Posts
(Yes, I'm back-posting this entry.)
I spent the evening watching the "Twilight Zone" marathon on the Sci-Fi Channel with DD. She is four years old, you know, and she seemed enthralled with the episodes. She liked the ones with kids in them. DH had to work.
When he got home around 9:30pm, we watched the movie "Dodgeball," which was a silly movie and just what I needed. I think we were both asleep by 11:30pm.
I avoided watching the New Year's Eve countdowns on the regular tv channels. "TZ" was much more interesting. I think I could watch a program about a cornfield growing and DD would say it was her favorite show. :)
Happy New Year, everyone! I hope this year brings all of you many wonderful and happy things. Thanks for reading my blog!
Friday, December 31, 2004
Tuesday, December 28, 2004
Gmail invites
I have six gmail invites. The first six people who would like an invite, please email me (see the sidebar on the right).
Today's News of Note
Hello Kitty turned 30.
Author and intellectual Susan Sontag died.
The Southeast Asian tsunami has killed 44,000, with the death toll to surely rise further.
Author and intellectual Susan Sontag died.
The Southeast Asian tsunami has killed 44,000, with the death toll to surely rise further.
Saturday, December 25, 2004
Xmas Day
I was more excited about Christmas Day than DD. I think I must have woken up three or four times in the night. Finally, DH & I got up around 6:30 and woke up DD. We told her to go downstairs to see if Santa came, and she hurried down the steps, only to return a few moments later, shrieking that he had indeed dropped off gifts.
Santa left her a note, thanking her for the milk and cookies. It was really amazing to see her delight. This is about the first year that she's been into the whole Santa thing. Some people don't lie to their children about Santa, but to me, Santa is as real as he can be. (I am still disappointed that an actual flesh-and-blood Santa does not exist!)
She got so many gifts, mainly art supplies. I received two large candles, two chocolate oranges, U2's "Atomic Bomb" CD, and other stuff from DH. After we opened our gifts, we got ready to go to my mom's house.
My parents showered us with gifts as well. We all got money, too. It was nice to be able to spend all day there rather than have to hurry around to other relatives' houses. In the late afternoon, the family went to my aunt's house for Xmas dinner. She fixed italian beef and ham, cheesy potatoes, green beans, and corn. My mom brought a fruit pizza and fudge. We stuffed ourselves.
I received all the gifts I wanted: this calendar, candles, and chocolate oranges from DH, and this set of figurines from my sister. (I'd really like to get this one in the future.)
I hope you all had a wonderful holiday!
Santa left her a note, thanking her for the milk and cookies. It was really amazing to see her delight. This is about the first year that she's been into the whole Santa thing. Some people don't lie to their children about Santa, but to me, Santa is as real as he can be. (I am still disappointed that an actual flesh-and-blood Santa does not exist!)
She got so many gifts, mainly art supplies. I received two large candles, two chocolate oranges, U2's "Atomic Bomb" CD, and other stuff from DH. After we opened our gifts, we got ready to go to my mom's house.
My parents showered us with gifts as well. We all got money, too. It was nice to be able to spend all day there rather than have to hurry around to other relatives' houses. In the late afternoon, the family went to my aunt's house for Xmas dinner. She fixed italian beef and ham, cheesy potatoes, green beans, and corn. My mom brought a fruit pizza and fudge. We stuffed ourselves.
I received all the gifts I wanted: this calendar, candles, and chocolate oranges from DH, and this set of figurines from my sister. (I'd really like to get this one in the future.)
I hope you all had a wonderful holiday!
Friday, December 24, 2004
Xmas Eve
We spent Xmas Eve day at my in-laws. FIL had to work, since he's a postal employee and all the trucks were late because of the severe winter snowstorm that blanketed the Ohio River Valley. MIL cooked chicken and noodles for lunch and it was delicious. My gingerbread and cookies didn't turn out so well, but we ate them anyway. After lunch, we opened our gifts.
DD got a doll and a remote-controlled truck. DH and I got money. MIL liked the suncatcher we gave her. Then, after the gifts were opened, DH, DD, and MIL played Jenga and we sat around and chatted. FIL arrived later in the afternoon, and he liked the shirt we gave him.
I think DH was disappointed that his sister and her family weren't there to celebrate with us, but I told him that it was the thought that counted. His parents had decided to spend Xmas Day at his sister's, so he was not too enthused about having to spend all of Xmas Day with my extended family. :)
It was different this year since DH's relatives had been ill. His grandfather had just gotten out of the hospital. His mother was still recovering from her surgery that she had three months ago. Other people in his extended family were also recovering from surgery, plus the weather was bad. So, it was just one of those years.
DD got a doll and a remote-controlled truck. DH and I got money. MIL liked the suncatcher we gave her. Then, after the gifts were opened, DH, DD, and MIL played Jenga and we sat around and chatted. FIL arrived later in the afternoon, and he liked the shirt we gave him.
I think DH was disappointed that his sister and her family weren't there to celebrate with us, but I told him that it was the thought that counted. His parents had decided to spend Xmas Day at his sister's, so he was not too enthused about having to spend all of Xmas Day with my extended family. :)
It was different this year since DH's relatives had been ill. His grandfather had just gotten out of the hospital. His mother was still recovering from her surgery that she had three months ago. Other people in his extended family were also recovering from surgery, plus the weather was bad. So, it was just one of those years.
