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insanity is in the details
2025-05-15 09:24 amI might be insane. I just retitled 48 entries, because "sobriety check-in" was really annoying me.
that's what living does, right?
2025-05-14 09:12 pmAnd I'm done whittling down my tags! From 180-something (I think...I forgot to write it down), to 34. In the process, I've read a lot of past-Me posts, and as always, I'm a bit stunned about how I am both so much the same person and so very different. But that's just what living does, right?
The next stage of work will involve adding tags to entries that could use them. And I have several tags that I would like to use more often: oddly enough, gratitude, dreams, and walking middle earth. The old Eowyn's Challenge website is still up (last time I checked was in 2021, I think), so maybe Ted and I should start the trek from the Shire to Rivendell. It might give some inspiration to start walking longer. Since I no longer have a FitBit or Pixel watch, I might consider getting a basic pedometer. Or I could just plot out routes using Map My Run. But don't worry, I won't be running.
And now I really need to get off the computer, because my eyes are telling me that they are old and tired. And if my phone were with me it would have told me that I should have turned off screens 18 minutes ago.
Nighty night, Dreamwidth!
The next stage of work will involve adding tags to entries that could use them. And I have several tags that I would like to use more often: oddly enough, gratitude, dreams, and walking middle earth. The old Eowyn's Challenge website is still up (last time I checked was in 2021, I think), so maybe Ted and I should start the trek from the Shire to Rivendell. It might give some inspiration to start walking longer. Since I no longer have a FitBit or Pixel watch, I might consider getting a basic pedometer. Or I could just plot out routes using Map My Run. But don't worry, I won't be running.
And now I really need to get off the computer, because my eyes are telling me that they are old and tired. And if my phone were with me it would have told me that I should have turned off screens 18 minutes ago.
Nighty night, Dreamwidth!
fidgeting hashbrowns
2014-03-16 10:40 pmTitle from this place, because the other place was annoying me and showing things I know I've seen before.
#27: Organize a room a week (8 week challenge -- not including the kid's rooms or Jenny's bathroom)
I've actually started on this one, in a way, but I haven't been focusing on one room/space at a time, because, well, focus isn't my strong point, as a general rule. So I sketched out some plans on an index card, and the 8 weeks start officially tomorrow. So by May 10, I ought to have a place for everything, and if only momentarily, have most everything in its place. That would be a novel experience.
Here's a sampling of the scratchings on that card, as well as some rambling. Because, you know, I ramble.
Week 1: Family Room; Crawlspace/Closet
I've been doing a lot of work in this space already. Furniture rearrangement, a new set of drawers, shelving reorganization in the closet. I just have some finishing touches to take care of. The crawl space just needs some minor rearranging.
#27: Organize a room a week (8 week challenge -- not including the kid's rooms or Jenny's bathroom)
I've actually started on this one, in a way, but I haven't been focusing on one room/space at a time, because, well, focus isn't my strong point, as a general rule. So I sketched out some plans on an index card, and the 8 weeks start officially tomorrow. So by May 10, I ought to have a place for everything, and if only momentarily, have most everything in its place. That would be a novel experience.
Here's a sampling of the scratchings on that card, as well as some rambling. Because, you know, I ramble.
Week 1: Family Room; Crawlspace/Closet
I've been doing a lot of work in this space already. Furniture rearrangement, a new set of drawers, shelving reorganization in the closet. I just have some finishing touches to take care of. The crawl space just needs some minor rearranging.
Week 2: Foyer and Laundry Room
The laundry room is practically done as well. The foyer just needs to have a couple of shelves installed (one for a key bowl, one for library books), and to remove the basket étagère which is really a bit too big for space (as is the basket that I use for keys now).
Week 3: Living Room and Coat Closet
Just need to go through a few drawers, and tidy up the coat closet. Easy peasy.
Week 4: Kitchen
Oh my. This room needs some major work beyond reorganizing.
Our dishwasher has been out of order since July. I think. It may have been June.
Our oven is ancient (not in a cute retro way...it's from 1990-something)
The refrigerator is probably on in its last legs as well.
We keep expecting the oven and fridge to die. We've replaced the heating element in the oven a couple of times (much cheaper than a new oven!). The fridge? Well, it works, but it seems to be running colder. Which actually is making me nervous. And it has grime that I simply cannot clean off of it.
