Good sleep.

My brain wasn't doing too well yesterday - it was really really tired.

I got home, took a bath, ate some dinner and then fell asleep on the sofa.  I woke up after an hour and went to bed.

I got a good 9 hours and am feeling much better today.

Yesterday I managed to call my insurance company, I've been trying to get a hold of the insurance adjuster from Progressive to give my statement to them about what happened.  It will all get worked out. 

Today I am heading back to ww - maybe I will be back at my goal weight??  could happen.  Although I've been eating, it's not like I usually do.  Grieving is just not the same if you are not eating sweets.   I think it's a good thing though... if I can get through this with out shoving a cookie in my mouth I can get through anything.

I also have a massage and acupuncture appointment - I am looking forward to getting some ear seeds.  They are little seeds that are taped in your ears on pressure points to help with stress and anxiety.  They really work (for me at least)...   I also have to do some laundry.  I am officially at maximum capacity in my laundry basket...  I think I have enough quarters to get through a pile.

Tonight I have been invited to a dinner in honor of my best friend growing up.  She just got her MSW and started working at Harborview.  I am really proud of her - if I have the energy I will go for at least a little while.  It will be nice to be with friends.

One thing I will say is that I am astounded by how many people are offering their help.  It's nice.  I knew I had a lot of friends...

I hope at some point this weekend to clean up a bit around my place... it's a mess.  Oh well...

I suppose it's okay - I fell asleep watching Hoarders last night... I'm not at a hoarders stage yet, but give me a few days...  I have washed my dishes...that's good.

Okay, I better get a move on.

I'm feeling okay - I give myself a 7.

A touch of insomnia and a car accident

Last night was the first night I had a touch of insomnia.  Nothing too bad, but I did wake up a few times during the night.  at 4:40 or so I decided I might as well get up.

Last night after the long day of memorial planning, I worked out at the gym and then visited my dogs and momma for a few minutes.  On my way home from all of that I was involved in a chain reaction car accident.  I didn't experience any injury and my car only sustained a few scratches and a bit of minor damage.  I can't say the same for the car behind me.  Three cars were at a complete stop at a light.  A driver A drunk driver  (innocent until proven guilty) did not stop and plowed into the car behind me.  I didn't see it, but I sure heard it.  The tires screeching, a crash and then the car bumping me into the car in front of me.  There was enough force for things in the compartment in my dashboard to come flying out into the car.  The car behind me had her trunk pushed into her back seat.

I probably didn't have to stay around, but I'm a good citizen and would want someone to stay with me if it were me.

The police officer came after about an hour (he was pretty cute)... ha.  Took a report and when the girl in the car behind me mentioned that the car that ran into her had been driving erratically  and he smelled like alcohol he called in an additional officer.  The guy was arrested for DUI (he seemed sort of okay after the accident, but his actions were a little impaired... ) he was antsy and his description of the accident was nothing like what happened...

When the police officer talked to me he said that I had to stick around a bit - I didn't mind... he was after all pretty good looking... he told me to get my car checked out because "you need to keep your Honda going"  was he channeling my Dad?  maybe - maybe he was just being friendly... either way I will get the car checked out and get it fixed...  it must be a sign...

I'm not distressed about the whole thing.  I think it's just a weird thing that happens...


so - back to planning... Memorial Service will be next Friday at our Church University Christian.. 3pm.  I will post a link to the obituary this weekend.

here are photos of the accident!

Debris Field

I'm okay everyone...

I understand that all people handle grief differently and you never know what you're going to get when you are dealing with someone is dealing with loss.

I have my moments of sadness, but for the most part I am feeling pretty good. Tired but good.

I've gotten some nice cards and flowers from the office and one of my attorneys.

Planning for the services are underway.  My sisters and I are actually getting along...

Tomorrow I will go back to work and then it's the weekend.  I am actually relieved in part that I don't have to go visit my Dad anymore.  It was getting challenging at the end because you never knew which Dad you were going to get.  Towards the end it was usually the sleeping Dad.

Today my sister said that it was probably a good thing that I wasn't there that last day.  I think I had a feeling that he was going die when I was gone.  I'm glad I got to say that last goodbye though.  I remember thinking to myself that I was going to be okay not seeing him again. 

People may perceive my reactions as being cold or uncaring but I've always been a little bit distant and removed in person..  I'm okay - treat me the same as you normally do (maybe with a little bit more care than usual).  If I need you to leave me alone I will tell you.

Take Good Care of Yourself

This is the complete version of the work I did in 2009 called Take Good Care of Yourself
I was listening to it last night and it just made me smile...

The Medicine Cabinet

This photo is from my Dad's medicine cabinet.  I took this photo before we cleaned out his assisted living apartment last year.  I'm not sure how long he had that English Leather Pre Electric Lotion but I think it was probably going on 20 years.  He was fond of musk as well.

I was in charge of cleaning out the cabinet.  I knew we weren't going to keep these things, but I needed to record the contents with a photo.

I still have some of the remnants of the cabinet/bathroom in my apartment.  They might end up in artwork someday soon.

Today I'm heading back to work.  I think it's best to stay busy and not dwell on the sadness.  Part of me thinks maybe I should be grieving more... but maybe the reminiscing and posting of photos is my own way of grieving.

