Where??

Where did January go? Seems like only yesterday it was the start of the new year and now in the blink of an eye, January is about to end and roll gently into February. I guess it's true that time passes more quickly as we grow older. Just one more reason to savor each moment.

It's the end of January and I've not done one entry for Project 365....guess it's gonna be a busy weekend!!!

Slowly....

...I am rejoining the living. The crap that invaded my body over the weekend is finally starting to subside. I can breathe better and now it's just the nasty drainage--hopefully that will subside soon.

Once again I am looking forward to the weekend; Saturday with friends and then possibly, hopefully getting something accomplished at home.

Lucky Me...

I've got the crap that has been going around. I've tried to not let it get me down but this morning I don't appear to be suceeding....back to bed I go.

Favorite weekend shots...

I admit...

I seriously considered going to work today--even though I had planned for a day off. I even gave it a second thought when I woke at 6:30a--thought about what I could wear. That lasted about a second and I decided staying home would be the better thing to do.

Lucky me, I seem to have acquired the upper respiratory crap everyone else has dealt with the last couple of weeks. And just my luck, I get it the weekend I'm in Galveston. By yesterday my voice was nearly gone and today it's still a bit scrathcy--nice and raspy like a three-pack a day smoker. At least I only feel like it was a Pinto that side-swiped me when last night it was more like I'd been hit full on by a mack truck. So I'll try to take it somewhat easy today...maybe do a few things around here....maybe, hopefully scrap a little...and make a run to the chiro this afternoon.

Galveston oh Galveston...

Bloggin from the beach....

Galveston that is. Didn't get away from the office till after 3p and didn't get on the road till 5p.

After discovering I had made reservations at Hotel Hell, I managed to find a hotel with vacancies for both Friday and Saturday night and quickly switched to the LaQuinta. Grabbed something at Wendy's and settled in for the night. Lucky me, I have developed a cold....

My Saturday was busy and yet I didn't really do much to speak of. I did spend time visiting with friends from San Antonio and Missouri. Elsa got in late in the afternoon and we spent the hours before the show chatting and getting ready.

The show was fabulous--of course. Maybe even a bit of a blur! We were elated to have Billy (the bus driver) join us. I think he took as many pictures with my camera as I did!! I'm fairly certain I have some great shots thanks to Mr. Smith. He was a lot of fun...and appears to be as big as a fan as we are. He clapped, he yelled, he took pictures.....soooo much fun to have him with us.

One more show tomorrow then they're on their way back to Hendersonville and I'm on my way back to reality....

Tooooooooooooomorrow....tomorrow....

I head to the Island....Galveston that is. However first there are many, many things to be done....laundry, pack, LOTS of work--but I'm hoping to get away early afternoon.

This is the annual Galveston Oaks weekend where I meet up with friends for laughter and fun. And of course one of the highlights are the Oaks shows--seeing lots of friends and sharing lots of laughs with Da Boys while trying to get that perfect shot.

But this year will be different because we will be on an island that is healing. So many lost so much in Hurricane Ike. Some wondered if these shows would even take place. The Grand vowed they would. In the hours and days after the storm even the Oaks themselves asked for news of the Island and the Grand Lady (opera house). Those of us with access to any sort of coverage did what we could to share updates. And here we are on the eve of what proposes to be another sign of healing. Word is George Bush Sr. (41) and his lovely wife will be in attendance--1 because they and the Oaks are great friends but 2 because Mr. President will be informing everyone what can be done to help the Island recover.

Therefore, look for lots of Oaks pictures next week!!! (Consider yourself warned Leann!)

Anticipation....

Dumbest thing heard on morning television....

Comment made in reference to having a new president.....'New President, same (economic) problems remain.' If that's not a DUH moment I don't know what is. It's not the exact quote and I don't recall who made it but when I heard this morning all I could think was 'what a dumbass statement'. Did someone expect magically all issues to be resolved because there is a new president? It's a moment when you want to scream--PULL YOUR HEAD OUT!!!!!

So much for intentions...

