February has arrived. Planted a nectarine tree in the back yard today. Off to visit friends and hopefully miss all the super bowl hoop-la along the way. No interest. Lots of school prep to do (as every weekend), books to read, cats to pet. The usual stuff.
January was a month of annual organization. Office, house, brain. Tossing paper, recycling, going through the closet to pull clothes that don't fit anymore (more of those than I'd like). Wow - actually getting rid of stuff! My main goal in the next few months is NOT to replace what I've just gotten rid of. I have plenty of stuff. But, I love to shop and meander around looking for bargains. This will be hard. Gotta be strong. Stick to thrift stores I guess where I mostly accumulate books that I don't have enough time to read. Never enough time to read.
Did in fact finish a few small projects in January so I can move on to others. Such a long list of things I want to do.
Better get to it....
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Friday, January 23, 2009
A New Year - new challenges
It's been a while - so much to catch up on. Or not. Perhaps just go forward from here.
Holidays were wonderful with many family and friends around. Dad turned 90 - a special occasion. Makes one think about mortality and the quality of life. Must treasure every moment.
To that end - doing more of what I like and less of what I don't. Taking an on-line college class for the first time. that's quite a learning curve! Nice to be able to work on my own time without a classtime restriction.
Teaching three classes this term, 2 of them new to me. Lots of learning for me there. Going well and having a ball. Hope the students like it too.
Celebrated our 19th anniversary this January by going to see niece Leslie Spencer Smith (see her blog at spencerforhire.blogspot.com) in a musical. She's very talented and what a thrill to watch on stage!
Celebrating history being made with our new President. Say what you will, change is good. Only time will tell the true impact. (most things are better in retrospect anyway).
I look forward to all the wonderful and exciting things this new year has to offer. Each day is an adventure.
Holidays were wonderful with many family and friends around. Dad turned 90 - a special occasion. Makes one think about mortality and the quality of life. Must treasure every moment.
To that end - doing more of what I like and less of what I don't. Taking an on-line college class for the first time. that's quite a learning curve! Nice to be able to work on my own time without a classtime restriction.
Teaching three classes this term, 2 of them new to me. Lots of learning for me there. Going well and having a ball. Hope the students like it too.
Celebrated our 19th anniversary this January by going to see niece Leslie Spencer Smith (see her blog at spencerforhire.blogspot.com) in a musical. She's very talented and what a thrill to watch on stage!
Celebrating history being made with our new President. Say what you will, change is good. Only time will tell the true impact. (most things are better in retrospect anyway).
I look forward to all the wonderful and exciting things this new year has to offer. Each day is an adventure.
Friday, November 14, 2008
Busy in Blogland
Wow! This week has been a blur. Well, last week too. And probably next week. I accomplished much this week however, most of which I feel good about.
A few projects were completed and sent on their way. The Christmas gift gathering has officially begun. On November 11, I actually saw a Christmas tree in someone's living room! Not decorated yet, but still in the window. Yow. Can we please have Thanksgiving first? I'm all for preparation but.....
I finally gave in and touched up my gray hairs a few days ago. Word of advice - never buy hair coloring at the 99 cents store. I am now sporting (and for some weeks to come) rather red locks - a new and unusual color for me. Not bad, but strange. Must wear Fall colors exclusively until it grows out.
Spent today in Bakersfield (I know, poor me) and will be in San Gabriel tomorrow. Just little 'ol travelin' me. Takin' the train to visit friends and spend the day gabbing, eating and stitching. My arms will probably be sore for a week following this adventure. Looking forward to the days off surrounding turkey day. Not working retail this year will be relaxing.
Gearing up for dad's 90th birthday next month. Much celebrating to do. He is in fine health and spirits. Where, oh, where has this year gone?
A few projects were completed and sent on their way. The Christmas gift gathering has officially begun. On November 11, I actually saw a Christmas tree in someone's living room! Not decorated yet, but still in the window. Yow. Can we please have Thanksgiving first? I'm all for preparation but.....
I finally gave in and touched up my gray hairs a few days ago. Word of advice - never buy hair coloring at the 99 cents store. I am now sporting (and for some weeks to come) rather red locks - a new and unusual color for me. Not bad, but strange. Must wear Fall colors exclusively until it grows out.
