What's New?

I must admit that I am enjoying not having to get up at the crack of dawn to teach. It's amazing how much more energy I have for my evening classes when I have 24 hours to recover instead of 12.

I kind of like it.

This morning I have an appointment with the financial planner - I slept in until 6:20 this morning!

I am looking forward to not going into work right away - our brand new phone system went down yesterday so we are phone-less... that really sucks.  Since it's a new system I don't really know how to go about getting someone out to fix it, I did do what I could.  This is not a good start to the service I think.

Life seems to be settling down.  I am feeling pretty good and I think I may make it..  two and a half weeks until I get to go to camp... I think this year will be really needed.  It's been a tough year, but I am getting through it.  As Gloria Gaynor said - I will survive!

I really don't know what else to say this morning...  This weekend I am going out to breakfast with my friend Kristen (I love breakfast) and I will most likely clean the apartment (this seems to be an ongoing thing)...  On Sunday I am unsure what is going on.  Maybe I'll celebrate my first Father's Day without Dad by having a martini or taking a drive in his (our) car... or maybe it will just be another day.  We never were big on celebrating these sorts of things so I don't know how it will be.

Oh, I have a graduation party on Saturday too... that will be fun to see the family (it's my cousin once removed who is graduating..).

Overall it will be a full weekend - hopefully the weather will cooperate.

That's all I know this morning...

Back on the Sofa!

Yes I am!  I am sitting on the sofa instead of a bike!

It finally feels like summer vacation.. well sort of.  I still have to go to work today and teach tonight but I managed to sleep until my alarm went off this morning.

Yesterday I spent the majority of the day watching the dance recitals of my nephews in Olympia.  It was pretty sweet (even if it did make for a long day).  My feet kept a tapping right along with them.  Perhaps I will break out my tap shoes and find a class to take.  Now that would be fun.

Saturday I did get a mani/pedi and I must say my feet look good.  I might just have to find some cute shoes to show off my toenails sometime soon.  I only have flip flops which are not effective when trying to look stinking cute all-around... woot woot.

 

 

I know the pink and the red clash - but you get the idea... my second toes in from the big toe are usually unsightly - I get double toenails from running - the woman at the shop made them as beautiful as they can be.

I think I will do this again.

On the agenda this week I have an assortment of tasks at the office related to the new phone system (I have to figure out how to use it)... installation of our new art which the "art committee" selected (no, I'm not the only one on the committee), and ummmm... that's it I guess.  I also have to figure out how to eat less because I won't be working out as much...

Overall I am STILL in a good mood.  Let's just go with it.

Oh!  Bedbug inspection today in my apartment - at least it's fairly clean in here...

Carry on team.

Decisions decisions...

Goodness - it has turned into a day of pampering... this morning I got things waxed (nothing too weird)... then I had an acupuncture treatment - I won't the drawing at the salon so it was free...  Dang, the new guy is a looker.. and good with the needles.  So good in fact that I rebooked.  Thank goodness I have no children to support.

I had to check and see when the last time was that I posted....  that was Thursday... Thursday I was going to go to First Thursday but I ended up staying at the office until 8:30 while they installed a new phone system... I did get to leave early yesterday though. Not quite as early as I would have liked to but I've got a few more comp hours to go.  I have a meeting with the financial adviser on Thursday so that should take a few of those hours up.

This afternoon I am going in for a mani/pedi.  The sunshine is almost here and I need some toenail attention.  I was going to do it yesterday but as I walked into the place on Broadway three people went in right in front of me.  I called at made an appointment to guarantee a space.

Tomorrow I am taking the morning off from the gym and I am heading to Olympia for my nephews dance recital. Should be fun. 

I'm in a good mood.  I am going to go with it.  I will post photos of my toes when they are finished... perhaps I will show you what they look like now but it's not pretty...  maybe a before and after photo are warranted...

Hmmmmm.... what to do next.  I think I will hit "publish"

Summer slow down.

Yesterday I changed my alarm clock so I don't have to get up at the crack of dawn anymore.  I'm looking forward to it.

Perhaps my apartment cleanliness will increase with my increase in home time... We shall see...

I would expect that I will get some sort of bug in celebration of my revised schedule... that is what usually happens.

Summer is on its way - it's nice out, no rain...  I get to bare my pasty white legs to the world.  Summer camp is coming up... things are looking up.

I've been contemplating making art again (it's been a while since I've made anything "real")...  a former acquaintance of mine won an award recently and it brought up a bunch of hard feelings around the demise of Crawl Space.. (the gallery I was a member of)...  It would be nice to have a space of my own to work and show...  I have gotten into the pigeon hole of thinking "I can't do that" but that's not true - I can do anything I want...  I just have to have some ingenuity...  I miss the old days of going into a studio and just working on things..  and having the time to work on things... and having the money to be able to accomplish those things... and, and, and, and.......

I just have to quit feeling sorry for myself and move on...

No news on the social life front - I had a date a few weeks ago but it didn't materialize into a second one.. that's okay - I am resilient..  

overall the mood has been pretty good (minus the crankiness induced by the art award/hard feelings business)... 

I am fairly optimistic about things.

I think that's all I know this morning - I'm going to try to drag myself to First Thursday tonight...  I shouldn't say try though... I should say I "am" going to drag myself to First Thursday...

Thinking it's Wednesday...

Sometimes my days are so busy I think that it should be later in the week than it actually is.

Today is one of those days...  It sure feels like Wednesday, but if it were Wednesday I wouldn't be sitting here on the sofa, I would be at the gym.

