Oh. My. God.
I knew TO was good. I didn't know he was THAT good.
I went to see Trigger today. T showed me what he had been doing so far. I saw my ordinarily sweet but obstinate and aggressive horse jumping barrels, climbing platforms, and meekly going through a chute. And the best part was that T then showed ME how to do it, and pretty soon I was telling Trigger to jump.. and he was jumping!
I have the most beautiful horse in the world, and two months now he will be a good trail horse, too.
And the really best part is that I did what I did today in high heels. :D
Life is good.
Thursday, September 28, 2006
Wednesday, September 27, 2006
Last night was so weird. I didn't sleep well. L said this morning that he didn't either, that the dog was howling all night. I don't know how in the world he ever heard the dog howling, because he was snoring like a chainsaw or something.
Strangely enough, I don't feel particularly bad this morning, so I guess that's okay.
It's going to be a busy day.. I have a proposal to submit, and two classes to prepare for (that I'm teaching, not taking). When I get home, I have to finish stripping the bathroom wallpaper (only one more wall to go..).
And today is S's birthday (aka Muffinhead). I can't believe she's 16 today!
Today is also my grandparents' 60th wedding anniversary. That's a LONG time..
I think I will go visit Trigger tomorrow. I talked to TO yesterday aftenoon, and he said that Trig has already been in the chute, has been jumping barrels, and has been on the platform. :D I can't wait to see him! Sounds like they'll be riding soon!
Strangely enough, I don't feel particularly bad this morning, so I guess that's okay.
It's going to be a busy day.. I have a proposal to submit, and two classes to prepare for (that I'm teaching, not taking). When I get home, I have to finish stripping the bathroom wallpaper (only one more wall to go..).
And today is S's birthday (aka Muffinhead). I can't believe she's 16 today!
Today is also my grandparents' 60th wedding anniversary. That's a LONG time..
I think I will go visit Trigger tomorrow. I talked to TO yesterday aftenoon, and he said that Trig has already been in the chute, has been jumping barrels, and has been on the platform. :D I can't wait to see him! Sounds like they'll be riding soon!
Monday, September 25, 2006
Busy Bee
Good grief!
It's as if the last week of slow times in the office were all just building up for today... I haven't had time to breathe, much less think about decent blog topics.
Meh.
Band practice tonight. Tomorrow is the beginning of a new era in physical fitness at my house. Actually, today was. I went to the gym as usual, but I increased all my weights and did sprints instead of my usual walk-jog routine, which obviously is doing nothing for me.
And now the time has come to leave the office and head for the studio for some music and some goofy jokes about oxford shirts and body paint. ;)
It's as if the last week of slow times in the office were all just building up for today... I haven't had time to breathe, much less think about decent blog topics.
Meh.
Band practice tonight. Tomorrow is the beginning of a new era in physical fitness at my house. Actually, today was. I went to the gym as usual, but I increased all my weights and did sprints instead of my usual walk-jog routine, which obviously is doing nothing for me.
And now the time has come to leave the office and head for the studio for some music and some goofy jokes about oxford shirts and body paint. ;)
Sunday, September 24, 2006
Sunday
My boy went to the trainer's today. Did I mention that the trainer (TO) is a roping champion of some kind? Yeah. He's good. And I was pleased to see that he had his own Parelli stuff. :D I definitely made the right choice for a trainer, I think. He also does farrier work, so he will be putting shoes on Trigger when we start riding him. I am really excited about this... Anybody know where I can get a good saddle for relatively cheap?
Here is L with his new toy.. an inflatable movie screen! We watched cartoons in the backyard last night. (No, his shirt is not wet in the pic.. it's just a trick of the light in the camera lens). We lit tiki torches and sat outside with a bottle of wine, watching cartoons on a theatre-sized movie screen.. it was better than any other movie date I've ever been on. :)I have to give credit where credit is due. That man is awesome.
So now it's off to bed to read the rest of another Jodi Picoult novel.
Aside to Papa Ridgeback: Sorry I didn't make it to church. L is just ... not going to agree to come to church. The only way I think I might get him to one is if I start singing at Welcome. Oh well. I know his reasons, and I don't disagree with them, so what can I do?
Eh. Goodnight, all.
Saturday, September 23, 2006
Weight Limit Exceeded, Again
Getting out of shape makes it so much harder to get back in shape. Anyone ever notice that?
I remember the days when I jumped out of bed every morning (well okay, I dragged myself, but the point is that I did it) and worked out before going to work, I ate sensibly (no junk, no fat, no binges) and I wore a size 2. I had energy. I never came home in the middle of the day on a weekend unable to stay awake. I never walked into a store and immediately felt bad about myself because I feel too fat for the clothes I like.
I'm not, really. I'm only 140 pounds. The rational part of my brain knows this. The other part makes me insane. I went to Victoria's Secret yesterday because I had a coupon for a free PINK panty (they're $7-10 each) and I didn't even want to look at the rest of the store because I knew I would be disgusted and disappointed if I tried something on.
How stupid and self-absorbed is that? I mean, who really cares?
I do, that's who.
I am going to strip wallpaper in the bathroom today, and L is going to start painting the kitchen. That's some exercise, at least. Ahhhh, L rocks. He takes my weight-related whining with unexpected grace, raising one eyebrow and giving me the "you're-crazy-but-still-kinda-sexy" look. :)
I remember the days when I jumped out of bed every morning (well okay, I dragged myself, but the point is that I did it) and worked out before going to work, I ate sensibly (no junk, no fat, no binges) and I wore a size 2. I had energy. I never came home in the middle of the day on a weekend unable to stay awake. I never walked into a store and immediately felt bad about myself because I feel too fat for the clothes I like.
