I'm in repair, I'm not together but I'm getting there

Year in Review

Tue, 01 Jan 2008 16:24:03 GMT

I don't normally do meme's but I thought it might be fun to look back at 2007 before moving on to 2008.

1. What did you do in 2007 that you’d never done before?

I drove in England, on the left side of the road, changing gears with my left hand. In all my trips back as an adult I never rented a car but on this trip mom put me as a driver on the car and then made me drive. It was terrifying and exhilarating and spawned the phrase "Embrace the Center".

I also took on knitting beyond the knit stitch and garter stitch scarves. I learned how to purl and then starting actually making things other than scarves. I think I might officially be a knitter.

2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I don't think I made any, I've never really gotten into new year's resolutions. For 2008 I'm going to try to write in the journal a lot more often (definitely more than twice a month).

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
My cousin in NZ and one of my friends at church had a baby. Two of my very good friends who had been waiting for a very long time to adopt, bought home their son in September. Seeing them become a family of three has been amazing.

4. Did anyone close to you die?
No, and I'm very grateful for that.

5. What countries did you visit?
England, it was so awesome to see my grandparents and to share my home country with one of my best friends. I also did quite a bit of travel in the U.S. including trips to North Carolina (both the beach and the mountains), Louisiana, Ohio, Connecticut and Iowa.

6. What would you like to have in 2008 that you lacked in 2007?
The ability and willpower to manage my money and my weight in a more mature fashion.

7. What dates from 2007 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
April 18th - The day I flew to England for the first time in 7 years.
June 23rd - K and S's Wedding
July 15th - K's last Sunday at St. Andrew's.

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Walking to work after falling on my ass just a couple of days before. Sounds silly but I hate falling and it was important for me not let that stop me from trying it again.

9. What was your biggest failure?
Failing at Weight Watchers, again.

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
I had a couple of 24 hour stomach bugs,something I hadn't had in years, I hope it's years again before that happens again.

11. What was the best thing you bought?
I didn't buy it per se but my dad gave me a hand-me-down DSLR and I love it!

12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
My friends and family, I'm blessed to have such an amazing network who love me no matter what.

13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
George W. Bush.

14. Where did most of your money go?
Rent and travel.

15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
My trip to England and my trip to New Orleans.

16. What song will always remind you of 2007?
Ruby by the Kaiser Chiefs.

17. Compared to this time last year, are you:

a) happier or sadder? Probably a little bit happier.
b) thinner or fatter? probably a little bit fatter.
c) richer or poorer? a little poorer, the massive increase in rent at the end of 2006 does not lend itself to saving.

18. What do you wish you’d done more of?
spent more time with my sisters and niece/nephews.

19. What do you wish you’d done less of?
beating myself up about my weight.

20. How did you spend Christmas?
With mom and good friends, I cooked dinner, it was lovely.

21. Did you fall in love in 2007?
No.

22. What was your favorite TV program?
Dr Who. I'm not normally into sci-fi stuff but I watched it as a kid and the new series are just totally awesome. I also love Lost and Grey's Anatomy.

23. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?
I don't think so.

24. What was the best book you read?
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, it was the only HP book that I waited in line, late at night for, I'm glad I did it once.

25. What was your greatest musical discovery?
Rev. Horton Heat, who's been around forever. I'd heard a few things by him and I knew I liked it but I ended up going to their concert in Nola and promptly started downloading tons of their stuff to my iPod.

26. What did you want and get?
A DSLR

27. What did you want and not get?
A tree that grow's money.

28. What was your favorite film of this year?
I really liked Ratatouille and Notes on a Scandal was also fantastic.

29. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I turned 37. K threw me a party, it was really nice to hang out with such good friends and laughing and laughing.

30. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Getting my head straight so I can tackle some of my "issues" that are holding me back..

31. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2007?
Trying to at least make sure my clothes match.

32. What kept you sane?
Church, my friends, my new kitties.

33. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
David Tennant is awfully fanciable.

34. What political issue stirred you the most?
Freedom of choice and gay marriage. I don't understand why people feel as if they have the right to make decisions for other people.

35. Who did you miss?
My friends who live in other states, especially those in Richmond, Dayton and Hickory. I really miss England too, I loved my trip over but it reminded me how much I miss my grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins.

36. Who was the best new person you met?
I didn't officially meet him this year but I got to know K's fiance a lot better this year and I really like him. He's a genuinely nice, generous, kind man and he adores K so that gets him big points in my book.

37. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2007.
I wasn't too old to have a facebook account. My grandfather is on facebook people!

38. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.
I'm in repair, I'm not together but I'm getting there - John Mayer.

A big fake

Tue, 18 Dec 2007 22:38:53 GMT

I love real Christmas trees, love them! Love the smell, love picking them out, love how each one is different. I sold Christmas trees for years when I was in the Jaycees and that only increased the love. You can't be in a bad mood when you are picking out a Christmas tree.

However, real Christmas trees have downsides. All the freaking needles that you are still vacuuming in July, dragging it up three flights of stairs and then down again, remembering to water it so it doesn't become a fire hazard, oh and finding someone to help me wrangle said tree.

Up until this year the downsides never outweighed my desire for a real tree. However, this year, work has kicked my ass and the thought of trying to find time to go to a lot, find a tree, find a friend to help me get the tree home and then all those stairs, ugh. I wasn't even going to get a tree, but Christmas is at my apartment this year and you just can't not have a tree.

So, I've gone fake, yup, I bought a pre-lit fake tree. It's not bad. I don't hate it. I need to figure out why one strand of the lights are blinking when the rest aren't but I'm liking it so far.

<sigh>

Suggestion

Sat, 08 Dec 2007 15:48:46 GMT

I just had two Jehovah's Witnesses follow me as I struggled to carry a 25lb jug of cat litter and a bag of cat food up 3 flights of stairs. They then tried to engage me in conversation as I was trying to get my front door open. Here's my suggestion to them, instead of trying to proselytize while I'm balancing over 30 lbs of unwieldy stuff, offer to help me manage my load. Trust me I'm going to be much more willing to listen instead of trying to get away so I can set all this stuff down before my arms give out.

I'm just saying.

Scenes from a football game

Mon, 12 Nov 2007 02:12:20 GMT

Halftime - Ladies Room: Woman wearing pointy toed shoes, fancy sweater and carrying an expensive handbag reapplying all her makeup. Eyeliner, eye shadow, the works. Honey, he came to watch the game, not you, save it for a night out in a restaurant.

Entire Game - Sitting Behind Me: I realize we are outdoors, that there's music and sometimes yelling when we are on defense, but seriously, must you talk so loudly that I can't pay attention to the game? Did you know that the drunker you got the louder you got? Also, I don't care how many times you've seen Minnesota play. By the way, thanks for spilling beer on me and not apologizing.

Walking back to the car - post game: To the Redskins fan who was yelling horrible, nasty slurs at passing Philly fans and then driving off in your car, you are a chicken shit and an embarrassment to the team. Nobody likes a sore loser, especially one who doesn't have the balls to say those things outside the confines of your big SUV and take the ensuing payback.

Again walking back to the car - post game: To the Eagles fans, I'm not sure what came over you guys but I like the kinder, gentler version of your fans. It was nice to walk amongst you and not endure the usual taunts after we lose. Thanks!

Denied Entry

Sun, 30 Sep 2007 13:54:31 GMT

Those who know me outside the computer know that I have season tickets for Virginia Tech football. Although I didn't go to VT, lots of friends did and I love football so it's a good combo. My brother is now a freshman there so the bond is even stronger.

Earlier this year I came into possession of a digital SLR camera, I decided to take it with me to the game yesterday. I carefully scrutinized the fine print on the ticket before the game to make sure I could take it in (specifically the long lens). There were quite a few things listed as "prohibited" including strollers, umbrellas, coolers, etc. Nothing about cameras. I was pretty sure I'd seen on the web site that still cameras were allowed in, I see people with the pocket digitals all the time.

So, I get up to the gate and open my bag for inspection and the gate "guard" tells me I cant bring the long lens in with me. I explain that it's not listed as contraband on the ticket. He tells me they were briefed about it and it was not allowed. I again stated that I had checked it out in advance and that nothing said anything about cameras. He then shows me a laminated list they wear around their necks that says "No lens longer than 4 inches". I was stunned, I'd done my homework only to be turned away at the gate by a card that I later found out contradicts the fan guide on the web site.

Yup, I checked the web site when I got home and it says this:

No video or movie cameras will be permitted inside the stadium. Still cameras are permitted, however tripods are not.

I was instructed to take my camera back to the car, which was at least a 15 minute walk and would mean some and maybe all of the first quarter of the game. To say I was angry would be an understatement. To his credit, the gate guy was not rude or a jerk and it's not his fault that they are told something that contradicts the published policy.

