Wow, it's been a long week!

So, a lot has been going on.

The last month we went back to work from our vacation. The Saint had to take Suzie, our oldest dog in and have her put to sleep. That has been very hard. Nemo, our other dog is depressed. We are sad, and even the cats are sad. That has been the worst thing.

In other news - my iPod finally died, and nothing would fix it. Not whacking in on a table, not freezing it (this may sound strange, but there are entire websites devoted to bashing iPods back to life.

We have not been practicing our guitar lessons like we should be, due to post-vacation stress, and Suzie's demise.

On the good side.
We are looking at puppies - Saint Bernard puppies - and they are very cute. More important, they have the temperament, size and personality we are looking for.

Ken got me a video iPod to replace my broken one, and it's a video iPod (all you can get now in the bigger players) and it's black! I downloaded all my favorite Pixar shorts - Tin Toy, Knick Knack, and Luxo, Jr.

I have also been practicing a lot more this week - so hopefully by the time our next lessons will arrive I won't be embarrassed to go!

Since we got back from vacation I also made a vow - no more clothes I hate. So I have been wearing only clothes I like, as well as makeup and jewelry to work every day. I give myself a break on my days off! It feels good.

I'm also (finally) getting back to eating right again. I did okay with getting back to the exercise, but eating right is a little harder. So, that's good.

I've been thinking a lot about things like puppy proofing the house, what we are going to do with Suzie's ashes, cleaning the carpets, getting the story of our vacation up on my VGRandom blog, and our pics up on a website.

This coming week I plan on not letting myself get too stressed out over anything. Getting lots of sleep, and keeping myself sane.

OH, gift of the week was my new iPod, of course. :)

What's been going on with me, lately?

Back from vacation. It was fabulous, and I will be posting our exploits in the Great White North (although at this time of year it was more like the Great Green North) on my other blog.

This week I haven't been into anything much except trying to survive being sick and having to go to work.

I haven't been avoiding anything either - too mellow from being on vacation to need to click into avoidance mode.

I've been thinking a lot about our dog, Suzie Q. She's getting a little worse every day, but she's still perky for a 14 year old dog with terminal cancer.

We're probably going to get a new dog fairly soon after she's gone. We are thinking Newfoundland Dog, probably.

For the week ahead, I hope to get back on track, food and exercise especially. I've been eating a lot of soup and ice cream this week (sore throat, and feeling yukky - salads just don't cut it...) and not exercising.

I did manage to clean up my house for the most part - even though I didn't do much else, at least I accomplished that much. I'm also keeping up with my tarot studies, so I'm happy about that. This week I am working on the Cosmic Tarot - a very 80's deck.

My weekly gift this week was a new outfit. Shhh, haven't worn it to work yet, but it is Sooo Cute.....

If my Life Could Be Summed Up By a Song Title...

...it would be "Runnin' on Empty."

Even though I loath the song.

Partly because this weekend was a cleaning weekend, and I cleaned a lot. It was good, because I got everything done I planned to do. But it was also bad, because I didn't take any rest time, or "me" time, which is imperative to my well-being.

At the moment, I am tired. This week was busy, guitar lessons on Tuesday, worked the usual schedule - Monday-Friday this week.

Suzie is doing okay so far. We are waiting for the animal oncologist to get back to us about the chances the cancer will come back if removed. We are agreed we will not do the surgery if it's 30% or more. She's too old, and in questionable shape.

Aside from that, everything else is going okay. Exercise, water, eating, all good (except I went a little crazy on Friday - had Nachos AND a non-salad meal, haha) and didn't exercise on Saturday because the elliptical was broken. But, it's fixed now. Yay!

Have been busy writing, and working on getting back into reading Tarot, and all the other things that make life sweet, if busy, for me.

Weekly gift - hour long backrub.

Yet another fabulous week

We were busy this week, as usual.

I worked this weekend, so that pretty much took care of the weekend. T.S. Worked for some of it.
Tuesday we had our guitar lessons, and we did well. Then we got BAR CHORDS. For non guitarists, these are one of the most difficult things to learn, especially as a beginner. Of course, T.S., not being a beginner, already has them figured out. However, we learned one of the things he really wanted to know, which was how to figure out which ones were which. So, he was happy. Me, I am struggling. BUT, I am determined to learn them, because once I do, a whole world of stuff will open up. No new songs this week, though. So, I am practicing the old ones in between finger exercises and bar chords, which make my fingers ache.

In other news, I have been exercising every day, and adding a few more minutes to my cardio. Drinking water, and also eating very well. I'm being a little more stringent so when we go on vacation I can not stress if the only thing to eat for lunch is a hamburger.

Suzie Q is doing okay - I finally saw her cancer, and it's bigger than I thought it was. She is doing okay though. I'm not doing so hot.

I am down to one card left in my tarot studies - Le Mat - aka The Fool. Yay ME! I am not sure what I want to do next. I am thinking I will spend a few weeks with each of my decks, and do readings, and make notes. That will take me a LONG time, I have over 150 decks. I'm thinking I will go in order of purchase, too. I have a great tarot journal to put stuff in.

Oh, if you like to write in journals with pens, or if you are a notebook junkie like me check out this site, Michael Rogers Press they have the most fabulous journals! My personal favorite is the Jumbo Book, which is the book I use for my tarot journal. I am ordering several when I come back from vacation. And maybe a few other things as well.

I have been accomplishing everything I want to do, although I wish I had just a bit more time for practicing the guitar.

Other stuff that's been on my mind; Suzie, and the confusion with the vet about the phone consultation.
Our vacation, and getting ready for it.
The new bands I want to get CD's from, but have to wait until AFTER vacation.
What I'm going to do with the other black journal I bought.
How soon I can take all Mom's journals down to Mary. I want them out of here.

The week ahead. Work out, work, keep plugging toward vacation.

Weekly gift...T.S. got me two really cute tops. One of which I will actually be able to wear in public some day. He's such a sweetie....

Hot, Hotter...

This week was a little better than last week.

Although I am still sad about Suzie, she's not in bad shape at the moment - or no worse shape than before we took her in and she was diagnosed with the "C" word. I have a call in to the veterinary oncology to find out about treatment options; if any.