I'm not, really. I'm only 140 pounds. The rational part of my brain knows this. The other part makes me insane. I went to Victoria's Secret yesterday because I had a coupon for a free PINK panty (they're $7-10 each) and I didn't even want to look at the rest of the store because I knew I would be disgusted and disappointed if I tried something on.
How stupid and self-absorbed is that? I mean, who really cares?
I do, that's who.
I am going to strip wallpaper in the bathroom today, and L is going to start painting the kitchen. That's some exercise, at least. Ahhhh, L rocks. He takes my weight-related whining with unexpected grace, raising one eyebrow and giving me the "you're-crazy-but-still-kinda-sexy" look. :)
Thursday, September 21, 2006
More Thoughts/Questions
1) I wore a jacket today that I just got back from the dry cleaner's. It smells funny and I don't like it. :(
2) I could really stand to learn to keep things to myself. Not so much here on the blog.. because on some level that seems okay, but just in normal day-to-day life. I shouldn't talk so much. I don't know why this has been on my mind so much lately, but it has.
If only I didn't have so much to say...
3) Where does the money go? It's really amazing how quickly it can just disappear if you're not careful... Tomorrow is payday and I already know where just about all of it is going.
4) I need new tires. See number 3.
5) Band practice tonight... We get practice CD's, and I get to sing for 3 hours or more. Fun stuff. Now if I could start writing again...
6) Change is much more difficult than it should be. I wish it were easier to make the changes I want to make in my life. The ones you want most are always the hardest. I guess it is true that nothing worth having is easy.
7) I officially put in my application for graduate school today. Now it's just a matter of waiting to hear whether or not they will accept me. Did I mention that I am anxious and impatient?
On tap for tomorrow: A haircut!
2) I could really stand to learn to keep things to myself. Not so much here on the blog.. because on some level that seems okay, but just in normal day-to-day life. I shouldn't talk so much. I don't know why this has been on my mind so much lately, but it has.
If only I didn't have so much to say...
3) Where does the money go? It's really amazing how quickly it can just disappear if you're not careful... Tomorrow is payday and I already know where just about all of it is going.
4) I need new tires. See number 3.
5) Band practice tonight... We get practice CD's, and I get to sing for 3 hours or more. Fun stuff. Now if I could start writing again...
6) Change is much more difficult than it should be. I wish it were easier to make the changes I want to make in my life. The ones you want most are always the hardest. I guess it is true that nothing worth having is easy.
7) I officially put in my application for graduate school today. Now it's just a matter of waiting to hear whether or not they will accept me. Did I mention that I am anxious and impatient?
On tap for tomorrow: A haircut!
Wednesday, September 20, 2006
Thoughts/Questions
I am going to a grant writing workshop today with the USDA.. exciting stuff for a nerd like me. So, to entertain anyone who might be bored enough to be reading my blog, a list of things that have run through my mind this morning:
1) What is the source of my family's complete disconnect with reality? Seriously, there's a break there, religiously, financially, and mentally. I am seriously questioning my upbringing at this point. I mean, sometimes I feel like I am really handicapped when it comes to the real world, like I'm running a race, only I started about a mile behind the rest of the runners...
2) "Conservative" is not a bad word. Neither is "Responsible."
3) I want very badly to go buy the new clothes I saw at Express. Very Badly. Did I mention that these are work clothes? That I could completely justify the expenditure if I were asked to do so? So what's the problem? Well the problem is that I owe L money, and I'm not about to go spend a few hundred dollars on new clothes, then turn around and tell him that I couldn't afford to pay him back. The other problem is that I would have to spend the money on credit.. meaning that I don't really have it but I'll have it later. Which is what got me in a financial mess in the first place (well that and JF, but I won't go there).
4) I am going to lose 20 pounds if it kills me. Yesterday I weighed in at the gym and almost died of sheer despair/shock/misery. I have topped my previous high weight by 2 pounds.
This is utterly unacceptable.
5) PhD or law school? That is the question. I know I have to get into the Master's program first, then finish it, before I really have to answer that question, but still, I think about it. And right now, law is winning.
6) L is the best boyfriend ever. I may have mentioned that before (a few million times) but it's definitely true. Last night he cooked dinner (chops, couscous with pine nuts and garlic) and ... I'll leave the rest up to your imagination. Life is good.
Ok, I'm off to spend the day talking agriculture with the USDA. Fun stuff...
1) What is the source of my family's complete disconnect with reality? Seriously, there's a break there, religiously, financially, and mentally. I am seriously questioning my upbringing at this point. I mean, sometimes I feel like I am really handicapped when it comes to the real world, like I'm running a race, only I started about a mile behind the rest of the runners...
2) "Conservative" is not a bad word. Neither is "Responsible."
3) I want very badly to go buy the new clothes I saw at Express. Very Badly. Did I mention that these are work clothes? That I could completely justify the expenditure if I were asked to do so? So what's the problem? Well the problem is that I owe L money, and I'm not about to go spend a few hundred dollars on new clothes, then turn around and tell him that I couldn't afford to pay him back. The other problem is that I would have to spend the money on credit.. meaning that I don't really have it but I'll have it later. Which is what got me in a financial mess in the first place (well that and JF, but I won't go there).
4) I am going to lose 20 pounds if it kills me. Yesterday I weighed in at the gym and almost died of sheer despair/shock/misery. I have topped my previous high weight by 2 pounds.
This is utterly unacceptable.
5) PhD or law school? That is the question. I know I have to get into the Master's program first, then finish it, before I really have to answer that question, but still, I think about it. And right now, law is winning.
6) L is the best boyfriend ever. I may have mentioned that before (a few million times) but it's definitely true. Last night he cooked dinner (chops, couscous with pine nuts and garlic) and ... I'll leave the rest up to your imagination. Life is good.