Tomorrow is the last day that I teach the early class for the summer... that's kind of nice.  It will be good to have a break.

I spent most of yesterday trying to figure out a spreadsheet for our new phone system which we will have installed in our office later this week.  I'm sure that is going to be one more headache we have but it will be nice to have new phones... the ones we have now are a bit dated and just plain sucky.

Overall though I have been in a good mood the past few days.  I think it all goes back to finding a swimsuit that actually fits and doesn't make me look like a doofus... also the sun is coming out so that's a good thing too...

Tonight I don't have to teach because our club does the "biggest loser" contests... usually I would mind, but at this point I'm kind of glad to have the night off... perhaps I will go for a walk (or work out in the gym at the office).  I have to ride my bike home from the building so maybe I'll just take a long way home and test out my bike riding skills.

I think that's all I have to report today.  Feeling pretty good... that's a good thing.

Weekend!

I can't believe it's still Saturday...

Today has gone on and on and on...

So far today

WW - weighed in at goal (thank goodness - just had to buckle down)...
Went and cleared out my Dad's storage locker with my momma
Took Momma out to breakfast (yummy)
Sorted through a few things of my Dad's
Petted the puppies
Picked some kale and lettuce from my mommas garden
went and tried on and bought a swimsuit
came home and took a shower (I wasn't too stinky).

Tonight I am going out to dinner with friends - should be low key and fun...

That's all I know..

I need slimmer thighs.

A bit cranky

Last week one of my "friends" on Facebook left a snarky comment on my timeline about the amount of status updates I put out there  (if you're not a facebook user bear (bare) with me).

The comment really got my panties in a twist...  Sometimes I am an overposter, sometimes I am not.  If you don't like seeing what comes out of my fingertips by all means hide the feed... don't be a bitch about it and be snarky.

I decided I didn't "need" this friend and I blocked her from posting on my timeline and I can't see what she posts (what she posted was not very interesting anyway).  I have a lot of people who actually enjoy what I put out there.  It's a good way for those of us who might be on the socially awkward/shy side to say things and keep in touch. 

If this person really knew anything about me she would know that I live an online presence - it started with the blogging and moved onto other outlets (facebook/tumblr/twitter).  I have plenty of things that keep me busy outside my online life.

My life is full and I don't need bitchy people bringing me down.

There - now that's a rant.

I could go on but I've got coffee to drink.

Back to the grindstone

It's back to work this morning and I am feeling much better.

I'm still not 100 percent, but I'm not feeling as crappy as I have been.  My weekend of inactivity has done the trick.  Hopefully this week goes smoothly... one of our Legal Assistants is out until Friday so it's just me and the temp.  We will make it... hopefully nothing too challenging comes up.  I think I succumbed to the plaque/black lung because the remodel is over (except for the finishing touches) and I can finally relax.  Therefore I got sick. 

It has been a very long year and finally I feel as though I can relax a bit...  I am really looking forward to camp this summer - it will be well deserved/needed.

I have a date with my dentist tomorrow. That should be exciting... 

what else?  I've not been eating on plan so I think I probably won't weigh in at goal on Saturday - hmmm.... I suppose I could go to an early meeting this week so technically it's not the beginning of the month..  that would be cheating though... would it?

I have made it through 10 episodes of Arrested Development this weekend  -  5 more to go.  Perhaps I will save them for this next weekend.  Decisions decisions...

I have decided that I am a big fan of sitting on the sofa first thing in the morning.  This whole thing of getting up at 4:30 is for the birds...

It's time for a change.

sleeping in!

I slept for 10 hours last night!

of course two of those hours I was on the sofa but that's okay...  I am feeling better today - still a little cold-like but I think I am on the mend.

The only plans I have today are to do laundry.  My foot is finally feeling better so I might go out for a walk and/or bike ride.  I think it's supposed to rain today but that's okay.  A little rain never hurt anyone.

I know I just posted last night so there's not much going on since then minus the sleeping part.  Oh, I did dishes finally too.

That's it.  If anything else exciting happens I will let you know.

Something yet nothing...

It's been another low key day.

I taught this morning and then I went to brunch at a friends house. I got home around 4 and have taken up residence on my sofa.

I'm feeling a bit better cold-wise, I'm not quite as congested as I was yesterday... a more productive cough is keeping things going.  I almost feel as though I might survive.

I think sometimes it's just better to take it easy sometimes.

I have watched a few episodes of Arrested Development on Netflix.  Google it if you don't know what I'm talking about.  I am going to savor the episodes for a while... no rushing through.

Tomorrow I get to sleep in.  No teaching at 6am!  woot woot!

I am going to stay up tonight and watch Long Island Medium.  I don't usually get to stay up past 9 on Sunday nights so I'm looking forward to it.

That's all today...

A Day of Nothing

I have spent the majority of the day watching movies on the sofa.  It's been a good day.
This morning I woke up with a congested chest... I took some drugs and went off for the day.

WW was not a surprise.  I think I'll have to lose 6 pounds this week in order to in at goal weight next week... oh well.  I'm not sure I can make it but I will stick to a plan.

I got my hair done today so I'm not looking so scruffy.

Not much to report around here.  Hopefully I will feel better tomorrow. Not that I feel too crappy today but it's nice to do nothing.  Perhaps I will go to bed at 8pm.

Black lung disease

I have been dealing with a few ailments for the past few days.  One of them may be black lung disease but I'm not 100 percent sure.  I moved a bunch of dusty files early in the week and my lungs haven't been the same since.  I don't feel really crappy other than a sore throat and a bit of heaviness in my lungs.