At her age (13 or 14, which is about 108 in dog years for her size) and with her other medical problems we hesitate to put her through too much crap. At the same time, if there is a way to buy her some more time, without putting her through too much, we would do it.

If she was a younger dog (even just 3 or 4 years younger) we wouldn't hesitate. We probably wouldn't do it ourselves, at the corresponding age. So. There it is.

I also had fun with doctors this week. My toe had gone "bad" again - infected and ingrown - and on Wednesday after work I decided to go in to urgent care. With my schedule, and Ken being so busy at work Urgent Care was my only option until next week. I figured I would go in, and like last time I went they would look at it, and say, yep, ingrown toenail, here are some anti-antibiotics. After I am on the anti-antibiotics for a week then they go in and fix the toe. INSTEAD, we got a really cool doctor, who said, "Let's do it now!"

On the one hand, I was happy, because now I won't have to go back, it's done with, and it will certainly be healed by vacation! On the other hand - I was planning to schedule my appointment so I would miss little, if any, work. But, oh well. It's done. So Thursday I was home, elevating my foot. I got a lot of guitar practice in, and played WoW, and did laundry, and finished my housework. I took long rest breaks between chores - I didn't have many left.

As far as other things in my life go, I have been meeting my goals. Health-wise I am really being careful about what I'm eating, and exercising for over an hour a day (except this Thursday, when it was FORBIDDEN) and drinking water. I have exceeded my goals for my Marseille tarot study (aka the Sword of Damocles) and will hopefully finish August 5.

I've been doing better at work - having projects helps.

Over all, it was an okay week, although with a few rocky places. I am still in a little pain from my toe (although it's MUCH better) and I still cry about Suzie sometimes.

My goals for the week ahead are simple. Work on my tarot cards (La maison, La Toille, and La Lune), exercise every day and drink lots of water. Eat well. Clean the house. Survive the heat of the weekend.
Write. Do well at guitar lessons, and practice at least once a day, ideally twice a day. Practice piano twice.
Clean the house, and enjoy next weekend when I will have THREE DAYS OFF! Although, thanks to Mr. Toe, I won't be quite as burned out as I would have been. So, there is a silver lining to that cloud.

24th Anniversary Today - Dying Pets

T.S. and I have been married 24 years today.

Although I got my Strat, this has not been a good anniversary. Or a good week, particularly.

My dog Suzie probably has cancer. We found out yesterday. I am hoping it's just an abcessed tooth - but they think it's cancer. I had always hoped she would die in her sleep someday. That we wouldn't be faced with the decisions coming soon.

Because, there has to be a line in the sand when an animal is terminally ill. When is it time?

With previous pets who have been ill we have changedthe line. The dog we had for fourteen years who was a HELL dog, we put to sleep before we really needed to. He wasn't in pain, but we had to take him to the vet every few months to get tumors removed. Finally we decided it was time.

Mischa, our cat with kidney failure, our line was when he couldn't control his bowels anymore. Not because he was messing up our house, but because it made him miserable. And, he didn't feel good more than he felt good. We gave him IV's at home, fed him special food, but as long as he felt good more days than not, it was worth it to have time for us to say goodbye.

Our other animals were more immediate. Tasha, Bonzai, and Tor were all so ill they were euthanized during the vet visit. All of them had things that we were trying to cure, but ended up going bad. Our other cats were probably eaten by coyotes, all but Squirt, who I still think was stolen. Pip the bird got eaten by Bonzai. (My fault. I still feel horrible about that and it's been over 10 years ago.)

Our little animals all died of old age, Cheerio, Spot, Waco, Spike, Opie.

Now, it's Suzie's turn. We got her from the pound. She was four years old. She is a Rottweiler, German Shephard Dog mix. I had reservations, but Ken had fallen in love with her. Finally, it was her last day before the Big Sleep. We took her. She turned out to be one of the best dogs we've ever had. She's 14 now, 108 in human years for a dog her size.

My line in the sand - when the good days out number the bad. Already before this cancer thing we have been talking about her eventual demise. Her hind legs are a little shakey. Yes, she can get up and down fine, but some days it takes her a long time. Her eyes shine, and sometimes she still bounces up and down on her front feet. Some days she still prances the way she did the first time we took her out of her cage at the pound. But mostly, she sleeps, or lays on the cool floor. Nemo, our other dog, checks on her once in awhile. He no longer comes to get her when there's something going on outside. She's still the boss, but he's taking over some of her patrolling jobs.

We will still have Nemo, Kiel, Tinkerbell, Turdie and Ernie, and the fish of course. And Suzie will be around for awhile. But it's time to start saying my goodbyes.

After the Holiday

A very busy week.

T.S. had Monday off, which was nice for him. I worked.

We both had Tuesday July 4th off, and it sounded like a war zone around here - minus heavy artillery. Nemo the dog was so spooked he wouldn't even go outside. We had to take him out, and stay with him the entire time, and even then it was a nervous giant dog. I don't like them, but I think next year we will be getting some doggie drugs.

I did all the usuals. Exercised, ate well, drank water, blah blah blah. Actually, it's starting to pay off - and I am very happy about that.


Didn't practice as much as I would have liked, I am having a difficult time with this lesson - it's a little more difficult fingering, and I have been tired at night and not as productive. I've even gotten up earlier so I have time to practice in the morning, and been defeated by circumstance. I keep plugging along, and even if I can't play it well this lesson, I will play it.


I have been thinking a lot about perception, because of something that happened at work. I got a complaint that I was rude, and nasty, and unpleasant. Basically. We are in such a vulnerable position at that desk, people hear everything we say, and we forget they listen. Not sure if it really WAS me being rude - but it was a good reminder to watch it. Sometimes people think we are talking about them, and we are not.

My Goals - Pre-vacation

Finish my Marseille Tarot studies.

If I do three cards a week, I will be finished before vacation.

Loose 6 pounds.

My Goals - this week

Three Tarot cards

Practice guitar every day.

Practice piano 2 times

Wash sweater.

Play WoW twice

Play Sims2 at least once

Write every day

Get 3 things for our trip

Weekly Gift

This week wasn't our anniversary, but I got my anniversary gift, my STRATOCASTER!

Quote of the day

"The time you enjoy wasting is not wasted time."