Thursday, December 23, 2004
A few more hours until freedom
Last night, DH and I baked cookies. I stirred up the oatmeal cookie dough and he put it on the pans to bake in the oven. I hate that part, but he enjoys it, so I guess it works out okay. Then he made white-chocolate-covered pretzels. Tonight I will make gingerbread while he's at work. Mmmm... I can almost smell it now.
DD is getting very excited about Santa's impending arrival. Each day, when she moves another decoration on the advent calendar, she counts down the remaining days.
It snowed a little overnight and she was begging us to go out and play, but it's much too cold. The wind chill makes it feel like it's 20 degress below zero. Brrrr.... I'm cold right now, since my desk is on an outside wall.
For some reason, this week seems to have crawled by slowly, but at the same time, the evenings have flown by. I guess I am as anxious as anyone for the holiday to arrive. :)
After I make the gingerbread, I'll be finished with my holiday preparations. On Christmas Eve, we'll be going to the in-laws, but DH's sister and her family won't be there. Her husband just had some knee surgery and they don't want to travel (even though they live only an hour away). DH's parents will be going to their house that evening to spend the night with them. So, on Christmas Day, we'll be spending all day at my parents' house, after we celebrate at home, of course. It will be a lot easier on us, since we only have the one family gathering to go to. Usually, we have to go to three gatherings, but my mother-in-law's extended family isn't getting together this year. Too many of them have had surgery and are still not feeling well.
I hope you all have a happy holiday season!
DD is getting very excited about Santa's impending arrival. Each day, when she moves another decoration on the advent calendar, she counts down the remaining days.
It snowed a little overnight and she was begging us to go out and play, but it's much too cold. The wind chill makes it feel like it's 20 degress below zero. Brrrr.... I'm cold right now, since my desk is on an outside wall.
For some reason, this week seems to have crawled by slowly, but at the same time, the evenings have flown by. I guess I am as anxious as anyone for the holiday to arrive. :)
After I make the gingerbread, I'll be finished with my holiday preparations. On Christmas Eve, we'll be going to the in-laws, but DH's sister and her family won't be there. Her husband just had some knee surgery and they don't want to travel (even though they live only an hour away). DH's parents will be going to their house that evening to spend the night with them. So, on Christmas Day, we'll be spending all day at my parents' house, after we celebrate at home, of course. It will be a lot easier on us, since we only have the one family gathering to go to. Usually, we have to go to three gatherings, but my mother-in-law's extended family isn't getting together this year. Too many of them have had surgery and are still not feeling well.
I hope you all have a happy holiday season!
2004 Year in Review
(stolen from Richard Wright's blog)
1. What did you do in 2004 that you'd never done before? I wrote more this year than ever before.
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year? Completing Nanowrimo's goal of 50,000 words in one month.
9. What was your biggest failure? Losing 75,000 words when my computer hard drive died in July.
10. Did you suffer illness or injury? No, other than a couple of minor colds.
11. What was the best thing you bought? A DVD player with surround sound.
12. Whose behavior merited celebration? My own, because I broke the bad habit of internet addiction.
13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed? My own, because I had to give up my internet addiction, which made me sad and depressed.
14. Where did most of your money go? The mortgage, of course
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about? Finishing Nanowrimo!
16. What song will always remind you of 2004? "My Immortal," Evanescence
17. Compared to this time last year, are you: a) happier or sadder; b) thinner or fatter; c) richer or poorer?: a) less depressed, more hopeful for a better future; b) fatter, but working on it; c) poorer, most definitely
18. What do you wish you'd done more of? Written even more
19. What do you wish you'd done less of? Wasted time in depression
20. How will you be spending Christmas? with my parents and family
21. Did you fall in love in 2004? No
22. How many one-night stands? None
23. What was your favorite TV program? "Lost," by far
24. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year? No (feel guilty about, perhaps)
25. What was the best book you read? I read too many to keep track.
26. What was your greatest musical discovery? ??????
27. What did you want and get? a better relationship with DH
28. What did you want and not get? friendship
29. What was your favorite film of this year? As far as ones I saw, "Chronicles of Riddick," "King Arthur," or "Troy," I guess.
30. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you? I was 32, and we went to see "Chronicles of Riddick."
31.What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying? More money!
32. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2004? What Not to Wear
33. What kept you sane? My paper journal
34. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most? I don't like celebrities.
35. What political issue stirred you the most? I quit watching the news, because political issues were depressing me.
36. Who did you miss? an old friend with whom I lost touch
37. Who was the best new person you met? I didn't meet anyone new.
38. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2004: "I was not the only one.' Joyce Maynard, "At Home in the World"
1. What did you do in 2004 that you'd never done before? I wrote more this year than ever before.
2. Did you keep your new years' resolutions, and will you make more for next year? I didn't make any, other than to write more, and yes, I achieved that at least. I will probably make some goals for 2005.
3. Did anyone close to you give birth? Yes, my roommate from college had a baby boy in April, and my Australian pen pal had a baby boy in October.