My other ailment is my foot - it's been sore since I ran the race last weekend.  I believe it's just an overuse injury and is feeling much better today.  My calf is a bit tight because I've been walking on it a bit funny - let me correct that, I haven't been walking much because it hurts... I've actually taken the bus a few times this week (you know it's bad when I do that)... This morning it feels a bit better and I might be able to walk to work.

I don't have many plans for the weekend.  The usual I suppose... ww, hairdo time, laundry... I am going to brunch on Sunday which should be fun.  I have to figure out something to bring with me..

Perhaps this weekend I will work on the rearranging of my apartment furniture... I still haven't gotten it down yet... it needs some tweaking.

I think that's all I have to report.  I am looking forward to the release of the new episodes of Arrested Development on Netflix. Maybe I will watch those on Monday...

Good times.

Sleeping

Last night I went to bed at 9:15.  I had no problem crashing...  It's only Tuesday and I am exhausted.  Only one more week and I should be able to have more restful mornings. More coffee to drink, more time to blog... yay.

I have a feeling that work is going to be crazy this week...  nothing like a pre three day weekend week.  I don't have too many exciting plans this weekend beyond getting my hair done and going to my friends house for brunch. - and teaching on Sunday (they usually cancel these classes - why they are keeping it on the schedule is beyond me).

I think I shall work on cleaning up my place and spending time with the puppies.

I've been riding my bike to the gym in the morning and it seems to be working out alright.  I'm bound to become a pro at the whole thing..  things are looking up I think.

I'm here, don't worry.

I have been enjoying my three day weekend.  Here is my report.

Friday I slept in until almost 7am, did some errands and then visited my puppies.  Stinky is doing alright... I don't think that she's on deaths door... she's still barking and demanding treats.

Yesterday I ran in the Seattle's Best 15k race.  I ran it in a little over an hour and a half.  Not too bad for no training.  My body really hurts today from being a shock absorber..  I will survive.

I rearranged furniture yesterday so I am still trying to get used to the new layout of the living room.. 

I met someone for coffee yesterday afternoon too... it went pretty well and I think we're going to go out again.  I will keep you updated, but not too updated.  Don't want to jinx anything.  He didn't give me the creeps and he seems normal enough.

Today I am teaching and then I have to go to a camp meeting this afternoon.  That's it. 

I feel the need to clean a bit... but I also feel the need for more coffee...

word.

Thursday/Friday

Once again it's a Thursday which feels like Friday, but this Thursday really is my Friday.
woo hoo...

I have been riding my bike (sort of)... to and from work.  Last night I rode home in my jeans... I think I may just get the hang of things...

Tonight I am going to be meeting my friend Matt after work for Happy Hour, then I am coming home to watch the series finale of the Office. As someone who considers themselves a semi-loner, television series become friends of sort... it was always nice to have someone to hang out with you, but don't actually ask you any questions or demand anything of you.

I have a coffee date on Saturday.  That should be interesting.

I'm also running a 15k on Saturday morning.  I hope I don't die.

I'm also thinking about making some changes to my professional life... no, I'm not quitting any job.  Just thinking about expanding my skill set.

Stinky is still plugging along... I'm feeling a little bit guilty about not doing anymore tests, but there's a fine line between drawing out a pet's life/spending too much money... bah...  I suppose if she lived in the wild, she would have been gone long before this...  I'm a little sad, but I'll be okay.

That's it...

Goodbye Dunder Mifflin.

that's what she said...

Updates Updates Updates!

Here is what I know this morning.

We got the tests back on Stinky.  She has elevated enzymes in her liver, gall bladder and something else... we could do an ultrasound and additional tests to the cost of $700.00 but that only gives us a diagnosis.. we would probably have to shell out more money... I think we've come to the conclusion to just let her be.  She's in pretty good spirits and doesn't appear to be suffering.  Just a little bit of sneezing and breathing is a little bit labored.  If she get's to the point where she is not barking and wagging her tail we will do what needs to be done, but she's 12 years old.  No need to put her through efforts that may only prolong her another year or so.  It's kind of sad, but you have to deal with those things when you love a pet.

Yesterday I was informed that I needed to have extra energy when I taught last night (I think I was being watched)... it's okay, I think I brought it as best as I could.  It's kind of like trying to get grumpy cat to smile though... it's hard.  I can try to fake it with the best of them.  If they don't like it too bad, I can only do so much.  I did have two new people in my class last night and they were jazzed afterwards and signed up for Wednesday.  That's really all the validation I need.  What I really want to do is just roll my eyes big time at the whole process of it all.

The direction of my employers (the gym) is a little strange... I can't really say more, but if I had a gym it would be run much differently... and it would have better music.

I rode my bike into work yesterday and everything worked fine... it's nice to be back on the road.  Work is alright - a little calmer lately... everything is almost done on the remodel front.  Maybe I can relax in the next few weeks.

Here's a photo of the bathrooms... technically it's not part of our remodel but still groovy.. I really appreciate not having to go up two floors in order to use the facilities...

That's my report this morning.  I have Friday off so I'm looking forward to it very much. It's time for a break. Then on Saturday I am running in a 15k.  My friend Sarah was supposed to run it with me, but she's injured... oh well... I guess I'll just go it alone.  wouldn't be the first time...

carry on people.

Long Weekend

It's been a busy week and I am glad it's winding down...

I am happy to report that my bike has been fixed and I can now ride safely to work in the morning...  I had hit the derailer and got it out of whack.. I could go into more detail (maybe) but it doesn't really matter...

Tonight I am going to try and stay up to watch survivor... perhaps I will take a nap first.