Bertrand Russell

It's a Hot One

I like the heat, and it's a good thing because it's been a warm week.
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I was busy this week, as usual.
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I've been being very good on eating healthy because of a specific goal for this month. I've been a little grouchy because of it; maybe cutting back a little too much. Exercising for an hour every day, drinking lots of water (it's warm out!), thinking healthy thoughts.
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Work wasn't so great. I got the dates I will be working an extra Saturday three times a year, and of course a few of them fall on bad days for me. This year it's our anniversary. Next year, if it stays the same, it will be right in the middle of our vacation, on T.S.'s birthday. Still, it's better than working every other weekend. Or making one person work Saturdays all the time.
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This weekend we are going shopping for clothes for T.S., and books for me. I am starting to stockpile for our vacation. T.S. Got a Thule for the top of the Jeep, so we can put a lot of stuff up there and won't be so crowded inside. What a good idea!

Busy, Busy, Busy

So, what happened this week....

I went to my doctor, thinking we were going to have a nice chat, and she'd renew my prescription - oh so funny! Not even. Oh well, at least I got it out of the way for another year.

T.S. went to his doctor, and he's fine.

We got a beat machine so we can practice with drum sounds instead of the metronome all the time. Although the metronome is fine with me. Ken got it off e-bay, and luckily there were no "postal issues" this time.

Work was fine. Got in trouble for looking down at the computer instead of up at the patrons. Oops.

Drove for the first time in almost 4 years. It wasn't bad. It was only 3 miles, which was a good thing.

I work this weekend, so not planning much fun stuff.

Weekly Gift....

Beat Box

Attitude: Busy!

I am taking a break from my usual weekly report template today. I might just do a weekly update during the summer, since we are going to be pretty busy.

This week was busy - music lessons went well.

We've started getting ready for our trip to Alaska. We're going to work on that tonight sometime.
T.S. went to the funeral for one of our friends mothers. That was sad. I didn't go; had been sick a few days last week and wasn't comfortable asking for more time off. Especially since I had the thing to go to on Friday, and a doctors appointment this week. Nothing serious; just getting ready for the trip. My prescription will run out while we are gone other wise, and I don't want THAT to happen! Also, I need a copy of my perscription when we go over the Border. Since we have to declair T.S.'s meds, I guess I better have a copy of my stuff.

Although, I doubt they are going to be too worried about HORMONES!

Except I can see it now, some border guard going, "Importing these hormones could mean ten years in jail, ma'm, didn't you know that?"

Hah Hah


Weekly Gift was a bunch of new shirts T.S. went and picked out himself. I don't know what they look like yet.

Attitude: Sad

This Week I Was Totally Into....
Finding my cat, Cocoa. He and Susie the dog were featured in an early picture I posted here. He's been gone for two weeks. I have been through our neighborhood every few days, calling for him. I think he'd come to me if he could hear me. He's done this to us before. I know, letting cats outside is bad. I know they should be locked up at night. Cocoa was an outdoor cat. On the few occasions we had to keep him inside, the litter box had to be cleaned three times a day, and changed every three days - or he'd pee on the bed. Or anywhere else that would get our attention. Once he sat on my lap and peed on me (extreme displeasure, LOL).
I also tried keeping the cats in at night, the most dangerous time for them to be out. I'd feed them so they'd all come inside. Cocoa quit coming home at night. So, I let him be the cat he was.

This Week I was Avoiding.....
The Animal Shelter. Looking for Cocoa. I made T.S. do it, which isn't helping his already maxed out stress level. They escort you now, and sneer at you when you tell them you're looking for a cat who was allowed outside.

What Else Is on My Mind.....
Worrying about T.S. He is very stressed out right now.
Gave up on getting my Strat until after vacation.
Thinking about canceling our vacation. It's one of T.S.'s many stress factors.
Being astonished by the rainstorms we've been having the last week or so - turn off the hose!
Practicing my guitar lessons.

The Week Ahead.....
Health - keep on going ahead.
Personal - trying to take some of the stress off T.S. Stop chattering so much. Stop talking about me, me me, all the time. Listen. Take some time to relax.
Work. See Personal.

Accomplished.....
Practiced. Exercised every day and drank all my water, or close to it.

Weekly Gift....
Extra-big mocha just when I needed it.

Attitude: Faintly Irritated

This week I was totally into....

Getting goals accomplished. I had a list of goals, and I managed to do every one of them. Most of them involved household stuff (cleaning off the porch, cleaning the windows I hadn't gotten to yet with bleach, etc.) A few were other kinds of goals, like ordering a new pair of jeans online, and some shirts. Usually there are always one or two that I put off until later, but not this week! Unfortunately a few areas I'd hoped to concentrate on weren't the focus of my concentration. I didn't practice as much as I planned, I didn't get as much relaxation time as I'd hoped - but I have all summer to do THAT!

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This week I was avoiding....

Actually last week and this week I avoided blogging. It wasn't that I didn't want to; it was just a few of the sidelined things. The list of things I DIDN'T get to do (in order of importance, most to least) Writing in my journal, blogging, planning our vacation, playing computer games, watching our recorded TV shows, clothes shopping.

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What Else was On My Mind.....

Cocoa my cat's disappearance. I wish he was a stay-at-home cat that I could lock inside at night. But he's not; so every year about this time he vanishes for a week or two, and I worry.
Finding the car with a short in it's horn. It keeps going off. All the time. Day and Night! It's not close by, but close enough we can hear it.
The war in Iraq. I support the troops. Not the government.
Planning our vacation. Didn't get much done this month.

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The Week Ahead....

Health - exercise 35 minutes a day minimum. Drink 64 oz water a day. Keep eating well.
Work - find some projects to do over the summer.
Music - Practice guitar twice a day for a minimum of 15 minutes. Practice piano at least twice.
Other goals - Write every day. Play games at least once. Finish watching our recorded shows. Buy 2-6 more t-shirts (for trip and playing) Plan more vacation stuff.
Personal. Be nice to Ken. Buy 1 Christmas present.

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Accomplished....

I will just say I got a lot done the last two weeks, and leave it at that.

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Weekly Gift...

Last week; Stadium Arcadium, and A Day at the Races & A Night at the Opera by Queen.

This week; cute shirt I wanted but couldn't justify buying for myself.

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Quote of the week...

"Laughter is an instant vacation."