4. Did anyone close to you die? No
5. What countries did you visit? None
6. What would you like to have in 2005 that you lacked in 2004? Some vacation time!
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year? Completing Nanowrimo's goal of 50,000 words in one month.
9. What was your biggest failure? Losing 75,000 words when my computer hard drive died in July.
10. Did you suffer illness or injury? No, other than a couple of minor colds.
11. What was the best thing you bought? A DVD player with surround sound.
12. Whose behavior merited celebration? My own, because I broke the bad habit of internet addiction.
13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed? My own, because I had to give up my internet addiction, which made me sad and depressed.
14. Where did most of your money go? The mortgage, of course
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about? Finishing Nanowrimo!
16. What song will always remind you of 2004? "My Immortal," Evanescence
17. Compared to this time last year, are you: a) happier or sadder; b) thinner or fatter; c) richer or poorer?: a) less depressed, more hopeful for a better future; b) fatter, but working on it; c) poorer, most definitely
18. What do you wish you'd done more of? Written even more
19. What do you wish you'd done less of? Wasted time in depression
20. How will you be spending Christmas? with my parents and family
21. Did you fall in love in 2004? No
22. How many one-night stands? None
23. What was your favorite TV program? "Lost," by far
24. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year? No (feel guilty about, perhaps)
25. What was the best book you read? I read too many to keep track.
26. What was your greatest musical discovery? ??????
27. What did you want and get? a better relationship with DH
28. What did you want and not get? friendship
29. What was your favorite film of this year? As far as ones I saw, "Chronicles of Riddick," "King Arthur," or "Troy," I guess.
30. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you? I was 32, and we went to see "Chronicles of Riddick."
31.What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying? More money!
32. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2004? What Not to Wear
33. What kept you sane? My paper journal
34. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most? I don't like celebrities.
35. What political issue stirred you the most? I quit watching the news, because political issues were depressing me.
36. Who did you miss? an old friend with whom I lost touch
37. Who was the best new person you met? I didn't meet anyone new.
38. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2004: "I was not the only one.' Joyce Maynard, "At Home in the World"
Wednesday, December 22, 2004
Tis the Season
"What time of year is it? Is this your favorite season? Why or why not?"
It is the HOLIDAZE. From Thanksgiving to Christmas Day, I feel rushed, guilty, and annoyed with fellow humans. I try to remember the spirit of the season, but that fades away when that rude shopper pushes past me with those must-have, last-minute Christmas items. I see how the store clerks shift uncomfortably on their feet, knowing that they've been there all day and how they would like to scream if one more person asks if they have such-and-such popular item.
On a recent Saturday afternoon, in a gift-wrapping frenzy, I felt guilty that I had so little money this year. I mean, does my dad really want another box of Turtles? I look at the charms I purchased for my sisters and sister-in-law and feel guilty for not spending more money. Some people are so hard to buy gifts for, but I did not really want to spend money on gift cards, because I always spend too much. I know it's the thought that counts, but still...
Christmas used to be my favorite holiday, but there is always a hole that cannot be filled, ever since my grandmother passed away fourteen years ago. Time dulls the pain, but it cannot completely erase the emptiness. We made new family holiday traditions; however, my memories are tinged with childhood nostalgia, when everything seemed wonderful and happy and perfect, and when Santa brought me everything I wanted, plus a few surprises.
I try to keep in the holiday spirit by listening to Christmas music and talking excitedly to my DD about the holiday—but then I make the mistake of watching the news. Seeing all the violence and strife makes me wonder if there is any point in remembering the spirit of the holiday. So, I flick off the tv, look around my living room at our festive holiday decorations, and remember that this moment is, not something I cannot control over half a world away. I wish I did not have so much empathy for things going on in the world. If I could shut it all out, I would.
But instead, I feel guilty having so much—while others have so little.
Count your blessings, whatever form they take.
It is the HOLIDAZE. From Thanksgiving to Christmas Day, I feel rushed, guilty, and annoyed with fellow humans. I try to remember the spirit of the season, but that fades away when that rude shopper pushes past me with those must-have, last-minute Christmas items. I see how the store clerks shift uncomfortably on their feet, knowing that they've been there all day and how they would like to scream if one more person asks if they have such-and-such popular item.
On a recent Saturday afternoon, in a gift-wrapping frenzy, I felt guilty that I had so little money this year. I mean, does my dad really want another box of Turtles? I look at the charms I purchased for my sisters and sister-in-law and feel guilty for not spending more money. Some people are so hard to buy gifts for, but I did not really want to spend money on gift cards, because I always spend too much. I know it's the thought that counts, but still...
Christmas used to be my favorite holiday, but there is always a hole that cannot be filled, ever since my grandmother passed away fourteen years ago. Time dulls the pain, but it cannot completely erase the emptiness. We made new family holiday traditions; however, my memories are tinged with childhood nostalgia, when everything seemed wonderful and happy and perfect, and when Santa brought me everything I wanted, plus a few surprises.