Spent today in Bakersfield (I know, poor me) and will be in San Gabriel tomorrow. Just little 'ol travelin' me. Takin' the train to visit friends and spend the day gabbing, eating and stitching. My arms will probably be sore for a week following this adventure. Looking forward to the days off surrounding turkey day. Not working retail this year will be relaxing.
Gearing up for dad's 90th birthday next month. Much celebrating to do. He is in fine health and spirits. Where, oh, where has this year gone?
Monday, November 3, 2008
Ah, November. Fall is in the Air.
Unbelievable - it's November already. 2008 is almost over. October slid by like a snake, slithering through the grass only to disappear like an apparition. Halloween, expected to be a BIG night since it was on a Friday, passed by disappointingly. Oh, sure, I dressed up and answered the door, handing out mini-coloring books, plastic skeletons and other small toys. The kids were delighted (as were the moms). Only one small boy dressed as a pirate stated "don't you have any candy?" When I said no, he walked away, sorely perturbed.
After a while Jim came in the living room and began making balloon sculptures, which we then handed out at the door. After a few quite confused looks, joy set in as they realized how unique these items were. "Sweet!" declared one teen ghoul, when presented with a huge jester's hat.
After a while we got bored, Jim got tired, and we packed it in for the night. A neighbor down the street had a smoker on the front lawn and was handing out hot dogs! Whatever happened to not taking unwrapped goodies? I didn't hear or see any ads this year for x-raying candy or cautioning kids against taking homemade foods. Guess I could have done krispy-treats after all.
Anyway, we shut down and headed over to mom and dad's for pie and ice cream and a short visit, then back home to settle in. A light-weight evening, to be sure.
Saturday and Sunday were odd for us - no string of appointments or "must-do" projects. Grandson Tiger's soccer game was rained out (complete with thunder and lightening!) which pretty much set the tone for a lazy rest of the day and weekend. A leisurely walk on the pier was the most energy we could muster.
Already working on Christmas projects as well as planning for Turkey Day. Hoping it will rain again tonight to keep the air fresh and clean (and my car!).
After a while Jim came in the living room and began making balloon sculptures, which we then handed out at the door. After a few quite confused looks, joy set in as they realized how unique these items were. "Sweet!" declared one teen ghoul, when presented with a huge jester's hat.
After a while we got bored, Jim got tired, and we packed it in for the night. A neighbor down the street had a smoker on the front lawn and was handing out hot dogs! Whatever happened to not taking unwrapped goodies? I didn't hear or see any ads this year for x-raying candy or cautioning kids against taking homemade foods. Guess I could have done krispy-treats after all.
Anyway, we shut down and headed over to mom and dad's for pie and ice cream and a short visit, then back home to settle in. A light-weight evening, to be sure.
Saturday and Sunday were odd for us - no string of appointments or "must-do" projects. Grandson Tiger's soccer game was rained out (complete with thunder and lightening!) which pretty much set the tone for a lazy rest of the day and weekend. A leisurely walk on the pier was the most energy we could muster.
Already working on Christmas projects as well as planning for Turkey Day. Hoping it will rain again tonight to keep the air fresh and clean (and my car!).
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Back to Reality (such as it is!)
My mind is swirling....Recently returned from a week-long trip to Lovely Las Vegas where I met up with son Phil and DIL Rachel. Walked miles around Interbike catching up on all the things I don't do, like bike and run. Acres of fun - really! Had a grand time with great company. Even completed a 1-mile fun walk in the desert heat! The week went by all too quickly.
The day after our return, I spent the day in the emergency room with my sister-in-law's mother. Everyone else was out of town so I got the call! On the upside, did get some stitching done.
Also upon return, played in a video poker contest on-line (videopoker.com) where, out of 2,340 players, I placed 34th! I'm thrilled because I couldn't get on to play all 5 days of the contest due to being super busy. This is a free site where I can play all I want, learn new VP games and practice my skills. Had I had the full 5 days, I know I could have done even better.
The very next weekend we were off performing at a Harvest Festival. The first day it rained just enough to be uncomfortable, the next day was hot and beautiful. Fun, in any case.
