Shelly's Stuff

Just a reminder….

2011-11-07T18:00:00.000-06:00

stressed spelled backwards is desserts! Got an extra fork?

Happy Birthday.

2011-10-22T00:18:00.001-05:00

Warning - one of those topics you don't discuss in public!!!

2011-10-06T00:26:00.005-05:00

RELIGION.

There. I said it, and I will get back to it.

I've been gone again for quite awhile. It's not that I don't have anything to say, but more I didn't have the words to say it.

I was pretty messed up for awhile there. I just couldn't think straight and it was driving me absolutely nuts….and I know that *may* not be that far of a walk, that does NOT mean that I'm interested in crossing that line into insanity and all on purpose! lol. Anyway, I took an incomplete in a class, worked on didactic and when that guy said "trust the process" he wasn't kidding!!! Then I caught that crud going around. I can't tell you the last time I was that sick. Ugh. Hope you all don't get it or recover quickly. It's NASTY…..but while I was too sick to move, my mind took the time to sort a bunch of my life philosophy stuff out.

I'm not sure why I'm posting this now, unless it's either to serve as a reminder to myself at some future date, somebody needs to read it, or I might want to rereference the thought pattern sometime, I wanted to have access. My blog is about the ONLY place where I don't lose stuff. I just need to remember that I wrote it in OCTOBER of 2011!! Yep, that was done on purpose to try to cement this content with that file. Believe me, it's hard to live in my brain!

Anyway, I haven't gone to church in years. I really don't want to get into that part of it as it's only important as a reference point for what I'm about to say.

I have pretty much always (I'm sure there's gaps. We all know that I LIVE for doubt gaps unfortunately. What is the female name of Thomas? Yeah, I'm her….anyway, I've almost always believed in a higher power. I have come to the conclusion that I don't give a rats ass what you call it, truth is truth no matter what name you put on it. I happen to call this higher power God. I also believe that he is omnipresent and that He IS love. The rest of the trappings are pretty much just trappings that satan uses to split believers so we aren't as strong…….but I digress.

Last night, I felt the need to post 4 songs on my friend's facebook wall. As I went to see if I could remember what I was trying to remember at the time (which was pretty much a result of prayer time…) I saw a new truth….that in those four youtube clips is my testimony, my belief in the basic road to salvation….which is having a relationship with the one who IS love, and how I think it works. It's not something we try to do, it is something we are compelled to do. I love people. Great. So I share love in about a zillion formats. That's just who I am. AND THAT IS MY JOB on this earth. Each relationship I have stems from love on some level. Sometimes I just put the wrong title on the wrong type of love. I am also positive I will screw this up for the rest of my life. Hopefully, with less frequency, though.

Instead of telling you what I see……I dare ya to watch JUST TO SEE if something rings true in you. If not, no harm, just a few lost minutes of music you may not like and words you may not agree with. If you do, well, then may it touch your heart in the way it was meant to touch you, which is for you and you alone. If you choose to share, great. If you choose not to, great.

One

Two

Three

Four

So, I dare you to Let Your Love Flow

Everything I needed to know, I learned from my couch….

2011-09-24T04:42:00.002-05:00

Yes, it's a take off of Robert Fulgham's Kindergarten list. There's a *reason* there are so many of these lists out there……I don't know exactly what "it" factor it has, but it has "it"

Anyway…..

forget measure twice, cut once….I'd rather not have to cut a couch at all. BUT I did, and I have pictures to prove it.

Couches are not like Humpty Dumpty, they can be put together again….just like the pieces of our lives that are seemingly impossible at the moment. Time and perspective are great puzzle solvers.

Brain vs Brawn? I'm still not sure on this one, but quitting would have left me couchless, out of money and with a couch on a curb with no apparent disposal options.

Where there is a will, there is a way.

Sometimes you cannot get a rectangular object through a series of other seemingly bigger rectangle openings….. reminding me of the importance of angles, vectors and other such shit I thought I didn't need to know in high school.

It is possible to punch large holes in plaster with the arm of the couch with a lot of pressure over time…….. and sometimes no matter how hard we try, sometimes effort and will are just not enough….and no matter how hard you try, if it doesn't fit, it doesn't fit. Will, desire, intelligence and strength be damned. Really, sometimes things really just do not fit.

I really don't give up easily.

I can take apart and reassemble a back from the couch. I'm still kinda impressed about that……..we all have talents that are hidden even from ourselves.

There may be more than one way to skin a cat ----- but I'm sure as hell glad I don't have to! There are also many ways to move large pieces of furniture through multiple hallways and openings…..and sometimes the first 35 don't work. I'm sure as hell glad I don't have to do this again for at least….a day? lol.

It took me something like 4 or 5 days to get this couch through this particular doorway. Sometimes, solutions comes way after the desired deadline…and you know what, things are still okay. Not ideal, but okay.

If I had to do it all over again-----I'm seriously considering inflatable models.

The Alchemist

2011-08-28T11:25:00.001-05:00

Great Book. Run, don't walk, to the nearest computer to order online or to the bookstore. Great book that I WILL be reading again!

3:10 Ramblings

2011-08-07T03:10:00.003-05:00

I've been drifting in and out of sleep for the past couple of hours. I'm listening to an audiobook off my computer…so maybe that'll explain something that's been rolling around hard in my head for the past several minutes. I woke up and went to go back to the last part of the book I remembered, and started reading the screen saver (news headlines) I went and read the article on the downgrading of our nation's credit rating. Then I click onto yahoo and read about the riots in London…and I thought, "that still could be us" Both of those thoughts made me sad, and I started wondering if I could find any parallels between the stories and why I found them so disheartening.

Then it occurred to me. Love is missing. I'm not talking about romantic love, I'm talking about the love for our fellow man. I don't care if we are talking about our next door neighbor, someone across the country or halfway across the world. In both of these stories really are talking about self centeredness to the point of hate. Think about it. Race riots. Stupid. Why? What the hell is the point? What is getting all pissed off and burning a bunch of shit and beating the shit out of each other going to prove? Somebody takes/gives lumps better than the other. Oh boy. That really settled it, didn't it. Um. HELL NO. It CREATED MORE HATE. When we get so focused on our selves and our little world we forget to notice what's going on around us. Then we realize something is different and we get mad because it isn't the way we want it to be. Brilliant. Nothing is getting solved. In the case of the national credit rating…….how did we get so self centered that we thought we could be TRILLIONS of dollars in debt and not have the day where we were going to be called on it? Now we're all in a panic wondering what we should do….

Well, since nobody asks little old me, I'm gonna tell you what I think. I don't care if you don't agree, I just ask you to read it with an open mind and see if you hear any bells of truth. Please feel free to hit comment if you want to discuss. I love hearing differing opinions to see where mine can be improved upon or learn something I didn't know.

I think we need to collectively take a step back and a deep breath. I think we need to go back and remember accountability and genuine empathy…you know, picturing how this situation might look to the other side, ASKING for clarification from the other side because ya know, sometimes there's just an understanding due to perspective change. If we'd just go back to the golden rule….you know…do unto others, and hold ourselves accountable for our choices, we just might like the changes we see. I just wish we'd stop fighting (think of most of the typical hot topic issues: abortion, gay marriage, border issues/immigration) and really start listening to each other and working together to actually come to a mutually agreeable **solution** .

But that's just how I see it tonight.

Yep yep…another quote list….

2011-06-18T02:01:00.005-05:00

"Oh crap, I left my meds in Lawrence"

"Oh SHIT, I have to wait until TOPEKA to turn around?!?!?!"

"This free wi fi is loading at the speed of smell"

"23 hours later, I managed to drag two boxes into the correct slot"

"God, I love being in the middle of the country, fresh fruit actually smells and TASTES like real fruit"

"YOU GOT MY HOMECOMING DRESS!!!!!!"

"Mom, that was the best donut I ever ate"

"Oh no, I think I picked out a hotel in the getto, sorry mom."

followed by "Wow, okay. this place is NICE"

"I'm gonna come home blonde, tan with a drawl. NOBODY will know who I am!"

"MOM! I found your meds….in YOUR BAG." Whoops.

"Oh shit, my shampoo leaked over everything….and this is why RaRa *always* packs in ziplock baggies"

"PHONE: We are NOT in Kansas anymore!"

"Car keys? Car keys. Right. I gotta get car keys to get in the car"

"Mom, MOM. You're going the wrong way. This IS a one way street you know"

"Mom's gargling her coffee!"

"Wow, is that guy overcompensating for peanuts or what??!?"

"Getting used to the heat is a BAD thing, we're going back to the land of ice"

"Mom, I'm laying out in the parking lot again. Fire alarms before I get up should be banned"

"Blanket? No Blanket? 20 flights of stairs in the middle of the night…gotta love camp!"

"My roommate had to put on her fleece pj bottoms and her snuggly boots. She was afraid it'd be cold outside. It was 98!"

"20th floor, 30 minutes waiting for an elevator and ONE person gets on. Gotta love the sharing spirit of the volleyball campers!"

"She has a bladder the size of my attention span!"

Oh! The video

2011-06-07T11:17:00.006-05:00

Awhile back I posted that my daughter presented a video to the school board of the trip they took…..Civil Right's Ride 2011….since I'm breaking from painting and need a distraction…here it is. Well done, love.

Okay, embedding fail, so here's the link! (one of these has to work, right?

OR NOT! okay, here's the link. Yes, it's a cut and paste activity. I'm not about to figure out where I went wrong as this is my destressor!

http://youtu.be/n1KHszqql4o

A bet I hope to lose!

2011-06-07T10:03:00.002-05:00

Okay, we all know for months I've been getting ready for graduation. I have a shelter at the park rented for Saturday……..and I just looked at the weather. Why? Because I couldn't believe we were slated to hit 100 today in Minnesota. This doesn't happen often, dontcha know! Then I saw the forecast for Saturday. 65 and rain. IF that is the case, it's a good thing I've been workin on this house, cos I'm NOT sitting in a shelter freezing all afternoon on Saturday. I did that 10 years ago at my own graduation (ceremony, not party). I've been there and worn out the tshirt! But DAMN, I can't win for losin! Off to go sniff more paint fumes! lol.

Random Weekend

2011-05-29T18:13:00.003-05:00

Random thoughts and quotes. Hope you are all safe, happy, heathy and enjoying your long weekend.

We left Thursday night for a wedding in So Illinois. Congrats Codi and Tim!

Here's the list. If you want context for *anything* just ask.

- "That man has a sexy voice"

- Public service reminder - if you are driving 75+ mph on the highway. I don't care if you are from my home state and have a Catholic School bumper sticker. I still don't appreciate the contents of your water bottle on my windshield.

- Apparently thin layered cakes with filling and humidity don't make for the perfect marriage, or wedding cake.

-"Why do we need blueberry vodka and yellow fish"

-There is a *reason* multi grain cake is hard to find, but it sure was pretty!!!!!

-"That's fine if you want to take our table, but I'm not crawling through your legs to get my purse"

-I was the privileged person who got to finish the first dance with the bride.

-- "I can't believe I just stood there!"

- "I gotta get more tequila, I've never seen my dad take a shot. COOL!"

- "Everybody dance. I didn't rent the dance floor for everybody to sit there."

- "My cherry has no stem!"

- "Dad, can I have some blueberries." "Yes, just not those"

- "FINALLY, now I can go 5 mph faster"

- "He needs to stop rapping altogether. His voice is way too good for rap. He needs to save that voice and stop singing that rap"

HEY OUT THERE IN BLOGGERLAND?

2011-04-28T00:27:00.002-05:00

How in the world are you?

I'm lost. Totally lost in school work, the house, and my head. I now know that no matter how many bites of what size you take, some elephants are TOO BIG TO EAT.

First. The FLOOR.

The sun room looks amazing.

The living/dining room/ entry way. UM. NOT EVEN CLOSE. And then I realized the ONE thing I did different. I damp clothed the floor before staining. I don't know if that's the *cause* of my problem, but I might be onto something as the sweat drops from my head are nice and DARK compared to the rest of the wood. OMG. Now I'm wondering if I can put wood conditioner on it now, if I have to resand, which WILL wait until graduation. Y'all can come and laugh at my crappy job that's taken well over 100 (wo)man hours. The only catch? You have to be willing to know how to and help me FIX IT! Deal.

I was thinking today, after I realized what I mess I had, that I don't really consider failure an option. I'm no perfectionist. But, when I start a new project, I figure I'll figure it out. Sometimes, like this, it figures me out. That is okay. It just means I have to come up with a NEW PLAN. NO BIG DEAL. So I sank some cash and a LOT of sore muscles into, but I know a heck of a lot more than I did before I started!

Let's see, K has a volunteer job that starts soon. I can't wait to see how she likes it. She's NOT ready for her Senior year to end. She really is taking each day and making it the best to remember. I love that.

D. Oh dear. LOL. She's never home. She's either staying at late working on a project as she took after her mom and bit off a BIG bite to chew before the end of the year, or at swim practice. Monday night she was part of a panel that presented to the school board about the new program she is in. She did a photo/video documentary with music and voice overs…all in something like 5 days. I must say it cracked me up when her phone would go off over the weekend, she'd cuss and say "Oh no, what do I have to fix now?!?" Welcome to the real world of grown ups. How cool is that though? She's struggling to get it uploaded, so I may never get to show it off, but it went over well at the meeting. By the time she spins it around to fit an exhibition for school, I do believe she'll have her fine arts credit. Considering she struggles drawing letters, this is a hell of an accomplishment, in my mind. The coolest part, was my discouraged writer came home and said, "Mom, I think I've found my voice" meaning she now knows how she can convey what's in her mind to others in a format other than a conversation. HOW COOL IS THAT??!?!??! These are days I've always hoped, but wasn't sure would come. Happy happy HAPPY!

Maybe I should go to bed so I can tackle something massive on the list.

Nah, not quite yet. I think it's time to audio book into dreamland.

Later!

Oh No, Not Good! Update

2011-04-06T18:38:00.002-05:00

Well, since everything is easy y'know when you're too busy and all…..we got to the clinic today to find that D's doc was sick and we had to reschedule the physical. While we were there……we moved on over to Urgent Care (who was ALSO down a provider) After our 1.5 hour stay the verdict is…….bad sprain. Since she doesn't have much walking at school (THANK YOU OPTIONS!) and no phy ed, she's on ice, ace bandage, ibuprofen and elevation. Since she had no touch point pain along the bones and good range of motion, no crutches, no air cast and no driving restrictions. YIPPEE!!!!! So, we all continue to roll along….

Oh dear. Not good!

2011-04-05T16:17:00.002-05:00

This is the picture of my daughter's ankle. She fell off the sidewalk at a gas station on Sunday. Being the kind of parent I am, I bought her an ankle brace told her to ice and elevate it. Um, maybe I should have taken her to Urgent Care. She has her physical tomorrow morning. Anyone want to place bets if she's getting an x-ray tomorrow? This is one "you should have brought her in speech" I can live without. I got the idea already. *sigh* I think perhaps she didn't tell me how bad it hurt because she is afraid she's going to be put on driving suspension. I'm not sure which one of us will be more disappointed if that is true!

GUILT.

LIVE IT

LOVE IT

OWN IT

For better or for worse,

2011-03-28T13:47:00.003-05:00

This is the stain color. I can do lots of things, but I am UNWILLING to re sand that beast. uh huh, NO WAY.

Since that was taken with my camera phone, it' probably looks the same color, but IT'S NOT! I have a whole bunch of newly applied birth marks to prove it, too. Yes, I'm just that good. -can't even type that with a straight face-

I'd love to tell you a whole bunch of interesting things, but you see, my WHOLE LIFE has revolved around energy expenditure. I fell asleep during the basketball game (good call, body) and still have a bit over half of yesterday's race to watch. I'm so with it, it's frightening.

Okay, time to stop head bobbing to the music, clean up and rest for awhile. Until that is, I head back to the dining room to become the floor scraper extraordinaire!

You KNEW there had to be a catch somewhere, there ALWAYS IS!

2011-03-26T15:18:00.003-05:00

Okay, the sunroom went GREAT. In seemingly no time flat the sander stripped away the old varnish and the floor looked wonderful. Then we moved to the dining room. What the *%$#@) is on the floor? It's hard, but gummy and chewed up the sanding pads. I STILL don't know what that crap is. Instead of sanding and doing three rooms this week, it looks like a putty knife and a bottle of adhesive remover will be put to the test. Still. What the hell is that crap, how did it get on my floor and WHY can't anything EVER be easy? Oh that's right. When I was born, I was in such a hurry to get out that I skipped the "easy button" line!!!! Oh if I could go back, it'd be worth the 10 week wait!

I'm off to make nice with my mattress. Oh mattress, how I love thee so!

Floor Sanding Day.

2011-03-26T10:48:00.003-05:00

The question is who's gonna win, me or the sander? Hopefully there will be NO stories to follow!

5 days later

2011-03-24T10:53:00.002-05:00

And very little has changed! It's amazing how one can work so hard to seemingly go nowhere. That being said, if I listed everything I had done, I'd be amazed.

My last group class is over. :( I still have that paper left to write. :(. lol. I did my observation yesterday, I have 3 books from the library…..I'm getting all the pieces put together. Now, just to put the WORDS together.

If I thought my house looked like it was ransacked Saturday…….it was just a peek of what was to come. I'm slowly (key word slowly is) moving stuff out of the living room and dining room. I broke down and rented a floor sander, and y'all know I couldn't leave it at one room. Perhaps it's the Colvis in me? Hummmm, I do not know. At any rate, I have that rented for Saturday. My biggest stress isn't the workload, of course. It's the fact I can't figure out how to move the entertainment center and STILL BE ABLE TO WATCH MARCH MADNESS!!! WHAT WAS I THINKING??!!?! I have several pieces of furniture to move to the carpeted living room, so I'm sure I'll run out of space before I have to worry about the TV!

Since I don't have enough to do, I'm also on a mission to cook a bunch of junk food. The *idea* is that I'm clearing out space. Y'all KNOW that chex mix takes up much less space than boxes of cereal, right? I thought so! I have cookie dough that needs to be baked in the deep freeze, so the oven is currently preheating.

and then naturally, since I'm going to be scrubbing walls, I decided that I don't have enough of my crocheted swiffer covers to get the job done. Yep, work begets work! I'm such a case of something! I'm still working on the tit bits and the coffee maker cover as well. A girl has to do *something* to relax.