I try to keep in the holiday spirit by listening to Christmas music and talking excitedly to my DD about the holiday—but then I make the mistake of watching the news. Seeing all the violence and strife makes me wonder if there is any point in remembering the spirit of the holiday. So, I flick off the tv, look around my living room at our festive holiday decorations, and remember that this moment is, not something I cannot control over half a world away. I wish I did not have so much empathy for things going on in the world. If I could shut it all out, I would.
But instead, I feel guilty having so much—while others have so little.
Count your blessings, whatever form they take.
It's Always Dark
In spite of yesterday being the Winter Solstice and the fact that the Northern Hemisphere is slowly tilting back toward the sun, my brain feels that it's darker this year than last year at this time. Perhaps buying one of these is in order. (Found it through a link on MeFi.) I get up in the dark, sit in a dim cubicle all day, and come home from work in the dark. Not to mention that when I do go outside, the skies are cloudy.
I don't know how people who live farther north than I do manage. Maybe they get used to needing less sunlight. I never seemed to notice my winter tiredness and mood swings when I was younger. Then again, maybe I just had more energy. Who knows.
I don't know how people who live farther north than I do manage. Maybe they get used to needing less sunlight. I never seemed to notice my winter tiredness and mood swings when I was younger. Then again, maybe I just had more energy. Who knows.
Tuesday, December 21, 2004
Monday, December 20, 2004
Monday Again
A four-day work week and I'm so glad!
On Saturday, I worked some overtime, and later in the afternoon, we went to DH's cousin's house for a family Christmas party. I ended up with a picture of square sheep (one of those cutesy "primitive" folk-art-type paintings), with the inscription "Live Well, Laugh Often, Love Much." Yeah, I was thrilled. I'm putting it above the window in the kitchen, which is right above the dog's crate. I have a folk-art wooden cow that sits in the windowsill so I thought it would be an appropriate place to hang the picture.
The kid has been getting up before sunrise. Just once I would like to sleep in past 7am. Maybe she goes to bed too early.
I finished reading Dr. Phil's latest book, "Family First." I would have preferred to read more case studies of actual situations, rather than all the numbered/bulleted list points he tried to make. The book contained a lot of common-sense rhetoric that people seem to forget about. I like what he says about not trying to keep up with the Joneses and that a child does not have to be in a ton of activities . I feel guilty sometimes that my DD isn't getting enough outside stimulation since we don't have her in any extracurricular activities. But she's four. I think there is plenty of time. :)
On Saturday, I worked some overtime, and later in the afternoon, we went to DH's cousin's house for a family Christmas party. I ended up with a picture of square sheep (one of those cutesy "primitive" folk-art-type paintings), with the inscription "Live Well, Laugh Often, Love Much." Yeah, I was thrilled. I'm putting it above the window in the kitchen, which is right above the dog's crate. I have a folk-art wooden cow that sits in the windowsill so I thought it would be an appropriate place to hang the picture.
The kid has been getting up before sunrise. Just once I would like to sleep in past 7am. Maybe she goes to bed too early.
I finished reading Dr. Phil's latest book, "Family First." I would have preferred to read more case studies of actual situations, rather than all the numbered/bulleted list points he tried to make. The book contained a lot of common-sense rhetoric that people seem to forget about. I like what he says about not trying to keep up with the Joneses and that a child does not have to be in a ton of activities . I feel guilty sometimes that my DD isn't getting enough outside stimulation since we don't have her in any extracurricular activities. But she's four. I think there is plenty of time. :)
Friday, December 17, 2004
MMORPGs and the crazy people who play them
And I thought I was spending too much time playing computer games. Apparently, this person spends too much money on them as well.
Voting Sucks
I'm ashamed to say I voted for this person. As if the last governor wasn't bad enough... apparently it's just more of the same. It's amazing that I helped elect Blagojevich, based on his promises of turning things around statewide, but I was naive and stupid. All politicians lie to get elected.
Busyness
Well, my dear readers, I have been away for awhile--yet again! I've been taking a break. I think Nano just about drained me dry of motivation. However, I've also been trying to finish up my 49th paper journal. I have 20 pages left to write in it, and every time I get this close to ending a book, I just want to get it done.
Moving on to a new book is fun and exciting, even if I do write the same old stuff. :)
The next book, #50, is titled "Bloom Where I am Planted." I found this quote on another blog, and it is a wonderfully appropriate reminder. When I am alone in the evenings, after the kid is in bed, this quote reminds me to stop dwelling on the past and take action now--in the present. Keeping occupied by journaling, reading, cleaning (!), or sometimes vegging in front of the tv takes my mind off the Emotional Express.
Mostly, I've been so tired in the evenings after I get home from work that I don't want to do anything other than veg in front of the tv. Last night, I watched three movies: "I Capture the Castle," "The Heart of Me," and "A Price Above Rubies."
"Castle" was just like I expected, from reading the book a year or so ago. I enjoyed it quite a bit, but mostly because of the book. "Heart" was slightly boring, but the details (sets, costume design, lighting) were great. I didn't really buy into the love affair. "Rubies" was strange, yet interesting. However, I did like it, but I thought Sonia gave up on her marriage too easily, even though she knew she could not live in that closed culture. (I don't like Renée Zellweger, so maybe that clouded my judgment. Julianna Margulies as the hard-ass sister-in-law Rachel was great, in spite of very little screen time.) See 'em if you can find them on cable; otherwise, don't bother.