A performance of Mystic Predications, entertaining card readings, was well received at a private party in Santa Barbara. Potential for some good referrals there. Have another party coming up this next week, this time to the south, in Simi Valley. At another Harvest Festival last week I splurged for a new Ruana wrap - gorgeous blues and greens washable velvet - can't wait to wear for next Predictions.
This weekend prepping the house for Halloween. We'll actually be home this year! The saloon and costume shop are on display and pumpkins will be carved tomorrow. Have laid in a supply of gummy eyeballs, tart skeleton pieces and chocolate ears for terminology class celebration. Yum. Giving out toys, as always, to the door-kiddies. (saving the chocolate for me-me-me)
In and among preparing for school, two sessions of a new class (for me) and general stuff I'm back-logged on, trying to get a start on projects for Christmas and dad's 90th birthday, just around the corner. (what corner? where?) The smell of hot-glue fills my nostrils as crafts line up on the crowded table. I should be reading textbooks but I've buried them under fabric and ribbon. Maybe tomorrow.
Hoping to get my photos off my new camera so I can share them. Flash drive connection isn't connecting at the moment. Also have 35 mm film from Harvest Festival to process. Soon. Really.
The day after our return, I spent the day in the emergency room with my sister-in-law's mother. Everyone else was out of town so I got the call! On the upside, did get some stitching done.
Also upon return, played in a video poker contest on-line (videopoker.com) where, out of 2,340 players, I placed 34th! I'm thrilled because I couldn't get on to play all 5 days of the contest due to being super busy. This is a free site where I can play all I want, learn new VP games and practice my skills. Had I had the full 5 days, I know I could have done even better.
The very next weekend we were off performing at a Harvest Festival. The first day it rained just enough to be uncomfortable, the next day was hot and beautiful. Fun, in any case.
A performance of Mystic Predications, entertaining card readings, was well received at a private party in Santa Barbara. Potential for some good referrals there. Have another party coming up this next week, this time to the south, in Simi Valley. At another Harvest Festival last week I splurged for a new Ruana wrap - gorgeous blues and greens washable velvet - can't wait to wear for next Predictions.
This weekend prepping the house for Halloween. We'll actually be home this year! The saloon and costume shop are on display and pumpkins will be carved tomorrow. Have laid in a supply of gummy eyeballs, tart skeleton pieces and chocolate ears for terminology class celebration. Yum. Giving out toys, as always, to the door-kiddies. (saving the chocolate for me-me-me)
In and among preparing for school, two sessions of a new class (for me) and general stuff I'm back-logged on, trying to get a start on projects for Christmas and dad's 90th birthday, just around the corner. (what corner? where?) The smell of hot-glue fills my nostrils as crafts line up on the crowded table. I should be reading textbooks but I've buried them under fabric and ribbon. Maybe tomorrow.
Hoping to get my photos off my new camera so I can share them. Flash drive connection isn't connecting at the moment. Also have 35 mm film from Harvest Festival to process. Soon. Really.
Monday, September 15, 2008
Farewell to a friend
This week I mourn the loss of a friend. Somewhere along the highway of life within the past few weeks, he disappeared. I'm so sad I didn't notice right away - perhaps I could have saved him.
He is my Gumby antennae guy. He's probably lying in the street, forgotten, perhaps run over and certainly dirty. I wish I knew where he flew off. There's just no way to know. So I mourn my lost Gumby - my friend.
I have a number of Gumbies at home - but there was only one antennae guy.
Why Gumby, you may ask? Gumby is my official management mascot - a reflection of how I view my role in the world. Stay green and flexible and all will be well.
Although I am a world-class procrastinator, I tend to shun Pokey as I fear giving in to Pokey will simply add to my all-too-often lack of motivation to do things. Okay, I'm type-B for sure, but sometimes (no, often) all I want to do is sit on the sofa and read. That's not such a bad thing, eh?
When there's a lot to be done, my brain seems to go on vacation. In the end, the sun comes up again and life goes on so I guess no crisis has been created. Sometimes I wish I had more get-up-and-go, but I usually just relax until the feeling leaves and once again I am in a relaxed zen state of who-cares.
Don't get me wrong - I get things done when I need to. Deadlines are my friend. It's just that in between deadlines are spaces and spaces are meant to be simply that - a space. So I space. Life's too short to be constantly on the go.