While I'd like to pay off debt first (because that's definitely a major issue, and in a perfect world I'd get rid of our credit debt before I turn 50, as well), I've been setting money aside for the appliances I'd like in the kitchen. On the plus side, I'm a relatively cheap date. I actually prefer black appliances to the more expensive and ever so trendy stainless variety (I know, I know...they are the new classic. But that was once said about Harvest Gold -- my mom went with the Coppertone). I also would rather replace the smallish fridge we have with the same sized smallish fridge (32-1/2 inches...I can fit up to 33-1/2 in the space I currently have). I don't want to have to change the room's layout, because that would just lead to more expense, and quite frankly, I like the layout I have. My kitchen works well as is, thank you very much. John is pushing for remodel, but I don't want that. Ultimately, I think I'm going to have to put my foot down in that regard, since I AM THE ONE WHO DOES THE VAST MAJORITY OF THE COOKING! Oh. I don't think that was my inside voice.
The floors are in bad shape, and the counters are starting to get ratty. The cabinets need touch up paint.
I actually only have a few things that need actual reorganization. I may need to replace the Target shelving unit with a hutch to make that happen. For which I have no budget.
I also need to find some sort of vertical dividers for my baking pans. I have them in a narrow cupboard, but they still like to fall over.
Oh, and I have a couple of things on top of the cabinets which need homes. But they might go into that hutch for which I have not saved.
Week 5: Sun Room.
Super easy. Really, it's done. Except for one drawer of stuff that goes down stairs. (See how I did that? Something easy after the one thing that is driving more crazy than most?)
Week 6: Master Bedroom; Walk-In Closet
Super easy. Really, it's done. Except for one drawer of stuff that goes down stairs. (See how I did that? Something easy after the one thing that is driving more crazy than most?)
Week 6: Master Bedroom; Walk-In Closet
I've already started working on this space. I still need some drawer dividers, new bedside tables with drawers (HIDING THINGS IS GOOD!), and get a small chest for the alcove by the walk-in closet
I would also like to paint both the room and the closet, but since the painting isn't exactly a part of reorganizing, it might have to wait until a later date.
I would also love to replace the flooring in that room, because it's hideous (ratty green rug, which when we moved into this house we said would be the first thing we replaced -- HA!), but at this time, that's just not in the budget. Definitely a wish list thing. Sigh.
Week 7: Master Bath
Organizationally speaking, it's not too bad. John wants to remodel, and I understand why. But again, that's not in the budget.
I want to remove the hideous medicine cabinet and replace it with a simple, but large, mirror. We haven't used it for storage in ages. The light fixture also needs to be replaced, not just because it's ugly and dated, but because one of the lights keeps burning out before any of the other bulbs. Second bulb from the left. Every time. That makes me nervous.
John would like a walk-in shower. Our plumber (a neighbor, and he doesn't do remodels anymore, so he was giving us the straight scoop) said that in order to do that, we'll probably have to gut the bathroom, since the room is so tight. For now, I'd like to see if we can fix the Jacuzzi tub (hasn't worked in ages -- if nothing is dry rotted, it might just need a new motor), and paint the cabinets and walls (the last room with wallpaper...when we get that stuff down, we will finally be wallpaper free!). We cannot afford the cost on an entirely new bathroom.
Back to organization notes: I really just need a few bins for the cupboard.
Week 8: Main Bath
This is another quick room, which has issues outside of the realm of organization that I can't afford to touch right now (replace shower/tub/surround, replace flooring...it will have to do for a bit longer). So in the end, it's really another easy peasy, since the hard stuff will have to be put on hold.
I might consider replacing the medicine cabinet, but beyond that, it's just clean out under the sink and the storage unit over the toilet.
So. I think I'll be busy for the next 8 weeks or so!
french women don't get darth vader
2012-03-01 09:37 am5 Things for Thursday (yes, Thursday, not Friday -- oh, darn!)
- fold clean laundry
- wash dirty laundry
- go grocery shopping
- read Bible study for Sunday
- mail tax documents
5 Things for 10/24/2011
- Go to CostCo
- Update accounts
- Call financial advisor
- Press Church linens
- Update journal -- DONE!
