Parties and shows and movies and so much yummy things to eat! But that's not what Christmas is all about. Lest we forget, it's about the wondrous Gift given almost 2000 years ago by Heavenly Father to us and then from Christ to us as he gave himself a ransom for our sins (ok, I am actually borrowing phrases from hymns, so sue me).
I was reminded of this last Sunday night as I went to the Christmas Devotional at the stake center. I normally just stay home and miss it, but this year I'd leant three of my nativities to the annual display, and needed to pick them up, so I went to the broadcast (something my church does every year the first Sunday in December). I sat and knit (I have to knit, my presents aren't finished yet!) and listened and was reminded of what's truly important.
I had a nice Thanksgiving at my friend Kellie's house. We were joined by another family, so the table was full, and the food was very yummy. Kellie and I then went to visit another friend, afterwards returning to watch an episode of LOST. Always a good time.
The next day I braved the stores, but not until about 9:00am, and hit a nice lull--the lines were actually fairly short, and the stores weren't crowded. I got all the fabric I should need for the next year for baby blankets, and even did some other shopping. Then home to put things away and cuddle with my kitty.
Kitty's been very nice lately (ok, not this morning, but that was my fault). I think she's trying to show me that she's the 'good' cat. Ani, on the other hand, is still hiding behind the futon in the basement. I bought him a nice fluffy pad that should help him keep warm, but it also has the effect that I can't see him when he's on it. In a day or two I'm going to switch it with the one I bought Kitty--identical pads (actually, two in one box), so maybe they can start getting used to one another's smell. Ani still seems quite timid, but does seem like he's adjusted to his new situation. I just need Ani and Kitty to not fight--even if they ignore each other, that would be ok too.
Went to see HP7 pt1 that weekend as well--I really liked it. My main frustration with the whole movie series is that they left out a couple of key things in the previous 2-3 movies that would have made the beginning of this movie make a lot more sense. I'm still mad they didn't include Dobby in Goblet of Fire, but oh well. I suppose I shall have to just deal with it. He's back in this movie, finally. they still skip over too many things, expecting people to have read the book, I imagine, but that's ok.
The last week has been rather tame as I have been busy at work trying to finish up a document. It's done now, thankfully. Got lots to do still at home to finish getting ready for Christmas. And I have no idea what to put in my annual Christmas letter!
Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Thanksgiving Time again
Around this time of year, I always get a little pensive. My favorite Thanksgivings were when I was growing up. We'd have the big family dinner, my Uncle Bill would come over, and sometimes we'd have other people too, friends and family. I remember one year, I think I was five, Dad put a plank on some sawhorses on the patio in the back yard, Mom dressed it up, and we had our family, Uncle Clive's family, and Uncle Bill all there. I remember the time I first was allowed to make cranberry sauce myself, and how I got splattered when the berries would pop. I remember the year I helped Mom in the kitchen, and I didn't want to do the yams, so I did everything else. Sadly, Mom burned her hand on the yams, taking them out of the oven, I think. I felt bad about that, but like Mom said, I was there helping. I remember the trips we'd make to the Sav-a-Minit market on the corner for those last-minute items--marshmellows, canned pumpkin, stuff like that. There was always a football game on TV, which was turned off during dinner.
My favorite part of the day, though, once dinner was over and mostly cleaned up (we would pick at the remains for hours--a small breakfast and dinner was all we got this day), a brother or sister would sit at the piano and we, my siblings and I, would sing Christmas songs for hours. Dad, being a Band Teacher, didn't want any Christmas songs in the house any earlier than after Thanksgiving dinner, since he had to deal with them starting in September. But this was my favorite part.
Sadly, as the years have gone by, my family has moved away from home, and going back for Thanksgiving just isn't the same now that my Mom has passed on. I don't think I've actually been back there since my nephew Limi was on his mission several years ago. I have had the priviledge of joining my sister Beckie at her house for Thanksgiving several times over the last 8 years they were on the East Coast. Of course, they're back in Utah now too.
One thing I've been thinking about is moving back West. I've even started looking at the JPL job site. I don't think this is something that will happen anytime soon, not until after at least 60 days after RBSP launches (currently scheduled for May 2012). But I'm keeping my eyes open for the opportunity. Like everything else in my life, when the time is right, the way will appear. The Lord takes care of me like that.
So this year I'll be joining friends for dinner and sleeping in my own bed at night. With my cats. Who don't even know that this is a holiday. But at least Kitty will be happy that I'm home, there to open the door for here whenever she wants. Well, mostly. I'm thinking about braving a couple stores on Friday, and on Saturday I'm meeting up with my friends in VA to see Harry Potter. Can't believe I haven't gone to see it yet. (no spoilers please!!!)
In other news, my friend's son, who's serving a mission in Singapore, assigned to the island of Pana-somehting at the moment, was in a serious accident. He was riding his bike and was hit from behind by a car. A big car. After several miracles and a couple of surgeries, it looks like he'll be ok, but any prayers or good thoughts you can send his way, I know the family would appreciate it. His name is Elder Jeremy Schone. The family moved to Utah in August, so really, all I can do is pray. And ask other people to add him to their prayers.
Happy Thanksgiving, everyone.
My favorite part of the day, though, once dinner was over and mostly cleaned up (we would pick at the remains for hours--a small breakfast and dinner was all we got this day), a brother or sister would sit at the piano and we, my siblings and I, would sing Christmas songs for hours. Dad, being a Band Teacher, didn't want any Christmas songs in the house any earlier than after Thanksgiving dinner, since he had to deal with them starting in September. But this was my favorite part.
Sadly, as the years have gone by, my family has moved away from home, and going back for Thanksgiving just isn't the same now that my Mom has passed on. I don't think I've actually been back there since my nephew Limi was on his mission several years ago. I have had the priviledge of joining my sister Beckie at her house for Thanksgiving several times over the last 8 years they were on the East Coast. Of course, they're back in Utah now too.
One thing I've been thinking about is moving back West. I've even started looking at the JPL job site. I don't think this is something that will happen anytime soon, not until after at least 60 days after RBSP launches (currently scheduled for May 2012). But I'm keeping my eyes open for the opportunity. Like everything else in my life, when the time is right, the way will appear. The Lord takes care of me like that.
So this year I'll be joining friends for dinner and sleeping in my own bed at night. With my cats. Who don't even know that this is a holiday. But at least Kitty will be happy that I'm home, there to open the door for here whenever she wants. Well, mostly. I'm thinking about braving a couple stores on Friday, and on Saturday I'm meeting up with my friends in VA to see Harry Potter. Can't believe I haven't gone to see it yet. (no spoilers please!!!)
In other news, my friend's son, who's serving a mission in Singapore, assigned to the island of Pana-somehting at the moment, was in a serious accident. He was riding his bike and was hit from behind by a car. A big car. After several miracles and a couple of surgeries, it looks like he'll be ok, but any prayers or good thoughts you can send his way, I know the family would appreciate it. His name is Elder Jeremy Schone. The family moved to Utah in August, so really, all I can do is pray. And ask other people to add him to their prayers.
Happy Thanksgiving, everyone.
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Crucial Conversations
I've been in a training class for two of the last three days learning how to handle crucial conversations--the ones where there's high stress, high emotions, and high stakes. We were encouraged to use examples from our lives, both professionally and personally. I'm kind of excited to start using my new skills at work and at church--somehow I don't think my cats will be that responsive. Since part of it has to do with paying attention to others, I've been using my tv as a training tool as well, although I do tend to watch more scripted shows than reality shows. But people are people, even when acting, so the same types of behaviors come out.
I used to read a lot of these types of books, 7 habits for highly successful people, lifebalance, even the myth of self esteem, but it's been quite a while since I've read anything, or even taken a class that would help with my relationships with others. I think my last class was something about relationships, and the one before that was another work-related course on the essentials of supervision. Not sure why I've dropped that ball, but I'm hoping this gets me back on my way to being a better communicator.
Meanwhile, since I last wrote, I'm managing to get back to being healthy. I still cough, espeically when I laugh to much (Raising Hope is SO FUNNY--the baby barked! it was hilarious! Ok, so the kid was in a daycare that only had dogs with her, so she was learning how to be a dog and that was kind of what the episode was about, but it was so cute), and every now and then my sinuses need cleared, but for the most part I'm getting there. I had to miss our blood drive at work this month, but my church is holding one at the end of the month, so hopefully I'll be able to do that then.
last weekend I went out and saw Secretariat--I'd recieved a free ticket from Regal Theaters (gotta love the members' card) so I decided to use it. That is a really good movie. I love the horse, he was great. It's amazing the things that happened, truly. And if you don't want to go see it now, you really should think about it. Course, I think it's out of the theaters now, but it will be on DVD in a few more months. I'm hoping it makes the list at Oscar time, it was really good.
Other than that I've just been trying to take care of work and keep up my house and not think too much about my not being able to go visit my sister for Thanksgiving or Christmas this year. 8 years. That's how long they were on the East coast. Before they came, I never went anywhere, and now I suppose I'll return to that. Somewhat. Time to get stock in an airline or something.
I used to read a lot of these types of books, 7 habits for highly successful people, lifebalance, even the myth of self esteem, but it's been quite a while since I've read anything, or even taken a class that would help with my relationships with others. I think my last class was something about relationships, and the one before that was another work-related course on the essentials of supervision. Not sure why I've dropped that ball, but I'm hoping this gets me back on my way to being a better communicator.
Meanwhile, since I last wrote, I'm managing to get back to being healthy. I still cough, espeically when I laugh to much (Raising Hope is SO FUNNY--the baby barked! it was hilarious! Ok, so the kid was in a daycare that only had dogs with her, so she was learning how to be a dog and that was kind of what the episode was about, but it was so cute), and every now and then my sinuses need cleared, but for the most part I'm getting there. I had to miss our blood drive at work this month, but my church is holding one at the end of the month, so hopefully I'll be able to do that then.
last weekend I went out and saw Secretariat--I'd recieved a free ticket from Regal Theaters (gotta love the members' card) so I decided to use it. That is a really good movie. I love the horse, he was great. It's amazing the things that happened, truly. And if you don't want to go see it now, you really should think about it. Course, I think it's out of the theaters now, but it will be on DVD in a few more months. I'm hoping it makes the list at Oscar time, it was really good.
Other than that I've just been trying to take care of work and keep up my house and not think too much about my not being able to go visit my sister for Thanksgiving or Christmas this year. 8 years. That's how long they were on the East coast. Before they came, I never went anywhere, and now I suppose I'll return to that. Somewhat. Time to get stock in an airline or something.
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Combratt
Hmm, what is combratt? Sounds like fighting siblings to me ;)
so it's been a little while. I had one crazy week (I think I blogged about that), then a week or so of down-time. And being sick again.
I did, however, manage to see MegaMind with my friends last Saturday. So FUN! course, one of my friends hates 3D so I'm going to have to go back and see it again, so terrible. Definitely putting this on my list of DVD's to get when it comes out.
Ani and I seem to be going back and forth--some days we have progress, some days we don't. He hasn't been eating the last couple of days, but last week was a little traumatic with my cleaning lady and then my friends coming over to meet him. But it's going to be ok. Kitty, on the other hand, was very sweet to me while I was sick. Of course, now that I'm going back to work (and no longer at her beck and call--or is that bite and meow?), she's getting a little temperamental again.
Halloween was very fun--the Trunk or Treat at the church was great (and yes, the same family won the costume contest yet again--do the judges even look at the other costumes anymore? There were some really good ones that I felt should at least be acknowledged (two words: Bee Family)). I got rid of all my candy there. Halloween was on Sunday this year, but that doesn't make a big impact on me--I just stay home and hand out candy anyway. I got rid of all my candy there too. I even pulled out the small bag I'd put in the freezer for myself--I don't need that stuff. And I made cupcakes for the Nursery kids--they love that :D I do too, actually :)
Nothing major expected this week, thank goodness.
On the weight-loss front, I am making progress. I now have an exercise ball with dvd that I actually used last night (the first night I had it). It came with a 10-week exercise planner, too. I'm thinking 15 lbs in 10 weeks, and significant shrinkage in the tummy area. It annoys me to no end that the clothes I had last time I was at this weight I can't fit into now because all that re-gained weight ended up right on my tummy. :( Yes, I know the next 10 weeks includes both Thanksgiving and Christmas, but since I won't be going anywhere (i.e. to visit family) for either, I'm thinking I can be reasonable while at home and watch my portion sizes while out. The main goal is to be 30 lbs less by next June, because next June I'm going to CHINA.
Yes, that's right, I'm going to CHINA. For one of those ad-hoc choir tour things that I did three years ago and went to Austria and Germany. Same person organizing it--not the same company but that's ok. She's the one that did all the work. I'm so excited!!! And yes, that is another reason I'm not going anywhere for the next six months. I might even get my house and yard straightened out :)
Unless, of course, some Major Family Event happens. Exceptions can be made for marriages and possible mission farewells (though the next one probably won't be until after I get back from China, and will most likely be in the fall). And of course the Family Reunion (which is also next June--I hope the two don't conflict!)
so it's been a little while. I had one crazy week (I think I blogged about that), then a week or so of down-time. And being sick again.
I did, however, manage to see MegaMind with my friends last Saturday. So FUN! course, one of my friends hates 3D so I'm going to have to go back and see it again, so terrible. Definitely putting this on my list of DVD's to get when it comes out.
Ani and I seem to be going back and forth--some days we have progress, some days we don't. He hasn't been eating the last couple of days, but last week was a little traumatic with my cleaning lady and then my friends coming over to meet him. But it's going to be ok. Kitty, on the other hand, was very sweet to me while I was sick. Of course, now that I'm going back to work (and no longer at her beck and call--or is that bite and meow?), she's getting a little temperamental again.
Halloween was very fun--the Trunk or Treat at the church was great (and yes, the same family won the costume contest yet again--do the judges even look at the other costumes anymore? There were some really good ones that I felt should at least be acknowledged (two words: Bee Family)). I got rid of all my candy there. Halloween was on Sunday this year, but that doesn't make a big impact on me--I just stay home and hand out candy anyway. I got rid of all my candy there too. I even pulled out the small bag I'd put in the freezer for myself--I don't need that stuff. And I made cupcakes for the Nursery kids--they love that :D I do too, actually :)
Nothing major expected this week, thank goodness.
On the weight-loss front, I am making progress. I now have an exercise ball with dvd that I actually used last night (the first night I had it). It came with a 10-week exercise planner, too. I'm thinking 15 lbs in 10 weeks, and significant shrinkage in the tummy area. It annoys me to no end that the clothes I had last time I was at this weight I can't fit into now because all that re-gained weight ended up right on my tummy. :( Yes, I know the next 10 weeks includes both Thanksgiving and Christmas, but since I won't be going anywhere (i.e. to visit family) for either, I'm thinking I can be reasonable while at home and watch my portion sizes while out. The main goal is to be 30 lbs less by next June, because next June I'm going to CHINA.
Yes, that's right, I'm going to CHINA. For one of those ad-hoc choir tour things that I did three years ago and went to Austria and Germany. Same person organizing it--not the same company but that's ok. She's the one that did all the work. I'm so excited!!! And yes, that is another reason I'm not going anywhere for the next six months. I might even get my house and yard straightened out :)
Unless, of course, some Major Family Event happens. Exceptions can be made for marriages and possible mission farewells (though the next one probably won't be until after I get back from China, and will most likely be in the fall). And of course the Family Reunion (which is also next June--I hope the two don't conflict!)
Monday, October 25, 2010
Crazy time
I have been running around like a chicken with its head cut off. Not that I've ever seen such a thing, but my mother assured me that such a thing does happen.
Last week it felt like I had something going on every single night. It went something like this:
Monday: go shopping (flaked out--whoops)
Tuesday: really go shopping (major shopping trip to BJ's to stock up for the winter, as well as a side trip to Hobby Lobby because I'm so excited we have one in my area now). had to go directly after work to avoid the problem I had on Monday. Also had to stop after work at the American Radiology place for X-rays. I sat there for 30 minutes watching everyone who came in after me get called up. I finally practically ran up to the counter and they agreed to talk to me, but when I showed them my doctor's orders they said they didn't do that particular scan at that office, I'd have to go to Glen Burnie. Which would be closing in 5 minutes. Couldn't they have told me that earlier? When there was a chance I could make it to the Glen Burnie office that day? sigh.
Wednesday: really go get my scan taken (btw, nothing serious, just a check to see how much shorter my left leg is than my right) in Glen Burnie. Go pick up veggies from friend. Stop by baby shower.
Thursday: participate in Oktoberfest at work (the games part, and dinner), then go to LDS temple with friends (visiting teachers).
Friday: go to grocery store, then go out to New Market to see my former-roommate-now-friend Lisa and her fiance for dinner and movie at their house (he's actually staying somewhere else, but they get together every night at the house that they're buying--trust me, it's 'lds-legal').