Oh, and the biggest quandary. What color am I going to stain the floors? My doors are one color, the office floor is about a zillion shades lighter, and the trim is another color. I am NOT nuts enough to do doors and trim. I think I'm going to pick my favorite and forget about it! WTH, it's always been multitonal around here, might as well keep it that way.

So, other than that, I'd say things are pretty dull around here. Yes, that was sarcasm!

Oh wait. I took the banister off the wall yesterday. I'm sooooo screwed. That wall isn't overly tough, so now I get to figure out a way to patch it up and rehang the banister in a way that provides a hope in hell it won't pull away from the wall. Damn. I get all the fun stuff. I really shouldn't be this greedy. I think I need to share. Wanna come?

I might have overdone it.

2011-03-19T16:43:00.003-05:00

Just maybe……we'll see if I pop back.

Yesterday I moved all the stuff out of the sun room and vacuumed. I can't remember if I said I did or if I listed what I was considering doing. Yep, not looking back to find out either.

Today I stripped the wallpaper border in the upstairs hallway. I am tired. Yet I had a blast doing it.

Now what?

Hummmm, shower, homework, cook, clean, laundry, wash walls, spackle, paint, more sanding, sit on my ass and knit? No, wait. I can't do the last one. My recliner has this nasty habit of lulling me into sleep every time I crawl onto it. Talk about a nervy chair!

Edit: Here's a cross post from facebook on what I learned today while stripping wallpaper. Damn, I learn stuff ALL THE TIME!

Things I've learned today:
1. That heavy ladder I carried in from the garage is missing one slat on the flip down holder shelf.

2. Regardless of how talented I think I am, I cannot balance a bucket of water on one little rung.

3. A gallon of water makes a BIG puddle.

‎4. Water pools in front of the upstairs hall window

5. I must fix the ladder

6. Until then, I'm arming myself with a spray bottle

7. Stripping wallpaper is a whole lot more fun with music and somebody upstairs cleaning the bathroom.

8. Wearing a big tshirt while stripping wallpaper is silly.

Overwhelmed and ready to

2011-03-18T08:57:00.002-05:00

clean, sand, strip wallpaper and ROCK. Never mind yelling at the tv while knitting. That goes without saying. I've taken my initial walk through the house this morning. Damn, we had a destructive week. Just a week ago today I had the whole downstairs cleaned. Now there isn't an uncluttered surface. ACK! Oh well. I'm trying to decide exactly what to do.

I just emailed my youngest as to how I want to move furniture so I can sand the sunroom. Apparently that's up for negotiation. Since I'm moving her desk from the place it's been since we moved here, I'll wait for her consult. The top three for today is picking up (which naturally is at the bottom of the top three), moving stuff out of the sunroom so I can sand that floor and stripping the wallpaper in the upstairs hallway. That might take finding and bringing in the ladder. Um, yuck. Shelly's ladder buying tip 101. Go for the aluminum one instead of the cheaper wood one. Why? Those wood ones are HEAVY! Hauling that in from the detached garage to the upstairs is a feat within itself. We'll see. Whatever I choose, I cannot go wrong.

THEN this afternoon is MARCH MADNESS BABY!!!! That will find me needles in hand with the sound up loud. When I can't take it anymore (the stress of the games) why, I'll have plenty to choose from.

So, I bet you are wondering why I'm sitting here typing. That's easy. I can't decide where to start! Really, can I go wrong? I didn't think so!

This is my life, oh yes it is! And the spin cycle kicks it up a notch.

2011-03-16T22:42:00.003-05:00

Really, life is good. I think. Since I haven't had a whole lot of time to actually notice, I'm going with the theory that it is good. :D. Yay!!!

Someday I really will post some knitting pics, or pics of some sort. Last month I knit up a few washcloths for the wedding we're attending in May. All three girls now have dresses. Whoo hooo! I'm ahead of the curve in one instance. Gotta celebrate what I can when it appears. I'm also making a big assed cover for the big assed coffee pot I just bought. When the man is home, we were going through 3 pots of coffee a day. When I was at the store, I was in my (usual?) middle finger firmly erect mood, and bought a 32 cup percolator. You know, those big honking things you see at church events, benefits, pancake breakfasts and what not. I like it, except it doesn't keep coffee warm too long without it tasting burnt. So stealing an idea from tea pot cozies, I'm making a big assed percolator cover. Unfortunately, it looks a bit like an unrolled condom. Oh well! At least I'll laugh every time I go into the kitchen, right? Then I also picked up yarn and cast on my very first tit bit. I've wanted to make one for someone who's had a mastectomy who would take it in the right humor. (bringing emotional pain is NOT on my agenda) I haven't decided how all I'm going to deck it out, but rest assured - it's not going to be boring. I'm so excited. Not that it's needed mind you, but that I might be able to make somebody smile. That being said, if ANYONE knows ANYONE who is in need and would appreciate one, let me know. i could get addicted to this. (yep, I am this nuts. I LOVE this quirk in my personality)

What ELSE? Bonus time came just in time to help with home improvements before hosting Katie's graduation. We ordered carpet and linenolium(how in THEEEE hell do you spell that little pain in the ass word?) today. Thankfully, I've found someone willing to help paint. My room count is going up as the seconds pass. However, they are in a priority list. I also bought the startings to work on the hardwood floor in the sunroom. It's been unsealed since we moved here. Time to face the music and the sawdust! I should have amazing arms by the time that project is over. The rest of the wood floors need it as well, but let's be honest, my goal for graduation is ONE room. There is no way I can imagine that I can get all 4 rooms done (and upstairs?!? GASP) done and get most of the house painted. Trim needs to be cut, painted and installed, and, and, and….well, it's an old house. The list really never ends. Again, it's in list by priority!

Tomorrow is filling day. BOOOOOOO!!!!! HISSSSSSS!!!! I've had a cracked tooth for a long time, and now is the time to do something about it. It's at the fill it or need a root canal soon stage. Shit. FILL IT. So, Tomorrow morning, I will be working on making myself deaf. The ipod must be louder than the drill. It's a must!

Class is going well. I'm taking Group Therapy for School Counseling right now. Fan-tas-tic class!!! I'll be sad for this one to end. However…even the good ones must end.

I only have one question…..HOW AM I GOING TO GET THIS ALL DONE?

I'm not, of course, but it'll be fun to see how close I get.

Forget the wrong track…….

2011-03-06T00:31:00.002-06:00

We went to the wrong pool. You know, I've always thought it takes special talent to be me. This was confirmed Friday night. It's swim club finals weekend. I bought all the right weekend meet food, she packed her bag, we threw everything in the car, went to the bank, filled up the tank (necessary order!) and buzzed up to the cities. So far so good. We were there an hour early for her event. (we skipped warm ups as she fails to see how a warm up a couple of hours before her event is actually beneficial, and I agree) So we look at the raffle baskets, joke around and what not. She goes to the locker room to change. I go to the cafeteria tables to start reading the program……..and I discover that our team name is not printed. Okay, this has happened before….we're a small team. I then go to find her heat and lane assignments. Wait. Her name isn't listed in the program. CRAP. This isn't good. She texts, asking where I am. As she approaches, I wave her over to hurry up, because I KNOW no matter what the issue is, I'm going to have to call her coach. We agreed. No matter the reason. This. Is. Bad. I called her coach and said, "Where am I supposed to be?" He replied, "Where I was supposed to be, not being where I was" *shit* He gave me the address and we jogged out of the building and into the car. We did the avoid the crosstown and 494 backroad sprint and got to the REAL destination. That pool was 10 minutes ahead of schedule. I bought a program, told her the heat and lane assignment and off she went. We laughed all the way home.

Today. We get in the car, blah, blah, blah, show up to the RIGHT pool early (did you catch that TWO DAYS IN A ROW!!!!) She warms up and I don't see much of her, that is odd. I go into the stands and snap lots of pics of her event. She looks GREAT, her form is ON……she finishes her race and I look at the time. Huh?!? Okay, the form and the time didn't match up, but that's okay. I go back to the cafeteria, pull out my homework and she literally drags her feet, sits down and hugs me. Then she tells me her throat hurts (uh oh). We pull out her homework, and I start reading it over, trying to figure out how I'm going to explain what she's confused on and her eyes are glazed. (CRAP) So, I ask her how she's feeling and she said, "Can you tell them to put a lid on those jalapenos, they STINK. In fact every single thing in that stupid concession stand STINKS) She hold up her hand and she is *shaking* Okay, you know. Sometimes it's time to wave the white flag and surrender. I talked to her coach and I took her home. She's now coughing like a seal bark. Yep. Glad we went home.

Still. Have you ever met people who work so hard at going NOWHERE? Yeah, I thought not! Like I said, I'm just talented at a life like that. Good thing I find humor in the random, or I'd be one sourpuss!

Since I don't have time to blog…let's BLOG!

2011-02-28T11:46:00.002-06:00

So much changes in so little time. I finally am getting my head screwed on as straight as mine will go, that is! LOL.

Y'all know I like making a spectacle of myself. My latest was on Friday night. It was family fun night at the swim club. Translation: swimmers swim against their parents. ROFLMAO! Dee called as I was walking out the door and said, "Grab your suit it's parents swim night" So I frantically rummage through the swim drawer and discovered I had one option…a mis matching top and bottoms. OH WELL. So I throw that, sweats, the knitted nightgown as a cover up and a pair of flip flops. For what it's worth, don't pump gas in flip flops when it's below zero. That's silly! So I toodle on over to the pool, hang out with some parents and watch the proceedings….then it's my turn. The coach, bless his heart, asked me what I wanted to swim. Um. Want? I'm gonna be lucky to finish a 50 of anything resembling swimming. I couldn't care less. I don't know how to fly or breaststroke, but I would have faked it. Why not? Who cares? In for a dime, in for a dollar! I'm sitting there thinking, I'm sick, I smoke, I'm overweight…you think stroke choice matters? Hardly. She chose back (oh good, I can breathe on my back) and away we all went. Four decades later……..I finished with a time of 1:15. ROFLMAO. Pathetic! However, I've never had more fun. Then I was too stubborn to swim to the ladder (or too tired???) so I waited to pull my ass out of the pool with the backstroke handles on the starting blocks.

That was the turning point for my mood. Go figure! So, if you're having a sucky time of things, I fully recommend doing something totally out of character, out of your league and totally silly to turn the titanic around. Sooooo worth it.

I had MY first class yesterday. (they met on V-day, but you know, I'm a flake and I spent it on the pool deck) I LOVE IT!!! YIPPEE!!! I love having classes I love. I get to go back tonight and I lead reflection circle. This ought to be interesting.

Now I must shower and get to conferences before my time slot is over. That's 37 minutes. Yep, I love pushing the wire.

Well, she's mobile!

2011-02-23T19:55:00.002-06:00

Watch out world, Dee's on wheels. Legally. By herself. Shit. Now what do I do? :D

Just kiddin' way to go Dee! So tell me, did that McDonald's taste better with you going to the drive thru?

The Joy of Being a Dork!

2011-02-21T13:41:00.003-06:00

Thanks for putting up with my self pity last night. I still have a cold, I'm still overwhelmed. I just realized what I need. SOCIAL INTERACTION! Figures class was cancelled tonight,it's just what Dr. Shelly ordered, darn it.

Instead, I'm going back to my book and paper.

Can somebody please through an impromptu party at my place when I happen to have a few moments to enjoy it? ROFL.

I'm staring to feel beat up.

2011-02-20T23:10:00.002-06:00

Well imagine that!

It's been a long couple of months. Somehow I don't think I'm any farther ahead of the game, in fact, I bet I'm further behind. This too shall pass, but I'm requesting it to pass NOW! As if.

So what's left. The heater finally got repaired on Friday. Apparently things go better if you call and you have a manly voice. I thought mine was deep enough. Maybe I should change my name to Sal or something. Idk. I did find a car, and I went whole hog…..I am now the proud driver of a 2011 Honda Civic. Shit. I still need to call the insurance company. (see what I mean?!?!). I get to flip to a new decade chart in a few days. I have a paper left from last term. (Thanks for running ideas with me today, Mother, it totally helped I have a whole page of codes that I ruled out, now to start the v code list!) I blanked out and missed my first class on Monday and finally looked at the syllabus today. I'm screwed! And that's just this week. Oh did I tell you we got a new TV on Wednesday? Yep, that quit on me, too. Do I have TIME for tv? Well, hello. Today was Daytona. Everybody has to take a break every now and again. And THEN to top it off, I have the cold/flu round 5 for the school year. You know, I think I'm quite the character already. Is this much character building really necessary? I suppose so.

And THEN.

Nah. Just kidding. I'll whine about the rest later. I'm sure i'm going to need to and wouldn't it be great if I didn't have to? EVEN BETTER!

Gonna miss you Uncle Dave.

2011-02-20T11:21:00.002-06:00

Yesterday morning my uncle lost his battle with cancer, but what will never be lost are the memories. Uncle Dave was one of the kindest, gentlest souls I've ever met. Family always came first. He was a BIG TALL GUY (and you all know I'm short!)….and he didn't say much. Naturally, that means I was scared of him. (Note: Shelly as a child was in that state A LOT) Then came the night of the local house fire. What I remember most about Uncle Dave growing up and spending time in his house was that the scanner was always on. One night, somebody woke me up (Aunt Carolyn, Jackie, I don't remember) and told me to get dressed. I did. There was a house fire a block or two away. We walked over and met up with most of the rest of the neighborhood. I remember everyone talking about what a shame it was, but how the family was going to be okay and how. Perhaps this is why I don't see tragic events as life ending but a new life opportunity beginning. All I do know, is that I learned a lot last night, so, Uncle Dave…..every time I see a scanner, I'm thinking about you and grinning! Then I'm off to go do something fun with the family. You're always welcome to tag along and enjoy. I'm so glad you don't hurt anymore.

Yep, another writing break from writing

2011-02-14T11:03:00.002-06:00

Here it is. Proof that I still knit. Crappy picture from the phone, but it is still proof! I still enjoy, but not nearly as much as I wish I could be. I'm finding that when I sit down to knit what I'm really doing is sitting down to nap. Interesting change, I must say.

Yes, I'm writing another paper today and I'm writing on a break. Why? Because here I can type whatever is running through my brain. It's not organized, gramatically correct or following APA format. YIPPEE!! There are just some things to celebrate. Okay, so I'll mini celebrate almost anything. It's a fun way to live. Try it! :D

Hum, maybe I don't have much to say anywhere. Interesting. Shelly out of words. WHAT IS THE WORLD COMING TO?

Thermostat 2, Shelly 0

2011-02-10T14:06:00.003-06:00

Okay, so I woke up at 2 and realized it was cold in the front part of the house. This is not good. It is always colder in the back. We have two heaters. Don't ask. There was an add on in the late 60's early 70's (I think) and they dropped in a second heater. That's the one that's currently working. So, anyway. I go investigate. The digital read out on our non battery operated thermostat is blank. Not good. I go downstairs, read the heater manual (seriously) and the front panel of the heater. Hopefully the problem is the thermostat. Now. I stripped the screw to the R connection where I'm supposed to put my wire. Not good. So, I went and got another thermostat. Same problem, except I stopped before I stripped the screw. I called the 1-800 number, and what do you know, my sewing machine screwdriver (that had been effective on connections y,w and g) is too big. So now I need to go buy a glasses repair kit. Seriously? OOOOOOOOOOkay. I'll pick up the kids, and head out again. I'm going to pick up something to make for dinner that requires baking for a looooooooooong time. I have clothes drying the dryer I revented to come inside (for heat and moisture) and a pot of boiling water on the stove. I got an extra space heater and I think it's now up to 65 up front. I'm going to give this one more shot (maybe two, we'll see) before I call in the pros. Even if I have to, we'll all know it wasn't from a lack of EFFORT on my behalf.

And to answer the last post. I dropped the class yesterday. Kathy, you are right, I'm not a quitter. I'm a realist. I realized that I haven't done ANYTHING around the house (until today) since class started back up. I think I've slept a few times for a bit longer than I should have and have done a few things for fun, but MINIMAL. I can't live like that. Well, I COULD, I just choose not to.

So, my remaining class starts Monday night. I have a 15 page paper due Tuesday that I haven't started, and another paper due on the 27th. I keep hoping I get caught up. I will. Maybe. Again, but if not, it won't be for a lack of trying.

Damn. Dont you just wish you were me?!?! I can tell you one thing. I am gonna KNIT tonight regardless. I've got some purple yarn that needs some frustrated abuse.

Oh last question. Why does this shit always happen on the worst day of the month. You know the one I'm talking about. The one that leaves you screaming at Eve for eating the apple. There is NOT enough pamprin in the world for days like today. Thankfully, there is enough friends who have helped me laugh about it all. Two hours ago, I was ready to cry. Now I'm ready to kick it's ass with a smile on my face!

What to do, what to do?

2011-02-06T15:21:00.002-06:00

Okay, please bear in mind that I was up until 5, woke up at 10:30 and have read over 250 textbook pages. My mind is FRIED. I have under 50 pages to go, posts to make, and tabs to stick in my book. That's just for the rest of today. I am tiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiired! LOL.

I have a final on Wednesday, a paper due Tuesday (of the following week) and I have two more classes starting again on the Monday in between. I'm now trying to decide if I should drop one. I do not know if I can keep up this pace for another go round. No WONDER why you must ask permission to take two. HOLEEEEEEEEEEEE Crap. For what it's worth, I've been staying at/or a bit ahead of deadlines. How do people DO this?!?! Then one begins to wonder why. I hate quitting, but I'm wondering if that might not be the prudent choice. I'm absolutely not getting everything I could be out of either class, yet I'm doing okay. Depth or Breadth. That IS the question!

So how's your Superbowl Sunday? I'm hoping to watch the half time show. I could be planted face down somewhere by then. I'm not worried. I'll be where I'm at doing what I'm a gonna do, regardless of the scenario.

The temps haven't started tanking yet, but I'm getting colder in anticipation. Can you believe that? I"M getting COLD? Damn. I feel for the thin blooded peeps out there.

Well, mental download is done. Must. Go. Read. More. Textbook. *sigh*

Just a word to the wise….

2011-01-29T01:45:00.003-06:00

Okay, I was supposed to fly to Atlanta this weekend to surprise my best friend from grade school for her birthday. What I discovered was that desire does NOT trump panic. I can not say enough about how supportive she and her husband were when I talked to them last night. You see, they gave me the ticket to come. Did I go? No. I planned, worked my ass off, rescheduled a myriad of things, and did a great job keeping my anxiety in check until I heard the words "Please turn off all electronic devices" What followed next was illogical panic of the first degree. In retrospect, I'm glad they didn't think I was a security risk. I did get followed off by a few flight crew and questioned. How they understood my babble between sobs is beyond me. To the guy who was running across the airport in socks, dropping his belt, you are welcome. I do believe my panic got him to the gate in time to board. However, it was not my pleasure!!!!

