Extra Second...

What will you do with your extra second this year?? Yep, a whole extra second. To get the atomic clocks in synch with the earth's rotation there is a second being added to 2008. According to the news for those of us in the central time zone that extra second will occur at 5:59:59p. Make the most of your second cause you'll never get it back!!

Small steps...

Slow start this morning...being somewhat lazy but I did manage to get the following pages framed and hung....

What a difference a year makes....

Just for grins I decided to check the number of posts for 2007 versus 2008. I found in 2007 I posted 154 times, the number rose significantly in 2008 to 427 (prior to this post). Not sure if I had more to say or was just more diligent! 427! That's at least a post a day and obviously sometimes more than one. Now I know I did not post daily so there must have been some days when I thought I really had something to say! To those of you who read this discourse (big word learned in high school--wow guess the public school system and the ghetto school did teach me something); thank you.

One Little Word....

My word for 2008 was balance and it really took on a different meaning after the events of April and May and the MS diagnosis. It's something I'm still striving for and something I kept in mind when choosing a word for 2009. I made a decision weeks ago but am just now getting around to blogging about it.

I believe my 2009 word compliments and corresponds well with my 2008 word. The word I have chosen for 2009 is structure. I feel I could use more structure in my life in various ways and will strive for that in the new year. I believe it also fits well with the goals I strive to achieve in '09.

So there you have it!

'08 Goal Review

Below are the goals I outlined for 2008 and here on the cusp of 2009 I thought it was a good time to go over them...see if any were met or need revision.....

Goal: go through boxes in dining room and disburse items to permanent place or purge them. (Done!)
....this one I actually did accomplish

Goal: continue to go through items in apartment to find them a permanent home or purge them
...this is ongoing.....

Goal: go through items in storage unit and find them a permanent home among my things or purge them.
...okay, not even touched...the MS thing kinda threw a wrench in this plan....something renewed for '09

Goal: go through my closets and purge clothing I do not or cannot wear (send items in good condition to charity---Tim, you may be getting a call for a pick up!)
....I desparately need to do this....I had hoped to get to this during break but obviously that did not happen....spring break maybe???

Goal: go through and sort scrap supplies so I know what I have so I can use them. Purge any that I feel are no longer my style or that I will not use (any suggestions are greatly appreciated on what to do with them because I know I have stuff in good, useable condition).
....something I've just recently started....well, I have at least started working toward organizing my scraproom...this will certainly be an ongoing item...

Goal: Cook more meals and eat at home. Also, eat healthier.
...probably could have done better with this and definitely a renewed goal for '09...I've already signed up for a couple of the classes at Williams-Sonoma to help with this....

Goal: Either go to the gym and workout or at the very least walk on a regular basis.
...another goal the MS thing kinda screwed up...but that should be an excuse to actually do this so yes...another renewed goal for '09...

Goal: save some money instead of spending every nickel I get!
....hahahahahahahahahahahahaha.......most definitely a goal to be renewed for '09!...I believe it's time to add the word budget to my vocabulary......

Life goes on...

Willy is gone but life certainly goes on. Perhaps I should be more distraught. Maybe it hasn't fully hit me. It will be tomorrow before I can take him for burial.

For now, I've been to the store and am starting to pick up around here. There's laundry to be done and heaven knows I need to vaccuum (something I've not done the past few days as I did not want to disturb or upset Willy too badly--Sissy is on her own).

Call me cold-hearted but I think of things like not having litter slung everywhere (Sissy seems to be more diligent and neat in that department). I can have rugs on the floor without having to wash them daily because Willy decided he liked that better than his litter box. No more 1a to 3a wakeups for feeding because he wants fresh food. Cheaper catfood bills because Sissy does not eat can food. No more papers or magazines shredded because it's fun.

But also, no more fighting at the front door because Willy is trying to sneak out. No more kitty curled up sleeping on the back of the couch. No more kitty snuggling (Sissy does not like being held and I don't feel like being clawed to death).