Moving on to a new book is fun and exciting, even if I do write the same old stuff. :)
The next book, #50, is titled "Bloom Where I am Planted." I found this quote on another blog, and it is a wonderfully appropriate reminder. When I am alone in the evenings, after the kid is in bed, this quote reminds me to stop dwelling on the past and take action now--in the present. Keeping occupied by journaling, reading, cleaning (!), or sometimes vegging in front of the tv takes my mind off the Emotional Express.
Mostly, I've been so tired in the evenings after I get home from work that I don't want to do anything other than veg in front of the tv. Last night, I watched three movies: "I Capture the Castle," "The Heart of Me," and "A Price Above Rubies."
"Castle" was just like I expected, from reading the book a year or so ago. I enjoyed it quite a bit, but mostly because of the book. "Heart" was slightly boring, but the details (sets, costume design, lighting) were great. I didn't really buy into the love affair. "Rubies" was strange, yet interesting. However, I did like it, but I thought Sonia gave up on her marriage too easily, even though she knew she could not live in that closed culture. (I don't like Renée Zellweger, so maybe that clouded my judgment. Julianna Margulies as the hard-ass sister-in-law Rachel was great, in spite of very little screen time.) See 'em if you can find them on cable; otherwise, don't bother.
Wednesday, December 15, 2004
Wandering Journals
For those of you who might have missed out on the 1000 Journals Project, there's another project you can join: the Wandering Moleskine Project.
WMP has a few stricter rules than 1000 Journals: one page only and mail out first class within a week.
Too bad that 1000 Journals have a lot of books that dropped off the face of the planet. I guess it was such a cool idea that people decided to keep some of them for themselves.
WMP has a few stricter rules than 1000 Journals: one page only and mail out first class within a week.
Too bad that 1000 Journals have a lot of books that dropped off the face of the planet. I guess it was such a cool idea that people decided to keep some of them for themselves.
Dumb Stuff I've Noticed Lately
Teaching Creationism in schools
Teaching abstinence-only in schools
Idiots who have like 7 of those "Support Our XXXX" magnetic ribbons on the back of their cars, PLUS the magnetic Ten Commandments
Now, first of all, I have no problem with teaching Creationism. However, public school is no place for it. Teach it in Sunday school or private religious schools. It is a known fact through archaeological evidence that evolution occurred. Until you can show me archaeological proof of Creationism, I won't change my mind. If we were "created," then God(s) provided a way for us to grow and change through different stages of development.
Secondly, I have no problem with abstinence. I DO have problems with abstinence-only sex education. Abstinence-only is misinformation, plain and simple. Teens are still going to have sex. I'd rather have teens be informed about all their options and choosing the smart (and safer sex) road of birth control instead of my taxpayer dollars paying for another family on welfare.
Thirdly, I have no problem with the magnetic ribbons. However, use some common sense, people. Seven of them is about six too many. And the Ten Commandments one is just plain ugly.
Sheeple, indeed.
Teaching abstinence-only in schools
Idiots who have like 7 of those "Support Our XXXX" magnetic ribbons on the back of their cars, PLUS the magnetic Ten Commandments
Now, first of all, I have no problem with teaching Creationism. However, public school is no place for it. Teach it in Sunday school or private religious schools. It is a known fact through archaeological evidence that evolution occurred. Until you can show me archaeological proof of Creationism, I won't change my mind. If we were "created," then God(s) provided a way for us to grow and change through different stages of development.
Secondly, I have no problem with abstinence. I DO have problems with abstinence-only sex education. Abstinence-only is misinformation, plain and simple. Teens are still going to have sex. I'd rather have teens be informed about all their options and choosing the smart (and safer sex) road of birth control instead of my taxpayer dollars paying for another family on welfare.
Thirdly, I have no problem with the magnetic ribbons. However, use some common sense, people. Seven of them is about six too many. And the Ten Commandments one is just plain ugly.
Sheeple, indeed.
Wednesday, December 08, 2004
Monday, December 06, 2004
Back Online
A week passed without an internet connection at work, and it drove me crazy. In fact, I felt terrible without being able to blog, or check email, or whatever. I couldn't jot down writing ideas on a whim to expand on when I had more time. I couldn't keep up with my email groups.
Being internet-less did not help with my productivity. In fact, I think it hindered it because I was so frustrated. But that is all resolved now, and today I worked as usual, and still managed to get quite a bit done. I didn't spend any time jotting down ideas, but at least the capability was there.
It's 7:30pm as I write this blog entry. I find that I need to keep myself occupied in the evenings or I tend to dwell on things I don't need to think about.
Hey, guess what? DD's school pics finally came in and I made out all my Christmas cards and put a photo in each one. Now all I have to do is get them mailed. That should be no problem, since they are all addressed and all they need is Christmas stamps. I wasn't planning on sending out cards this year--I didn't send out any last year--but I knew I would send them out if the photos came on time. Last year, I sent out a few Christmas e-cards. There are probably a couple of Christmas e-cards I'll send this year, too. I'm so productive.
