My favorite song for New Years Eve.
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Ashes and new fires
Looks like we made it through another year. It had its ups and downs, its failures and successes. Pretty much like every other year in many ways, but also different.
I accomplished none of my last year's goals, but I made progress on all of them. De-cluttering, health, writing, publishing, relationships, I worked on them all. I have a tendency to be my worse enemy, always critical of what I didn't accomplish rather than celebrating the incremental steps toward success. I'd like to say I will stop doing that, but I know how deeply that habit is ingrained. I will promise to try, though.
2011 is dying into ashes now. Only hours remain of its light. 2012 is ready to blaze.
People like to say that we can start over at any time. That we don't have to wait for the year to turn. Maybe so, but there's something attractive about those resolutions made at the birth of a new year. A symbolic birth with a real birth.
Tonight I will go over to a friend's house and lift a glass to salute the old year and welcome the new. And I will think of you all. We are very different people, but we've found a place to meet and share along with a willingness to learn from each other. If you haven't already, put that in your win column.
Tomorrow I will return to discuss my goals for the new year, but for now, I will close by saying this: May God richly bless you and yours in 2012. Happy New Year!
I accomplished none of my last year's goals, but I made progress on all of them. De-cluttering, health, writing, publishing, relationships, I worked on them all. I have a tendency to be my worse enemy, always critical of what I didn't accomplish rather than celebrating the incremental steps toward success. I'd like to say I will stop doing that, but I know how deeply that habit is ingrained. I will promise to try, though.
2011 is dying into ashes now. Only hours remain of its light. 2012 is ready to blaze.
People like to say that we can start over at any time. That we don't have to wait for the year to turn. Maybe so, but there's something attractive about those resolutions made at the birth of a new year. A symbolic birth with a real birth.
Tonight I will go over to a friend's house and lift a glass to salute the old year and welcome the new. And I will think of you all. We are very different people, but we've found a place to meet and share along with a willingness to learn from each other. If you haven't already, put that in your win column.
Tomorrow I will return to discuss my goals for the new year, but for now, I will close by saying this: May God richly bless you and yours in 2012. Happy New Year!
December 31 tambometrics and look-ahead
First, I'd like to thank God for getting us through this incredibly stressful and problematic year.
It has been a journey, that's for sure!
Second, I'd like to apologize for the long, rambling, likely incoherent flavor of this post. It's one of those 'trying to cram a 56lb pissed off bobcat into a ziplock sandwich bag' issues, but I'll do my best.
The ramble's below the cut.
It has been a journey, that's for sure!
Second, I'd like to apologize for the long, rambling, likely incoherent flavor of this post. It's one of those 'trying to cram a 56lb pissed off bobcat into a ziplock sandwich bag' issues, but I'll do my best.
The ramble's below the cut.
Week 51 (Backward and Forward)
I'm not going to obsess over this, but at one time, there were 52 weeks in a year. Is that like 57 states and needing to be 21 to vote? Did I miss a week somewhere, or is this just how the weeks in 2011 rolled? Inquiring minds are not going to waste their time on this.
Looking back, 2011:
- For 2011, my stated goals were to write daily on Fooling Mother Nature and finish revising Polar Bear on the Loose. I abandoned Fooling Mother Nature early in the year. I have been stalled on Polar Bear on the Loose. The only new writing I really did was the NaNo novel at a little over 50,000 words. I advanced Polar Bear on the Loose by a few lessons.
- As I recall, we revised these goals fairly early in our experiment, because we shifted from daily reporting to weekly reporting. My focus was on writing, internet responsibilities, pets, property, health, and other things.
- I did some writing, but I don't believe I've been as serious about it as I should have been. I'm not sure how to resolve writing with maintaining my relationship with hubby. He doesn't object to writing. He objects to the apparent lack of progress with my writing. We're in agreement on that.
- Internet responsibilities are variable. I guess I did what had to be done, but I didn't sustain the learning efforts I'd said I wanted to achieve at the beginning of the year. I increased my tech responsibilities at FM a little bit, but I haven't learned anything dramatic.
- Pets are doing well. We lost Dazzle in July, but that was expected. Natasha is much more relaxed. It's taken her a long time, but she's integrated into the household enough to be relaxed most of the time. I love to update her foster mommy on her progress, because Natasha was considered nearly unadoptable; she's quite the success story. The kittens are a blast. Ajax is a hoot. Millie is mellowing with age, but I think she's lonely without Dazzle. She is getting more time in the house now that she's the only dog. She likes that.
- Property is a never-ending process and is largely driven by hubby's schedule.