Title courtesy of this place.
books
I have a pile of books from last year to return to the library, and have a couple waiting for me. I'll be swinging by the library on my way to work tomorrow. I need to find a good book bag. I used to have a great back that had a replica of an old map of the world on it, but somewhere along the way, I've lost it. I need a replacement.
journaling
I'm still thinking about changing the name of this journal, still unwilling to commit. Maybe it's not worth changing.
movies
I still have Juno and From Hell at home. I don't know if I'll ever get those two movies watched. I've had them home since November 18. Life without late fees makes me tend towards the pathetic.
words
Um. I think I've forgotten how to wax poetic.
order
I've been easily distracted of late, so life hasn't been exactly orderly lately. I need to work on this.
books
I have a pile of books from last year to return to the library, and have a couple waiting for me. I'll be swinging by the library on my way to work tomorrow. I need to find a good book bag. I used to have a great back that had a replica of an old map of the world on it, but somewhere along the way, I've lost it. I need a replacement.
journaling
I'm still thinking about changing the name of this journal, still unwilling to commit. Maybe it's not worth changing.
movies
I still have Juno and From Hell at home. I don't know if I'll ever get those two movies watched. I've had them home since November 18. Life without late fees makes me tend towards the pathetic.
words
Um. I think I've forgotten how to wax poetic.
order
I've been easily distracted of late, so life hasn't been exactly orderly lately. I need to work on this.
books and whatnot
2009-07-28 04:25 pmbooks
( Read more... )
movies
( Read more... )
order
I did take both before and after pictures of the secretary desk; I just haven't uploaded them to the computer yet. I also should have taken pictures before I rearranged the living room and the family room. It's hard to take pictures of an entire room, though, so that might not be a loss. Just know that my living room and family room are rather tidy. I need to attack the desk area of the family room, however. Moving a mess from the living room to the family room does not solve anything, it just moves it. Oh, well.
words
I haven't written in ages; I've been too busy reading, I think. I did notice that I have recorded something on my mp3 player -- I'll check it out later.
time
I've decided that at least one day each week for the rest of the summer to do something with substance with family members. Tomorrow, I'm planning to go to Cunningham Falls with Jenny and Jack. If I remember to pick up batteries for the camera, I'll take pictures.
( Read more... )
movies
( Read more... )
order
I did take both before and after pictures of the secretary desk; I just haven't uploaded them to the computer yet. I also should have taken pictures before I rearranged the living room and the family room. It's hard to take pictures of an entire room, though, so that might not be a loss. Just know that my living room and family room are rather tidy. I need to attack the desk area of the family room, however. Moving a mess from the living room to the family room does not solve anything, it just moves it. Oh, well.
words
I haven't written in ages; I've been too busy reading, I think. I did notice that I have recorded something on my mp3 player -- I'll check it out later.
time
I've decided that at least one day each week for the rest of the summer to do something with substance with family members. Tomorrow, I'm planning to go to Cunningham Falls with Jenny and Jack. If I remember to pick up batteries for the camera, I'll take pictures.
mini-update
2009-06-26 12:09 pmI'm neglecting this journal again. Sorry journal.
Lately my focus has been more physical: I've been working on eating habits and exercising, and I actual did get the secretary desk tidied up (almost: I need to pick up some little basket for some jewelry bits). I'll post pictures of the desk once I get the "after" pictures taken. I don't know if I'm going to post the body work stuff or not. I'll think about it.
I do promise to update poetry this evening.
Lately my focus has been more physical: I've been working on eating habits and exercising, and I actual did get the secretary desk tidied up (almost: I need to pick up some little basket for some jewelry bits). I'll post pictures of the desk once I get the "after" pictures taken. I don't know if I'm going to post the body work stuff or not. I'll think about it.
I do promise to update poetry this evening.
2009.03.25
2009-03-25 10:42 amorder
I still haven't worked on the scrapping pile or the small secretary desk. Today I need to get some general tidying done, because Lili has invited a small horde of friends to go to Wednesday Night Live with us tonight.
words
...are still waiting patiently for me on the very full voice recorder.
movies
I saw Twilight this weekend on pay-per-view. What an uninspired and boring movie. While the books were not paragons of literature, I wouldn't describe them as deathly boring (well, some of the extended teen/vampire angst did become wearying). After the movie, I checked my pulse to see if I was still alive.
books
Several partial reads are still floating around the house. I'll hit the 50 page rule on some of them, give up and not bother listing a few others, and actually finish Foreigner (though that will be a speed-read/skim sort of thing...I just want to refresh my memory before I read the other books in the series). I'll post an updated list this weekend.
time
Facebook is now a short internet interlude, instead of time consumer search for friends who use the platform. I'm enjoying, but not obsessed. Many of my Delphi contacts are there, so I may be dropping Delphi completely in the future. In terms of time management, that would definitely be a good decision.