That being said, I think it's time I address this with the therapist. I do believe it's now effecting my life! Hello.

Part 2. Don't over pack carry ons. Why am I up? Why the party my knots in my back are having is keeping me awake. Ungrateful little mooches! LOL. Tomorrow is a swim meet. So is Sunday. I ought to be in FINE shape to sub Monday morning. I wonder what mobility I'll even have.

So, here I sit in the frozen tundra missing out on time with great friends. At least I have a great family thing to attend. That helps. Now I guess I don't have any good excuse not to work on my homework. *sigh* You know I'd rather learn Prexi than party, right? Hahahahahahahahhahaa!

Um, yeah, whatever, THAT'S IT!

2011-01-27T00:03:00.002-06:00

the title should clue you in that this is going to be a "I need to sleep soon, but my mind won't shut off" brain dump.

You have been warned.

Today was my last full day of class, for that I am thankful. Again, I would like to state that I am not wired to sit in a classroom. I love my classmates, I love the social interaction but sitting there , not so much. I even love the topic. I just am not cut out to sit and listen. One on one turn taking sharing, sure. One person talks and Shelly sits and absorbs. hshahahahahhhahahahhahahaaa! You make my sides hurt!

My group gave our presentation today. I'll be interested to see how we were assessed. You know me, Mrs. Aways Bored……paired up with Ms. I Hate Public Speaking. That just screams alternative presentation techniques, you think? I know! Instead of doing the power point and reading the case study with assessment, et. al. We did it bit differently. She pretended she was the case study client. We then reenacted our thinking process about coming up with our diagnosis. Then I stood up and read our 5 axes diagnosis. To present our treatment plan/goals, we pretended I was the therapist and she was the client. I can tell you it was much more fun than standing giving a power point. Now, hopefully the information was clear enough in this format for grading purposes.

Speaking of which. I still haven't gotten any paperwork back from the class I took Nov-Dec. *sigh* I don't think I did overly well, and I'd really like to face the music and MOVE ON!!

On my plate is another presentation. Dee is trying to teach me how to use Prezi. I must have this figured out and submitted by 11:55 Tuesday night. I sure hope there's a few "ah-ha" moments between now and then. The final I thought was Wednesday is two weeks from today, so that is good, as I have over half the readings to go. it's not like I'm not TRYING. But I digress. (from what to what, eh, doesn't really matter)

My fingers are aching for the release of two needles and some yarn. Hopefully soon. I NEED it. (I might need a padded cell, but that's a totally different story)

Time's flying. Some of that is good as it IS January, and we all know how that can drag on for half of forever. But, I feel like I'm missing out on so much. So much of what? I have no clue.

I'm hoping once this class thing settles down a bit I can go used car shopping. I think I'm taking the settlement money from the suv and getting a newer, lower mileage stick shift car. Mine is paid off in August. That gives Jeff time to figure out what he wants. Me? Believe it or not, I'm simple. I want safe, reliable, low mileage, good gas mileage, stick shift car with a port for my ipod. Everything else is optional. I'd prefer it not to be orange, but I might even be convinced to drive that if the price is right! Now, finding said car is going to be a bit more tricky. We'll See.

Babble, babble, babble. Hopefully I spat out enough garbage so my mind can STFU and I can sleep in mental peace.

Peace out! :D

I miss you already, Jane.

2011-01-25T17:58:00.003-06:00

Jane, the founder/creator if Whoduknit knit along/mystery reading group lost her battle with cancer. I found out today. She was a beautiful Northeastern woman who had a heart of gold, an bright mind and quite talented fingers.

So, when you read this, pick up a mystery, knit a stitch and smile in the memory of a wonderful woman.

smile

2011-01-25T03:02:00.001-06:00

That's my girl!

http://owatonna.com/news.php?viewStory=124170

I don't have time for this!

2011-01-23T03:55:00.002-06:00

I know you all know how I feel. I woke up at 230 feeling crummy. I blamed A&W grease. That (thankfully) went away and now my throat hurts. I'm hoping that was the result of singing way too long way too loud in the car. However, sleeping isn't happening. I should be outlining another chapter or writing a narrative or ENJOYING myself, but nope. I'm laying across the bed blogging. Smart, huh?

Life is good, but I don't remember ever being this tired other than when the girls tried tag teaming me away 20 hours a day. At least this is a good tired, right? Ummm, yes, I'm trying to convince myself.

Lovely, now I think I'm hungry. Outline chapter 13 anyone?

Yay! Another hat done.

2011-01-16T13:34:00.002-06:00

Yep, my model is sick of modeling. Well, it's her face on the internet, so I figure she can make any darned face she wants too. The other possible model won't. *sigh* It's so difficult to live with me. Bwhwahhahahahahahahahahahahahahaaaaa!

Now, what do I knit for the rest of the game????

Yes, I'm enjoying it, but I wouldn't want to jinx anything by saying anything more at this time.

How dense can I be?

2011-01-15T23:35:00.002-06:00

HYPOTHETICALLY SPEAKING of course!!!

I just went to log into facebook and I tried 6 times before I read the message that said my account was temporarily unavailable instead of my getting the password wrong. Duh!!

What a fun day, with my water spilling issues excepted. We went up to the U of Mn to watch the Minn/Mizzou swim meet. Fun times. Since the swimmer has been to camp @ both places, she had quite the stories to tell about a nice portion of the line up. I'm still amazed at how fast these kids can swim. Amazing. It was also fun to watch the different techniques used and what was most effective. Her old counselor won her event, and we were shocked by how little she came out of the water at the walls. Always something to learn!!! (especially when one knows as little as I do) She was also amused to see an athlete go off the blocks exactly the way they taught her NOT to go. Another example of "do as I say not as I do?" I only managed to spill most of my bottle of water on the bottom of my coat, there.

Next we went to the mall. That was pretty anticlimatic, other than coming back to the car to discover I spilled my 24 oz glass of water onto my seat. It's 5 degrees outside, and I think I must ice my seat down WHY? Good thing I had on black jeans. It doesn't look so bad that way.

Tomorrow I get to watch the Bears and go to an in home party. Fun times. Somewhere in here I need to start cramming homework. I did get about a half a chapter outlined. Do you think I'll find any libraries open on Monday? Yeah, I didn't think so either. Oh well, I'll go park my butt somewhere so I can get more done. Sometimes the stranger the location, the better I work.

HEY! I didn't tell y'all this last week, but it was cool! The Gopher's did the Ironman 2.4 course in Hawaii with Lance Armstrong. How cool is that?!?!?!?!?!!! I was so excited for them. What a neat opportunity.

Ah, well, back to my anti-star life. Just the way I like it!

I FLIPPIN WON!!!!!

2011-01-15T02:14:00.002-06:00

As I sit here wiping tears of JOY off my face, I have to thank Crystal Palace Yarns and the wonderful contests, friends, knitters, cohortrs in enablement and geeKnitery………Thank you so much.

Go check them out and get yourself joined up. It's a great way for encouragement to finish what you cast on and possibilities to win a fantastic product!

Grand Prize Drawing for 12m/12p/12boy
12 balls of Crystal Palace Yarns, Susan's choice of yarns and colors

i must congratulate all 17 finishers again! as i've said before, you are amazing! i tip my needles to you! so i wonder who won? was it aj? angiek? bevL? calophi? deb?, debi? jardin rouge? jill? jody? julieH? kadezmom? lois? lorraine? peacockmom? or yoyosocksister? i am so totally bad stretching the suspense out like this, huh? hee-hee!

and the paper says........

*

*

*

*

*

kadezmom!!!!!!!

Go check it out. You won't be sorry you did!

First finished project of 2011

2011-01-07T16:52:00.002-06:00

Okay, it's my hat, but my daughter was kind enough to model it for me. It felt great to finish a tangible project. I feel like I'm sprinting from homework deadline to homework deadline (which would be true) I just needed that feeling of accomplishment from finishing something I could see, touch, feel, and enjoy. Besides, a warm head is something wonderful to have in January!

Now, it's time to plant my nose on the grindstone. WHY on earth did I think I could handle two classes. ERROR in judgment or OPTIMISTIC thinking?

~NEED NEW MUSIC~

2011-01-06T22:43:00.002-06:00

Recommendations anyone? It's time to add some fresh sounds to that ipod. Hit me with your favs, new or old. I'll run it for a few days, and then start adding stuff into the mix.

It's been a crazy few days, but I knew that. Classes are going well and keeping me incredibly busy. You know, no matter WHAT is or isn't going on, I'm always thinking I'm too busy. Defining busy is like defining normal which akin to nailing jello to the wall. Not smart!!! -chuckles at self-

I'm slowly working on the hat. Can you believe I've been too tired to knit? I know. Unbelievable. I wonder what else I'm too tired to do. Not read. I'm reading The Crossroads Cafe by Deborah Smith at the moment. If I wasn't enjoying it, it wouldn't be listed here.

Stay warm!

Ufta!

2011-01-03T14:00:00.003-06:00

My brain is FRYMATTER. You know, where you could just sit around and play tunes on your lips like Larry? That's what always comes to mind. Check it out. 1:12 and again at 2:57 or so!

Edit/Update/Whatever

I have officially been asked to chaperone a 10ish day school trip. I'm honored by the asking. I love the trip, the educational standards behind it and the whole idea…..BUT do I want to do this? Do I want the responsibility? Am I ready to travel like that with a group of kids I don't really know. You know me, what if the stomach flu or food poisoning goes around. i would lose my mind. Yet……I'm tempted. What to do, what to do, what to do. Can I physically drive that much and stay awake that long? 3+k miles in that time frame is a lot of driving.

I really don't know.

I've made a lot of progress with the stuff I need to turn in Wednesday, but all the self doubt questions are screaming at the top of their lungs. AM I DOING THIS RIGHT? I think I'm going to take one more look at the requirements and my sketched out thoughts and turn it in. This is learning after all, and we do learn by our mistakes. I just am not fond of making said mistakes! LOL. Eh. Live, learn, love. MOVE ON!

Time to go knit for sanity and revisit it all again!

AND THE PLOT THICKENS!!!!!!

I just opened an email with an additional assignment to do because the last class was cancelled. WAAAAAHHHHHHHH! You know, Granny's little juice glass really quoted reality, "The hurrier I go, the hinder I get!"
I'm off to choose which way I'm going to poke my eyes out….um I mean pick which assignment I would enjoy participating in and writing a 1-2 page reactionary paper on.

Toodles!

Not much new on the 2nd

2011-01-03T00:03:00.004-06:00

but I'm here two days in a row. Okay, so it's officially the 3rd, but I haven't been to sleep yet, so you know how it goes.

No cool pics today. I did start that fair isle hat. Okay, I started a second one. Doing my first fair isle project out of sock yarn seemed a bit….nuts to me. It's still OTN. If I'm happy with how this one turns out, then I'll reconsider. This one is for MY head and I hope to be able to share it soon.

After a startling beginning, I ended up doing more than I realized today. I woke up thinking I turned in my final without answering the last question. Better than that, I didn't turn it in on time. *sigh* I think as long as I get it in by the 10th, I'm okay. I'll just have to wait and see. I was pretty happy to find it still in my possession unfinished than turned in unfinished. Go figure! Anyway, I started plotting out another assignment, picked up what seemed like a zillion things around here, ran to WM because you KNOW I must do that 5 days a week or I'm not happy. Bwahahahahahha. Try we were out of shampoo/conditioner, toothpaste AND cat food. NOT how I'm going to start a Monday…..

And here's the pressing question. WTF am I going to make for dinner Monday night? (or any other night) We're mostly over the last set of colds (again! It's going to be that kind of winter, I'm afraid) and we're all hungry but NOTHING sounds good or settles well. There's only so much frozen pizza and ramen that I can realistically pass off as real food. I'm past that!

In queue tomorrow is starting my online class, trying to knock out a lot of that stuff due the 10th (that I'd love to turn in Wednesday when I'm already there), a bit more picking up/cleaning and hopefully MORE HAT KNITTING!!!! I lost my hat in that tumble we took. Maybe I left that nice policeman a new rainbow hat. I just bet his thrilled!

Sweet dreams world!

Ahhh, I promised myself I'd be asleep before 2….but I got to reading, and the rest is history. I just read a great quote out of the book The Crossroads Cafe by Doborah Smith…..priceless

Life doesn't settle for 'simmer' just because you want to turn down the heat.

Boy, she sure got that right!

Last finished project of 2010

2011-01-01T18:11:00.002-06:00

Yeah, yeah yeah. I didn't take the picture until today. Shoot me! That's also the last of my take from Tess' Designer Yarns form Stitches Midwest. :( I guess I'll just have to try to get there again next August and hope she'll let me work the floor again.

So what's everybody up to today? I slept in, napped, knitted and did a bunch of those stupid piddly things that take forever that really don't show. I did update my calendar as I know it through March. Shit. I'm going to be busy! My biggest problem is a conflict in March. I still have to figure out how I'm going to swing it. I haven't given up, yet! What I haven't figured out is how I'm going to do it all. Time to find out what I'm made of, I guess.

Yes, I casted on a new project today. I was going to do a kal with carefree kal by Crystal Palace Yarns, but I was defeated by the cast on row. I decided to try the second row to see if it got any better, and it didn't. Maybe sometime when I'm bored and need a challenge, but that sure isn't NOW. Instead, I took a step down and started a fair isle hat in Mini Mochi. We'll see. I'm starting row three and it hasn't flown across the room yet…..so maybe it'll get finished. I still have a half a sock to finish for Jeff that I started 1/1/10. Yep. I was totally inspired by that project. Bwahahahahhaha. Naturally, today I found a pattern I want to cast on for a pair of socks. Did I mention that I'm *BUSY* for the next 100 days or so? Maybe this year I'll learn how to knit in my sleep. Who knows!

So, for those of you you haven't heard, we had a nice rollover experience on the 27th. We are all fine, but the suv is dead. If anybody has any suggestions for a fantastic, reliable, safe (blah, blah, blah) car for about 8K, I'd appreciate knowing! :D (did I mention low miles?!?) I'm finding we never seem to have a dull moment. (tell me that when I say I'm bored…but odds are if I'm bored, I'm procrastinating something)

This year my goal is to get back on here a bit more often. I've missed you guys! Hope all is well, you're all happy, healthy, wealthy (why not, I can wish anything I want) and are off to a great start in this new year!

Just Shelly Saying WELCOME TO 2011!

2011-01-01T00:07:00.000-06:00

Stolen Quote

2010-12-30T11:15:00.001-06:00

Anxiety is excitement needing an attitude adjustment.

Yup. Love it, now it's time to live it!

Well, where in the hell have I been?

2010-12-29T22:21:00.000-06:00

Right? Exactly. Great question. Livin' life and lovin' it. I would have sworn that I posted a link here awhile back about the Brooks and Dunn video that had Dale Earnhardt in it…….but I couldn't find it so FOR MY FUTURE REFERENCE here it is. Watch and try to pick him out, it's a crack up!

Yikes!!!! Here goes nothing!

2010-11-16T11:34:00.000-06:00

I am finally almost finished with my tank from the swag I brought home from Stitches Midwest. It's working up like a dream, but now, naturally, I'm nervous about the armhole sizing. I always am! Silly girl.

I'm also off to go get the hair cut off. Nervous, nervous, nervous. I always hate my hair to some degree. I saw a lady at a swim meet and fell in love with her hair to the point where I asked her if I could take a picture. I'm not sure if I'm going to hilight/dye it or not. Time will tell. It'll be a snap decision in the chair. I've argued every side of it, and there is no clear winner. Hopefully it turns out and I'll have pics of both in the next few days!

Until later!

Can you say CLUELESS!!!!

2010-10-16T23:44:00.002-05:00

Yep, it's true story time.

I was reading facebook last night and a friend was talking about this crockpot oatmeal her kids love. My kids are older and get themselves off to school. In a moment of "i can be that mom" thinking, I pulled out all the ingredients, put it in the crockpot and left my girls a note. It read, "Good morning. Please turn off the crockpot when you read this. If you'd like oatmeal for breakfast, please enjoy. We have chocolate chips and bananas on the counter and in the freezer is frozen blueberries. Have a great day! Love, Mom"
When I got up around 8, I stumble in the kitchen, wondering why I'm not smelling anything. Taped to the crockpot is the following message, "Mom, We cannot turn the thing off if you never plugged it in. We can't eat uncooked oatmeal. We did plug it in at 6:50. Have a great day"
I laughed for a long time, then realized the oatmeal was still cold. Why? The crockpot was plugged in, but turned off.
And such is life in an adhd ridden household!

Out of the darkness comes light.

2010-10-11T09:44:00.004-05:00

I've been pretty self involved this past week. I've let emotions and situations contol how I feel. Not anymore! Today, I'm breaking free, again! I still feel like ever living crap, but that I can only do so much about. Apparently, allergies weren't enough~my body decided to throw a cold on top of it. Lovely! Now it's allergy PLUS season! LOL. I'm still pretty foggy, but.......I'm seeing things through a new lens today. Isn't sleep wonderful? Either that, or I've gotten some pretty great advice somewhere. Whatever it is, this fresh perspective is wonderful.

Sadness = not knitting. I can't sit and focus on it. Waaaat?!?!? Exactly. Damned near impossible to imagine. I have deadlines for slipper boots, so I'd better get going. ACK! I have to order that yarn. I was supposed to do that last Tuesday. You see what I mean? Totally overwhelmed!

Class last Wednesday was good. I'm almost done with my readings for this week. What I'm finding most frustrating was when I took those parent coaching classes, I was applying the theories I'm leaning now. I'm glad for this background knowledge, it's just hard not to be applying it to anything. It feels a bit like those hollow chocolate easter bunnies. TEASER!

I did whip up a drag suit skirt for the swimmer to wear to practice on Halloween. This isn't the best costume we've ever come up with, but it's much better than not having one.

Homecoming was this past weekend. Hopefully, I'll remember to add pics when I move to the computer that holds the pics. Right now I'm sitting on the porch with my laptop enjoying a beautiful morning.