Luckily I was able to reach my brother and he found someone in the dorm would would look after the camera for me so I only had to walk to the dorm and not the car. I only missed a couple of minutes of the game.

I will be writing a letter to the Athletic Director and the school newspaper. They need to be consistent, it's only fair for those of us who try to do the right thing by checking in advance.

Come on in, the water's fine

Wed, 26 Sep 2007 15:21:27 GMT

Several months ago, I mentioned to J something about taking adult swim lessons. I love to swim but my technique is terrible, I never had proper swimming lessons as a kid, my dad taught me some and the rest is observation. I'd forgotten about it until J IM'd me on Sunday night and said "still want to do swimming lessons?". Turns out one of the local pools was offering an advanced beginner class, starting on Tuesday. I said sure, no problem and then spent the next two days saying to myself "you can't do this, you're too fat, you're too out of shape".

The truth of the matter is that I'm the fattest I've been and the most out of shape I've been, ever. Walking much more than 1/2 a mile leaves me out of breath, hills leave me out of breath, anything more than two flights of stairs leaves me out of breath. The class requirements said you have to be able to swim half the length of the pool. I really didn't think I was cut out for this class. J even called me 30 minutes before to see if I was really coming. I did go though, the thought of wasting $50 and missing out on time in the water trumped my fear of dying in the pool and exposing all those poor innocent people to the sight of me in a swimsuit.

I am SO glad I went! Turns out I can swim half the length of the pool, plus I can tread water pretty darn well. Last night I learned how to breath on the side while doing my very bad rendition of freestyle. She had us work on making our kicking more efficient. I even jumped in the pool. Fat girls don't jump, well this one doesn't. It was pretty amazing to take that leap. The class was 45 minutes, it was probably the most exercise I've gotten in a long time (apart from walking all over the VT campus a few times this month - that place is all uphill). My heart rate was up but it didn't feel bad, my knees didn't hurt, my back didn't hurt. It was pretty much awesome!

I was really at my wit's end last week, terrified I was going to end up one of those people who get to the point they can't walk any more. I'm feeling a lot more positive now. Thanks J!! I'm so glad you asked me to do this.

Early!

Fri, 14 Sep 2007 10:30:43 GMT

I love most things about my apartment, one thing that I don't like and still am not used to is how early they come and empty the trash dumpsters. There doesn't appear to be a set schedule but more often than not they come at ridiculously early hours. Earlier this week it was 5:15 am, today it's 6:30 am. They consistently come between 5 and 6am. Now, my apartment is probably a good 200ft from the dumpster but I can hear it clear as day. It usually wakes me up. I can't imagine how the people who have an apartment closer feel.

Plus, how early are those guys getting to work to be here at 5:15am?

I am 12 years old

Fri, 31 Aug 2007 13:32:34 GMT

While I fully support education and anything that will improve it, is ED in 08 really the best slogan they could come up with. My inner 12 year old is giggling like mad.

http://www.edin08.com/

Trying not to be spoiled

Thu, 19 Jul 2007 03:34:51 GMT

It's getting harder and harder to avoid the Harry Potter spoilers that are floating around the web. Apparently some stupid online retailer sent copies out early. The Baltimore Sun got hold of one of those copies and has posted a review. NBC4 just said that the New York Times has a review on line now. I'm doing everything I can to avoid seeing or hearing anything to do with the book but if someone spoils it for me, I will cut them.

Ridiculous

Thu, 12 Jul 2007 15:29:08 GMT

This link was posted on one of the message boards I read. It's possible that there's another side to this story that has not come out yet, but, based on what I read in this article, this is just awful. Kicking a mom and toddler off a plane because the toddler was talking, what the hell? What really pisses me off is the flight attendant suggesting that mom drug the child, that's just wrong.

http://abclocal.go.com/ktrk/story?section=local&id=5472927

It still sucks

Thu, 05 Jul 2007 20:18:30 GMT

One of the "advantages" of being a grown up is that the stuff that sucked as a kid either goes away or stops sucking, it's replaced by other things that suck but at least the stuff from back them has gone away. Well, I have to say, it still sucks when a friend moves away. I remember that feeling as a kid that you weren't going to see your good friend again, or at least for a very long time, and how much it hurt and how much I wanted to pout and stamp my foot and say "it's not fair".