Milton Berle

Attitude: No Stinkin' Attitude!

This week I was totally into....

Music. I got a bunch of new CD's. Pearl Jam's newest self-titled. Tool's 10,000 Days, Blood Sugar, Sex, Magik by The Red Hot Chili Peppers, and special thanks to T.S., Queen's Sheer Heart Attack & Jazz. (They are rumored to be going out of print, and I can't have THAT!) I am also listening to the Fleet Foxes, and A Chance Without, both bands have members who are sons of my co-workers. I like both bands; check them out and decide for yourself.

Other co-workers son's play with The President's of the United States of America and Brandi Carlile. How cool is that? Pretty cool.
Other bands I am currently listening to are Snow Patrol, Killers and I am hoping to get the new Red Hot Chili Pepper's CD this weekend.

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This week I avoided....

Confrontations. I kept my mouth shut most of the time, and made situations that I could have escalated into jokes. Because my horoscope said I needed to be careful. Do I really believe in horoscopes? I don't know. Sometimes I do, sometimes I am a scoffer. However, not escalating situations is often a good thing.

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What else was on my mind.....

T.S. building my new guitar; we are planning on a Fender Mustang body & neck, with alternative tuners, pick-ups and tailpiece. The body will have more routing on the forearm cut out, and a slightly smaller waist.
Guitar Practicing; I'm glad we had two weeks this time - it was on the difficult side!
The Weekend; We are visiting Guitar 6000 for more ideas for T.S.'s custom guitar, and Burgerville, and also the Warmoth factory in Puyallup, where they actually make the replacement Mustang bodies and necks.
Writing; I have been going over my stories and getting a few ideas.

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The week ahead....

Health - same old thing
Work - come up with a PROJECT so I am not dying of boredom.
Personal - practice guitar every day, clean the house and do the laundry and finish by Friday, (except for a few touch-ups if Mary & Dave come to visit) play Sims2, (I have given up on WoW for the time being) Write new book reviews for my blog, read a few more books, de-junk 1 thing per room (the quest continues), and drink/dispose of 2 bottles of wine. I am trying to drink my wine that needs to be drunk before it turns to vinegar.

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Accomplished....

Called my sister, practiced every day, transferred my old music to my iPod, played Sims2, got the house clean and the laundry done, received the Milepost, got most of my CD's (except the ones I must order from Amazon because no stores carry them, like Anggun) and wrote every day. Also exercised and drank lots of water and ate well (especially with a planned visit to Burgerville this weekend....)

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Weekly Gift
Sheer Heart Attack & Jazz by Queen

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Quote of the week
"Without music life would be a mistake."
Friedrich Nietzsche

Attitude:What? What!

This Week I Was Totally Into....

My guitar again. We got some interesting rhythm patterns to learn. And we're working on the start of finger picking, which isn't even called that yet; it's called string switching. Oh, in case you were wondering, our teacher is Pascal Louval. Go to his website and check it out. He's an excellent teacher. Both T.S. and I have gotten quite a bit out of our lessons, and we've only taken three so far. Also, we were talking about shaving the forearm contour down on my guitar, but I just can't quite bring myself to do it. If it wasn't my ONLY electric guitar, or if it wasn't BRAND NEW - maybe. So, T.S. is going to build me a guitar. He might build himself a guitar too. That way I can decide exactly how I want it shaped, and what neck I want (I am sticking with the Mustang short-scale neck) and what pick-ups and tuners and what-not.

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This Week I avoided....

Exercising as much as I planned. It wasn't on purpose - I just ran out of time; and when you ride the bus leaving a few minutes late is NOT an option. However, I will make up for it during the coming weekend. I was short about 45 minutes total, so I will add 15 minutes per day.

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What Else Was On My Mind...

Finding new bathtub art for my book blog; I have clip art, I just have to download it.
Changing some old MPEG files into Mp3 files that can go on my iPod; can't find a good program to do it.
Getting several books from the library; a good thing, because I was down to 1 (one) unread book! For me, that's panic time.
Getting ready for our trip to Alaska; we need to start planning.
The total gorgeousness of the last few days - 70 degrees and perfect.

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The Week Ahead....

Health - same old, same old.
Work - find something interesting to do for a project. Keep my mouth shut.
Personal - same old, same old.
Other stuff - Call my sister this weekend and find out when she wants to visit. Practice every day. Practice piano at least twice. Talk to Ken about Alaska trip. Get new CD's by Tool, Pearl Jam, and Anggun, and maybe Sheer Heart Attack by Queen. Buy Thunder Falls by C.J. Murphy (new release) and maybe the first Harry Potter in trade paperback.

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Accomplished....

I got a lot done this week! I cleaned the living room, dining room and small bedroom carpets. Practiced guitar every day. Ordered the 2006 edition of the Milepost for our trip. Called the dentist to re-schedule my cleaning since I maxed out my dental insurance by getting a 2nd crown. Finished cleaning the house. Read a couple of books.

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Weekly Gift....
Sims2 Family Fun Stuff Pack.

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Quote of the week.....
"Out of the strain of the Doing./Into the peace of the Done. "
Julie Louise Woodruff

Another Week Gone

This Week I was Totally Into...

Balance. I wasn't completely involved in any one or two things; instead this week has been very level. Boring, even. Last weekend I got every speck of housework done over the two days. It was very odd, not having any to do all week; usually I do some every day. It was nice for a change, however, I prefer not to waste my days off on housework as a general rule. T.S. also got the lawn mowed, which was a huge chore.

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This Week I was Avoiding...

I avoided buying anything when I went clothes shopping. Looking for a light weight coat; I didn't find anything fabulous or perfect - which was my goal. Also to find a few spring shirts; I like to freshen up my wardrobe every season. I found shirts, but also decided not to buy them at the moment. Big mistake of course; I'll go back to get one or two of them and they will be gone.

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What Else Was On My Mind....

Reported the illegal dumping in my neighborhood on the county hot line.
Practicing the guitar.
Cleaning the carpet; How much will I clean, and will I get up early enough to also have some relaxation time on my one day off this week (Friday).
Finding an excellent new Science Fiction Series to read; Julie Czerneda's Species Imperative - see my Book Blog for more about it.
Suzie the Dog's trip to the vet; she's an old dog, but her tests came back okay.
T.S. stressing from work; not much I can help with except to try not to add more.