Saturday: I did get to sleep in and veg, but then went to VA for dinner with friends and out to Cox Farms for their Fields of Fear. That was really fun. I don't like being scared, but we had a couple of screamers/teenagers in our group that set off all the scarey/surprise stuff before we got there. We did the Corn maze, the hay ride, a slide, and had too-hot spiced apple cider (my tounge is finally recovered from the burn, but it was worth it!).
Sunday: get up early and go to church for Choir Practice. Choir sang in church that day, then went to Nursery to find only one other person there to assist. We had a couple volunteers come in, including our sub while one of our other workers is gone for work, so it ended up ok, but three adults and 12 kids is really not fair odds. Especially with one little girl who just would not go play on her own, she had to be with one of us the entire time. So I did go home and crash and then stay up too late. Sigh.
So needless to say, I'm kind of tired (read: Exhausted) today.
On the cat front, Kitty was nice to me yesterday, but Saturday night she was less than thrilled that I came home and just wanted to go upstairs. I have the scars on my leg to prove it. Which really itches like crazy right now (that means it's healing, right?). Ani, on the other hand, has been responding to my bringing him food, and even played with me a little yesterday evening. I'm hoping he'll come out from behind the couch sometime this week. I'm going to try to encourage that.
This week should be LOT more calm. Only two planned evening activites: Medieval Times on Wednesday and our church Trunk or Treat on Friday. Should be fun!
Last week it felt like I had something going on every single night. It went something like this:
Monday: go shopping (flaked out--whoops)
Tuesday: really go shopping (major shopping trip to BJ's to stock up for the winter, as well as a side trip to Hobby Lobby because I'm so excited we have one in my area now). had to go directly after work to avoid the problem I had on Monday. Also had to stop after work at the American Radiology place for X-rays. I sat there for 30 minutes watching everyone who came in after me get called up. I finally practically ran up to the counter and they agreed to talk to me, but when I showed them my doctor's orders they said they didn't do that particular scan at that office, I'd have to go to Glen Burnie. Which would be closing in 5 minutes. Couldn't they have told me that earlier? When there was a chance I could make it to the Glen Burnie office that day? sigh.
Wednesday: really go get my scan taken (btw, nothing serious, just a check to see how much shorter my left leg is than my right) in Glen Burnie. Go pick up veggies from friend. Stop by baby shower.
Thursday: participate in Oktoberfest at work (the games part, and dinner), then go to LDS temple with friends (visiting teachers).
Friday: go to grocery store, then go out to New Market to see my former-roommate-now-friend Lisa and her fiance for dinner and movie at their house (he's actually staying somewhere else, but they get together every night at the house that they're buying--trust me, it's 'lds-legal').
Saturday: I did get to sleep in and veg, but then went to VA for dinner with friends and out to Cox Farms for their Fields of Fear. That was really fun. I don't like being scared, but we had a couple of screamers/teenagers in our group that set off all the scarey/surprise stuff before we got there. We did the Corn maze, the hay ride, a slide, and had too-hot spiced apple cider (my tounge is finally recovered from the burn, but it was worth it!).
Sunday: get up early and go to church for Choir Practice. Choir sang in church that day, then went to Nursery to find only one other person there to assist. We had a couple volunteers come in, including our sub while one of our other workers is gone for work, so it ended up ok, but three adults and 12 kids is really not fair odds. Especially with one little girl who just would not go play on her own, she had to be with one of us the entire time. So I did go home and crash and then stay up too late. Sigh.
So needless to say, I'm kind of tired (read: Exhausted) today.
On the cat front, Kitty was nice to me yesterday, but Saturday night she was less than thrilled that I came home and just wanted to go upstairs. I have the scars on my leg to prove it. Which really itches like crazy right now (that means it's healing, right?). Ani, on the other hand, has been responding to my bringing him food, and even played with me a little yesterday evening. I'm hoping he'll come out from behind the couch sometime this week. I'm going to try to encourage that.
This week should be LOT more calm. Only two planned evening activites: Medieval Times on Wednesday and our church Trunk or Treat on Friday. Should be fun!
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Obesity in America | Down to Earth
In agrarian societies, you can tell who the wealthy people are by how fat they are--they don't need to work for their own food. I guess this means America is prosperous, but in an odd turn of events, it would seem that the wealthy are the thin ones.
After all, at fine dining restaurants, the portions are properly controlled. Personal trainers are expensive, but they whip you into shape. Even a gym membership is costly.
So the poor and the middle class are left with food options that are cheap (less than $20), outrageously portion-sized (a thinking person can get 2-3 mealsout of one depending on what is ordered) and no incentive to go to the gym. Yes, a good pair of walking shoes is only about $60, and the rest of that particular exercise is free, but apparently we would much rather go home and sit in front of the television for hours on end. Watching cable/FIOS/satellite TV. Which, come to think of it, would cost about the same as a gym membership.
Hmmm. We're too prosperous for our own good.
read this:
Obesity in America Down to Earth
After all, at fine dining restaurants, the portions are properly controlled. Personal trainers are expensive, but they whip you into shape. Even a gym membership is costly.
So the poor and the middle class are left with food options that are cheap (less than $20), outrageously portion-sized (a thinking person can get 2-3 mealsout of one depending on what is ordered) and no incentive to go to the gym. Yes, a good pair of walking shoes is only about $60, and the rest of that particular exercise is free, but apparently we would much rather go home and sit in front of the television for hours on end. Watching cable/FIOS/satellite TV. Which, come to think of it, would cost about the same as a gym membership.
Hmmm. We're too prosperous for our own good.
read this:
Obesity in America Down to Earth
Monday, October 18, 2010
A little excitement
We're conducting fire drills at work today. So this annoyingly loud, piercing noise goes off, complete with flashing lights, and we get to go down the stairs from the fifth floor, ready to head out of the building. We actually get stopped on the second floor by a fireman who told us we didn't have to go *all* the way outside unless the whole building was on fire (the drill was just for our floor). So we waited for a few minutes for them to give the all clear, and then we were climbing back up the stairs (72 steps) back up to our offices. I'm awake now, thank you very much!
My cat Kitty was very good last night. She stayed with me all night and didn't attack me once! I had such a headache (which I still have but can't feel at the moment thanks to the Excedrin I took this morning) that I kept waking up, and there she was, laying beside me all night long. OK, well, once I woke up and she was on the window sill making sure the neighborhood was still safe, or maybe just being nosy, but the rest of the night she was right there. She didn't attack me once! Unfortunately, this morning, little Ani decided to come upstairs. I heard the alterctaion and ran to stop it, so I'm hoping there was no physical contact, just the roar of an angry cat. I've blocked Kitty upstairs while I'm gone today--I want Ani to be able to come upstairs without fear, or at least when I'm around and can keep Kitty from fighting him. I have to do something to get her used to him, I think he's ok with her, but I can't be sure.
I did good with my addictions yesterday too. Only watched 2 shows, ate dinner while watching but then stopped eating. Didn't spend the time playing Tetris while watching either. I've been doing that a lot lately. If I'm not going to watch tv, I shouldn't turn it on, right? Silly Julia.
by now, time to get back to work!
My cat Kitty was very good last night. She stayed with me all night and didn't attack me once! I had such a headache (which I still have but can't feel at the moment thanks to the Excedrin I took this morning) that I kept waking up, and there she was, laying beside me all night long. OK, well, once I woke up and she was on the window sill making sure the neighborhood was still safe, or maybe just being nosy, but the rest of the night she was right there. She didn't attack me once! Unfortunately, this morning, little Ani decided to come upstairs. I heard the alterctaion and ran to stop it, so I'm hoping there was no physical contact, just the roar of an angry cat. I've blocked Kitty upstairs while I'm gone today--I want Ani to be able to come upstairs without fear, or at least when I'm around and can keep Kitty from fighting him. I have to do something to get her used to him, I think he's ok with her, but I can't be sure.
I did good with my addictions yesterday too. Only watched 2 shows, ate dinner while watching but then stopped eating. Didn't spend the time playing Tetris while watching either. I've been doing that a lot lately. If I'm not going to watch tv, I shouldn't turn it on, right? Silly Julia.
by now, time to get back to work!
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Happy Birthday, Mom
My mommy would have been 74 today. She passsed away in January of 2000 of a liver disease that we still believe was caused by all the Motrin the doctors had her on. She was in a lot of pain. But she still managed to be cheerful through it all. Or at least every time I talked to her.
I find myself turning into my mother.
My oldest sister used to look down on me because of that, but I'm not sure it's a bad thing. After all, she's kind of turning into Mom too.
Warning (her favorite poem) by Jenny Joseph
When I am an old woman I shall wear purple
With a red hat which doesn't go, and doesn't suit me.
And I shall spend my pension on brandy and summer gloves
And satin sandals, and say we've no money for butter.
I shall sit down on the pavement when I'm tired
And gobble up samples in shops and press alarm bells
And run my stick along the public railings
And make up for the sobriety of my youth.
I shall go out in my slippers in the rain
And pick flowers in other people's gardens
And learn to spit.
You can wear terrible shirts and grow more fat
And eat three pounds of sausages at a go
Or only bread and pickle for a week
And hoard pens and pencils and beermats and things in boxes.
But now we must have clothes that keep us dry
And pay our rent and not swear in the street
And set a good example for the children.
We must have friends to dinner and read the papers.
But maybe I ought to practice a little now?
So people who know me are not too shocked and surprised
When suddenly I am old, and start to wear purple.
I find myself turning into my mother.
My oldest sister used to look down on me because of that, but I'm not sure it's a bad thing. After all, she's kind of turning into Mom too.
I decided I should go ahead and adopt the good mannerisms she had and things that she did
be kind to everyone
serve others
take care of people
love her family
trust in the Lord
faith
cook good food
seamstress/ crafter
doll maker
I should not adopt the bad things, though. I have plenty of those on my own (and no, I'm not going to list those).
Warning (her favorite poem) by Jenny Joseph
When I am an old woman I shall wear purple
With a red hat which doesn't go, and doesn't suit me.
And I shall spend my pension on brandy and summer gloves
And satin sandals, and say we've no money for butter.
I shall sit down on the pavement when I'm tired
And gobble up samples in shops and press alarm bells
And run my stick along the public railings
And make up for the sobriety of my youth.
I shall go out in my slippers in the rain
And pick flowers in other people's gardens
And learn to spit.
You can wear terrible shirts and grow more fat
And eat three pounds of sausages at a go
Or only bread and pickle for a week
And hoard pens and pencils and beermats and things in boxes.
But now we must have clothes that keep us dry
And pay our rent and not swear in the street
And set a good example for the children.
We must have friends to dinner and read the papers.
But maybe I ought to practice a little now?
So people who know me are not too shocked and surprised
When suddenly I am old, and start to wear purple.
Monday, October 4, 2010
four-two-four
Four days off to go to CA, two days at work, and then another four days at home... being sick. Yuck. Pretty sure I caught it on the plane coming home. Well, if you have to be sick, Conference weekend is probably the weekend to do it, I think. I had nothing else planned, and since I'd already set up the dvr to record conference, I didn't feel too bad when I slept through part of it. The cat was happy I was home. Well, one of them. I'm afraid it's going to take Ani a while to get used to me again.
The one talk that really made an impression was the one on additctions. This may be a little TMI. I'm not addicted to drugs or alcohol or pornography, no, I'm addicted to ordinary things. Food. Solitaire games on the computer. TV shows. I have got to work on these things.
The good news is, my tv schedule for this new fall season is fairly reasonable. except for the ones that are all on at the same time.
Monday I record: House, Chuck, Mike&Molly, Castle, and Hawaii 5-0. So far, loving all of them. I plan on watching Dancing with the Stars on my other tv upstairs but that hasn't happened just yet.
Tuesday I record: No Ordinary Family, NCIS, Lie to Me, Raising Hope, The Good Wife. I may watch Glee upstairs as well, but I'm not sure about that. Glee has some good moments, but every time I watch it there's some really horridly suggestive routine going on and I just can't handle it.
Wednesday I record: Undercovers and The Defenders. Yup, that's right, only two shows. Amazing, isn't it?
Thursday I record: The Mentalist. yeah, one show. It's on at 10:00pm, though, so I really shouldn't stay up to watch it.
Friday I record: Medium, Human Target, and Blue Bloods. I know, I could even watch two of these in real time. Although I prefer recording because then I can race through the commercials.
Saturday and Sunday: nada. That's right, nothing to record. Which means I can catch up all the shows I haven't had a chance to watch, or, gasp, go do something else. Can you imagine??
For the food addiction I'm doing weight watchers (yes, I CAN eat that, I just have to watch my portion sizes). For the solitaire, I don't know, I may have to cut off my fingers or something.
Ok, time for more cold medication now.
The one talk that really made an impression was the one on additctions. This may be a little TMI. I'm not addicted to drugs or alcohol or pornography, no, I'm addicted to ordinary things. Food. Solitaire games on the computer. TV shows. I have got to work on these things.
The good news is, my tv schedule for this new fall season is fairly reasonable. except for the ones that are all on at the same time.
Monday I record: House, Chuck, Mike&Molly, Castle, and Hawaii 5-0. So far, loving all of them. I plan on watching Dancing with the Stars on my other tv upstairs but that hasn't happened just yet.
Tuesday I record: No Ordinary Family, NCIS, Lie to Me, Raising Hope, The Good Wife. I may watch Glee upstairs as well, but I'm not sure about that. Glee has some good moments, but every time I watch it there's some really horridly suggestive routine going on and I just can't handle it.
Wednesday I record: Undercovers and The Defenders. Yup, that's right, only two shows. Amazing, isn't it?
Thursday I record: The Mentalist. yeah, one show. It's on at 10:00pm, though, so I really shouldn't stay up to watch it.
Friday I record: Medium, Human Target, and Blue Bloods. I know, I could even watch two of these in real time. Although I prefer recording because then I can race through the commercials.
Saturday and Sunday: nada. That's right, nothing to record. Which means I can catch up all the shows I haven't had a chance to watch, or, gasp, go do something else. Can you imagine??
For the food addiction I'm doing weight watchers (yes, I CAN eat that, I just have to watch my portion sizes). For the solitaire, I don't know, I may have to cut off my fingers or something.
Ok, time for more cold medication now.
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Whoa.
Another year come and gone, and me, well, I still feel 29. Once in a while I have an, "Oh yeah, I guess I am older than you" moment, but usually I just do my thing and all is well.
I had a very special birthday this year--I was able to spend it with my family. This doesn't happen very often, since I live on the East Coast and (now) they're all out West. I got presents and a cake and everything! Pictures... well, they're on my camera and by now you know how that goes. I'll get a round tuit some day.
I was out west to see my lovely niece (yes, they're all lovely, so that's not really a good description) who just returned from her mission a couple weeks ago. She was giving a talk in church on Sunday and I wanted to be there. So I was. I flew out on Friday, had lunch with my Dad, his wife, and my niece (Danja and I had huveros? corn tortillas, beans, meat (we went with chicken), lettuce, pico de gallo, sour cream, and mexican cheese. delicious!), then went to Dad's house to see a cute email he wanted to show us but was unable to print. So we did that for him :) Then we went to Danja's house, and chilled. Not easy to do, it was over 100 degrees outside. I got to meet the newest member of the family, a little terrier mix named Lucy. By far my favorite dog that they've had. So cute. And 6 months old. So yeah, lots of energy. But she's small, so it's not intimidating when she jumps up on you. So Danja and everyone else had to leave that evening except for oldest nephe David. We watched tv and had Farmer Boys for dinner--fried zuchini. You may think I'm crazy, but I love fried zuchini dipped in ranch sauce. It was yummy.
Saturday it was again really hot so we opted to stay home and play with the little kids, my nephew Daryl's kids. Daryl had a football game (he plays for RCC in California) and his lovely wife Kristen and David went to support him. On my wonderful SIL's advice I stayed home (I do burn quite easily). (yes, I did get the acronym from Kristen). I got presents and a cake--did I mention that already? my youngest (in that family) niece took me to In-N-Out for dinner, which was just as yummy as I'd remembered. Can you imagine a fast food place that has proper portion sizes, few selections (hambergers, fries, soft drinks and shakes) and yet is one of the best, most popular fast food places in the west? It was so yummy. We had my cake when we got back. It was really yummy too (do I need a new word? I'll think about that). Then at one point I was tired so I went to take a nap, thinking I'd wake up by 7:00pm PDT. Nope. It was midnight when I finally woke up, so I got ready for bed and went back to sleep. I suppose I get so relaxed around family that I just can't stay awake? anyway, it was a very good day. I even got to talk to some people on the phone, my nieces and ex-SIL that live in AL and my good friend Tammy from my FOHI days. That was great. I'm going to have to be more forthcoming the next time I go to CA, so I can meet up with my old friends there :)
Sunday was great too. Got up, hung out, went to church where Danja gave a great talk. First quote: "Bishops are here to comfort the afflicted; missionaries are here to afflict the comfortable" Love it. It was a great talk, a couple of missionary experiences, lots of quotes, and she tied them all together beautifully. After church the whole family--well, ok, those that were in the area--got together for dinner, mexican themed. I had three servings of the enchiladas. I forgot how much I love enchiladas. I'm going to have to make them at home now. They're amazingly easy.
