Too Soon.....

The weekend has come to an end and it happened in the blink of an eye. It wasn't jam-packed yet it almost feels as though it were. Events were spread out just enough to allow some down time. And I find myself longing for more at a time when I should already be in bed.

I was a bit apprehensive about the reunion meeting knowing I would be seeing some I haven't seen in fifteen or more years. And yet it was all easy. We shared many laughs and discussed many ailments--as we discovered we are turning into our parents in some ways.

The laughter definitely outweighed the serious and somewhere in it all we managed to discuss the business of the reunion. With only three months remaining it appears things are coming together--which is great because I'm sure it will feel that May 1, will arrive too soon.....

January Recap...

Geez, January has flown. Seems like Christmas was just yesterday and at the same time not. I find as I age time passes much faster. Another joy of aging?

As January turns to February, I thought I'd do a little recap of the month....

Appointment with the Hematologist went well despite my red blood count still being down-but improving. Back to see him in four months hoping for even better numbers.

Mission organization results in pantry being C-L-E-A-N. I know what's in there, it's all organized, it contains no out-of-date products and it has inspired me to do more cooking at home. (Though now that regstration is over I need to do more of that.)

And speaking of registration...I survived working 50 to 60 hour weeks and (hopefully) that's behind me for a while.

The third Saturday of the month was filled with fun scrapping with the girls at the MS Society. I got pages done for ME and had a good time laughing and learning with the girls.

Attended and participated in the local MS Leadership development meeting prior to the chapter annual meeting. It was a pleasure meeting others working to make a difference and I am looking forward to working with them more in the future. The luncheon was very nice and Nancy Liberman is super nice and a great speaker.

January brings the much anticipated, annual Oak Ridge Boys-Galveston weekend. Things were rather different this year as the friends I usually attend with were unable to make it but I had a great time just the same. Always fun to see Da Boys. And I love Joe's reactions when I send him pictures after. Already planning for next year because yes, I have my tickets!

Wrap up and appreciation dinner for the MS Walks was a fun evening.

Planning meeting for our 25th high school reunion on the horizon (tonight). Should be fun as it seems I will be seeing people I've not seen in well, almost 25 years!

Looking at my calendar, I see February is already starting to fill up--at least the weekends. While the kitchen isn't totally done, it's time to move on to the next room in mission organization. I haven't made a final decision which room that will be but I'm leaning toward dining/living room. I know the 'studio' will be March because I'll have the extra time of spring break. I see my neuro in a few weeks and am hoping for good things there---and NO MRI, cause if you know me, you know I HATE that thing.

So, here's to February!

What a cool surprise!

It's been an interesting week--I've had worse, but I've also had better. Most importantly at this point, tomorrow is Friday and I'm hoping for an easy, uneventful, quick day. I am ready for a weekend that promises mostly rest. I can use it.

But on to my surprise.....tonight was the wrap up, appreciation and awards dinner for the MS walk. Rather informal as it was hosted at the Society offices and people were everywhere. Dinner was somewhat buffet style and provided by Lupe Tortilla (which I find I am growing to like). While I usually have a camera or two on me, this time I'd left them at home (because they were still by the computer from downloading Oaks weekend pictures).

But I digress. There was somewhat of an awards presentation--again, somewhat informal. Different individuals and teams were recognized. And to my surprise, I was presented with the 'Above and Beyond' Award for the time I put in helping with walks. To me it really wasn't all that extrordinary but apparently to the local office it was. I enjoyed it all and would do it again (and probably will come walk season). Some might view it as cheesy but I have hopes of framing my little certificate. It's something special to me!

Ahhhh, memories.....

I wish I were there....

Wonderful Galveston weekend....

Galveston, oh Galveston....

It's that time of year again.

Island time that is. The much anticipated annual Oaks weekend in Galveston is this weekend-YEAH. Sadness cause the 'usual suspects' won't be there...no Nic and Joe or Elsa. Seems life has gotten in the way and they just aren't able to make it.

It will still be fun--just a different fun. I made the decision to wait till Saturday to head down which actually ended up being a better decision on more than just a financial front. The annual LoneStar MS meeting is this Saturday and it's preceeded by a luncheon and meeting geared around the Walk so I've made the decision to attend. I'll leave a little earlier on Saturday and stop there on my way to the island.

MS Walk Woman will be joining me for the Saturday night island festivities so while I won't have my usual company, I will be in good company. Heard today that's she's really excited about the weekend so that will make it even more fun.

Still many things to be done here to get ready for the weekend. I'm not as excited as in prior years probably because I'm worn out from work. I know once the time arrives and Richard hits that first low note, everything will be fine.

Randomness....

