Friday, July 30, 2010
Single Again
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
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...
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!
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)
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!
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
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
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!
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...
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
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!!!
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?
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...
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
*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?
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
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
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
have a great day!
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Hmm what to say
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..
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...
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!