So I get home last night and my cat-in-hiding was still in hiding. My other cat decided she had to bite me. I'm thinking I still smelled too much like dog for her to be happy. Hopefully she'll get over that today, or I might have to limit her access to me, particularly at night.
Another year come and gone, and me, well, I still feel 29. Once in a while I have an, "Oh yeah, I guess I am older than you" moment, but usually I just do my thing and all is well.
I had a very special birthday this year--I was able to spend it with my family. This doesn't happen very often, since I live on the East Coast and (now) they're all out West. I got presents and a cake and everything! Pictures... well, they're on my camera and by now you know how that goes. I'll get a round tuit some day.
I was out west to see my lovely niece (yes, they're all lovely, so that's not really a good description) who just returned from her mission a couple weeks ago. She was giving a talk in church on Sunday and I wanted to be there. So I was. I flew out on Friday, had lunch with my Dad, his wife, and my niece (Danja and I had huveros? corn tortillas, beans, meat (we went with chicken), lettuce, pico de gallo, sour cream, and mexican cheese. delicious!), then went to Dad's house to see a cute email he wanted to show us but was unable to print. So we did that for him :) Then we went to Danja's house, and chilled. Not easy to do, it was over 100 degrees outside. I got to meet the newest member of the family, a little terrier mix named Lucy. By far my favorite dog that they've had. So cute. And 6 months old. So yeah, lots of energy. But she's small, so it's not intimidating when she jumps up on you. So Danja and everyone else had to leave that evening except for oldest nephe David. We watched tv and had Farmer Boys for dinner--fried zuchini. You may think I'm crazy, but I love fried zuchini dipped in ranch sauce. It was yummy.
Saturday it was again really hot so we opted to stay home and play with the little kids, my nephew Daryl's kids. Daryl had a football game (he plays for RCC in California) and his lovely wife Kristen and David went to support him. On my wonderful SIL's advice I stayed home (I do burn quite easily). (yes, I did get the acronym from Kristen). I got presents and a cake--did I mention that already? my youngest (in that family) niece took me to In-N-Out for dinner, which was just as yummy as I'd remembered. Can you imagine a fast food place that has proper portion sizes, few selections (hambergers, fries, soft drinks and shakes) and yet is one of the best, most popular fast food places in the west? It was so yummy. We had my cake when we got back. It was really yummy too (do I need a new word? I'll think about that). Then at one point I was tired so I went to take a nap, thinking I'd wake up by 7:00pm PDT. Nope. It was midnight when I finally woke up, so I got ready for bed and went back to sleep. I suppose I get so relaxed around family that I just can't stay awake? anyway, it was a very good day. I even got to talk to some people on the phone, my nieces and ex-SIL that live in AL and my good friend Tammy from my FOHI days. That was great. I'm going to have to be more forthcoming the next time I go to CA, so I can meet up with my old friends there :)
Sunday was great too. Got up, hung out, went to church where Danja gave a great talk. First quote: "Bishops are here to comfort the afflicted; missionaries are here to afflict the comfortable" Love it. It was a great talk, a couple of missionary experiences, lots of quotes, and she tied them all together beautifully. After church the whole family--well, ok, those that were in the area--got together for dinner, mexican themed. I had three servings of the enchiladas. I forgot how much I love enchiladas. I'm going to have to make them at home now. They're amazingly easy.
So I get home last night and my cat-in-hiding was still in hiding. My other cat decided she had to bite me. I'm thinking I still smelled too much like dog for her to be happy. Hopefully she'll get over that today, or I might have to limit her access to me, particularly at night.
Friday, September 10, 2010
nomash
Yes, another word verification. So what does nomash mean?
nomash--a nomad from the Sahara desert?
no-mash--what a kid says to older sibling trying to sqeeze them
noma-sh--what you tell noma to be quiet.
Any other suggetions?
As for me, last weekend I went to Kirtland OH for a Single Adult Conference. I love visiting Kirtland. It's my very favorite church history site. (those who are not LDS can skip this next part). We may not be able to get to Jerusalem or Galilee very easily, but Kirtland is the place where the Father and the Son walked and talked with the leaders of the church as they were preparing the way and endowing them with power from on high. The Father showed up five times in this dispensation, four of which are in Kirtland. We don't even have documented all the times Christ came to visit the saints in Kirtland, but it was a lot. So if you haven't been to Kirtland, put it on your list! :D I'll try to get pictures up sometime this weekend.
I even really appreciate the Community of Christ church for taking such good care of the Kirtland Temple. It's so odd that our history is the same for so long, so you can talk to them about our church history and it's the same. It's not until after Joseph Smith was martyered that all the splinter groups started going their separate ways.
Other than the trip I've spend most of last week and this week trying to put in extra hours at work--I'm out of vacation time. This means that every time I take a day off I need to work extra in order to not have to borrow from next year. So basically I'm exhausted. Looking forward to the weekend and my Sunday nap. Saturday I'm going to the cat show with my friend, hoping to find some smelly treats for my reclusive kitty, and some more stuffed toys for him and maybe a cat tree/scratching post. My not-so-reclusive Kitty already has everything she needs, but I may get her some new toys as well. I just heard about this mouse toy that acts like it's caught under a blanket and moves randomly for the cat to chase. I'll have to see if they have any. And if it's afordable.
nomash--a nomad from the Sahara desert?
no-mash--what a kid says to older sibling trying to sqeeze them
noma-sh--what you tell noma to be quiet.
Any other suggetions?
As for me, last weekend I went to Kirtland OH for a Single Adult Conference. I love visiting Kirtland. It's my very favorite church history site. (those who are not LDS can skip this next part). We may not be able to get to Jerusalem or Galilee very easily, but Kirtland is the place where the Father and the Son walked and talked with the leaders of the church as they were preparing the way and endowing them with power from on high. The Father showed up five times in this dispensation, four of which are in Kirtland. We don't even have documented all the times Christ came to visit the saints in Kirtland, but it was a lot. So if you haven't been to Kirtland, put it on your list! :D I'll try to get pictures up sometime this weekend.
I even really appreciate the Community of Christ church for taking such good care of the Kirtland Temple. It's so odd that our history is the same for so long, so you can talk to them about our church history and it's the same. It's not until after Joseph Smith was martyered that all the splinter groups started going their separate ways.
Other than the trip I've spend most of last week and this week trying to put in extra hours at work--I'm out of vacation time. This means that every time I take a day off I need to work extra in order to not have to borrow from next year. So basically I'm exhausted. Looking forward to the weekend and my Sunday nap. Saturday I'm going to the cat show with my friend, hoping to find some smelly treats for my reclusive kitty, and some more stuffed toys for him and maybe a cat tree/scratching post. My not-so-reclusive Kitty already has everything she needs, but I may get her some new toys as well. I just heard about this mouse toy that acts like it's caught under a blanket and moves randomly for the cat to chase. I'll have to see if they have any. And if it's afordable.
Thursday, August 26, 2010
blessons
Was commenting on my friend's blog today, and this was my word verification word. What could such a thing mean, I wondered.
bles-sons: the blessings sons bring to us
b-lessons:lessons on how to be
bless-ons: keep on blessing
Funny how sometimes they seem so appropos, and the rest of the time they're just a jumble of letters.
As for my 'son', he's a little upset with me. I started cleaning out the closet under the stairs where he hides. He kept giving me dirty looks. And watching me carefully to make sure I don't get too close (the scars are still fading from our last encounter). But Ani seems to be doing well, coming out at night to eat and make use of the facilities, play with his little stuffed mice, and wind himself up in the blanket that Padme used to use (and smells like her). Doesn't really care for the t-shirt that smells like me. Hmm.
Padme is being really needy these days, though. Keeps rubbing up against my legs wherever I am, particularly when I'm in the kitchen. She likes the litter box in the bathroom, although she did leave a little puddle for me this morning on the linoleum. At least it wasn't near the rug, like last time. Interestingly enough when she spills litter outside the box she does try to clean it up. That was kind of weird when I watched her do it one day.
I know, enough litter box stories. Finished a book, still wading through Brisingr (third book in the Eragon series), got my Pampered Chef stuff so working on distributing it now. Plus got my LOST set--the entire series in a really cool box with lots of other stuff. So cool!! It gets to stay out for a while :)
Oh, and making baby blankets. I have four people on my list now that need baby blankets. Anyone else? I need to get to work on my curtains and my quilt for my bedroom as well. And some vests. Just because I'm sick and tired of all my clothes right now. Must be time for a seasonal change... fall, where are you??
bles-sons: the blessings sons bring to us
b-lessons:lessons on how to be
bless-ons: keep on blessing
Funny how sometimes they seem so appropos, and the rest of the time they're just a jumble of letters.
As for my 'son', he's a little upset with me. I started cleaning out the closet under the stairs where he hides. He kept giving me dirty looks. And watching me carefully to make sure I don't get too close (the scars are still fading from our last encounter). But Ani seems to be doing well, coming out at night to eat and make use of the facilities, play with his little stuffed mice, and wind himself up in the blanket that Padme used to use (and smells like her). Doesn't really care for the t-shirt that smells like me. Hmm.
Padme is being really needy these days, though. Keeps rubbing up against my legs wherever I am, particularly when I'm in the kitchen. She likes the litter box in the bathroom, although she did leave a little puddle for me this morning on the linoleum. At least it wasn't near the rug, like last time. Interestingly enough when she spills litter outside the box she does try to clean it up. That was kind of weird when I watched her do it one day.
I know, enough litter box stories. Finished a book, still wading through Brisingr (third book in the Eragon series), got my Pampered Chef stuff so working on distributing it now. Plus got my LOST set--the entire series in a really cool box with lots of other stuff. So cool!! It gets to stay out for a while :)
Oh, and making baby blankets. I have four people on my list now that need baby blankets. Anyone else? I need to get to work on my curtains and my quilt for my bedroom as well. And some vests. Just because I'm sick and tired of all my clothes right now. Must be time for a seasonal change... fall, where are you??
Thursday, August 19, 2010
A new look
My niece-in-law is wonderful. She designed this page for me. Isn't it cute?
Not a whole lot has been going on with me. I went to the Lego Expo on Aug 7th (a Saturday), and while the displays were really interesting and intricate, and included a Boeing 777 (not to scale) and several working trains, it was really crowded. Lots and lots of pre-teen to young teenagers and their somewhat interested parents. Some more interested than others. The little shopping area was so crowded we couldn't actually get up to the tables to see the merchandise. Which was probably a good thing, because from what we saw there were a LOT of little SW figures. Now if only they came in a boxed set...
Last weekend, after doing some rearranging (bookcases are all in the den now as are the books that went on them before my roomie came), I crashed on the couch for hours. Finally watched 'The Day The Earth Stood Still', you can see my review to the side -> There were several movies on tv that were not bad to watch. I also did some sewing for the drama group that just started at APL. I'm helping with their costumes this time, maybe next time I'll actually join and do something on stage. Something more family-friendly, I hope. I'd like to be able to invite my friends, and most of them have kids.
This week I had my annual Pampered Chef Show. I'm closing it out this evening, I believe. I think I had twice as many people there as any previous PC show! All my chairs were taken! Ok, so I only have 6 chairs, a loveseat and a rocking chair, but you get the idea. I mostly have these shows because I need a reason to invite my friends over--I'm not good at the spontaneous "let's get together and have a party" thing. But I do enjoy having them over. And we got to make delicious, mostly healthy food--chicken ceaser salad and a fruit salsa with cinnamon pita chips. Yum! I'm trying the leftover salsa on ice cream tonight. :)
This coming weekend I don't have much plans either: work in the back yard, clean the bathrooms in the house (yes, I still have a woman come over to clean, but only once a month), and see if I can get my cat Ani out from under the stairs in the den. He can hide behind the couch, I'm fine with that.
Speaking of whom, Ani comes out at night to eat and play, but as far as I can tell stays under the stairs the rest of the time. Padme Kitty decided to stop going downstairs (where her litter box was), so I had to move her litter box upstairs into my bathroom. I hope they get used to each other sooner rather than later. I leave the doors open, but with him refusing to come out and her refusing to go downstairs, it's not likely that they'll meet.
So enjoy the new look of my page! I know I do :)
Not a whole lot has been going on with me. I went to the Lego Expo on Aug 7th (a Saturday), and while the displays were really interesting and intricate, and included a Boeing 777 (not to scale) and several working trains, it was really crowded. Lots and lots of pre-teen to young teenagers and their somewhat interested parents. Some more interested than others. The little shopping area was so crowded we couldn't actually get up to the tables to see the merchandise. Which was probably a good thing, because from what we saw there were a LOT of little SW figures. Now if only they came in a boxed set...
Last weekend, after doing some rearranging (bookcases are all in the den now as are the books that went on them before my roomie came), I crashed on the couch for hours. Finally watched 'The Day The Earth Stood Still', you can see my review to the side -> There were several movies on tv that were not bad to watch. I also did some sewing for the drama group that just started at APL. I'm helping with their costumes this time, maybe next time I'll actually join and do something on stage. Something more family-friendly, I hope. I'd like to be able to invite my friends, and most of them have kids.
This week I had my annual Pampered Chef Show. I'm closing it out this evening, I believe. I think I had twice as many people there as any previous PC show! All my chairs were taken! Ok, so I only have 6 chairs, a loveseat and a rocking chair, but you get the idea. I mostly have these shows because I need a reason to invite my friends over--I'm not good at the spontaneous "let's get together and have a party" thing. But I do enjoy having them over. And we got to make delicious, mostly healthy food--chicken ceaser salad and a fruit salsa with cinnamon pita chips. Yum! I'm trying the leftover salsa on ice cream tonight. :)
This coming weekend I don't have much plans either: work in the back yard, clean the bathrooms in the house (yes, I still have a woman come over to clean, but only once a month), and see if I can get my cat Ani out from under the stairs in the den. He can hide behind the couch, I'm fine with that.
Speaking of whom, Ani comes out at night to eat and play, but as far as I can tell stays under the stairs the rest of the time. Padme Kitty decided to stop going downstairs (where her litter box was), so I had to move her litter box upstairs into my bathroom. I hope they get used to each other sooner rather than later. I leave the doors open, but with him refusing to come out and her refusing to go downstairs, it's not likely that they'll meet.
So enjoy the new look of my page! I know I do :)
Monday, August 2, 2010
Run away! Run away!!
Funniest thing this weekend: I allowed my cat Padme Kitty to come into the room where Anakin Buddy is currently residing. After sniffing around the whole room, checking out his food, his litter box, his cardboard box, and his toys, she finally looked behind the couch where Ani was hiding. She took one look, then took off for the upstairs. It was hilarious. Poor little Buddy, he's more used to the company of cats than the company of people, so I'm hoping Kitty will come around sooner rather than later. I think that will help his transition immensely. He's doing well, though. I visit him every night and putter around for a bit before leaving him on his own. I've tried to get him to play a little with me, but so far nothing doing.
Still no pictures--he hides in dark places... And he's a black cat.
Still no pictures--he hides in dark places... And he's a black cat.
Friday, July 30, 2010
Single Again
So my roommate has moved out. She and her fiance bought a house, and they're moving into it (into separate rooms, get those thoughts out of your mind!) with his son. This will save them having to pay rent in two different places plus a mortgage. She was a little stressed with moving yet again, but at least this time it's to a permanent home. I wish them well, and I'm sure I'll be over there having dinner in the next week or so, or when they get settled in.
My new kitty had a traumatic week. He's doing better now, eating the canned food I've been putting out for him, and he's found a new hidey hole down in the basement, where I put him so it would be quieter. Although, now that my rommie's gone, I might consider moving him upstairs to her old room. Probably not, though. I kind of miss having him under my bed, but that was too easy access for others in my house. I'm hoping he will get over his shyness a little more now that he's in a quieter environment.
My week was pretty traumatic too, what with the new kitty, roommate trying to be helpful but really making it worse, the cleaning person coming over and second-guessing me in everything, and then, to top it off, a friend of mine passed away last weekend, and the funeral was the same day everything with the kitty came to a head and I decided to take him to the vet. He was not happy about that. But he's my little buddy, and I couldn't stand the thought of him slowly starving himself to death. He wasn't drinking anything, either, or so we thought. turns out he was. The vet was very reassuring. And very understanding. She was great. Buddy survived, and now he's eating. Still not using the litter box, but apparently cats can hold it for a very long time. Days even. And now that it's just him and me and Padme, I think we'll do ok. In hindsight I should have waited a week to pick him up. Oh well. Buddy survived, Kitty only hissed once in reaction to the chaos in the home, and now my house is once again mine.