- Health is of course an on-going effort, but I did some good things this year. At the beginning of the year, I needed to lose 130 or more pounds, and I was despairing that I'd ever be able to do this. I DID commit to improving my cardiovascular health. At the beginning of the year, I was surprised to see how much a difference five minutes a week made in heart rate. The point there is for people who don't do anything who think they have to kill themselves to see improvement. Nope. Start very small and very slow and build from there. I'm up to 30 minutes at a crack now, and it doesn't bother me. I've been at the point where I need to push myself a little harder for quite a while. This is something I can do with the new year. Inspired by Wendy at the end of February, I rejoined Weight Watchers and lost 40 pounds over the next six months. I "backslid" a little at the end of the year (regained 10 pounds in November). At Wendy's suggestion (it took her suggesting it a couple of times), I went on maintenance and am "coasting" through the end of the year. It has taken the pressure off me, and I'm maintaining (after a little encouragement from Tammy that helped me get back on track). I'm pleased with the progress I made in health this year. I do have a long way to go, but health is always a journey.
- Other things varied through the year, but one area I categorized under "other" was my ongoing relationship with my husband. It's hard for me to live with someone else. We're committed to each other, so that isn't an issue, but the overall quality of our relationship and interactions has been and is uneven. Some of that is the normal give and take of living together, but I want our quality of life together to be as good as possible. This is, like health, an ongoing effort.
Looking ahead, 2012:
The things I want to work toward achieving in 2012 are going to be very similar to 2011. I intend to continue working on my overall health and fitness.
Work will continue on the various properties.
It should be obvious that we'll continue to work on our relationship--which will remain in the "other" category.
I don't have particular goals for the pets other than to continue enjoying them. I probably won't report on them regularly, but they are fun to talk about --- kind of like people talking about their kids and grandchildren.
I've decided I need to take a more participatory role in Forward Motion, or I need to resign as moderator and technical team member. The tech team aspect of things would leave Zette and Mar in a bind. I don't do much, but I do take care of tedious tasks, leaving time for the more challenging things that I don't know how to do to be accomplished by Margaret and Zette. We have an enthusiastic new group of moderators, and my skills are not necessarily needed there. I'll commit to greater participation at FM this year. If I find it rewarding and worthwhile, I'll continue. If not, I need to consider if it's time for me to move along. I may not talk about that much here, but it's something I've committed to.
I need to make better use of my on-line time. I haven't figured out how, but I need to do something different from what I have been doing.
That brings me to the primary reason why we're here -- writing. The nagging, "I'm a terrible writer" wears on me. Not in the nuts and bolts of stringing words together correctly, but in the aspect that's more important that the dotted "i"s and crossed "t"s. The craft of storytelling. I seriously doubt I have the ability to take an idea and mold it into a compelling story. I can spew words. Some of them even have their moments of sounding good, but can I tell a story? That's where my doubt lies.
I'm not sure where to go from here. I plan to continue working through "How To Revise Your Novel" with Polar Bear on the Loose. Will completing that process help me with my storytelling struggles? I'm not sure.
I have several reading projects underway. First, I'm reading The Federalist Papers by email subscription. Each installment arrives in my email box on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday evening. I've deliberately chosen a brief missive, but I'm still running a few days behind. I'm also reading Durant's History of Civilization -- I'm on volume 1 of the how ever many volume set. I think it's eight volumes. I'm reading four pages at a time, also on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. I took off for NaNo and I haven't done much reading in December either. I've been winning about three books a year from LibraryThing, so I have to read them and write a review. Other than that, my annual goal is to read 50 books. I have never achieved that goal, but that's what it is.
Format for 2012:
I like Wendy's recent format change, and I think I'll begin the year with it and modify if needed.
Good stuff for the week:
- Two fence panels disassembled in preparation for disposal
- Tree top that needed cutting up is cut
- 46 Mercury front end loaded into the trailer for the trip to Central Texas
- One corner of the back yard (due to those three previous task completions) significantly straightened up
- Leaves raked and bagged
- Mulberry tree pruned
- Christmas jigsaw puzzle completed
Stuff that still needs work:
- I've made some plans this week. Will I follow through next week in the new year? I've been good at laying out what I "should" do. Now, I want to start acting on the plans.
- I am wasting too much time doing nothing on the internet. I may be retired, but I want to be productive. I do get a lot of things done, but I waste a lot of time, too. I haven't figured this one out yet.
- I need to figure out some specific writing goals. I'm failing in that area.
Plan for the next week (first week of 2012):
- Heading back to Central TX on Tuesday. I plan to begin executing my exercise plan for the new year on Wednesday (Wii and recumbent bike)
- I plan to begin processing "pro gear" books stored in my bedroom closet. I know I don't want a lot of them. They're good military books, and I hope Half Price books can use the ones I decide I don't want to keep. I'll also be sifting through paperback books with the goal of moving them to Half Price as well.