Ok, I'm off to spend the day talking agriculture with the USDA. Fun stuff...
Tuesday, September 19, 2006
Monday, September 18, 2006
I'm Back
Hi. I'm back from Florida..
Isn't it great coming back from a trip? I love to travel, but strangely enough, one of the best parts is at the end of the trip, coming home to my house, my bed, my shower. I know where everything is here. And my cat is always ecstatic to see us and be petted again.
Anyway, I'm back. It was a good trip, even if it was a long drive. We talked about stuff.. I asked L silly questions and read a few books (Anthem by Ayn Rand, Nickel and Dimed by Barbara somebody, and I started reading Blink, which I will probably finish by the pool momentarily).
I think I must be considered family at L's parents' house now. His sister talked to me for a long time about family stuff. Thinking about it, I guess every family has their "stuff" for lack of a better word. I think mine and L's are pretty much on equal footing, as scary as that is. ;)
Friday night we went to the Downtown GetDown in Tallahassee and ate dinner with K, who I went to middle and high school with, but I haven't seen her in 10-11 years. She was exactly the same as she was in school.. funny, with a razor wit, and smart as hell. She's teaching college english while working on an MFA degree. Basically, she's awesome and I'm really glad I got to see her again.
We went to the game on Saturday. It was HOT and humid and there was some stupid girl behind us who SCREAMED the whole time about this player and that player and how much everybody on the field f*&^ing SUCKED. It was really really annoying, and I was very pleased when they left. Other than that, the game was great. Clemson won (20-27). I am beginning to think that there is something to this whole football thing.. The tailgateing and the bands and the cheerleaders and the huge crowds. It's really a lot more fun that I always thought it would be.
I met several of L's old college buddies. They were nice, funny, slightly drunk people. Overall, the trip was great.
Isn't it great coming back from a trip? I love to travel, but strangely enough, one of the best parts is at the end of the trip, coming home to my house, my bed, my shower. I know where everything is here. And my cat is always ecstatic to see us and be petted again.
Anyway, I'm back. It was a good trip, even if it was a long drive. We talked about stuff.. I asked L silly questions and read a few books (Anthem by Ayn Rand, Nickel and Dimed by Barbara somebody, and I started reading Blink, which I will probably finish by the pool momentarily).
I think I must be considered family at L's parents' house now. His sister talked to me for a long time about family stuff. Thinking about it, I guess every family has their "stuff" for lack of a better word. I think mine and L's are pretty much on equal footing, as scary as that is. ;)
Friday night we went to the Downtown GetDown in Tallahassee and ate dinner with K, who I went to middle and high school with, but I haven't seen her in 10-11 years. She was exactly the same as she was in school.. funny, with a razor wit, and smart as hell. She's teaching college english while working on an MFA degree. Basically, she's awesome and I'm really glad I got to see her again.
We went to the game on Saturday. It was HOT and humid and there was some stupid girl behind us who SCREAMED the whole time about this player and that player and how much everybody on the field f*&^ing SUCKED. It was really really annoying, and I was very pleased when they left. Other than that, the game was great. Clemson won (20-27). I am beginning to think that there is something to this whole football thing.. The tailgateing and the bands and the cheerleaders and the huge crowds. It's really a lot more fun that I always thought it would be.
I met several of L's old college buddies. They were nice, funny, slightly drunk people. Overall, the trip was great.
Thursday, September 14, 2006
Chop Chop
Yesterday after work I went to see Trigger. It was raining, so we didn't play very many games outside like we usually do. We did a quick run through of all the games and then went back to the barn. I had to lock Sundance in his stall because he kept biting Trigger and making him get upset while I was trying to pick out his feet.
Once I had Sundance out of the way, I spent about an hour brushing Trigger, petting him, cleaning out his front hooves, combing out his mane. It amazes me that his mane never gets snarled and tangled like Amara's used to.. It stays long, untangled (for the most part) and pretty. His tail is another story.. it's the color of red mud now.
He is still a pretty horse.. he just looks golden and... orange.. now. But maybe that's good. He's a clemson fan too.
We ate dinner with A2 and the boys. A1 was busy and didn't get home until after we left. And today is already busy..
Mom is coming home today.. UT is driving her in a rental car to a hospital in Danbury NC, where she will stay until we can get rid of the MRSA and find another surgeon to put her hip back in.
I have about a thousand things to do before we leave for Tallahassee today, most notably packing some clothes to wear.. So I'd better get off of this thing and get with it. I might be away from the blogosphere until Tuesday..
Once I had Sundance out of the way, I spent about an hour brushing Trigger, petting him, cleaning out his front hooves, combing out his mane. It amazes me that his mane never gets snarled and tangled like Amara's used to.. It stays long, untangled (for the most part) and pretty. His tail is another story.. it's the color of red mud now.
He is still a pretty horse.. he just looks golden and... orange.. now. But maybe that's good. He's a clemson fan too.
We ate dinner with A2 and the boys. A1 was busy and didn't get home until after we left. And today is already busy..
Mom is coming home today.. UT is driving her in a rental car to a hospital in Danbury NC, where she will stay until we can get rid of the MRSA and find another surgeon to put her hip back in.
I have about a thousand things to do before we leave for Tallahassee today, most notably packing some clothes to wear.. So I'd better get off of this thing and get with it. I might be away from the blogosphere until Tuesday..
Wednesday, September 13, 2006
Money
We talked about finances again yesterday, and I don't know why that is such an uncomfortable subject. Then again, maybe I do. Everything has always been about money for me.. Mom was always wanting me to ask Dad for it. Every boyfriend I have ever had except for L has expected me to provide all of it. I have never, ever had enough of it. But then, does anyone?