I started off the year so well keeping up with blog posts. And then it all went to hell last week. Try as I might, I just could not fit in time to post. There were a couple evenings that I didn't even some near the computer once I got home. Wednesday being one of them. After going in at 7:30a and working till 11p I just wanted to fall into bed when I made it through the door.

Thankfully it was a three day weekend to help in recovery. I actually contemplated going in to the office because so much on my desk remains undone but I just couldn't make myself do it. Saturday was spent playing with paper all day--I got 7 pages of MY pictures done. I did venture out on Sunday but accomplished very little. Today I have been a blob. I got up early-purposely-but only managed a task or two (some laundry and making a big batch of chicken spaghetti) before settling into the recliner for a nap. Since waking I've not really done anything and I forsee much of the same in my evening.

Tomorrow I will be back at it though hoping I won't be repeating the insane hours of last week. I also forsee a busy weekend--MS event Saturday then down to Galveston for Saturday night and Sunday afternoon concerts. Perhaps I should consider taking next Monday off....

What a week!

I haven't had time (or energy) to blog since Monday--obviously. I've worked nearly round the clock all week on appeals...dealt with various issues...and anxiously awaiting the weekend. It's a glorious, three day weekend!! Saturday cropping at the MS Society and then whatever the hell I please on Sunday and Monday. Yep, looking forward to the weekend. Next week promises to be somewhat hectic, but hopefully not to the extent of this one. Ohhh...and next weekend is Oaks weekend in Galveston! The dynamics have changed so that will be um, different but it's a weekend with the Oaks so good things to come there. Oh and an MS event on the way to the island. Hmmm, I'm tired already. Perhaps I should consider taking that Monday off....

Oh so busy...

I knew today would be a busy one at the office so no real surprise there but it feels as though I accomplished nothing. I was all over the office from my office to the front counter, to the files and back and I'm paying for it tonight. I'm tired, tired, tired. And my body hurts. My entire right side is one tight knot and walking at times today has been a chore. But I push on!

Classes begin next week so the rest of this week will be insane. I've been complaining for a while about the state of society and people and their entitlement attitude...and it just continues to grow. It makes me sad to see in this age of progress what basic communication and interaction has come to. No one listens, people act as though they are the only person on the face of the earth, work ethic has gone by the wayside and everyone is looking for someone else to blame. What happened to personal responsibility?

Yes, I am a bit miffed by it all (to put it lightly). I find myself wondering why I do what I do and if there is any hope for change. The current president campaigned on the promise of change....only problem is that I'm not seeing anywhere that it's for the better.....

Grocery Store Hell...

At least that's what it felt like! I stupidly ventured out to Kroger this afternoon...and so did everyone else this side of the Brazos River. On a positive note, I got several items, even a few bargains, and I should be set for cooking and eating at home for another week. Yeah Me.

I've only eaten out once in 2010, and that was lunch at Pappasito's after my good doctor visit last Monday. I've thought about grabbing something from somewhere numerous times over the past few days but I've stayed disciplined and eaten at home. Even though I had just been to the grocery store, I contemplated going out for a late lunch/early dinner after getting home. After a bit I opted for cooking and eating here--it was yummy and I now have leftovers for lunch and possibly another dinner tomorrow night if I don't want to cook.

I've not been rushing to do anything today and so now I am finally getting some laundry done. Later than I probably should, but it's all good. While that finishes I hope to get a few things done around here and then relax with the glass of wine I've been promising myself since Friday night.

On the domestic front...

I've spent the day working in the kitchen. I now know what is in my pantry and have it organized. Still need a few things but it is now in a useable state. Next up in the kitchen will be to get the cabinets cleaned out and organized though I confess that isn't likely to happen tomorrow (at least not at this point cause I'm tired of being in the kitchen!) But it's all good. I feel much better about getting in there to cook and that is the thing that matters most.

I'm thinking of a glass of wine (or two) to reward myself and at the same time I want to accomplish something else--not sure what though. I think I may try to pick up a bit and I know I need to get some laundry done. I would really like to squeeze in some scrap play time and just might.

Happy to have had a productive day.

Well earned rest ahead...

It's been busy, busy, busy at the office...so much so that I did something I swore I would no longer do and that was miss lunch. I got busy....the office got busy and next thing I knew, it was almost 3pm. And to me that is just too late to a lunch break unless I'm actually leaving for the day because why break then come back for an hour? At that point I've usually got some mojo going ao I might as well keep working. The high point was a visit from one of my favorite students.

Next thing I knew, it was 5:30p and I was still there. I told the boss I wouldn't stay late...and then proceeded to work till 7p. Truthfully I'd probably still be there if I hadn't made myself stop and go home.