You know what though, if I don't stay productive, I start feeling depressed because I have the evenings to myself. I used to spend my evenings online, but doing that caused me to lose sight of the real reason I got a computer: to write. I wasn't doing any writing when I was online. Writing on the laptop while the tv drones in the background helps me actually write because it doesn't have an internet connection.
Yes, I have an internet addiction, but it's not so bad as it used to be. I'm hardly ever on in the evenings--long enough to post writing and that's about it.
I miss my Nano euphoria. It's already December 6, and I haven't written a word more on my Nano story. Earlier this evening I began to hear Tessa talking again, so I know I will work on it again soon. I know you're all waiting with bated breath.
DH vacuumed and washed some dishes today. I have another load of dishes washing right now in the dishwasher. The kid is in bed; she said she was tired and wanted to go to bed. I'm lucky she's like that. I would hate to have to fight her to go to bed every single night.
I was able to finish up all the Xmas shopping for the extended family. I still have to buy stuff for DH, and I'll probably do that this weekend. On the 18th, we have DH's family party to go to, and I don't want to wait that late to finish shopping for him. These next three weeks will pass quickly.
A local radio station started playing Christmas music on the weekend, 48 hours of it every weekend until Christmas. Listening to that station really put me in the holiday spirit. Even though I sometimes feel absolutely hopeless, the Yuletide season always gives me hope for a better future. I wish I could feel Yule-ish every day.
Being internet-less did not help with my productivity. In fact, I think it hindered it because I was so frustrated. But that is all resolved now, and today I worked as usual, and still managed to get quite a bit done. I didn't spend any time jotting down ideas, but at least the capability was there.
It's 7:30pm as I write this blog entry. I find that I need to keep myself occupied in the evenings or I tend to dwell on things I don't need to think about.
Hey, guess what? DD's school pics finally came in and I made out all my Christmas cards and put a photo in each one. Now all I have to do is get them mailed. That should be no problem, since they are all addressed and all they need is Christmas stamps. I wasn't planning on sending out cards this year--I didn't send out any last year--but I knew I would send them out if the photos came on time. Last year, I sent out a few Christmas e-cards. There are probably a couple of Christmas e-cards I'll send this year, too. I'm so productive.
You know what though, if I don't stay productive, I start feeling depressed because I have the evenings to myself. I used to spend my evenings online, but doing that caused me to lose sight of the real reason I got a computer: to write. I wasn't doing any writing when I was online. Writing on the laptop while the tv drones in the background helps me actually write because it doesn't have an internet connection.
Yes, I have an internet addiction, but it's not so bad as it used to be. I'm hardly ever on in the evenings--long enough to post writing and that's about it.
I miss my Nano euphoria. It's already December 6, and I haven't written a word more on my Nano story. Earlier this evening I began to hear Tessa talking again, so I know I will work on it again soon. I know you're all waiting with bated breath.
DH vacuumed and washed some dishes today. I have another load of dishes washing right now in the dishwasher. The kid is in bed; she said she was tired and wanted to go to bed. I'm lucky she's like that. I would hate to have to fight her to go to bed every single night.
I was able to finish up all the Xmas shopping for the extended family. I still have to buy stuff for DH, and I'll probably do that this weekend. On the 18th, we have DH's family party to go to, and I don't want to wait that late to finish shopping for him. These next three weeks will pass quickly.
A local radio station started playing Christmas music on the weekend, 48 hours of it every weekend until Christmas. Listening to that station really put me in the holiday spirit. Even though I sometimes feel absolutely hopeless, the Yuletide season always gives me hope for a better future. I wish I could feel Yule-ish every day.
My article link
Here's a link to one of the articles I had accepted at writeforcash.com. It's a how-to article. I thought it wasn't bad for a first attempt. :) Although I chose not to publish it under a byline, it's still mine, mine, mine! (It helped to have a significant other who knew something about the subject, too.)
Thursday, December 02, 2004
Just Me
Losing all hope is truly a terrible feeling. I hope I don't feel that way ever again, because it was a deep, dark place I don't want to revisit. I guess some promises were made to be broken. All I have to comfort me in my sadness is writing through the pain--even when just existing is painful.
There I go again. It is so easy to slip into that well of self-pity. The stones are slippery, and if you start to slide, you'd better reach out with both hands and grab ahold of whatever you can find. I think of that scene in the movie "The Ring," when the little girl looks up from the bottom of the well in which her mother threw her into, and all she sees is that faint halo of light from around the well-cover. She dies, alone and lonely and scared. (Disregard all the rest of the freaky parts of the movie.) That image is what it's like when I descend into that terrible sadness. I can see the halo of light, but there is no one there to grab onto. On the inside, I am that scared child.
Somehow, I manage to climb out of that pit. The halo of light never disappears completely. I think that is what helps me to ascend again. This month hasn't been so bad. I had Nanowrimo to keep me occupied. I also did a bunch of cleaning. When Nano ended, I felt a little panicky. What will keep my attention now? What will keep me from falling down into that dark place again?
Just me. Just me concentrating on finishing my Nano story, and working on some other stories, too.
Just me...