With L, I sometimes feel that I am not contributing enough.. or rather that he feels like I don't. He says that he doesn't feel that way.. but my percentage of the regular bills is about $175 a month more than I can pay. And that's not taking into account the recent major purchases, which he says I should contribute to.
I have no problem with that. It changes a few things.. Obviously up to this point I have been paying a flat amount to live there, like rent. I am not a renter there; it's all our stuff, not just his. It is good that he is thinking that way, and I don't mind paying for a percentage of it. I just can't pay it quickly.
Things will be a lot easier when I have the old debt from J paid off. 16 months more, at the rate I'm going, and it will all be gone. Then the only debt I will have left will be student loans.
Of course, about that time my car will die, with my luck.
With L, I sometimes feel that I am not contributing enough.. or rather that he feels like I don't. He says that he doesn't feel that way.. but my percentage of the regular bills is about $175 a month more than I can pay. And that's not taking into account the recent major purchases, which he says I should contribute to.
I have no problem with that. It changes a few things.. Obviously up to this point I have been paying a flat amount to live there, like rent. I am not a renter there; it's all our stuff, not just his. It is good that he is thinking that way, and I don't mind paying for a percentage of it. I just can't pay it quickly.
Things will be a lot easier when I have the old debt from J paid off. 16 months more, at the rate I'm going, and it will all be gone. Then the only debt I will have left will be student loans.
Of course, about that time my car will die, with my luck.
Tuesday, September 12, 2006
Today was not a day for writing
.. too busy
And now i'm off to the house to look at finances and try to decide what we want for dinner.
Meh
I am so boring today. I know. I promise to be more interesting tomorrow.
Famous last words, eh?
And now i'm off to the house to look at finances and try to decide what we want for dinner.
Meh
I am so boring today. I know. I promise to be more interesting tomorrow.
Famous last words, eh?
Monday, September 11, 2006
Fruitcakes
I'm still feeling "oochie" as MM would say.. my stomach is still in strong disagreement with whatever I ate Saturday night. I am supposed to go to the gym today, but AC has invited me to lunch, and I really don't feel like working out. So I may start working out again tomorrow. I don't know.
I have to go to the feed store this afternoon, and then to band practice. Hopefully I can make it an early night. And hopefully this will be a short week. Thursday we are leaving for Tallahassee for the big CLemson-FSU game.
I have broken the news to L that I am going to wear a Clemson shirt to the game. I'll wear my Seminoles hat, but the shirt is solid orange. He is taking it surprisingly well. :) We watched football yesterday.. well off and on.. mostly he watched football and I slept using him (his chest, his stomach) as a pillow. It was quite nice.
Today I am once again without most of my coworkers.. The lucky ducks are at the beach. I wish I was at the beach. *sigh* I know what I need. I need some music.
How about some Jimmy Buffett? Fruitcakes. That'll work...
I have to go to the feed store this afternoon, and then to band practice. Hopefully I can make it an early night. And hopefully this will be a short week. Thursday we are leaving for Tallahassee for the big CLemson-FSU game.
I have broken the news to L that I am going to wear a Clemson shirt to the game. I'll wear my Seminoles hat, but the shirt is solid orange. He is taking it surprisingly well. :) We watched football yesterday.. well off and on.. mostly he watched football and I slept using him (his chest, his stomach) as a pillow. It was quite nice.
Today I am once again without most of my coworkers.. The lucky ducks are at the beach. I wish I was at the beach. *sigh* I know what I need. I need some music.
How about some Jimmy Buffett? Fruitcakes. That'll work...
Sunday, September 10, 2006
Recap
This weekend was too short.
Friday night we went out with CJ and R, of course. We had a great time.
Saturday I went shopping with AC. We also had a great time. I found some beautiful clothes and was sorely tempted to drop a few hundred dollars on a dove gray suit like I have been looking for forever and couldn't find. I didn't, but no one is saying that I won't go back and get it.
Last night we went to the neighborhood luau, which was really fun, surprisingly enough after the last party we went to.. The only problem was that apparently someone didn't practice food safety, and I was sick all night last night. I have been kind of queasy all day as well.
I went to CJ's church this morning. It was tiny. Tiny and pretty nice.. lots of older folks. And they NEED HELP with the music program. CJ was not kidding about that. Jury is still out on whether or not I will start singing there.. but it's a possibility.
I stopped by to see A1 and A2, said hello to Trigger, fed him a horse cookie and petted his ears, and then L and I went to lunch and to the grocery store. We didn't buy as many groceries as we usually do, mainly because we were full and feeling slightly ill. By the time we got home, we were dragging our butts behind us.. we went to sleep on the couch and stayed that way until almost time for dinner.
I wanted to go to New Spring tonight to hear John Maxwell speak. In fact, I had been looking forward to it all week.. but I slept through it. :( OH well. Maybe next time.
L is watching a Kevin Costner movie because he said he can't bear one more minute of the 9-11 propaganda on all the TV stations. I am inclined to agree. Now don't get me wrong-- I am still as angry as the next person about 9-11.. but I refuse to be whipped into some righteous frenzy every time someone says "September eleventh." Neither will I succumb to the fear-mongering that is on the news every night.
It's Un-American and I am not going to do it.
But that's a soapbox I don't have the energy for right now. My stomach hurts.
Friday night we went out with CJ and R, of course. We had a great time.
Saturday I went shopping with AC. We also had a great time. I found some beautiful clothes and was sorely tempted to drop a few hundred dollars on a dove gray suit like I have been looking for forever and couldn't find. I didn't, but no one is saying that I won't go back and get it.
Last night we went to the neighborhood luau, which was really fun, surprisingly enough after the last party we went to.. The only problem was that apparently someone didn't practice food safety, and I was sick all night last night. I have been kind of queasy all day as well.