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The Week Ahead.....

Health; eat well, exercise, drink water, blah blah blah
Work; try to find a project to do - I am bored.
Personal; Be nice to T.S., clean the Master suite carpets and rec room carpet; work in the yard for 30 minutes, keep up with the housework. Find a jacket I like and a few shirts. Practice guitar every day, practice piano twice, write every day. Check and see if it's time to order the Mile post for Alaska yet.

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Accomplished....

Did well on the healthy living part; only slacked on the elliptical one day. Did weights and added a routine. Did all the housework, practiced guitar and piano, wrote every day.

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Weekly Gift....

An unexpected ride to work, somewhat out of the way. If you rode the bus, you'd think it was a gift, too.

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Quote of the week...

"I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work. "

Thomas A. Edison

Attitude: Was - Irritable Now - Sleepy

This week I was totally into....

Practicing. I practiced a lot. It was not so fun, but I made sure to take a few minutes at the end of each practice to play some songs so I didn't just feel like I was playing boring stuff. I did basic skill building piano lessons as well as practicing my basic guitar lessons.

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This week I was avoiding....

My favorite things to avoid - housework and laundry. I now have at least 10 loads of colored clothes (I wash small loads at a time) and probably 4-5 loads of other clothes, and then there are the dog blankets....
We won't even talk about the house.

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What else has been on my mind.....

The eye fungus contact lens users are getting. It makes me want to be very careful about cleaning my lenses, and glad I don't wear them all the time.
Rising Gas Prices. They are going to make our trip to Alaska quite expensive. However, we better go now, because who knows how expensive they will be next year.
Playing Sims2 and World of Warcraft. It's going to be nice this coming week, so I doubt I will be playing. I have too many other things to do. If only I didn't have to sleep.
Why Kiel the cat is peeing on the counter again. I suspect it's because of the bleach. I have now hosed down the counter with odor killer and removed the bleach - I hope it helps.
How my sisters vacation in Hawaii went. Going to have to call her this weekend and find out.

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The week ahead.....

Health - same old stuff. Add another routine to the elliptical. Really, I am going to start doing weights this week.
Work - Ditto. Keep my mouth shut, work hard, and do what I need to do.
Personal - Be nice to TS, practice as much as I can, write every day.
Other - Clean the house, do the laundry, work for 60 minutes in the yard, and call my sister.

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Accomplished.....

Ate healthy, except for a blip over last weekend, exercised every day, drank lots of water. Practiced guitar every day for at least 10 minutes, tried for 30 minutes but only managed that twice. Played piano for over an hour twice. Work was fine. Wrote every day. Played Sims2 for about an hour. Was nice to TS.

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Weekly Gift....

Metronome that doesn't slow down like the Korg.

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Quote of the week
"The bed is a bundle of paradoxes: we go to it with reluctance, yet we quit it with regret; we make up our minds every night to leave it early, but we make up our bodies every morning to keep it late."
~Charles Caleb Colton

Attitude: Disgruntled

This week I was totally into.....

Music. I went to see Queen + Paul Rogers at the Key Arena - fabulous. Took my first guitar lesson - jury is still out since all we worked on is timing. Played guitar, and thought about playing the piano. It was a highly musical week.

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This week I was avoiding.....

Admitting my irritating symptoms were really a cold, and not completely allergies. Nagging T.S. about finishing his part of the spring cleaning/projects. Doing laundry, so now there are many, many piles waiting to be washed. Talking too much, both at work and at home since I seemed to be highly irritating to many people this week.

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What else was on my mind...

Practicing my guitar lessons. Breaking another tooth eating nachos, and if it will be a crown, or a horrid root canal. Having a whole weekend off with nothing to do, particularly. My co-worker 's ill sister. The ominous knocking coming periodically from the refrigerator, which T.S and I are choosing to ignore. T.S. snapping at me two days in a row (this is not usual for T.S.). Hoping my sister is having a good time in Hawaii.

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The Week Ahead....

Health - same old thing - water, exercise, eat well. Start doing weights 2 days a week.
Work - keep mouth shut, do my job, watch the attitude. Make sure I get enough sleep.
Personal - Be nice to T.S., practice guitar 2x a day for 10 minutes, practice piano twice this week, write every day, do laundry.

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Accomplishments....

Did well on water, exercise and eating - started doing different workouts on the elliptical.
Kept my mouth shut and made it to work every day even though I was sick. Was nice to T.S. (didn't snap back, for example) practiced the guitar every day, wrote every day. T.S. also got a rubber mat for the utility room, to help with the dog's drinking water and flinging it everywhere problem.

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Weekly Gift....

Fender '69 reproduction Mustang guitar (blue)

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Quote of the Week....

"In theory, there is no difference between theory and practice, but in practice, there is."

Satan in a Sausage

Attitude:Lazy

This week I was totally into.....

Sleeping. Probably because of the time change. I went to bed early, and got up late. I didn't stay up and write, or read, play games or the guitars. The time change was better this year. There were only a few nights I couldn't sleep - which is rare during a time change; usually the first week is filled with restless nights. I always say I'm going to take one of the time-change weeks off, but never do.

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This week I avoided....

Finishing the housework. So, of course I have to do the dregs this morning, including the spring cleaning of the piano, left kitchen counter (which has a lot of junk on it, at the moment) and "dog area" of the utility room. However, I will do it today, no matter what.

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What else was on my mind.....

Music teachers - T.S. has found a music teacher he wants us to try. It turns out, he's a patron; which seems a little weird, but I'm willing to give it a try.
Spring cleaning - almost finished with it, and perhaps if I get very motivated I will do it all today instead of completing it over the next 2-3 weeks.
Music - how much I need and want to practice more. Also electric guitars, Birkenstock Oklahoma style shoes & where I can find another pair, brushing the dogs and cats, who are all shedding. What to do with my Valentines azalea tree, getting all the clocks and colanders changed, the book coming out "Wolf Who Rules" that hasn't come out yet, and where is my other sock?????

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The week ahead....