I would classify the roommate thing as a good experience. I learned a few things about myself that were good to know, Lisa really is a sweet person, and now I have more space for when people come to visit. I do keep inviting my nieces and nephews to come live with me, but so far haven't had any takers. They seem to think they have lives in California. Hmph. Well, at least they're willing to come visit me. That's important.
My new kitty had a traumatic week. He's doing better now, eating the canned food I've been putting out for him, and he's found a new hidey hole down in the basement, where I put him so it would be quieter. Although, now that my rommie's gone, I might consider moving him upstairs to her old room. Probably not, though. I kind of miss having him under my bed, but that was too easy access for others in my house. I'm hoping he will get over his shyness a little more now that he's in a quieter environment.
My week was pretty traumatic too, what with the new kitty, roommate trying to be helpful but really making it worse, the cleaning person coming over and second-guessing me in everything, and then, to top it off, a friend of mine passed away last weekend, and the funeral was the same day everything with the kitty came to a head and I decided to take him to the vet. He was not happy about that. But he's my little buddy, and I couldn't stand the thought of him slowly starving himself to death. He wasn't drinking anything, either, or so we thought. turns out he was. The vet was very reassuring. And very understanding. She was great. Buddy survived, and now he's eating. Still not using the litter box, but apparently cats can hold it for a very long time. Days even. And now that it's just him and me and Padme, I think we'll do ok. In hindsight I should have waited a week to pick him up. Oh well. Buddy survived, Kitty only hissed once in reaction to the chaos in the home, and now my house is once again mine.
I would classify the roommate thing as a good experience. I learned a few things about myself that were good to know, Lisa really is a sweet person, and now I have more space for when people come to visit. I do keep inviting my nieces and nephews to come live with me, but so far haven't had any takers. They seem to think they have lives in California. Hmph. Well, at least they're willing to come visit me. That's important.
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Some craziness at home
While my travels have stopped for a while, things at home have been a little topsy-turvy.
First, I currently have a roommate. She's very sweet. Her name is Lisa, and she's engaged to a man in our ward. Since good little mormon girls don't live with thier fiance's before they get married, she needed a place to stay. Anyway, this caused me to clean out my second bedroom on the top of my townhouse. Man, did I have a lot of junk in there!! I took all the craft stuff into my room, purposely leaving the unfinished projects out where I'd have to look at them, and put all the books and stuff in the basement. Fortunately for me, Lisa said she wouldn't have any problem with me leaving my desk and all the junk on top of it in her room. Still don't have a bed in there, but she manages very nicely with an air mattress. They are in the process of buying a home, though, so once that happens she will be moving out while her fiance stays in his apartment.
Second, I have a new cat (that seems to be going around). He's a little black cat, about 3 years old, with white face, chest, and paws. More than that I can't really see since the poor guy is still hiding under my bed. I brought him home Sunday, driving through a thunderstorm to get to him, and he's been scared and sad ever since. But last night he was foraging around, investigating his new home. I'm encouraged by this, even if he did leave a little wanton kitty destruction behind. His name right now is Isaac, but I'm seriously considering calling him Anakin, or Ani for short. To go with my other cat, Padme. Although Anakin did end up strangling Padme in the end, so maybe that's not such a good idea.
Speaking of Padme Kitty, she knows something is going on. She got into my room last night and was sniffing around. Issac stayed under the bed, though, so they haven't met yet. A couple more days... I hope. Once Issac is comfortable enough to come out and say hello to me, I'll exchange them for a couple hours--Kitty can examine my room for the presence of the interloper--uh, I mean new friend--and my new buddy can examine the rest of the house. Not sure he knows what to do with stairs--he's been kept in a 8x10 room most of his life. Even my room is bigger than that. And full of things, besides.
Once Lisa moves out, I'm thinking I might move all my bookcases downstairs and make a sort of library out of the den. And maybe get a daybed for the upstairs room, for when company comes. Or maybe the air mattress I have will be enough, as long as there's space. For now, anyway.
First, I currently have a roommate. She's very sweet. Her name is Lisa, and she's engaged to a man in our ward. Since good little mormon girls don't live with thier fiance's before they get married, she needed a place to stay. Anyway, this caused me to clean out my second bedroom on the top of my townhouse. Man, did I have a lot of junk in there!! I took all the craft stuff into my room, purposely leaving the unfinished projects out where I'd have to look at them, and put all the books and stuff in the basement. Fortunately for me, Lisa said she wouldn't have any problem with me leaving my desk and all the junk on top of it in her room. Still don't have a bed in there, but she manages very nicely with an air mattress. They are in the process of buying a home, though, so once that happens she will be moving out while her fiance stays in his apartment.
Second, I have a new cat (that seems to be going around). He's a little black cat, about 3 years old, with white face, chest, and paws. More than that I can't really see since the poor guy is still hiding under my bed. I brought him home Sunday, driving through a thunderstorm to get to him, and he's been scared and sad ever since. But last night he was foraging around, investigating his new home. I'm encouraged by this, even if he did leave a little wanton kitty destruction behind. His name right now is Isaac, but I'm seriously considering calling him Anakin, or Ani for short. To go with my other cat, Padme. Although Anakin did end up strangling Padme in the end, so maybe that's not such a good idea.
Speaking of Padme Kitty, she knows something is going on. She got into my room last night and was sniffing around. Issac stayed under the bed, though, so they haven't met yet. A couple more days... I hope. Once Issac is comfortable enough to come out and say hello to me, I'll exchange them for a couple hours--Kitty can examine my room for the presence of the interloper--uh, I mean new friend--and my new buddy can examine the rest of the house. Not sure he knows what to do with stairs--he's been kept in a 8x10 room most of his life. Even my room is bigger than that. And full of things, besides.
Once Lisa moves out, I'm thinking I might move all my bookcases downstairs and make a sort of library out of the den. And maybe get a daybed for the upstairs room, for when company comes. Or maybe the air mattress I have will be enough, as long as there's space. For now, anyway.
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Three weekends, three states...
California
So I went to California three weekends ago, to see my nephew before he left on his mission to Colorado Springs (yes, Jenni, I told him to watch out for you!). It was his last Sunday to talk in Church, and oddly enough the topic was on families and mothers or some such. So his opening remarks were about how he'd asked his mother to do his talk for him :D So funny. It was great to go hang out with his family--my family. And I even got to meet Zach!
Isn't he cute??? So aside from the trip being way too short to really see anyone or talk to anyone or even watch Star Wars: The Phantom Menace with my family (ok, I did watch it until the Jedi left Naboo with Queen Amidala--I just can't resist Qui-Gon, but it had been a really long day), it was a good trip. I forgot my camera, but my phone takes pictures. Which means I have them now to share with you!! I should do this more often.
Movies in Maryland
The following weekend was one of movies--my friend came up from VA and we saw The A-Team and The Last Airbender. No, wait, the A-Team was a few weeks before. Knight and Day. That's the other one we saw. Hmm, maybe I'm seeing too many movies if I can't keep them all straight. Naahhhh...
It was also Independance Day. I watched the Capitol Fourth on PBS. I was wondering why they had a Chinese guy participating. He may be the best pianist in the world, but it's an American celebration. Shouldn't all the participants, well, be American? Maybe he really is, but I didn't get that impression... He did play beautifully, though. Maybe that's all that matters.
Iowa
Then last weekend I went to Iowa. Why Iowa, I can hear you asking. I went to grad school there. One of the guys I went to grad school with pulled us all together for a reunion. It was so much fun! While there, I joined the Physics Band. We now have an official name--the Absolute Zeros--and we have HATS!! 0K is OK! (Zero K, as in Kelvin, is OK--it's physics humor)
The Band. L-R, Amy, Grant, Jim, and Tracy. Tak and I weren't in this number.
Rock-and Roll Dog Tasha. Yes, she is big enough to carry around small children.
This is the place I used to live--only it was pink. I was on the first floor, third and fourth windows from the nearest corner. Considering the Physics and Astronomy building was right behind me when I took the picture, you know how convenient that was. it was great. I lived there my last year.
Tracy again, smiling. He actually giggled a few times too! I suppose most people reading this wouldn't know this, but Tracy doesn't show emotion. He mostly just stands and observes others. Finding out he's a drummer is a real shock to some people. That he was actually smiling! I'm so glad I was able to catch it on--well, not tape, but digital electronic bits of something anyway.
So that's where I've been the last three weeks. I'm looking forward to just hanging out around my house, and not going anywhere for a while. Well, except to VA, to meet up with my friends to see more movies this weekend. But I don't have to pack, so it doesn't count!!
So I went to California three weekends ago, to see my nephew before he left on his mission to Colorado Springs (yes, Jenni, I told him to watch out for you!). It was his last Sunday to talk in Church, and oddly enough the topic was on families and mothers or some such. So his opening remarks were about how he'd asked his mother to do his talk for him :D So funny. It was great to go hang out with his family--my family. And I even got to meet Zach!
Isn't he cute??? So aside from the trip being way too short to really see anyone or talk to anyone or even watch Star Wars: The Phantom Menace with my family (ok, I did watch it until the Jedi left Naboo with Queen Amidala--I just can't resist Qui-Gon, but it had been a really long day), it was a good trip. I forgot my camera, but my phone takes pictures. Which means I have them now to share with you!! I should do this more often.Movies in Maryland
The following weekend was one of movies--my friend came up from VA and we saw The A-Team and The Last Airbender. No, wait, the A-Team was a few weeks before. Knight and Day. That's the other one we saw. Hmm, maybe I'm seeing too many movies if I can't keep them all straight. Naahhhh...
It was also Independance Day. I watched the Capitol Fourth on PBS. I was wondering why they had a Chinese guy participating. He may be the best pianist in the world, but it's an American celebration. Shouldn't all the participants, well, be American? Maybe he really is, but I didn't get that impression... He did play beautifully, though. Maybe that's all that matters.
Iowa
Then last weekend I went to Iowa. Why Iowa, I can hear you asking. I went to grad school there. One of the guys I went to grad school with pulled us all together for a reunion. It was so much fun! While there, I joined the Physics Band. We now have an official name--the Absolute Zeros--and we have HATS!! 0K is OK! (Zero K, as in Kelvin, is OK--it's physics humor)
The Band. L-R, Amy, Grant, Jim, and Tracy. Tak and I weren't in this number.
Rock-and Roll Dog Tasha. Yes, she is big enough to carry around small children.
This is the place I used to live--only it was pink. I was on the first floor, third and fourth windows from the nearest corner. Considering the Physics and Astronomy building was right behind me when I took the picture, you know how convenient that was. it was great. I lived there my last year.
Tracy again, smiling. He actually giggled a few times too! I suppose most people reading this wouldn't know this, but Tracy doesn't show emotion. He mostly just stands and observes others. Finding out he's a drummer is a real shock to some people. That he was actually smiling! I'm so glad I was able to catch it on--well, not tape, but digital electronic bits of something anyway.
So that's where I've been the last three weeks. I'm looking forward to just hanging out around my house, and not going anywhere for a while. Well, except to VA, to meet up with my friends to see more movies this weekend. But I don't have to pack, so it doesn't count!!
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Just hear those angel trumpets sound!
Had my final concert with the Mormon Choir of Washington DC on Saturday. The music is still going 'round and around' in my brain. The concert was at the Harris Pavilion in Manasses, VA. It's an outdoor area, with a roof (that's the pavilion part). There's just something about outdoor concerts. The weather was great, sunny, not too humid, a nice breeze blowing. We were by the train tracks, and several trains came by while we were rehearsing before the show. The best part was when we were practicing "Just a Closer Walk with Thee" and the train came by, the horn sounding IN KEY with our song. We have a Dixieland Quartet playing with us on that song, and to have the train come in like that, well, it was great. Talk about accompianment!!
The whole concert went very well. We opened with some vaguely religious pieces, then went into a 'Louisianna tribute' with the Dixieland quartet--one of the songs was John Rutter's arrangement of "When the Saints Go Marching In", which I had performed previously with the Southern California Mormon Choir. Only back then my Dad was the one playing the clairnet--and nothing against our clarinetist this time, but I think my dad plays it better. I'm not prejudiced at all...
Next came a set of songs with a soloist, Sandra Turney (I think that's her name). She has performed on Broadway, and is so amazing. We ended the concert with a set of patriotic songs, which I just love. Of course we ended with The Battle Hymn of the Republic, the version everyone knows by the guy whose name I can't spell. Paul Wershomthingovsky? Anyone interested, that lives in the DC area, the same concert will be performed this Sunday at the Temple Visitor's Center. I will not be there, but it will be a faboulous concert.
And where will I be? In California, for my nephew Dalan's Missionary Farewell. He's been called to the Colorado Springs Mission. So much fun. Although I probably shouldn't announce that I'll be leaving on my very public blog, but my friend will be watching my cat so it should be ok.
The whole concert went very well. We opened with some vaguely religious pieces, then went into a 'Louisianna tribute' with the Dixieland quartet--one of the songs was John Rutter's arrangement of "When the Saints Go Marching In", which I had performed previously with the Southern California Mormon Choir. Only back then my Dad was the one playing the clairnet--and nothing against our clarinetist this time, but I think my dad plays it better. I'm not prejudiced at all...
Next came a set of songs with a soloist, Sandra Turney (I think that's her name). She has performed on Broadway, and is so amazing. We ended the concert with a set of patriotic songs, which I just love. Of course we ended with The Battle Hymn of the Republic, the version everyone knows by the guy whose name I can't spell. Paul Wershomthingovsky? Anyone interested, that lives in the DC area, the same concert will be performed this Sunday at the Temple Visitor's Center. I will not be there, but it will be a faboulous concert.
And where will I be? In California, for my nephew Dalan's Missionary Farewell. He's been called to the Colorado Springs Mission. So much fun. Although I probably shouldn't announce that I'll be leaving on my very public blog, but my friend will be watching my cat so it should be ok.
Friday, June 11, 2010
Adventure Abounds
Went to Terrapin Adventures last weekend (here), with Shannon and Clare. We did the zip line first--getting to the zip line was a little crazy, but the actual zip line itself was really fun. Then we went on the giant swing. Poor Clare had to close her eyes, but I love being up so high and swinging. I love to swing :D And with this theres no real effort on your part, you just sit and swing. Then Shannon and I went on the High Ropes. Well, ok, we both started, but once I realized what they were asking me to do, I decided I'd rather not and had the guides help me get down. I still had to do it myself, but Shannon was able to do the whole course. It was a bit scarey, although they do have you hooked in the whole way and there are guides to make sure you're ok the whole time. Next time I'm thinking I'll probably do the zip line and the swing, and maybe the Tower, where you climb up the wall. I can do rock climbing. Scaling ropes over a 20-40 ft drop, not so much.
Not much else going on here, just thought I'd check in. Going to the movies with S&C tomorrow to see The A-Team and The Karate Kid. Hmm, maybe I should see if I have any of my old '80s clothes...
Not much else going on here, just thought I'd check in. Going to the movies with S&C tomorrow to see The A-Team and The Karate Kid. Hmm, maybe I should see if I have any of my old '80s clothes...
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
June bugs
Yikes, has it been over a month already???
Ok, quick version:
a) end of April went to a Single Adult Conference in Richmond. Was ok, will probably attend next year but only on the Saturday. Although I have to say, the closing testimony meeting on Sunday was worth the whole trip.
b) Movies with Shannon and Clare--Iron Man 2 and Robin Hood with Shannon, Shrek 4, and Prince of Persia with both. Movie with Laura--Letters to Juliet. See sidebar for mini-reviews
c) TV season is over, although I still have a few episodes to watch to catch up. LOST was well done, I will be getting the whole series (it's 50% off on Amazon if you pre-order now). V was good but a little scarey. Don't let your kids watch this one. Flash Forward is over, and has not been renewed. Probably a good thing--nowhere to really go with that particular premise, though they tried. Chuck, well, I love Chuck, but this wasn't his greatest season. NCIS has me a little scared for Gibbs, but I know he'll be ok in the end (he signed his contract). And several more shows not as noteable but which I still enjoyed.
d) Took a trip to Florida to see the Shuttle Launch. Atlantis, on its final trip to the space station. It even launched on time! Which is really amazing for the shuttle program, seriously. Karma was probably satisfied when the shuttle that was supposed to launch in July got moved to November. Met up with my friend Laura who lives down there now, and it was so great to see her and hang out with her. Got to go to Epcot Center as well, and took the main tour at KSC. It was a lot of fun. I do have pictures (I know, I always tease you with pictures)
e) Memorial Day weekend went to movies on Saturday, rested on Sunday, and did some yardwork on Monday before it got too hot. Also managed to finish two (yes, two!) books.
f) bought a lot of books, mostly last week. Mostly off of Amazon. Kitty Norville has a new adventure coming out in July, and Debbie Macomber has been writing more about Blossom Street. Two series I enjoy. And I threw in the Actor and the Housewife since, well, my friends liked it! It all started with four 20% off books at Target. I'm telling you, they have a great book section! Not enough sci-fi, but lots of fluffy summer stuff :)
Ok, I think you're caught up now. Happy June!