There I go again. It is so easy to slip into that well of self-pity. The stones are slippery, and if you start to slide, you'd better reach out with both hands and grab ahold of whatever you can find. I think of that scene in the movie "The Ring," when the little girl looks up from the bottom of the well in which her mother threw her into, and all she sees is that faint halo of light from around the well-cover. She dies, alone and lonely and scared. (Disregard all the rest of the freaky parts of the movie.) That image is what it's like when I descend into that terrible sadness. I can see the halo of light, but there is no one there to grab onto. On the inside, I am that scared child.
Somehow, I manage to climb out of that pit. The halo of light never disappears completely. I think that is what helps me to ascend again. This month hasn't been so bad. I had Nanowrimo to keep me occupied. I also did a bunch of cleaning. When Nano ended, I felt a little panicky. What will keep my attention now? What will keep me from falling down into that dark place again?
Just me. Just me concentrating on finishing my Nano story, and working on some other stories, too.
Just me...
A Peek into Other People's Lives
I'm nosy, I'll admit it. With every worker having a personal folder on the network, it is too tempting to doubleclick and see what they have been saving. I have a folder there also. I keep work-related things in it. Anything I want to save personally, I save to my hard drive or send it to myself via email. I don't want people reading what I write to myself.
Last night, I spent two hours typing what I had written yesterday--5,000+ words! I was going to scan in the text, but my scanner doesn't do OCR (optical character recognition) very well. I would have spent longer scanning each page and cleaning up the text. It was faster to retype it all. I typed eight of the thirteen pages. I'll type up the final five tonight.
What am I doing right now? Well, I was typing this at work earlier this morning, because work was a little slow, but now, at 7pm, I'm watching "The Santa Clause 2" with DD and writing this blog entry.
DD came home with a notice from school today saying someone in her class has head lice. Great. DH searched her hair and didn't see anything, so hopefully, we've avoided it. I told DH that I could not handle the stress of this household possibly having head lice! He didn't see any and I gave her a bath earlier, scrubbing her head several times.
When I was typing this at work, it was like I was talking to myself. So many ideas flit into my brain while I'm working. I am so not liking being unable to be online during the day! If I had a floppy disk drive, it wouldn't be so bad, because then I could save my stuff to disk. But today, I only typed a little bit, because I knew I would have to retype it all when I got home. On the plus side, I got quite a bit of work done, even though I was having trouble concentrating.
As DD played in the bathtub, I pulled out a couple of journals from last year. I reread some old entries, watching myself fade from a new happiness into the depths of despair. I am truly a changed person, both deeply and profoundly. Losing all hope of the future will do that to a person.
Thankfully, I have come out of that stage (at least for now, lol). I am still lonely from time to time, but this is my life. There is nothing external that will make me happier. Happiness comes from within.
What a year. At the end of December, I hope to be starting a new paper journal, and 2005 is going to be a wonderful, hopeful year--I just know it!
Last night, I spent two hours typing what I had written yesterday--5,000+ words! I was going to scan in the text, but my scanner doesn't do OCR (optical character recognition) very well. I would have spent longer scanning each page and cleaning up the text. It was faster to retype it all. I typed eight of the thirteen pages. I'll type up the final five tonight.
What am I doing right now? Well, I was typing this at work earlier this morning, because work was a little slow, but now, at 7pm, I'm watching "The Santa Clause 2" with DD and writing this blog entry.
DD came home with a notice from school today saying someone in her class has head lice. Great. DH searched her hair and didn't see anything, so hopefully, we've avoided it. I told DH that I could not handle the stress of this household possibly having head lice! He didn't see any and I gave her a bath earlier, scrubbing her head several times.
When I was typing this at work, it was like I was talking to myself. So many ideas flit into my brain while I'm working. I am so not liking being unable to be online during the day! If I had a floppy disk drive, it wouldn't be so bad, because then I could save my stuff to disk. But today, I only typed a little bit, because I knew I would have to retype it all when I got home. On the plus side, I got quite a bit of work done, even though I was having trouble concentrating.
As DD played in the bathtub, I pulled out a couple of journals from last year. I reread some old entries, watching myself fade from a new happiness into the depths of despair. I am truly a changed person, both deeply and profoundly. Losing all hope of the future will do that to a person.
Thankfully, I have come out of that stage (at least for now, lol). I am still lonely from time to time, but this is my life. There is nothing external that will make me happier. Happiness comes from within.
What a year. At the end of December, I hope to be starting a new paper journal, and 2005 is going to be a wonderful, hopeful year--I just know it!
Wednesday, December 01, 2004
The Journal Cards
I finished up those cards sooner than I thought. It only took me an hour. Here's a pic. :)The scan is crappy. I made them by collaging decorative papers, stuff I'd cut from magazines, stickers, and wrapping paper. The card base is made from a plain old index card cut to the correct size.
On the back, I wrote the date, my logo, email address, and number of seven.
I thought they turned out to be pretty interesting.
On the back, I wrote the date, my logo, email address, and number of seven.
I thought they turned out to be pretty interesting.
Catching Up III
On Sunday, DH woke up with a cold, and so did I. He went and picked up DD, and we watched football and hung ornaments on the tree when they came back. I cleared off the mantel and we strung a lighted garland on top of it. I put my Santa collection along the mantel and I have to say, it almost looks like something you'd see on HGTV. :)
We also cleaned off the dining room table, and I put a new vinyl Christmas tablecloth and placemats on it. DD was so impressed that we had to eat supper in the dining room.