I went to CJ's church this morning. It was tiny. Tiny and pretty nice.. lots of older folks. And they NEED HELP with the music program. CJ was not kidding about that. Jury is still out on whether or not I will start singing there.. but it's a possibility.
I stopped by to see A1 and A2, said hello to Trigger, fed him a horse cookie and petted his ears, and then L and I went to lunch and to the grocery store. We didn't buy as many groceries as we usually do, mainly because we were full and feeling slightly ill. By the time we got home, we were dragging our butts behind us.. we went to sleep on the couch and stayed that way until almost time for dinner.
I wanted to go to New Spring tonight to hear John Maxwell speak. In fact, I had been looking forward to it all week.. but I slept through it. :( OH well. Maybe next time.
L is watching a Kevin Costner movie because he said he can't bear one more minute of the 9-11 propaganda on all the TV stations. I am inclined to agree. Now don't get me wrong-- I am still as angry as the next person about 9-11.. but I refuse to be whipped into some righteous frenzy every time someone says "September eleventh." Neither will I succumb to the fear-mongering that is on the news every night.
It's Un-American and I am not going to do it.
But that's a soapbox I don't have the energy for right now. My stomach hurts.
Friday, September 08, 2006
Waiting
The question of the day is: What the hell am I waiting for?
Why do I put off the things I want to do? Why do I make excuses not to do the things I want most to do, or that I am called to do?
For instance, I want to continue my education. I have put this off for almost 2 years now because "the time isn't right" or "I'm not ready" or "what will so and so think if I go back to school?" Well who cares? I'm going. I have been in the process of writing my application for months.. it only takes about an hour to write the only remaining portion of my application.. then there's nothing left but the editing. I'm doing it. This weekend.
I have also known for quite some time now that music is one of my callings. I am supposed to sing. I am doing no one any favors trying to act like it's just a hobby and I don't intend to do it seriously. Because I do.
I am going to a new 6church on Sunday, where I have been asked to sing. This is a BIG step for me.. I'm doing it. I won't be singing this Sunday, but sometime soon I probably will be. (Don't worry, PR, I am also going to try and go to NS Sunday as well).
Later: Fri Nite Jazz downtown. Saturday: Neighborhood Luau.. this should be interesting...
Why do I put off the things I want to do? Why do I make excuses not to do the things I want most to do, or that I am called to do?
For instance, I want to continue my education. I have put this off for almost 2 years now because "the time isn't right" or "I'm not ready" or "what will so and so think if I go back to school?" Well who cares? I'm going. I have been in the process of writing my application for months.. it only takes about an hour to write the only remaining portion of my application.. then there's nothing left but the editing. I'm doing it. This weekend.
I have also known for quite some time now that music is one of my callings. I am supposed to sing. I am doing no one any favors trying to act like it's just a hobby and I don't intend to do it seriously. Because I do.
I am going to a new 6church on Sunday, where I have been asked to sing. This is a BIG step for me.. I'm doing it. I won't be singing this Sunday, but sometime soon I probably will be. (Don't worry, PR, I am also going to try and go to NS Sunday as well).
Later: Fri Nite Jazz downtown. Saturday: Neighborhood Luau.. this should be interesting...
Thursday, September 07, 2006
I've Got It All
Air Conditioning! Refrigeration! Cooking power! It's all at my house!
We cooked lemon pepper chicken on our new stove last night. It was excellent, and even better because we weren't pouring sweat while we tried to eat. Now all we need is a big trip to the grocery store.
I'm meeting with CJ and some people from Clemson today about the band playing this fall. I really hope something comes of it. I am ready to be out somewhere.. our studio is growing claustrophobic.
More on that later, if I feel inclined to post again. Right now I know that there is no way anything I say is going to be interesting enough to read.
We cooked lemon pepper chicken on our new stove last night. It was excellent, and even better because we weren't pouring sweat while we tried to eat. Now all we need is a big trip to the grocery store.
I'm meeting with CJ and some people from Clemson today about the band playing this fall. I really hope something comes of it. I am ready to be out somewhere.. our studio is growing claustrophobic.
More on that later, if I feel inclined to post again. Right now I know that there is no way anything I say is going to be interesting enough to read.
Wednesday, September 06, 2006
Something Strange is Going On Here...
I am not sure I have the energy to contemplate a post about my sister's latest series of (unfortunate) events. ;) Of course I have a lot to say on the subject, a lot of opinions that I could express here, but in the end, who would really care? Would it make a difference? Not likely.
And besides that, there is something really strange going on. It is likely that I will chalk it up to 5 days of Prednisone, ending Monday evening. And the fact that I worked out really hard yesterday. Anyway, there were several strange things that happened yesterday:
1) Right before i left the office, I was sitting at my desk shutting down my computer, and I had this sudden, suffocating feeling, as if there was no air in the room. For about 15 seconds, I was absolutely terrified... and then nothing. Everything was exactly the way it was before it happened, except that my face was flushed and my ears were ringing.
2) I was so hungry by the time I got home from work that I was shaking. I cooked some pasta and ate two entire bowls full before I began to feel like I wasn't going to pass out.
3) Later, I was lying in bed reading a book when I heard something.. it was like a whine or a muffled cry or a deep cough or something, and I didn't know where it was coming from. I thought something was wrong with Barney or Denver, so I jumped up and ran out into the garage to check on them, afraid one of them was choking to death or something. Both were sitting there in their crates, looking at me. In that instant, I was sure that it was L, that he was having a heart attack or choking or something. I don't know why I thought this, but I did.
My heart was pounding so hard I thought it was going to knock me down. Of course L was fine, sitting on the couch watching TV. I imagine that the sound I heard was either the TV or Barney getting ready to howl, or maybe the neighbor's dog outside. I don't know.
