(I'm taking the video camera to document everything...)... go to bed at 7:00.... It will be two hours ahead of what I'm used to AND It's central television time so everything starts an hour earlier... that way I may actually be able to stay awake for an entire episode of Hoarders tonight! That is if they have A&E on the list of channels available to me!

Yesterday I went to my sisters house to watch the Superbowl... it was a good time - with the exception of having to maneuver around a three year old while trying to watch commercials... overall a good day... I didn't eat too much either... I must say though that the commercials were lacking...

Okay, I better get off my backside and get moving... Have to leave in an hour or so... I want to make sure I look good in case I sit next to a cute boy on the airplane!

I'll probably check in with you this evening... Bon voyage!

Last night sucked...

I ate too many bad things last night and I slept horribly.... today will be better.

I kept waking up because of my arm and hip... the arm is residual from my tendonitis - during my massage I had it worked on... it just aches... the hip is just out of whack.. I'm hoping it will be manageable until I get back from Chicago... I should probably load up on the advil before I go...

Okay, enough whining...
Today I need to pack and get things ready so I can go in the morning... I am going to try to go to my sisters house to watch the Superbowl.

I have freshly waxed armpits so I might go sleeveless during class today... Living on the edge... that's me!

arrrgh.

Just a little out of it..

I had a massage this afternoon and I'm a bit out of it... I need to head out soon and take care of the dogs... I'd rather just get in my jammies and go to bed.

I have put off packing until tomorrow... I work best under pressure I think.

I weighed in this morning at goal so that's good... I have braved it another month... I've been making a list of things that might be nice to eat and or see when I'm in Chicago... I'm thinking I need at least one hot dog from the Wiener's Circle down by my old place. and then there is Garret's popcorn... I will never be a person who doesn't think about food ten million times a day. I'm sure if I were to ever have a boyfriend, he might take up 10 percent of that time - but not much more...

Woe is me.... It'd be nice to just go to bed... I said that earlier... it must be true...

I was going to try and make a new playlist for cycle but they are out of luck... Mr. Arms is going to be in my class... maybe I'll look him in the eyes and say "hey, how you doing?"

"nice arms".

maybe.....

Vacation here I come.

I am ready to vacate... once I get my things packed...

I was ready to do a semi-long post but I had to update my computer so I have run out of time.

Today I have ww, the gym, a waxing and cupping appointment and then I'm watching two dogs overnight... I still have to pack and get things together for Chicago...

I don't know if I'm going to have enough time today to get everything done...

More later. I hope.

It's almost here!

I am almost ready to embark on my vacation!

I have a bunch of things to do... pack, clean, pack......

I think I am over being cranky about the whole clothing party thing... it just seems ridiculous to me.

Yesterday at work was really busy... My day was full of things to do... hopefully I will be able to wrap things up in some satisfactory matter...

I stayed up last night and watched Project Runway... a couple of the attorneys at the office are fans (these are grown men here....). I did manage to watch the season premiere of Lost... it's going to be good...

IT'S A GREAT DAY! I just looked at my checking account and my tax refund was deposited last night. I was thinking it wouldn't be until next week... woo hoo.... I am putting the majority into savings so I can start to get a cushion built back up... my savings plan has been going pretty well... I have severely curtailed my americano expenditures... I have cut down to only getting them on Saturdays after my ww meeting. I am also very aware of "piddling" away money...I still have my moments though.

I think I will wind it up... I have about 15 more minutes of quality time to spend with the dogs here on the sofa...

woot woot!

Here's some older artwork

They are checking up on me...

I guess they don't know I have a stat counter and I can see who is looking at my blog....

busted again... maybe they'll cut me off as a client... too bad - I really love their clothes...

The blog post which recounts me being busted by the clothing party police.

Yesterday I got an email from the consultant that will be assisting me with a clothing party that I have coming up in the near future. It turns out that I had mentioned my upcoming party in a blog post with the time and date here I guess that's a big no no when it comes to their CLOTHING PARTY RULES!

Okay people - let's get with the program - you could get a lot more people to buy your clothes if you would allow social networking (aka blog posting).

Obviously they don't realize that I have a regular readership of about 5.

It makes me not want to do business with them anymore.... I am not going to cancel my next party because I owe that to the consultant... but I'm not sure I'll have another one after this.

And seriously - do they actually pay someone to make sure that hostesses don't post the time and dates of their parties on their blogs??? they probably pay them minimum wage.....

I guess part of their initials stand for "by invitation"... but invitations come in all sizes....

It really makes me cranky.... you suck.

I have edited their name out of all my blog posts regarding their company... it's a shame because I was (maybe still am) a big fan of their clothes but not their practices.... they could have gotten good word of mouth... YOUR LOSS BIG CLOTHING PARTY COMPANY!

Okay onto other things. I am getting my schedule put together for Chicago.. I realized that the conference doesn't start officially until Thursday so I have Monday through Wednesday to do vacation type things... woo hoo...

Last night I watched the first hour of lost on the computer... pretty good. I need to get to the next hour pretty quick so nobody at work ruins it for me...

I think I shall call it a morning... I need to check my bank account balance and see the situation there.... maybe I'll be less cranky with my next blog post.

Hopefully you'll get a litte more.

I'm hoping today's post will give a little more than yesterday. I am feeling a bit sore this morning... Monday I did a body sculpt class and the back of my legs are still a bit sore... I also have a headache and my elbow has been a bit funky too... I am scheduled for my monthly waxing/massage appointment on Saturday...

Speaking of Saturday I am going to watching my friend Christy's dogs on Saturday night. The money I make will go to the Jennifer's down payment fund...

I've been contacting my friends in Chicago trying to schedule visits with them... It will be nice to see my friends...

Yesterday I took my dad to the eye doctor... he is doing pretty well.

I decided last night that I would buy a season pass for Lost on iTunes... as you know I am hooked on the Biggest Loser and Lost conflicts with that... I think it will be worth the investment... I'll be in Chicago next week so I wouldn't be able to watch it anyway. This way I have it on my laptop and or iPod.

On another note, Kiki Smith is going to be giving a lecture at the University of Washington on March 4th... my friend Tia and I are going to go... it's not often we get an artist of that caliber in town.

Did I mention that I'm friends with Mr. Arms on Facebook yet?.... well I am.

Last night for dinner I had a salad and then I cooked up the bacon I received for Christmas... it was pretty good.... I still have some left...

Okay, stick a fork in me, I'm done.

Groundhogs Unite.

Today is filled - Oscar Nominations, Groundhogs, I get to take my dad to an eye appointment....

I'm a bit distracted trying to post.... I'm guessing there won't be much more than this....

okay, maybe a little bit more...

maybe not...

It's the month of love...

Once again we come to February - the month of love... I don't really know if it's the month of love but we do have Valentines day coming up.