Health - blah blah blah...Eat right, exercise, drink water. Start lifting weights, maybe.
Work - keep on the way I'm going - I've been doing well this week.
Personal - Be nice to T.S., make time to write, play more games, relax.
Spring Cleaning Goals - (in addition to above) Brush the pets, wipe down T.S.'s computer area, clean the high-traffic areas of the carpet, mop the kitchen floor, clean the dishwasher & microwave, the garden window and kitchen blinds.
Do 1 thing out of my comfort zone.

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Accomplished.....

Ate right, exercised, drank my water all but 1 day each. Did okay at work. Was nice to T.S. Read more.

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Weekly gift......

A very cute black shirt Ken saw in the Victoria's Secret catalog. Not a work shirt, more of a going out shirt (when I get down to that size).

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Quote of the week....

"Periods of wholesome laziness, after days of energetic effort, will wonderfully tone up the mind and body."
Grenville Kleiser

Attitude: Uncomfortable

This week I was totally into....

There was nothing. It was a scatty week. Not a lot going on either at home, or at work. Boring, actually. Usually I am revved up about something - but this week I was more interested in laying low, going to bed early, not stressing out. Next week, I promise, I will be into something.

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This week I was avoiding....

Also - nothing. I did put off cleaning the refrigerator until next week. Next Saturday, when I am off work, T.S. ("The Saint") can check on the ominous knocking noise. I cleaned the stove instead. I love self-cleaning ovens and smooth topped ranges.

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What else was on my mind....

The Capitol Hill Massacre - so unbelievably sad.
Spring Cleaning - All that is left is the Piano, the kitchen appliances (minus the stove) and the left kitchen counter, and a few other things. Plus Several projects.
Playing Guitar & Keyboards - didn't get to do it as much as I wanted
Sims 2 Open for Business - played it a lot last night - fun.
World of Warcraft - may cancel my subscription until the expansion pack comes out.
The 25th anniversary of getting engaged (March 29), working this weekend, laundry, "The Drunken Sailor", my black shoes in for repair, wine, and a few million other things. I told you it was a rather scatty week.

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The week ahead.....

Health - add 5 more minutes onto the elliptical (35 total), drink water, eat well.
Spring Cleaning - Piano (clean) Refrigerator (clean and inspect) the dog's end of the UT room (clean, rubber mat) and clean the whole house, not just parts this week.
Work - Keep my cool during the last few weeks of Tax Help Time. Do monthly stats.
Personal - Play Sims 2, write, play guitar & keyboard, be nice to T.S. I work this weekend, so no LONG soaks in the hot tub. No Nagging.

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Accomplished...

Health - exercised every day, drank water, ate well.
Spring Cleaning - Rec. Room Windows and blinds, cleaned out freezer, Cleaned off right side of the kitchen counter, cleaned the stove, washed the dining room chair covers.
Work - Kept my mouth shut, and tried to keep good ref. stats.
Projects - T.S. hung up the blinds in his room and installed the automatic dog waterer.
Personal - Played Sims 2, played guitar one day, was nice to T.S.

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Weekly Gift.....

A very sweet story written about the night we got engaged - it made me cry at work.

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Quote of the week.....
"Cleaning is the best thing for the human mind and body. Seeing all the dirt being sucked up is an instant gratification! "
Helena Christensen

Attitude: Contemplative

A note: usually I complete my weekly report on Fridays, however this week, due to many circumstances, I am doing it Sunday. I will return to my regularly scheduled day this week.

Maybe......

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This Week I Was Totally Into...

Getting well - yes, it is true. The horrible crud "The Saint" had the week before visited me. It was unpleasant, however not as horrible as it was for him. The first few days were wretched, the rest of it was just being tired, draggy, and the ongoing wheeze and cough. Luckily I turned the corner on day five, so managed to make it to the weekend, and to accomplish the other thing I was into; Finishing my de-junking. Yes, it's true! Saturday I got started, and after several hours I realized adding a few more hours would, for all intents, finish my project. And I did. It was a great feeling. So, yes, while there are a few more spring-cleaning items on my list, and several projects left to complete - we are done. Yay!

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This week I was avoiding...

The laundry - and it kept growing. I just didn't feel like doing it; especially the colored clothes, which have to be hung up in the bathroom to dry. I can dry everything else, and heap it up until I'm ready to fold, but the colored clothes cannot be denied that way. Finally, this weekend, I broke down, and it is well on the way to being under control.

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What else is on my mind...

The massacre on Capitol Hill in Seattle. Senseless violence is the only description I have.

The other projects left before spring cleaning is finished.

Practicing my music more.

Keeping my priorities straight at work.

Playing the new Sims2 game "Open for Business".

Planning our vacation.

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The week ahead...

Health - Keep exercising, drinking my water and eating well.

Work - Attitude, attitude, attitude.

Be nice to "The Saint", get my planned cleaning done, practice the guitar 15 minutes every day, and the keyboard 15 minutes every other day. Play Sims2. Maybe play World of Warcraft.

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Accomplished...

FINISHED DE-JUNKING! Also, exercised every day, drank water, and ate well (except for my sickest day). Did okay at work - considering I was barely coherent Wednesday. Was nice, and didn't quite manage to practice every day - but I am learning the opening finger pick to "Wish You Were Here".

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Weekly Gift...

Sims2 - "Open for Business".

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Quote of the Week...

"There are moments when, even to the sober eye of Reason, the world of our sad humanity must assume the aspect of Hell"
Edgar Allen Poe

Spring is about to Pounce

This week I am totally into.....

Spring. The smell and the taste and the sound. Even with the sap running and my allergies kicking my butt, I don't care! I could go outside and do a little dance. Maybe I will, maybe I won't. From now until November is my favorite time of year. I enjoy every minute. Every tree that finally gets leaves. Every plant that pokes through the dirt. All the birds, rabbits, squirrels and yes, moles and snakes too, who come into my yard. I get a little giddy when spring starts. Maybe the allergy pills help that along a little, but Woot!
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This week I am avoiding....

Cleaning out the corner of the Utility Room. You see, I have a feeling it may be spidery. I have arachnophobia. It's not pretty. Any living spider larger than my fingernail - and I have short nails - sends me over the bend. If they are tiny, or outside and I have plenty of room to avoid them, I can cope. However, it's not just living spiders. It's spider webs, and the husks of dead spiders as well. They all give me the shivers. I am also not looking forward to cleaning out under the computer table, where my wine is stored. Lots of places for spiders. Ick.
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What else is on my mind......