Today is going to be one of those choppy messed up days. I'm so glad I cleaned over the weekend, getting that out of the way. I have a conference at 115, another around 3, then it's my week to drive swim carpool and it's pasta night. EGADS!!! (crap, I just remembered I don't have the correct shaped pasta. Shit, shit, shit) AND I must run to the store! I have a feeling that plus finishing my reading is all I'll get done today.

BBL with pics!

Until then, I'm sharing the song in my head....

Well, I made it!

2010-10-07T09:50:00.003-05:00

The first official day of grad school is now in my rear view mirror. I find sitting in class all day difficult, but I am thankful that I'm learning under instructors who understand that there is a limited amount of time a person can sit and absorb before going brain dead. Then we get a break! Yep, as much as I like learning new things, I'm still all about breaks, lunch and the proverbial end of the day bell.

To say that I learned a lot yesterday would be a gross understatement. My brain is still spinning this new information, deciding how it applies to about a zillion situations and how to file it for future use. This has left me inattentive and exhausted! I know I have it bad when I dream about it at night. I NEED A BREAK! :) Nah, just kidding. Today I need to get motivated. Maybe getting focused would be a good place to start? Motivation is hard enough to come by, but motivation for an unfocused agenda? No wonder I'm not getting anywhere.

So, that means I'm off to focus. Now THAT should get interesting. Me & focus in the same sentence! Bah!!!!!!

Really?!?

2010-09-28T10:48:00.003-05:00

Holy crap. Is this really my life?!?!? Sure it is, but wow, sometimes it feels like it's happening to somebody else.

I am thankful we survived the flooding with minimal damage. It rained through the roof in a couple of places and had some seepage in the basement. *That* I can live with! The insanity is mostly over, most of the roads are open, and now the job of clean up begins. I have some great pictures on my camera, but you know, that cord has gone missing. Shocker! Most cords in this house go missing. I have a bunch of ones that don't fit anything, though. So, if you're ever in need of a cord..... check my stash!

Here's my lasted finished project. I made Dee boots to wear on the bus on the way home from swim meets. She *LOVES* them. All is fantastic, right? Absolutely, except, she now wants a pair in a more neutral color to wear at school. In fact, hold on to your seat. Wait for it. Wait for it......Katie wants a pair, too! YIPPEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!! She rarely wants me to make her anything. I'm so excited....and so short on time!

Meanwhile, on the needles, is a tank from the ribbon yarn I brought home from the show. I started one pattern, but found it too fussy. I was cranky when I was knitting it, so that got frogged. I'm now knitting up and old standby of mine from a few years ago....it's the cabled tank from straw.com. I made 3 of these a few years ago, and dearly love them. Why a tank going into the dead of winter? It makes perfect sense to me! LOL. I layer. One must need a bottom layer! I also have the silk from there which I hope to turn into a 3/4 length sleeved cardigan. That will go over the tank. Can't wait. Can't knit fast enough.

A week from tomorrow, I start school again. I'm excited. I'm ready to get this ball rolling! Grad school 101 was Saturday. Can I just say that I love that place?!? i want to roll in it people! We did a lot of mind work on Saturday. I learned a lot, but filled my already stuffed head. Commence spinning!

Jeff's travel schedule is picking up, which means back to life as I know it. Having him home is nice, but let's face it, I'm well versed in the on the road lifestyle.

All is good!

I really am just this nuts.

2010-08-29T18:30:00.002-05:00

I decided to knit PJs for the Stitches PJ party, so I did just that. I have LOST MY MIND!!! It took a lot of hours, but it was worth it in the end. I finished tucking in the ends a mere 2 hours before the party began. HEY. NO SAFETY PINS REQUIRED. All is good.

I had a fanTABulous time. Wow, wow, wow. I'm just now catching up on my sleep. I came home with some serious sway from Tess' Designer Yarns. And then I realize *THAT* picture is still on my phone. UGH!!!! I'll post it another time. I am in absolute love with the microfiber ribbon yarn I came home with in shades of charcoal and the 100% silk yarn in raspberry. It's not that raw silk that feels scratchy, it feels like....buttah!!! LOL. I cannot tell you how soft it feels. A shade under cashmere, maybe? Yes, I did consider bringing that home, but I made myself pick something that could be made into something. As much as I like a good hank of yarn to pet.......I resisted. Who says I don't have any self control? :D.

The pace around here is staying in the red zone. Swim season has begun. Our first home meet is this week. I *only* need to make up a price list, turn in my receipts and check all the other signs to see what I need to replace for this year AND see if there's still Chuck A Duck forms. Hey, that's at the end of the week. I still have a few days to procrastinate. This year, the coach found two standing lockers I can use to store things. My job tomorrow is to clean off the shelves that have been used for the past several years and find a way to organize the locker. The more stuff I can fit in the locker, THE LESS I HAVE TO CARRY BACK AND FORTH. We ALL know that's a good thing. I am not overly fond of back pain!!!!! Katie was a great help last year and saved me. I cannot count on her kindness FOREVER, you know!

Okay. time to go eat dinner and KNIT MORE STUFF!!!! I'm currently making a pair of felted wool boots. The first pair is for Dee on the bus on the way home from meets. Swim season takes her to all all time cold, ALL. OF. THE. TIME. You can just imagine how it is on a bus after being in cold water for several hours...... I have the yarn to make a pair for myself as well. Katie's still trying to decide if she wants any. We'll see. Never a dull moment around here, and if it is, it's out of INDECISION!

Live it like you LOVE it. Why not? This IS the only go 'round, ya know!

Just like McDonalds suggests.....

2010-07-30T21:15:00.002-05:00

I'm lovin it! We just got back from an impromptu mini family reunion. I often forget how important extended family is. I love them all. Thanks for an incredible and crazy 36(or less!) hours!!!! Hope to see you next June or before. :)

Why not!

2010-07-27T20:58:00.003-05:00

I still don't have Sassy reworked, but I finished a new skirt tonight, just in the nick of time.

Things are at an all new level of chaos. I'm excited, I love all the new things going on, but I. Am. Tired. Too bad, right? At least I'm not exhausted by things that suck.

I had a great visit with my inlaws a few weekends ago. They came up to watch swimming as that weekend's softball had been cancelled, so the double dipping wasn't an option. They got a new dog named Peaches. What a doll this dog is! It was hard to let her go home with her new parents.

Softball has ended, the last club swim meet for the summer was over the weekend. Both girls did well, and as much as I'm sure I'm going to miss it..........it's nice to be home on this hot, muggy, nasty summer evenings.

Next? An impromptu mini family reunion with my mom's side of the family. We're off to see the relatively new Lincoln museum in Springfield. This should be fun. Then it's Bon Jovi/Kid Rock on Saturday and back home for the regularly scheduled grind.

Let's see. School swim starts up very soon, but I can't remember when captain's practice starts. Our first meet is creeping up, and I need to get ahold of the pepsi guy, the boy's concession mom and go shopping. **ARGH** LOL. Nah, it's all good. I'm going to Stitches Midwest, the fair has yet to descend on my life

Oh, heyyyyyyyy, my class for Community Ed was accepted. I'm very excited. I owe her my 2 sentence description of myself. (UGH, talk about things I don't like to do, describe why you should take a class from me is steadily creeping up the list) Then I need to put together lesson plans and power points. I'm not exactly sure what all I sat for goals for over the summer, but I'm pretty sure I'm not going to get them all met. Regardless, it's been quite the summer. I'd rather be too busy than too bored.....I think!

Take care!
~s

Stitches, anyone?

2010-07-17T14:41:00.002-05:00

Is anyone going to Stitches Midwest? I have my reservation made, and one class, so far. I'm pretty sure I've decided on my second, but I'm letting my brain decide if it is THE class. You know how it goes! If you are going, please let me know, I'd love to meet up somewhere for a bit!

KNIT ON!

Argh! I've lost my pictures again.

2010-07-08T00:28:00.002-05:00

I thought I paid attention to where I downloaded them, but I can't find them! Too bad, so sad, not going to hunt them back down tonight.

We had a great vacation. Dee got her butt swam off, we all sweated off a few gallons of water (per day), Jeff and I got some good time hanging out in rural Mo.......went into the Currant River, etc. We also went to six flags and ate our way across the state. It just isn't a trip without Imo's, Pasta House Co or Ted Drews. Lot's of strange and fun things happened. We finished up the weekend outside of Chicago as a big family doing the holiday weekend thing.

Highlights: I finished the black skirt. YIPPEE
~I cast on a new skirt (this one is gray) Exciting color choices, huh? Eh, I figure I can add color to the top half. The bottom is more versatile when it's neutral!
~Sat in the Currant River. Really, when it's over 90, finding ice water to park my body in is a BONUS.
~Got mistaken as a call girl, I think. Jury's still out on how I feel about it, but it provided at least 24 hours worth of laughter
~Toured Licking, Mo for lots of funny signs. C'mon. You KNOW that "Licking Motors" and "Licking Livestock" is just to priceless to pass up. My personal favorite: The adopt a highway sign featuring the Licking National Honors Society. Soooooo many places to go with that as a joke. NONE of which are appropriate. We HAD to tour, we passed the Licking left 11 miles/Salem right 11 miles entirely too many times NOT to stop, take pictures and enjoy the opportunities
~Screaming Eagle. It's gotten rough, but it'll always be my sentimental roller coaster. Thanks to dramamine, I made it. WTH is up with having kids and picking up motion sickness. I did NOT sign on THAT dotted line, that's for sure.
~Visiting with Bea and Bill
~zooming the old, familiar roads.
~toasted ravioli, cheesy garlic bread and TED DREWS
~watching Jeff convince the Ted's employee to make his "Jeff's special" banana split. forget the strawberry, pineapple and hot fudge options. Nope. One hump held terimisou, one held the Dutchman, and the third was the cardinal sin. YUMMY! Yes, we paid for upgrades. totally worth every penny.
~(Re) meeting all of the wonderful people Daddy works with.
~Seeing Zac Brown Live and in person
~watching all the incredibly wasted people at the concert
~no cooking, no kids, no responsibility, no alarm clock, no schedule and no pressure.
~having long conversations with total strangers and having it NOT be weird.
~Watching 2 teenaged boys eat a box of the new oreos in less than 3 minutes
~NOT getting carsick on the roads. Bah! Those roads were windy
~FIREFLIES. FIREFLIES. FIREFLIES. I really, really miss fireflies.

Now it's back to the daily grind. Good think I love our grind, but it's painful. Swim practice is picking up, ball games are on, swim meet this weekend.....never mind the laundry, cleaning or cooking that needs to be done. Ah, well, all in good time. Or not. At this point, what gets done is great, what doesn't is still here, patiently waiting.

What else? I've decided to ride 10% of the Tour de France again on my exercise bike. Since I was gone with it started, the last two days I've hammered out 20 miles/day. ONE MORE DAY of that and I'm caught up. Naturally, I'm then rewarded with a 14.5 mile day. The fun never ends! LOL.

Tomorrow Katie gets her senior pictures taken. Where in the WORLD has the time gone?!?!?! It flies by entirely too quicky (yes, even those endless days.....) Hopefully the weather holds so we can watch tomorrow night's game. We had a storm come through right before game time tonight. I'm not sure I even want to know when it's going to be rescheduled. (and yes, it was a reschedule from a previous rain out)

I wish I had my mother's dedication and determination to get things done, but I don't/ I'm too afraid I'm going to miss out on all the fun around here.

And then to complicate matters, we're headed back to go see Kidd Rock and Bon Jovi later this summer. Need to update those itunes so I know more songs. It's always more fun when I know the words to the song. It's been the summer for concerts. Time's a ticking. I don't have much time left with the girls living here full time, I do NOT want to waste it.

Which means I should go put it to bed so I can enjoy all tomorrow has to offer.....I'm still reeling from today. Can I tell you that 5:40 is just too damned early to get up! Ugh. At least my first obligation tomorrow is weight lifting for D at 10. I wonder how she feels about walking (yeah, like I don't know that already) She'll go to night practice while I cheer Katie on at her game. No rest for the weary, and the rest of us are just too wound up to give it a go!

Sweet dreams!

Forget about the song about getting to the church on time

2010-06-22T00:33:00.002-05:00

I'm wondering if I'm going to get this skirt knit in time!!! I have big plans for this baby. If I don't get it done, I'm seriously wondering what I'm going to wear with a few tops while we are gone. I've been in shopping mode. Did you know that a wardrobe meant for 75 degrees and raining will NOT cut it past 90? I'm here to tell you, it will not. Especially when the wearer is as heat sensitive as I am. BAH!!!! I knit this one top down. I just made the ruffle increases while at the softball game. Time's a wastin. We'll see how much forward progress I can make tomorrow. 2-3 more inches. I can do this, I CAN DO THIS. When? Totally different story!!!

I busted ass today. I billed out 4 hours of work. I got my allergy shot, the oil changed in my car and cheered for our team at a double header. I also went up to Dundas to Fashion Bug where I found a tank and a t shirt. We stopped in Faribault on the way home, and Katie found a pair of jean shorts. YIPPEE! Then, while she was at pregame pictures and practice, I hit part of the outlet mall and went to my meeting. I found a great pair of shoes to go with the unfinished skirt. I'm weighing pretty heavily that I'm going to get it done. HELP ME! LOL. I love the rush before a deadline, as long as I think it *might* be possible to meet.

Now, tomorrow, we have hair appointments, I need to go to the post office, I have a couple hours of work to cover. I need to continue looking for steamy HOT weather clothes, do more laundry, start ironing and make a few modifications to clothes I have already purchased. And that's the short list! Bwhahahahahahahahaha. I can only do what I can do, therefore that is what I'm going to do. Run my brain in circles~

Hopefully I'm off to sleep soon. If that becomes an issue, then I'm going to get up and knit until I can't stay awake any longer.

Sweet Dreams Blogland!

What a week, what a ride.

2010-06-21T01:28:00.003-05:00

Wow. So much has happened, I'm not sure I even know what all happened.

The new black skirt that is taking forever is at 14.5 inches. Not much longer and I'll be adding the ruffle at the bottom. Now that's really going to take most of eternity! So far, so good. I'm liking it, other than the slowness of it all. My time frame is ticking down, so I need to get those needles clicking!

I had a great week last week. I had company, and it was so nice to reconnect and talk to a real, live, thinking adult. Amaaaaaaaazingly wonderful.

Work is work. It's wrapping up, and everything I have left in my folder is complicated. Figures. I'll hit it again tomorrow.

The swimmer is happily at camp, learning lots of new things and getting stronger every day. The food has gotten better, so life is good. I haven't had much one on one time with the softball player, but I've enjoyed what moments I've gotten. She's just a pleasure to be around.

then there is the workload. this week I have to finish up the paperwork for the job and community ed, get an allergy shot, get my hair dyed (and the softball player's hair as well), my nails need to be done, laundry washed and ironed, a couple of ball games to watch and two shops. Yeah. It's going to get a little interesting. It should be funny to see what does and does not get done. I'll give it my best shot.

Thanks for listening last Monday night. I was finally able to go to sleep around 530, but I made it unassisted. YAY!

Now it's off to bed, hoping that Mr Sandman visits so I can get up with my alarm and start knocking things off my list!

MUAH!

Tryingn to look the monster in the eye

2010-06-14T02:28:00.004-05:00

I just woke up in the middle of a massive panic attack. Wow. It's been months since that has happened. To be honest, I could not do that for the rest of my life, and I'd be okay with it. Honestly! Not meant to be, I suppose. So now what do I do? Type here, of course. We're not going to mention that I'm terrified awake and literally drooping asleep at the same time. Not fun......although it is an interesting sensation. Guess I haven't done as good of a job as I thought at stress reduction. I think that shall be #1 on my list tomorrow. Exercise. #1 stress reducer. #1? Because this SUCKS!!! Hey, if it convinces me to work out, then maaaaaaaaaaybe I'll concede it's not the worst thing in the universe.

Why am I typing? Because I need to calm down. It would help if I could think of something else, but I cannot. (hence the whole problem in the first place) but sitting here typing is WAY more productive than pacing frantically around the house trying to run away from my own head. For the record, out running your head is not possible. I've tried. Just saying.

Whew. I'm starting to feel the grip on my head start to subside. it's still there, but it's easing up a bit. What do I mean by grip? That irrational fear that I cannot talk down...... I just saw a glimpse of rationality through the haze. This is good. Hopefully I can beat it down with more rationality instead of another panic wave washing over me. Typing this increases the odds of irrational thinking....but like I said, I'm trying to stare down the monster called panic. I'm tired of being it's bitch. Now I've really done it! LOL.

Despite the nasty weather, Sunday was a fun day. The swimmer is now at camp. I didn't get lost on my way there. The third time IS a charm! We stopped by the mega mall. I'd have to say quite a bit of damage has been done. K is now the proud owner of an itouch. You know, it's nice to see her face light up. What a beautiful smile she has. We finally got some one on one time in the car, even though I was quite brain dead by then. It was still nice. She and I don't get to hang out much. It's a shame. She's such an interesting person. We found a softball bead for her, which lead to the buying of leather lacing and all the trimmings to make a necklace. Naturally, I found my own charm. Now to find the time to make it. Now is NOT the time. Too tired, and too shaky. I also found a broomstick skirt on sale at Macy's that couldn't be left in the store for someone else. I'm going to have to take off the top tier and redo the waist as this (as with so many other things) is made for somebody with twice the leg length. Thanks Granny, cos I just heard you say "I'd rather be too short than too tall. You can always take some fabric off, but you can never put it back on" Too true. So much for complaining about shortening that skirt! At least I can take some of it off!

YUCK!!!!!!! I just killed some BIG assed bug that flew on my arm. I've never seen one like this before. Okay, it was kinda pretty, but I noticed that after it was dead. NOT helping the panic situation ONE LITTLE BIT!!!!!! Anxiety levels back UP. *sigh* I really shouldn't have said that about being panic's bitch or looking it in the eye. It never pays to make bold statements like that!!!! LOL. Okay, so do you think it's time to let go of the muscle tension in my body? I think so too, but I can't remember how. Maybe in a few more minutes.

Well, that was a whole lot of babbling. It's now 2:47. I woke up at 2:12. Hopefully, this ride is about over and I can get back to sleep. Thanks for being there world.....and I sure hope none of you ever know what this feels like. I don't wish it on anyone.....EVER.

Sweet dreams!

Edit: I did decide to make the necklaces tonight...and here's the results. The only foul from shakiness was the first shot of super glue (to secure the fasteners up top) that coated my left fingers. GO TEAM!