Yesterday I ended up hanging out at the studio for almost five hours... it felt pretty good... I finished one of the mirror I was working on, I did some drawing... and I got some images off my old laptop and another external hard drive so I can get things put together for Chicago next week.

I'm not quite ready for the week to begin... I think it might be nice to stay in my pj's for a while...

I think I shall go... need more coffee!

It's a record...

I was out two Saturday evenings in a row! I know, I know... you are probably asking yourself "what is going on?" has the axis of the earth shifted? have the planets aligned in such fashion that it is possible for someone with such long standing awkward social anxiety complex can go out TWICE IN ONE MONTH!

I guess things can change... Sure, I was home by 9pm but that's alright... baby steps all the way...

Yesterday I also went to my studio... I know, what is happening??? those planets are in some strange fashion... I haven't really started up on much... but I'm working on my line of self reflections... they are phrases etched on glass tile mirrors... They are pretty quick and dirty but they work... at least I'm doing something... right?

Today I need to get images off of my old laptop onto my new one so I have stuff all in one place for Chicago. I know, I keep saying I'll do these things but I really will... I only have a week to go... It's that procrastinator in me...

Today I will most likely go back and work on other things... since I moved into the smaller space it's harder to maneuver... maybe I'll clean up a bit so I can move...

Other than that I have to teach and I promised to help out one of the girls at the gym to get her set up on the bike so she could do it in her spare time...

I think that's it...

Oh, my sister is having people over for the superbowl next week so I officially have plans (unless I get a better offer)...

It's pretty good news...

The good news is that it's Saturday morning.

The good news is that I get to have prime rib for dinner.

The good news is that mom went to the doctor yesterday and they are not going to do anything with her heart. She will go back in 6 months but other than that she's good to go. She just has to let them know if she's having any chest pain etc...

The good news is that I don't have much to do today....

Friday, Friday, Friday!

It is once again Friday.... I am looking forward to the weekend... not that I have a lot to do - but it will be nice to just relax...

Tomorrow night I am heading over to my sister's house to celebrate by brother-in-law's birthday... I teach on Sunday... I hope to get into the studio too...

Today momma goes back to the Doctor to find out what the game plan is for her heart (if there is any)....

Last night I went to the (word deleted by big brother) preview party... there are a few really cute items... if you want to check it out you can come to my (deleted by big brother)

I am ready for a vacation.... Chicago is looking pretty good to me...

Yesterday I did my taxes and there is something to be said about being an artist who doesn't make a lot of money... I am getting a lot more back in my taxes... I use a program called Moneycenter by Yodlee... It was recommended by Smart Money magazine. It's an online service that tracks all your accounts (for the most part) and you can designate your expenses and it will even print out excel spreadsheets for you. It was a breeze to print out all my art business expenses... and then I just transferred them to TurboTax... this was also the first year that I made too much money so I had to pay to file online... let's get it straight though... I still am not rich... The refund is going directly into my savings account.

This morning at work we are having Specialties... it's mini quiche time... I am then having lunch with my friend Matt and Bryan... we're going to Rock Bottom... I am going to have one of their lunchtime specials.... hmmmm... I'm hungry with all this talk about food...

Speed Workouts...

I think I may actually start "training" for the marathon... I have to incorporate speed drills to increase my endurance... I just have to figure out how to do them. Maybe I should try to find a training buddy...

Tonight I am taking a break from the gym.... there is a preview for the (this word removed by the fashion police) spring line which I am going to... I don't know what exactly goes on at these things but there will probably be cookies and such.. and clothes to look at... I also received all my w-4 so I can officially file my taxes... I wonder how hard that will be...

I don't have much more to say... I have to get ready for Chicago this weekend.... get everything up to date and ready to go...

Are you sure it's only Wednesday?

It sure feels like Friday to me. Yesterday went fine... even though it took a longish time...

Here's a quick rundown...

I don't need new running shoes.

I should be able to run a half and not have it bug my knee.

I have exercises for my shoulder.

Dad has a nice eye patch (it's probably gone by now)...

Cycle kicked my butt again, but in a good way.

Biggest Loser is looking good this season.

I went to bed.

It will be nice to go back to work... three more days and then It'll be weekend time!

Today is my brother in law's birthday... no plans until Saturday for that...

Okay, I think this is all I can muster this morning... I am tired!

Back to normal...

I woke up at the right time this morning so hopefully things should work out better today.

As I said yesterday - no work for me today... just the Chiropractor, chauffeur duty, new running shoes etc... I hope I can manage to fill up my day and not eat too much... that can be problematic sometimes...

This is a photo of Demi Moore



I have been using her as my profile on Facebook... she looks like me don't you think?? a few of my friends really thought it was me... I wish (although I don't look horrible - I will never look like this...).

I wonder if Demi runs???

Okay, I better go.... don't want to be late for my date with the chiropractor...

The way things go...

there's an art film by fischli and weiss called the way things go which follows sort of rube goldberg chain of events...

That's how my day sort of went... one thing led to another and now it is almost over.... I never quite recovered from waking up late... I was tired all day... never quite woke up...

Tomorrow morning I am going to visit my favorite chiropractor and then take my dad to get his cataract surgery done... this is his second eye - he had the last one done a few weeks ago... while I'm waiting for him to get done I am planning on buying new running shoes... I figure I should be adjusted before I get new shoes. I'm going to have them check and see if I need a new type of shoe...

After I have safely deliver my father back home I don't know what I'll do..... I guess I'll figure that out when I get there....

Now I think I am going to go to bed... or at least relax a little before I do...

Oops - again...

I slept in this morning so I won't be posting anything.... oh well. maybe if it's slow later on I'll let you know about my uneventful day yesterday.

Sunday!

Good morning everyone!

I actually survived going out last night. I was home by 9:15 so that was nice... in bed by 9:45. I am just an old woman... okay, not old... I just need my rest sometimes.

Today I am going to cycle and then I may go in search of new running shoes. My hip is feeling a bit out of whack and I don't want it to be exacerbated by ill fitting shoes. I've also been thinking about checking out a pilates or yoga class sometime soon... maybe it would help with my flexibility...

Mom is able to drive today so who knows what trouble she will be getting into... I may go to the studio this afternoon as well... it will be good to get in the swing of going again...

What else do I know? Not much this morning.....

Here I am...

Let me see.... Mom is back to her old tricks. (hanging out on the sofa reading - and taking naps)....

I was down four pounds this morning (insert astonished gasp here)....

I bought soup galore and yogurt and Target - BEST STORE EVER!

Had an excellent workout... I positioned myself just right during cycle class so I could see Mr. Arms AND the other cute boy..... what more could I ask for???

not much.

Tonight I am heading over to M's house to have dinner and watch the movie... there goes my points... I don't recall the last time I ate Chicken fettuccine. I'm not big on creamy things.... I'll adapt though...

I have four hours before I have to be there... maybe I'll go take a walk.... see you tomorrow.

Things don't always go as planned....