I also have my Dad's half full bottle of gin in my kitchen cabinet.  If you are a regular reader of the blog you know that I don't drink much (if anything at all).  Maybe I'll have to get some vermouth and fix myself a martini on the day of my Dad's memorial service.  I once tried to make a martini when I was in High School and my Dad was away.  I'm sure I did a good job of it (he taught us girls well), but it didn't taste very good.  At an early age my parents would give us sips of wine and beer so I never thought of alcohol as being off limits... however, later on in life I did find that I always didn't have the best judgement when I was drinking so that's why I don't do it that often.  It's just easier not to.

You know what happens to me when I do drink... remember the naughty nettle ale incident?

How could we forget that?

Well then.

That's it for this morning.

Back (and Forth)

I got home last night around 10:30ish.. I'm not sure exactly what I did (oh yeah, I did eat a bunch of cheez-it's)... but I did go to bed a little after 11 and was out like a light.

Today has consisted of unpacking, applying for a Fellowship (six hours before it was due) and hanging out with the dogs for a short time.

What else....

I'm still handling things alright.  Not too upset - just sad.

I'm planning on heading back to the office tomorrow.  The remodel of the office started today, so who knows what will happen..

I'm also planning on teaching my class tomorrow night... my activity monitor has had almost no action this past week.

Someone contacted me about my business cards I left around the conference.  That's good.  I'm glad someone was paying attention.  He complimented me on the design (he found both the Today Show card and a few of the Failed T-shirt Design cards).




Part of me feels like I should be more distraught.

I guess I have been mentally preparing for the imminent demise of my parental unit for a long time.. (that sounds cold).    I keep thinking about all the artwork that is going to come out of this...

It's only 6:19pm but I think I could probably go to bed right now and sleep all the way through til the morning.

I don't have much more to say... at least until tomorrow.

The window seat

I'm on my way home.

My trip was successful compared to other years. I networked a bit, made some new connections, and took some good workshops.

For two more hours I get to be the full time artist me.

I like her. I think she may stick around a while.

I'm sitting in the window seat. It's a different perspective than I'm used to. Maybe it's a metaphor for my life. Things change. You adapt. You try something new.

Checking in.

I am doing alright.

Every once in a while I'll be sitting in a toilet stall and I'll start getting weepy but it soon passes.

I've been keeping very busy with friends and activities.  Today I went to the Met and the Whitney.

I saw a good show of Matisse and a GREAT show of George Bellows. (at the Met)... I had no idea that George Bellows did more than just boxing paintings...  Maybe I knew at one point but it has vanished from my memory.

The Whitney had a show called Sinister Pop which was good and a video show in conjunction with it regarding television and film in the 60's...  I am just paraphrasing the gist of the show - when I'm not so stinking tired I will put up a link to it.

Last night I composed a nice statement about my Dad and shared my work Take Good Care of Yourself to my Facebook Friends.  The response and outpouring of support has been helpful.

I think the next few weeks will be challenging, but then I will fall back into a rhythm  which is more relaxed and "normal".  The past year has been hard...  I am relieved that it's over and sad that he's gone.

He had his issues (we all do) - but he was a good man and did the best he could with what he was working with.

This is us standing beside Take Good Care of Yourself at my 4Culture Show in July 2009.
Notice the upper belly resemblance??? pretty cute I think!

I'm going to miss you old man - but at least I have the sound of your voice to remind me of all those nights you used to read to us before bed.

Thanks Dad.

Opportunities, friends, loss

I won't spend a lot of time posting today.

My father passed away last night. although I am sad, I also have a sense of relief. I am glad I was able to say my goodbyes last Saturday and I know he would want me to be here doing what I am right now.

I was able to spend the evening with my friends Maria and Chris. I lived in their apartment here back in 2007. We went to dinner and had a good conversation and I was able to keep my mind off of things.

I am going to be staying here as planned. This morning I have a seminar on syllabus writing to attend. Then there are a few more panel discussions. I might try to hit up MOMA this afternoon too.

I managed to snag a hotpot from the hotel hallway yesterday so I am able to drink a nice cup of coffee while I am typing this. The hotpot had been sitting out in the hallway all day long and I figured if they hadn't picked it up, I might as well use it.

This evening I am attending an alumni reception for school. It will begun to see people.

The school is starting a low residency program and I have been asked if I might be interested in being a mentor artist for the students in the program. It's a good opportunity.hopefully things will pan out.

I think thats all I have this morning, I think it's more than enough though.

Day one.

I survived my first day of the conference.

Here is a quick report.

I managed to sleep in until 7:30. So what is that 4:30? That's no good.

I don't have any access to hot water in my room to make my coffee (via).

However, I did sit through a few good panels and attended a workshop about going about a job search. Was it worth 45 bucks? Maybe.

This evening (like last night) I went to Whole Foods in Columbus Circle and bought provisions. I have no place to keep things cold so I set them near the window. I will survive. If i get food poisoning it will be my own fault. I just have vegetables hummus and some fruit.

Tomorrow there are a few panels and then in the evening there is an opening and then I'm having dinner with my friends Maria and Chris. That will be fun.

Friday I have more workshops and seminars and I might try to hit up MOMA.

I am going to try and get in a workout in the morning. The fitness center is on my floor. Woo hoo - I haven't gotten any activity points today, but then again I've only eaten garbanzo beans and fruit. (I did remember gas pills).

Okay I think that's it. Wish me luck finding a hot water source!

Winging my way across the country!