- I need to resume processing my boxes of personal items I've collected throughout my life. I need to throw out the stuff that is obviously trash. I need to re-home a lot of items I know I don't care about but somebody else might have a use for -- some of those items become inventory for the yard sale; some go to GoodWill.
- I'll resume work on "How to Revise Your Novel" and Polar Bear on the Loose.
- The plan is to do those first four items before I do anything on-line.
- I think that's enough for the week. I'll be working on other things as well.
Wishing you all a prosperous and happy new year!
Looking back, 2011:
- For 2011, my stated goals were to write daily on Fooling Mother Nature and finish revising Polar Bear on the Loose. I abandoned Fooling Mother Nature early in the year. I have been stalled on Polar Bear on the Loose. The only new writing I really did was the NaNo novel at a little over 50,000 words. I advanced Polar Bear on the Loose by a few lessons.
- As I recall, we revised these goals fairly early in our experiment, because we shifted from daily reporting to weekly reporting. My focus was on writing, internet responsibilities, pets, property, health, and other things.
- I did some writing, but I don't believe I've been as serious about it as I should have been. I'm not sure how to resolve writing with maintaining my relationship with hubby. He doesn't object to writing. He objects to the apparent lack of progress with my writing. We're in agreement on that.
- Internet responsibilities are variable. I guess I did what had to be done, but I didn't sustain the learning efforts I'd said I wanted to achieve at the beginning of the year. I increased my tech responsibilities at FM a little bit, but I haven't learned anything dramatic.
- Pets are doing well. We lost Dazzle in July, but that was expected. Natasha is much more relaxed. It's taken her a long time, but she's integrated into the household enough to be relaxed most of the time. I love to update her foster mommy on her progress, because Natasha was considered nearly unadoptable; she's quite the success story. The kittens are a blast. Ajax is a hoot. Millie is mellowing with age, but I think she's lonely without Dazzle. She is getting more time in the house now that she's the only dog. She likes that.
- Property is a never-ending process and is largely driven by hubby's schedule.
- Health is of course an on-going effort, but I did some good things this year. At the beginning of the year, I needed to lose 130 or more pounds, and I was despairing that I'd ever be able to do this. I DID commit to improving my cardiovascular health. At the beginning of the year, I was surprised to see how much a difference five minutes a week made in heart rate. The point there is for people who don't do anything who think they have to kill themselves to see improvement. Nope. Start very small and very slow and build from there. I'm up to 30 minutes at a crack now, and it doesn't bother me. I've been at the point where I need to push myself a little harder for quite a while. This is something I can do with the new year. Inspired by Wendy at the end of February, I rejoined Weight Watchers and lost 40 pounds over the next six months. I "backslid" a little at the end of the year (regained 10 pounds in November). At Wendy's suggestion (it took her suggesting it a couple of times), I went on maintenance and am "coasting" through the end of the year. It has taken the pressure off me, and I'm maintaining (after a little encouragement from Tammy that helped me get back on track). I'm pleased with the progress I made in health this year. I do have a long way to go, but health is always a journey.
- Other things varied through the year, but one area I categorized under "other" was my ongoing relationship with my husband. It's hard for me to live with someone else. We're committed to each other, so that isn't an issue, but the overall quality of our relationship and interactions has been and is uneven. Some of that is the normal give and take of living together, but I want our quality of life together to be as good as possible. This is, like health, an ongoing effort.
Looking ahead, 2012:
The things I want to work toward achieving in 2012 are going to be very similar to 2011. I intend to continue working on my overall health and fitness.
Work will continue on the various properties.
It should be obvious that we'll continue to work on our relationship--which will remain in the "other" category.
I don't have particular goals for the pets other than to continue enjoying them. I probably won't report on them regularly, but they are fun to talk about --- kind of like people talking about their kids and grandchildren.
I've decided I need to take a more participatory role in Forward Motion, or I need to resign as moderator and technical team member. The tech team aspect of things would leave Zette and Mar in a bind. I don't do much, but I do take care of tedious tasks, leaving time for the more challenging things that I don't know how to do to be accomplished by Margaret and Zette. We have an enthusiastic new group of moderators, and my skills are not necessarily needed there. I'll commit to greater participation at FM this year. If I find it rewarding and worthwhile, I'll continue. If not, I need to consider if it's time for me to move along. I may not talk about that much here, but it's something I've committed to.
I need to make better use of my on-line time. I haven't figured out how, but I need to do something different from what I have been doing.
That brings me to the primary reason why we're here -- writing. The nagging, "I'm a terrible writer" wears on me. Not in the nuts and bolts of stringing words together correctly, but in the aspect that's more important that the dotted "i"s and crossed "t"s. The craft of storytelling. I seriously doubt I have the ability to take an idea and mold it into a compelling story. I can spew words. Some of them even have their moments of sounding good, but can I tell a story? That's where my doubt lies.