So - the momma has an occluded artery... the good news is that the heart is taking the blood from a different direction to supply it... (did that make sense???).

No stint... they're going to figure out what to do next... but that comes next week...

I think I'll go to bed soon... I'm getting tired.

Now the truth can be told.

So, I am taking momma in for an appointment today.... she's having a stint put in her heart. How exciting does that sound???

Apparently she had a heart attack at some point and didn't know about it. We are thinking it was about the time of my (this word removed by the clothing party police) party back in November.... it's not a big deal, but she's not the kind of person who wants anyone to make a fuss over her.... I would say this is where we differ... I secretly love being fawned over when I'm sick (I think)... Anyway - since she didn't want anyone to worry she banned me from posting about it.... so I have been a good girl and not said anything.

I asked her permission re: this post so here it is...

I am taking her to Swedish this morning and she gets to spend the night... she'll actually get a good nights sleep for once... I get to deal with Zoe waking up early... I have actually been wearing earplugs and it is helping immensely. I think my sister is going to spend the night tonight (she's coming up from Olympia)... I'll give her a pair of earplugs as well.

So that's all I know.... I am expecting on things being as usual... with the exception of going in to work late...

Last night I ran again... I'm thinking I may invest in some new shoes... maybe have them check and see if I'm still wearing the right size... I should also get my feet checked... I need some new orthotics for my shoes..... and I should go to the chiropractor.....

I should get moving... don't want to be late delivering the little woman to the hospital. I will update later when I know anything else...

It's almost Friday!

Per usual: a four day work week feels like a ten day work week...

Yesterday I talked about getting to see a few of the episodes of that show I was on. I'm not going to mention the name because I don't want to get anyone in trouble (in case they have any Google Alerts associated with the title - like I do...).

I watched the second episode - the first one I don't have - that's the one where you see my interview in front of the judges/panel when we auditioned...

I only have one thing to say - Monique Meloche loves me! (she's a gallery owner in Chicago) at least she said so when they were deliberating over who to choose... being older and flying by the seat of my pants helped me as well.

Seeing myself on film is a bit weird, but fun... Watching the one episode makes me miss Chicago and my friends... I like living in Seattle, but sometimes I think I might have been a bit too quick running back home... but I can't have any regrets can I?

What else? not much this morning... at the gym last night the parking lot was busy but the gym seems to be lightening up a bit... maybe it will be more manageable in the coming weeks...

My toenails are still icky looking from the running, but the running itself is getting easier. I think I'm going to try running in the Rock and Roll half Marathon in June... there, I said it. Now I just have to sign up...

Okay, I better get a move on.

xoxo I love you all!

Someone call a medic.

Last night in cycle I decided to do a new drill. It was a long hill with a bunch of adds along the way (a twelve minute climb)... I wasn't sure if I could make it but I did. Everyone in class made it too. It was different, challenging and good. I don't think I'll do it all the time but it nice to do something different... a good looking fella said it was a good class. I like getting compliments from cute boys..

Have I mentioned my displeasure yet with the new composition and flavors of Candy Conversation Hearts? They have messed up the originals, they are now too soft and the flavors are too sweet. They have totally ruined a valentine favorite for me. Those little candies were the only thing that made Valentines Day worthwhile... now they made the most overrated holiday even worse. The only good thing is that I won't ever eat them again and I won't have to deal with that temptation.

It feels good to rant... it's been a while since I've done it...

There isn't much on the agenda today... just work and then the gym. Maybe I'll work on getting stuff together for Chicago.

Deleted for legal reasons...

Okay, I think that is all the good news this morning... now I'm going to see if I can move my legs and get going.

Strange night

Last night I had a few issues with food... I think it will be better today... the wii is going to tell me I'm overweight today... I have to prepare for it.



This morning I had some strange dreams. I know it was this morning because Zoe woke me up a bit before 4:00 and then I went back to bed and had the dream. I was trying to get everything ready so I could move. I was moving from my apartment in Chicago but it wasn't my apartment in Chicago... it was a different one... it turns out though that I only had a few hours to get everything packed up and out of there... I also didn't have anyone to sub for my cycle classes (that was a strange thing too...). It was one of those dreams that induces panic....

I hope it isn't foreshadowing anything...

Yesterday I took Susan's advice and went to the studio for a few hours. I didn't do a lot but I got some things organized...

Tonight in cycle I promised a new playlist and new drills. I could do the one I did on Sunday but I know there will be a few repeat customers from the other day... I may use the same playlist but mix up the drills... I think I'll have to take the old computer to work and work on things during lunchtime. A cute boy I like to look at is going to be in my class... (I don't stare at anyone too long in class though, don't want to make them uncomfortable...).

It's going to be a busy week... I'm taking momma to an appointment Friday morning so I going to miss part of work on Friday, next Tuesday I have to take dad in for his cataract surgery... I don't really like taking time off work when I'm not "vacationing" but I guess this is alright....

I am not quite ready to start the day but I probably should.....

It has been said!

Susan says I should go to the studio. I think I will.

I have it so I should use it right? Yes I should... Even though I don't have anything specific I am working on I can get things ready for Chicago. Organize my resume, get images of my work and some students work put together, and get my business cards in order. It will be good to do something different.

I slept in a bit this morning which was nice... I think I might go to the gym this morning instead of this evening... shake things up a bit...

What else is going on... I don't know.... I guess I should start doing things...

Fun filled evening of the Golden Globes...

You may all recall (or you may not know) that I really love awards shows... I love movies (even thought I don't go to see them)... and I love watching the awards shows....

Tonight will give me an idea of what movies I should go see.... or movies I should put in my Netflix queue...

This morning in cycle class I kicked everyone's butt including my own... it was a hard class... I had sweat balls galore by the time I was done....

I'm trying to figure out what I will do tomorrow... I kept forgetting I don't have to work. I should do something service related (maybe...)... maybe I'll serve the art community and go to my studio.

Who knows....

It's one of those days.

I think I'm going to have a do-over on my ww points from yesterday - I went a little overboard...

I woke up with a headache - it seems to have gone away now (a whole pot of coffee later...).

I've got a bunch to do before class so I will try to be back later today.

Puppy out of control.

This morning (you're probably saying this morning? it's only 5:14.... yes, this morning) my mother left to go to Oregon for a baby shower.... let me just tell you, the moment she left Zoe started going bonkers... crying whining and barking... when I got downstairs she had knocked down the gate into the kitchen... I got up so she wouldn't tear the house apart...

Today I am doing the regular this morning, ww, the gym - but then I'm going to camp to make art! I don't know exactly what I'm going to do but it's going to involve self portraits and telling stories... seems good to me.

I also promised my class a new playlist tomorrow. I need to come through or there might be a riot. I'll have to do that tonight when I get home...

I think I shall go now and spend some quality time with my dog.

TGIF

It's Friday finally....

Good news - Zoe didn't wake me up.

Bad news - headache.