Because I sucked it up and purchased a new iPad for the trip AND because it's too noisy to take the nap I was SO looking forward to I decided to purchase in flight wifi service and give you a blog post from a bagillion miles up in the air!

I can't expand too much because I don't want to come off sounding like a bitch (although I will I'm sure). I actually got up and finished packing in a reasonable amount of time. I made it to the airport. Got reprimanded by the TSA agent by overlapping my laptop and my iPad, AND reaching in the "chute" to grab my purse. I think he needed a hug.

I am on a plane with the orchestra for PNB. It took a while to board with all those instruments that needed to be stowed into the overhead bins. They went first and then the rest of us boarded. When I got to my seat somebody was in it. I turned into a bitch all of a sudden. People had rearranged themselves and I wanted my stinking seat! I think they have rules about these sorts of things. I kicked the person out of my seat and now the ladies next to me (who are not in their assigned seats are talking nonstop.) I know all about their relationships and jobs and other crap. ALL I WANTED TO DO WAS TAKE A STINKING NAP!!!

I am trying some deep breathing exercises to calm me down.

On the plus side, I got to use the restroom in the first class cabin because they were taking up the aisle with the food service.

Here is my forehead...
I was going to show you my cheese plate but I can't access my stored photos. Oh look, I figured it out.

Only three more hours. Thank goodness.

A little reprieve this morning.

I am driving into the gym and work this morning so I can actually give you a quick post this morning.

Here is my report.

The weekend went alright.  Te meeting with my Dad went alright.  He doesn't look that great and he was definitely not having one of his better days.  He didn't have anything important to tell us, but it was nice for everyone to be there if only for a short time.  We can only do what we are able to...  As I've said before, he knows we love him and we know he loves us and if he needs to go he can.  He is being well taken care of and that gives me a sense of peace.

Onto brighter notes...  I lost more weight this week at ww from the too busy to eat diet.  I don't' recommend it but I will take the loss.

I managed to do some cleaning around my place and get some laundry done.  I also started thinking about packing for my trip.  I am not teaching tonight so I can get it done tonight. My flight leaves tomorrow morning at 9am.

Yesterday I made a semi-impulsive purchase and bought myself an ipad.  For the most part I got it to take with me to the conference so I don't have to trudge my laptop everywhere (although I will be taking my laptop with me as well).

I am looking forward to the conference this year.  Even though I don't have any interviews lined up I'm taking some workshops and meeting with people... it will be fun.  I plan on doing all my food shopping for the time I'm there at Whole Foods.  There's one a few blocks away and I can get there fairly easily (I just have to pack my snow boots....).

I think  that's all I need to share.  I have to finish coffee so I can be perky for my class.

Updates...

it has been so freaking stinking busy that all I can do it daydream about taking a nap on my plane ride on Tuesday...

Here is what I know.

My friend Melinda sent me an email the other day saying that she had talked to Mr. Arms and that he had seen me at the grocery store, but when went to find me I was gone.

Mr. Arms... you should have tried harder to find me.  You could have commandeered an intercom and said "hey Jennifer".... but no.  I hope I didn't look too sweaty... I usually go to that grocery store after I'm done teaching...  oh well. If you don't know who Mr. Arms is you can do a search within my blog.  He's a former gym member who I was/still am infatuated with.  I didn't know his name at first so I dubbed him Mr. Arms. (he's got a nice set of guns)...  He actually has a name, but I prefer to call him Mr. Arms.

He left the gym when I was in Vermont in 2011.  I haven't seen him since, but my friends see him all the time.  He's asked about me a couple of times.  I am on his list of email contacts that he sends questionably humored jokes to...He should just call me. 

Today I have a wax fest appointment and then in the afternoon we're all going to visit Dad.  Hopefully that won't be too stressful... it will be better with the family there.

I have to get my act together and clean, do laundry, start packing, and watch those movies I borrowed from the library (I found them on my coffee table under a piece of paper)...

I think I have dodged the Nemo blizzard... hopefully flights will be back to normal on Tuesday so I can get to New York.  I am really looking forward to taking that nap.

What to say...today

It appears as though my apartment has been taken over by a hoarder...

I think I shall spend tomorrow night cleaning up a bit.

I'm kidding about that first statement...  I just need to go through though and recycle some papers that are lying around. 

I have a lot to do before I leave on Tuesday.  One thing is watch some DVD's that I borrowed from the Library...  I just have to find them though.  I have Your Sisters Sister and A Friend for the End of the World.... I want to watch them, I just need to find the time and the actual DVD.  I know they are in my living room somewhere.

Things at work are getting really really busy... the good thing about this is that I don't have any spare time to shove excess food into my mouth... there is no down time.

We've got the remodel starting in just under two weeks, I'm going on vacation next week, we are getting a lot of new clients... and we're trying to figure out a new phone system...  I am very good at juggling a bunch of things but I hope I don't go postal (I don't think it will happen but you never know).

This weekend my sisters and I are going to visit my Dad.  He wants to see us all together.  As my sister says it could be something or it could be nothing...  it will be good to all be together.  Hopefully everyone will keep it together...  I find that when I'm hit with stress/adversity I just power through it...  Although I'm sad, I'm happy when I see the old man, I always make sure I tell him that I love him and that I know he loves me.

Last night I applied for a residency at Skowhegan.  It's a fancy Artist Residency in Maine.  I have a few friends who have gone.  I probably won't get in but you never know unless you try.  right???

what's another $50.00 entry fee in a pile of entry fees...