I'm not sure where to go from here. I plan to continue working through "How To Revise Your Novel" with Polar Bear on the Loose. Will completing that process help me with my storytelling struggles? I'm not sure.
I have several reading projects underway. First, I'm reading The Federalist Papers by email subscription. Each installment arrives in my email box on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday evening. I've deliberately chosen a brief missive, but I'm still running a few days behind. I'm also reading Durant's History of Civilization -- I'm on volume 1 of the how ever many volume set. I think it's eight volumes. I'm reading four pages at a time, also on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. I took off for NaNo and I haven't done much reading in December either. I've been winning about three books a year from LibraryThing, so I have to read them and write a review. Other than that, my annual goal is to read 50 books. I have never achieved that goal, but that's what it is.
Format for 2012:
I like Wendy's recent format change, and I think I'll begin the year with it and modify if needed.
Good stuff for the week:
- Two fence panels disassembled in preparation for disposal
- Tree top that needed cutting up is cut
- 46 Mercury front end loaded into the trailer for the trip to Central Texas
- One corner of the back yard (due to those three previous task completions) significantly straightened up
- Leaves raked and bagged
- Mulberry tree pruned
- Christmas jigsaw puzzle completed
Stuff that still needs work:
- I've made some plans this week. Will I follow through next week in the new year? I've been good at laying out what I "should" do. Now, I want to start acting on the plans.
- I am wasting too much time doing nothing on the internet. I may be retired, but I want to be productive. I do get a lot of things done, but I waste a lot of time, too. I haven't figured this one out yet.
- I need to figure out some specific writing goals. I'm failing in that area.
Plan for the next week (first week of 2012):
- Heading back to Central TX on Tuesday. I plan to begin executing my exercise plan for the new year on Wednesday (Wii and recumbent bike)
- I plan to begin processing "pro gear" books stored in my bedroom closet. I know I don't want a lot of them. They're good military books, and I hope Half Price books can use the ones I decide I don't want to keep. I'll also be sifting through paperback books with the goal of moving them to Half Price as well.
- I need to resume processing my boxes of personal items I've collected throughout my life. I need to throw out the stuff that is obviously trash. I need to re-home a lot of items I know I don't care about but somebody else might have a use for -- some of those items become inventory for the yard sale; some go to GoodWill.
- I'll resume work on "How to Revise Your Novel" and Polar Bear on the Loose.
- The plan is to do those first four items before I do anything on-line.
- I think that's enough for the week. I'll be working on other things as well.
Wishing you all a prosperous and happy new year!
Friday, December 30, 2011
2011 recap
I hunted down my goals from last year. The lesson I've learned this year is that in addition to posting my goals on a blog, I need to write them out and keep them where I can see them. They might be accomplished easier if I remember what they are. Here's how they shook out:
Write 6 days a week, at least 500 words a day. I'm pretty sure I can swing that even in edit/research mode. Finish 2 novels. Erm, no. Not even close. I sort of finished one, but it's going to take a lot to get it into any sort of shape.
Cut household clutter to make my house easier to maintain. I'd call this about 1/3 done. I've gotten some of the clutter down, but there's a long way to go.
Go to the gym. It's an accomplishment to go one day a week now. I will commit to one day, plus I will be adding one day per quarter. It doesn't sound like much, but squeezing 4-5 days a week in right away hasn't worked. Yes! Well, sort of. I'm going 2-3 times a week, but it's every single week.
Cut refined sugar intake. I haven't come up with a good way to measure this, and the goal was rather vague to begin with. I think I'm eating less refined foods all the way around, but I can't really be sure.
Spend at least a few minutes a day, every day, studying the Bible. This was a fits and starts one, too. The last couple of months have been better.
For 2012, I would like to continue the clutter assault and write more regularly and consistently. This is maybe the 10th year I've said I want to write more consistently. I haven't done it yet. I'm open to suggestions.
As far as the past week, there isn't a lot to report. I've been knitting and trying to get organized to go to Florida. I've gotten some stuff done, but nothing very noteworthy.
I hope you all have a very Happy New Year, both the celebration and the year in general.
Write 6 days a week, at least 500 words a day. I'm pretty sure I can swing that even in edit/research mode. Finish 2 novels. Erm, no. Not even close. I sort of finished one, but it's going to take a lot to get it into any sort of shape.
Cut household clutter to make my house easier to maintain. I'd call this about 1/3 done. I've gotten some of the clutter down, but there's a long way to go.
Go to the gym. It's an accomplishment to go one day a week now. I will commit to one day, plus I will be adding one day per quarter. It doesn't sound like much, but squeezing 4-5 days a week in right away hasn't worked. Yes! Well, sort of. I'm going 2-3 times a week, but it's every single week.