Other than that I feel alright.

Last night I got my hair colored... it's got a bit of character... a new person at the same salon did it... she's pretty good (her name is Tara).

Today besides work I have to gather things for camp tomorrow... I'm doing self portraits with the young people... I also promised a new playlist for class on Sunday so I need to do that before tomorrow night (or they are going to get off their bikes and kick my ass)...

Also tonight my friend Matt's son is showing his film that he made for his senior project... I need to pace myself so I can stay up that late...

My headache seems to be going away so that's good.... this morning instead of bagels or donuts we are getting things from Specialties... they make these killer mini quiche which are the best things ever. In our office everybody with cut pieces off things and take "bites". This is good because you get a taste and don't have to eat the whole thing (I COULD eat a whole mini quiche...).

I think I shall go now... I'm becoming distracted.

My first running related injury.

Okay, this isn't really a running injury.... if you're squeamish you may want to skip the description that comes next.

Last week I told you all about my bruised toenails... it turns out that one of them wasn't a bruise - it was a blood blister. So... last night after I worked out I went home and took a shower - then I clipped my toenails and sort of saw something bubbling underneath my toenail... I got a piece of tissue out and pressed on it... then came the gush of blood... my toenail is now back to its normal color but it's a bit loose... I'm thinking I may go look for a new pair of running shoes. I was fitted for this brand a few years ago.... who knows, maybe my feet have changed size or something... maybe I should also go get my feet checked to see if I need some new orthotics... but orthotics cost money...

Enough of the toenail story....

Tonight I get my hair colored.... I think I managed to style it alright yesterday - it just never looks quite like you want it to though. It's good enough though....

Today I am going to a ww meeting with one of my friends from my old job... I'm going for the moral support... it never hurts to go to more than one meeting in a week... She's been talking about joining for a while but hasn't been able to commit... maybe if she has someone doing it along with her it will work this time.... you just have to be willing to make those lifestyle changes and not just change your eating habits... it's the mind change which is the hardest part I think.

Oh well, I guess that's it... no more icky toenail stories.

A long time coming...

Here we are at 2,000.

I've just started thinking about "projects" I can do while I'm in Chicago Next Month.... I think I will take the video camera with me and do some filming (Brent - it may end up in with your music attached but don't get your hopes up...). I know it's going to be cold while I'm there but it might be nice to do some work outside by the lake. I know I should be looking for teaching jobs - and I will do a little of that, but I think I need a little motivation (like being around all my art making friends) in order to get the creative juices flowing.

I've said before that I'm going to start making things again - and I will... it's just taking me a bit. I have found that things can not be forced - they just have to come. This weekend I'm going to be going to camp and we're going to work on some self portraits - or objects that tell stories about ourselves... should be interesting... might make me want to get back into the studio.

This morning I have a bit of a crick in my neck that is giving me a bit of a headache... It's just the muscles in my neck being a bit stressed... it will work itself out.

Zoe started whining at 3:00 last night - unfortunately she didn't really ever stop... maybe someday she'll stop (she will - she has to right?).

I chopped off a lot of my hair last night... I think it looks good - let's just see if I can replicate my new do this morning...

I think I shall go now and get another cup of coffee... I think I need it. HEADACHE GO AWAY!

Almost 2,000.

This is post number 1,999. I'll try to make it good.

Yesterday morning I almost got run down by a car on my way to work... that was fun.

Last night Zoe started chewing on her cone and her mouth kept getting stuck on it so we took it off. It's nice to not having it whack us in the neck... she was licking her feet all night.

Today I have a full plate of work, then a haircut at 5:30 and then teaching at 6:45... busy busy busy!

I really don't think this post is turning out the way I'd planned (but how do I plan any post?)... back in the old day - circa 2006 and 2007 I had a lot of time to sit with the posts (and sit with Old Crusty on my lap) in front of the Today Show and work on them... post are much different when you don't have dogs interrupting you or you have to get ready for work.

The gym was incredibly busy last night... I give it a few more weeks... a few of the newbies will stick it out and become regulars but the majority will realize they are just not ready for it... I don't think I ever was one of those New Years people... I haven't always been gung ho about going but I don't think I was one of those people who had a membership and never went... (okay, maybe when I worked out at Hart's Athletic Club in Ballinger)... With anything you just have to do it long enough to make it become a routine...

I guess I'll pack it in this morning... stay tuned for number 2,000....

Are you ready for it?

I'm not so sure I'm ready to go back to work. I was getting used to short work weeks.

Last Friday I ended up staying a bit late... no big deal.

On the agenda this week? Hair appointments galore - cycle - running - work - Dad's cataract surgery.. I think that's it... next weekend I am heading over to camp on Saturday afternoon to do an art thing for the Mid-winter retreat. It will be nice to see the youngsters (they aren't really kids so I won't call them that)...

Last night we let Zoe whine her way through the night. She has taken to starting to whine at 3:30 am. Momma had been geting up to keep her from waking me up... I told her to just let her whine - I can usually go back to sleep. She managed to stay in bed until 4:30... we'll get her trained eventually... her cone comes off on Thursday - that will be nice. I'm getting a bit tired of being smacked with it.

I think I'm done now... I have to prepare myself to go out into the rain...

Stop it.

Stop it right now.... please.

Okay, I feel better now.

Busy day, cycling, lunch with the nephews... shirt delivery and then a walk around Greenlake.

More coming in the morning...

Sunday scrunch...

I promised my cycle class a new playlist and I don't think I'll be able to deliver... well maybe.

I slept over nine hours last night... with the exception of an hour when I was trying to keep Zoe from fussing and waking up grandma...

Yesterday's massage was good... remember you should always take care of yourself first.... so if anyone wants referral cards let me know.

After class today I am going to visit my dad and deliver his new shirt that I bought for him. He is having cataract surgery on Tuesday and needs a short sleeved loose shirt to wear. I found one that fits the bill at Fred Meyer last weekend.

After I deliver the shirt I may walk around Greenlake and then off to the studio. No, forget that - I can't do that... My sister and Nephews are coming over... so I might just walk around Greenlake... (since my dad lives across the street).

Okay, I better get a moving... I may be able to squeek out playlist yet.

Saturdays are a beautiful thing...

I am so looking forward to my waxing appointment and my massage today...

I managed to almost stay up until 10:00 last night... I was trying to watch What Not To Wear... it was pretty good... I just missed part of the end because I couldn't keep my eyes open...

I will update more later... I promise..

Finally Friday

I didn't think it would ever come but it's here.

It's been a long week and I'm ready for a little bit of time off... What I'm not looking forward to is stepping on the wii this morning and having it tell me I've gained two pounds. I'm guessing it will be that much because I ate a little too much for dinner. (Chili, reduced price donuts, and toast). At least I don't have to weight and pay tomorrow.... just weigh.