Today work will be a beast, and I sub a cycle class tonight.  Then I rest.  Until tomorrow.

Now I shall finish my coffee...

Hello, How are you?

Tuesday is here and it seems like it should be Thursday...

I think it is going to be a long week.

Here is my report from the weekend...

Superbowl party was fun.  I got home at a reasonable time.

That is all.

Yesterday at work we had a construction meeting - we are doing a remodel which starts in a few weeks... it should be interesting.

What else - a week from today I head to New York for the College Art Association conference.  I'm looking forward to it.  As usual I didn't get my act together to apply for any positions - but maybe I'll get a few "packets" of my work/resume put together...  I have signed up for a few professional development workshops one is called "Finding a Job in the Arts" and one is "Syllabus 101".  Being that I've never taught an official class and only tried to put together classes half-assed this would be a good thing.

Among other non conference related things I have a friend from school who has some work in a show which opens while I'm there so I'll go see that...  I have an alumni reception at the Sculpture Center to go to... The Met has a Matisse show I can go to... amongst other things...  I am also going to see my ex-roomates from my whole artstar experience.  It should be nice to get away and focus on the art me.

I saw my Dad again on Sunday... he was in bed taking a nap.  He's plugging along.  We've started some hospice care so he will have more attention - for that I am thankful.  I am also thankful for my family - we may be a bit dysfunctional at times, but compared to most families we do pretty well... it's nice that we can come together.

Things I am looking forward to this week?  Hopefully I will get my new glasses (I'm tired of squinting)...  Working both at the office and the gym... (I'm subbing on Thursday night too)...  I might possibly get my tax refund (that would be a nice thing to have before I go to New York)...

I think that's all I have for this morning...

Oh, my new business cards started peeling so they are reprinting them and sending me a new batch.  This is good because then I can leave the old ones all over the conference if I want... yay

Sunday, Sunday, SUNDAY

This weekend has been fairly good.

Let's cut to the chase.  I went to visit my Dad yesterday and he was up and dressed.  He's eating a bit so I feel relatively calm.  Of course things can always change and they often do.

I am going to swing by again today on my way to a superbowl party.... 

This past week I had a good time with some corn dogs and am happy to report that the stress/corn dog diet resulted in a 3.8 pound weight loss.  I don't recommend it, but hey I will take it.

Last night I went to a going away party for my hair stylist - good times and I got home by 8:30.

This afternoon it's the Superbowl.  I have made my world famous cheese ball to take.
At some point I should take a shower...

That's it.

That's all I know.

Friday night's alright for fighting...

Finally it's Friday night.

I was supposed to go out to dinner with friends from the gym but I decided to stay in a go to bed early.

I took a nice long bath and am feeling better (although my eyelids are really really heavy)...

Well - today my Dad was actually up and dressed when my oldest sister got to his place so that's a little bit of a change.  It gives me a bit of comfort. 

The plan is for me to go visit tomorrow.  As from past experience you never quite know what you're going to get.  It will just be nice to see him.  It's been a few weeks thanks to that damn cold.

As I said earlier we just have to take it one day at a time.

I am going to get to bed soon.. it's going to be busy weekend.

What I know today...

I am holding up pretty well.

The Dad situation remains the same.  My oldest sister is going to visit today and read to him.  I am planning on going tomorrow morning.

From what I understand he's comfortable and sleeping most the time.  I don't think he's in any pain which is nice.

I am doing my best to keep up my normal routines.  I don't think it's beneficial to wait for the inevitable in a state of denial or fear.  The business of my schedule helps distract so I don't get into my head too much. 

Yesterday I went and got my eyes checked.  Turns out I'm falling apart. Nah, in actuality I just need some reading glasses.  I spent a little too much on them, but they are cute, attractive and very hip. 

Today I am going to attempt to clean up my desk at work.  It's an ongoing chore, but I keep trying.  We are going to be remodeling soon.  Hopefully I will get some more space to get things done and put things away.

Tonight I have been invited to go out for sushi.  I am not a fan of sushi, but I do like the people who invited me so I may attempt to go.  At some point I need to do laundry.... I'm getting dangerously low on things... I will not mention what but I am sure you can get the gist.

For treats today we are getting items from The Wandering Goose and Crumble and Flake... I have been unintentionally on the stress diet so I am still good when it comes to my Weight Watchers Points for the week... 

I think that's all I have for you this morning...

my friend Kyle put together this photo of what my eyes looked like after my eye appointment yesterday and photoshopped on the the glasses I'm getting...  I found this image on the web of the cat... it is not mine - the glasses were added.

Better Today

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Take Good Care of Yourself

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

um... that's was no good.

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

Hopefully I can stay awake.

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

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

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

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

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

The other side of sickness...

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Feeling a bit better.

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

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

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

You should check it out if you have a chance.

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

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

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

That's all I know.

Home Sick

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

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

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

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

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

Yuck - phlegm...  I don't like it. 

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

Crappy

That is how I'm feeling.

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

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

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

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

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

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

frustrated is my word for the day...

What the heck?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I survived...

I had a very pleasant weekend at camp.

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

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

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

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

Perhaps tomorrow I will expound on the weekend.

Enjoy the silence

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

This weekend is going to be good but tiring.

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

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

Here is my report from yesterday...

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

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

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

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

word.

Ummmm....

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

oh oh oh....  I am tired.

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

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

It's Early

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

This person is tired... 