Just Complaining

2010-06-13T12:25:00.002-05:00

I look out my window, and I see nothing but water and gray skies. It's cold, again. Try 61 degrees. Hello MOTHER NATURE, it's JUNE not APRIL!!!!! Most of last summer was wet and cold. I was really really really hoping this one wouldn't follow suit. We've had pockets of decent weather, but school was still in session. Now the girls are out of school, and it really isn't nice enough to do anything fun outside. WAAAAHHHHHHHHH!

Yesterday. Outdoor swim meet. We covet them here. They aren't exactly a dime a dozen. Most are spent in a very hot, humid and packed gym. However, I'm not sure I'd trade the indoor heat for 58 and rain! However, the swimmer has her pre camp times. In a little over an hour, we start our trek to take her to camp. Good thing it's inside! :) One of her favorite off time activities is bumming around town, or playing volleyball. Ummmmmmmmmmmm. Not so much for the next few days.

Tomorrow is another lovely double header ball game. The HIGH for the day is 66. The games start at 6. Guess what's in the forecast? You got it, MORE RAIN. On the up side (I'm digging deep here) I bought an outdoor canopy. It saved my body yesterday, and it'll be packed tomorrow to do the same. I'm just so hungry for nice weather, I don't know what to do!

Knitting isn't really happening. I'm not getting much time on it. I'm not sure what the hang up is, but I'm not going to have 2 skirts to wear if I don't hit it. We'll see. Failure to motivate is my mantra.

So, those of you with nice weather, please PLEASE *PLEASE* go soak it up for me too, okay?

Worn Out

2010-06-08T16:16:00.000-05:00

There's nothing like a slow rain to make me realize how worn out I really am.....or maybe I'm just solar powered. Does anyone else find this as well?

Animal Dreams - Barbara Kingslover

2010-06-08T01:22:00.002-05:00

READ IT!!!! This book is one of the best I've read in awhile. 100% recommend it. Now I'm off to discover the world according to Eggers!

Bit the bullet aka Third time charmed?

2010-06-06T00:31:00.004-05:00

Ahhhhh, I did it today. I frogged Sassy back to the decreases I was SOOOOOOOOOOOOO happy to finally hit so many weeks ago. This time around, I can't say I'm quite as excited. As you can see in the picture - the blasted hole!!!! Never fear, Shelly the *knitting machine* is here!. Ugh! I am now officially calling Sassy, the PITATISL - Pain In The Ass That I Still Love. Love's labor lost. I think I'm beginning to understand what that means! LOL. Anyway. She's frogged back to the decreases. I did a quick stitch count of how much width I'd like to take off, and did another row of decreases. If I've made her to small this time, I wouldn't want to read THAT post, if I were you!!! (can't say I'd want to live here, either) Wow. However, this time around, instead of using the needles that I hate, I went out and bought my favorite Addi's. You know, sometimes a girl has to do what a girl has to do!!! I'm not sure if you can see the hair/dirt on the skirt, but that would be remnants from the shearing of the cat, episode one. Just saying. I finally have the black skirt back to 6 inches, which is where it was when I lost the other one I had started. I'm beginning to think I'm skirt knitting doomed! We'll see. Only time will tell. That's what I get for loving stuff. More work! LOL. It's going to be a crazy busy month, but yet, I am hopeful that I will get both of them done by the end. Yep, that's pretty much looking for a miracle in the knitting world, but I won't succeed if I don't try.

I didn't work today. Instead, I got to watch K play softball for the first time in a year. She's looking good. In fact, she didn't look rusty at all. I LOVE IT!!!! She did a great job making contact with the ball, and was robbed of a multiple base hit. The umpire told her she hit the best ball he'd seen all day. The other team just happened to make the miracle catch. it happens. She also did a great job in RF backing up first base. I've never seen her so on the spot. That move kept the runner on first, instead of a triple. WTG Katiegirl!!! Keep it up, great things will follow. Most importantly - MORE FUN!!!! Now, I just wish the weather would have been a bit kinder. However, the weather happens to historically hate this tournament. It's always rainy. Blech. I'm also glad that EC was okay. That being said, if there is a new olympic sport called eXtreme fastpitch in 20 years or so, I can tell you I know the inventor. She was hauling ass to first, beat the throw - and then tripped/slid/idk...went head over heels and landed on the back of her head. Yes, the emergency squad was called in, and after a troubling 20 minutes, she walked off the field. I was so happy for her and her mother. I never want to see anybody hurt.

I spent the rest of the day just relaxing and catching up on sleep. Damn, did that ever feel good. If the weather cooperates, I'll work for a few hours tomorrow. Regardless, I still have that blasted laundrymat trip to make, with what I am hoping is the LAST LOAD until Thursday = which I am also hoping is third time charmed. (repair visit for washing machine). Other than that, honestly, I'm looking to sit on my happy ass and knit on my happy skirts and watch happy cars turn left on a happy track. I'm not Oh NO Pocono's biggest fan, but it's cars, speeding. Good enough for me.

Crap, it's quarter til one and I'm no where ready to go to bed. i might have to give it a try or resting today will become a moot point!

Do what you love and love what you do!

Thanks Melissa!

2010-06-04T19:10:00.005-05:00

Melissa brought me a piece of wool from her new ram. Damn, I've never felt so much lanolin in a piece of wool. Hell, I've never had my very own piece of virgin wool to fondle either. Can it get any better to be me today? I think not!

Life's to short to hate, be a *lifelover*!!!

And as promised, here's the pictures of the shearing of the cat. Since a picture is worth 1000 words...I'll let the pictures speak for themselves. Have a great weekend!

Yep, Still Awake

2010-06-03T00:23:00.002-05:00

And the alarm goes off in a little over six hours. Grrrrrrrr. if you think you're tired of hearing me grumble, just IMAGINE how tired of this I am.

Well, that's going to change nothing. It felt good though.

I had a great Census day toady. The majority of the people we home. YIPPEE!!!!! I love turning around paperwork. I really do.

Tomorrow is a half a sub day, which I should be absolutely worthless for....kill me now! LOL. The washing machine repair guy is to come on over and FIX it. (YIPPEE!!!!!!!!) And, I still have some leftover paperwork/people to track down.

I guess I should go to bed and try to read again. Do you think toothpicking my eyes shut will work? ONLY if it pokes my brain into STOPPING. So much stuff to juggle, so many balls hitting the floor.

What's up in your world? Anything interesting? I'd love to hear from you, you know! Man (and woman) we NOT made to be islands! :D

And the count down begins.....

2010-06-01T19:14:00.002-05:00

.......I have a year to pull it together. Yep, I got my blood results back. Cholesterol high. Of COURSE it was high, I ate at Culver's every day for a week. My fasting sugar was sitting one below the in trouble line. *sigh*. So. Guess that means it's time to pay attention and treat myself better. This I can do, starting tomorrow, of course! No seriously. Tonight I needed protein in a bad way, so I ate it. Yep, it was red meat, too. Tomorrow AK can lecture me all she wants. Time to get a groove on. Drastic changes and I don't stick, so to quote Erin, "slow and steady wins the race" and this is one race I'm going to move and lose to win.

I worked today. Have I mentioned that I hate watching people on the computer? I think I have. Guess what? It's still true. I did get lots of my book read and another inch on the black skirt. During prep, I went to the post office. The skies picked that very moment to open up and pour buckets. When I got back to school the general reaction was "is it raining that hard?" (yep) or "did you just take a shower" (not on purpose!) I can honestly say I've never been in the rain for less than 3 minutes and been able to wring out my hair before. Thank God I had packed a sweater, because that room that had been warm all day was suddenly freezing!

I didn't get much work in for Uncle Sam, either. The forms can't get wet or they won't go through the scanning machine. That's fine. I'm exhausted. Which means you should see me on here until 3 am or something crazy. Oh, how I hope not!!!

I'm still chuckling. What are the ODDS that the rain had to downpour like that for just a few minutes, and it was the few I was OUTSIDE. It never fails. You know, I've been drier on the log ride!!!!

So far tomorrow is just Census day.....I have a lot that require traveling. Hopefully I can have the window down and the radio ON!!!!

Busy doesn't even cover it

2010-05-31T13:12:00.002-05:00

Wow. I'm not even sure how to begin.

School ball season is over, club has begun. The traveling all over the lower half of the state soon begins. Knitting projects are ready to tote and get dusty. Hope all this great weather holds. Spring ball and I do not get along. Note to self: put good chairs in trunk!!!!

Swim club has also begun, the traveling all over the lower half of the state soon begins. :D Note: Most of the weekend dates do intersect, however, locations do not. Figures. My car does still remember how to get to the pool. Imagine that. Camps kick in soon, and I don't think any of us are ready. Of course, the WASHING MACHINE would have to be working for a lot of the prep work to occur. Again, big surprise.

Speaking of the washing machine, I am amazed at how well we are doing at choosing what to wear, knowing that nobody wants a repeat trip to the laundry mat. I am also going to cry when i realize how much stuff needs to be washed. This may be the biggest ever backlog. Good thing everybody knows how to use both machines as it will take a family to wash/dry/fold us out of this hole.

Uncle Sam has kept me hopping and popping. I'm not getting lots of hours, but the times are broken up into 2 - 3 segments. We all know that my life needs more stopping and starting. I'm enjoying the job. I love the people on my crew that I have met. What a fantastic group of ladies. Special Kudos to my crew leader. I think I've met the most tenderhearted woman on this planet. When I was in training, I was worried about not having my trainer, and who I was going to get as my boss. Talk about needless worrying. I couldn't have drawn a better straw.

I ripped a stitch in the sassy skirt yesterday. Shit. That means I'll be pulling her out 2/3 of the way again and reknitting. I have ideas for improvement, so that helps. I really do like how this skirt looks and feels or I wouldn't bother! I'm also working on a black one. Progress on that one is SLOW due to the tight gauge. (thinner yarn, more stitches, LOTS more time) I'd really like to get that one done (she still remains nameless - yep, taking suggestions) before I leave to take Dee to the Mizzou camp.

In 2 weeks, I'll have one gone at camp and a visitor. I sure hope this house decides to clean itself, cos I have no idea how it's going to get done. Actually, I'm sure it won't get all the way done. I've looked at my calendar. It's stock full ---- til the end of July. At least I'm not going to be BORED this summer. Farthest thing from it, actually.

I've met my whopping goals today. It was procrastination paperwork day. I've paid bills and filled out more forms than I care to remember. Tomorrow I have to remember to go to the post office. I also have plenty of Census work to do. Never mind the regularly scheduled stuff! YEAH!!! LOL.

Damn, I'm exhausted just remembering all of that. I think it's time to go knit. If I don't rest up today, who knows when the next break will come.

Will be back, someday

2010-05-19T23:51:00.001-05:00

Things have gotten too complicated to even begin posting. This is no longer an outlet so I can see what I am thinking and feeling...because I feel like I have to monitor what I say. I'll be back when I'm more objective. Thanks all.

I'm alive

2010-05-16T22:13:00.001-05:00

and I am super busy. Miss you all. Hope to be back and active to blogville soon!

~Happy Mother's Day~

2010-05-09T18:56:00.001-05:00

I enjoyed every minute spent with you this weekend...but I didn't take ONE SINGLE PICTURE. Good thing I have a great memory!!!

Love you Always!
S

Not much to say this week

2010-05-07T23:35:00.002-05:00

Katie had a good birthday, therefore the week is a success, right? YEP!

I didn't get anywhere near what I wanted to get done accomplished, but the most important objective was met. She had a good birthday. I worked 3 afternoons, went to some appts, ran all over kingdom come, had my hair and nails done AND I finished the stuff for Di. HOWEVER, in my excitement and rush to get to the post office before 5, I forgot to take a picture of the finished project. Maybe I can convince her to do so when she opens the box. Here's to hoping she likes it. I hope it's as squishy and soft as she had imagined.

Now it's off to the next project. I can't decide if I'm ready to tackle that skirt again or if I want something smaller for some of my favorite instant gratification. We'll see. We're headed out to celebrate Mother's Day weekend. I get to spend it with my MOM!!!! YIPPEE!!!!! I'm one lucky girl. Now, things will go oh so much better if I could just SLEEP. It's a quick trip for me, and long for her, but I'm so glad we're meeting up. What better way to spend a holiday than with those you love.

Love Always!
me

Happy Birthday Katie!!!!!

2010-05-05T09:22:00.002-05:00

Here's to a fantastic day!!!! <3 you

Just for Ruth

2010-05-01T18:34:00.002-05:00

Here's the shoes I was talking about. Click on that sentence to take you to a brief description of them. I was lucky and paid a bit less. I'm sure I could have found them a bit cheaper if I'd hunt the internet for deals, but you know, sometimes I'll pay full price for the luxury of trying them on and bringing them home with me. If I remember correctly, the negative heel puts your foot at what would be similar to walking at a 3.7% incline. Let me tell you, I can feel the difference. I end up going slower and my legs are tired faster, which means a better work out in less time. Very helpful, especially on these high pollen windy days!!! I also love the excellent arch support found inside the shoes. Being the proud owner of some really crappy feet, a good arch support system is vital. The shoes are light as a feather, which really helps tolerating the incline increase!!!! I've read that others complain that they are not cushy enough. Okay, they aren't cushy at all, but somehow they've managed to reduce the impact, so I don't feel the pain going up my leg or into my knees. I totally give this pair of shoes a doube thumbs up. They are already right up there with my birki's. Now THAT is what I call high praise!

Lot of lessons, little accomplished.

2010-04-30T00:14:00.002-05:00

What a day!!!! I went up to Edina and had a free evaluation for Lasik. All I can say about my 1.5 hour stay there was that there is NO WAY these are the people I am going to pay to cut on my eyes. Details aren't really necessary, let's just say I left there with trust issues, and most of the exam hadn't been preformed after 1.5 hours. Talk about feeling like a piece of meat. Ugh. I have another place to check out. It may take me a few days to give them a call. Gotta get rid of the bad memories.

I did make my annual physical appointment, so that goes in the plus column. I also finally got Dee's meds switched back to the original. I'm not entirely sure I understand the issue because both brands are generic, but one is more generic than the other. This means I got to pay for two prescriptions this month. I don't mind, because having her not be nauseous for the remainder of the month is a GOOD thing, but I'm a little displeased with the reaction from the pharmacist. It's all the insurance's fault. I just thought it was a crap policy and told him so. I KNEW I wasn't going to get a discount or anything. So, anyway, it's now flagged not to be substituted, so that's good. He told me if I ever got home with the wrong stuff, then I would be reimbursed because her account has been flagged. I informed him that there would be NO WAY I'd get as far as home with the wrong stuff. Geez. What is even more irritating is that it took 48 hours to rectify the situation. Glad it wasn't a life threatening reaction. Holy crap. Simply complicated. Yep, Jimmy Buffet nailed it right on the head!

I found a new app for my itouch. It's called imapmywalk. We'll see if I end up liking it, but I like the theory of knowing how far I've gone, etc without having to wear a pedometer. I'm breaking in the new shoes, or shall I say they are breaking me in! They put your foot so that you're always walking at a 3.7% incline. Let me be the first to tell you, I CAN FEEL the difference. My calves are gonna be TIGHT if I keep this up. Now, the keeping up is up to me.

Tomorrow is going to be a bit on the manic side. We'll see how I fare. It's one of those cut up into a billion pieces day, so not much will be accomplished, but I'll be one busy woman trying to keep up with it all.

Guess tomorrow will just suck if I don't get some sleep.

~sweet dreams blogland~

~FINALLY~ A great mood is found.

2010-04-28T13:48:00.003-05:00

Today was just your average, ordinary day. Then my mood changed. I don't know how or why. I'd love to bottle up the catalyst and save it and use it up as much as possible. I finished the scarf above for a friend last night. I hope she like how it looks, but I KNOW she's going to love how it feels. That stuff feels like I imagined clouds would feel like when I was a kid.

I put away some laundry and vacuumed today. I did lots of piddley phone call stuff as well. It was nice to do the big things and actually SEE progress. It's a good thing. Now I'm watching Season 2 Episode 1 of Rescue Me as I type and take some me time before I pick D up from school and go to Rochester. I need to check out where the Census training is and I NEED a new pair of shoes. If I'm going to be doing that much walking, I need something good on my feet.....and time to break them in. That's my excuse and I'm sticking to it!!!

Tomorrow I have an evaluation for Lasik. Wouldn't that be a dream come true to be glasses free? I can't even imagine how great it would be, but I'm afraid to get my hopes up.

Time to go be real!

~The Head Still Spins~

2010-04-26T21:56:00.002-05:00

But I must like it that way! :D

It was a crazy weekend. Progress on the second skirt is much slower. This is due to a smaller gauged yarn, more stitches and LESS TIME! Imagine that! What's even more frustrating is that when I do have time to work on it, I'm not in the mood. Yep, I'm only in the mood at inappropriate times. Again, IMAGINE THAT!!!! Ugh! Sitting in a box in my living room is 7 more afghans that need to be joined for Maggie. Mags, nope, I have not forgotten you. I cannot seem to make myself do it. I will. And when I do, I'll bust through that pile like nothing you've ever seen before. :D I'm also working on hats, mittens and a scarf for a friend. I have been keeping that as my work project. We'll see. I'm thinking about starting the scarf tonight. I'm not exactly sure what I'm going to do with the yarn I have, so this may take several restarts. Yep, I'm just like a Nascar race....lots of restarts, caution flags, pit stops....but I'd rather turn right than left!

Today I took the dog to the vet, worked for awhile and had an appointment. I came home and crashed. Can I once again tell you how much those rotisserie chickens at the grocery store SAVE MY DINNER ASS!!!? I STILL can't believe they are the same price as the frozen raw ones...but they are. Talk about GUILT FREE!!! Whooot hooo! I'm now trying to decide what to do with the rest of my night. I'm too tired to do anything and too awake to sleep. I'm soooooo talented at that.

I've made my weekly to do wish list. Yes, I said wish list. I never get the whole thing done, but I have DIRECTION. I also have things to CROSS OFF when I accomplish something. Yay! I love crossing things off lists. It feels so GOOD. Once again, I'm in the bust my ass and tell myself that I've accomplished nothing. NO MORE. So, it's back to the lists!