Ok, quick version:
a) end of April went to a Single Adult Conference in Richmond. Was ok, will probably attend next year but only on the Saturday. Although I have to say, the closing testimony meeting on Sunday was worth the whole trip.
b) Movies with Shannon and Clare--Iron Man 2 and Robin Hood with Shannon, Shrek 4, and Prince of Persia with both. Movie with Laura--Letters to Juliet. See sidebar for mini-reviews
c) TV season is over, although I still have a few episodes to watch to catch up. LOST was well done, I will be getting the whole series (it's 50% off on Amazon if you pre-order now). V was good but a little scarey. Don't let your kids watch this one. Flash Forward is over, and has not been renewed. Probably a good thing--nowhere to really go with that particular premise, though they tried. Chuck, well, I love Chuck, but this wasn't his greatest season. NCIS has me a little scared for Gibbs, but I know he'll be ok in the end (he signed his contract). And several more shows not as noteable but which I still enjoyed.
d) Took a trip to Florida to see the Shuttle Launch. Atlantis, on its final trip to the space station. It even launched on time! Which is really amazing for the shuttle program, seriously. Karma was probably satisfied when the shuttle that was supposed to launch in July got moved to November. Met up with my friend Laura who lives down there now, and it was so great to see her and hang out with her. Got to go to Epcot Center as well, and took the main tour at KSC. It was a lot of fun. I do have pictures (I know, I always tease you with pictures)
e) Memorial Day weekend went to movies on Saturday, rested on Sunday, and did some yardwork on Monday before it got too hot. Also managed to finish two (yes, two!) books.
f) bought a lot of books, mostly last week. Mostly off of Amazon. Kitty Norville has a new adventure coming out in July, and Debbie Macomber has been writing more about Blossom Street. Two series I enjoy. And I threw in the Actor and the Housewife since, well, my friends liked it! It all started with four 20% off books at Target. I'm telling you, they have a great book section! Not enough sci-fi, but lots of fluffy summer stuff :)
Ok, I think you're caught up now. Happy June!
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Earth Day!
Time to go outside and plant a tree, everyone! Or just hug one. Do something today that you wouldn't normally do to let the Earth know you love and appreciate her!
Although I wonder sometimes why we think the Earth is female. I suppose it's her nurturing nature (hah! get it? Nature?). As a member of the Church we do know that the Earth has fulfilled her duties and will be celestialized when the time comes. What a wonderful thing, to be the Earth. And what a wonderful world it is that we live in.
Life as I know it
In other news, well, my life is progressing normally. Work, church, tv. I did get out into my back yard this week, though, and finally spread out the mulch that I bought last year. Yup, it's been sitting in my yard for over a year. I hope the worms appreciate their new home, surrounding my tree in the back yard. The ants, too. I don't really like ants, but as long as they stay outside I will suffer them to live. I understand baby powder is great for killing ants... Oh, whoops, I suppose I should talk about killing things on Earth Day, even bugs.
I went to my sister's for Easter, not sure if I mentioned that. I haven't downloaded the pictures from my camera yet, though. It was great fun. Dad and his wife, and Doug's parents were there, all of us in the same house. Malena had her baptism on Sunday, which was also her birthday, so that was fun. Jack was so very cute (he's the 2-year-old). Maybe because I'm in Nursery, I just seem to relate better to 2-year-olds these days. We played a lot. It was funny, we went for a walk, and he would say, "run!" and we would run for about 30 seconds, and then we'd walk, and then he'd sayd "run!" and then we'd repeat the process. I wonder if he saw me doing my running homework that morning? It was very cute.
On the 10th I went to the movies with my friends--Clash of the Titans in 3D. I think I have to add Sam Worthington to my List. You know, the one I keep of really cute actors that I like. He can join fellow Aussie Hugh Jackman. He's cute, and strong, and (at least in this movie) saves people. It's great. He saved them in Avatar as well. Not so much in Terminator last summer, but he spent most of the movie being confused as to who he was and what his purpose was. Before he realized he was a Terminator. Anyway, I liked that movie too. He's great. Review is on my sidebar ->
Last weekend I had a lot of great plans in my head. I started out strong at the Relief Society service project, but then allowed myself to get lunch on the way home, and that was pretty much it for the rest of the day. I'd get up to let Kitty in or out, but that was it. I have *got* to keep to the plan! I could have my whole back yard finished by now! Instead of just being caught up on all my tv shows. What happens to my priorities when I sit down to eat, anyway? Yikes!
Single Adult Madness
There was a fireside on Sunday evening for the SA in the DC area. Pres Jensen of the Presidency of the Quorum of the 70 was there, and it was great. Among all the other things we talked about, his point was that we need to become better learners. Not just teachers, but learners as well. He held a Q&A session that was really great. He told us before we started that not all questions are created equal--that we had three special witness of Christ available to us (Elders Hardy and one of the new guys were also there), so keep that in mind. We still had one guy who always askes about why divorced men can't hold certain callings (you'd think he'd have learned the answer by now), but the Seventies always answered appropriately. Like the girl who wanted to promote unity within the SA program and was told, essentially, that unity comes when we seek to be like Christ--vertically first, then horizontally (probably made more sense that night than what I've been able to write here).
Although I wonder sometimes why we think the Earth is female. I suppose it's her nurturing nature (hah! get it? Nature?). As a member of the Church we do know that the Earth has fulfilled her duties and will be celestialized when the time comes. What a wonderful thing, to be the Earth. And what a wonderful world it is that we live in.
Life as I know it
In other news, well, my life is progressing normally. Work, church, tv. I did get out into my back yard this week, though, and finally spread out the mulch that I bought last year. Yup, it's been sitting in my yard for over a year. I hope the worms appreciate their new home, surrounding my tree in the back yard. The ants, too. I don't really like ants, but as long as they stay outside I will suffer them to live. I understand baby powder is great for killing ants... Oh, whoops, I suppose I should talk about killing things on Earth Day, even bugs.
I went to my sister's for Easter, not sure if I mentioned that. I haven't downloaded the pictures from my camera yet, though. It was great fun. Dad and his wife, and Doug's parents were there, all of us in the same house. Malena had her baptism on Sunday, which was also her birthday, so that was fun. Jack was so very cute (he's the 2-year-old). Maybe because I'm in Nursery, I just seem to relate better to 2-year-olds these days. We played a lot. It was funny, we went for a walk, and he would say, "run!" and we would run for about 30 seconds, and then we'd walk, and then he'd sayd "run!" and then we'd repeat the process. I wonder if he saw me doing my running homework that morning? It was very cute.
On the 10th I went to the movies with my friends--Clash of the Titans in 3D. I think I have to add Sam Worthington to my List. You know, the one I keep of really cute actors that I like. He can join fellow Aussie Hugh Jackman. He's cute, and strong, and (at least in this movie) saves people. It's great. He saved them in Avatar as well. Not so much in Terminator last summer, but he spent most of the movie being confused as to who he was and what his purpose was. Before he realized he was a Terminator. Anyway, I liked that movie too. He's great. Review is on my sidebar ->
Last weekend I had a lot of great plans in my head. I started out strong at the Relief Society service project, but then allowed myself to get lunch on the way home, and that was pretty much it for the rest of the day. I'd get up to let Kitty in or out, but that was it. I have *got* to keep to the plan! I could have my whole back yard finished by now! Instead of just being caught up on all my tv shows. What happens to my priorities when I sit down to eat, anyway? Yikes!
Single Adult Madness
There was a fireside on Sunday evening for the SA in the DC area. Pres Jensen of the Presidency of the Quorum of the 70 was there, and it was great. Among all the other things we talked about, his point was that we need to become better learners. Not just teachers, but learners as well. He held a Q&A session that was really great. He told us before we started that not all questions are created equal--that we had three special witness of Christ available to us (Elders Hardy and one of the new guys were also there), so keep that in mind. We still had one guy who always askes about why divorced men can't hold certain callings (you'd think he'd have learned the answer by now), but the Seventies always answered appropriately. Like the girl who wanted to promote unity within the SA program and was told, essentially, that unity comes when we seek to be like Christ--vertically first, then horizontally (probably made more sense that night than what I've been able to write here).
I get really frustrated with people in the SA program who seem to think they need their own version of the church. That the SA should be doing everything for themselves, even to getting their own wards and such. Yes, it's hard being single in a family church, but the gospel isn't about who's single or who's married, it's about returning home with honor. Seeking to be like Christ, and attaining eternal salvation with Him. Seriously, these people have to get over their singleness! Stay in the family ward and make it better, don't just whine, cry, and leave when you can't get your way! Grow up! Oops, probably went a little far there...
Once more into the breach...
Ok, so that's a little dramatic, but appropriate. I'm headed to a Single Adult Conference this weekend in Richmond, VA. Scott will be there--the cute boy I met at the NYE conference. Too bad he'd already met a girl before I showed up (curses!!). He may have a friend, though. I know, it's too much to ask for an 'instant relationship', and I'm certainly not looking to find The One and get married in the next month, but it would be nice to have Something Good happen.
Thursday, April 15, 2010
So... Tired...
OK, I know I have no place to complain, but I am TIRED! I did my running homework and then had my running class three days in a row this week. Good thing I have choir practice tonight or I might have talked myself into going again tonight. I guess choir is good for something, huh?
I was good about going to bed early on Sunday night. So early that my body was like, "What are we laying down for now? It's not time to go to sleep..." Monday night I was good too. Tuesday night I was watching LOST, and V comes on right after that. Although V is really starting to freak me out. I don't think it's hit the 'train wreck' phase for me yet, though. You know, where you just can't look away even though you know you should?
Last night I stayed up late as well, finally doing my taxes (I know, I'm bad, but at least I didn't wait until tonight). I don't know whether to be happy or sad. I owe the Federal government, but the State owes me. In fact, the amount the State owes me is exactly what I owe the Federal Government. Plus one dollar. On the one hand, I broke even. On the other hand, I kind of wanted a tax refund for paying off of bills and to finance a trip I want to take in May.
Sheesh. One dollar. 99 cent menu anyone? I guess I can go to the dollar store? Tip for a $5 meal? Do they have $5 meals at places where you need to tip? Or maybe I can 'super-size' it. Whatever 'it' is. Sheesh.
I was good about going to bed early on Sunday night. So early that my body was like, "What are we laying down for now? It's not time to go to sleep..." Monday night I was good too. Tuesday night I was watching LOST, and V comes on right after that. Although V is really starting to freak me out. I don't think it's hit the 'train wreck' phase for me yet, though. You know, where you just can't look away even though you know you should?
Last night I stayed up late as well, finally doing my taxes (I know, I'm bad, but at least I didn't wait until tonight). I don't know whether to be happy or sad. I owe the Federal government, but the State owes me. In fact, the amount the State owes me is exactly what I owe the Federal Government. Plus one dollar. On the one hand, I broke even. On the other hand, I kind of wanted a tax refund for paying off of bills and to finance a trip I want to take in May.
Sheesh. One dollar. 99 cent menu anyone? I guess I can go to the dollar store? Tip for a $5 meal? Do they have $5 meals at places where you need to tip? Or maybe I can 'super-size' it. Whatever 'it' is. Sheesh.
Friday, April 9, 2010
Of families and failures
Selfish Brat
Apparently I'm a selfish brat. Three of my eight siblings think so, anyway. Doesn't matter what I say or try to do, I'm apparently only motivated by selfish feelings. I try to let them know how I feel when they treat me badly and I'm suddenly too sensitive. I don't tell them how I feel and they walk all over me. Like I don't matter. Then they have the nerve to tell me that even if they forget me most of the time, I'm still family, they still love me, and if I ever became homeless I could live with them. Like I would. I'd rather be homeless than live somewhere where I'm going to be judged as stupid and incompetent, selfish and rude. Like I'd even let them know how I feel or what's going on with me since they'll just put it through their 'selifish brat' filter and determine that I deserve it. Adversity is a part of life and if they forget me at Christmastime I should just deal with it.
Doesn't seem like such a big deal, does it? Being forgotten at Christmastime? How about the year my Mom died and they forgot me? How about the year everything was going wrong and a simple kind thing would have made such a difference, but they forgot me. Consider that I have serious depression, currently treated with medication. Before I got treatment, though, there was an actual suicide attempt. Because I was convinced my family didn't love me. Seems silly and selfish of me, huh? Being forgotten, left out, or ignored by the very people who claim to love me the most. Really? They care about me? Seriously?
Fortunately, like I said, five of them do actually behave like they don't mind having me around. They don't put everything I say into the 'oh she's just being selfish again' filter.
Sorry, I just had to rant. Now the whole world knows that three of my siblings are, in fact, unwilling to let me progress past my teenage years when I probably was a selfish brat. Most teenagers are, after all. Including them.
Easter
I had a lovely Easter. I went to my sister B's house. She's great. My niece was having her 8th birthday on Easter Sunday, and my sister and her husband were able to arrange for their daughter to be baptized on that same day. Before General Conference (also on that day). Both sets of grandparents came, too. A very full house, but it was fun. We did an Easter Egg hunt at her church between the Saturday sessions of Conference, had a couple of potlucks, one each day (at which there was no green salad!!), and listened to Conference on the internet at her house. I was able to spend a lot of quality time with the 2-year-old, since B had everyone painting cabinets in the kitchen. Paint + toddler doesn't go very well. So we went outside and played. B could work in peace, I got to play with J, and everyone was happy. The other kids were helping their grandma clean out the mini-van, so it would be clean for Sunday. They may not have been quite so happy, come to think of it.
Running
I've been progressing with my running. I've gone to two classes and done my homework (two workouts in-between classes, which are held once a week). I bought new running shoes, and I'll be trying them out tomorrow. It's not much fun while doing it, but it feels really good afterwards. I've managed to undo all the damage I did over Easter weekend, with all the poor choices I was presented with for eating. Now, it wasn't my sister's fault. Like I said, two potlucks. No vegetables at either one. And me giving into my cravings for all that yummy food. It's really hard watching what I eat and trying to make good choices sometimes. Good thing there's running.
TV
With work and church being pretty much the same, the only other thing I really do is watch TV. I'm currently watching:
Monday: Chuck, Life Unexpected, Castle
Tuesday: NCIS, LOST, V, The Good Wife
Wednesday: Human Target, In Plain Sight
Thursday:The Mentalist
Friday: Who do you think you are, Medium, Stargate Universe, Merlin
I have more shows that I follow, but these are the only ones on right now. In the summertime I'll be adding Leverage, Burn Notice, and Royal Pains. Maybe a few more. Cause I'm a selfish brat and can't be bothered to do anything else. Just ask my cat.
Apparently I'm a selfish brat. Three of my eight siblings think so, anyway. Doesn't matter what I say or try to do, I'm apparently only motivated by selfish feelings. I try to let them know how I feel when they treat me badly and I'm suddenly too sensitive. I don't tell them how I feel and they walk all over me. Like I don't matter. Then they have the nerve to tell me that even if they forget me most of the time, I'm still family, they still love me, and if I ever became homeless I could live with them. Like I would. I'd rather be homeless than live somewhere where I'm going to be judged as stupid and incompetent, selfish and rude. Like I'd even let them know how I feel or what's going on with me since they'll just put it through their 'selifish brat' filter and determine that I deserve it. Adversity is a part of life and if they forget me at Christmastime I should just deal with it.
Doesn't seem like such a big deal, does it? Being forgotten at Christmastime? How about the year my Mom died and they forgot me? How about the year everything was going wrong and a simple kind thing would have made such a difference, but they forgot me. Consider that I have serious depression, currently treated with medication. Before I got treatment, though, there was an actual suicide attempt. Because I was convinced my family didn't love me. Seems silly and selfish of me, huh? Being forgotten, left out, or ignored by the very people who claim to love me the most. Really? They care about me? Seriously?
Fortunately, like I said, five of them do actually behave like they don't mind having me around. They don't put everything I say into the 'oh she's just being selfish again' filter.
Sorry, I just had to rant. Now the whole world knows that three of my siblings are, in fact, unwilling to let me progress past my teenage years when I probably was a selfish brat. Most teenagers are, after all. Including them.
Easter
I had a lovely Easter. I went to my sister B's house. She's great. My niece was having her 8th birthday on Easter Sunday, and my sister and her husband were able to arrange for their daughter to be baptized on that same day. Before General Conference (also on that day). Both sets of grandparents came, too. A very full house, but it was fun. We did an Easter Egg hunt at her church between the Saturday sessions of Conference, had a couple of potlucks, one each day (at which there was no green salad!!), and listened to Conference on the internet at her house. I was able to spend a lot of quality time with the 2-year-old, since B had everyone painting cabinets in the kitchen. Paint + toddler doesn't go very well. So we went outside and played. B could work in peace, I got to play with J, and everyone was happy. The other kids were helping their grandma clean out the mini-van, so it would be clean for Sunday. They may not have been quite so happy, come to think of it.