Sometimes 4:30 comes too early...

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

Home again...

Back on the sofa again.

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

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

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

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

Tomorrow it's back to the grind. 

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

demanding puppies...

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Less Dead

I think I may be getting better.

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

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

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

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

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

Here I am (sort of)...

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

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

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

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

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

What else?

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

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

It's all the same...

Still croupy... although not as bad.

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

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

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

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

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

One bright note?

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

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

congestion is not my friend...

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

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

But no.  Sorry for the visual.

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

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

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

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

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

yep - that's it.

More to come on Tuesday maybe.

Turning the corner (slowly)...

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

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

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

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

What else is happening???

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

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE STEAMER I LOVE

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

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

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

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

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

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

The sickness continues...

My cold continues to linger in my chest.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

New Year, Same Sickness

Boo.

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

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

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

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

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

One last thought for the new year...

Phlegm is not fun.

The story of me overdoing it...

This title may be misleading.

I didn't really overdo it but I thought my cold was almost gone, but then I woke up last like feeling that heaviness in my chest.  Gosh darn congestion - I hate you.

I have taken some drugs and hopefully it's really on its way out.

I suppose I shouldn't have gone out with friends last night.  Yeah, I know - you're asking yourself did she just say that?  Did she actually go out on a Saturday night?  Well, yes I did.  Now I am paying for it...

I was home by 9pm...  and all I get is this...

Oh well.

A few more days and I go back to my crazy schedule.

Today I shall clean and watch football.

....and try to shake this dang cold.

oye

Friday is here - yeehaw.

My cold is getting a little bit better - I managed to get to the gym yesterday afternoon and hang out on the treadmill for an hour... it was just enough to get me going, but not make my cold any worse (and don't worry - I totally cleaned off the treadmill when I was done)...

This afternoon I am meeting one of my friends from Vermont who is in town for the holidays.  It will be nice to see her - it's been almost a year.  I stayed with her when I went down to LA in February for the CAA conference.

This weekend I don't think I have any plans other than cleaning up my apartment and sleeping.  I watched an episode of Hoarders the other day -  I didn't feel as superior about myself as I usually do, I need to go through a few piles of recyclables.  That's my problem - magazines and receipts pile up.  Maybe I'll do some winter cleaning and get my holiday decorations down.

Okay - let's talk resolutions...

I'm not usually big on resolutions but here are a few things I have in mind.

Save more money!  I was able to pay off the majority of my credit cards this year and now I plan on saving more of what I make.

Limit Sweets - I managed to do it for August and October of this year, why not the whole year?  I'm not going to beat myself up if I slip, but I'm not going to go out of my way to seek out sweets.  No more buying cookies (that will surely help me save more money).

Work on doing a pull up. - yeah, that's my "I'd like to do this" goal...  I'm sure I could - I just have to hit up one of the trainers at the gym to coach me...  I'm nice enough I'm sure one of them would help me out.

Curb my love affair with the grocery store...  - I go grocery shopping far too often.  Perhaps this year I will start eating what I currently have in my teeny tiny refrigerator and cupboards.  It's possible...

I think that's good enough for the resolutions...

I'm hoping that my cold gets better before New Year's Day... I'm planning on doing the Polar Bear Plunge at Matthews Beach... why I can't get more of my friends to do it I don't know why...  maybe I'll get my Mom to go down with me and take photos..

I'm trying to decide whether or not I want to go to the gym before work or after...  I'm enjoying my coffee right now, and not really wanting to get out of my robe...  but I'm meeting my friend after work so I may not make it to the gym... oh the dilemma....

I'll probably just end up sitting here a while longer... once I give up the sweets and start teaching again AND get over this cold things will click back into gear.

What is a girl to do?

Post Christmas report

I have a cold.

That's all I know.

Well, actually I know a lot more.

I am not so sick as that I can't go to work.... luckily I only have to work for four hours.

Last night I got home around 4pm.  I took a bath and then changed into my pj's by 5pm. 

I was in bed by 8.

fun time...

Today I am heading into work in a little bit... then I may go to the gym to ramble on the treadmill... it depends on how I feel.

I have an activity monitor which I wear, the past 24 hours it's not seen that much movement...  it's a great motivator, but when I don't feel too hot and don't workout I feel a little bit guilty.  I know, I'm more active that 95 percent of my friends even when I am sick...

Okay - my report from Christmas - here it is.

My sisters and their families went to visit Dad on Tuesday - the visit went pretty well, although Dad was a bit sleepy, he was awake for more of the time than he was at his Birthday celebration.

My oldest sister brought a story Olive the Other Reindeer, and she read it to us..  my Dad used to read to us when we were little (he's a retired librarian) so it was nice to have it come back around.

We sang a few songs and had a good time overall... it was much better than last year.  A little less stressful.

After our visit we went to mom's for the traditional Christmas enchiladas!  okay, it's not traditional, but what the hell.

The dogs bought me some sympathy presents - a steamer for my clothes and a sweater... they are pretty good shoppers.

I came home around 6:30 and did some Christmas laundry.

Overall, the holidays didn't blow this year which is nice.

maybe I'm finally growing up.

Christmas Catastrophe...

Okay, so it really wasn't a catastrophe, but I did manage to spill coffee all over myself and the kitchen floor. 

I survived...