Cut refined sugar intake. I haven't come up with a good way to measure this, and the goal was rather vague to begin with. I think I'm eating less refined foods all the way around, but I can't really be sure.
Spend at least a few minutes a day, every day, studying the Bible. This was a fits and starts one, too. The last couple of months have been better.
For 2012, I would like to continue the clutter assault and write more regularly and consistently. This is maybe the 10th year I've said I want to write more consistently. I haven't done it yet. I'm open to suggestions.
As far as the past week, there isn't a lot to report. I've been knitting and trying to get organized to go to Florida. I've gotten some stuff done, but nothing very noteworthy.
I hope you all have a very Happy New Year, both the celebration and the year in general.
Monday, December 26, 2011
Site Status Query
I'm wondering if we want to take this blog private to just the four of us? Right now, it's open to the public. I don't think anyone else comes here. But we do discuss things that are more private to just us. I believe we do so with the knowledge that it's a public place.
When posting to the internet, there's always an element that the information can may be exposed, even if it's set to a private setting. With that in mind, do we want to maintain this as an open blog, or would we wish to switch it to private for just our group (and anyone we choose to add at a later date)?
Also, please look over your site "About" page and let me know if anything needs to be changed. If more than a word or two, just send me what you want, and I'll copy over the old with the new.
When posting to the internet, there's always an element that the information can may be exposed, even if it's set to a private setting. With that in mind, do we want to maintain this as an open blog, or would we wish to switch it to private for just our group (and anyone we choose to add at a later date)?
Also, please look over your site "About" page and let me know if anything needs to be changed. If more than a word or two, just send me what you want, and I'll copy over the old with the new.
Sunday, December 25, 2011
Merry Christmas!
I hope you're all having a wonderful day. My day's already been made. I squished into a back pew at church with Eric AND both kids to just worship. I didn't have to sing today; next week will be business as usual.
Good stuff:
Thank you for the past year. It's been a huge blessing to have a safe place to come and talk about things I don't want to put on my blog, and to know that y'all are here for support. What a relief to not have to be positive all the time! It's not been the best year for any of us, but it hasn't been the worst year, either. Not for me, at least. I go into the new year praying blessings on you all.
Good stuff:
- It's Christmas!
- Vicky and I went to the art museum to see Monet's Waterlillies on Tuesday. Then we stopped for a little shopping. We also got lost in St Louis, but I posted about that on my blog so you've probably already seen that.
- While we were shopping, I found a really pretty silk yarn in bright primary colors. Vicky liked it so I got it to knit a scarf for her. It's almost done; just another hour or so, I think.
- Swam twice.
- Tomorrow we'll hit some Christmas sales and have lunch out. It's always a good opportunity to hang out with the family. I'm treasuring these times now because after next year, Alex may not be home for Christmas. He's planning to go into the Navy after college so I won't be able to take these family holidays for granted anymore.
Good enough stuff:
- I got a few words in, but not as many as I wanted. I've decided to take the rest of the year off.
- Didn't get the cookies made yet, but we have enough sugar around the house right now. I'll do them next week. Maybe.
- The boyfriend took Vicky to see Sherlock Holmes for her birthday. We haven't been to see it yet, but I imagine we will.
Thank you for the past year. It's been a huge blessing to have a safe place to come and talk about things I don't want to put on my blog, and to know that y'all are here for support. What a relief to not have to be positive all the time! It's not been the best year for any of us, but it hasn't been the worst year, either. Not for me, at least. I go into the new year praying blessings on you all.
Saturday, December 24, 2011
Christmas weekend tambometrics
We're home for the weekend (mostly because Bill's working, delivering all those last minute presents and cards), then off to visit family next week. Busy, busy, but that's good. :)
Writing
Nothing at all to report. I keep trying to write, but I got nuthin'. Too tired, I think.
Sewing
Finished a bed quilt and a baby quilt. Still have a stocking to get done.
Also, I signed up for a quilt retreat in February. I'm not good at retreats, but it *is* good for me to get out and do things and not be such a hermit. I don't meant to be a hermit, it just seems to work out that way.
Life
Busy but good. Been baking a lot (finishing today), and there are all those last minute holiday errands - oh, crap! forgot to get (fill in the blank). Planning on a good dinner here at home, with ham, scalloped corn, scalloped potatoes, good bread, etc. Should be yummy.
House
Not much happening with the house. lol We're here, and all is well. :)
Health
Lost all but one pound of the uptick in weight, mostly because I got back on my water drinking. It's amazing how not drinking adds weight.
Pulled a muscle in my mid back and I'm pretty sure it's from marathon sewing at the machine and hand-sewing binding. It's more of an annoyance than anything, and ibuprofen helps.