Being close to the end of de-junking. It's a good feeling.
The Sims2. The new expansion pack is out; the first one I didn't buy the day it came out since I got my first copy of the original Sims. I've been too busy to play anything.
Practicing my guitar - I want to start playing again, but I just haven't felt like it lately thanks to
My Cold - or flu, or virus, or whatever it was that I caught from "The Saint". I really tried not to get it, but - pow. Luckily I am feeling better now.

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The Week Ahead....

Health- Get over my virus. (rest, go to bed early) When I'm better, get back on track.
De-junking - 2 hours in the Rec. Room, 2 in the Kitchen. A trip to Goodwill and the dumpster.
Play my instruments - at least 15 minutes for the piano or the guitar Tuesday-Sunday.

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Accomplishments.....

Ate healthy, exercised every day, drank water. Yay. Finished de-junking Ken's room (my stuff, he still has a few things left). Everything got taken to the storage shed. Only spent one day of my weekend de-junking. Got a lot done on that.

.

The Weekly gift.....

An organizer for my pencils and papers on the computer desk.
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Quote of the Week.....

"Spring is Mother Natures way of saying, "Let's Party!"
Robin Williams

Attitude: Busy/Preoccupied/Bad

This Week I'm Totally into.....
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De-junking. All week long I've been waiting for Friday. During the week, I realized it was time to take a break from the de-junking. A real break. Since this process began, all I've done is worked my 40 hour job, then spent the majority of all other time working on the house. So, this weekend I am taking a break. Except for Friday.
I hope to finish my chores, the bedroom, and maybe the dining room. I'm going to spend an hour each on the rec. room, and the kitchen. 30 minutes in the garden if it isn't too cold. There was a dusting of snow this morning.
If I can accomplish all those things, I will be over halfway done. The only rooms left; the Saint's room (2 hours?) Rec. Room (4 hours max.) and the kitchen (14 hours total).
The Saint and I may put together the shelves when he gets off work tonight. If not, we will do it tomorrow, along with a trip to the Goodwill, and a trip to the dump(ster). Which are the ONLY things I'm doing in connection with this project for the rest of the weekend.

*
This week I'm avoiding...
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The Grocery store. With all my other projects, the last thing I want to do is shop. The very, very last thing. Luckily, the Saint doesn't mind going as long as everything is clearly explained
i.e.; ALWAYS, extra-thin, regular with wings. Yellow trim on the packaging. Watch out for faux packaging masquerading as the right ones. 7 Braeburn apples. As green and small as you can find. You get the idea.

*
What else is on my mind...
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Lack of relaxation time. I am getting too stressed out. Time to address it before it gets worse.
Music. I want to spend more time practicing in the coming months.

Cleaning the Carpets. After I finish the de-junking and spring cleaning.
Writing. I miss real writing, even though I've been journaling and blogging.
Attitude. I need to work on it. Hopefully the book I borrowed, some additional "chill out" time, and getting my projects done will improve it. A lot.

*

The week ahead...
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Personal - Take time to relax. Be nice to The Saint. Don't get so stressed out.
Professional- Work on attitude. Keep mouth shut. "That would be Great!"
Health - Exercise. Drink Water. Eat well.
Other goals - Make a plan to work on other projects.

*
Accomplished....

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Exercised every day. Kept to my low carbs. Wrote every day. Was nice to The Saint, wrote every day.
(I wish I had been able to accomplish my other goals - didn't work out this week. Damn.)

*

The Weekly Gift....

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MY LUNA MOTH GUITAR! I was so excited! I've wanted one of these since I first saw one; it's a great beginner's guitar and a perfect size. Whoo hoo!

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Quote of the Week...

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"If A equals success, then the formula is A equals X plus Y and Z, with X being work, Y play, and Z keeping your mouth shut."
Albert Einstein

Attitude: Bored

This Week I'm totally Into...

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My boring routine. Get up in the morning, pick up 10 things/room and fold laundry if there are not 10 things to pick up. Pack my lunch. Check the news online. Do my stretching exercises and use the elliptical trainer. I'm up to 21 minutes now. Whoo hoo. Feed the bird. Feed the cats. Check the dogs water. The Saint usually feeds the dogs in the morning. Take my shower, and get dressed. On off days, due to the giant de-junking project, my day also includes 2 hours of de-junking on whatever rooms I'm working on. If The Saint isn't home, and it's not raining 30 minutes in the garden as well. Right now I am weeding.

Yes, it's boring.

On workdays, If I have time and energy when I get home, I play my guitar, or blog, or write. Lately I just zone out in front of the TV during dinner, and go to bed. Too tired.

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This week I'm Avoiding...

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Boxing up The Saint's grandmother's hats. After she died, the three hats she kept from the Thirties were one of the things I kept. At the time I was into hats. I thought they'd make good Halloween hats, or fun regular hats. Never happened. So, they are going to The Saint's brother's house. He has kids who might want them. I'm not avoiding it so much out of sentiment, although I liked the Saint's grandma, as I am the effort involved in getting the step stool out, and boxing them up.

I also have to call my sister, and ask her if she wants our Mom's camera. Mom called it "The Minolta" in her precise, pleased voice. We don't use it anymore. But, maybe she'll want it. I hope so. Because I don't really want to keep it.

*

What Else is on My Mind....

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Playing Guitar; not as much as I'd like.

De-junking; it will be on my mind until it's finished.

Writing; some interesting ideas lately, but no time to do them justice at the moment.

Spring; almost here and I can't wait - it feels like spring this morning.

Work; I'm not looking forward to my schedule change at all. It is going to suck.

*

The Week ahead....

Health- Exercise every day. Drink at least 32 oz. Of water. Keep to my low carbs.
Personal - Practice guitar every day. Practice piano every other day. Write every day, even for just a few minutes. Be nice to Ken. Work on de-junking the dining room.

Professional - Keep my mouth shut. Work on the new scheduled. Work on my bad attitude.

Fun - Take time to have a little now and then.

*

Accomplishments....

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Exercised every day. Kept to my low carbs. Wrote every day. Was nice to The Saint, wrote every day. Finished the Utility room and the Living room. Kept my mouth shut at work, even when I was grumpy. Read more.