I keep thinking that it's going to stop feeling like that and it doesn't. In two weeks another of my very good friends is moving away, this is the third time in 18 months that it's happened and dammit, I'm stamping my foot and pouting and saying it's not fair.

Yes, we now have e-mail, facebook, free long distance and those are all wonderful things but they don't make up for being able to call and say "hey, I cleaned my apartment, help me celebrate by coming over for dinner", or "I had a shit day, let's go and have a margarita at Chevy's". The physical presence means so much, at least to me.

We need teleportation, like yesterday!

Disappointed

Mon, 11 Jun 2007 02:10:35 GMT

Maybe I missed some deep meaning, sometimes I can't read between the lines, but that was the most disappointing series finale ever. I'm annoyed that I invested my time in this season for that lame ending.

Surreal Spelling

Fri, 01 Jun 2007 00:32:00 GMT

The National Spelling Bee is being televised on ABC right now. This is stressing me out greatly as these kids are only middle schoolers and they are on national television spelling words I've never heard of. Every time one of them gets the dreaded bell I get choked up, but then I choke up again if they get the word right. I'm going to be in tears by the time this is over.

The thing that's really surreal though, they have the ESPN sports reporters working this production, they are being interviewed after they they are rung out by guys that normally interview Roger Clemens and Peyton Manning. It's just freaking weird. Plus I don't think the ESPN guys are taking this terribly seriously and frankly those kids deserve better.

Saturday

Sun, 20 May 2007 04:32:21 GMT

Today was a pretty awesome day, I was out of the house by 9, hit up the farmers market on the way to church to do my Altar Guild service. It's still a bit early for local produce but I got a few things. Then this afternoon M, K and I planted a ton of pretty annuals in the church courtyard. About 2 years ago we took out a bunch of trees that needed to be removed, since then the lower courtyard has been kind of bare. So we planted tons of wave petunias, marigolds, colosia and coleus. It looks great now but I can't wait to see how it looks in a couple of weeks when the petunias have a chance to really spread. Besides the lovely company (although we missed J, it would have been even more fun with her), we were treated to some amazing organ music. An organ recital is being held at our church tomorrow and the organist spent the afternoon practicing and we were lucky enough to hear it. Between the sun, the company, the pretty flowers and the amazing music it was a pretty great afternoon.

Tonight M & I watched a movie, I finished the hat I'd been knitting for my nephew and I just took a pie for tomorrow's parish picnic out of the oven. I think I'm going to go to bed now.

Shudder

Thu, 10 May 2007 14:04:55 GMT

This morning I have found two ticks on my person, one on my hip and one in my hair (that apparently survived being washed in the shower earlier). I know it's a hazard of being outdoors but still, ewwwwwwwwwwww. Now I feel as if I have things crawling all over me.

It's going to be a long day.

Dammit

Tue, 01 May 2007 14:29:53 GMT

People get me hooked on Facebook (

mom_me I'm looking at you!) and then people write things on my wall while I'm at work and I can't see them until I get home. My employer blocks our access to Facebook.

Yeah, it's a hard life, I know, I know

Senseless Tragedy

Mon, 16 Apr 2007 18:07:13 GMT

Any of you who know me in the "real world" know that I have a deep devotion to Virginia Tech. I didn't go to school there but many of my very good friends did, through them I fell in love with their football team and now have season tickets. Several times each fall I make the trek to Blacksburg and over the last 8 years I've come to adore the town, the team and the university. As you've probably heard a terrible tragedy ocurred on campus today and too many people have lost their lives. My prayers go out to the family, friends and colleagues of the dead and wounded. I ask you direct a few prayers, thoughts or positive vibes towards Blacksburg today.

Depart, O Christian soul, out of this world;

In the Name of God the Father Almighty who created you;

In the Name of Jesus Christ who redeemed you;

In the Name of the Holy Spirit who sanctifies you.

May your rest be this day in peace,

and your dwelling place in the Paradise of God.

I'm dreaming of a white Easter

Sat, 07 Apr 2007 04:00:11 GMT

No, that doesn't sound quite right. You know what else is not right, I was wearing sandals on Monday and now, five days later it's getting ready to snow. Meanwhile it's in the 60s in London.

I don't really have any comment on all this except to say that my feet are not happy about being shoved back in socks and shoes after a couple of days of freedom.