I would love to say I went home and created all night. Seriously I would love to say that but to do so would be a big, fat, hairy lie. I wanted to.....but I warmed leftovers for dinner and cleaned up from that and then I was in front of the television--didn't realize NCIS was on and that is my new obsession. By the time that was over I didn't have the energy to create. I tried....I went in the studio (sounds cool to call it a studio when it's really just my spare bedroom)....I printed a few pictures....I looked through some other pictures....I thumbed through some papers (nothing appeals at 9pm).....and did some preliminary work with my 12 on the 12th pictures from last Monday.....I decided at 10p it was futile and I was tired so I turned off the light and went to bed. Better luck next time.

Oh....and was anyone else disturbed by the benediction at the inauguration???

Tonight I will...

...try to sit down and do something constructive/creative. Instead of sitting mindlessly, restlessly in front of the television or computer I will try to accomplish something tonight...some pages, cards, something......maybe even post some pictures of something. I really, really, really need to get started on my project 365.....no, I haven't done any of it.....

How Can It Be??

How can it already be January 19th??? It was just the beginning of the month and in a blink of an eye the month is almost gone. Whooosh.....that is the sound this month is making as it rushes by....

The organization thing is going slow...which is sorta okay...but I so wish I could twicth my nose ala Samantha Stevens and have everything cleaned and orderly. Got some things purged from the scrap studio/spare bedroom over the weekend. Probably could and should have done more but I am taking it at a somewhat leisurely pace. But it's coming together. Sorry, no cute before and after pics like the past two weeks of my nightstand and the writing desk. But trust me, I am making some progress!!

Only Monday evening and I am looking to the weekend--not that uncommon but this coming weekend is the big annual Island weekend. Friday to Sunday in Galveston with good friends, food, wine and the Oaks. There's a bit of aprehension in wondering just what we will find....we already know we'll have to find another place for a post-show dinner. Rudy and Paco's took quite a hit from Ike and word is they won't be back up and running till sometime next month. No fabulous, extravagent dinner culminating in a chat and a hug from one cute bass singer. But there will still be good friends and two fabulous shows.

...and week full of things to get done before heading out Friday afternoon. I always try to leave my place in a somewhat clean state and I want this time to be no exception. I just haven't been doing the picking up I should have so now I only have a few nights to pick up...and figure out just what to take with me...Friday will be here in the blink of an eye....

Friday...Beautiful Friday....

How wonderful to see you! It's Friday...it's a three-day weekend...I have an iced vanilla coffee sitting in front of me....and with any luck we'll get off an hour early this afternoon.

OH BOY...A Three Day Weekend!!!!

Yes, this is a three-day weekend since Monday is MLK Day and we are off. Funny thing is I pretty much kept forgetting we get Monday off. But then I would remember and be happy. And most surprising of all....I have nothing planned for my day off!! But you can bet I'm looking forward to it.

Saturday morning I'm scheduled to attend training to become a Hospice volunteer. No direct patient care cause I just don't think I could do that but I can still help out. Afterall, they were great helping mom. Sunday's only plan to scrap with Joey and of course I'm looking forward to that. We always have fun when we scrap together. And then there's Monday. One thought has been that I can work on getting things done around here; cleaning, etc.

So Monday off means a short week...and the next weekend is Galveston Oaks Weekend!!!!

BOOHOOOO

The Schwans Man was in town last night but did not come by my place or even call.

Where O Where....

...is the damn Schwans man???? I missed him just before New Years cause I was at book club and I have seen him around town both yesterday and today....but he's not come to me! And neeeeeeeeed some pizza rolls!!!!! If he doesn't show up tonight I'll have to call and find out just what is going on...I neeeeeed my Schwans!

12 on the 12th

I did it!! I took 12 pictures today of various aspects of my day. I can't load all 12 and I'm not sure how to do a collage of them (and not going to try to figure it out tonight since it's already after 9p). But I did it...now to get them scrapped....maybe I can get that done and post a pic of it!

Welcome to the blogging world Joey!!!

Joey has a new blog and she's showing off her beautiful CTMH creations. Go check it out here !!

May I Scream????

The first day of class must be akin to childbirth in some ways (based on what I've been told by those who have given birth)....once it's over and done, you forget just how painful it is till the next one rolls around.......

OH BOY...Monday...

'nuf said.....

As If...

As if I don't have enough I want/need to do I think I will do a '12 on the 12th'....which means 12 pictures on the 12th of each month.....just a snapshot of that one day....wish me luck!

Sissy....

I still love and miss Willy and while no cat could ever replace him, Sissy is here to keep me company. No, I don't plan to replace Willy....Sissy is plenty

Working...