*

Weekly Gift....

Hardware to fix my computer keyboard shelf.

*

Quote of the week

"Neither fire nor wind, birth nor death can erase our good deeds."

Buddha

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This week I'm totally into...

Math. No, really. I'm using math a lot this week; I try to avoid it like the eighth plague, however this week I have been using it almost every day. Planning how to divide the spoils if I should happen to win any lottery. Hey, a girl can dream about suddenly calling in rich, can't she? Also trying to figure out a new schedule for my job. The math shows that four people cannot cover the hours we need to cover, unless we get no breaks or lunches. So, now I am moving to quantum physics to figure out the schedule. The nice thing about it, as my friend Cam would agree, is that it's utterly random, and probably takes place in several universes. Which is what needs to happen for any of my current schedules to actually be both possible, and palatable. Finally, I have been using math to figure out how many shelves, large and small, I can put in my back bedroom. The Saint and I each have our own back bedrooms - his is currently nearly empty thanks to de-junking. See my other blog, VGrandom if you have any vague interest in the details. Mine is about to become a guest room/library. So it needs real shelves instead of the shelf standards and brackets that are there now. Which requires math, and, oh the horror, a tape measure. So, viva math.

This week I am avoiding....

World of Warcraft. Yes, I hate to say it, but I have been avoiding it. Not only has my main server been so full I often have to wait at least 20 minutes to log in, but I haven't had the time.

I do want to play; I want to level up my druid and priest (yes, you non gamers can move along down the page) but also I want to max out the skills and equipment of my level 60 hunter. And play around with my other alts. (Alternative characters) Sadly, until I finish de-junking, I'm afraid WoW must take a backseat.

What else is on my mind...

The Saint's mom being in the hospital again. Luckily this time doesn't sound so bad. Still, no fun for her at all.

My Luna Moth guitar. I shouldn't want any guitar since I just got my T5, let alone a Moth, but I can't help it. Regardless, I am waiting until at least 6 months to buy another guitar. Or until after the Saint buys one. Whatever comes first. Heh.

De-junking. I think it is going to be on my mind until I finish. I am slightly obsessed. It will be so nice when it's finished.

Suzie Q. Our dog. She's getting really old for a big dog. Sometimes she freaks me out, she's so still when she sleeps. I worry someday I will say her name and she won't give me that "Wha'?" look. If you have a German Shepard Dog, or a Rottie you know the look. At the same time, I hope she does go that way, in her sleep, quietly. Laying in her favorite spot. Near me.

The week ahead.....

Health- Exercise every day. Drink at least 32 oz. Of water. Keep to my low carbs.

Personal - Practice Guitar every day. Practice piano every other day. Write every day, even for just a few minutes. Be nice to Ken. Finish de-junking the Utility Room, and move on to the Living Room.

Professional - Let things lie at the moment. Work on my own problems, and don't worry about anyone else.

Fun - Make sure to relax. Read more. Listen to more music. Play more.

Goals Achieved...

Exercised every day. Kept to my low carbs. Practiced. Wrote. Was nice. Finished the Master Bedroom. Found an article on attitude adjustment, also checked out a book. Nearly kept my mouth shut. Had fun, although didn't play WoW or Silk Road. Maybe this week.

This Week In VGimlet's Life

Now for historical purposes, here are all the exciting, or boring, things going on in my life. I used to do this on my web page, but, wow, it could be archived! What a Deal!

So, here are the facts for this week.

This week I'm totally Into;

Music. Yes, it's true, I have broken the bonds of World of Warcraft. I haven't played in quite a while. I have been practicing guitar, and piano. I have been looking for songs I want to learn to play (That don't have too many ugly chords, like B7) and printing them off my home computer.
I am also into exercising. The Saint and I purchased an elliptical trainer last week, and I have used it every day so far.
Scheduling. I am trying to figure out ways to make it so I don't have to work every other weekend. I know those who work every weekend will say a hearty "whaaaa!" to my cry baby ways, but I would like to avoid it if I can. It may not be possible, but you never know unless you write it all out.
De junking my house. If you haven't read my blog VGRandomized you may not know it, but I have been de-junking my house. Everything junky must go. It feels good.

This week I'm avoiding

I was avoiding de-junking my toys, because I was worried about getting rid of my stuffed bear. He was a comfort to me when I was a kid. I knew he had to go, but it made me teary. He once belonged to my cousin, and he is now almost antique. Definitely vintage. The Saint's mom took him. I was glad. There are still a few toy land mines to get over, but he was the worst.

What else is on my mind.

Work. I need to cultivate a new attitude at work. I am too witchy. I am doing okay with patrons, but not so good with my co-workers, which is NOT a good thing, especially when it spills over to the boss. So, time for some attitude adjustment on my part.
The Olympics. It's really sad that the US coverage sucks so badly. I miss cable TV for the Canadian stations. Their news and sports coverage was SO much better.
My Azalea Tree. It needs to go outside, but since it's 15 degrees here at night it's NOT a good plan. I just hope it doesn't die before I can get it outside.

The week ahead - Goals

Health- Exercise every day. Drink at least 32 oz. Of water. Keep to my low carbs.
Personal - Practice Guitar every day. Practice piano every other day. Write every day, even for just a few minutes. Be nice to Ken. Finish de-junking the Master bedroom, and move on to the Utility Room.
Professional - Find at least one article about attitude adjustment. Keep my mouth shut, especially in the morning when I am always grouchy.
Fun - Well, the music is fun. But also, play WoW this week. And Silk Road.

Accomplished Last Week

Exercised every day. Drank most of my water. Had no major lapses on low carb. (I allow myself more carbs than the Atkins or other VERY LOW CARB diets. I eat more veggies and fruits.)
Finished the Master Closet, including spring cleaning. Practiced the guitar all except one day.
Wrote every day.

Weekly Gift

I am counting the Valentines day card and Azalea tree as a weekly gift. And I got next week's weekly gift a day early - I got my T5 guitar!
The one I've been teasing Ken about for months. Woot! It is awesome! It sounds so nice, I even sound pretty good. Okay, I really don't, but I delude myself into thinking I do.

Quote of the week -

From Colleen Barrett.
"Work is either fun or drudgery. It depends on your attitude. I like fun."