I still haven't worked on the scrapping pile or the small secretary desk. Today I need to get some general tidying done, because Lili has invited a small horde of friends to go to Wednesday Night Live with us tonight.
words
...are still waiting patiently for me on the very full voice recorder.
movies
I saw Twilight this weekend on pay-per-view. What an uninspired and boring movie. While the books were not paragons of literature, I wouldn't describe them as deathly boring (well, some of the extended teen/vampire angst did become wearying). After the movie, I checked my pulse to see if I was still alive.
books
Several partial reads are still floating around the house. I'll hit the 50 page rule on some of them, give up and not bother listing a few others, and actually finish Foreigner (though that will be a speed-read/skim sort of thing...I just want to refresh my memory before I read the other books in the series). I'll post an updated list this weekend.
time
Facebook is now a short internet interlude, instead of time consumer search for friends who use the platform. I'm enjoying, but not obsessed. Many of my Delphi contacts are there, so I may be dropping Delphi completely in the future. In terms of time management, that would definitely be a good decision.
this and that
2009-03-17 12:09 pmwords
I have a voice recorder that is literally full of snippets. Can't record another second. Not even a nano-second. Full. To the brim. Filled it a few weeks ago, actually, and haven't taken the time to listen to it. I will do that tonight. Or tomorrow morning. I also have the pile of the November project poetry sitting next to my desk, waiting patiently for me to do something with it.
books
I have checked out many books from the library since my last book update. I've started to read them, gotten side tracked, renewed them, remained side tracked, and still didn't finish them. I currently have Foreigner at home which I will read this week, and I have a Deepak Chopra's attempt at fiction (the title eludes me for the moment) which I am declaring unreadable. He needs to stick to non-fiction. I will update my book list once I actually read something.
movies
Several movies have been viewed, and I will actually post an update on this one today. Yay me:
Smart People (an instant view...not great, but I'm more than 1/2 way through, so I'll finish it)
The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants
Enchanted (for Tiger Claw)
order
My next two tasks are my small secretary desk, and the scrapbook/photo album pile. I've taken the before pictures, but do not have the time to upload them now...I need to cook our not-so traditional St. Patrick's Dinner of meatsauce in the crockpot to go with pasta.
I have a voice recorder that is literally full of snippets. Can't record another second. Not even a nano-second. Full. To the brim. Filled it a few weeks ago, actually, and haven't taken the time to listen to it. I will do that tonight. Or tomorrow morning. I also have the pile of the November project poetry sitting next to my desk, waiting patiently for me to do something with it.
books
I have checked out many books from the library since my last book update. I've started to read them, gotten side tracked, renewed them, remained side tracked, and still didn't finish them. I currently have Foreigner at home which I will read this week, and I have a Deepak Chopra's attempt at fiction (the title eludes me for the moment) which I am declaring unreadable. He needs to stick to non-fiction. I will update my book list once I actually read something.
movies
Several movies have been viewed, and I will actually post an update on this one today. Yay me:
- Hellboy II * * *
- Brothers Grimm * * *
- Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull * * *
- The Mummy * * * *
- Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed * * *
- Chocolat * * * * *
- The Other Boleyn Girl * * * *
- Light of My Eyes * * 1/2
- Journey to the Center of the Earth * * *
- The Mummy Returns * * * *
- Who the #$&% Is Jackson Pollock? * * * *
- Mrs. Winterbourne * * * *
- Encino Man * *
- The Last Time * *
- With Honors * *
- The Air I Breathe * * *
- Journey to the End of Night * * *
- Becoming Jane * * * 1/2
- In the Realms of the Unreal * * *
- The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor *
- Meet the Robinsons * * * *
- W * * * 1/2
- Spiderwick Chronicles * * *
- The Astronaut Farmer * * *
- Shiloh * * *
- MST3K: The Touch of Satan * * *
- Night at the Museum * * * *
Smart People (an instant view...not great, but I'm more than 1/2 way through, so I'll finish it)
The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants
Enchanted (for Tiger Claw)
order
My next two tasks are my small secretary desk, and the scrapbook/photo album pile. I've taken the before pictures, but do not have the time to upload them now...I need to cook our not-so traditional St. Patrick's Dinner of meatsauce in the crockpot to go with pasta.
the bathroom
2009-01-24 10:25 pmThis room had a place for everything and everything in it's place before I started on this project. It was the inspiration for this project, because I love the orderliness of my bathroom. Yes, I accept that I take an odd amount of pleasure in this fact, but I really do love it. It's like a little sanctuary. ( Picture spam )
This room makes me feel virtuous. I know I have issues, but I love these cupboards.