To punish myself even further I decided to go out for a run... I ran to Starbucks to get a gingerbread latte... it was pretty good.  Running in the rain wasn't too bad, except I forgot about all the tummy troubles I can get when I go running.. I will not get into it here.

Last night was fun - my niece gave me a pot holder and a coffee mug.  I also got a pair of socks and meat from my friend Ken... it was a good time overall...  I only had two slices of prime rib...

I'm holding out a little while longer before I head out to my Dad's place for a visit... then it's off to the maternal unit's place for an authentic dinner of chicken enchiladas...

Ole.

pretty low key day - tomorrow I'm working 10 - 2.  No plans beyond that - except for working out...

I don't know much beyond that today...

Christmas Eve is here.....

Yep - it's Christmas Eve... I have made it through the majority of the Holiday Season in a fairly good mood for the first time in years (I realize the majority of it is yet to come, but I'm going to venture out on a limb and say I'm doing well).

I am one of the fortunate ones that gets to go into work today...  I am not going to complain - at least I have a job...  I work until noon and then I am going to head to the gym for a last chance work out.

I only have one more gift left to buy and wrap...  and then I'm heading over to my sisters house for dinner (I'm going to have to work out extra hard to get rid of some of that prime rib I'm going to eat)...

Sleeping in (okay it's not really sleeping in) was nice this morning.  I don't mind getting up early to teach, but it's nice to spend some time in the morning just pooping around my apartment...

This weekend I tried to made peanut brittle but it didn't work out... it's a little overdone.... I guess the Weight Watcher Gods are looking after me I guess... Damn them.

I don't know much more than that.

What I know today (Saturday).

I don't think I've posted since Wednesday or Thursday...

this is what has happened since.

Holiday party on Thursday - Canlis.  I checked in on Yelp and because of that Canlis is now following me on Twitter.  I wonder if they know that I posted from the ladies room there (only a few Facebook checkins)...

I received a Holiday bonus that was nice.

And a raise.

I will not have to give notice anytime soon (unless I find a benefactor).

We drank Coffee Diablo after dinner - basically it's alcohol which is set on fire and then served... pretty good...  Mark Canlis made them for us - he laughed at a joke I made... I talked about "Ladles of Fire" being a great name...  I suppose if you can make a Seattle dining landmark's owner laugh, you must be funny - or he hears a lot of lame jokes.

Yesterday I took the day off and was planning on sleeping in but it wasn't happening... I managed to make it until 6am.  BOOOOO!  I did some shopping, went over to the parental unit's house to comandeer the washing machine and then I went to the gym.

After all I ate last week I was expecting to gain weight this week when I weighed in at Weight Watchers.

Guess What?  (what Jen?)   I lost 2 stinking pounds!

WTF?

I will take it.

If you only knew what I ate last week...  I wasn't horrible, but I could have been a lot better.

Oh well, I will take it.

Right now I'm watching the Maaco Las Vegas Bowl... other than that I think I am going to stay home for the rest of the day (minus a walk later on).

I am officially not teaching after tomorrow's class... yeah!  I can sleep in like a semi-normal person.

I think tonight I will wrap the few presents I have for people...  maybe watch the Hallmark Chanel - for a guaranteed happy ending...  and make peanut brittle... the brittle is not a definite, but I'm think I would make it, eat a tad and then give the rest to my apartment manager - he has seen me through two rounds of ants this year and the new fridge fiasco (it's really small, but I think I will get used to it).

Okay, now is the time to go round up some lunch so I don't go crazy and chew off my art.

Oh, I forgot - I went running last night and chaffed my inner arm... ouchy.

The worlds smallest refrigerator...

There was a miscommunication with the appliance company...

my fridge is small...

I am going to try to live with it - I'm thinking that I will keep less food in it so there will be fewer choices and less chance of me buying crap to put in it. (go along with me here - I'm trying to convince myself this is the case. 

The only real drawback to the small fridge is less space to store my Cascade Ice  and frozen dinners...

I shall adapt.  At least this gives me a reason to dump the two year old beer that's been living in my fridge.

The good news of a small fridge is that I have more space in my already petite kitchen.  I may be able to set up a dining area in there after two years...

okay, enough about the fridge.

Today is our holiday party - dinner at Canlis... if you're a big fan of Top Chef they did a challenge this season at Canlis.  It's old school, pretty swanky and very good.  I am not really looking forward to it this year...  sure I'm looking forward to eating, but I'm not looking forward to the social interaction aspect.  I really don't like talking to people that much..  If I could just sit there and blog I would.

Tomorrow I am taking the day off.  yay - sleeping in... I didn't have any problem sleeping last night and I don't think I will have a problem sleeping past 7 tomorrow morning.

maybe I shall take myself out to breakfast and then go to the gym.  Sounds exciting doesn't it?  Then I may do laundry!

This is what my life boils down to.

teaching, eating, working, sleeping, television, laptop, showering.

I think that's it. 

I suppose I should get moving.  I have to figure out what I'm wearing to the party and I have to hose myself off.

RIP Clunky Old Fridge

Today I get my new refrigerator.  I woke up at 4:10 to make sure I got everything out of it and into coolers... it was more than enough time for me to do a quick post.

I will not miss the three-inch coating of frosty buildup on your freezer compartment...  I will not miss the low rumble you emit constantly... nor the drainage stains down the inner back...

you served me well, but it's time to go.

The world is coming to an end.

Um....  I don't think the world will end on Friday (is that the day?)... but you never know..