4) This morning, I had a hard time waking up. I had strange dreams all night. On the drive in to work, I completely missed my turn and didn't even realize it until I was waaaaaay past where I needed to be. Instead of turning around, I thought I'd just get there another way, and ended up with no idea where the heck I was. Obviously I eventually found my way here, but it was very strange.
So anyway..
Later today we will have new refrigeration and improved cooking power. O Joy!!!
And besides that, there is something really strange going on. It is likely that I will chalk it up to 5 days of Prednisone, ending Monday evening. And the fact that I worked out really hard yesterday. Anyway, there were several strange things that happened yesterday:
1) Right before i left the office, I was sitting at my desk shutting down my computer, and I had this sudden, suffocating feeling, as if there was no air in the room. For about 15 seconds, I was absolutely terrified... and then nothing. Everything was exactly the way it was before it happened, except that my face was flushed and my ears were ringing.
2) I was so hungry by the time I got home from work that I was shaking. I cooked some pasta and ate two entire bowls full before I began to feel like I wasn't going to pass out.
3) Later, I was lying in bed reading a book when I heard something.. it was like a whine or a muffled cry or a deep cough or something, and I didn't know where it was coming from. I thought something was wrong with Barney or Denver, so I jumped up and ran out into the garage to check on them, afraid one of them was choking to death or something. Both were sitting there in their crates, looking at me. In that instant, I was sure that it was L, that he was having a heart attack or choking or something. I don't know why I thought this, but I did.
My heart was pounding so hard I thought it was going to knock me down. Of course L was fine, sitting on the couch watching TV. I imagine that the sound I heard was either the TV or Barney getting ready to howl, or maybe the neighbor's dog outside. I don't know.
4) This morning, I had a hard time waking up. I had strange dreams all night. On the drive in to work, I completely missed my turn and didn't even realize it until I was waaaaaay past where I needed to be. Instead of turning around, I thought I'd just get there another way, and ended up with no idea where the heck I was. Obviously I eventually found my way here, but it was very strange.
So anyway..
Later today we will have new refrigeration and improved cooking power. O Joy!!!
Tuesday, September 05, 2006
Tuesday's List
1) The children are back on campus, making it extremely difficult to go to the gym late in the day. I made the mistake of trying to go work out after work yesterday. There wasn't even room to walk down to the locker room, much less work out. I much prefer the lunch crowd (i.e. old grizzled professors and the occasional staff member such as myself). They don't ogle you (well at least not most of the time) and they don't hog the weights.
2) I need to lose about 20 pounds. *sigh*
3) Clemson won against Florida Atlantic last weekend, FSU won against Miami last night. See, L, I am paying attention to football just for you.
4) At the game watching party last night, I saw the guy who introduced me to L. I can't imagine what I ever saw in him in the same way I can't imagine what I ever saw in J. The word was rebound and I'm glad I got it over with quickly. It could have been much nastier and more painful, and I could have come out with a much less pleasant result.
I guess you could say that I saw the situation in a new light last night (funny how my brain is always working on something like this, some analysis of the past to try and learn everything I can from it). L is the best boyfriend ever and quite possibly the closest thing to a perfect match I could ever have. I adore him. Is that obvious yet?
5) New fridge and new stove tomorrow! And maybe they'll get the AC running as well!!! I can't wait!
Later: The New-to-this-blog but Long-Standing Saga of My Sister, the Dancing Queen. Maybe. Unless I decide it would be safer not to touch that. ; )
2) I need to lose about 20 pounds. *sigh*
3) Clemson won against Florida Atlantic last weekend, FSU won against Miami last night. See, L, I am paying attention to football just for you.
4) At the game watching party last night, I saw the guy who introduced me to L. I can't imagine what I ever saw in him in the same way I can't imagine what I ever saw in J. The word was rebound and I'm glad I got it over with quickly. It could have been much nastier and more painful, and I could have come out with a much less pleasant result.
I guess you could say that I saw the situation in a new light last night (funny how my brain is always working on something like this, some analysis of the past to try and learn everything I can from it). L is the best boyfriend ever and quite possibly the closest thing to a perfect match I could ever have. I adore him. Is that obvious yet?
5) New fridge and new stove tomorrow! And maybe they'll get the AC running as well!!! I can't wait!
Later: The New-to-this-blog but Long-Standing Saga of My Sister, the Dancing Queen. Maybe. Unless I decide it would be safer not to touch that. ; )
Monday, September 04, 2006
Refrigeration and Celebration
Well. This has certainly been an entertaining weekend!
Yesterday L and I went to lunch at P.F. Chang's (yum!). We then struck out on an epic quest for a new refrigerator, since all of the groceries we bought after having our old refrigerator repaired last week have now also gone bad because the stupid thing crapped out again. The AC is still on the blink as well, of course. Our luck with appliances needs to change, and quickly!
So we went to Lowe's. Then we hit Home Depot, where we found a depressingly small array of dinged-up appliances available for purchase. Nothing like the gleaming selection at Lowe's, even if the financing deal at Lowe's was definitely nothing to write home about.
We drove to a local "appliance and TV center", but they were closed because it was Sunday. So we went to Sear's, the old standby for appliances since the beginning of time. There we found an Indian lady and an elderly salesman who helped us choose a new 25.4 cu ft refrigerator in a black and stainless combo finish (no fingerprints!) and a new extraspecial superamalgamated black and stainless steel convection oven that does everything you can possibly think of (it stores recipes! it has a warming drawer underneath! it slow cooks! it self-cleans! it mops the floor! ok, not really, but you get the idea).
L couldn't stand the thought of the stove and the fridge not matching. Even he was laughing at himself about this.