My hip is a bit out of whack this morning... not too bad, but I think all the running has it a little out of place. I also have four toenails that are turning purple... oh the things we have to suffer through to keep in shape...

Tomorrow I am looking forward to my regular waxing appointment and a massage. The massage is going to be my last for a while. I have a 50 dollar credit and I decided that my Dad could pay for the rest of it for my Christmas present. It seems like a good idea to me. I don't know what else is going on - but I think that's probably enough.

I'm zoning out so I better go...

Two days to go!

We have made it past Wednesday... Thank goodness... What I said about the gym being less crowded... it was back to its bustling self yesterday...

I accomplished running on the tread mill for an hour last night. It's one of the goals I set for this week... I'm glad when I accomplish goals... I have to dig out my voice recorder and start figuring out my plan for jeneratorrunning.... I think it's about time to put ideas into action.

But what I really think is that it's time for more coffee....

The only thing is...

I just realized this morning that I only have a month until I leave for Chicago. I think I should probably update my resume and images... don't you think? I have an idea that this will most likely just end up being a vacation type trip - but that's okay.

Work has been crazy the past few days... I think I'm ready for the weekend already.

I'm not going to complain though... my days are full and I don't have a lot of downtime... I think that's better than being bored.

I actually found a parking spot right off the bat at the gym last night... that was nice. I'm thinking that it won't be so bad.... (just wait, tonight it will be crazy...). In related news for the past two days the wii fit has said I'm in the normal weight range... maybe with my luck it will be three days in a row. I guess I will go and find out....

The saga continues...

Vince Vaughn got married.

Just in case you didn't know - he got married on Saturday.

I don't have a lot to report this morning. I survived the first work day of the new year. It was really really busy! It's going to be busy again today...

The amount of new people at the gym was a bit aggravating but I will survive... I got to the body sculpt class late last night and there were no steps left... I will adapt. It will thin out in a few weeks... I just have to keep my cool...

Happy Birthday Stinky!

Stinky turns nine today. I can't believe she is that old! It seems like just yesterday she was a puppy. Oh how the time passes.

It's officially the beginning of the new year business wise.... should be busy... I hope. Everyone will be back in the office and ready to go...

I suppose it's fitting that it's pouring outside... Just in time for the commute.

I'm planning on wearing the new boots today... we'll see if my left foot can handle it... it's all about the Hamilton Family Feet sometimes... I think it will be okay (the boots are a better brand than I would normally buy so they probably won't hurt as much)...

I was contacted this weekend by an artist in Maine who has just started a blog. Her name is Susan Roux - here is her blog. She asked me some good questions about the blog and my website. It's got me thinking that maybe I should be doing something different or something more.... I don't know. It is a new year, maybe I should get off my butt and do more art things... Since I am planning on doing the half marathon maybe I should start back up Jeneratorrunning in earnest. I had such great plans towards the end of school.... they got sidelined. No time like the present I guess....

Okay, that's all I have for you this morning.... I'm not REALLY looking forward to the wii fit this morning because I broke into the ice cream my mother had in the freezer last night.

Oh, I think I've decided that if I can swing it I am going to try to save for a down payment on a condo of some sort... it seems stupid to pay money in rent when I could build up equity somewhere.... now the penny pinching begins....

one thousand nine-hundred and eighty-nine...

this is the post number I'm doing here.... for someone who doesn't talk a lot (outside those people she knows) I sure have posted a lot.... I guess it's been four years so it's not that big of a surprise...

Today I went to brunch with my dad and I ate a biscuit the size of a baby's head. Seriously.... maybe it was the size of a softball... but it was big and good...

This morning during class I told them all that I was going to run a half marathon this year... I guess I have to do it now don't I?

I have also contacted all my former co-workers from ww in Chicago to arrange a get together while I am there next month.... it should be fun.

It's back to the real world tomorrow... back to the gym and all the five million new people who will be there. Back to earning a living (with my new rate of pay!)... good times.

This year is shaping up to be a good one.

Day three of the new decade.

Not a whole lot to report this morning... Yesterday with a little adjustment to my goal weight I was able to weigh in at goal for the first time in six months.... I am one of those people to whom the BMI does not really apply.... I'm almost all muscle... and muscle is heavy....

At the meeting yesterday morning I talked up a new ww cook book and it flew off the shelves.... (Bill, I'm sorry I forced you to buy it... I'll buy your copy next week if it turns out you don't want it). Sometimes people just need a little subliminal cajoling to do things.....

Yesterday I went to the gym as usual and then my momma and I went up to the outlet stores in Marysville... I managed to get a pair of boots over my big ass calves and they looked good... so I am now a proud owner of new boots.

Today I teach and then I'm going to brunch with my dad. After that I plan to get him squared away with all of his appointments in the next few weeks. He's having cataract surgery in a few weeks. I have to get all of his appointments on my calendar... I also have to get reimbursed for all the holiday shopping I did for him. That will probably take most of the day up. He lives on Greenlake so maybe I'll walk around it when I'm done helping him.

I'm sort of looking forward to getting back to work full time tomorrow. All this free time - I don't know what to do with it other than sleep and work out....

Zoe is coming along fine... that cone is harder on us... hacking at our legs and faces.... only a week and a half to go...

Have a good day people...

I think I slept too much.

The only problem with catching up on all my sleep is that it hurts to stay horizontal too long. My midsection hurts when I sleep too much... I guess it's a hazard of aging...

Not much to report from yesterday. The wii told me I was in a normal weight range. I went to the gym for about two hours and then I came home and that was about it.... I did do laundry and change the sheets on my bed. How exciting.

I'm preparing for the new people at weight watchers this morning. It going to be a crazy few weeks there and at the gym. Everyone and their resolutions... I resolve to eat more bacon. And spend less money. And look people in the eye.... maybe. It's more fun to be isolated sometimes.

Zoe is handling the cone pretty well... she'll get a chew toy in the cone and start playing with it. The cone makes a nice container.



as you can see she's back to her old tricks... it's a little more uncomfortable with plastic cutting into your neck...

Today is the open call for Survivor at the Snoqualmie Casino. I should go, but I don't have the energy. I am still going to email the contact I got for the casting director though. Maybe I'll do that today. My mother is going to go to the outlet stores today... I may go along for the ride even though I'm on a budget... My new years savings plan is going well... that's why I didn't do anything yesterday after the gym... I don't risk spending any money if I don't go out.

Oh the exciting life I lead. I think I will get off the sofa now and get ready to face the scale. Who knows, maybe I won't have to pay today!

The dog in the cone.

Happy new year everyone...

I went to bed at 9:45. woo hoo... I spent the evening with my puppies on my lap and eating popcorn. So much for another exciting new years..

Oh well... let's get on with things. I'm thinking of going to the gym this morning and get my new years started right (along with five million other people who decide that this will be the year that they get in shape!).