I don't have any regrets.

My new fridge arrives tomorrow - for that I am excited... what I am not excited for is having to get up extra early and/or staying up late tonight to clean out the old one.

Too bad I have to teach tomorrow morning - I would do it then...  aye aye aye... it will get done.

Perhaps I will take a collection of frozen items into work today to stock my lunch supplies...  I don't know.

Last night I got a phone call from one of my friends from the Vermont Studio Center residency - she grew up in Seattle and will be here for the Holidays...  we are going to get together when she is here.  It should be fun.  I also talked to my best friend Karolina from Chicago last night... she and another friend were trying to figure out and 80's synth pop song and they called to ask me.  They were a little bit drunk (not too much) so the conversation wasn't the deepest - but it was nice to hear her voice.

I am looking forward to next week when I don't have to work so hard...

My Dad's birthday celebration was fairly uneventful.  He slept through most of it... oh well...

I was thinking for Christmas that I would try to have dinner with him, but I am thinking now that I will just do the group visit with everyone else...  hopefully it will go alright... gone are the days of old time holiday activities.  That's okay, I've never been a big fan anyway...

Last weekend I scored some deals at a sample sale for the big brother clothing party company that I have parties for sometimes... I managed to score a pair of bright pink pants for 15 bucks...  maybe someday I will post a photo... it's not as bad as it sounds...  I was looking super-cute yesterday when I was wearing them... here's a link to how I should wear them...   I just wore them with a black top.  I think I like them because they remind me of a pair of pants I had when I was in High School... oh the 80's how I miss you sometimes.

I woke up early today so I managed to do the dishes and now I'm icing my feet.  I'm happy to report that as 2012 comes to an end I think my plantar fasciitis is finally gone and/or curbed itself into submission.  All I can say is that it's about time.... 2 and a half years is long enough.  That's what I get for running a stupid half marathon.

I think that's all I have for you today - new fridge, new pants, drunken phone calls, fancy feet.

The end (of the world as we know it)...

Heat Back On - Headache on board!

they fixed the heat in the building - I came home last night to a less chilly apartment... it was still cold, but it's toasty now.

The party went better than expected... I also stayed later than expected.  Overall it was pretty fun.

I even had a beer.

Today I am taking a quick break before I head over to my Dad's to celebrate his birthday.  he turns 86 tomorrow... we're going to have cupcakes.  Yummy.

This afternoon I am going to do laundry and try to get ready for the week ahead.

At some point I have to move furniture around so that they can deliver my new fridge on Wednesday.  I picked up a cooler from the parental unit's house so that I can pack my fridge contents in it...

This week we also have our office holiday dinner at Canlis - it should be good..

It's my last week of teaching before the break... it will be nice to have some time to recharge..

I have a bit of a headache and I'm feeling a bit congested - hopefully it won't get full blown... 

Friday I have the day off.  errr.... hopefully I can make it until then.

That's it.  I wish I could just take a nap...

Brrrrr.....

Last night when I got home I thought my apartment was a little chilly...

I was right.  A whole section of my building is without heat.

Damn radiator/boiler...

at least the repair guy is here working on things.

I have a couple of parties to attend tonight.  I've been gone most of the day so I think I will most definitely hit one... it's another instructor from the club who is throwing it - I went last year so I know a few of the people who will be there and I won't have to overly social if I don't want to be.

I read an article about introverts the other day and I think I might be one.  Don't get me wrong... I have some extrovert tendencies at times...  but for the most part I like to be alone.

ooops  I got sidetracked and forgot to post this stupid thing...  I have sucessfully put on some makeup... now I just have to find something to wear and head out.

I'm am stinking freezing.  It reminds me of Chicago... brr.... I have to go out tonight. I would freeze my ass off if I stayed here.

At least I have wool socks and a lot of blankets...  I really don't want to change my clothes because I will freeze my patooty off.... brrr... I'm going to have chattering teeth!  Maybe I'll use my hair dryer to warm me up..

Tomorrow we are going to have a birthday party for Dad...  I realized yesterday that I think I'm past the point where I can buy him ornery cards...  he might take offense to it..  I'm thinking I will have to find a sappy one tomorrow.

I guess I will deal with that then.. for now I must do a bit of jogging in place and then try to find something to wear...

3,000 posts?

Can it really be that this is post number 3,000?  I guess so...

what have I learned over 3,000 posts?

Not much.

Still like to complain, still have less that skinny thighs (I used to rant about my thighs a long time ago)..., still lamenting on what I want to do with my life....

hmmm...


This morning I woke up thinking it was Saturday.  It's not, it's only Thursday.  I thought it was Saturday on Tuesday as well.

That really sucks when you think it would be nice to sleep in, but you can't.

This weekend I have a bunch of events in the hopper plus beautification appointments PLUS my Dad's 86th birthday party.  That will be low key. 

Work is a bear... too much to do, too much going on.  I sure hope they realize how much I do around there...  I don't think I can do much more.

what else?  15 more minutes and I have to lug myself off of the sofa and hose myself down.  Oh joy.

not much to say

I don't have much to tell you today.

I'm a bit cranky for the usual reasons...

I will let you decide what the usual reasons are.


I am looking forward to the holidays only for one reason....

I DON'T HAVE TO WORK FULL TIME!

the week between Christmas and New Years we only work 10 - 2 and I don't have to teach... I am looking forward to sleeping in and working on art related things...

I can use a break.