This room makes me feel virtuous. I know I have issues, but I love these cupboards.
picture spam, as promised
2009-01-20 01:59 pm( In Mary's Kitchen )
And this morning's breakfast (bagel with cream cheese and sliced tomato, orange juice and cafe au lait), simply because I had the camera out:
And this morning's breakfast (bagel with cream cheese and sliced tomato, orange juice and cafe au lait), simply because I had the camera out:
2009.01.19
2009-01-19 08:33 pmSorry for my absence. As often is the case, I was distracted.
home
The hutch has been disassembled and my kitchen appears airy and huge. Spousal unit is not convinced that he likes it, but I like being able to have a cork board to post my weekly menu, monthly calendar, and note pad by the phone. The only thing that lives on the sideboard (I suppose it is a sideboard now that it is no longer a hutch) is a basket with pens and pencils. At dinner time, I use the sideboard to place the serving dishes. I no longer suffer from family style dinner induced claustrophobia.
books
( Read more... )
movies
( Read more... )
Tomorrow I shall spam you with pictures of things which I have put in their place. That sounds almost naughty, but I assure you, it is rather mundane.
home
The hutch has been disassembled and my kitchen appears airy and huge. Spousal unit is not convinced that he likes it, but I like being able to have a cork board to post my weekly menu, monthly calendar, and note pad by the phone. The only thing that lives on the sideboard (I suppose it is a sideboard now that it is no longer a hutch) is a basket with pens and pencils. At dinner time, I use the sideboard to place the serving dishes. I no longer suffer from family style dinner induced claustrophobia.
books
( Read more... )
movies
( Read more... )
Tomorrow I shall spam you with pictures of things which I have put in their place. That sounds almost naughty, but I assure you, it is rather mundane.
2009.01.05
2009-01-05 09:39 pmbooks
( Read more... )
home
I'm in the middle of a campaign to disassemble the kitchen hutch, but I'm not sure if I can convince the spousal unit. I do not need the upper storage for practical purpose, and I'd love to use that vertical real estate to put a family message board in place.
It is ten minutes until my bedtime, so I won't be posting any pictures tonight. Perhaps I will have the time tomorrow.
self
I am accepting that the hardest thing to order is my time; time is a slippery thing, and the harder I try to hold on, the more it slips through my fingers. I now have even greater understanding of those sands in the hourglass. I also realize that while I often see myself as less busy than other people, my life is definitely full. Some of these folks who are busier than I am are not necessarily anymore organized than I am; they are simply on the road to complete burnout.
( Read more... )
home
I'm in the middle of a campaign to disassemble the kitchen hutch, but I'm not sure if I can convince the spousal unit. I do not need the upper storage for practical purpose, and I'd love to use that vertical real estate to put a family message board in place.
It is ten minutes until my bedtime, so I won't be posting any pictures tonight. Perhaps I will have the time tomorrow.
self
I am accepting that the hardest thing to order is my time; time is a slippery thing, and the harder I try to hold on, the more it slips through my fingers. I now have even greater understanding of those sands in the hourglass. I also realize that while I often see myself as less busy than other people, my life is definitely full. Some of these folks who are busier than I am are not necessarily anymore organized than I am; they are simply on the road to complete burnout.
the dander of pungent gnomes
2007-10-21 09:20 pmtitle courtesty of this place
sunday stuff
On Sunday, I allegedly plan for the week: menus, set cleaning/organizational "missions", check my calendar...all that jazz. I haven't been very jazzy lately, so when I finish this, I'm taking my planner and a few sticky pads (one long one good for "to do" sort of lists, and a little one for reminder notes) up to bed with me and be organizational. If I don't fall asleep before I get there -- I've been rather drowsy lately.
nutritional stuff
I don't recall if I discussed it here, but I probably did. This past spring, I did a 21-day vegetarian diet with the hopes of "resetting" my cravings and what not. While on plan, I felt great. Then I slowly added back more animal products. As of last month, I was right back where I started. To I've been doing the vegetarian thing. Tomorrow, I should add Beano to my grocery list.
weekly miles
11 miles. I need to find that Lord of Rings mile tracker thingy.