I forgot to put on my rosacea medicine yesterday and, maaaaan, I sure can tell today. Dang redness and stinging!! ;)
Everything Else
Looking forward to all the family stuff next week while Bill's on vacation. Usually we stay home for the whole holiday, so all this travel will be weird, but we have hotel reservations made, plans all set up, and, as we head back north, we're picking up our niece, Kate, to hang out with us over few days of her Christmas break. That'll be fun! :)
It's been a great year hanging out with you all and I cant wait 'til next year!! {{huggs}}
Friday, December 23, 2011
Eve of Christmas Eve
Just one more week in the year, and frankly, I'll be glad to see 2011 go. It's been a hard year. But there have been good things in it, also. And one of those good things has been this blog. I've been privileged to share your lives. You've all been more faithful here than I have been, and I appreciated your support and encouragement throughout the year.
Next week I'll be talking about what I want to accomplish in 2012. Got big plans, but all seem doable. At least at this point. What are your goals for the next year? Maybe we could all share them next year.
This week:
Mostly did cleaning, cooking, and Christmas shopping and Christmas wrapping. No writing. No decluttering.
Health:
No walking this week, besides Monday. Meant to, but got hurt Wednesday. Went to lunch with a friend of mine, and as I existed the booth, it collapsed, pinning my leg under the bench. A support board landed on my ankle and my knee received a huge twist as I tumbled to the floor. Nothing broke, thank the Good Lord, but lots of swelling and bruising. I limped around the rest of the day, but Thursday was terrible. Today isn't so bad. It's getting better.
Christmas:
I usually spend Christmas alone. Have most years since my parents passed away. It's sometimes lonely, but it's peaceful and lazy, too. But this year, my roomie isn't going to be going home that day, so I'll actually have someone here. I'm pleased. Decided to make a fairly large Christmas dinner. Ham, potatoes, salad, veggies, rolls, frosted banana bread, etc.
Supposed to go to a friend's house Christmas Eve and have dinner and then go to a Christmas Eve service afterwards.
Will have Christmas with my sibs and nieces and nephew next week.
Still have some wrapping to do, but all the presents are bought, all the cards mailed, all the decorations that are going to be put up have been put up.
In conclusion:
I wish you all the best and hope you have a blessed and joyous Christmas. Merry Christmas, y'all!
Next week I'll be talking about what I want to accomplish in 2012. Got big plans, but all seem doable. At least at this point. What are your goals for the next year? Maybe we could all share them next year.
This week:
Mostly did cleaning, cooking, and Christmas shopping and Christmas wrapping. No writing. No decluttering.
Health:
No walking this week, besides Monday. Meant to, but got hurt Wednesday. Went to lunch with a friend of mine, and as I existed the booth, it collapsed, pinning my leg under the bench. A support board landed on my ankle and my knee received a huge twist as I tumbled to the floor. Nothing broke, thank the Good Lord, but lots of swelling and bruising. I limped around the rest of the day, but Thursday was terrible. Today isn't so bad. It's getting better.
Christmas:
I usually spend Christmas alone. Have most years since my parents passed away. It's sometimes lonely, but it's peaceful and lazy, too. But this year, my roomie isn't going to be going home that day, so I'll actually have someone here. I'm pleased. Decided to make a fairly large Christmas dinner. Ham, potatoes, salad, veggies, rolls, frosted banana bread, etc.
Supposed to go to a friend's house Christmas Eve and have dinner and then go to a Christmas Eve service afterwards.
Will have Christmas with my sibs and nieces and nephew next week.
Still have some wrapping to do, but all the presents are bought, all the cards mailed, all the decorations that are going to be put up have been put up.
In conclusion:
I wish you all the best and hope you have a blessed and joyous Christmas. Merry Christmas, y'all!
Week 50
And it's Christmas Eve, too. May Santa bring you a little of what you want and all of what you really need. I know you've been good boy and girls this year.
The Good
Stephen. Thank you for proposing this idea around this time last year. I was happy to help you admin it, but I confess I was skeptical about how well it would turn out. I don't know if we've made your vision a reality in the way you envisioned it, but I'm thankful the four of us have been together this year.
Wendy. Thank you for publicly taking the step to sign up with Weight Watchers because you BMI had crept up and yo didn't want it to get out of control. I'd nearly given up hope that I would ever be able to do anything about my ever-increasing weight. When you posted, something inside me clicked, and I decided to do it, too. I am down 30+ pounds from where I started. I had been as low as 42 pounds down, but I've struggled a bit these last couple of months and regained some. You've also encouraged me as I've struggled with useful suggestions.
Tammy. Thank you for your perception and support not only these last few months but over the last few weeks.
You all have been good friends and supporters this year. I hope we'll continue to grow and support one another over the next year and beyond. Merry Christmas!
The Good
Stephen. Thank you for proposing this idea around this time last year. I was happy to help you admin it, but I confess I was skeptical about how well it would turn out. I don't know if we've made your vision a reality in the way you envisioned it, but I'm thankful the four of us have been together this year.