RIP

1999-2008

I was awake off and on during the night and would always check Willy and stroke his fur doing what I could to settle him. Around 5am this morning I held him for a while and even in his weak state he would try to nuzzle my neck. After a bit I could tell he was growing more tired so I returned him to the box on the floor and I went back to sleep as well. When I woke around 8:30a there was no stirring....I couldn't see any movement....I placed my hand on him and he was cold.....Willy left us sometime this morning. I just hope he knows how much he was loved.

Hanging in....

I have to admit that I'm a bit surprised that Willy is still hanging in there. He is very weak and will not eat or drink. He will lay in one position for quite a while then somehow muster up the strength to move ever so slighly. It's obvious the slightest little effort tires him out.

When I returned home yesterday he had somehow managed to make it from under the bed on one side of the room to under a chair on the other. Quite a feat given his condition. After some time he dragged himself from under the chair into the open.

I scooped him up and sat out on the patio for a bit holding him. He would lift his head every once in a while but it was obvious it was quite an effort for him. After a bit I lay him on the couch--I sat on the floor. I finally decided to go to the bed. I held him for a bit then I put him beside me on a pallet.

An hour or so later I awoke to find he had moved toward the foot of the bed. I moved him back beside me. A bit later I heard a thud and awoke to find him on the floor beside the bed. I gingerly put him back in the box beside my bed which is where he is resting at the moment.

Even in his weakness he is struggling to be independent and yet he allows me to hold him--even snuggling up to me.

In Hiding...

Despite being nearly 1am before heading to bed it was well after 2am before I fell asleep--so much for getting up fairly early. I finally rolled out around 9ish and could have stayed longer if I'd let myself.

Willy is even more lathargic and won't even drink now. I dressed and went to the chiropractor and he was missing when I got home....because he is curled up under my bed sleeping. He is still breathing so I've decided to leave him be for now. He obviously doesn't want to be disturbed. I may try to get him out after I get back from running errands. Who knows, he may surprise me and come out on his own. So far every time he's left the box beside my bed he has returned.

Is it really nearly 1a.m.???

Amazing how when you get engrossed in something you lose track of time. I've been creating and had no idea how late it has become. Although I don't have to worry about getting up for work I do need to get some sleep so I'm not sleeping all day. And now is not the time to get into the bad habit of staying up late and sleeping in. But I've really been enjoying being able to sit down and create.

From the WTF? file...

Saw this tonight in Walmart on the clearance aisle....



....wasn't Easter like---MARCH???

Where the hell have they been hiding this and why did they decide to drag it out during the after Christmas clearance??? At this point why not just hold it till Easter. That can only mean another month or two before they start stocking Easter stuff (since Valentine is going up now...)

....s-l-o-w-l-y...

Small progress but progress....Willy just ate a little baby food. The vet had suggested it among other things. I tried the various kidney diet food he sent home with me....actual turkey....tuna...nothing, only water. After a trip to Walmart and a jar of turkey baby food I found something he will at least try. He only ate a few bites but it was with gusto. I think he was just too tired and weak to eat anymore. I've been giving him water about every hour all day so I'm doing what I can to keep him hydrated. And now he is eating.

I still find him in the litter box every once in a while but I leave him...and eventually he makes his way back to the cardboard box in my bedroom. In fact, when I left for Walmart he was in the litter box....when I returned he was curled up back in my bedroom. Maybe now that I found something he'll actually eat he'll get some energy back and get back to annoying me! Keep your fingers crossed....

Willy Update...

If you're following the saga of Willy you'll be sad to hear that he is not doing well at all. He saw another vet on Friday who had a prognosis that was a little better. Despite the glimmer of hope Willy doesn't seem to be buying it. I haven't gotten him to eat anything since Friday night though he will at least still drink.

He disappeared Friday night and was MIA most of Saturday but decided he liked the litter box as a bed. I managed to get him settled in a box with a towel that is currently beside my bed. All he does is sleep (which is okay) and sadly appears to be growing weaker almost by the minute. At the moment I'm doing what I can to keep him comfortable.