So far, my calendar is clear for tomorrow. I guess that means it's laundry time. I NEED to do laundry. My favorite jeans are dirty. HORRORS!! I also want to fill out the forms to submit to Community Ed. Why wait for the July 7th deadline when I can get that out of the way NOW?! I know, you are all expecting for me to be pushing out puppies on July 6th. Let's see if I can avoid that. I also need to decide on a name, figure out what I want on a website, look into that, a logo and business cards. THEN I need to buy an accounting program, and, and, and, and. I think I'll work on that list before I add more to THAT list. I also need to see if my shot records ever made it to Adler so I can get my certificate. That'd be a nice piece of paper. OH NO....and FILE that paperwork I still haven't printed. See? The list NEVER ends. This is good. If the list ends, I'd be dead, and i'm not into that idea AT ALL.

I also get to argue with the pharmacy/doctor tomorrow. They switched Dee's meds to generic and it's making her sick. Since that is a fate I wish on NO ONE, I'm off to slay that dragon quickly. I hope they'll just switch them back to brand name without an issue. I know, if wishes were fishes........

I'm off to ride into the wild blue yonder. Have a great Tuesday!

The 1000 mph brain

2010-04-24T18:47:00.003-05:00

Yeah, that'd be mine.

I started brainstorming about classes to submit to teach for Community Ed. So far, I've come up with the following:
1. Introduction to the Nurtured Heart Approach to Parenting; A Whole New Perspective.
2. Peaceful living with your ADD/ADHD Child
3. Peaceful Living with your High Intensity Child
4. De-Stressing the Teen Years.

Thoughts, comments, interest, and other suggestions are MORE THAN WELCOME!!!! I need all the help I can get.

I also went shopping today and bought a new office chair. Ours had lost it's padding years ago (before it ever became a fixture in our lives back in the late 1990's) I was also typing about neck high. Do you have any idea how difficult that is to do? I sure hope not!!!!

I also picked up a ream of paper and an XL cartridge of ink. It's time to go back and print all those papers I have saved on my computer for the files. I've been using the lack of paper and ink as an excuse. Well, that excuse is now HOGWASH!

Other than that, I've just been trying to make it to the next minute. I woke up with what I hope is not going to become the Saturday Special headache. Things still aren't really clear, but things are at least getting semi-processed today. What a PITA that can be. Okay, honestly, a PITH. Pithy....ROFLMAO!!!!! That's funny. That's a word too. I didn't notice until I typed it, HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! My head is PITHY~~~~ So, what does my head have in common with bad celery, old apples and rhubarb that's too big. OMG. TOO FUNNY. Yeah, I bet you have to be in my head for this to be amusing. Too bad you can't get in here, because it's a RIOT!

Me thinks it's time to go knit. I'm up to about 1.25 inches on the new skirt, with the elastic casing waistband done. YEAH!! Progress will be slower as I have a TON of stuff to do, but one must do what one must do to relax. STRESSBEGONE!!

Have a great weekend.

It's Not Ok, Okay.

2010-04-23T23:13:00.001-05:00

Feel free to take a look at the time stamp.

2010-04-23T03:58:00.002-05:00

It's 3:58am. Yep. 3:58 am. Obviously, I'm not sleeping...which leads to the conclusion that I am awake. NOT HAPPY. My mistake was going to bed at 10:15 or so with a killer headache coming on. The good news....the headache is gone. The bad news......after waking up when Jeff came home sometime around midnight, I'd had a long enough nap to stay up for awhile. I can hardly keep my eyes open, but I cannot sleep. I've tried watching tv, knitting, listening to a book, playing on facebook, carb loading....you name it. Yet here I sit. I have so much to do, and i cannot function without sleep. What's a girl to do?

I should have told you not to read. I am hoping typing will work out whatever is bugging me so I can go to sleep...before dawn. HEY! Here's a whole new meaning to breaking dawn! UGH.

There's a Calm Before the Storm

2010-04-22T09:13:00.002-05:00

or so CCR tells me. This song just popped up on itunes, and I decided to share. Have you ever seen the rain come down on a sunny day? Sun is cold, and rain is hot, I know. I love it!!!

Yes, I've loved CCR my whole life. What don't I like? Club music, most rap and anything too slow for too long!

I cleaned most of yesterday. It's not my favoritest of jobs, but it had to be done. I still need to mop and clean the bathroom, but that's another day problem. Today I work in a couple of hours. Fun times. It should be interesting, at very least.

What else is going on? We bought an ice cream maker Monday night. Last night we used it. I also bought some mixes, I figured we can make our own when I get used to it. The funny part? I got ONE taste. Dee said it tasted too much like the protein powder shakes she drinks during swim season. However, that didn't stop her and Katie from eating the entire batch. Like I needed the calories anyway. We'll make vanilla tonight. I just hope there are still some frozen raspberries for me tonight! I'm looking forward to making lemon sorbet. I love love LOVE lemon ice in the summer. I wonder if I'll be able to make orange sherbet as well. You know, the creamy kind that is inside of a push up? YUMMY!!!! DREAMCICLES. I'm in serious trouble. Barb made some incredible looking Kiwi sorbet I can't wait to try......I just figure that's for when the excitement wears down. The girls don't like kiwi on a good day. Yes, I am also thinking we'll be making peanut butter cup, and fudge brownie ice cream as well. I have 3 years of dreaming to freeze up!!! I'm actually not the first person to go running for ice cream. I do like it, but never enough to buy it often from the store. One bowl, and I'm done until it's time for the next flavor.

I also bought a new skirt pattern yesterday. Yep, screw the socks, I'm all into the skirts right now. I knitted a bigger swatch IN THE ROUND, so hopefully, I'll only have to knit this one once. Im using Cascade Fixation...cotton with a bit of elastic. Hopefully it'll hold it's shape better, and, oh I don't know, work the way I want it to. I've modified this pattern for my gauge and my (lack of) height. We'll see. I love experimenting. Elann.com has (had) this yarn on a bag sale for about half the price that I can usually get it. I am hoping to have leftovers as I have several ideas for what else I can make out of it. However, those items, I wouldn't make at work if somebody paid me!!!! No thank you, very much. You do realize that means I'm going to have to come up with a new name? Ugh. You have no idea how long it took me to name the girls. I take this job of naming WAY too seriously. Snarky is coming to mind, though. We'll see. Anyway, be warned.......I'm sure more skirt pictures are on the horizon.

Lastly, here's my bleeding hearts that are in bloom by the garage. Life is good.

Absolutely Nothing!

2010-04-21T11:21:00.002-05:00

I have no idea where this picture came from....I pulled it off a friend on facebook CRACKED ME UP!!! Still does, and that was YESTERDAY!!!

After having a hard 3 days, the last two have been amazing. YES!! I love it. Yesterday. WTH happened yesterday? LOL. My day was all choppy, but what's new there? Nothing at all. J went to NC. i think I have him talked into touring Hendrick Motorsports. DUH. That's a no brainer to me. I think he forgets he can go and DO stuff when in all these cool places. I'd be depressed as all hell if I went to all these great spots and only saw the office and my hotel room. BAH! But, then again, I've always been like that. I have to get out of this house at least once a day to stay sane. Yet, I LOVE IT HERE! I need to see PEOPLE. Yes, my family does include people, but you know what I mean. I hope. OTHER people. How's that? Katie spent most of her day busy with softball. It was the annual double header with Winona. The bus left at 130 and she came in about 1015 or so. They split the set. All is good. She's gonna be one tired girl today. D and I went to the outlet mall and bought necessities. How on earth we found it fun is the key to most of my good moods. The mundane must be made fun. There's just too much mundane out there, so CHANGE IT UP! :D. The Census Bureau called, and I'll be doing some temp work for them soon. YAY!!! I love doing that. Now watch me hate it!!! i hope not. It'll be nice to pull down a decent paycheck for a few weeks. Yes, I've already figured out how to spend it at least three different ways. *sigh* Whatever I do with it, I want something decent out of it, not just nickel and diming it gone. We'll see what actually happens. I'm seriously considering getting my eyes done. I should call my eye doc about that. Seeing without aid would be nice for a change. Better do it before I need bifocals! YIKES.....did I REALLY just type that? Yes, I did. Scary. Time to move ON.

Oh, and why is it the best conversations must occur after 11pm? Just wondering. I'll take it whenever it occurs, but it makes the next day a bit more difficult.

Which brings me to today. I've got the tunes blaring. Yes, it's cleaning day. Fun times! Not really, but it needs to be done. I have all the junk picked up and put into it's rightful place. It never ceases to amaze me at what great pilers we are. We can make a pile anywhere out of anything. I've also dusted. Now it's time to pull out the almighty dyson and suck up that dust and pet hair. Hummmm.....another benedryl? I bet so. I'll wait until I'm done. I wouldn't want to medicate unnecessarily. (never mind that I already know that I need it). Hopefully tomorrow or Friday I'll start in on the huge amount of research, reading, paperwork and brainstorming I need to do. I've put it on the shelf for a couple weeks. It's time to hit it again.

Interesting, I must have a speaker cord loose. The subwoofer is playing, not playing, etc. Good thing I'm not open to suggestions, or I might think it was a subliminal message to go do something stupid! :D Yep, I'm full of it again today. YAY!!!

Okay, I really have to go vacuum or it won't get done.

go PLAY!!!!!

Sassy's DONE

2010-04-19T20:11:00.003-05:00

YIPPEE!!!!!!!!.

1025 yards of yarn, countless hours and knit 1.5 times, she is FINISHED.

Shelly is happy.

Crazy Monday!

2010-04-19T10:44:00.002-05:00

This is going to be a quickie. I need to resettle my mind before heading out to the wild world out there!

Sassy is done. She's still a bit wide, but with the drawstring, I think she'll work. I had to wait an hour to make an allergy appointment. The clinic changed systems over the weekend and today is testing their limits. However, I'm off to get my allergy shot and mmr (yes, I needed round 2 after all that mayhem in March) this afternoon. I also now have a vet appt for the dog and water ordered from culligan to be delivered tomorrow. We're out today, so I'll pick up a gallon from the store I'm just sitting here laughing at the craziness this morning. What a ride!

The texas race is on....so I'll be dvring that to watch later. I have enough yarn left over from Sassy, so I'm going to make a hat. Yep, another one that I doubt I'll wear but WTH, life is short....experiment HARD! LOL.

Hope you all have a smooth sailing Monday. Mine has become a comedy of errors. I'm so glad I can laugh!

Have a great day.

UGH

2010-04-17T20:04:00.002-05:00

What a total waste of a day. I woke up with a sinus headache from HELL. It's been a long time since I had one this bad. As of now, thankfully, the headache has subsided, but I'm left with med tummy, slight dizziness, some blurriness and a total lack of ability to concentrate. We won't talk about the lack of energy, that just is a given. I'm glad it's been so long, but DAYUM. Oh yeah and the hot and colds. Fun times. I know it sounds like something else, but a bad sinus headache is capable of them all. How do I know it was sinus? WHERE IT HURT!!!

Thank God for sports and movies. We watched The Time Travelers Wife I had read the book and thought they did a good job with the movie. It's a bit slow at times, but I enjoyed it. I watched the Sox lose again. Not happy about that! Now we are deciding what instant Netflix movie to stream.

Sassy got knitting on today. She's now back to 15 inches. Only about 5 more to go.... I'm gonna get her done. I'm not sure I'm in love with how I did the decreases, but I've frogged her once, I can do it again. I sure hope I don't have to.

I went out riding with Dee today. We made it 15 minutes before both of our nerves were shot. She's doing a good job. With how crappy I felt, I was shocked we made it that long. While we were driving my ipod started randomly turning itself off. So, I went and bought a touch. I have lost my mind. I'm now loading it up. I can't wait to have ALL of my music with me instead of what I can fit on the nano. I really should buy apple stock with all of their stuff I buy. I'll call support tomorrow and see what can be done with the nano. Shelly cannot survive without her music. Those are just the facts, folks.

Movie has been chosen, God on Trial, it's about Auschwitz...and that's all I know. I wonder if I"ll stay awake for it. I highly doubt it. I've been awake for over 5 hours now, and that's my longest streak today...and I'm fading fast.

Have a wonderful weekend.

Sassy Sadness

2010-04-16T19:00:00.003-05:00

Okay, i was SO excited, I bound Sassy off the needles last night HOWEVER despite knitting a swatch (and I DID)...she's WAY TOO WIDE. I'm talking about a skirt knit for two. Feel free to insert any four letter word that makes you happy. I tried to shrink her in the washer (using hot wash, cold rinse) and she got shorter but no less wide, no matter how hard DH and I played tug of war with her. SO. I guess I'm going to frog her. Not all the way. I just hope after I pull out a foot of knitting, i can get all the stitches caught up on a needle without too much stitch saving. I'm going to to refigure gauge and just do another serious series of decreases. *sigh* I did think about doing a steek-like seam, but I'd always hate the seam, so what's the point? There is none. Never fails. In spite of it all, I still think she's a great skirt. I love how it hangs. Hopefully, I'll love how she hangs on me! Time will tell.

Let's just call it the year of the frog!

What a day...and it's only noon. YIKES!

2010-04-14T12:04:00.002-05:00

Testing is as testing does. I need to go back at one to test a few more kids that didn't get something this morning. I'm not defining it because each one is a different issue. My issue...staying awake in a small room watching people fill in dots! I did get one hat done this morning. I'm about halfway done on the other. The other picture is a progress picture of Sassy. She needs about three more inches, but I needed a break from her. I'm not sure which one will be worked on this afternoon. I might just haul in both. Variety IS the spice of life and I NEED SOME VARIETY!

Maurice's just called and my shirt that I exchanged is in. YIPPEE!! Can you say tomorrow's choice for work clothes? Yeah! I should stop at the store and pick up a bag of cereal (yes, I said bag. Malt-o-meal...tastes fine, costs less) a we are totally out. You know, each and every day, it's something. Today's something is cereal! Oh, and tub butter. We're out of that as well. I don't care how detailed of a list I make or how carefully I try to follow it, I always miss stuff. DISTRACTIONS! Yeah, I'll blame those. That's it. It cannot possibly be lack of interest or auto pilot in the grocery store, now could it? :D

Have a great afternoon. It's beeeeautiful here today...but the WIND, OMG the WIND at 26-35 mphs. Kinda sucks the fun right out of outside. (we won't mention the insta-headache) Looks great through the windows, though. Maybe I'm glad I'm going back to work....I won't make myself sick from staying out in the pollen too long. It really does work out.

Have a great afternoon!

Coming up with titles is about as much fun as subject lines on emails.

2010-04-11T23:24:00.003-05:00

To think I started the day off bored and didn't know what to do seems amazing to me now. It didn't take nearly as long to get out of the pollen fog as it did yesterday. YAY for small victories.

This afternoon we walked down to the alpaca show. I thought I'd post some pics of alpacas for those of you who don't know what they are. They are great yarn fiber growing creatures! Most people allergic to wool can tolerate alpaca AND it still has all that wonderfully warm insulating quality. Now, in the picture with the two butts...LQQK past it and see the little adorable head popping up from behind. That alpaca was cracking me up.

After strolling around there, we decided to take a longer walk. Then we passed IT again. Remember where I wanted to go to dinner on Friday? Yep, Plaza. Dee and I quickly decided to text home and see if J and Katie wanted to join us. We won't go into the cheering that occurred when they said yes. Suffice it to say, we strolled on in, got a table and ordered pops and queso dip. After being quite obnoxious, I was given a primo tv viewing seat so I could watch the Sox/Twins game. The score was 4-2 twinkies when we walked in the door. After promising to do a shot for every score the sox made (after watching the game, i figured THAT was a safe bet).....I was VERY PLEASED to see that if he would have really held me to that deal, I would have been on the FLOOR. (3 runs, 45 minutes is MUCH more than my body can metabolize). i had them bring my skirt.....what do y'all think of Sassy as a name, btw? I was working on it when the waiter came over (yes, I'll let him remain nameless for now) and started asked me what all I could make. I about busted a gut when he asked about boxers. Scarily enough, I saw a pattern for them just the other day. Give me string and two sticks, and there is NOTHING I cannot do (besides graft lace shawls together neatly) Happy after my 5-4 win, Katie and I walked back home. Are you getting the idea that I am LOVING this weather. AND i finally realized why. We had, what, two weeks of summer last year, and an early winter. I DID NOT GET MY QUOTA OF OUTSIDE IN. I am making up for it as fast as I can.

The the bottom fell out. I'm going into TMI waters, so if you don't want to go here, skip to the next paragraph. if you are still reading, then don't say I didn't warn you. For the past several years, my monthly PITA has become much more of a PAIN. Cycles shorter, need more supplies, symptoms nastier. It's gotten to the point where I am fighting not to be sick for approx 2 days. The doc has suggested bc pills. However, since I had my tubes tied BECAUSE we were done having kids and the pills made me feel like that ALL the time......I'm not really too amped up about that solution. Anybody out there with some real life experience you are willing to share? No, you don't have to leave a message here, but please email me at kadezmomATyahooDOTcom. Life is too short to be losing 2 days every 3.5 weeks, know what I mean.

While riding that lovely wave out, we watched Bull Durham and the Amazing Race. DH and I then took another walk. I cannot get enough. Then I came home and pounded benadryl. There is no way I can deal with more pollen on top of that other issue. Now I've started The Big Easy, and am beginning to wind down for the night. I worked on Sassy, unless y'all help me pick a better name, and have her up to 13 inches long. The next big milestone occurs at 17.5 inches. I will get there! It's supposed to be 78 on Tuesday and 75 on Wednesday. I know it's a stretch to get her done by then, but you know I'm going to give it a try.

Speaking of wearing that skirt, I am in love with that Jerkins self tanning lotion. Nice stuff. I am not orange. I'm not dark brown, either (like THAT would ever happen with my skin tone) but I am no longer fish belly white. Thank you Tiffany!!!

I'm also trying to nail down some week of the 4th of July plans. Things are looking much better than they did 12 hours ago. We'll see what actually occurs, but the brainstorming list is looking much more fun. We now have more ideas than days. Nice. I love it when that happens

I'm off to knit for a few more minutes before heading to bed to read until I pass out.

Kick Monday's ass and start the week of right!

More Skirt Progress

2010-04-11T00:10:00.002-05:00

Obsessed am I? You know it!!! I was thinking of a song lyric to put here, but it turns out I had the words wrong. Imagine that! HORRORS!!! LOL. I'm such a goof. I'm going to have to name this skirt. Any ideas? I don't have any at the moment, but she needs a name. Something involving this much work deserves a name! Anyway, she's now half way done. How do I know?? I'm halfway through the yarn...so she HAS to be halfway done. :D. I just measured her and she's now 10 inches long. I need 19.5 for a decent length...and I'm pretty confident I'll get there. I know my enthusiasm tends to run out, but I sure hope it doesn't. Nice weather is pending. I'm so ready for skirts and my flip flop birkis. (and those CUTE shoes I got last week) I'm so ready for so many things. I'm getting frustrated that it's not quite time yet. ARGH!!!