books read
No books completed. Was reading a book on organization which was poorly organized. I think I'll throw that one out, since donating it would be a crime. Hopefully, by the end of the month, I'll have another book or two read and have something worth posting on this.
movies watched
I just did this recently, so I'm just going to mention Evan Almighty. The special effects weren't all that great, and it was predictable, but it was a fun family flick. At the end of the month, I'll post a list of movies watched.
writing
What's that?
taekwondo
See comment above.
interesting typos
Well, interesting to me, anyway: "hoefully". Sounds like a special sort of skanky, don't you think?
sunday stuff
On Sunday, I allegedly plan for the week: menus, set cleaning/organizational "missions", check my calendar...all that jazz. I haven't been very jazzy lately, so when I finish this, I'm taking my planner and a few sticky pads (one long one good for "to do" sort of lists, and a little one for reminder notes) up to bed with me and be organizational. If I don't fall asleep before I get there -- I've been rather drowsy lately.
nutritional stuff
I don't recall if I discussed it here, but I probably did. This past spring, I did a 21-day vegetarian diet with the hopes of "resetting" my cravings and what not. While on plan, I felt great. Then I slowly added back more animal products. As of last month, I was right back where I started. To I've been doing the vegetarian thing. Tomorrow, I should add Beano to my grocery list.
weekly miles
11 miles. I need to find that Lord of Rings mile tracker thingy.
books read
No books completed. Was reading a book on organization which was poorly organized. I think I'll throw that one out, since donating it would be a crime. Hopefully, by the end of the month, I'll have another book or two read and have something worth posting on this.
movies watched
I just did this recently, so I'm just going to mention Evan Almighty. The special effects weren't all that great, and it was predictable, but it was a fun family flick. At the end of the month, I'll post a list of movies watched.
writing
What's that?
taekwondo
See comment above.
interesting typos
Well, interesting to me, anyway: "hoefully". Sounds like a special sort of skanky, don't you think?
october, so far
2007-10-17 11:27 amDelphi:
I goof off there a couple of times a week, sometimes more, but I'm not being a pseudo-addicted Delphi fiend.
Writing:
I've been noodling in a poetry journal some evenings. I don't have any poems that I would consider anywhere near finished, and I'm still playing around with those lines I posted earlier. I haven't written any fiction in ages.
Fitness:
Rusty and I walk nearly every day. I've skipped a few Sundays, but other than that, it's a daily thing for us. Sometimes, we only have time to do the path around "the lake" (actually a run off pond), which is a mile and half, but most often we do the lake path and then loop around the neighborhood. Combined, that's probably 2 1/2 miles. I figure that I've averaging 2 miles most days. I have not been working out with weights, or practicing TKD at home. I need to add those back in. It was simply a matter of getting out of the habit.
TKD:
I've decided to put Tae Kwon Do on the shelf until Lili's volleyball season is over. I feel guilty not going, but I just haven't been able to make it work for one reason or another. If it's a decision with a time line, I can live with it, but the constant state of not meeting my own intentions has been getting me down. So I am officially pausing until mid November. Work, on the other hand, is going great. I like the kids, they like me, and it's a quick 5 hours. I'll probably start picking up some Fridays as well. Cindy, the other after school program leader is burning out a bit, so it will take some slack off of her, and will also increase my take home pay.
Household:
We replaced the washer and dryer last month, and just replaced the dishwasher (paid for with cash) today. This probably means that the fridge and oven are next, but we are hoping that they hold on until after the holidays.
Finance:
I've started going to the No More Debt forum again. While I'm not taking the Dave Ramsey plan on lock, stock, and barrel, I will be "snowballing" our debt to get it all paid off as quickly as possible, and have gotten back into the habit of budgeting. We also had some "found" money -- DH filed a claim on money that the State of Maryland had in his name (it had something to do with an escrow account), so we have an additional $400 to throw at the debt this month. Also, we just had the old 401K disbursement (it comes out as the same amount each year, so it's not considered early withdrawal). A portion of goes to DH's insurance, a portion goes to mine, and the remainder is to pay the taxes on the disbursement. However, we never need that extra to pay taxes, even with the disbursement we qualify for a tax refund each year. So the "extra" money is being popped into an ING account to pay for Christmas with cash. I'm also moving the kids' savings accounts to ING.