On another note, I had a fabulous time hanging and scrapping with Joey last night. I showed up empty handed but no worries as she had plenty of supplies to keep me entertained! I proceeded to see what I could produce from one CTMH paper pack. I made several New Year's card fronts, a few pages and 20 pages for a 6x6 album that I decided will be a reflection of Willy. Now to print pictures and do journaling.

Wow....two days in a row!

Yep...I've scrapped two days in a row! I knew when I saw this paper today it was perfect for this particular picture.

Scrappy Christmas...

The bird is almost done and I've decided to sit down to scrap a bit. Working on old pictures and whatever else appeals to me. These are from my Christmas trip to Ohio back in 2003.

Sneaky Little Critter....

Willy really wanted to go outside so I let him out on the patio yesterday afternoon....and I could hear his crying (meowing).....then it stopped. I figured he had finally settled down. I looked on the patio but no Willy. I shut the door and looked for him inside. I called his name. No Willy. I decided to check my mail and as I walked down the sidewalk there sits Willy in the grass looking at me.

Two options...he jumped off the balcony or he ran out earlier when I shut the door after UPS left. Thinking about it, it was after the UPS delivery that I last heard him on the patio. The little stink had to have jumped!

Currently he is walking from door to door crying. I told him I didn't think I could trust him unsupervised on the patio but I let him out. I watched him. Next thing I know he is slipping his body under the rail getting ready to jump! I grab him and pull him back, pitch him inside and shut the door. He has now lost his patio priviledges.

Can't believe it's taken two and a half years for him to decide to jump.

Winter Wonderland....

Five Years Ago...

Lazy Day...

Thus far it's been a lazy day. I've not really done much of anything to speak of other than trying to keep a dying cat calm and comfortable--he just wants to walk around and cry-LOUD. I did think of getting out this morning but the weather is rather nasty and in reality there is nothing I'm looking for or need.

I may possibly do something later if the package I'm expecting by UPS arrives at a decent time. I've even thought of going to candlelight services at one of the area churches. It's been years since I've been to candlelight and never in this town. And I do know the minister of one of the local churches.

I've also thought of all the things I could do tonight to make it a cozy Christmas eve. Things like sipping wine or hot chocolate....baking cookies...watching some of my favorite shows (like Gilmore Girls or House since I have a few seasons of each on DVD)...then there's always watching A Christmas Story on TBS--for 24 hours!.....listening to Christmas music (which I've not really done this year) and reading (heaven knows I have plenty to read)....scrapping favorite things or just catching up on all the things I want to scrap.....so many things I can do....

It just doesn't feel like Christmas....

Not sure why but it doesn't feel all that much like Christmas to me...at least not this year. I don't think it's the weather. Heaven knows we've had plenty of Christmases that involved running the air conditioner and wearing shorts. Maybe it's because I never did get that tree up...or any other decorations--although there are several cards from various friends displayed throughout my living room.

Maybe it's because I've not done any real Christmas shopping...I have no last minute things to get done...Willy being ill...no real holiday trips this year (the tree at the state capitol was rather disappointing to me)...

...and heaven help me, I am contemplating going out tomorrow to see if there are any bargains to be had.....or maybe I just feel the need to get caught up in the frenzy? I should really just stay home and do things around here....there's plenty and I'll still have nearly a week to get out and play before I have to return to work....

Christmas Eve Eve....

Two days before Christmas and it almost seems foreign that I don't have a million things to do to finish gifts, cook, etc. I can basically relax and do whatever I desire. Today I am having lunch with Robin and then I may try to do a little shopping this afternoon. There's really nothing I need and funds are low but somehow the thrill of being out in the mess is appealing (that's now as I sit here, getting out is a different story!). I aspire to be creative this evening...we'll see how far I get!

Sick Little Guy...

Willy isn't doing well. He's in kidney failure and the vet doesn't think he has much longer....anywhere from a week to a month (at best). Since it's Christmas and they'll be closed they really can't do much but he did send me home with an IV so I can give him fluids daily. Hopefully that will help though I'm not sure how much. The vet said it's just something we haven't seen when he's been for past visits. I just don't want him to suffer. He said if there's no improvement in a week the humane thing would be put him down. My poor baby....