A quick trip to Walmart (because it's the only place I can get guava nector) and then home to leftover chicken spaghetti--thank goodness I had it otherwise no telling what I would have eaten if I would have even bothered.

It almost seems strange having a weekend with no outside commitments. Not exactly sure why...but it does. I hope to focus my energy and time on this kitchen. There isn't really anything else taking place, it won't cost a dime and it's going to be too cold to get out and about. Here's hoping for some much deserved rest and a weekend of accomplishment!

Tomorrow...tomorrow...

I'm loving tomorrow...cause it's FRIDAY! Yes, I know it was only a three day work week...but I did work Monday and Tuesday even if it wasn't all day. And I DID get up early every day...though I did sleep longer this morning than I really should have.

It's been a busy week...and a COLD week so it'll be nice to have an open weekend. Only limited by my imagination (and maybe my bank account) but I'm content with that. I have grand plans for being domestic this weekend. It's time to work on that organizing issue and first up is the kitchen. Plenty of work to be done there.

I'm hoping to spend time creating as well. It's time to make time for playing and creating and doing the things I love. It's a new year, a new decade and time to make new memories...even if the first ones are being domestic and getting in some relaxation.

Hopefully too I can get some pictures posted (even if they are Christmas shots) cause it's getting a bit too wordy here!

Happy Friday!

Back at it...

Work that is. At first it seemed sleep would never come last night and then suddenly that annoying alarm was going off. Surprisingly I managed through the day without a slump--or even leaving for lunch (since we had yummy chicken spaghetti). Now the energy is at a minimum and I am about to call it a night.

The day wasn't too terrible. Of course there were the usual first of the year calls with inquiries about awards...because naturally things were magically to have been done even though the college was closed and we were off since December 18. And of course, we (me especially) are not moving fast enough to appease. By 11a I'd already been yelled at a few times and asked if I was certain of something (which of course I was but the answer did not fit the caller's expectations). Just another fun day in the office!

There were other things (nothing too terribly bad) that were annoying but I'm doing my best to stay in a positive frame of mind. It's my best defense. Hell, it's my only defense.

Let the day begin!

Yep....it's not even 6am and I am UP! That in itself is a miracle...especially since I don't go back to work till tomorrow. But I am up---have been since a little past 5a, and am doing my best to be productive. I predict a slump around 9ish.... I have mixed a double batch of brownies and they are currently in the oven. Planned for a cake first but somehow didn't have the mix I wanted.

Tomorrow is the boss' birthday so I am doing my best to get things together to provide not only treats (like any of us really need them) but lunch in his honor. I'll hit the store later for ingredients for his aunt's chicken spaghetti which is a favorite of all in the office. It will be quite the surprise for his first day back. Maybe it'll soften the blow a bit of having to return to work on his birthday.

Now that I've downed a glass of (guava) juice it's time to hit the shower!

12:39p....working on productivity today!

I confess to sneaking in a little 30 minute cap nap before dressing and going to the office...I know, shame on me but it seems to have helped. I went in at 9:30a and planned to work till at least noon....the computer system had other ideas. It went down about 11ish and at 11:30a I decided it was not worth freezing in hopes it would come alive in a decent amount of time. I did manage to do a few things while there--at least my office isn't quite the disaster it was. Still some things to go through but in time...yep, did some (gasp) organizing!

Off to the grocery store for the ingredients for chicken spaghetti then home to contemplate my next move. I thought of a movie..I seriously did...but decided it might be best to stay in and possibly accomplish a few things--and I was unable to schedule a massage as both my therapists are out today (darn the luck as that would have been a great way to slide back into work).

Chicken is cooking and I am thinking of scrapping--at the very least a birthday card...though I also confess to taking pictures of the chicken lying there waiting for the water to boil and begin rendering it to a palatable state....perhaps a 'steps to a happy birthday' card with pics of the various stages of the spaghetti? Okay maybe not...

Off to a good start!

I started my day with an appointment with the Hematologist. I have to admit I was feeling a bit aprehensive especially when I noticed the thickness of my file...afterall, today was only my third visit! But it's because he has all my medical records from Hermann meaning all the MRI results and Dr. Brod's notes, reports, etc.

I swear I think that is the quickest I have ever been in and out of a doctor appointment. First off, gotta love a nurse who doesn't weigh you right after the holidays and just records your last weight. I think I was in and out in a total of fifteen minutes--maybe less. And that includes copay, vitals, blood draw and doctor's exam and discussion. The bad news is that I've not been taking my iron as I should--which added to my apprehension because I knew I had not been doing what I should. The good news is he stated my issues were totally iron deficiency and that my numbers are starting to to head in the direction where they should be! He told me he was not going to lecture me but rather gently remind me that just because I'm feeling good is not cause to skip the iron-that I need to take at least one tablet a day. That I have to take into consideration my other issue and that letting it go too much can cause things to spiral. Noted. I have faithfully taken my iron everyday for the last week and will continue to do so. It should be that difficult...I manage the injections every other night so swallowing a pill once a day should be a breeze.