Running
I've been progressing with my running. I've gone to two classes and done my homework (two workouts in-between classes, which are held once a week). I bought new running shoes, and I'll be trying them out tomorrow. It's not much fun while doing it, but it feels really good afterwards. I've managed to undo all the damage I did over Easter weekend, with all the poor choices I was presented with for eating. Now, it wasn't my sister's fault. Like I said, two potlucks. No vegetables at either one. And me giving into my cravings for all that yummy food. It's really hard watching what I eat and trying to make good choices sometimes. Good thing there's running.
TV
With work and church being pretty much the same, the only other thing I really do is watch TV. I'm currently watching:
Monday: Chuck, Life Unexpected, Castle
Tuesday: NCIS, LOST, V, The Good Wife
Wednesday: Human Target, In Plain Sight
Thursday:The Mentalist
Friday: Who do you think you are, Medium, Stargate Universe, Merlin
I have more shows that I follow, but these are the only ones on right now. In the summertime I'll be adding Leverage, Burn Notice, and Royal Pains. Maybe a few more. Cause I'm a selfish brat and can't be bothered to do anything else. Just ask my cat.
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Happy Day!!!
My great-nephew that was just born is home from the hospital!!! He was born at 36 weeks, so had to stay in the NICU for a while (and Kristen can correct me if I have that wrong), but he's HOME now. Yay!!!
And his name is Zack. There was this whole thing about his name, a blog poll and everything, and I just kept telling them that his name was Zachery Cole. they only half believed me--his name is Zachery Miles, but that's ok. So great!
As for me, I've been doing my normal work, choir rehearsal, church, tv stuff. Last weekend I did go to the Dog Show--oh, excuse me, Pet Expo--at the Dulles Expo center with my friend. There was one booth with a Cat rescue, one booth with rabbits, maybe 2-3 with fish, and the rest was dogs. We like dogs, but my friend and I both have cats. So no new cat toys for our little furry friends. I did find a couple cute hair bows. I guess officially they're for dogs, but since my hair is really fine and doesn't take well to heavy hair bows, they're just right for me. I picked up one for my niece as well.
Church last weekend consisted of Stake Conference. We had the broadcast from Salt Lake this time, which is good because we got to hear from Pres Packer and a couple other GA's. And Sis Thompson, who's my current favorite in the General RS Presidency as she is single too. I like their current trend of having at least one of the three be a single woman. I don't know if they're doing that on purpose, or if the Lord is stepping in to make that happen (which could also be the case), but I like it. A lot. Oh, and Stk Conf was good too. And we got out a half hour early!!! YES!!
Then came the MCW's first Easter Performance at the Seneca Stake Center. Hm, I should put their website on my page too, huh? Well, our big performance at the Temple Visitor's Center is this coming Sunday--conveniently placed so I cannot attend the dedication of our new ward building in Clarksville. Nice, huh? Oh well. A couple or three more months and then I will be finished with this choir. At work we start Integration and Test of our two spacecraft in September, and while my schedule should still be fairly normal, there will be times that I won't be able to leave work, and it will be at the last minute that I find out. Coupled with the hour and a half drive to get to rehearsals (though it's only 45 minutes home afterwards), I'm thinking it's time to put the choir on hold. Or just sign off. It hasn't been a lot of fun--all my friends are over in the Soprano section, and the women I have to sit by due to my height are snippy, rude creatures with a highly developed sense of their own importance. After our last song in our performance last Sunday they immediately--not waiting for the closing prayer or anything--started carping about how bad that number went. I told them (and I did wait until after the prayer) that next time they should at least wait until after the closing prayer before they started complaining. I don't need this stress in my life. Especially with the stress at work increasing--good stress, since it means we'll be doing something more than just writing documents all the time, but still stress.
At work the Health Improvement Committee has started a jogging class--teaching us and our bodies how to run. It's a 10-week course that, by the end of it, if I'm good, I should be able to run for 20 minutes straight. Easily. I know, first rock-climbing and now jogging. What is happening to me??? Well, running is a way to get a lot of activity points in a short amount of time (remember I'm in Weight Watchers). I've been praying for a change of heart, so that I no longer have the desire to overeat, particularly in the evenings when I'm so tired, can't think, and watch tv for 5 hours straight. So maybe this will help me turn off the tv and go running. Too bad my cat can't come with me. Not that she'd want to, of course, unless it was her idea.
And his name is Zack. There was this whole thing about his name, a blog poll and everything, and I just kept telling them that his name was Zachery Cole. they only half believed me--his name is Zachery Miles, but that's ok. So great!
As for me, I've been doing my normal work, choir rehearsal, church, tv stuff. Last weekend I did go to the Dog Show--oh, excuse me, Pet Expo--at the Dulles Expo center with my friend. There was one booth with a Cat rescue, one booth with rabbits, maybe 2-3 with fish, and the rest was dogs. We like dogs, but my friend and I both have cats. So no new cat toys for our little furry friends. I did find a couple cute hair bows. I guess officially they're for dogs, but since my hair is really fine and doesn't take well to heavy hair bows, they're just right for me. I picked up one for my niece as well.
Church last weekend consisted of Stake Conference. We had the broadcast from Salt Lake this time, which is good because we got to hear from Pres Packer and a couple other GA's. And Sis Thompson, who's my current favorite in the General RS Presidency as she is single too. I like their current trend of having at least one of the three be a single woman. I don't know if they're doing that on purpose, or if the Lord is stepping in to make that happen (which could also be the case), but I like it. A lot. Oh, and Stk Conf was good too. And we got out a half hour early!!! YES!!
Then came the MCW's first Easter Performance at the Seneca Stake Center. Hm, I should put their website on my page too, huh? Well, our big performance at the Temple Visitor's Center is this coming Sunday--conveniently placed so I cannot attend the dedication of our new ward building in Clarksville. Nice, huh? Oh well. A couple or three more months and then I will be finished with this choir. At work we start Integration and Test of our two spacecraft in September, and while my schedule should still be fairly normal, there will be times that I won't be able to leave work, and it will be at the last minute that I find out. Coupled with the hour and a half drive to get to rehearsals (though it's only 45 minutes home afterwards), I'm thinking it's time to put the choir on hold. Or just sign off. It hasn't been a lot of fun--all my friends are over in the Soprano section, and the women I have to sit by due to my height are snippy, rude creatures with a highly developed sense of their own importance. After our last song in our performance last Sunday they immediately--not waiting for the closing prayer or anything--started carping about how bad that number went. I told them (and I did wait until after the prayer) that next time they should at least wait until after the closing prayer before they started complaining. I don't need this stress in my life. Especially with the stress at work increasing--good stress, since it means we'll be doing something more than just writing documents all the time, but still stress.
At work the Health Improvement Committee has started a jogging class--teaching us and our bodies how to run. It's a 10-week course that, by the end of it, if I'm good, I should be able to run for 20 minutes straight. Easily. I know, first rock-climbing and now jogging. What is happening to me??? Well, running is a way to get a lot of activity points in a short amount of time (remember I'm in Weight Watchers). I've been praying for a change of heart, so that I no longer have the desire to overeat, particularly in the evenings when I'm so tired, can't think, and watch tv for 5 hours straight. So maybe this will help me turn off the tv and go running. Too bad my cat can't come with me. Not that she'd want to, of course, unless it was her idea.
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Moonwater: who'd a thunk it?
So after years, decades, even eons of being told there's no water on the moon, guess what? There's water on the moon.
Moonwater article
Personally, my mind is screaming with possibilities. They mention rocket fuel in the article, but I'm thinking drinking water. If we don't have to cart water to the moon, then wouldn't a moon base be far more realistic? Not to mention all the other things we use water for. It would have to be rationed carefully, you wouldn't want to run out or we would be carting water from the earth to the moon. It would have to be reclaimed somehow as well, but we have that technology (the space station astronauts just started using a water reclamator that does indeed use what you might think it would).
So, we can mine iron and other minerals on the moon, we now have found water there, I'm thinking it's time to put in my bid for a room on the Lunar Base sometime soon!
Moonwater article
Personally, my mind is screaming with possibilities. They mention rocket fuel in the article, but I'm thinking drinking water. If we don't have to cart water to the moon, then wouldn't a moon base be far more realistic? Not to mention all the other things we use water for. It would have to be rationed carefully, you wouldn't want to run out or we would be carting water from the earth to the moon. It would have to be reclaimed somehow as well, but we have that technology (the space station astronauts just started using a water reclamator that does indeed use what you might think it would).
So, we can mine iron and other minerals on the moon, we now have found water there, I'm thinking it's time to put in my bid for a room on the Lunar Base sometime soon!
Friday, March 12, 2010
Ides of March are fast approaching...
Well, I figured there would be at least one more major storm before winter gave way to spring, but now it looks like it will be rain rather than snow. Works for me. My dandelions have started to poke their leaves above the soil--I think they grew three inches overnight! I'm actually looking forward to the time change this Sunday--I can spend at least an hour after dinner in the yard at least once a week, and that will keep it up just fine. I managed to tear the canvas top of my porch swing while shoveling snow off of it in January (don't say anything! I can hear you!), but since JoAnns was really nice about all the cupons they sent out for this week I was able to get some pretty outdoor canvas to replace it with. And enough for matching pillows (you know me and matching, right? I love matching)
K inspired me in her blog about cleaning and de-cluttering, so I'm going to work on that as well. This has been a project for a while, but I got sidelined from it over the winter, not exactly sure why. I'm hoping with the renewal of spring I'll get motivated again. Oh, it just occured to me, I had another project that I deemed more important than cleaning house--watching all 5 previous seasons of LOST. :::shakes head at self::: Here's hoping K was able to keep up, I fear I left her behind :(
Work has been fairly normal. I was in a training class for three days this week to learn the new software we'll be using to control the satellites. It's a pretty powerful tool, very versatile, and I'm thinking way better than what I used on FUSE. I haven't had 10 years with the old software APL was using, so I'm in a little better shape than other people at the lab who only know the old stuff and are a little annoyed that the new stuff doesn't work the same way. Sillies!
Church is pretty much the same--lead the music in Sacrament Meeting, go to Nursery and play for a couple hours, then go home. I do have a new visiting teaching companion, though, so I look forward to getting to know her.
Other than my projects and making time to go see my friends on the weekends (which is why I really can't do yardwork on the weekends, I'm never home), I still manage to watch too much tv. Stay up too late. Read for an hour before turning over and going to sleep. I was in a book group a few years ago (technically I'm still in it, but after a bad experience with one of the members haven't actually shown up), and it got me reading again. I love to read. Just finished the 11th book in the Harry Dresden series (he's a wizard, doing PI work in Chicago), got to go back to Brisngr (the third in the Eragon series). Not really enjoying Briningr like I did the first two. Maybe I'm in a different place in my head now?
Kitty is doing well--still attacking me when I pray, but this morning I managed to grab her and hold her until I finished. She didn't like that, but then, I don't like getting attacked when I'm trying to pray! She had all day yesterday outside, the weather was lovely, and I've been out a lot this week, so maybe she's just trying to assert her dominance over me again. I'm supposed to stay home and take care of *her*! yeah, in a perfect world. Or a snowy one--I'm pretty sure she got tired of me hanging around, though, the week we were snowed in.
Ok, time to go. Happy March craziness, everyone! Don't get soaked!
K inspired me in her blog about cleaning and de-cluttering, so I'm going to work on that as well. This has been a project for a while, but I got sidelined from it over the winter, not exactly sure why. I'm hoping with the renewal of spring I'll get motivated again. Oh, it just occured to me, I had another project that I deemed more important than cleaning house--watching all 5 previous seasons of LOST. :::shakes head at self::: Here's hoping K was able to keep up, I fear I left her behind :(
Work has been fairly normal. I was in a training class for three days this week to learn the new software we'll be using to control the satellites. It's a pretty powerful tool, very versatile, and I'm thinking way better than what I used on FUSE. I haven't had 10 years with the old software APL was using, so I'm in a little better shape than other people at the lab who only know the old stuff and are a little annoyed that the new stuff doesn't work the same way. Sillies!
Church is pretty much the same--lead the music in Sacrament Meeting, go to Nursery and play for a couple hours, then go home. I do have a new visiting teaching companion, though, so I look forward to getting to know her.
Other than my projects and making time to go see my friends on the weekends (which is why I really can't do yardwork on the weekends, I'm never home), I still manage to watch too much tv. Stay up too late. Read for an hour before turning over and going to sleep. I was in a book group a few years ago (technically I'm still in it, but after a bad experience with one of the members haven't actually shown up), and it got me reading again. I love to read. Just finished the 11th book in the Harry Dresden series (he's a wizard, doing PI work in Chicago), got to go back to Brisngr (the third in the Eragon series). Not really enjoying Briningr like I did the first two. Maybe I'm in a different place in my head now?
Kitty is doing well--still attacking me when I pray, but this morning I managed to grab her and hold her until I finished. She didn't like that, but then, I don't like getting attacked when I'm trying to pray! She had all day yesterday outside, the weather was lovely, and I've been out a lot this week, so maybe she's just trying to assert her dominance over me again. I'm supposed to stay home and take care of *her*! yeah, in a perfect world. Or a snowy one--I'm pretty sure she got tired of me hanging around, though, the week we were snowed in.
Ok, time to go. Happy March craziness, everyone! Don't get soaked!
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
March Madness
Whoa, it's been almost a month! Let's see, what happened since I last wrote...
*It SNOWED. A lot. My power went out, for 18 hours. My friend let me stay the night at her house where it was warm.
*It SNOWED again, about 3 days later. My work was cancelled for three days (unheard of). My kitty and I got tired of staring at each other. I got several projects finished.
*The snow over that weekend was record-breaking. Over 3 feet of snow in most places. Yay for Maryland!
*I went to the movies with my friends. See Percy Jackson review on the sidebar
*I went to California to greet my niece as she returned from her mission to Utica New York. We both agreed that the weather in California was wonderful (60 degrees! Everyone else was freezing, though).
* Visited my Uncle Bill while in CA, with my niece, and got some more family history stuff. Dad told a cute story of how my two oldest siblings were taken to an amusement park when they were little and got to ride the kiddy roller coaster. At first my parents thought they were laughing, but then realized that my brother and sister were crying. They had to be comforted upon getting off the roller coaster. There, now archived for all eternity!
* Went to Dairy Queen with my nieces and nephews in California. I have the best nieces and nephews in the world, I tell you. They come in all different sizes, from 2 to 29, and the adult ones are so much fun to hang out with. The child-sized ones are so fun to play with. I'm the luckiest aunt in the world.
*Caught up on LOST. Well, almost. My goal was to re-watch all four seasons before the next season started. Except that there are FIVE seasons. Ooops. I only have one more disk to go, and then I can start watching the new season that I've been faithfully recording since it started 5 weeks ago. Arggh!!
*Went to rehearsal--yup, still in the Mormon Choir of Washington, DC. Still threatening to stop. May not have a choice after summer hiatus, as my work will be picking up then and who knows what kind of schedule I may have. Not sure I want to balance the stress of being in the choir with the stress from work, would rather just go home and crash. Now if I really enjoyed it, that would be a different story.
*Completed a Major Review at work. The reviewers were all suitably impressed. We did get Action Items, but mostly we know the answers to them and there's only one or two that need actual work done to close them out.
*Got an iPhone!!! It is so fun!! I have games and apps and all sorts of fun things, including the AT&T navigator. She's really nice, tells me how to get places. I'm finding new ways of getting to old places. Very fun.
*Read several books (see my goodreads page--I'll put a link to it on my sidebar if I haven't already).
*Started going to church in the New Building in Clarksville. It's the same size as the Laurel Building, one of those 3-ward (but not a Stake Center) sized buildings. No baptismal fount, though. 's ok, though. It does have actual coat closets. They say there's more parking, but we'll have to wait until the snow melts to see if that's true or not.
*Still love serving in Nursery. Not enjoying quite so much the ward chorister position. Can you say, "Been there, done that"? Still suspect they may make me Ward SA rep again. Which would be fine, but they would have to release me from one of the other two positions. I refuse (and they know this) to have more than two callings at a time any more. I just can't do it (I had 5 callings at once the last time the wards were split, so that's how I know). Technically I have 3 callings if you include VT, which I often need to or it doesn't get done.
*Started playing more with my cat. Helps that I got new batteries for her laser toy. She loves that thing. She can't figure out how to catch it. But it does mean that she doesn't attack me as much.
'nuff said?
*It SNOWED. A lot. My power went out, for 18 hours. My friend let me stay the night at her house where it was warm.
*It SNOWED again, about 3 days later. My work was cancelled for three days (unheard of). My kitty and I got tired of staring at each other. I got several projects finished.
*The snow over that weekend was record-breaking. Over 3 feet of snow in most places. Yay for Maryland!
*I went to the movies with my friends. See Percy Jackson review on the sidebar
*I went to California to greet my niece as she returned from her mission to Utica New York. We both agreed that the weather in California was wonderful (60 degrees! Everyone else was freezing, though).