Next week I only have to make it four days... then it's a three day weekend.  I'm pretty excited about it.

Still excited about my parking spot in the building... keeping my car clean.. it's a good thing.

That's it.

What do I know?

Shirley (mom) took Stinky the toothless wonder dog to the vet this morning because she's been having trouble breathing (and sneezing).. they did some tests and the results will be back on Monday... of course mom mentioned that if it was untreatable (whatever it might be) we might have to put her down, but that it wouldn't her decision.

Way to bring me down Shirl...

Hopefully it's nothing too serious and she will be okay.  I don't need more bad news this year.

On a less depressing note I got my armpits waxed this morning... the world is now safe from my armpits.

Currently laundry is being done and I will hose myself off... tonight I get my bike looked at and dinner with friends... it should be a full day.

woot woot.

A reprieve...

My prayers have been answered for the short term..

I got a call from my boss at the gym yesterday and due to inconsistent attendance they are going to cancel the early morning classes during the summer.

Whew!  I am a little put out, but secretly (or not so secretly) a bit relieved.  It will be nice to have my mornings back for a while...  I will have to adjust my eating habits though... I can do it!

The move at work went alright yesterday.  Minus the server going down (but that had nothing to do with me)...  I was able to move back to the front desk (and my boss started commenting about the cleanliness of my desk not even one hour after I moved some things back)... I told him to be patient.  People really need to chill out or they are going to have to look for my replacement.  They will never find anyone as good as me.

Last night I went to see the Great Gatsby - it was pretty good.  I'm not sure I'm a fan of the 3-d though... my friend Kristen had to work late so I went alone.  I'm used to being alone so it's alright.

I think that's all I really know... I have a friend staying with me this weekend so I got up early and cleaned up a bit.  I don't think she's too picky so I won't worry...  I just have to figure out how to get that hide-a-bed open...

So, one more week of a crazy teaching schedule and then I can rest.  At this point money is not the most important thing...

Another Thrusday (which seems like Friday)...

The biggest drawback from teaching so many classes Sunday through Wednesday means that my Thursdays inevitably feel like Fridays.  Well, at least the past few months it's felt like Thursdays should be Fridays.

I have a camp friend staying at my place this weekend so I need to get the living room cleaned up.  I haven't tried my hide-a-bed yet (it belonged to my Dad, so it's the first time using it) so I have to see if I can get it open.

Today at work we are doing a big swap of offices... it's one of the final pieces before we are officially done.  I will take some photos of the place to show you how it looks.  It's pretty nice... it better be. I've been close to losing my sanity through the whole thing.

I have decided to take next Friday off as a mental health day.  I need it.  I should take more days off... but the next weekend is Memorial Day so that's alright - two three day weekends in a row.

What else do I know?  I don't have any clue... camp is coming up in 51 days... not that I'm counting (but I am)...  I'm going to see the Great Gatsby tonight.. then I will come home and collapse on the sofa.  Last night I did the "eyelids feel droopy, lay down, out like a light" transition to bed...  I don't mind those days...  I will probably do it again tonight..

I'm looking forward to the day when I have some more free time...

Blah

Same old, same old around here.

It's Tuesday...  I rode my bike into work yesterday and I made it without dying.  I think something is a bit off so it's making more noise than it should, but it's still rideable.

It was a scorcher yesterday - it got up to 87 degrees I think... not too bad.  I do pretty well in the heat since I did my time in Chicago.  The only thing I really don't like is getting extra sweaty in my work clothes.

Nothing too exciting is happening this week - no, I take that back.  I have passes to go see the Great Gatsby on Thursday... I'm going with my friend Kristen.  It will be fun.

This week the majority of the office remodel will be done... I will have a desk again, and maybe I can spread out a bit... I've been working in a little cubby hole without a lot of storage space...  it's been a challenge, but it's almost over.  I'm thinking of taking a few days off to recover from it all. 

Goodness... I'm ready for a break.

My Weekend (an essay in abbreviated format).

My weekend was satisfactory.  The weather was nice, I got my laundry done on Saturday (instead of today), I weighed in at goal, went to dinner with a friend yesterday, didn't kill anyone..

The only bad thing was waking up with a puffy eye this morning... perhaps it's allergies... it cleared up after a bit...

I have come to the conclusion that my brain is full and I am very tired... I hope things will even out in the next few weeks.  I think the majority of the construction/moving of offices will be done at the end of the week..

It's only 6pm, but I think I could probably go to bed now and be fine in the morning...

Next week?  Nothing too exciting... same old, same old...

I guess that's all I have to report.

I'm still here.

It's been a long week.

I'm going to put my weary body to rest in a few moments..

My Dad used to always say it's always darkest before you go blind...

I think he may have been right.

Problems

I had some issues with my internet connection yesterday.  I sat around in the morning and checked my email on my iphone.. it's small.

I've been having some issues with my bike chain coming off my bike - the past two mornings I was going to ride in but the stupid thing kept falling off...  hopes dashed.  I would try again this morning, but I don't want to end up having to drive in.

I was signed up for a bike maintenance class last night at REI but there was a scheduling snafu.  Oh well.... I would get into it, but it's still really early and my brain isn't quite working.

I really wanted to punch some people yesterday who I may or may not work with... it was a rough day.

It's hump day...  I am so ready for a vacation...

There I go practicing my social skills again...

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

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

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

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

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

what's happening...

I only gained 3.8 pounds this week!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Damn laundry!

There has got to be more than this.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Crap.

Jen + Sugar = icky tummy

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

46 so far is okay...

Happy Birthday to Me!

How did I get to be 46?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Party on.