YEAH for me...I've been staring at this mess for months....and yes I know I am the only one to blame for this. Today I took care of the mess and cleaned off the writing desk. It is now in a usable state!

This was a piece of furniture mom wanted. I don't recall what we were looking for or how she found it but it was $100 at a local furniture store and she fell in love with it. I picked it up, put it together and it sat in the living room unused for months. One Saturday I moved it to her bedroom and she began to use it...then it began to gather items much as you see in the initial photo. It remained pretty much like that up to her death.

When I purchased my drafting table that I use for scrapping I set it up in the room that was her bedroom and moved the writing desk into a corner of the dining area where it remained until I moved to the apartment. I placed it in the living room just to the right of the table holding my television and began using it to catch things...but no more.

One more small accomplishment.

BIG TIME TGIF

Man oh man how my body needs a weekend! As is to be expected this time of year, it's been brutal. Granted I think it's actually been worse (in some prior years) but this year has been hectic. The only thing is that I really can't sleep in tomorrow if I want to attend the French Cooking Class at Williams-Sonoma (and I really want to go cause they're doing French Onion Soup). Decisions, decisions.....

Treat Yourself in the New Year.....

Among everything else in your life, make certain to take time for yourself this year (if you normally don't). Take care of you. And treat yourself--in moderation of course. Life is too crazy busy and we tend to focus on that craziness and forget about ourselves. I say no more....be a little selfish sometimes (but not to the neglect or detriment of others/obligations/etc.). Do things for yourself and it does not have to be expensive or even cost a dime!

As of January 8, 2009, here's what I've done for myself:

went to a book signing by one of my favorite authors (only cost was gas to get there)
scheduled a 1 1/2 hour massage for tonight (using a gift certificate received for Christmas)

Happy Birthday to The King...

Today is Elvis' birthday....it's also my nephew's birthday (honestly it's how I remember and that is my mom's fault. I never had a clue when Elvis' birthday was till mom made the coorelation between Elvis and my nephew...). So anyway...happy birthday E....and M..........

Oh the Joys of January....

(I mean that in a snarky way.) Not only does January mean a new year, it's also a new semester...and that brings all sorts of amusement (again in a snarky tone). There's basically only one week this year between the return to work and the start of the new semester so naturally that heightens everyone's sense of urgency. Days are not longer and energy levels not high enough to accomplish every thing that needs to be done. But on the bright side, it's Wednesday evening and the weekend is on the horizon!

Charlaine Harris

I found out this morning that Charlaine Harris will be speaking tonight at the Houston Public Library. For those of you out of the loop, Charlaine Harris is the author of the vampire series which HBO's True Blood series is based. It's about Sookie Stackhouse in Bon Temps, Louisiana....and vampires, and shape shifters, and fairies......and it's fun.

Elsa got me hooked on Sookie and Vampire Bill (as she refers to him) a few years ago. I could not get enough of these books and read everyone as quickly as I got my hands on them. I admit to being a bit behind in not having read the last book and one that is newly released but I'm sure it won't be long before I rectify that situation. I fell in love with these long before Twilight.

I first became hooked on Lyndsay Sands' vampire books and then Elsa turned me onto Charlaine Harris. About that time I noticed a huge jump in the vampire genre...and now it seems as though it's every where. Everyone may be abuzz about Twilight (which I do plan to see) but to me, it was Charlaine Harris who paved the way--Anne Rice is a different sort of vampire genre....

So anyway, I plan to go see Charlaine Harris tonight and hope that it's not too packed to get in! What fun it should be.

One Down...

...four more work days to go this week. Today was way too busy. We were short handed and of course all the phones did were ring...and the foot traffic was steady. I accomplished very little and even stayed till nearly 7p. I am worn out and am thinking of a shower and bed...and it's only 8:30p.

I would love to sit and scrap a bit tonight...work on my project 365 but I'm too tired for that. I did at least clean out the fridge a bit while dinner cooked. Maybe tomorrow I'll be able to get back into a groove and accomplish something.

Reflect...

I try not to think about it...but I really am missing Willy. I expect to see him on the back of the couch when I walk into the living room and of course he isn't there. He doesn't come strolling into my bedroom at all hours of the night. All the things places he used to spend time seem so empty. It's odd being able to open the door without blocking the doorway to keep him from running out.