After the doctor I decided to do some shoe shopping--no luck so far. I did however find Bath and Body Works holiday soap collection 75% off which equated into 1.12 each. I especially like the Festive Vanilla Fig and apparently everyone else does too as there were only a few in that scent left. They came home with me! I should have plenty of hand soap for a while...and for a great price!

I decided to splurge and treat myself to lunch (as a major goal is to watch my spending and not eat out so often) at Pappsitos. Surprisingly I had no problem getting a table despite the fact it was about 12:30p. My favorite lunch item there is the enchilada and taco combo for a mere 6.95--YUM.

After lunch I made a few more stops and while I saw many nice things, the only purchase I made was an Elvis cd. I could not pass it up as it has several of my favorites from the 50s. What a great way to celebrate his 75th birthday this Friday.

On the way into town I stopped by my favorite mechanic and had him check the antifreeze since predictions are temps in between 20 and 40 over the next few days. Better safe than sorry! It didn't cost a dime and only took a few minutes. AFter that I stopped at the office to do some work---that I had intended to do before going to the doctor but didn't get out of bed. I managed about an hour and a half before I thought I would freeze--no heat in the office. I did manage to made some progress--yeah me! I have intentions of getting up in the morning and going in for a bit before enjoying my last afternoon of freedom.

I squeezed in a pedicure before tackling the many things needing attention at home. Number one was getting the Christmas tree down and packed away for another year--which I did. I've also washed both bath and kitchen towels.

So yes, there is much more to be done but I am please with the progress I have managed to make today and this evening. I am feeling encouraged by my positive doctor visit and not dreading my return to work on Wednesday as much as I thought I might. Of course, my outlook might be different this time tomorrow!

Off to do just a few more things then it's off to bed for me so I can get up in the morning.

Return to reality....sorta

The past two weeks have flown and now it's time to get into the mode to head back to work. Officially we don't go back till Wednesday but considering what I have waiting, I need to get in for a least a bit the next couple of days to do some planning and get things organized (ohh, there's that word!).

Truthfully, the past few days have been downtime for me. I've spent the time resting and watching television but now it's time to get focused and get busy. Many things needing attention and much to be accomplished. With organization and determination it can be done...and will be done!

There are 28 days left in January which means 28 days remaining for accomplishment and to make a difference. Project number one is to get my kitchen in order. And I mean the BIG clean....pull everything out of cabinets and crannies....sort through, throw away, give away...PURGE.

I have grand ideas of focusing on one room each month. By the end of that month I want to have done a thorough cleaning and organization of that room. I've thought about making a list of the order in which I want to tackle rooms but fear that might be discouraging in a way if I did not want to focus on that particular room.

I did know from the beginning I wanted to start with the kitchen. If I should finish before the end of the month, I will turn my focus to the next room or merely choose a smaller project that can be accomplished in the time remaining in that month. See, grand ideas!

I am thinking March will be the month for the spare bedroom/studio as I can spend time during spring break focusing on my project if I so choose.

I know there are limitless possibilities and I am ready for the challenge!

No pressures....

I've not let anyone or anything pressure me today. I slept till I wanted then cooked breakfast...bacon and brown sugar cinnamon french toast. After straightening the kitchen I 'retired' to the recliner and proceeded to watch the NCIS marathon on USA....and nap. When I felt completely rested and refreshed I made my way to the shower, dressed and ventured out to Walmart.

OMG....what the heck is wrong with people? Everyone acted as thought they were the only persons on the earth and everyone else should cater to them! Grown adults who know better walking in the middle of the parking lot and not moving. Leaving their shopping cart in the middle of an aisle then walking away to look at something. Just stopping and standing in the way where no one could get around them. Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr It's as though common sense no longer exists!

Time for a nice, quiet evening at home.

Welcome 2010

The first day of the new year of the new decade has been for relaxing around here. I slept in extra late after staying up quite late at Joey's. I brought Hemi home--which Sissy did not like. I took him home a little before 11a, wished everyone a Happy New Year then headed home with intentions of doing something productive. I decided a little nap in the recliner might be a good thing...and slept for probably four hours. What the heck....I figure I needed the rest. Since waking I've been lounging, not doing much of anything, but have decided that is perfectly fine! I still have a few days before having to return reality so for now I will enjoy the remaining downtime...and I will enjoy what each day has to offer.

So however you spent your day...may it be among the happiest of times for you!