Speaking of which - gotta go. The last few chapters in my current book are calling.
He is my Gumby antennae guy. He's probably lying in the street, forgotten, perhaps run over and certainly dirty. I wish I knew where he flew off. There's just no way to know. So I mourn my lost Gumby - my friend.
I have a number of Gumbies at home - but there was only one antennae guy.
Why Gumby, you may ask? Gumby is my official management mascot - a reflection of how I view my role in the world. Stay green and flexible and all will be well.
Although I am a world-class procrastinator, I tend to shun Pokey as I fear giving in to Pokey will simply add to my all-too-often lack of motivation to do things. Okay, I'm type-B for sure, but sometimes (no, often) all I want to do is sit on the sofa and read. That's not such a bad thing, eh?
When there's a lot to be done, my brain seems to go on vacation. In the end, the sun comes up again and life goes on so I guess no crisis has been created. Sometimes I wish I had more get-up-and-go, but I usually just relax until the feeling leaves and once again I am in a relaxed zen state of who-cares.
Don't get me wrong - I get things done when I need to. Deadlines are my friend. It's just that in between deadlines are spaces and spaces are meant to be simply that - a space. So I space. Life's too short to be constantly on the go.
Speaking of which - gotta go. The last few chapters in my current book are calling.
Monday, September 1, 2008
Labor Day - is it really a holiday?
Today is Labor Day and I don't feel like doing anything. Lots to do, of course.
Big weekend at TheaterSports - annual Labor Day weekend improv tourny. Folks from Seattle, LA, San Francisco and San Jose came down to compete and make us laugh. Was great. I did my part in the snack bar (behind the counter, not buying snacks).
On Saturday attended the Santa Barbara gem show with SIL and her MIL. Bought jewelry I didn't need but liked. Ooh, sparklies! Needed to spend time with them after a hectic week. SIL's mom in hospital with emergency back surgery, new granddaughter having some distress and general work stress. (theirs, not mine). So I HAD to go to be supportive. and see sparklies.
Gearing up for mid-terms in my class this week (giving one, not taking one). Trying to do a little cross-stitching as physical therapy to get back into the groove. Lots of projects to finish that have been on hold. Scrapbooking to do.
With other ladies, held a final sale for our Weekenders clothes. Lousy that the company went out of business - good to eliminate one thing from my life. Made some sales, got a mild sunburn and had fun with friends.
Today - heavy schedule of laundry, cleaning and watching the Monk marathon on TV. Time out for grandson Tiger's 9th birthday lunch at Panda Buffet (his fave) then back to the grueling schedule. Also celebrating DIL Rachel's birthday (not 9th) from a distance. Will get to see her soon. I'm sure she's having a grand day with her husband and pets.
Pondering why I'm such a packrat and how I can start being less so. All this stuff is important!
So much to ponder - I'm worn out. Time for lunch.
Big weekend at TheaterSports - annual Labor Day weekend improv tourny. Folks from Seattle, LA, San Francisco and San Jose came down to compete and make us laugh. Was great. I did my part in the snack bar (behind the counter, not buying snacks).
On Saturday attended the Santa Barbara gem show with SIL and her MIL. Bought jewelry I didn't need but liked. Ooh, sparklies! Needed to spend time with them after a hectic week. SIL's mom in hospital with emergency back surgery, new granddaughter having some distress and general work stress. (theirs, not mine). So I HAD to go to be supportive. and see sparklies.
Gearing up for mid-terms in my class this week (giving one, not taking one). Trying to do a little cross-stitching as physical therapy to get back into the groove. Lots of projects to finish that have been on hold. Scrapbooking to do.
With other ladies, held a final sale for our Weekenders clothes. Lousy that the company went out of business - good to eliminate one thing from my life. Made some sales, got a mild sunburn and had fun with friends.
Today - heavy schedule of laundry, cleaning and watching the Monk marathon on TV. Time out for grandson Tiger's 9th birthday lunch at Panda Buffet (his fave) then back to the grueling schedule. Also celebrating DIL Rachel's birthday (not 9th) from a distance. Will get to see her soon. I'm sure she's having a grand day with her husband and pets.
Pondering why I'm such a packrat and how I can start being less so. All this stuff is important!
So much to ponder - I'm worn out. Time for lunch.
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