Awake again... this has got to stop.

Sunday morning is my sleep in day.

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

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

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

okay, enough with the complaining....

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

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

No crying while celebrating my birthday this year.

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

Birthday weekend?

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

Oh well...

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

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

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

What else do I know.

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

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

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

Awake at the Crack of Dawn (again).

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I did it, I did not die.

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

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

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

I am tired.

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

Today is the day.

I am doing it.

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


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

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

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

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

Feeling a bit queezy.

uhhhhhhhhh

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

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

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

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

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

I've got to stop doing this.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sunday Report

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bike

Here she is.

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

BIKE DAY!

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

I guess I could have worse problems.

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

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

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

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

Goodness - that was a really long sentence.

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

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

Did I tell you I'm buying a bike?

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

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

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

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

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

Yay.

Bob suggested that I look at this bike..

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

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

Go go go!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

There are no words when you have this...

Spud.  Enough said.

Saturday!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Perhaps I won't lose my mind...

I have made it to Friday.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

It's only Thursday?

I am worn out.

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

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

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

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

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

Carry on people.  Tomorrow is Friday.

I suppose I should type somethihg

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

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

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

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

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

here's something to lighten the mood...

Zoe in the sun on Easter Sunday....

It's that time of year again...

Happy Easter everyone... Christ the Lord is Risen Today is my favorite hymn of all time.  They actually played it at one of my Dad's Memorial services because I'm such a fan.

This morning I am going to run around Greenlake with a friend and then possibly go to church... maybe.  Still not sure about that one.

This afternoon I am heading over to my momma's house for dinner.

I don't know what else I'm going to do - I should probably do some laundry at some point.

I have been trying to watch all the episodes of True Blood before Xfinity's Watchapalooza week is over.  I have four more episodes to go.  I think I can do it.

Yesterday was not very exciting - ww, running around Greenlake (twice), big brother clothing party and then the True Blood marathon.  I will take it. 

If something else exciting happens I will let you know.

Not much to say.

This has been the longest week in recent memory.

I swear it felt like Friday on Wednesday....

This morning I woke up at 4:30... managed to stay in bed until 5:00 but then decided to get up and watch an episode of True Blood On Demand...  it's a watchathon week and I don't have HBO so I thought I would take this opportunity to cram all 12 episodes of season 5 into two days.  I've got 2 down, 10 to go.

Yesterday at the office we had work stations installed.. that meant I was displaced temporarily... no phone, no computer...  I should have just taken the day off...

I will be so happy when this remodel is over...  it's going to look really nice.  My only complaint is that I'm sick and tired of everyone being critical and questioning construction decisions without ever having looked at the plans.  If they move a wall I'm sure there's a reason for it - did they go to construction school? NO I didn't think so...  I say wait until the whole plan comes together.. It's not finished - wait until it's done before you criticize it...

CRAP - good lord, I'm going to start punching people if they don't chill out.  I may just go postal.

Onto another subject.  I may actually have a date in the next few weeks.  Now that would be an event.  Things are still in the works, but I am optimistic.

So I just realized that the title of the post says "not much to say" but I guess I was wrong... I think I did have something to say.

Happy Friday! Happy Payday! (if it's your payday) Happy Feet (the movie)....

It's going to be in the upper 60's this weekend... I am feeling highly optimistic...

more photos...

I'm still around

Goodness.

It has been a busy week and it's only Thursday.

The good news is that for the first time in a few weeks I don't have a constant headache...  I visited the chiropractor on Tuesday and we worked on my neck again.  I have to go back one more time next week... hopefully that will do the trick... my neck is still a bit stressed out but in general it's feeling better.  At least I don't feel like crying all the time now.

Yesterday my sister and I went to meet with my Dad's Financial adviser...  a lot of paperwork to fill out...  I don't think I am going to be independently wealthy (and I won't be able to quit my job - not that I would)... but I should be able to pay off some of the principal of my student loan a little sooner.  I'm trudging along with the whole death thing...

Two more work days til the weekend...  my plans this weekend are to go to another big brother clothing party and then stuff my face for Easter...  I think I'm going to go for a run Easter morning - I may also go to church... I think I will just play it by ear for now.  I don't have to teach so I may even sleep in until 7:30!

I shall leave you with some photos...

STinky...

 Terracotta flower

Real Flower

Demo with groovy wallpaper

Tree

Ouch

I took a yoga class yesterday and today I am hurting!

I mean it's a good hurt - minus the muscle in my neck which is freaking out.   My body isn't used to doing those things... stretching and bending.

Last night I slept for 11 hours... I guess I needed it.  I've been worn out lately...

Today I am delivering clothes, teaching class, and I think that's it... I think I will stop by and visit the puppy dogs at some point as well.

I think I am in a lull... I'm okay with a lull...

Next month is birthday month...  I don't know what I'm doing to celebrate....

For Easter I think I'm heading to my mommas for dinner... maybe I'll go to church since there are not classes at the gym...  I weighed in at WW yesterday and was only up .2.  I just have to lose 2 pounds in two weeks in order to weigh in for free next month.  I've decided to reign it in and track track track...  you just have to follow the program and it works... the problem is that I haven't really been following the program...

okay, I'm rambling...

I think I slept through the night...

Thanks to one of my leftover painkillers from my knee surgery a few years back I almost got a restful night's sleep.

The neck/shoulder area is still stressed out, but it's feeling a bit better.

I am really really really really really REALLY glad it's Friday.

It has been a long week.  Fortunately my coworker was back yesterday and I wasn't too stressed out.