Grandma is on the sofa with the cone dog - she's snoring (grandma - not Zoe). The dogs started whining at 3:30 so momma took them to bed with her... Stinky is very jealous of the attention that Zoe is getting... Zoe is doing pretty well but she has to wear a cone for two weeks. I don't think she'll be able to handle it.



I don't know what else I'm going to do today.... since I'm not spending money and I don't have anything on the radar maybe I'll clean something... who knows. It is the new year and stranger things have happened.

My massage went well yesterday - only one bruise from cupping. It was much less uncomfortable than last time... not that it was really uncomfortable... it's a good thing...

I'm thinking I will go step on my wii fit and see if it tells me I'm overweight today. I think I might not be because I didn't end up eating a ton yesterday... too busy and taking care of sick puppies...

I'm off like a prom dress.

Reflecting time!

Now I will take time to reflect on all that I have accomplished over the past decade...

Finished school.

Lost weight.

Quit smoking.

Started working out.

Found a job and a career path I really like (art and legal)...

Have cute hair.

I really don't have much to complain about. Sure I'd like to be a little more outgoing (okay, stop laughing now...)... but I'll work on that.

Yesterday at the gym I ran for an hour straight on the treadmill. I really am going to run in a half marathon this coming year...

I think tonight I am just going to hang out with my dogs. Tucker is a little bit ouchy again in her front section - we've started force feeding her the anti-inflamitories again... and Zoe will probably be out of it because of her little operation.. I have a few movies from netflicks... 500 days of summer and some other Larrs von Trier movie - with Bjork in it.... sounds like fun to me!

Tomorrow I am not sure what's going on... maybe a new years day run??? I think that might be in order...

If things get interesting later on I'll post some more - otherwise I'll see you next year!

Hello second to last day of the decade!

I could get used to sleeping in until 6:30 every morning... It's kind of nice but it makes my back kind of sore from being horizontal so long...

Last night we went to Red Robin at Southcenter for my cousin's birthday. It was fun. I branched out and had a bacon cheese burger. It was pretty good...

Today on the agenda?? not much - work for four hours... work out... sounds pretty good to me.

Tomorrow Zoe goes under the knife and I get my new years massage.... I'm probably looking forward to my day than Zoe is (but she probably has no idea what is going to happen to her...).

My money saving is going well... I've been writing down all that I spend. It reminds me of the old days when I was trying to get out of debt... I did it then so obviously I can do it now... it might just take a bit longer...

I don't have much to say this morning so I think I will wrap it up. I have to rest up for tomorrow!

My legs have lost all feeling...

I subbed both cycle classes last night and let me tell you, I was wiped out... Let's see how much weight I sweated off by doing that. I was so stinking tired I went to bed a little after 9 last night.

The good news about teaching both classes last night is that I don't have to teach tonight and I get to go to Red Robin to celebrate my cousins birthday.

I am not quite sure about this working four hour days.... what's the point. Not a lot to do, but that's alright... I like going in... I like the people I work with... I am really looking for my new years eve massage I have scheduled... I'm even more jazzed because I don't have to pay for it... it's a Christmas gift!

What else? I don't know... I've started tracking all my spending so I can save up for the big move out... that's exciting... Zoe goes under the knife on Thursday... no puppies for her...

Short days here I come.

I don't quite know what to do with myself. I slept in until 6:20 and I don't have to leave for work until 9:00 or so... what to do? what to do?

Here's the status of me since I last posted... I taught my class yesterday and Mr. Arms came up to me afterwards (he wasn't in class). He commented on the fact that there were a lot of guys in my class to which I replied "well you know, the boys like me!" they do though.... I then gave him a hard time because he never takes my class... he said, he'd taken it at least twice - my friend Kira said he didn't take it because it was too hard for him. Oh, the witty banter...

I've been thinking about what to do in the new year... I'm thinking about signing up for the Mercer Island Half Marathon in the end of March... can I train for it by then? Maybe... it's a thought... I"m also thinking about the possibility of finding my own place to live... just under the surface - but I'm thinking it's about time to give myself and my momma some space. I have to start taking a look at my expenditures and seeing where I can curtail my spending. I know I should probably start shaving my legs again.... oh how I don't want to though.... maybe I should just start starving myself.... nah, I'm just kidding. I'm not going to make any rush decisions - I need to save money for a deposit etc...

I haven't told my mother that I'm thinking about this yet... it's still in the early stages...

Okay, I just told her.... now I have to do something about it...

What else should I do this morning before I leave..... drink more coffee? Check. Snuggle with my dogs? Check. Watch the Today show? Check.

Do I smell waffles?

Mom is making waffles.... hmm...

I think I could probably eat one and then cycle...

I was lamenting yesterday that everyone was talking about all they had to eat for Christmas breakfast and I didn't have any....

I am not sure that's happening today - I had thought I may be going to Olympia but I'm not sure... I am cycling... Yesterday I went to the studio for a few hours... didn't get a lot done but I did go.. that was good.

Less that a week left in the year... have to start thinking about those resolutions. I'm thinking I am going to run a half marathon next year. I can do it... I might even be able to pull off a full marathon....

I'm also going to practice looking people in the eyes more often...

Let me see, what are my plans for New Years? I've been invited to a party... Zoe is going to the doctor to get snipped... I'm getting a massage (and I'm going to use the best present ever - a gift certificate from my mommy)....

Here's a quick change of subject... I got a few books for Christmas which I will not use... what do I do?? no gift receipts - can I take them back anywhere??? I got them from my sister - she meant well - but it's all about what to eat when you eat out. I don't eat out though... hmmm... what a quandary. What to do...

I think I'll go now... I am going to try to pull out a new playlist before class this morning.

Post Holiday Sugar Coma.

Here are some photos taken with my niece's new digital camera.

Argh...



My groom.



I am in the midst of my sugar coma... I really didn't eat too much sweets - but I'm sure I will be up this morning when I weigh in a ww.

That is alright. I know I'm doing what I need to be doing for the most part.

This is the pound of bacon I received from my friend Ken. Maybe we'll have to try some this weekend.



Today I don't have much on the radar... just ww and the gym. Maybe I'll try to clean something..

I have to get going... have to face the scale.

Already in the PJ's.

Here I am....
Recap of the day.
Went for a run.
Stopped for a latte.
Ran back home.
Made bacon salted caramels... (a little gooey).
Showered.
Watched the telley.
Went for a walk.
Opened gifts.
ate.
Pj's.

bed at 8:30?

Maybe.

It's a wrap.

I am done... well, almost.

I am in the process of cooling the bacon for the bacon salted caramels that I am making for my friend Ken. Then I will be done with the holiday preparations.

I tried to sleep in this morning but it didn't work... well, I did manage to stay in bed until 6:30 so technically I did sleep in.

Once the sun comes up I may go outside and try to run. I know it is against my character - but we're going to try it anyway.

I also have to do some cleaning around here...

Yesterday was busy and pretty fun... with the exception of hanging out at the doctors office for two and a half hours - but no biggie.