Mr. Elderly salesman wrote up our customer file under "Mr. and Mrs. P" and gave us 15% off our total purchase plus 6 months no interest. We will have the whole $2000 paid off by then, so it was actually a tolerably good deal. The new appliances will be delivered on Wednesday, complete with warranty and service contracts.
And I got to be Mrs. L.P. for a whole hour. We had a good laugh about that, too.
Then we went to "Celebrate Anderson." CJ played our band's jam CD as opener music for the program. That was kinda cool, listening to us coming through that big PA system, and watching people start tapping their feet. Dionne Warwick sang, but she was violently ill, apparently, and the vocals were all over the place. Still, it was kinda cool. And the fireworks were spectacular. The thing I didn't enjoy was watching A1 work her a$$ off while her bosses and coworkers sat around and drank and ate and enjoyed themselves.
She works too hard for people who take the credit for her accomplishments and treat her like essentially a non-entity. She is wasting her hard work and missing out on her family, and she doesn't even see it right now. I worry that she will burn out. But.. she doesn't really call me anymore, so what can I really say about it? Right.
Other interesting occurrences last night: More of the same snideness from certain members of the "group" who seem to believe that there is something wrong with "dancing with the one that brung ya".. i.e. that L and I can come to the events together if we must, but there is something wrong with actually enjoying each other's company. Sorry ladies.. he's my best friend as well as my boyfriend, and I see no reason to ignore him all evening just because you hate your husband and you want me to listen to you trash him. Deal with it.
CJ introduced me to about 1000 people. And when L and I got home, Barney the golden lab tried to dig his way to China by way of his crate, in the garage. Needless to say, he didn't get very far, but he did succeed in keeping us awake half the night.
And now.. happy labor day. I'm the only one in my department who's working today. : )
Yesterday L and I went to lunch at P.F. Chang's (yum!). We then struck out on an epic quest for a new refrigerator, since all of the groceries we bought after having our old refrigerator repaired last week have now also gone bad because the stupid thing crapped out again. The AC is still on the blink as well, of course. Our luck with appliances needs to change, and quickly!
So we went to Lowe's. Then we hit Home Depot, where we found a depressingly small array of dinged-up appliances available for purchase. Nothing like the gleaming selection at Lowe's, even if the financing deal at Lowe's was definitely nothing to write home about.
We drove to a local "appliance and TV center", but they were closed because it was Sunday. So we went to Sear's, the old standby for appliances since the beginning of time. There we found an Indian lady and an elderly salesman who helped us choose a new 25.4 cu ft refrigerator in a black and stainless combo finish (no fingerprints!) and a new extraspecial superamalgamated black and stainless steel convection oven that does everything you can possibly think of (it stores recipes! it has a warming drawer underneath! it slow cooks! it self-cleans! it mops the floor! ok, not really, but you get the idea).
L couldn't stand the thought of the stove and the fridge not matching. Even he was laughing at himself about this.
Mr. Elderly salesman wrote up our customer file under "Mr. and Mrs. P" and gave us 15% off our total purchase plus 6 months no interest. We will have the whole $2000 paid off by then, so it was actually a tolerably good deal. The new appliances will be delivered on Wednesday, complete with warranty and service contracts.
And I got to be Mrs. L.P. for a whole hour. We had a good laugh about that, too.
Then we went to "Celebrate Anderson." CJ played our band's jam CD as opener music for the program. That was kinda cool, listening to us coming through that big PA system, and watching people start tapping their feet. Dionne Warwick sang, but she was violently ill, apparently, and the vocals were all over the place. Still, it was kinda cool. And the fireworks were spectacular. The thing I didn't enjoy was watching A1 work her a$$ off while her bosses and coworkers sat around and drank and ate and enjoyed themselves.
She works too hard for people who take the credit for her accomplishments and treat her like essentially a non-entity. She is wasting her hard work and missing out on her family, and she doesn't even see it right now. I worry that she will burn out. But.. she doesn't really call me anymore, so what can I really say about it? Right.
Other interesting occurrences last night: More of the same snideness from certain members of the "group" who seem to believe that there is something wrong with "dancing with the one that brung ya".. i.e. that L and I can come to the events together if we must, but there is something wrong with actually enjoying each other's company. Sorry ladies.. he's my best friend as well as my boyfriend, and I see no reason to ignore him all evening just because you hate your husband and you want me to listen to you trash him. Deal with it.
CJ introduced me to about 1000 people. And when L and I got home, Barney the golden lab tried to dig his way to China by way of his crate, in the garage. Needless to say, he didn't get very far, but he did succeed in keeping us awake half the night.
And now.. happy labor day. I'm the only one in my department who's working today. : )
Saturday, September 02, 2006
New Rugs...
The new and improved dining room.. the 8x10 rug was an instant hit with the cat (Monster adored this rug!) and will look great with the new curtains, once I actually sew them!
The matching foyer rug.. I love these! I can't wait until we get dining room furniture! This house is going to be so so so cool when we get finished with it!But the fridge has died again, so I got dry ice so we could try and save our frozen goods yet again. L is picking out a new fridge online now, and we will probably go see it in the store (Lowe's or HD?) tomorrow.
We're going to "Celebrate Anderson" tomorrow night. Anyone want to go (Papa Ridgeback? Anyone?)?? Dionne Warwick is singing... not that I am overly excited about Dionne Warwick, but there will be lots of free fireworks... : )
L and I had an adventure last night. We slept on the fold out couch in front of L's window unit AC. It was just like camping in a blanket tent between two chairs when you were a kid! I got up early, though, because L always gets up at 7 am and lets the dogs in.. I didn't want to get a slobber shower from Denver, the dog who adores me. I love him too, but I don't like being covered in dog spit while I am sleeping. Or any other time for that matter.