I am contemplating taking a yoga class tonight.  I'm thinking maybe it will help relax the body a little bit (and sweat out the corn dogs I had for dinner the other night).

This weekend is shaping up to be uneventful which is perfectly fine with me.  I'm not really in the mood to do much out of the ordinary.  Perhaps I will go on a road trip and/or long walk...  or maybe I will just do more laundry - it never ends.

Next item -  Someone in my apartment building is organizing a garage sale next month.  I think I'm going to participate.... I have an inner spring futon that I need to get rid of - if I can get money for it that would be great.  After the garage sale there is also going to be a potluck.  That will be fun to meet some of my neighbors.

Oh look, I've run out of time... I need to hose myself off and get going...

booya.

Falling apart (again)

It has been one of those weeks again...

Here are my complaints/statements in no particular order:

My neck still hurts (my head not so much).  - going to the Chiropractor helped but I have to go back on Tuesday for a tune-up...  It turns out that I did a number on my body when I fell off the platform during class.

I'm tired. 

I'm eating too much crap (because I'm tired and I don't feel good).

People have been out sick this week at work which makes my work load a bit more challenging.

On a positive note, my apartment is clean.

Here is a random photo of the lights at the Whitney Museum of American Art which I took last month...

maybe someday I will take the time to take more photos and post them...  I need a benefactor.

Finally a break...

This morning my chiropractor is coming into the office special for me....  I will finally (hopefully) get rid of this headache... it's bringing me down.

I don't have much time to type... 

Not much to report.  I tried to bring more pep yesterday morning.  I think maybe I did... me and pep?  meh.

Last night my momma decided to sneak into my class... I didn't even call her out.  I think she survived.

What else...  yesterday I was the only staff person in the office... my cohort was out sick.  Hopefully she will be back today.  We have a temp coming in so it shouldn't be too bad.  Just as long as my headache goes away...  blech.

maybe someday soon I will quit being cranky... we can only hope.

Clean clean clean...

I am having one of those big brother clothing parties today.. My apartment is almost clean.

I just have a few things to clear off my coffee table (and hide in my closet).

I'm still a little miffed about needing more "pep" when I teach at 6am.

I just want to tell everyone to take a flying leap.

I should start cleaning again... but I'd rather sit here and drink more coffee...

oh, and Happy St. Patrick's Day.

Need more pep.

I was asked if I could be a little more peppy when I teach at 6am.

No comment.

It's 6am.  I'm almost 46 years old!

I said I would try...  this is where I differ from some other fitness instructors... I am a normal human being.  I  have an innate need to be asleep at 6am (or at least on the sofa drinking coffee).  It's going against nature to be overtly peppy all the time... I suppose if I took "supplements" or drank energy drinks I might have more pep but I'd be wired... I don't like feeling that way.

As I said before - I said I would try.  More pep and talk more.  I feel like I'm talking all the time.

Boo.

Perhaps my schedule is catching up with me... 

I need a benefactor.

I'm still here.

I keep trudging along.

I've been dealing with a headache/shoulder ache since I ran into the wall the other day.. been too busy to do anything about it.

okay, I take that back.  I just called the chiropractor.

I picked up my car yesterday and she is really pretty...  I just hope nobody backs into me when they are parallel parking...

Work is work.... construction is going to drive me crazy.  I have to clean my apartment before Sunday, I need to quit eating crap...

Goodness... this sounds like a rant.

I must admit I'm kind of cranky.

On the flip side of that I AM feeling a little bit of my funny self coming back. (however little a bit it might be...).

I've been dreaming about taking a vacation someplace warm.  I haven't really gone somewhere nice and warm for a long time.  It might be nice.

I think that's it...  I'm done ranting.

For now.

The blog post which recounts you almost knocking yourself out during class...

This morning I almost went head first into a glass block wall.

During class I realized that I had to use the restroom or I was going to be in trouble.... graceful me got off the bike after a drill and tried to run to the restroom.  It didn't work.  My feet got caught up and I tripped head first into the wall.  Luckily I was falling in slow motion so I managed to get my hands out in front of me to catch myself.

Bruised palm, bruised pride, sore shoulder and a headache..  I may have to make a date with my chiropractor again...

The good news is I got laundry done and I won't have to go commando tomorrow...

This week should be interesting.  Taking my car in.  Who knows how long it will take to get it fixed.  Hopefully not as long as I'm thinking it will.  I am going to expect the worst though.. it's par for the course - the way my luck has been lately.

I'm trying to remain semi-positive about things.  It's a bit challenging but I will do my best.

I am going to make myself feel better by watching episodes of Hoarding Buried Alive... it should do the trick.

the inability to get out once you get in...

I made it home about 1:30 or so and never really made it out again today... the laundry definitely didn't get done...

Oh well.

I'm kind of sad-ish this afternoon...  well, not exactly sad.  Just a bit on the lonely side I guess. 

Maybe I'll go to bed soon... it is Daylight saving times tonight... might as well get the extra hour back on the front end...

I made it to Saturday

I only spent 11 plus hours at work yesterday.

Everything got done and I only almost cried once..  it wasn't as bad as Thursday though.

I will be glad when this whole thing is over.  I'm developing my construction cough.

Okay, I don't feel too bad... I just saw a story on Justin Beiber... he's having a harder week than I am.  But he has a ton of money so I guess he can manage...

Today I am subbing the Body Sculpt and Cycle classes... we shall be doing wall squats!  That's really the only thing I feel comfortable teaching.

I absolutely need to do some laundry or it's not going to be pretty... I had a waxing appointment schedule but that had to be rescheduled...  I guess I will just have to hide my armpits.