Today has been another roller coaster day. I woke up with a pollen-over. It took me several hours to degrog, and get rid of the headache, but they finally left. Then I was amped and ready for action...with NOTHING interesting to do. So, then what? I went to walmart, naturally. Eh. We were next to out of contact solution and I wanted to take a walk with my beloved ipod. Since I've worn out all the earbuds in the house, (those wires were NOT made to last through users like me) I bought a new pair. I like skull candy, but they are at target, and target wants $3 more a bottle for the contact solution. Therefore, I bought the marshmallow ones from WM. Not bad. Not skull candy, but not bad. The sound was good, and they cancelled out a lot of the background noise. Read: everybody else out walking. Apparently, I'm going through an old country phase musically. Gotta love the phases. I'm not quite sure why, and I'm pretty sure it doesn't matter. If it makes me happy....(sing it Sheryl!_ it can't be that baaaaaaaaaad. Okay. Nice to know the juke box in my head is still in working order. All can remain right in the world.

I did take that walk. I am sore! Oh well. Too bloody bad. I want to be outside, and I want to be moving, so some pain will have to be endured. That's just all there is to it. I watched part of the Sox's loss *boooooo hiisssssssssss* and watched Jeffie come in second. I'll take it. Baseball should be on tomorrow, but we'll see.

I also started the sorting and filing of my school paperwork. Well, the stuff that I think will be helpful to have easy access to in the future. I've also been brainstorming what I want to do with the Community Ed classes. Nothing is settling down into a firm idea yet, but I'll get there. I just don't know what direction I want to take. I will figure it out. Somehow, somewhere the ideas will land into a better picture than they are at the moment. It's still pretty scattered up there.

I ran into one of my favorite people who works at the ALC at Walmart. it was nice to catch up for a few moments. It's been awhile since I've been there. She's proctoring one set of tests next week, and I'm doing the other. Should be nice and stressful, huh? It's all good. Some how, some way, things have a way of working out. While I was driving to the parking lot for the trail I wanted to walk today (so it DID NOT involve any hills) I also saw the coolest woman who works at the girls' orthodontist. We stopped and chatted for awhile. Life is crazy. I love her perspective on stuff. She had just gotten a brand new bike and was riding it home. I'm telling you, this bike was SWEET. It was turquoise and white. Hopefully our schedules will align so we can ride together sometime. My black and silver bike are going to be so blah next to hers, and you want to know what? That is totally okay with me. I can see it better if I'm not riding it! Right? RIGHT! We'll see if that works out.

I thought about stopping by the alpaca show, but I just wasn't into it. Maybe tomorrow, or not. It really doesn't matter, in the grand scheme of things.

There is a new spa in town, so I stopped by for a brochure. You'll never believe who was there.....my neighbor from across the street. I haven't seen her in ages. We all seem to run opposite schedules. Craziness. Anyway, it's her sister in law's sister who opened the spa. I'm going to have to save up my pocket change and give it a try. I'm sooooo excited. So many options, so little.....expendable cash! LOL You know, no matter how much you have, there always seems to be more ways to spend it. Tis the way it is. Anyway, I hope to go in the next month or so. I really enjoyed the facial my mom and I had, I'm ready to go for it again. Maybe someday I'll go for the massage. Who knows! I really like what they've done to the inside of the shop. I'm interested in seeing more.

Crap. I just remembered that I forgot to buy cottage cheese. I know, I know, like anyone else would miss it, but it and fruit have been making a nice lunch that settles nicely and is easy to pack. It never fails, no matter how many times I go to the store, I never make it home with the whole list, even when I TAKE the list with me. I'm just talented like that. (or distracted ADOS!!!!)

I just popped 2 tylenol pms, so hopefully I'll be crashing soon and the benedryl will ward off any additional pollen attacks on my head!
~sweet dreams my lovely friends~

Skirt progress...and I really need to be in bed!

2010-04-10T01:39:00.002-05:00

Do you see what I see? DECREASES!!!!! I made it!!! YIPPEE!!! I cannot tell you how happy that made me this evening. I can even deal with the WSox loss with this kind of victory.

Today the weather was nothing short of beautiful. I took 2 1 hour long walks. I would have done more if my legs would have been up for it. I can tell I've been too sedentary over the winter. Quickly, very quickly, that is changing. I cannot get outside enough. I forgot how much I love to just get out and get lost with my ipod and my feet. (well, and my cell and a couple bucks in my pocket in case I get thirsty far from a water fountain!) I went down to lake Kohlmeier. Damn, did the sun reflecting off the water really make me all ready for summer. I stood on the fishing pier and soaked it all in. After last year's long, wet, cold summer, I am sure amped up and ready for some fun in the sun. I was so amped I even chose to go home via Barney hill. Yep, the toughest way back home. Let me tell ya, my muscles were screaming at me for that choice. Walk #2 was slower paced and aimed at staying off those hills. I ended up walking around the fairground. The Alpaca expo is in town this weekend. (at the 4 seasons - fairground property) I might have to drop by and take a look. I went a few years ago and checked it out. I learned there were two types of Alpaca... I did not know that. Naturally there was handspun and dyed alpaca yarn. I resisted that time. i wonder if I'll be as successful this time around. The only problem with my walk was smelling the yummy food cooking at Plaza Morena. It made me want to go there for dinner. Instead, we grilled. It was fine, but it was no Plaza. (the price tag was much better with our dinner!) I was also ready to go see a movie, but work was out of discount passes....so maybe another weekend.

I also realize how much I miss being on the go. Next week's work schedule should take care of that problem, but wow. I would have gone just about anywhere this weekend. After spending the week at home, I'm ready to get the heck out. Hopefully we can muster up some plans to get OUT this weekend. I'd love to take a bike ride, but the wind is still too chilly for my picky ears, AND I'm not sure my legs are going to be able to pedal very far. We'll see.

Next weekend, we're having a girls weekend. If anybody knows of anything in about an 80 mile radius from here that would be interesting, please LET ME KNOW! I'm even considering finding a neighborhood in the cities to wander around in and check out the different shops. Take in a random restaurant.....organic, veggie, just plain unusual. Something, anything EXCEPT the mega mall. NOT in the mood for the mega mall!

I also checked into teaching a Community Ed class or two this fall. I need to narrow down exactly what it is I want to offer. I'd also like to know what they pay. Unless it's really pathetic, I don't think the $ amount is going to be the deciding factor I just want to know. I need to nail down what I want to do, and then submit my proposal. Then a committee will decide if it's a go or no go. Time will tell. I can't worry about what I can't control.

I know I need to get to bed, I'm starting the self-critical phase. That usually means I'm overtired. I took a 45 minute nap in the recliner tonight while in front of the tv. When I woke up, I felt like I had been asleep for several hours and have been raring to go ever since. Sheer craziness, it is! I'm just afraid when I crawl into bed, I'm going to be staring at the ceiling. NOT my idea of a good use of time. Daydreaming ranks much higher on the productivity list. Well, I should go give it a shot.

Have a great weekend.

Yep, I just might be certifiably insane.

2010-04-08T23:24:00.002-05:00

I dared myself last night. Bad idea. Now I think I have to execute the dare. This is my fish belly white leg against the cream skirt BEFORE the self tanning lotion. The bottle says it takes several days to see results. I'm not sure what several means, exactly....but here goes the experiment. Stay tuned....if you dare.

I am now about 350 yards in on the skirt and at about 4.5 inches. I do not have enough yarn to go for 6.25 on the flounce. I'm hoping to make it to 5 before this ball of yarn gives out. Yes, I know I could do the math to be sure what where would be fun be in THAT? Livin' on the edge. I am frantically knitting to try to get to that point sometime tomorrow.

I had a good, laid back day today. The whites are in the dryer and awaiting folding. Then it's just hauling everything upstairs and the mega laundryfest is over for this week. I piddled around again, picking up random stuff and taking care of more random things. These little things never end. The more I remember and do, the more I remember I still HAVE to do. I ordered a few books online...that's always fun. I also picked up a plastic filing bin so I can sort all the paperwork from my class. Yes, I do have most of it saved in my email, but let's face it. The more times I physically touch it, the more I will understand what it is that I do have. It's just another one of my infamous brain quirks.

Katie's team had their first home game tonight. Being as it was 46 and WINDY, I neglected to go. Tuesday's make up game is tomorrow night. It's supposed to be about 10 degrees warmer, and she is looking forward to it. Nothing like freezing softball. You know, I think that should constitute a whole new sport of it's own! She's having a blast, therefore nothing else matters to her momma! A happy child = good things. I love it!

Tomorrow in my world is another one of those same old same old kind of days. I need to do a flylady houseblessing if I can't convince myself to go any deeper. Anything is better than nothing. Since it's supposed to be warmer, I really, really, (you get the picture here) want to go for a nice long walk. However, if that wind is cold. FORGHETABBOUDIT! Won't happen. I hate ear pain. Bah! I'm sure I can come up with more errands to get out of the house, if need be....and I'm pretty sure it's going to be needed! Ah ha! I've already thought up one. I need to go to park and rec and pick up a community ed catalogue. Hopefully there is either a class on teaching a class or information on it in there. Just more stuff I need to figure out sooner than later.

OMG, and the summer swim meet schedule was emailed last night.....or the link to it. Looks like she'll be swimming the day before camp. That meet is at her favorite pool. I'm sure times will be slow, but it's nice to see the before and after camp times. It helps to be able to compare so that the work load proves to be worth it. Then there is the AFTER meet to try to qualify for better lanes/heats for the end of the summer final meet. So, that's one in June, two in July and high school practice will start in early August. Never mind the summer weight lifting and club/school practice options. I'm not sure I remember how to get to the local pool. Bwhahahahahahahahahahahahaha! That has GOT to be already set in auto-pilot mode.

for those of you facing some hard times....and there's more of you than we'd all like out there, I thought I'd shine some light into your corner of the world!

Hugs around!!! There's not such a thing as too much support or too much love. Keep spreading it around!!!

What a crazy assed day!

2010-04-07T23:23:00.003-05:00

You know, I am beginning to think this might just be the new normal. I woke up before 8 again ON MY OWN after getting to bed around 2. Insanity, I tell you. It's all good. I don't know if I'm going to set my alarm or not for tomorrow. Like anyone really cares, but that's my current debate.

I finally got the suitcases unpacked from Easter. They are now safely tucked away in the basement until the next trip. Where should I go next? The possibilities are endless...but my days of freedom are almost over. Our summer is almost totally booked. I might actually BE booked if I wrote it all down and had all the schedules. What would be the fun in that??? :). I will. I'm down to the last few loads of laundry. That is until everyone remembers to throw it back downstairs. It feels good getting caught up. the nice part about being so busy is that nobody has a whole lot of time and/or energy to mess up the house when they get home.

I'm still cranking on that skirt. 200 yards of yarn down (no more than 1000 left to go) and I'm at a whopping 2.5 inches. I had the man measure today, and there is NO WAY I want a 6.5 inch flounce on a 19 inch skirt. (no, I'm not going all skimpy, I really am just that short). Good news.....I won't have too many more days left before the blessed decreases begin. YIPPEE! Since it's a cream skirt and I'm about as white as a fish's underbelly......I thought I'd buy some recommended self tanner cream. We'll see if I have enough moxie to do before and after pictures! That could be funny if nothing else!

I caught part of A League of Their Own streaming on Netflix this afternoon. I love that movie. Thanks Kathy, I will NEVER EVER hear "There is no CRYING in BASEBALL" without thinking of you. I watched the White Sox lose and Criminal Minds. I knit through all of that for one measly inch. BAH!!!! Persistence. I must learn this word. I must incorporate it into the fiber of my being. Not all of us were given such large doses. I will prevail. I want this skirt. To GET this skirt, I must continue on. I haven't been this hooked on an item since the Central Park Hoodie Vest I made last fall. I love skirts. I'm not the smallest around person in the world, and my legs have seen better days....so as the weather heats up, I'd much prefer a skirt to shorts. Yes, Kathy, after listening to you for what, 6 or 7 years....I finally decided that YOU WERE RIGHT. You are so often. Why do I fight it? They are so much less revealing, cooler and more comfortable. There's no losing!!! (We won't mention the adorable pair of shoes I found shopping with my mom last week. I can even walk in them for a few hours without my feet crying for mercy)

When is the last time I sang the praises of Aldi's? That has GOT to be my favorite store. For under 45 bucks, I came home with tilapia, a bag of chicken breasts, two bags of shrimp, 2 pkgs of imitation crab meat, lemon juice, p-cheese, a package of cheese cubes, a gallon of milk, 2 bags of frozen blueberries and two cans of beef sticks. Seriously. i love it. I was able to come up with a dinner we all love (and that in itself is nothing short of AMAZING) for just shy of $6. LOVE IT. Tomorrow night is going to be the last round of ham leftovers before I bag it up and freeze it for later.

OMG. Then I went to walmart. I think the stockers must be on strike. I've never seen fewer things on the shelves. Is there a trucker's strike that I don't know about or a natural disaster? Crazy, especially so for a Wednesday afternoon. Which brings me to wondering, is there a full moon today? Twice I got stuck in parking lots because someone in their car just stopped, blocking everything for no apparent reason. I'm talking about for 2 or 3 minutes. I was temped to try it for myself to see if there was some fun in it somewhere that I was obviously missing. I cannot imagine being bored enough to try.

I have a hefty to do list tomorrow. Actually, it's not possible to get it all done, but if I get as many as I can crossed off......all the better for me. Friday is supposed to be beautiful as is the weekend. I'm sure there's tons of yard work to do out there, but I'd have to look. There's only so much I can get done, or am WILLING to get done. I could put in 18 hour days around here and still find stuff that needed to be done. Home ownership is just like that, isn't it? Sometimes I really wonder if it would make more sense to rent Okay, I know the answer to that is probably not, but STILL. The responsibility of it all gets overwhelming. Maybe I just take things a wee bit too seriously? Ya think?!?!?!?! However, I must meet my knitting quota or my brain will explode. Oh hell. Maybe I should just spend the day making lists of everything I need to do. Procrastination that looks like work? Maybe so.

All well, I can't make hay while the sun shines if I'm up all night. Time to turn it in for the day and hope that round one of trying to sleep kicks in.

~sweet dreams all~

Signs

2010-04-07T00:13:00.002-05:00

Sign I'm getting older.........my hubby brought home a pill reminder because he's sick of guessing when i ask, "hon, have I taken my pills yet?" I can't say I'm proud, but life is what it is. A MESS! *grin*

Sign of progress....here's my start on the skirt I posed yesterday. I know, it doesn't look like much is done, but with 445 stitches, each row takes it's own eternity. Once I get to 6.5 inches, I get to decrease by half (YIPPEE!!!) This is the flounce at the bottom.

I am wide awake tonight. Odd, considering I've been up since 6:50 am. Maybe it's a sign that my change in eating and moving habits are paying off. More likely, that I'm going to be incredibly tired and grouchy tomorrow. I'm hoping for the former.

Oh what a day! Physically, I didn't get much accomplished. Mentally, I was on fire. I did a lot of brainstorming and soul searching. As usual, I don't have a lot of answers yet, but I'm getting closer. (I HOPE!!!!) I'm trying to plan out starting up the business. Talk about eating an elephant one bite at a time! Wow. There's just so much to consider. I am trying to only focus on a few pieces at a time. I'm also trying to adjust to being back at home. It's cold and rainy. Blech. Not very motivating, that's for sure. I'm also trying to figure out how guys think. Talk about unchartered territory!!! It's just so strange, the guy I've known for 20 years and lived with for over 17 is doing a lot of growing and changing. This is good, HOWEVER, when Mr. Predictable becomes Mr. Random, I'm left scratching my head quite often. We did have a great long talk tonight. For today, I think I understand. I also know that tomorrow I'll be back in the land of the lost. Can't there be a www.whatthehellishethinking.com website out there? I'd really appreciate one about right now.

I haven't heard any more about the potential boat sale. I guess that's in a holding pattern. It's kind of odd, my life is so bi-polar at the moment. Some stuff is in that wait and see status and the other is running mach 5. No wonder I'm in such a state of confusion. I'd better hurry up and figure it out, though. I work most of next week (yay - but be very prepared for the I'm tired posts!) I'm proctoring tests two days then teaching two days. Those testing days are short, but they wear me out. You all know what a challenge I find it to be quiet for long periods of time. Staying awake and alert becomes the name of the game. It'll be interesting to see where I go as we are in the new building. Maybe the art room. I don't know.

Wow, I'm boring tonight. Good, maybe that means I'm secretly tired and I'll crash soon. Until then, it's The Good Wife on the dvr and more stitches onto the skirt!
~sweet dreams~

UPDATE: And now I know why I was so awake. Between the new retainer ripping up her mouth, spring weightlifting for swimming and a 85 minute block of phy-ed (running and doing floor work) she hurts too much to sleep. That is hell. I don't care how old you are, on nights like that, you need to be in your momma's arms for awhile.

Yep, I'm a sucker for online personality tests.

2010-04-06T11:06:00.005-05:00

So the letters I need to remember are ENFP. Maybe I should do a search for job types. It suggested journalist....but let's be real! Jen, I can hear you laughing from here!

Enneagram Test Results

Type 1	Perfectionism	\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|	46%
Type 2	Helpfulness	\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|	66%
Type 3	Image Awareness	\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|	63%
Type 4	Sensitivity	\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|	53%
Type 5	Detachment	\|\|\|\|\|\|	23%
Type 6	Anxiety	\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|	60%
Type 7	Adventurousness	\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|	60%
Type 8	Aggressiveness	\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|	66%
Type 9	Calmness	\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|	50%

Your main type is 8
Your variant is sexual

Take Free Enneagram Personality Test
personality tests by similarminds.com

Main type	Variant

Take Free Enneagram Personality Test
personality tests by similarminds.com

Okay, so I did the job search. Again, no matter how many times I do this, I keep coming up with the same results GO FIGURE!
(where does stubborn and hard headed come into play? *grin*)
Counsellor
Marketing specialist
Human Resources
Nurse
Psychologist
Trainer
Artist/actor
Designer
Teacher
Clergy/church worker

Oh yeah.