Sick Kitty :(

Willy isn't feeling well.....he won't eat and mainly just lays around sleeps. And he's soooooo skinny. Moreso than usual. I've taken him to the vet who says other than his loss of weight there's nothing obvious...so now he's doing bloodwork. Hopefully he can be pumped full of drugs and be back up in no time.

Baby Steps....

Progress is slow but that's okay...

Sights of Austin

I am my mother's child...

It's late on Saturday afternoon and no matter how I try I just cannot get into cleaning and organizing my stuff. It's not that I don't want to, I do. I just can't get started. I pick something up and just relocate it and then do the same with the next item.

I think of all the other things I could be doing. But I want my scrap space clean and organized. I also want someone else to do it...wouldn't that be nice. At least I did manage to get another shelf put up and another cube assembled. I am going to try to make myself get this done...it needs to be done...it has to be done!

Besides, it's supposed to be really, really cold tomorrow so a good day to stay in and scrap.

Austin souvenir....

Seems I broght something back from Austin that can't be returned--a cold. I guess I should be thankful that it is mild. Hopefully it will pass soon.

Where'd it go???

I'm talking about my week. It was Monday and poof....it's Friday already. Isn't amazing how quickly time will pass when you're off and doing whatever you want to do. In retrospect I don't believe I really accomplished much of anything though it was nice being away. Now it's time to get started on all the projects around home I'm hoping to tackle. Wish me luck!

Plans for the day and random musings....

How'd it get to be Thursday already?? Time moves quickly when you have time off. In the blink of an eye it will be January 2, and I'll be back at work. But no need to think of that right now.

It's almost 9am. and I really should get packed up and get going. It's foggy out and I really want that to burn off before I get on the road though that might not be till noon. I will make one last shopping loop before hitting 71 south. I think a trip to Barnes and Noble is in order to pick up books I saw---or at least jot down titles and authors and possibly pick up scrumptious cupcakes available in their coffee shop. Michaels has their scrap cubes on sale again this week and though I picked one up on Tuesday I keep thinking I may want just one more...

And then there are the random musings running through my head. How I'd love to blink my eyes and have my apartment spotless and orderly. Of course, that will require hard work but I do have the time if I'll just do it! And how I want to be more organized. I need to be more organized. I have high hopes of making that happen but again, it will require some hard work...and discipline. Goals, goals, goals. Oh and I want to scrap.......but things have to be cleaned and organized first. Back to those goals, goals, goals.....


UPDATE>>>>

I have arrived home and just need to get the rest of my things from the car and put them away. I've been going nuts since Monday when I realized I could not find my glasses....and I so hoped they would be on the dining table when I got home. They aren't. So my next idea was to 'retrace my steps' from when I last remember having them which was Sunday. My first call was to Massage Envy and sure enough, I left them there on the counter. Mystery solved. Now I just need to make a run to retrieve them. At least now I don't have to buy a whole new pair!

I enjoyed the time away though I seem to have developed a bit of a cold--lucky me. At least it appears to be mild so hopefully I can shake it before it rages.

Now it's time to get to work on things around here. Pictures later.....

State Capitol

How cool is it that we can come and go at the state capitol as we please. Afterall, it is the house of the people. So this afternoon I wandered the halls and the grounds of the capitol. I'll share pictures when I return home.

Kicking Back in Austin.....

Why didn't someone warn me it was going to be so damn cold???!!??? I was expecting somewhat mild temps not possible sleet and ice freeze your ass weather! Thankfully there wasn't any ice.

It was nice to sleep in a bit and do things at my leisure with no real schedule or responsibities. Just spent the day doing at little shopping at some of my favorite places...Michaels, Barnes and Noble, JoAnns, Avenue....all places I could go at home but these are somehow different....even a little better. I always enjoy stopping by these places when in town. It's familiar.....

I have one more full day (this trip) to enjoy Austin. My activities will be dependent upon the weather. If it's too cold I don't think I want to be strolling around outside much and I dcan't think of anything at any mall I would need or want. Heck I was in the Lakeline Mall area today and did not stop!