I think I need a vacation.  Really.  Someplace warm.

No Desire to go to Work Today

I am not a construction manager.

I am not looking forward to going into work.

I have to be there at 7am for furniture moving...  I'm waking up with nightmares.

I will be glad when this is over.

I only cried once yesterday... I know everything will work out in the end, but people need to chill out and work amongst themselves.

If you are thinking about working with Integra for your phones - think again. 

oh, and I am crampy...

Thank goodness it's Friday.

Are we sure it's not Friday?

Wicked Brutal.

That's the term that Christie Johnson (local news reporter here in Seattle) just used...

That's how my week is feeling so far.  I am just too busy.

I think a vacation would be nice.  Someplace warm.  I could use a little color in my cheeks.

The good news is that I managed to do the dishes this morning.

Tonight I shall try to get some laundry done if I get home in time...  It's first Thursday and I think it would be good to look at art and try to be social.  You know it's not always easy for me to get out.  I'm okay once I'm out there, it's just hard to get out there.

okay, back to the office.. (or maybe we were never talking about the office)... we're in the middle of construction and I think I"m developing black lung (is that right?)...  no, I think the dust is making my throat sore.

After tomorrow I won't have a desk to sit at.  Let me rephrase that - I won't have a real desk.  I will have a folding table.  Today the cabling to some new temporary offices will take place.  Blech.

Tomorrow I have to be there at 7am.  At least I'm an early riser.

Okay - that was a pretty good rant.  I haven't done that in a while.

I could rant about other things too, but I'll save those things for later.

Geez it's early

It's only Wednesday.

This week has proven to be out of control.

Work is going gangbusters... our construction is in full swing and I am only partially in the loop.  It might help if you tell the office manager what is going on... it might help.  It's a good thing that I hold up under pressure...  I'm going to be running on fumes by the end of the week.  Friday morning I have to be at work by 7am for the movers... good thing I'm used to getting up early to teach.

Only two more classes to teach and I get a break from that too.  I'm subbing classes on Saturday so I don't get my usual three day break but that's alright.  I might be getting to the stage where I may give up a class... I'd just have to decide which one to give up... ah, I probably won't give any up... but I dream of a day when I don't have to work out all the time (then I'd probably gain 20 pounds).

Some point in the future I would like to do the dishes... it's just not happening yet.  I'm not at a hoarders stage yet, but you know I'm just one jug full of urine away from being called for an intervention (I'm kidding)...

Overall the place (my apartment) is looking pretty good..  I am having people over in a few weeks and have to get everything in tip top shape..

There was a grant application due today which of course I'm not going to get done... oh well.  I've gotten 2 out of the last 3 done so I'm doing better than I usually do....

I need a vacation.

I've got nothing for you today.

No post - not really in the mood.

It'd be nice to stay home today, but I can't. Poo.

What Now?

Yesterday with some help of taking off my socks and activity monitor I was able to get back to goal at ww.

Now I don't have to officially weigh in until next month (although I will be weighing in just to keep track)....

Haircut and color went alright (it was a new person... she passed the test).

Today I am teaching and then going to work on an art application...

Perhaps I will go for a long walk when I'm done with the application.

I don't have much more to report than that.

I suppose that is good.

Flowers

These flowers were from the service yesterday.

Overall it went really well.

It was nice to see everyone I know and meet others that I didn't know.

We went to dinner afterward at the Wedgewood Broiler.  Overall it was a good day.

More to come later when I have more time.

Now I'm off to see if the bereavement diet worked...  I was .4 from goal last week.

Fingers crossed.

Friday

I don't really have much to say today.

I went to my Dad's storage locker yesterday and took out a few boxes.  Man, did he sure have a lot of ties.

He liked his ties a lot....  I'm hoping that someone else in the future will like his ties as much as he did.   I don't know exactly if we're going to donate everything, but I did take a purply striped shirt for myself.

Today I shall work on cleaning up my place a little bit more - it's coming along but there's a way to go.  I did dishes this morning...  I have my art work table up in my living room so that has a bunch of art making supplies on it...

This weekend is interview weekend at SAIC.  A friend of mine I met while I was at the Vermont Studio Center has an interview with the Fibers and Material Studies Department.  I wrote her a recommendation... I'm glad she's got the interview....   when I saw her work I thought she would fit right in.  I told her to say hi to my friend Karolina (the Grad coordinator)... I sure miss her.

Let's all keep our fingers crossed that the interview goes well.

This afternoon looks to be a bit emotional, but good...  a lot of people have a lot of good things to say about my Dad.  It turns out that one of my blog followers children went to Kimball Elementary and had my Dad as a librarian.

I've been trying to thing about the reasons why I haven't been more upset (distraught) about my father dying...  I have come up with the following reasons:

I was always truthful about things with my dad.

I don't have a husband, significant other, or children so I don't have to manage multiple tasks and deal with other peoples emotions.

My longtime camp counseling experiences have helped develop my spiritual life... I have more of a sense of God (or spirit) that gives me comfort that me and my loved ones will be taken care of.

My watching of Long Island Medium (I know - this sounds like a crock).  But by watching this show it has given me peace in that when someone isn't physically here, their spirit still is...

I'm sure there are other reasons...  I would rather be happy for his life than be sad in loss...

I've said it before - there were sides of him that he didn't show to the public - but I love him for all those imperfections as well.

I have to read Psalm 23 today...  I hope I don't mess up.  but if I do it doesn't matter...

perhaps we can start moving on a bit when the day is done...

Not so busy day...

I am taking the next two days off. 