Movies:
I've been watching a lot of movies. Sometimes with the kids, sometimes on my own. This month I've seen: "Norbitt" (sucked royally), "The Last Mimsy" (quite liked it), "Maxed Out" (rather good documentary on credit card debt), "John Waters: This Filthy World" (loved it), "Spellbound" (documentary on the National Spelling Bee...again, quite good), "Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room" (runs a bit long, but still fascinating -- those executives where complete whacks), "Children of Heaven" (an Iranian film, dragged a bit at times, but interesting), "Rabbit Proof Fence" (excellent), and "The Addams Family" (Raul Julia was wonderful as Gomez). We are definitely getting our $14 worth this month. I had to return "Pollack" because it was cracked, but I just received the replacement, and the next family flick we are waiting for is "Evan Almighty".
Books:
The only book I've read so far this month is "Waiting for the Galactic Bus", by Parke Godwin. I've read it before, many moons ago. I'm not sure if I'm going to read it's follow-up, "Snake Oil Wars", or not. I guess it will depend on how hard it is to find. I still haven't finished reading "Blood and Iron" (I never get past the first couple of pages...I start reading, get interrupted, then never get back to it) or "The Chains You Refuse", both by Elizabeth Bear. I've read most of the stories in "Chains", and have definitely decided to keep it. I was considering donating them to the library, since they didn't have either, but I know that there are some stories in "Chains" that I will want to revisit. So I'm going to be selfish and keep it.
I goof off there a couple of times a week, sometimes more, but I'm not being a pseudo-addicted Delphi fiend.
Writing:
I've been noodling in a poetry journal some evenings. I don't have any poems that I would consider anywhere near finished, and I'm still playing around with those lines I posted earlier. I haven't written any fiction in ages.
Fitness:
Rusty and I walk nearly every day. I've skipped a few Sundays, but other than that, it's a daily thing for us. Sometimes, we only have time to do the path around "the lake" (actually a run off pond), which is a mile and half, but most often we do the lake path and then loop around the neighborhood. Combined, that's probably 2 1/2 miles. I figure that I've averaging 2 miles most days. I have not been working out with weights, or practicing TKD at home. I need to add those back in. It was simply a matter of getting out of the habit.
TKD:
I've decided to put Tae Kwon Do on the shelf until Lili's volleyball season is over. I feel guilty not going, but I just haven't been able to make it work for one reason or another. If it's a decision with a time line, I can live with it, but the constant state of not meeting my own intentions has been getting me down. So I am officially pausing until mid November. Work, on the other hand, is going great. I like the kids, they like me, and it's a quick 5 hours. I'll probably start picking up some Fridays as well. Cindy, the other after school program leader is burning out a bit, so it will take some slack off of her, and will also increase my take home pay.
Household:
We replaced the washer and dryer last month, and just replaced the dishwasher (paid for with cash) today. This probably means that the fridge and oven are next, but we are hoping that they hold on until after the holidays.
Finance:
I've started going to the No More Debt forum again. While I'm not taking the Dave Ramsey plan on lock, stock, and barrel, I will be "snowballing" our debt to get it all paid off as quickly as possible, and have gotten back into the habit of budgeting. We also had some "found" money -- DH filed a claim on money that the State of Maryland had in his name (it had something to do with an escrow account), so we have an additional $400 to throw at the debt this month. Also, we just had the old 401K disbursement (it comes out as the same amount each year, so it's not considered early withdrawal). A portion of goes to DH's insurance, a portion goes to mine, and the remainder is to pay the taxes on the disbursement. However, we never need that extra to pay taxes, even with the disbursement we qualify for a tax refund each year. So the "extra" money is being popped into an ING account to pay for Christmas with cash. I'm also moving the kids' savings accounts to ING.
Movies:
I've been watching a lot of movies. Sometimes with the kids, sometimes on my own. This month I've seen: "Norbitt" (sucked royally), "The Last Mimsy" (quite liked it), "Maxed Out" (rather good documentary on credit card debt), "John Waters: This Filthy World" (loved it), "Spellbound" (documentary on the National Spelling Bee...again, quite good), "Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room" (runs a bit long, but still fascinating -- those executives where complete whacks), "Children of Heaven" (an Iranian film, dragged a bit at times, but interesting), "Rabbit Proof Fence" (excellent), and "The Addams Family" (Raul Julia was wonderful as Gomez). We are definitely getting our $14 worth this month. I had to return "Pollack" because it was cracked, but I just received the replacement, and the next family flick we are waiting for is "Evan Almighty".