* Visited my Uncle Bill while in CA, with my niece, and got some more family history stuff. Dad told a cute story of how my two oldest siblings were taken to an amusement park when they were little and got to ride the kiddy roller coaster. At first my parents thought they were laughing, but then realized that my brother and sister were crying. They had to be comforted upon getting off the roller coaster. There, now archived for all eternity!
* Went to Dairy Queen with my nieces and nephews in California. I have the best nieces and nephews in the world, I tell you. They come in all different sizes, from 2 to 29, and the adult ones are so much fun to hang out with. The child-sized ones are so fun to play with. I'm the luckiest aunt in the world.
*Caught up on LOST. Well, almost. My goal was to re-watch all four seasons before the next season started. Except that there are FIVE seasons. Ooops. I only have one more disk to go, and then I can start watching the new season that I've been faithfully recording since it started 5 weeks ago. Arggh!!
*Went to rehearsal--yup, still in the Mormon Choir of Washington, DC. Still threatening to stop. May not have a choice after summer hiatus, as my work will be picking up then and who knows what kind of schedule I may have. Not sure I want to balance the stress of being in the choir with the stress from work, would rather just go home and crash. Now if I really enjoyed it, that would be a different story.
*Completed a Major Review at work. The reviewers were all suitably impressed. We did get Action Items, but mostly we know the answers to them and there's only one or two that need actual work done to close them out.
*Got an iPhone!!! It is so fun!! I have games and apps and all sorts of fun things, including the AT&T navigator. She's really nice, tells me how to get places. I'm finding new ways of getting to old places. Very fun.
*Read several books (see my goodreads page--I'll put a link to it on my sidebar if I haven't already).
*Started going to church in the New Building in Clarksville. It's the same size as the Laurel Building, one of those 3-ward (but not a Stake Center) sized buildings. No baptismal fount, though. 's ok, though. It does have actual coat closets. They say there's more parking, but we'll have to wait until the snow melts to see if that's true or not.
*Still love serving in Nursery. Not enjoying quite so much the ward chorister position. Can you say, "Been there, done that"? Still suspect they may make me Ward SA rep again. Which would be fine, but they would have to release me from one of the other two positions. I refuse (and they know this) to have more than two callings at a time any more. I just can't do it (I had 5 callings at once the last time the wards were split, so that's how I know). Technically I have 3 callings if you include VT, which I often need to or it doesn't get done.
*Started playing more with my cat. Helps that I got new batteries for her laser toy. She loves that thing. She can't figure out how to catch it. But it does mean that she doesn't attack me as much.
'nuff said?
Friday, February 5, 2010
More snow?
So my friend has a friend at her work who's been very good about predicting the amounts of snowfall we've been getting this season. He says we're going to get between 2 and 3 feet of snow this weekend. Course, he's in Northern VA, so the amounts in MD may be different. What worries me is that he came out with this prediction on Tuesday. The storm wasn't even on most people's horizons at that time. Scary.
Not a whole lot's been happening with me lately--got snowed in last weekend so didn't go to the movies as planned. Have a big review at work coming up in a couple weeks so this week we've been doing flip-thru's and dry runs. Yesterday was particularly fun since we went through a day and a half of material, leaving only half a day for today. The reason behind this is because it's supposed to start snowing between 10 am and 2 pm today, and we really don't have another time to get together with everyone until the 23rd, which is the day of the review. yay.
Wednesday night was fun, though. The Youth at church were having an Etiquette Dinner. They'd had classes on how to behave at formal dinners, and then the Mia Maids hosted a fancy dinner. Their leader asked for volunteers (adults) in the ward to serve, so I volunteered. It was quite fun, serving from the left, clearing from the right. Keeping an eye on our table to make sure everyone was happy. I kind of felt like I was in an episode of Gilmore Girls.
Monday I went over to my friends for Family Home Evening. It was so much fun. They have four of the cutest little girls I've ever seen, and they're all so funny. One of them is in my Nursery class, too. The Single Adults in my ward are supposed to have Family Home Evening with a ward family the first Monday of every month, but I'm usually the only one that comes. I'm starting to think I'm the only SA in my ward interested in SA activities. This is kind of sad, but we did just go through a huge re-org of the ward, so I'm sure that has a lot to do with it.
Well, I think that's it for now. I may actually be on facebook this weekend since I'll probably be socked in. Stay warm, everyone!
Not a whole lot's been happening with me lately--got snowed in last weekend so didn't go to the movies as planned. Have a big review at work coming up in a couple weeks so this week we've been doing flip-thru's and dry runs. Yesterday was particularly fun since we went through a day and a half of material, leaving only half a day for today. The reason behind this is because it's supposed to start snowing between 10 am and 2 pm today, and we really don't have another time to get together with everyone until the 23rd, which is the day of the review. yay.
Wednesday night was fun, though. The Youth at church were having an Etiquette Dinner. They'd had classes on how to behave at formal dinners, and then the Mia Maids hosted a fancy dinner. Their leader asked for volunteers (adults) in the ward to serve, so I volunteered. It was quite fun, serving from the left, clearing from the right. Keeping an eye on our table to make sure everyone was happy. I kind of felt like I was in an episode of Gilmore Girls.
Monday I went over to my friends for Family Home Evening. It was so much fun. They have four of the cutest little girls I've ever seen, and they're all so funny. One of them is in my Nursery class, too. The Single Adults in my ward are supposed to have Family Home Evening with a ward family the first Monday of every month, but I'm usually the only one that comes. I'm starting to think I'm the only SA in my ward interested in SA activities. This is kind of sad, but we did just go through a huge re-org of the ward, so I'm sure that has a lot to do with it.
Well, I think that's it for now. I may actually be on facebook this weekend since I'll probably be socked in. Stay warm, everyone!
Thursday, January 28, 2010
A meme for 2010
Funny how I recieved two of these this week, from the same person! Even funnier is that three of my four brothers have already responded. I guess we should include them more often, huh? You are under no obligation to do this, but if you do let me know so I can go read!
Welome to the new 2010 edition of getting to know your family and friends. Here is what you are supposed to do, Change all the answers so that they apply to you. Have fun and be truthful! I'd love to see your answers!
1. What is your occupation right now? spacecraft engineer
2. What color are your socks right now? black
3. What are you listening to right now? telecon (it's on mute, and I just have to listen)
4. What was the last thing that you ate? Thai broccoli stir fry (7 points, but I think I need to double-check that)
5. Can you drive a stick shift? Yes
6. Last person you spoke to on the phone? Gene
7. Do you like the person who sent this to you? She's my favorite!
8. How old are you today? 42
9. What is your favorite sport to watch on TV? Not applicable
10. What is your favorite drink? water
11. Have you ever dyed your hair? Yes, usually red
12. Favorite food? Edible
13. What is the last movie you watched? Avatar
14. Favorite day of the year? Christmas
15. How do you vent anger? Throw things, but only when no one is watching
16. What was your favorite toy as a child? mousie (I still have her)
17. Favorite season? Fall
18. Cherries or Blueberries? Blueberries
19. Do you want your friends to e-mail you back? Of course!
20. Who is the most likely to respond? N/A for blog (Glen was actually first)
21. Who is least likely to respond? N/A for blog
22. Living arrangements? townhouse with a cat
23. When was the last time you cried? Last Sunday Night (emotional meltdown)
24. What is on the floor of your closet? Shoes, laundry basket
25. What did you do last night? Finished up the last costume for my friend's daughter's play
26. What are you most afraid of? dying alone and no one finding me for days (or worse, weeks)
27. Plain, cheese, or spicy hamburgers? Yes
28. Favorite dog breed? Shi-Tzu
29. Favorite day of the week? Friday
30. How many states have you lived in? 6 (California, Idaho, Utah, Iowa, Georgia, and Maryland)
31. Diamonds or pearls? Pearls
32. What is your favorite flower? Pink Roses
Welome to the new 2010 edition of getting to know your family and friends. Here is what you are supposed to do, Change all the answers so that they apply to you. Have fun and be truthful! I'd love to see your answers!
1. What is your occupation right now? spacecraft engineer
2. What color are your socks right now? black
3. What are you listening to right now? telecon (it's on mute, and I just have to listen)
4. What was the last thing that you ate? Thai broccoli stir fry (7 points, but I think I need to double-check that)
5. Can you drive a stick shift? Yes
6. Last person you spoke to on the phone? Gene
7. Do you like the person who sent this to you? She's my favorite!
8. How old are you today? 42
9. What is your favorite sport to watch on TV? Not applicable
10. What is your favorite drink? water
11. Have you ever dyed your hair? Yes, usually red
12. Favorite food? Edible
13. What is the last movie you watched? Avatar
14. Favorite day of the year? Christmas
15. How do you vent anger? Throw things, but only when no one is watching
16. What was your favorite toy as a child? mousie (I still have her)
17. Favorite season? Fall
18. Cherries or Blueberries? Blueberries
19. Do you want your friends to e-mail you back? Of course!
20. Who is the most likely to respond? N/A for blog (Glen was actually first)
21. Who is least likely to respond? N/A for blog
22. Living arrangements? townhouse with a cat
23. When was the last time you cried? Last Sunday Night (emotional meltdown)
24. What is on the floor of your closet? Shoes, laundry basket
25. What did you do last night? Finished up the last costume for my friend's daughter's play
26. What are you most afraid of? dying alone and no one finding me for days (or worse, weeks)
27. Plain, cheese, or spicy hamburgers? Yes
28. Favorite dog breed? Shi-Tzu
29. Favorite day of the week? Friday
30. How many states have you lived in? 6 (California, Idaho, Utah, Iowa, Georgia, and Maryland)
31. Diamonds or pearls? Pearls
32. What is your favorite flower? Pink Roses
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Mottos
My favorite niece-in-law (can I just refer to her as my niece?) challenged the readers of her blog to pick a motto for this year. I choose "Make good choices." I've been making a lot of bad choices lately--eating when I'm not hungry, watching tv instead of doing anything else, playing instead of working. I need to work on making good choices.
And I challenge the readers of my blog (ok, all three of you), should you choose to accept it, to come up with a motto for this year for you. What would you pick for a motto for this year?
Ok, time for the journal update. I have been doing a whole lot of nothing lately. At least, it feels that way. I took the Sister Missionaries out to dinner, I cleaned one bathroom in my house (I have 1 1/2), I go to my rehearsals on Thursdays, last Sunday we had a performance at a Why I Believe Fireside in Annandale VA, and I went Rock Climbing with my friend K. So I guess not too much 'nothing'.
This week I'm working on making tunics for a friend--her daughter is in a performance of Mulan, and they needed four more outfits for the chorus. They bought the most beautiful fabric--stuff I covet but usually manage to tell myself I really don't have a purpose for it and don't buy it. Well, now I do get to make this lovely fabric into tunics, using my most favorite pattern of all time. My Jedi pattern, of course. I love to make Jedi outfits for some crazy reason. I wonder if they'd let me keep one... but even if they don't, I'll have enough left-over fabric to make a couple or three vests. That will be fun. I shall have to take pictures if I do. I found some beautiful space fabric at the store when I was looking for fabric for another new project--I'll be making a 'round the world quilt with my church group. Except that they meet on Thursdays which is also rehersal, so I probably won't be able to join them until July. I may have it started before then, though. Like I said, I already have the fabric, and the woman in charge will be sending me the pattern :)
I was also thinking about those silly meme's that come around via internet sometimes. At church on Sunday they were talking about keeping a Family History, and I was thinking that those meme's, as a part of a journal, not a replacement for one, would be a good addition. Dated, so the reader knows when it was filled out (may be important). But still, those lists are a snapshot of our interests at a particular moment in time. That could be fun for someone to know in the future. Or even to look back on for ourselves. So send out those memes!
And let me know about your motto! If you pick one, that is.
Pleasant dreams of your favorite thing; me, I'm going with Hugh Jackman...
And I challenge the readers of my blog (ok, all three of you), should you choose to accept it, to come up with a motto for this year for you. What would you pick for a motto for this year?
Ok, time for the journal update. I have been doing a whole lot of nothing lately. At least, it feels that way. I took the Sister Missionaries out to dinner, I cleaned one bathroom in my house (I have 1 1/2), I go to my rehearsals on Thursdays, last Sunday we had a performance at a Why I Believe Fireside in Annandale VA, and I went Rock Climbing with my friend K. So I guess not too much 'nothing'.
This week I'm working on making tunics for a friend--her daughter is in a performance of Mulan, and they needed four more outfits for the chorus. They bought the most beautiful fabric--stuff I covet but usually manage to tell myself I really don't have a purpose for it and don't buy it. Well, now I do get to make this lovely fabric into tunics, using my most favorite pattern of all time. My Jedi pattern, of course. I love to make Jedi outfits for some crazy reason. I wonder if they'd let me keep one... but even if they don't, I'll have enough left-over fabric to make a couple or three vests. That will be fun. I shall have to take pictures if I do. I found some beautiful space fabric at the store when I was looking for fabric for another new project--I'll be making a 'round the world quilt with my church group. Except that they meet on Thursdays which is also rehersal, so I probably won't be able to join them until July. I may have it started before then, though. Like I said, I already have the fabric, and the woman in charge will be sending me the pattern :)
I was also thinking about those silly meme's that come around via internet sometimes. At church on Sunday they were talking about keeping a Family History, and I was thinking that those meme's, as a part of a journal, not a replacement for one, would be a good addition. Dated, so the reader knows when it was filled out (may be important). But still, those lists are a snapshot of our interests at a particular moment in time. That could be fun for someone to know in the future. Or even to look back on for ourselves. So send out those memes!
And let me know about your motto! If you pick one, that is.
Pleasant dreams of your favorite thing; me, I'm going with Hugh Jackman...
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Some updates
Trying some new things on my page--like only listing 10 friends at a time. I'm hoping this means it will update based on whether or not the blog was actually updated, so I don't have to see the ones that haven't been updated in the last year (kaf! Kris! kaf!) but if they per chance do get updated I will see them. So don't be mad if you don't see your blog on the friend list--if it doesn't work the way I want it to I'll change it back, but if it does, then it's your own fault for not updating!! :D
have a great day!
have a great day!
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Hmm what to say
I find myself playing catch-up again. Things were rather busy in December, plus the resurgeance of my cold made things even more difficult. I'm finally better now, though.
Me and my new doll!
I took a really nice shot of Mama and Baby, but it didn't turn out so great, out of focus and a little over exposed. That will teach me not to take my camera.
I came back to MD to put in a couple days of work (I was out of vacation so have been borrowing from next year), then went to a Single Adult conference for New Year's Eve and New Year's Day. I met a couple nice guys at the dance on NYE, which encouraged me to attend the workshop part of the conference on NYD, so I could see them again. In daylight this time (yup, still cute). I did, however, go to the workshops on Smart Dating (and if you saw the alternatives you'd know why). One thing that struck me is that it takes about 2 years to get to know someone, especially if it's just through conferences and occaisional activities. Those quick, meet once and know the person is your true love experiences do happen, but more often than not they end up in unhappiness and divorce (or at least, that's true of the SA crowd. Hmm, the stats may be skewed (or is that screwed?)). Therefore, I'm going to take my time with my two new prospects. and if someone else comes along, for them or for me, I can be ok with that. Sounds good in theory, anyway. I know, it's only taken 20 years for me to get to this point.
The rest of the conference was about leadership, and how leadership really begins with me, whether or not I have someone to lead. And about controlling our thoughts. So it was a good conference.
On Saturday I went to see Sherlock Holmes and Avatar (I love doing double-features, even if theaters don't usually do them anymore and I have to arrange them for myself) with my friends. See reviews in side panel (yes, I liked them both, probably Avatar a little more than Sherlock Holmes).
Now it's time to return to real life and get my car maintained and Kitty a check-up, get my hair cut and clean my house (amazing how yucky it gets when one is sick for two months).
Oh, resolutions? I typically make four every year, one in each category:
Spiritual: attend temple once a month, read BoM four times (once each season, with a different focus in each)
Physical: exercise more, continue with Weight Watchers
Social: go to more SA activities (just because I'm not in charge anymore, doesn't mean I need to drop out of sight), make an effort to go out with friends more often.
Mental: practice controlling my thoughts, such that my mind doesn't wander when I'm supposed to be paying attention, at work, at church, or with my friends.
Wish me luck, and a Happy New Year to you!
Christmas was great. I went to South Carolina (again) to spend it with my sister and her family (again). I forgot my camera (again), but I did have my camera phone. The pictures didn't turn out that great, though. Here's a sampling:
Present Time!
Me and my new doll!
I took a really nice shot of Mama and Baby, but it didn't turn out so great, out of focus and a little over exposed. That will teach me not to take my camera.