Talked to Mom tonight.. they must have given her the happy drugs this time. She was in a good mood. They should write that one down and send us home with a lifetime supply. Its the first conversation I've had with her that wasn't melodramatic in a long time.
Anyway, I am loading half of L's CD collection into my iTunes right now, so I'm off to check its progress...
Friday, September 01, 2006
It's Friday
This morning I woke to the sound of my incessantly ringing telephone. One cup of coffee left in the coffee maker, one more discussion in an endless stream of them about the same issues with my mother. She has apparently decided that I am "against her" and "in cahoots with the doctor" and that I don't want her to come home. All this because I think she should follow the advice of her doctor. It makes me want to scream. She doesn't want help. She doesn't care about what's best for her. She also has no idea of how to behave like an adult. She's like the dizzy heroines of those old black and white movies who swooned every 4.6 minutes and screamed, whined, or cried about everything. Seriously, it gets exhausting and quite annoying after a while.
Me: "Mom, you need to wait until your blood count is at least in the double digits before you try to leave the hospital.."
Mom: "*GASP* Wuuaaaaaugh! How could you? I'll never forgive you for leaving me here! Nevahhhh!!! *sob, sob*"
Because we all know this is my fault. And then there's her apparent hearing problem:
Dr: I am concerned that you wouldn't have enough space in a standard airline seat for your wound not to be pressed against the armrest. The wound must have enough room so that nothing touches it..."
Mom hears: "You're too fat to fit in a plane seat."
There is no winning in this situation. A smart person would give up.
So I spent a few minutes after this joyful start to the day deciding that I didn't want to do anything I could think of doing. Not songwriting, certainly. Not the pool, or cleaning the house, or going back to bed or eating breakfast or anything, dammit!
So I went to Chick-fil-A with Papa Ridgeback and had a long discussion about things many and sundry. Then I went to the feed store, and then to see Trigger. A still has my keys to my house, and on that keyring is my key to the pasture, so I had to carry the two 50 lb bags of feed by hand. That was fun. : (
But Trigger finally figured out how to sidepass today. He only does it on one side, and only for a few steps, but for him that is huge. I am quite proud of him. He is a sweet boy. I can't wait until I can ride him.
Sundance tried to eat the broom from the tack room.. that was quite comical. He took it and ran into his stall with it, hoping to hide and eat all the bristles before I noticed it was missing.
Then I watched A, C1, C2, and C2's friends, Lil Country Boy and Army Kid try and replaced the stairs to the deck. The were attempting to do this without power tools. It was quite entertaining. Army Kid is alarmingly like J (aka numbnuts) was 10 years ago.
He likes all eyes on him, and he is either talking about the Army, fights he has gotten into since he's been in the Army, how much he knows about "females", or he is singing cadences. My stomach turned when I realized I knew the words to the cadences he was singing. Bleh. Blargh! And he kept telling A3 "when we get married, you ain't gonna..." Of course this was a joke, but I couldn't help thinking, if A3 ever gets it in her head to marry something like that, I'll kidnap her and run away to some college campus far away where she can meet someone with a future who won't cheat on her.
Gee, I'm not a bit biased against Army Kid at all, am I? Heh. He is a nice kid. They're all nice kids. I promised C1 pictures of me and L when we were in high school.. with 80s hair and in L's case, that mustache!!! : )
Tomorrow: Going to Gaffney to pick up rugs.
Me: "Mom, you need to wait until your blood count is at least in the double digits before you try to leave the hospital.."
Mom: "*GASP* Wuuaaaaaugh! How could you? I'll never forgive you for leaving me here! Nevahhhh!!! *sob, sob*"
Because we all know this is my fault. And then there's her apparent hearing problem:
Dr: I am concerned that you wouldn't have enough space in a standard airline seat for your wound not to be pressed against the armrest. The wound must have enough room so that nothing touches it..."
Mom hears: "You're too fat to fit in a plane seat."
There is no winning in this situation. A smart person would give up.
So I spent a few minutes after this joyful start to the day deciding that I didn't want to do anything I could think of doing. Not songwriting, certainly. Not the pool, or cleaning the house, or going back to bed or eating breakfast or anything, dammit!
So I went to Chick-fil-A with Papa Ridgeback and had a long discussion about things many and sundry. Then I went to the feed store, and then to see Trigger. A still has my keys to my house, and on that keyring is my key to the pasture, so I had to carry the two 50 lb bags of feed by hand. That was fun. : (
But Trigger finally figured out how to sidepass today. He only does it on one side, and only for a few steps, but for him that is huge. I am quite proud of him. He is a sweet boy. I can't wait until I can ride him.
Sundance tried to eat the broom from the tack room.. that was quite comical. He took it and ran into his stall with it, hoping to hide and eat all the bristles before I noticed it was missing.
Then I watched A, C1, C2, and C2's friends, Lil Country Boy and Army Kid try and replaced the stairs to the deck. The were attempting to do this without power tools. It was quite entertaining. Army Kid is alarmingly like J (aka numbnuts) was 10 years ago.
He likes all eyes on him, and he is either talking about the Army, fights he has gotten into since he's been in the Army, how much he knows about "females", or he is singing cadences. My stomach turned when I realized I knew the words to the cadences he was singing. Bleh. Blargh! And he kept telling A3 "when we get married, you ain't gonna..." Of course this was a joke, but I couldn't help thinking, if A3 ever gets it in her head to marry something like that, I'll kidnap her and run away to some college campus far away where she can meet someone with a future who won't cheat on her.
Gee, I'm not a bit biased against Army Kid at all, am I? Heh. He is a nice kid. They're all nice kids. I promised C1 pictures of me and L when we were in high school.. with 80s hair and in L's case, that mustache!!! : )
Tomorrow: Going to Gaffney to pick up rugs.
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