Books:
The only book I've read so far this month is "Waiting for the Galactic Bus", by Parke Godwin. I've read it before, many moons ago. I'm not sure if I'm going to read it's follow-up, "Snake Oil Wars", or not. I guess it will depend on how hard it is to find. I still haven't finished reading "Blood and Iron" (I never get past the first couple of pages...I start reading, get interrupted, then never get back to it) or "The Chains You Refuse", both by Elizabeth Bear. I've read most of the stories in "Chains", and have definitely decided to keep it. I was considering donating them to the library, since they didn't have either, but I know that there are some stories in "Chains" that I will want to revisit. So I'm going to be selfish and keep it.
general babble
2006-12-10 09:05 pm( tmi: how lovely to be a woman )
things to do tomorrow
update reading list fold sheets dry and fold kids' laundry go the grocery store preoare Advent Angel cards with Lili work on taking down Lili's wallpaper walk the dog -- a nice, long walk, since the weather should be nice review Sel's fitness challenge and where I am so far; adjust goals if necessary work on form and one-steps if energy allows, go to TKD
I have more thoughtful stuff I'd like to add to this entry, but it's time to tuck in Lili, then to hop in the tub. If I have time tomorrow, I may commit some of the thoughts I've been churning about my head to my journal.
things to do tomorrow
I have more thoughtful stuff I'd like to add to this entry, but it's time to tuck in Lili, then to hop in the tub. If I have time tomorrow, I may commit some of the thoughts I've been churning about my head to my journal.
The Dog and the String Night
2006-11-13 10:48 amtitle courtesty of random speculative fiction title generator
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selyndria's challenge
Totals for 11/8/06 - 11/11/06
push ups: 110
abs: 250
cardio minutes: 120
Total for the month:
push ups: 290
abs: 735
cardio: 280
total melt-down moment
I just had a melt-down of epic proportion. Over a measuring tape. Sort of. I can't find the damn thing, and I just bought it last week. To replace the blue measuring tape that I couldn't find. I'm so tired of not being able to find things. Sometimes it's my own fault, sometimes it's the kids, sometimes it's DH. All I wanted to do was take a freakin' waist measurement, dammit. That's all. I've spent 45 minutes looking for a tape measurement for a job that takes less than 10 seconds. Sigh. I think I need to start working on finding a place for everything, and putting everything in its place. Anything that doesn't have a place, will need to be released. I'm tired of living this way -- it's not just the stuff -- it leaks into all parts of my life, leaving me feeling rather out of control and incompetent. I'm tired of feeling that way.
selyndria's challengeTotals for 11/8/06 - 11/11/06
push ups: 110
abs: 250
cardio minutes: 120
Total for the month:
push ups: 290
abs: 735
cardio: 280
total melt-down moment
I just had a melt-down of epic proportion. Over a measuring tape. Sort of. I can't find the damn thing, and I just bought it last week. To replace the blue measuring tape that I couldn't find. I'm so tired of not being able to find things. Sometimes it's my own fault, sometimes it's the kids, sometimes it's DH. All I wanted to do was take a freakin' waist measurement, dammit. That's all. I've spent 45 minutes looking for a tape measurement for a job that takes less than 10 seconds. Sigh. I think I need to start working on finding a place for everything, and putting everything in its place. Anything that doesn't have a place, will need to be released. I'm tired of living this way -- it's not just the stuff -- it leaks into all parts of my life, leaving me feeling rather out of control and incompetent. I'm tired of feeling that way.
Scrapbook supplies, take two
2005-12-01 03:05 pmI've sorted through most of my stash. I'll start posting what I have -- it's mostly paper and stickers. I also have the cutting system. My sister might want the cutting system. If she does, I could just prep a couple of "grab bag" packages for those were interested.
If you are interested, and you didn't answer previously, let me know. I actually have quite a bit of paper that I'm willing to let go. I've started putting albums together again, but they are rather streamlined.
If you are interested, and you didn't answer previously, let me know. I actually have quite a bit of paper that I'm willing to let go. I've started putting albums together again, but they are rather streamlined.
Any fellow scrappers?
2005-10-10 08:49 pmI'm streamlining my scrapping technique, and as such, will have oodles of stuff to get rid off. If anyone is interested in a Creative Memories cropping system (circles, ovals, and one hexagon shape), let me know. I am also getting rid of my straight edge/wavy edge stuff.
As I work on my "give away pile" I'll post here...so if anyone is interested, give me a hollar.
As I work on my "give away pile" I'll post here...so if anyone is interested, give me a hollar.