Wendy. Thank you for publicly taking the step to sign up with Weight Watchers because you BMI had crept up and yo didn't want it to get out of control. I'd nearly given up hope that I would ever be able to do anything about my ever-increasing weight. When you posted, something inside me clicked, and I decided to do it, too. I am down 30+ pounds from where I started. I had been as low as 42 pounds down, but I've struggled a bit these last couple of months and regained some. You've also encouraged me as I've struggled with useful suggestions.
Tammy. Thank you for your perception and support not only these last few months but over the last few weeks.
You all have been good friends and supporters this year. I hope we'll continue to grow and support one another over the next year and beyond. Merry Christmas!
Sunday, December 18, 2011
Week 49
I'm retaining the boring titling through the end of the year. I'm going to give Wendy's format a try.
Good Stuff:
- Hubby is feeling better every week
- Hubby played his double bell euphonium in the Tubameisters' Tuba Christmas event on the Riverwalk. I captured the event on video. This is a great annual community event open to tuba players young and old experienced and inexperienced.
- We're back to San Antonio for a couple of weeks.
- I brought El Narco and the Durant world history book, so I can keep up with my reading.
- Christmas is done for us -- cards and presents have been sent. Mom told us all she wanted a Kindle Fire, so we got her one, but my dad bought one for her. I told my niece (I'd had it shipped to her to preserve the surprise) to go ahead and give them and give Mom the link for returns. That way, she can get something else she wants -- maybe books.
- Vacuumed the yard and got the leaves picked up -- the red oak still has most of its leaves, and when they drop, it will be a job to get them raked up
Not So Good Stuff:
- For no good reason, I've been down in the dumps. I'm sure you've noticed, but I feel bad for feeling that way, because there is truly no good reason for me to be down in the dumps.
- I forgot to bring the PBOTL bag of stuff with me. Do you think that was a subliminal desire not to mess with it yet? I do.
This Week:
- I'm going to do refresher reading for How To Revise Your Novel (since I forgot to bring the work, I may as well do some refresher reading).
- Yard work is under way -- more will need to be done
- House stuff will need to be taken care of as well
Good Stuff:
- Hubby is feeling better every week
- Hubby played his double bell euphonium in the Tubameisters' Tuba Christmas event on the Riverwalk. I captured the event on video. This is a great annual community event open to tuba players young and old experienced and inexperienced.
- We're back to San Antonio for a couple of weeks.
- I brought El Narco and the Durant world history book, so I can keep up with my reading.
- Christmas is done for us -- cards and presents have been sent. Mom told us all she wanted a Kindle Fire, so we got her one, but my dad bought one for her. I told my niece (I'd had it shipped to her to preserve the surprise) to go ahead and give them and give Mom the link for returns. That way, she can get something else she wants -- maybe books.
- Vacuumed the yard and got the leaves picked up -- the red oak still has most of its leaves, and when they drop, it will be a job to get them raked up
Not So Good Stuff:
- For no good reason, I've been down in the dumps. I'm sure you've noticed, but I feel bad for feeling that way, because there is truly no good reason for me to be down in the dumps.
- I forgot to bring the PBOTL bag of stuff with me. Do you think that was a subliminal desire not to mess with it yet? I do.
This Week:
- I'm going to do refresher reading for How To Revise Your Novel (since I forgot to bring the work, I may as well do some refresher reading).
- Yard work is under way -- more will need to be done
- House stuff will need to be taken care of as well
December 18 tambometrics
Crazy busy insane. :) But not in a bad way.
Writing
Same as last week. Nothing to report. No words, no news.
That said, Bill and I talked some about me and my writing and, well, I'm shelving Stain for a while to pursue something I'm more passionate about. What that is, I have no idea, but surely there's something.
Since all of you have read M, and most - if not all - of you have read the Dubric books, I'm open to suggestions of potential directions to take. I honestly don't know what type of books I should be writing, given the limits of my ability and the thematic elements I tend to tackle.
Sewing
Finished a table topper for Christmas and sewed a super-cool reversible cape for my sister's grandson. It seriously rocks!
Life
Pretty good! Made some progress on several personal fronts, had some great 'just us' time with Bill. We're all feeling fine, doing fine.
Bill's been carrying mail on a walk-route out of town, so he comes home pretty pooped. But at least he's busy, and he's working.
House
House has closed. So that chapter of our life is DONE. Woot! In other household news, I have decided that pet hair is the bane of my existence. I think I've gathered it all and thrown it away (sweep, swiffer, wipe, vacuum, over and over), only to turn around and find more! It's apparently breeding fluff bunnies all on its own. ;)
But it is winter, and we have a menagerie. But still. Super tired of pet hair. Bleargh.