Zicam is my friend

Mon, 05 Mar 2007 22:16:52 GMT

After church yesterday I started to get that familiar tickle/scratch in my throat. I was helping at our lunch program and realized I was starting to feel really tired and icky, it came on very quickly. So I headed home and broke out my friend Zicam. And I'm so glad I did, here I am over 24 hours later and while I have some very, very mild cold symptoms (slightly runny nose), I'm not feeling as crummy as I would if I hadn't Zicam'd. By now I'd be in full congestion, sore throat mode and pretty miserable. I have to say, this Zicam thing is pretty darn awesome.

Update

Mon, 05 Mar 2007 14:51:33 GMT

Yes, it's been a long time since I posted something and probably tonight I'll post a big catch all update of what's been going on. However, I just had to record, for posterity, the fact that I walked to work this morning, the whole way, without falling down. Woohooo!!

The best laid plans

Thu, 22 Feb 2007 17:43:09 GMT

Alternative Title: ARE YOU FREAKING KIDDING ME??

As my Lenten Discipline I decided I'd finally start walking to work. It's only a mile but I've had one excuse after another as to why I couldn't walk. My impending trip has given me the motivation to get into slightly better shape. I'd like to be able to walk all over London and not feel half dead.

On the way home last night I checked out the sidewalks and it looked as if all the snow, sleet and ice had melted. I figured that this morning would be the inaugural walk. I grabbed the iPod, put on my comfy shoes and set out. I was bopping along, about 10 minutes in, feeling all proud of myself when *BAM* down I went. I totally failed to see a patch of ice. It was one of those that was wet on top but icy underneath so it looked like a simple puddle. I went down in magnificent fashion, falling on one of my knees and one hand and toppling over on my side. Thank goodness it wasn't the side that had my iPod in my pocket. I sat there stunned and humiliated and in a lot of pain. Finally I got myself back up, assessed that I hadn't broken anything but was wet and cold. I limped back to my apartment, changed out of my wet clothes, grabbed the car keys and drove to work.

My knee and leg are pretty sore, I'm sure in a day or two I'll have a spectacular bruise. My pride was also hurt, I have a co-worker who is well into his 60s and walks to work every day and climbs the 5 flights of stairs, he's never fallen. I can't even make it one day without going ass over tea kettle.

Oh well, I won't be defeated, I'll give my knee the weekend to recover and I'll give the ice another day or two to melt and I'll try again next week.

6 days

Mon, 19 Feb 2007 14:28:10 GMT

In six days my sister and 15 month old nephew will be arriving for a three day visit. I'm so excited I can hardly stand it. I haven't seen them since Thanksgiving and since then nephew has learned to walk. It's going to be a fun, fun visit.

However, I really need to get some sorting out done of the spare bedroom. I have a guest bed in there but I also have all the boxes I haven't unpacked. I'm off work today so in just a few minutes I'm going to fire up the iPod and start unpacking some of those boxes. Then I plan to get the house all spic and span.

Only six days . . . squee!

If you hang it, they will come

Sat, 17 Feb 2007 21:50:54 GMT

Several weeks ago I bought a suet bird feeder to hang from my balcony, being on the 3rd floor I thought I might have a decent chance of attracting some birds. It has hung there, ignored ever since, until about five minutes ago. I just looked out on the balcony and there were 4 birds snacking away. Yay!

The best sound in the world.

Sat, 17 Feb 2007 18:00:40 GMT

For me, the best sound in the world is a baby or toddler giggle, there is something so pure and infectious about their giggles. I defy even the biggest humbug not to smile when faced with a baby giggle. My sister left me a message on my work voicemail this week so I could hear my nephew (15 months) laughing his head off playing with the dog. I've probably replayed it 5 times since then.

It reminded me of one of my favorite on-line videos which I showed to some friends last night. Consequently I've just wasted 20 minutes watching other baby giggle videos. So, in order to brighten your day a little, here is my favorite.

One of America's Dirty Little Secrets

Fri, 16 Feb 2007 03:24:41 GMT

It is a disgrace that a person can be working full time and have to live in a homeless shelter. It is shameful that a person can be a working, productive member of society and yet have to sleep on a cot, in a church parish hall, moving every Sunday to another church. It is appalling that I have been volunteering at my church's shelter for five years now and nothing has changed, every year we have people that are working and yet can't afford an apartment.

Don't get me wrong, there are some people in our shelter who are unable to work due to health issues or mental health issues. However, there are a good number who are working. I don't understand how it happens and I'm sad and frustrated that I don't know how to change the situation.