I should start cleaning.... time waits for no one.

Who you calling a ho?

Not me hopefully...

The time has drawn near... I think I am done with all my shopping. Yesterday I got in a bit of a panic because I couldn't figure out what to get my nephews. I finally settled on PJ's. I also managed to finish off the rest of the family... now I just have to wrap everything.

Today I am heading to the gym at 8 and then it's off to work to open the mail etc... then picking up and delivering Dad to a Dr. Appointment.. then I get a quick break to go home, change, go back and pick him up to go to Bellevue.

If I have time when that's all done I'll go to my friend Malyn's house to see her family.

Last night at the gym I decided to try running for a change. I ran over a half an hour on the treadmill. I think the thing is to not try to run too fast. If I run slower I can run longer... I'm sure I'll be able to increase the distance I can run over time. I'm thinking I might try to work up to running in a half marathon this coming year.

I slept in this morning until 6. I know that doesn't sound like much but it is. I don't have to work a full day at work for the rest of the year. Next week we're only open 10 - 2.

Well I guess that's it for this Christmas eve post... I might add more later if there's time...

Happy Holidays everyone.

In for the long haul...

If today is anything like yesterday at work I am going to be twiddling my thumbs. It's going to be slow.... maybe I can come up with some great ideas for gifts while I'm sitting there...

Last night at cycle one of my regular guys gave me some homemade cookies and a matchbox car.... I had mentioned that I wanted a car for Christmas... now I have it.

Last night I also made caramel corn to take into work. It's good - I have to get rid of it all though or I may eat it.

Did I mention that I made hotel reservations for Chicago? Maybe I did... I have to start putting together copies of my resume and cd's of my work in case I decide to go in for job interviews...

I'm still not done with the holiday shopping... I'm going to do some power shopping during lunch to try and get it all done.

Here's what Zoe looked like this morning - she likes to think she's a parrot!

I'm running out of time!

I have come to the conclusion that I am not going to get everything done. Oh well, it was a nice thought. Oh who am I kidding - I'll pull something off.

I was looking at the books I was going to give my nephews yesterday - they are pretty funny... okay, funny is not the word. Disturbing is the word I'm looking for. The dinosaur book has a picture (drawing) of a dinosaur ripping the head off of it's baby because it is starving. The insect book shows a man falling through a porch and breaking his ankle (the termites had gotten to the wood)... it's just a bit too much I think.

I am still waking up croupy - it goes away after a while but I wish it would just end.

I've been having problems with my left hip lately so I have made an appointment with the chiropractor... It's a new one... my old chiropractor is still around but he hired a new guy to be in his practice.... I thought I should give him a shot. It's rough to be new sometimes and I thought I would see if he can compete with Dr. Dan.

I have two days to figure things out.... Christmas wise... hmmm.. can I do it?

Not much more to tell...

Zoe decided to get out of control last night and she jumped up on my back... I caught the action on my computer's camera.

I did not use very good judgment food-wise this weekend. Time to get back on track. I'll just have to figure it all out...

Yesterday I was looking at the picture books I bought for my nephews - they were pretty cool... but once I started really looking at them they are a bit violent... I'm going to have to return them... they show how various and dinosaurs kill(ed) things... (including humans). My sister might frown upon that.

Only 3.2 workdays this week. I have to go in Thursday for a few hours to get the mail etc... but after that I'm free. The week between Christmas and New Years I work from 10 to 2. Pretty sweet!

Okay, my chest congestion is a bit better today but still not completely gone... maybe by Friday?

Last night I posted the casting call for Survivor on Facebook... I got an email from my friend Annie who I know from Chicago - she has a friend who does casting for the show and she sent me her contact information... I think I shall contact her. An inside track??? maybe.

Last night I reserved a hotel room for Chicago... I got a pretty good rate. It's at a Hilton Suite located near the John Hancock Building. The rate was 75 dollars a night. Not too shabby. If any of my friends decide to come to the conference I can defray the costs by having them stay with me. The hotel is at the opposite end of the Magnificent Mile from the hotel the conference is located but I can walk to the conference every morning and it will be just fine... more exercise.

I think I shall retire to the bathroom now.... got to get ready!

Say What???

Yes, this is a post 10pm post... ha ha (I used the word post twice)...

I am still up this evening because I had to watch the final episode of Survivor...

I didn't end up going to Olympia today, instead I went to the mall and ran into my friend Bill. We walked a few laps around the mall before we went our separate ways. I still have not finished my shopping. It's hard when you don't really enjoy buying things and the people you're buying for don't really need them.... oh well, I have a few days left to get my act together.

Are you done with your shopping?

I had honestly hoped to finish everything up yesterday - it didn't happen. I did manage to go to Red Robin and have a hamburger. That was worthwhile.

I went to the Mall and realized that I don't have the patience to deal with a ton of people... I'll just put everything off until Wednesday I think.

I had promised a new holiday playlist for my class today... I think I'm about half way done... if even... I'll pull it off... (I hope). I'm relaxing here with the puppies... wouldn't it be nice to hang out and sleep and eat all day? I could probably get used to it.

I am supposed to head down to Olympia this afternoon... I don't know if that's still on the radar though. I guess I'll find out sooner or later.

The other day I was looking for different 5k races to participate in.. it turns out there's one on New Years day which includes a Polar Bear Dive as well... that's where crazy people jump in Lake Washington and try not to freeze their tails off! I might just do it.

Countdown to Christmas.... how many days? four I think... I can manage it...

Remember I wear size 8 1/2 shoes (in case you're looking for something to get me...).

It's the Weekend!

Today I am going to be a wrapping queen... I received most of my "Dad holiday shopping" items yesterday and now I get to wrap.

I only have one complaint today... I keep waking up with that croup in my chest - I wish it would go away already.

uhhhh.... not much is coming out of my fingers today.... maybe there will be more later.

Friday

hello everyone...

Every morning before I get ready for work I get on the Wii Fit and do a body test. It tests your reactions in various tests and weighs you... every morning it tells me I'm overweight... I'm not really overweight but my BMI is high because of all that muscle I have... yesterday morning I was very surprised to find out that I was normal! That will all be blown to hell after what I ate last night...

Which leads us to my holiday party. I had a swell time... we ate a lot of yummy food - I actually drank a beer... it was charming - I was charming! For dinner I had a kona coffee crusted top sirloin with mashed potatoes and vegetables followed by a flourless chocolate espresso cake for dessert. I managed to walk in my "big lady shoes" for a few hours... (translated that means high heels)...

We also got a little bonus yesterday which was nice - the partners also came through with gift certificates for "Spa Day"... I've been working on that since day one...

Overall things are good...

Today I am driving into work to deliver nuts and soda... I am having a bunch of items delivered from Amazon.com so it will be good to cart everything home.

I think that's it this morning - I should get cracking...

It's a bit awkward (like me).