This weekend I have three parties to go to on Saturday (say what?)... we will see if I can actually make it to one.


oh  - on a different note I have decided to do the Polar Bear Plunge again this year.  Yeah, I know - it's bound to be a lot colder than last year... but what the heck.  I did it once, I can do it again.

noon, Matthews Beach, Seattle... New Years day - be there.  Maybe I should build up my fake tan before I go... don't want to blind people with my pasty white legs.

Okay, I'm feeling a little bit better after ranting a bit.

ho ho ho

Ho ho ho - photos...

Stinky

Lunch last week

 Ceiling at my office...

Christmas lights at the Bellevue Botanical Garden.

This afternoon I am watching football and will head over to see my dad in a little bit.

I'm not really in the mood to leave the house but I will....

I had a few too many french fries last night and a salted caramel shake.  I thought I was going to barf.  I didn't.

If any of you are interested - you can buy me an ipad for Christmas...

okay, that's it...

yay same sex marriage!

Up One, Down for the Count!

um.....

what do I know today??

I was up a bit at ww this morning but it's not unexpected...

tonight I am meeting my sister and her family and a few of their friends to go to dinner and then possibly the Bellevue Botanical gardens..

I am watching a few episodes of Hoarders to keep me from eating too much tonight...

I will see how much I can actually eat after watching a woman show the therapist her "slop bucket" in the kitchen...  it's basically her poop bucket.  Ick.

I used to feel a bit guilty about the cleanliness of my place when I'd watch Hoarders... My place looks fabulous compared to these spaces...  I FEEL GOOD!

The past few days I've been feeling a bit of the Holiday blues... it's better today... I decided to go out tonight to help with it...

overall I think I'm doing rather well compared to last year.

At least this year I'm not going to have to cart my Dad around places and help him use the facilities...  His birthday is in just over a week and I think we're planning a small celebration at the Hearthstone..  I asked him the other day what he wanted for his birthday and he said "freedom"... I was thinking about food (of course)...

I'm less stressed about the whole thing this year.

okay, next up...

I ran at the gym this morning, then I picked up a door prize I won at my former ceramics instructor's sale last weekend... I stopped by Sky Nursery and bought a few houseplants for me to murder in the near future...

Okay, I have to get a move on... I have a burger to eat soon (if I can stop thinking about dead cats on Hoarders)...

I know you are but what am I?

I don't have much to share this morning...

Same sex marriage licenses were available starting at midnight last night - way to go Washington!

Marijuana is legal in small amounts... whatever... it's not something that has ever interested me...
all the people on the news they showed lighting up at midnight at the Space Needle definitely had a particular look about them...  a bit scruffy.  I'm being highly judgmental here - but it's the same old thing... the people who show up for the "protest" or whatever it is - usually are just there because they've got nothing better to do and they think it's cool... (see WTO rioters, May Day protests...) I'm sure I'm not articulating myself very well, but hey... it's early.

Some other random thoughts...

Taylor Swift is quickly becoming the female version of  John Mayer don't you think?

The Duchess is pregnant.

My feet hurt.  Actually my heels are doing much better - it's now the ball of my foot that hurts.

I'm going to apply for a show at 4Culture.... I had a show there in 2009 and enough time has passed that I can apply again.  I probably won't make the cut (that's just me painting my expectations low..)... but you never know unless you try.

I am coming to the realization that even though I'm on the Storefronts roster for the year that it's probably not going to happen... There is still time - but at this juncture it's not looking good...  oh well.

Work is getting busy again... we're going to be remodeling starting the first of the year - I'm not looking forward to having to deal with people in that regard...

I really don't like social interaction that well... that's why I have an online presence...

I just wish people would leave me alone.  

Did I mention yet that I'm getting a new fridge in my apartment?  I'm pretty excited about that...  I will post photos when it arrives.

That's all I know - it's gotten a bit random here at the end... time for more coffee.

Blah Blah Blah - Yadda Yadda Yadda

the title of this post is exactly how I feel this morning...

working for a living is for the birds...  I think I would make a great unemployed person..  too bad it's not socially acceptable...

I'm feeling pretty good overall but a little dissatisfied with things...  you know, that little kernel of discontent you feel when things are going pretty good, but not exactly to your satisfaction.

It's the whole "I need to be doing more art stuff" feeling.

Maybe I will get my act together soon...  a few more weeks and I'll have my annual abbreviated post-Christmas work schedule... which if you don't know means I only work from 10 - 2 the week between Christmas and New Years...  I also don't have to teach at the gym during that time so I can focus on art stuff (and sleep in a bit)...  it's a rather sweet deal.

Okay, enough complaining...

Last night at the gym someone told me that different cycle instructor's class was a cake walk compared to mine.  I think that was a compliment.  I would like to think that I know what I'm doing...

The rest of the week shall be pretty uneventful... work, teach, teach, work, teach.... sleep shall be thrown in there as well.

That's it.

Sayonara.

Today's Report

Yesterday was a busy day.

Here are the high points....

I worked at SAIC Grad info day and I got to meet some new fun people... makes me want to get an art job somewhere...

I found out I am going to get a new fridge in my apartment!  woo hoo!  now that's exciting...

I spent most of the day out yesterday - today I may do some cleaning but I will do that after I stop by the studio sale of my first ceramics instructor...

That's about all I know....

The end of my four day weekend...  I like taking time off... I think I should take more days off more often...