So maybe tomorrow will be downtown Austin and all it has to offer. Afterall, I need to get some pictures to commemorate my trip! Maybe I can even manage to get some pictures of the various Christmas lights as several houses in the neighborhood have decorated.

Later....

My place is picked up (still needs work but it's better than it was), the garbage is out and I'm packed. Just need to throw on clothes finish up throwing things in a bag and then I'm off for a few days. I have decided against dragging the laptop. See everyone in a few days!

Self Indulgence....

I should have stayed home today and cleaned and such. Instead it was an afternoon of self-indulgence that began with an hour and a half of massage. DEVINE. After that I treated myself to lunch-with desert-at Pappasitos. Yummy. What a wonderful way to kick off the holiday break.

Home now I have a million things to get done tonight so I can run off to Austin tomorrow for a few days. Elsa will still be working but I can play on my own during the day. Looking forward to a trip to the capital and possibly the Bob Bullock Museum, some vintage shopping (or at least looking) on South Congress and maybe even squeezing in a little scrapping along the way. I'm sure the evenings will be filled with lots of laughter, gossip, good food and wine.

I'll try to post along the way...but no promises. :)

Have a good week all.

Snow???

Was that really snow coming down yesterday afternoon? I dreamed of waking to a landscape covered in white but that is not the case. My main concern?--that there is no ice on the steps. I learned my lesson and have NO intentions of riding down on my rear again. I do believe however they are clear and departure shouldn't be a problem.

Oprah's plight???

So yesterday morning I hear that Oprah is embarrassed and ashamed that she's gained back weight she had lost. Now I had noticed a while back she was starting to go up in size but who am I to comment on such a thing since I suffer from the same? Again this morning there is more talk of Oprah's weight gain.

Ok probably not what she would want to hear but I find it refreshing to hear! She's just like everyone else! Despite her fame, fortune and um, power, she has a problem many suffer from. She is normal.....well as normal as one can be with such money, etc. She battles extra poundage. She goes through a rough time and finds comfort in a pint of ice cream (or whatever her vice may be).

I say embrace who you are Oprah. You have enough money, etc. to tell everyone to go to hell. Be happy with who you are. If your health is good and you aren't experiencing medical issues then you need to live as you want and to hell with everyone else. Don't give into society's ideals of what a person should look like-your happiness is what matters!

Going Broke....

...one store at a time!!! Target has become as evil or moreso than Walmart in my book. At least that's been my experience the last month or so. I swear I cannot walk out of any store for less than twenty bucks...and it adds up fast. One of my goals for 2009 is to get my spending under control. It's time to cook and eat at home more, scrap with what I have before buying more--no matter how in love I am with whatever, only buy what I really, really need and stay home more...heaven knows I have plenty to scrap and plenty to read! Here's to a more thrifty 2009. Care to join me???

Ready or not...here it comes....

Whether you celebrate Hannukkah or Christmas, it's just around the corner. And of course that also signals the end of another year--be it good or bad.

On the upside is it's the time of year where we get various goodies...such as homemade tamales for breakfast!! (Of course the downside is the weight gain from all the goodies...)

Memories....

I'd forgotten how good a fresh Christmas tree smells. Had to run to the store and just outside the store are trees waiting for homes. I haven't had a fresh tree in y-e-a-r-s. I would consider a fresh tree this year but they were all big and I have limited space. Not to mention that's money that can be spent elsewhere. If I get around to putting up a tree (cause I've done nothing so far) I'll stick to my artificial one. Wonder if I could get in trouble for just hanging out and sniffing trees???

On another note, I've accomplished items 3 and 4 on my list below! Maybe I'll tackle the other before bed...

Tonight's Agenda...

#1 Make list of things to be done
#2 Follow to do list
#3 Go by Joey's and pick up SEI and CTMH orders
#4 Address and stamp Christmas cards-drop off at post office (maybe this should be #3 then I could run by the post office the same time I run by Joey's.....)

Hmmmm, maybe I should just posts my lists here and then I might actually at least get them written down--maybe even follow them.....hahahahahaha

Potpourri.....