Yesterday at work the partners had a meeting (they're all partners at my firm)... the conference room is right across from my desk and I can see inside.

The topic of discussion was Holiday bonuses. How awkward is that - sitting outside and trying not to look like you're interested in what's going on - but on the inside you are just dying to know.

I never count on getting anything... that's why it's called a bonus. It would be nice though...

I also talked to my Dad yesterday and was asked to do his Christmas shopping for him. No problem - it's not like I don't have enough problems finding gifts to give myself...

I subbed cycle class last night. It was a small group... that's okay though... I still get paid.

This morning I am dropping my momma off at a doctors appointment and then heading off to work... I get to watch a little of the today show! I also need to figure out what I'm wearing today for the holiday party. We're going to the Capital Grille... I've been there before - it should be pretty good.

My head is hurting - my chest is still a bit croupy. Nothing a little mucinex won't fix.

Okay, I think I better get a moving and find more gifts to give (online).

A little bit of a rant.

I was riding home on the bus yesterday and I saw a grown woman on the bus wearing a Santa hat. it was the most inane thing... maybe I'm just a Grinch - but Santa hats should be left to the fat man. or dogs. It may be cute when you're a toddler or in elementary school but no one should go out in public in one of those if you're over the age of 10.

I actually accomplished some holiday shopping yesterday. I am 50 percent ahead of where I was at this time last year.

Okay, here's another rant... two in one post... last night after class a woman who comes pretty regularly comes up after class and tells me that there is no constant tempo in my song selections so she has a hard time getting into it.... well, don't come to my class then! I just smiled and nodded my head. - she's lucky I didn't slug her... no, it's not that bad.

Tomorrow I have a busy schedule... I get to take my momma in for a Doctor's appointment in the morning and then there's work and then my office holiday party. I haven't decided what I 'm going to wear just yet. I still have my "almost slutty" dress that I bought last year... that might be a little too much for dinner - I don't know... maybe we could all use a little bit of slutty around the holidays...

I think it's time for more coffee...

Good morning lungs!

Last night before I went to bed I started feeling a bit of tightness in my chest. This morning it's a bit worse... I don't feel bad otherwise... just a sense that the phelm is coming... just in time for the holiday party...

Yesterday at work we celebrated a birthday - it was strange - we had a cake and we all sat around the conference room table and ate it... it was like we were a little family... a bit strange but nice. I'm used to just grabbing a piece of cake and leaving... no chit chat...

I finally started some of my Christmas shopping yesterday. If I haven't mentioned it before it's not one of my favorite things to do... people I know don't need things... I bought gifts for my nephews yesterday... I already have a few things for my niece... I have just over a week to get everything done. I think last year I was still shopping on Christmas eve... I'll get it done because I always do.

ummm... what am I doing today? working and teaching... I ate too much crap yesterday so I am going to get back on track today... good thing I work at a gym don't you think?

bah humbug.

Sleeping in (for five minutes).

I slept in five minutes this morning... I have a Dr. Appointment to get my elbow checked out one last time. I still can feel it every once in a while but it's not nearly as painful as it once was.

Last night we went to the Wedgwood Broiler for Dad's birthday... I had top sirloin... yummy yummy yummy... All that and running yesterday filled up my card. I didn't really do anything in between the run and dinner though. Oh well....

This week I have the office Holiday party... that should be fun... not much else other than that. My nephew turns six on Wednesday... I have to find a gift for him...

I'm happy that I'll get to watch Ann this morning on the Today Show... maybe I'll see people I know in the crowd.

I think I'll go now...

Running off the donuts!

The thing I really like about runs are the goodies they have afterward. I am going to justify the two top pot donuts, one bagel and bag of Tim's Cascade potato chips I ate.

I ran, I didn't stop, I didn't die and I made it in under a half an hour. I think that's pretty good. I'll have to check my old statistics to find out...

I'm going to have to take another shower though.. my freshly waxed underarms don't smell so good.

Ready to run? (maybe)

I'm awake, I've got my chip (to time my run), and I've got my outfit... now just need to convince myself to get out there.

Yesterday was pretty busy... today is going to be a little less hectic after I get the run over with. I have to find a birthday gift for my father and then go out to dinner to celebrate his 83rd birthday which is on Thursday.

I am thinking I will travel down to Olympia next weekend to visit my friend Shirley... it will be fun... I just have to let her know when I coming... (I think it will be Sunday).

Okay, I've been sitting here for the past 20 minutes not really typing anything.... I guess maybe I should go... I'll update you all later on how the run goes.

No time...

Not much time this morning.

I will hopefully post this afternoon when I'm recovering from my massage/cupping appointment. Last time it wiped me out. Hopefully I'll at least be able to function this afternoon.

I am looking forward to the trunk sale (I'm getting a few things that were on my list)... If anyone is trying to think of things to get me I wear a size 8 1/2 shoe and I like Target.

Okay, I think I better wrap it up before I run out of time.

We've made it!

It is Friday and it's shaping up to be a good day - albeit cold again...

Yesterday I received my payment for working at the information day for SAIC last month... woo hoo... it makes me feel a little bit better about getting a massage on Saturday. I am also attending a trunk show on Saturday - it's the clothing line that I had the party for... I have a few pieces with my name on them. Having the extra cash will come in handy.

Yesterday at work I was informed that my skirt was coming undone (it was having issues at the seam)... luckily Mary Anne had a sewing kit and I fixed it before I showed the world my backside... now that might have been interesting...

We are almost half way through the month... can you believe it??

My cold seems to staying at the same level... not worse, not much better... I don't feel horrible but I could feel a bit better.

The other day I got a copy of the book that a photo on my blog was going to be published (it didn't make it into the final edition)... it's called "We feel fine"... it is the results of a software program that searches blogs for the phrase "I feel".... I haven't looked at it too closely but it has results about how the term "I feel" is used.... I flipped to the section about body image and it turns out that a lot of women don't feel so good about how they look... I may complain about my big calves and thighs but I'm not the only one... it's my shtick. I think you have to know me for a while before you can get a good idea of who I am... Overall I am very happy with my appearance... I like to rant every once in a while... if I didn't rant I would have to change the name of the blog. I don't want to do that...

Anyways... I think overall things are pretty good... I have a good job, I've decided to spend some more time in the studio and I'm taking care of myself.

I had some holiday reflection with Matt the other day... we discussed my bah humbug attitude around the holidays.... we hashed some things out - I feel good... we've been friends for a long time and he says I can be abrupt and cutting but I can also be warm and fuzzy.... I am very loyal but people have got to earn it...

I should get out my Psychologic evaluation from when I was tested for the learning disabilities... I seem to recall it explains a lot about the way my brain works and why I act the way I do.... I don't know if I've ever talked about that on the blog... finding out you're a slow processor can be a good thing... It was helpful in getting extra time to work on my tests in my Italian class back in school... but I digress...

I should get going.... this body isn't going to shower itself.