First item of business is to get an estimate done on my car.  Hopefully the process of getting things repaired will go smoothly.

After that I have two immediate options.

Clean my apartment and do laundry.

Sit on the sofa and drink more coffee.


Then later on today I am planning on going over to my father's storage locker and taking some things out of it.  I'm not exactly sure what all is in it - I know there's a bookcase and some records.  Perhaps a few pictures as well.  I know there's a box of clothing that we kept for when my dad moved back into assisted living (which we pretty much knew wasn't going to happen).  I think I will donate those clothes (maybe I'll keep out a nice sweater to wear when I want to be near him)..  He was a big fan of cardigans.

I think I will also work in a workout this afternoon.  My grief induced lack of desire to eat period is officially over.  It's been a carb fest - maybe I already mentioned that...

I visited the chiropractor yesterday - he got my neck back into shape - my headache has gone away.  That's good.

Tomorrow I'm reading Psalm 23 during the service... I have to practice that today...  my dad always told me to go slow and not speed up my  speech...  don't want to let him down.  I also have to make sure I don't read from the wrong version of the Bible... maybe I should look up the Cotton Patch version - that might be interesting (but I wouldn't use it)...  It's the Revised Standard Version for my dad all the way... (I'm double checking that with my sister though...).

That is it today (for now).

One Down, One to Go

The memorial service yesterday was nice... there was only a few instances of blubbering - but we managed to get through it.

I think my mourning tummy is gone... mourning tummy is when you're too sad to eat anything. I don't have that problem anymore...  carb fest is the phrase that sums up everything now...

Today I am teaching, working and then I have a chiropractic appointment.  My neck is a bit out of whack and my shoulder is wonky... I think a tune up is needed.

Tomorrow and Friday I will take off.  Tomorrow I plan on helping out my momma if she needs it - she's been baking up a storm getting ready for my Dad's big service... last count there were 25 dozen cookies in the freezer at home. 

I'm driving to the gym today so I don't have to rush around this morning.  That's a good thing.

I don't know if I posted this, but it's the famous bloody mary photo of my Dad that was on the program from yesterday - the residents of the Hearthstone loved it.  They said it was fitting!

Sleepin in (not)

I could have slept in today - I made it 'til 6:20...

Today is the first of two memorial services for my Dad.  I am taking the day off as a precaution... I think today's service will be pretty low key.  It's going to be at the Hearthstone.  It's for the people he lived with for the past 9 years or so, and his care-givers.

The people at the Hearthstone were wonderful to my father.  He wasn't always the most warm and fuzzy person in his last years, but they were very patient and loving towards him.  They took really good care of him and I am grateful for that.

For the most part I think I'm holding up pretty well.  I have most visceral reactions when I read what former students have written about my Dad... he was a great educator and was very loving towards all of his students.  He meant a lot to everyone he taught.  There are a lot of kids who turned into writers.  It's really nice....  I didn't turn into a writer (okay, maybe I'm wrong - look what I'm doing here...)... I think I turned into more of a visual story teller.  It's nice to think of that legacy.

What else is going on...  I'm hoping that my Dad will send me some help in cleaning up my apartment.

I think it was him who initiated the car accident which will result in the repair of my/our car.  It's a bit of a hassle, but just another one of those things.

Okay, I am officially getting distracted so I better get a move on.

Monday Again.

I am back to the grindstone...

I think I am feeling better.... after a day of doing a whole lot of nothing (well - not actually nothing) I am feeling a little less tired.  It's going to be a busy week of working, memorial services and getting my car taken care of...

I can tackle it though.

Last night my appetite came back - at least a little bit.  I had a bit of a carb fest.  I just have to keep things in check so I can get back to that stinking goal weight at ww... only .4 to go.

I think my brain is working better.

I think I might actually be able to function at work today.  I have a few things to do - I don't feel quite as exhausted as I have so I might actually accomplish things.

It's really windy outside - I hope I don't get blown away when I walk to the gym.

Obituary and loose ends.

Here is a link to my Dad's Obituary.

I woke up at 3am and posted it on FB... you don't have any idea on how long it took us to decide on that photo...  I was rather fond of a photo I took of him with a Bloody Mary but my auntie Bev didn't approve.

Oh well.

Yesterday turned out a bit differently than I was planning.  My acupuncture/massage appointment was canceled.  I ran around Greenlake once without stopping and it felt pretty good... I would have gone around one more time but I had to use the facilities...

I ended up having lunch with one of my ww friends and then bought a guest book for the services this week and a pair of bereavement shoes (yeah - I bet you didn't know that there was such thing as bereavement shoes did you?)... they were on sale.  And since my appointment was canceled I went ahead and bought them.

I had been invited to a celebratory dinner for a friend of mine which I decided to pass on attending.  I'm trying to catch up on my sleep and I ended up watching Moonrise Kingdom and going to bed a little past 9:30.

I haven't gotten around to completely cleaning up the apartment, but I did manage to do dishes and laundry... and take the recycling out.  It's progress.  I will continue tonight while I'm watching the Oscars.  I haven't watched a single nominated movie this year... I had planned to see Silver Linings Playbook but that got disrupted.

After class this morning I may go to lunch with my friends from the gym.

I'm playing the mourning card... okay, maybe I'm not playing it - but I am selective over who I want to spend my time with right now and now I want to hang out with my gym buddies.

Ah - I also talked to insurance adjusters yesterday and made a statement about the accident - hopefully that will be resolved quickly.  At least my car is drivable. I have an appointment for an estimate on Thursday morning.

Oh, I was .4 away from being within my goal weight... next week for sure.