Health
Hit a new low on Monday, but have crept back up about 2 lbs. I don't know why. Been drinking plenty of water. Been exercising. Haven't been snacking. Just one of those things.
Everything Else
Finally sent out Christmas cards and began holiday baking. All in all, things are pretty great. :)
Have a happy week before Christmas, everyone!! {{huggs}}
busy?
Y'all must be off doing fun holiday stuff. I don't remember the last time I posted first. Here goes:
Good stuff:
- Vicky's 19th bday is tomorrow. Where've all those years gone?
- Eric, Alex and I went to see Trans-Siberian Orchestra yesterday. It was a great show, as always.
- The decorating I'm going to do is done. I even found all the Christmas stockings. Every year I plan to put them away with the decorations, and every year the rest of my family hides them.
- Moved the rocking chair upstairs.
- Swam twice; skipped the third after I cut myself at work. The Y doesn't like people swimming with open wounds, and I'm good with that 'cause it's a salt water pool.
- Christmas shopping is done, and I've even done a test stuff of the kids' stockings.
- Knitted not one but two scarves.
- Remembered afternoon supplements every day.
Not so good stuff:
- Wrote closer to 2,000 words, far short of the 5,000 I wanted.
- Spent much of the week feeling overwhelmed. I know, you're shocked, right?
- Got my sinuses acupunctured on Thursday in an effort to tame my allergies. My thinking is that if I can get them under control in the winter, maybe spring will be easier. I've been eating local honey and taking extra Vitamin C for this purpose, too, because the allergy meds I'm on are expensive. Anyhoo, the acupuncture worked extra well. My sinuses drained so fast I lost my voice. I was able to sing this morning, but it was a near thing! I'm scheduled for twice this week, but I might cancel the second if I react again like I did last time. My voice has to be in good shape Saturday afternoon for our Christmas Eve service.
This week:
- Shoot for 3,000 words
- Plan menus and grocery shop
- Spend as much time as possible with my family while everyone is on school break
- Go see Sherlock Holmes (?)
- Make orange cake cookies
Just in case I get all caught up in the holidays, Merry Christmas! I've been blessed having you in my life this year, and I'm looking forward to what's coming next year.
Good stuff:
- Vicky's 19th bday is tomorrow. Where've all those years gone?
- Eric, Alex and I went to see Trans-Siberian Orchestra yesterday. It was a great show, as always.
- The decorating I'm going to do is done. I even found all the Christmas stockings. Every year I plan to put them away with the decorations, and every year the rest of my family hides them.
- Moved the rocking chair upstairs.
- Swam twice; skipped the third after I cut myself at work. The Y doesn't like people swimming with open wounds, and I'm good with that 'cause it's a salt water pool.
- Christmas shopping is done, and I've even done a test stuff of the kids' stockings.
- Knitted not one but two scarves.
- Remembered afternoon supplements every day.
Not so good stuff:
- Wrote closer to 2,000 words, far short of the 5,000 I wanted.
- Spent much of the week feeling overwhelmed. I know, you're shocked, right?
- Got my sinuses acupunctured on Thursday in an effort to tame my allergies. My thinking is that if I can get them under control in the winter, maybe spring will be easier. I've been eating local honey and taking extra Vitamin C for this purpose, too, because the allergy meds I'm on are expensive. Anyhoo, the acupuncture worked extra well. My sinuses drained so fast I lost my voice. I was able to sing this morning, but it was a near thing! I'm scheduled for twice this week, but I might cancel the second if I react again like I did last time. My voice has to be in good shape Saturday afternoon for our Christmas Eve service.
This week:
- Shoot for 3,000 words
- Plan menus and grocery shop
- Spend as much time as possible with my family while everyone is on school break
- Go see Sherlock Holmes (?)
- Make orange cake cookies
Just in case I get all caught up in the holidays, Merry Christmas! I've been blessed having you in my life this year, and I'm looking forward to what's coming next year.
Monday, December 12, 2011
Sunday, December 11, 2011
December 11 tambometrics
Up, down, all around
Writing
Nothing to report. No words, no news.
Sewing
Sewed some. Got the binding on the Christmas quilt - still need to finish the hand work - and about 1/2 of the quilting done on the bright and black quilt.
Life
About the same as usual. It's been really cold and we got about 8 inches of snow early in the week, so we've been staying home. Mostly. Played a lot of phone tag with various people and companies because, wouldn't you know, they call when I'm out checking mail or putting the dog in his pen.
Finished Christmas shopping so that's done at least.
House
House is finally closing! Woot!
Health
Down 2 more pounds, mostly because I haven't really been hungry.
Everything Else
Bill's been detailed to carrying mail in a small town about 30 min from here, and he'll be doing that the remainder of the year. After that... We don't know.
Keep on keeping on, everyone and have a lovely week!