I think I spelled that correctly. Basically it's the best way to sum up all the thoughts running through my head. The various projects to be done--several before the end of the week. Wondering if I should bother with putting up a tree at this point. Thinking of all the things to be done at work this week. Worried because my stupid check engine light has come on again and I can't get it checked till tomorrow (mechanic backed up)--praying it's nothing. Hoping it does not interfere with plans to spend a few days in Austin next week. Thinking about the fact my apartment is a disaster and needs a thorough cleaning. All fun things.

So many projects...

....so little time....every year it seems I'm last minute trying to get things done for the office. I had grand plans of doing so much yesterday and instead spent most of the day in bed. My body couldn't hold out another week but chose yesterday to rebel. So much for working on projects at Robin's, going to Kim's party, accomplishing anything.

So here I am on Sunday trying my best to get things done and not sure of just where to start. My place is a wreck-nothing new there when this time of year rolls around (see pic below). I have started on my office gifts but not sure what all I want to do--and of course, time is short. I still need to finish Christmas cards and get them in the mail among a few other things that need to be mailed sooner rather than later.

..So wishing I could just blink my eyes and everything would be neat and organized and I could just play to my heart's content.....afterall, it is the season of miracles!! Happy Sunday....

Create!

The adorable but stubborn Willy watching over me...











I should be ashamed that THIS is how my dining table looks...it's what happens when I'm in the midst of creating.....just another reminder I have got to get my drafting table unloaded and my studio (sounds so much better saying studio) organized!

Small Justice...

OJ sentenced to prison......for once someone has to pay for their crime......maybe not enough but at least it's something for once.

2009 Scrappin Time...

Just throwing this out there.....somewhat of a challenge to scrap in 2009 (Okay so it's really to get me to scrap more). Let's post weekly an idea to scrap...such as scrap 'today'....scrap something that makes you happy...scrap a pet...scrap a favorite memory...you get the idea.....

You have 26 days before the new year to think about it!!!

So Many Projects...

...so little time. As I go over the list in my head of things to do before the end of year, end of next week even, I am starting to feel a bit overwhelmed. I need to finish up my Christmas cards and get them in the mail. I need to mail a package to my brother since it's somewhat time sensitive. I need to get office gifts done--especially since there's only one more week before break. I have a couple other little items to get in the mail to different people. And then there's all the scrapping I want to do for me. And then I think of all the things I want to do over break. At least I already realize that it will be next to impossible to do it all....but at least I can make the effort to put a dent in the list!! Most important is to kick back and relax some.

Damn that Ali Edwards....

...well, not literally. She has what I think is a cool blog with lots of creative stuff that inspires me (if only I'd actually sit down and make the stuff). Anyway...she's been giving away stuff and posting links to the products and one site has now sucked me in...I've visited twice....and bought twice. It's http://www.peachycheap.com and they feature one product (yes, just one product) each day at exceptionally low prices. It's so easy to click on buy and then pay through paypal. So not only am I getting cute stuff at a low price, it'll be delivered to my door (practically). Looking forward to checking the mail now. I guess this is just Merry Christmas to me since I have no idea when my goodies will arrive....and who knows, maybe I'll forget everything I buy so each trip to the mailbox will be a surprise--just like Christmas morning!!

Go Figure...

I actually did sit down and make two cards before bed last night. It was like I had a burst of energy....and I managed to get out of bed around 6a this morning and actually go get breakfast before getting ready for work. Let's hope this burst of energy lasts!!

Recharge....

I honestly would never have thought a run into town after work would have given me a spark of energy but it seems to have done so (but just a spark). Now the question is just how long will it last before I am down for the count? Book club was nothing overly exciting but the company was fantastic and I think that's what did the trick. Hey hearing a children's story read in an um, adult manner is amusing... So here it is, nearing 10pm and I'm showered and contemplating playing a bit before bed. Maybe I can at least get a card or two made...wish me luck!!

One Day Closer...

....one day closer to winter break....but oh the work that will have to be done between now and the 12th! If I can just get my body to hold out for 8 more days....woke this morning with the dreaded flu like symptoms and I'm hoping it's just a reaction to an injection last night and not the actual flu cause that would suck!