I came back to MD to put in a couple days of work (I was out of vacation so have been borrowing from next year), then went to a Single Adult conference for New Year's Eve and New Year's Day. I met a couple nice guys at the dance on NYE, which encouraged me to attend the workshop part of the conference on NYD, so I could see them again. In daylight this time (yup, still cute). I did, however, go to the workshops on Smart Dating (and if you saw the alternatives you'd know why). One thing that struck me is that it takes about 2 years to get to know someone, especially if it's just through conferences and occaisional activities. Those quick, meet once and know the person is your true love experiences do happen, but more often than not they end up in unhappiness and divorce (or at least, that's true of the SA crowd. Hmm, the stats may be skewed (or is that screwed?)). Therefore, I'm going to take my time with my two new prospects. and if someone else comes along, for them or for me, I can be ok with that. Sounds good in theory, anyway. I know, it's only taken 20 years for me to get to this point.
The rest of the conference was about leadership, and how leadership really begins with me, whether or not I have someone to lead. And about controlling our thoughts. So it was a good conference.
On Saturday I went to see Sherlock Holmes and Avatar (I love doing double-features, even if theaters don't usually do them anymore and I have to arrange them for myself) with my friends. See reviews in side panel (yes, I liked them both, probably Avatar a little more than Sherlock Holmes).
Now it's time to return to real life and get my car maintained and Kitty a check-up, get my hair cut and clean my house (amazing how yucky it gets when one is sick for two months).
Oh, resolutions? I typically make four every year, one in each category:
Spiritual: attend temple once a month, read BoM four times (once each season, with a different focus in each)
Physical: exercise more, continue with Weight Watchers
Social: go to more SA activities (just because I'm not in charge anymore, doesn't mean I need to drop out of sight), make an effort to go out with friends more often.
Mental: practice controlling my thoughts, such that my mind doesn't wander when I'm supposed to be paying attention, at work, at church, or with my friends.
Wish me luck, and a Happy New Year to you!
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Christmas party'd out..
My Group Supervisor at work had the right idea. Instead of a Christmas party for our group, we're going to have a 'Summer' party on May Day. did that this year and it worked really well. We've had a party at work every other day for nearly two weeks. A woman we all love is retiring, so we started with her. Then there was the Department party which I skipped because I don't care for hors deovers and alcohol and lots of people I don't know. There was the RBSP holiday party (my satellite mission). There was our office party at work (holidays in the hallways, complete with gift exchange), then our 'Branch' party (a group larger than the Group but smaller than the Department) that I missed because I had a meeting (story of my life--I was late to the office one too because of a meeting). And there's yet another work party tomorrow. Fortunately most people are leaving next week, so I don't think we have any more parties then.
I have been good at bringing vegetables, because I have been trying hard to follow my Weight Watcher's guidelines. Not quite succeeding, but I have lost weight due to this cold. Yes, the same one I've had since before Thanksgiving. The one the doctor gave me anti-biotics for. Guess it's not all bad, huh? (cough, cough, hack, pick up lung, re-insert into chest). Mucinex. I'm telling you, it's good stuff.
Among all the work parties there have been parties in the evening too. A good friend had a surprise birthday party, which of course I couldn't miss. There was my church's Christmas party that I did have to miss because my cold came back (I thought it was leaving) and I really didn't want to get anyone else sick. Oh, and I forgot another one I missed, the Friends party at the beginning of the month, also mssed because of this dratted cold. There was a Visiting Teaching party last night (ok, so there were only the three of us and we exchanged treats instead of eating them, but still). Enough parties already!!!
Ok, so now for the fun stuff. Went to Karen (my niece)'s wedding the day before Thanksgiving. It was very small, held in a small ward building in North Carolina, with maybe 20 people there. I think she was glad I was there--I was the only one from her side of the family (long, long involved story), so I tried to be the great Aunt that I can be. I do like her new hubby, I do see why her mother does not, though. I think she'll be ok. I do have pictures, but they're still in my camera. She was beautiful, and he was handsome, and what else do you need?
Thanksgiving, since I was already in North Carolina, I just went a little farther south to South Carolina to see my sister and her family. It was great. Very laid back and calm. My sis kept apologizing that we weren't going anywhere or doing anything, but since I was still recovering from my previously mentioned illness, I was perfectly ok reading the books she thrust into my hands (The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins and the sequel, Catching Fire--both really good, hard-to-put-down YA books, my review is on Goodreads). We had two kinds of turkey--my brother-in-law cooked his on the grill with rosemary, and their friends brought over one they'd fryed with Cajun seasoning. That was yummy, I tell you! All gone now, though :( I actually bought a little turkey breast to roast when I got home, but it's still in the freezer. Maybe I'll have it for New Years?
I think this means my blog is caught up. I do intend to go back to my sister's for Christmas, but I will return before New Years. There's always a chance I may go to the big Single Adult dance my church has every year on New Year's Eve. Unless I'm still sick : p
I have been good at bringing vegetables, because I have been trying hard to follow my Weight Watcher's guidelines. Not quite succeeding, but I have lost weight due to this cold. Yes, the same one I've had since before Thanksgiving. The one the doctor gave me anti-biotics for. Guess it's not all bad, huh? (cough, cough, hack, pick up lung, re-insert into chest). Mucinex. I'm telling you, it's good stuff.
Among all the work parties there have been parties in the evening too. A good friend had a surprise birthday party, which of course I couldn't miss. There was my church's Christmas party that I did have to miss because my cold came back (I thought it was leaving) and I really didn't want to get anyone else sick. Oh, and I forgot another one I missed, the Friends party at the beginning of the month, also mssed because of this dratted cold. There was a Visiting Teaching party last night (ok, so there were only the three of us and we exchanged treats instead of eating them, but still). Enough parties already!!!
Ok, so now for the fun stuff. Went to Karen (my niece)'s wedding the day before Thanksgiving. It was very small, held in a small ward building in North Carolina, with maybe 20 people there. I think she was glad I was there--I was the only one from her side of the family (long, long involved story), so I tried to be the great Aunt that I can be. I do like her new hubby, I do see why her mother does not, though. I think she'll be ok. I do have pictures, but they're still in my camera. She was beautiful, and he was handsome, and what else do you need?
Thanksgiving, since I was already in North Carolina, I just went a little farther south to South Carolina to see my sister and her family. It was great. Very laid back and calm. My sis kept apologizing that we weren't going anywhere or doing anything, but since I was still recovering from my previously mentioned illness, I was perfectly ok reading the books she thrust into my hands (The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins and the sequel, Catching Fire--both really good, hard-to-put-down YA books, my review is on Goodreads). We had two kinds of turkey--my brother-in-law cooked his on the grill with rosemary, and their friends brought over one they'd fryed with Cajun seasoning. That was yummy, I tell you! All gone now, though :( I actually bought a little turkey breast to roast when I got home, but it's still in the freezer. Maybe I'll have it for New Years?
I think this means my blog is caught up. I do intend to go back to my sister's for Christmas, but I will return before New Years. There's always a chance I may go to the big Single Adult dance my church has every year on New Year's Eve. Unless I'm still sick : p
Thursday, November 19, 2009
a trip to a Galaxy far far away... but first...
Apparently there *is* a Jacob doll. I'm going to have to go look...
Stiill sick, but going to the doctor today.
Last night was Amazing. My two friends came up from VA and we went to "STAR WARS: the Concert". It was great. We had dinner at the Paper Moon diner in Baltimore first--I recommend this restaurant to anyone. It has amazing decor--brightly painted walls, toys stuck to the walls and ceiling--evertthing from Star Wars action figures to baby dolls to barbies to mannequins cavorting on the ceiling. My friends enjoyed it every bit as much as I do.
The concert was in the First Mariner Arena, which is a basketball arena, but also used for cool things like concerts. It included the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, a giant screen, a laser show, and cameras that would focus in on the performers. They played 'concert suites' of all our favorites, from the Main Theme, to Anakin's Theme, to Padme's Theme, and on to Luke and Leia's themes--separate and together (the brother/sister theme as well as the individual themes). Anthony Daniels (C-3PO) was the host, and he did a marvelous job, up to and including the gold vest under his black suit coat. They even did an encore--the Empire Strikes Back theme, of course! I love when there are encores!
It was amazing. Kind a makes me want to go watch all six movies again. Maybe this year for New Years. I did that about 10 years ago for New Years, except that there weren't six movies at the time. Party at my house!
Stiill sick, but going to the doctor today.
Last night was Amazing. My two friends came up from VA and we went to "STAR WARS: the Concert". It was great. We had dinner at the Paper Moon diner in Baltimore first--I recommend this restaurant to anyone. It has amazing decor--brightly painted walls, toys stuck to the walls and ceiling--evertthing from Star Wars action figures to baby dolls to barbies to mannequins cavorting on the ceiling. My friends enjoyed it every bit as much as I do.
The concert was in the First Mariner Arena, which is a basketball arena, but also used for cool things like concerts. It included the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, a giant screen, a laser show, and cameras that would focus in on the performers. They played 'concert suites' of all our favorites, from the Main Theme, to Anakin's Theme, to Padme's Theme, and on to Luke and Leia's themes--separate and together (the brother/sister theme as well as the individual themes). Anthony Daniels (C-3PO) was the host, and he did a marvelous job, up to and including the gold vest under his black suit coat. They even did an encore--the Empire Strikes Back theme, of course! I love when there are encores!
It was amazing. Kind a makes me want to go watch all six movies again. Maybe this year for New Years. I did that about 10 years ago for New Years, except that there weren't six movies at the time. Party at my house!
Monday, November 16, 2009
New Moon Dolls
Now, I'm a doll collector, so I can say even I'm tempted by these dolls...
I do think Barbie Bella is prettier than what's her name. Although... where's the Jacob doll?
Discrimination!!
OK I was wrong
And I admit it. They did indeed take 4 wards and made... four more evenly-divided wards. Oh, and one ward got a new name. Catonsville became Ellicott City Ward, and recieved nice large geographical tracts of land from Columbia 1st and 2nd wards. they both turned around and recieved nice chunks of Savage Mill Ward (my ward). Savage Mill only lost people--about 60 families or so. I'm quite impressed that the ward websites are already up to date--just have to go in them to see which friends are missing.
Good news for me is that I still have my HT and one of my VT. The VT I lost (they come in pairs) was the one that never really came to visit anyway, so I'm ok with that. Our ward does need a new Single Adult Rep, though. Uh oh.
Very sad that our choir director and pianist are now in C1, too. I think everyone I offended in choir is now in a different ward, though, so I may risk returning to choir practice. As long as I can keep my big mouth shut (when it's not being used for singing).
So I'm thinking another couple or three years and we'll be going through this again.
In other news, I have been sick. Just a cold, not the flu, and right now it's just a rather bothersome cough that's most likely going to keep me out of a performance tomorrow night with the Washington DC Mormom Choir. Rats. I really wanted to go to the Interfaith Concert this year, too. The flip side is that I've lost 5 lbs since I got sick. That happens when all you do is sleep. I practically had to force liquids down my throat. My cat's not too happy with me, either. Apparently she doesn't like the hacking sound I make periodically. It startles her. I did find her collar, though--she took it off behind the couch. So now I'm wondering if I should put it back on her or not.
And obviously I'm still not making a lot of sense. I'll probably leave work early today, too. I left work early last Wednesday, slept through Thursday, came in for a little bit on Friday, then slept through Saturday. Made it to the Stake Boundary Change Meeting on Sunday, but you can bet I'd've stayed home if it had been a normal Sunday meeting schedule. My nursery kids don't need this, even if I suspect it was one of them that gave it to me! Today I'm at work mostly because I was bored at home. I have a couple things that need to be done today, so I did them, so now I'm just trying to get my mind to make sense. Too bad I'm really short of both medical and vacation leave. I think I coud still use a couple more days off... and not just because it's nice outside. I would spend it all laying down on either my bed or my couch. Doesn't that sound nice? I could open the windows and let Kitty outside.
Good news for me is that I still have my HT and one of my VT. The VT I lost (they come in pairs) was the one that never really came to visit anyway, so I'm ok with that. Our ward does need a new Single Adult Rep, though. Uh oh.
Very sad that our choir director and pianist are now in C1, too. I think everyone I offended in choir is now in a different ward, though, so I may risk returning to choir practice. As long as I can keep my big mouth shut (when it's not being used for singing).
So I'm thinking another couple or three years and we'll be going through this again.
In other news, I have been sick. Just a cold, not the flu, and right now it's just a rather bothersome cough that's most likely going to keep me out of a performance tomorrow night with the Washington DC Mormom Choir. Rats. I really wanted to go to the Interfaith Concert this year, too. The flip side is that I've lost 5 lbs since I got sick. That happens when all you do is sleep. I practically had to force liquids down my throat. My cat's not too happy with me, either. Apparently she doesn't like the hacking sound I make periodically. It startles her. I did find her collar, though--she took it off behind the couch. So now I'm wondering if I should put it back on her or not.
And obviously I'm still not making a lot of sense. I'll probably leave work early today, too. I left work early last Wednesday, slept through Thursday, came in for a little bit on Friday, then slept through Saturday. Made it to the Stake Boundary Change Meeting on Sunday, but you can bet I'd've stayed home if it had been a normal Sunday meeting schedule. My nursery kids don't need this, even if I suspect it was one of them that gave it to me! Today I'm at work mostly because I was bored at home. I have a couple things that need to be done today, so I did them, so now I'm just trying to get my mind to make sense. Too bad I'm really short of both medical and vacation leave. I think I coud still use a couple more days off... and not just because it's nice outside. I would spend it all laying down on either my bed or my couch. Doesn't that sound nice? I could open the windows and let Kitty outside.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Oh the Anticipation!!!
Since I'm not certain that there are people who read this who aren't LDS, if you need clarification for anything just ask. Otherwise, I'm going to be writing in "Mormonese"
An exciting thing is happening in my stake. Four wards are getting new boundaries!! The last time this happened, four wards became five. I'm convinced that history will repeat itself, although I seem to be the only person who thinks that.
Come on, of the four wards involved, three have over 400 members, and one (mine) has almost 600 members. A standard size ward is about 300 members (yes, including children and teenagers). Do the math!! So yeah, I'm thinking we'll be getting a new ward.
We already have a new building. I drove past it today, and it looks really spiffy. It's actually not far from where I work. Which is not far from where I live, but the church building is in the opposite direction from where I work. So that's kind of unfair. But really, it's ok. New building, new ward, everything will be so fun! It was fun the last time, only the building wasn't *quite* ready for us when we moved in. We're assured that will be different this time.
The sad part is that we won't be seeing everyone we know every Sunday. Then again, it will be easier to get to know people in a smaller ward. My ward, in case I haven't mentioned it before, is humoungous. Really, it's big enough to make two wards. We don't fit in the building we're currently in, and the new building is the same size. In actuallity, our ward has never been small. Six--or was it seven?--years ago our ward was the new, fourth ward that was created, and from the very beginning we had to open the curtains at the back of the chapel and extend into the cultural hall. Our Primary classes average around 10 kids per class, and the young men/young women classes seem to be about twice that. The little tiny classrooms in our building just don't come in that expandable, bigger on the inside than on the outside (Dr Who reference) size. We just don't fit. So while it will be sad to not see friends on Sundays, I'm actually kind of hoping we'll have a ward that fits into our building. Our new building. Because the building we meet in now is actually in another stake. But that's another story.
But like I said, almost everyone I've talked to seems to think that they're just going to readjust the boundaries a little more equitably. We find out on Sunday.
So exciting!!
An exciting thing is happening in my stake. Four wards are getting new boundaries!! The last time this happened, four wards became five. I'm convinced that history will repeat itself, although I seem to be the only person who thinks that.
Come on, of the four wards involved, three have over 400 members, and one (mine) has almost 600 members. A standard size ward is about 300 members (yes, including children and teenagers). Do the math!! So yeah, I'm thinking we'll be getting a new ward.
We already have a new building. I drove past it today, and it looks really spiffy. It's actually not far from where I work. Which is not far from where I live, but the church building is in the opposite direction from where I work. So that's kind of unfair. But really, it's ok. New building, new ward, everything will be so fun! It was fun the last time, only the building wasn't *quite* ready for us when we moved in. We're assured that will be different this time.
The sad part is that we won't be seeing everyone we know every Sunday. Then again, it will be easier to get to know people in a smaller ward. My ward, in case I haven't mentioned it before, is humoungous. Really, it's big enough to make two wards. We don't fit in the building we're currently in, and the new building is the same size. In actuallity, our ward has never been small. Six--or was it seven?--years ago our ward was the new, fourth ward that was created, and from the very beginning we had to open the curtains at the back of the chapel and extend into the cultural hall. Our Primary classes average around 10 kids per class, and the young men/young women classes seem to be about twice that. The little tiny classrooms in our building just don't come in that expandable, bigger on the inside than on the outside (Dr Who reference) size. We just don't fit. So while it will be sad to not see friends on Sundays, I'm actually kind of hoping we'll have a ward that fits into our building. Our new building. Because the building we meet in now is actually in another stake. But that's another story.
But like I said, almost everyone I've talked to seems to think that they're just going to readjust the boundaries a little more equitably. We find out on Sunday.
So exciting!!
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