2010-04-05T12:03:00.003-05:00

That's right. You are seeing BARE TEETH~~~~~~~~ WHHHOOOOOOO HOOOOOOOO!!!! What started out as a 9 month adventure took almost two years. All because one crazy tooth wasn't interested in seeing the light of day. Today, April 5, 2010 THE BRACES ARE GONE!!!! Oh yeah, we're excited. Okay, she's excited and I'm sooooo happy for her. I can still remember that fantastic day myself. There's nothing like the feeling of slimy teeth! (not that they are slimy, but after months of metal stuff in there, they SEEM slimy) This afternoon's activity will be to hunt out a caramel apple. Then it's just time to wait for corn on the cob season. Congrats, Dee.

And here is my newest project that I cast on......a skirt. WTH am I thinking? Does it really matter? Not at all!! It just screams summer. I hope I can stick with it long enough to wear it THIS summer. That's be awesome. I like how this one is constructed. I start from the bottom and knit UP. That means the most stitches per row will be at the beginning of the project. YIPPEE! I'm really not all that hard to please, am I? (RHETORICAL question) I found some yarn at Elann.com so the materials came to 35 bucks. I'm sure I could have easily paid over 100 for yarn but that would have ruined the fun of it all. I was able to cast on and knit about half of the first row during braces removal. Next, I'm off to catch a movie or clear off some of the dvr. Then it's quick nap time. After Dee gets home, we'll go to the gym (hence the NAP) and out in search of the caramel apple and a rotisserie chicken to add to the sides we brought home from Easter Dinner (thanks RaRa). Tomorrow, I'll make everyone eat ham.

After taking last week off, it's back to the grindstone. I have lots of piddly things to accomplish. You know, the stuff that eats up time, but doesn't look like anything is accomplished. BAH. Okay, some of them I enjoy. That is good. I've started a list. (no, really, a LIST) of steps I need to take to work on opening up my Parent Coach business. Any name ideas? Y'all rocked with the mission statement. I also need to buy one of those plastic filing bins so I can sort all of the information I've acquired. Baby steps. I must focus on the baby steps. That's where the real work gets done!

HEY ANON. comment person.......Thank you for the great suggestion. I've filed it in my memory for future reference.

Love y'all. Isn't life great?!?!?

Time to CALM DOWN

2010-03-25T11:09:00.002-05:00

I was having a FANTASTIC morning. You know, the usual routine and all, had facebook running typed out my journal, mission statement, and article response....... I was all ready to kick back relax when the phone rang. Damned phone. It was the clinic calling telling me they had no record of my mmr shot. I need an immunization record filled out for school. (mind you I've had about a zillion of these filled out over the years) I was irritated, because I just had a booster in 07. Then my theme was:

THEN after doing some research, I found out that they are missing my shots from when I was a KID. Somehow that hasn't ended up in my file. You know, that HONKING thing you take from dr to dr as you move. Now, I've been to school several times, I've had more immunization sheets filled out than I care to remember, but to PROVE it, I now have to track down my records from my pediatrician who died when I was in Jr High. ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!?!?!

My new mental stats became:

There is really nothing I can do today. Hopefully, my mom will remember the name of the group and it's still in existence. If I can't track it down, I get to get another set of shots. Um, what part of HELL NO comes to mind. Ah, well. The adrenaline is starting to subside. I just won't get my certificate until I can prove I've had the shots. Fine. I don't have to find it today. I just hate having this stuff hanging over my head....and patience isn't a virtue I've been accused of having every often. I will prevail. Really. Just totally and completely frustrated. What does this mean for the rest of the day? FIBER THERAPY and possibly a nap. That whole fight or flight response wears me out!

On the up side, I only have to bite the bullet one more time. I have my references slide left to go, and other than presenting, I am done with classwork. HELL YEAH!!!!!

The sun's out and it's beautiful....except for being quite nippy....the high today is only 40. I think I'll admire it from in here. If it does hit 50 tomorrow, I think I'm going to clean out the inside of my car. It sure could use some tlc. Once I get refreshed from my tirade, I'm off to start digging out of this mess we are currently living it. it's bugging me too. More benedryl anyone? However, I will wait, because if i irritate myself further, things I will later want will be trashed, and I wouldn't want to accidently break anything from dusting or vacuuming too hard. Right? RIGHT! YAY.

Never EVER trust a woman holding sharp pointy objects. It MAY make her look like a grandma....but it just might her last hold onto sanity. You never know!!! *evil grin*

TA DA!!! (RaRa spoiler)

2010-03-23T17:39:00.002-05:00

I'm DONE!!! YIPPEE!!!! I made Debbie Bliss' Shoulder Cape for my mother out of Marble Chunky yarn. I love how it worked up. I am even happier that I am FINISHED. It's one of my few finished objects for the year. HaPpY DaNcInG all over O-town!

I've been crazy busy. The last day of class is Saturday. I have all but my references done for my power point presentation. Two more assignments were added last night. I've written my mission statement, but I'm sitting on it overnight to make sure it says exactly what I want it to say. I also need to react to an article we read in class last night. I have a rough draft of that done, but need to find a place to post it on the internet. I have one more coaching session and journal to write up. I can DO this!!!

Back on the ranch, so to speak, my house is a mess, and I need to do laundry, blah, blah, blah. It'll get done, or it won't. Too much to do and too little time. Oh yeah, and I've spent over 2 hours at the clinic for the doc and the allergist. Then there's the eye appt. tomorrow and getting the car worked on. What's even better? I'm sure I've missed a boatload. Yheeee Hawwwww! It's been in the high 50's/low 60's with SUN this week. This is the LIFE. I'm telling you, it just rocks.

Better get scooting before it gets dark and I don't get to cross off the rest of today's list items.

~LOVE IT~

YEAH!!!!!

2010-03-21T09:33:00.002-05:00

Oh yeah, I'm back. I went to bed by 10 last night, and slept until 8. I'm full of pissnvinegar today!!! Of course the running itunes on fast paced heavy music isn't hurting a THING. I've organized my presentation and written out what I want to say on the first few topics. I can't stop knee popping-----you know that annoying leg jump thing that drives you insane when watching someone....well, I'm that person and I"M THERE!!! I have so much pent up energy, I want to tackle everything. The problem is focusing it long enough to actually DO anything!!! I'm getting there.

As for my mom's caplet......I am binding off the main body part. Next, sew up that seam and put on the collar. Whoop whooop. She just might get this before the end of 2010!!!

Plans for the day? I need to take a walk...I'd just like it to get above freezing first. I want to get that collar started, a few more parts of the presentation filled out, watch the BRISTOL race. Nothing like it. Short track at it's finest. I LOVE LOVE LOVE short track racing. I wonder if it has anything to do with the fact that I'm SHORT! ROFL. Yeah, it's a party in my head today. I wonder if anyone is going to join me or if I'm just going to be really annoying to anyone who comes in contact with me??? TIME WILL TELL. However, based on the reaction around here, the girls are looking at me with wary expressions. There's my answer.

As if anyone cares about our food plans.......it's here anyway. We're going to grill up some pork chops and hamburgers. The pork chops need to be cooked today, but I am HUNGRY for a good grilled burger. Both do okay for leftovers, so that'll be tomorrow's dinner. Baked beans and cole slaw are on the menu as well. YUMMY!!! Guess that means I have to hit the store. I'll also pick up some corned beef if there is any left....usually it's on sale after St Patty's and I'm hungry for a ruben. YAY!!!! OMG, I need to calm down. Nah!!! This is way too much fun. When I get like this, I'd love to have a plug in so everyone could enjoy the party in my head!

I think it's time to knit a few. I just cannot handle the though of digging into functional behavior assessments QUITE yet. I can tell you that the work will be a lot better than the anticipation I'm hanging on it! Hey. Can't do it all at once, I MUST share the wealth with another time.

I LOVE MY LIFE!!!!!! Join me. It's so worth it!!!!! Live it like you love it!!!!!!

Taking Chance

2010-03-20T14:14:00.003-05:00

I just finished watching this movie. What a beautiful, heartfelt tribute. This is first movie in years to bring me to goosebumps.
~~~Just Watch It~~~

Isn't She Lovely?

2010-03-20T00:30:00.004-05:00

I have been in love with this car since 1987....the longest love of my life, especially for an OBJECT!!! Yes, I know this song is about a baby girl, but come ON. A few of the guys at school were talking about cars and trucks today. They are wanting Ford F-???'s ....not me. I want a retractable hard top Mazda MX-5 Miata Damn, isn't that a beautiful car. I chose blue to post here. The black is beautiful as well. Am I getting her? Someday, some way....yes. She's a 6-speed manual work of art. The perfect car for me. It's okay if you don't agree with me. That would be boring if we all loved the same things. At any rate, after listening to car talk at school tonight, I thought I'd see just how far out of reach my car is. First of all, there is no need for an extra car right now, much less another car payment. I know, I know. Then I read that right now there is a 5.5K cashback offer going on. Are they trying to KILL me? Absolutely. Am I going to act on it, HELL NO. However, it does remind me that i can continue to dream, and remember to stash cash instead of spending it......I'll just be closer to buying the car of my dreams. Dreaming is important. I certainly hope I can figure out how to get her before too much more time passes, because there won't be a huge gap in my life for hauling more than one extra person around. STILL. A girl gets to dream. I wonder if I tried to sell off half of my yarn stash if I'd have enough for a good down payment? Maybe that's a good idea for this summer. Try to ebay the excess in the basement and sell off some of the yarn I'm not going to get around to knitting. I've said it before, but if I hold a CAR up to the light, maybe that's the motivation I need. Never mind that one of our gutters fell off a couple of weeks ago, that my floors need to be redone and the ZILLION other projects that fall under the home ownership umbrella. It doesn't hurt to dream.

So, is anyone hiring? I'll warn you, I don't come cheap, but at any price, I'm one helluva deal!

Just What the Dr. Ordered

2010-03-17T22:58:00.005-05:00

Fresh air and sunshine. I cannot even BEGIN to tell you what these two mean to me. When the sun is out and I can get outside, my perspective totally changes for the better. What an awesome day. I went on two walks, one with each daughter alone. Talk about special times. Did anything special happen? Nope. That's why it was special. Make sense? If you have kids, it sure does. Even if you don't, I bet you can find something to draw upon for that feeling. I have a great picture of Katie (I'm in it too, but that's not so great) but it's on my phone which isn't in bluetooth range. Can you say lazy? You got it!!! Maybe in the morning I'll get around to it. Actually, hopefully in the morning I'll be motivated to do a whole lot more. GOT IT!!!! Picture now added. Life is good. I'm semi-motivated...which means I'm getting stuff done, just not with a whole lot of zeal.

I spent today feeding my soul. Talk about in dire need.....wow. I let the dust of the past few days settle and I'm starting to think clearly again. I find it so much easier to go on with my life when I can see out semi-clearly. Now, in the next 10 days, I need to do two coaching sessions, go to class twice, write three journals and whip out another presentation. Never mind that I have daughters who need rides to several different locations, and food. Yes, the house certainly needs to be cleaned, but looks much better since I picked it up. Grocery shopping...you have GOT to be kidding me. That's been one of the walk destinations. To the store to buy something for dinner. I'm glad I got laundry done Sunday. I'd be in a world of cold, if not. With all of the man's on and off again traveling, I'm not sure which schedule is more hectic...the one where he is home, or the one where he is not. Eh. Like it actually matters. I get what I get.

The grand experiment for the night is to attempt to get to sleep before midnight. Stop chuckling. I hear you out there. Yes, I heard the eye rolls as well. For those of you who can just lay down and go to sleep....you're never going to understand. For those of you who battle it.....well, you know exactly what I'm talking about.

Before I go, I have two more things rolling around upstairs in my head. I watched Revolutionary Road today. BLECH!!!! That movie was NOT targeted for me. Total waste of my time. The whole thing just irritated me, so i can't even give an intelligent reason for why I didn't like it. All I can say is that it isn't going on my rewatch list!!! I also did a few more inches on Mother's shrug/cape/stole. I'd really like to have it done before I see her next, so she can pack it away for next fall! I think I have a bit over a foot to do before I sew it together and get to work on the collar/neck portion. Oh WTH, time for an update pic. BRB. (yes, I'd much rather upload from the camera than the phone. I'm just like that) The colors aren't true (middle of the night flash hazard...and the cables don't show up, but I promise you they are there. I KNOW they are there. I PUT them there! LOL) Everyone totally needs a sanity builder, and yarn and needles are MINE. I think I must be a very tactile person. I did not realize that until just a bit ago. Speaking of which, I was so lonely last night and needed a hug (and OVERTIRED!!!) that I pulled out my woobie scarf. Rest assured, it was worth every red cent and last second put on it. OMG. I slept like a baby for the rest of the night. I should never have waited for so long. the other thing I've noticed is that one night I put my fuzzy robe over my pillow (I have NO IDEA why.....middle of the night reasoning isn't always clear) and I completely love it. The next time I'm in Rochester, I am going to have to buy some of that fabric and make a few pillowcases. Life's too short. Entirely too short to be without. It's a luxury that I cannot BEGIN to explain. Oh, the sheer plushness against my face. Holy smokes. I could literally coo when I put it against my cheek for the night. Don't deprive yourself any longer. Try something weird. Give it a shot. You never know the comfort it might bring you! Seriously!!!

The SUN, The SUN!!!!

2010-03-14T22:23:00.004-05:00

We had a sunny afternoon!!!!!!!!!!

Yes, you read that correctly, WE HAD A SUNNY AFTERNOON!!!! YIPPEE!!!! No shit, it's been a long, lonely winter...and it feels like it's been years since we've had warm sun. I took my first real walk of the year....to the grocery store to buy dinner, but you know. It was still a walk. Getting out was incredible. I'm still a bit amped up, and that was several hours ago. I really do prefer to be happy and will ride it as long as I can. What's weird is that I don't love yellow or orange. You'd think I would with loving the sunh. Interesting. I'll have to ponder that at some point. Wouldn't want to leave any stone unturned, you know!

I also almost finished laundry today. Talk about a long time in coming! The whites are in the washer. YaY! I always leave the smallest loads for last to reward myself with less folding. I KNOW. The rules in my head...don't try to understand, it's just the law of Shelly's universe.

Did you get the idea that I have nothing meaningful to say? You're soooooooo right. It's been heavy for so long, it's a pleasure just to cut it up and let it flow....whatever "it" is. (Shit, ZBB song title....... brb)

There, now you can join the song in my head, if you wish!!! I do live like this folks. What's scarier....I'm not alone!!! There are OTHER PEOPLE out there who have a running audiotrack...even when thinking, working, talking...whatever. The biggest problem is that I find my filter is getting weaker as I get older, and sometimes an inappropriate word will find it's way into a sentence. I replaced "eraser" with "finger" the other day. I just sat there and went "WTF?!?" It took quite awhile to figure out where finger came from....don't ask, I don't remember anymore...but have you noticed how hard it is to backtrack thoughts? Geesh! Can you imagine what I'd be like with real facts? OMG, that would be too funny.

Now, it wouldn't be selection sunday without a comment from one of the COUNTRY'S NUMBER ONE SEED's biggest fans!!!!! Naturally, our bracket contains all three teams we've lost to in the past year (thanks Jen) and as usual the announcers said, "and the Kansas Jayhawks are going to have a tough road this year" (it's only noteworthy when that is NOT said), but come the end of the week, you know what station my tv's gonna be on BABY! Oh, did you know that I didn't know that this fight song had words? I can clap it, though! And after reading those words......you can totally tell this predates (by several decades, I'm sure...) the Big 12. Ah those were the days! LOL. (yes, I will spare you Edith and Archie, tonight...I'm being very gracious!)

March Madness....let it take you away.
Shit. That reminds me that I missed out on Sock Madness....for the third year in a row. I'm making quite a habit out of this. Just as well, I'm not anywhere near in a position to get into any kind of a knitting contest. BUT STILL. Maybe next year. So, I really thought I'd be in bed by 11? What a joke! Nice thought though.

Sweet Dreams Blogiverse!

Shelly's Stuff

Just a reminder….

Happy Birthday.

Warning - one of those topics you don't discuss in public!!!

Everything I needed to know, I learned from my couch….

The Alchemist

3:10 Ramblings

Yep yep…another quote list….

Oh! The video

A bet I hope to lose!

Random Weekend

HEY OUT THERE IN BLOGGERLAND?

Oh No, Not Good! Update

Oh dear. Not good!

For better or for worse,

You KNEW there had to be a catch somewhere, there ALWAYS IS!

Floor Sanding Day.

5 days later

I might have overdone it.

Overwhelmed and ready to

This is my life, oh yes it is! And the spin cycle kicks it up a notch.

Forget the wrong track…….

Since I don't have time to blog…let's BLOG!

Well, she's mobile!

The Joy of Being a Dork!

I'm staring to feel beat up.

Gonna miss you Uncle Dave.

Yep, another writing break from writing

Thermostat 2, Shelly 0

What to do, what to do?

Just a word to the wise….

Um, yeah, whatever, THAT'S IT!

I miss you already, Jane.

*smile*

I don't have *time* for this!

Yay! Another hat done.

How dense can I be?

I FLIPPIN WON!!!!!

First finished project of 2011

~~~NEED NEW MUSIC~~~

Ufta!

Not much new on the 2nd

Last finished project of 2010

Just Shelly Saying WELCOME TO 2011!

Stolen Quote

Well, where in the hell have I been?

Yikes!!!! Here goes nothing!

Can you say CLUELESS!!!!

Out of the darkness comes light.

Well, I made it!

Really?!?

I really am just this nuts.

Just like McDonalds suggests.....

Why not!

Stitches, anyone?

Argh! I've lost my pictures again.

Forget about the song about getting to the church on time

What a week, what a ride.

Tryingn to look the monster in the eye

Just Complaining

Worn Out

Animal Dreams - Barbara Kingslover

Bit the bullet aka Third time charmed?

Thanks Melissa!

Yep, Still Awake

And the count down begins.....

Busy doesn't even cover it

Will be back, someday

I'm alive

~Happy Mother's Day~

Not much to say this week

Happy Birthday Katie!!!!!

Just for Ruth

Lot of lessons, little accomplished.

~FINALLY~ A great mood is found.

~The Head Still Spins~

The 1000 mph brain

It's Not Ok, Okay.

Feel free to take a look at the time stamp.

There's a Calm Before the Storm

smile

I don't have time for this!

~NEED NEW MUSIC~

Sassy's DONE

UGH