It just seems empty without him. This is a cat for heaven's sake but I am experiencing some of the same feelings I did after mom died....feeling as though I have to get home whenever I go somewhere.....feeling that things just aren't right because he isn't there....

I do have Sissy to keep my company and entertained....but I can't hold and love on here like I did Willy.

As for my day of possibilities...I didn't do that much. I did manage to get the nightstand beside my bed cleaned a bit (see below). Let's see how long I can keep it that way. I also got laundry done and that was a chore as my dryer doesn't seem to be working properly so everything took extra long to dry---I'm thinking the lint trap just needs to be cleaned really good; at least I hope that's all it is. I took a short nap this afternoon and it felt like it had been much longer than it actually was--maybe that means I rested well in that short time. And now I'm thinking of heading to bed in hopes of getting a good night's sleep and getting up early to accomplish something before going to the office.

Day full of possibilities!

Actually every day is full of possibilities but this post will pertain to just today. There are so many things to be done...so many things that could be done...but I want to actually do something and not waste the day! How much effort do I want to put into cleaning? Do I want to go anywhere and if so, where? How can I get the most out of today? I'll post later with accomplishment(s).


MORE SMALL STEPS....

RUDE welcome back to work....

Walked in my office to find sometime between last week and this morning that my diploma has fallen off the wall, hitting the floor shattering the frame. Something had to have hit that wall fairly hard to make that come off the wall--it's been there since 2003. Now I get to spring for a new frame--lucky me. (Fortunately it was not an expensive custom framing job.)

Good Morning 2009...

First work day of the new year...and surprisingly I have actually already gotten out of bed, unloaded the dishwasher, cooked and eaten breakfast and it's not even 6a yet! How the hell did that happen??? Now I can actually relax a bit and take my time before having to head to the office for what will surely be a crazy day. First day back always is---people don't seem to understand we were entitled to a holiday break. On the up side...only one work day before getting a weekend!!

Organized in 365...

Driving home from Walmart I realized I've been going about my organization thing all wrong. Instead of trying to do it all at once (though it would be wonderful to have it done quickly), there is nothing wrong with doing it over time. So with a new outlook I will begin my quest for organization! I can strive to do a little each day--no matter how small. Granted there are some things that will need bigger chunks of time and that is fine too. What a better way to kick off a new year than to start down a path to organization....and it all ties into my word for the year--structure. Don't you love it when you have a revelation!

My first step:
















FOCUS ON THE POSITIVE...

I return to work tomorrow (yes, Friday) and suddenly I began thinking of all the things I wanted to do over break and did not accomplish, like thoroughly cleaning my apartment, purging closets, etc. And then I looked at it from another angle and decided instead of dwelling on what I did not accomplish, I should focus on what I did.

I got to spend time in Austin just hanging out.
I slept in.
Some days I just relaxed and did absolutely nothing.
I had lunch with friends.
I spent time scrapping with friends.
I spent time scrapping period!
I found the top of my drafting table (so I could scrap).
I just vegged at home.
I had a yummy turkey and dressing Christmas dinner.
I started working on organizing things.
I framed and hung scrap pages.

It may not look like a lot (considering I was off for almost three weeks) but it filled every minute.

Welcome 2009

It's been rather laid back around here. I went to Vicki's and buried Willy last night and then we drank wine and ate dinner. I got home a little before 10p and wasn't sure I'd make it till midnight! I actually went to bed and just after texting several people at midnight, I rolled over and went to sleep!

I had big aspirations of getting up fairly early and ended up sleeping till just after 7a--can't do that tomorrow. Got dressed and went for breakfast with friends--they fed the white girl(me) menudo and lingua. Okay so I went for the broth and the hominy in the menudo and only had one tiny piece of lingua and while it's not something I think I'd do on a regular basis I did enjoy it and would do it again. It was a fun morning with good friends and lots of laughter. A great way to start the new year.

I came home with the intention of getting some things done around here and maybe making a run to Hobby Lobby but I made the mistake of laying across my bed and next thing I knew it was 4pm. Since most places will close early and I do have things to get done I will just enjoy the rest of the evening and try doing a few things around here. Tomorrow it's back to work...of course then it's the weekend!!

I can hit Hobby Lobby on Saturday after the cooking class at Williams Sonoma--cooking with cast iron. Maybe I'll actually learn something!