While DH went to pick up DD, I had managed to write one and a half of the Nano entries I had fallen behind on. Later in the evening, after DD went to bed, I wrote another one and a half entries.
Monday was back to work as usual--even the rain was back. On one hand, the weekend passed somewhat slowly. I didn't find myself dreading Monday like I usually do, but these past couple of days have absolutely flown by.
I spent Monday and Tuesday nights frantically trying to finish up writing for Nanowrimo. Monday was difficult because I could only get half of what I wanted to get written done. Sigh. But on Tuesday night, DD went to bed at 7pm so I had an extra hour to type away. I finished the final words around 9:30pm and posted everything around 10pm. Yay me!
I had a feeling of letdown when I verified my Nanovel over at the site. I guess I felt that way because the WIP isn't finished yet, and I feel the characters have more to say. The WIP won't be finished until maybe the end of December. I want to keep u pmy momentum. I wrote more about my Nano experience in my journal.
Even though Nano is over, I will still write daily. In addition, I signed up for a small journal-card exchange for a group I'm in. I have to make seven 2.5" x 3.5" cards by this weekend and mail them out. Eeek.
I hope to be blogging again more regularly. I have a new computer at work, and it's not hooked up to the internet yet.
Yes, I'm jonesing for a fix.
A bientôt, mes amis!
We also cleaned off the dining room table, and I put a new vinyl Christmas tablecloth and placemats on it. DD was so impressed that we had to eat supper in the dining room.
While DH went to pick up DD, I had managed to write one and a half of the Nano entries I had fallen behind on. Later in the evening, after DD went to bed, I wrote another one and a half entries.
Monday was back to work as usual--even the rain was back. On one hand, the weekend passed somewhat slowly. I didn't find myself dreading Monday like I usually do, but these past couple of days have absolutely flown by.
I spent Monday and Tuesday nights frantically trying to finish up writing for Nanowrimo. Monday was difficult because I could only get half of what I wanted to get written done. Sigh. But on Tuesday night, DD went to bed at 7pm so I had an extra hour to type away. I finished the final words around 9:30pm and posted everything around 10pm. Yay me!
I had a feeling of letdown when I verified my Nanovel over at the site. I guess I felt that way because the WIP isn't finished yet, and I feel the characters have more to say. The WIP won't be finished until maybe the end of December. I want to keep u pmy momentum. I wrote more about my Nano experience in my journal.
Even though Nano is over, I will still write daily. In addition, I signed up for a small journal-card exchange for a group I'm in. I have to make seven 2.5" x 3.5" cards by this weekend and mail them out. Eeek.
I hope to be blogging again more regularly. I have a new computer at work, and it's not hooked up to the internet yet.
Yes, I'm jonesing for a fix.
A bientôt, mes amis!
Catching Up II
On Friday, after depositing my paycheck and running some other errands, I took DD over to my mom's house. My sister and her family were visiting from Cape Girardeau, MO, and I hadn't gotten to see them the day before, as they were at her in-laws for dinner. DD played with her cousins and my sister and I chatted. She said she and my mom got up early and went shopping for the big sales. I was annoyed, wondering why they didn't invite me to come along. When Mom had mentioned it the day before, I thought she was kidding. *shrugs* Oh well. I had absolutely zero dollars in my wallet anyway.
Later in the afternoon, I dropped DD off at my mother-in-law's house. I asked her if she'd watch DD on Friday night and possibly on Saturday night too. She said she would, so that was nice. I went home and did a little Christmas shopping. DH was working.
On Saturday, DH and I got up early and went Christmas shopping. I told him that even though we didn't have any extra cash at the moment, I wanted to buy all the Xmas gifts for everyone so I didn't have to think about it anymore. Thank the gods for plastic! We managed to get gifts for everyone, except I still have to go to one certain store for my sisters and sister-in-law. We were in the mall and I meant to go back to that store before we left, but I forgot. So I'll do it this Friday. We also got a load of groceries, which will hopefully last for more than one week!
When we got home, we put everything away, and sat down to watch a couple of movies we rented. The first movie was "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban." It was a decent movie, but so much was left out. DH, who hasn't read the books, said it was perfectly fine and he enjoyed it. The second movie was "Elf." I don't know what the hubbub was all about, because it's an average, predictable movie.
After the movies, we wrapped the gifts, hiding DD's in a closet. Then DH put up the tree and we strung the lights on it.
Needless to say, Saturday was a very long day.
Later in the afternoon, I dropped DD off at my mother-in-law's house. I asked her if she'd watch DD on Friday night and possibly on Saturday night too. She said she would, so that was nice. I went home and did a little Christmas shopping. DH was working.
On Saturday, DH and I got up early and went Christmas shopping. I told him that even though we didn't have any extra cash at the moment, I wanted to buy all the Xmas gifts for everyone so I didn't have to think about it anymore. Thank the gods for plastic! We managed to get gifts for everyone, except I still have to go to one certain store for my sisters and sister-in-law. We were in the mall and I meant to go back to that store before we left, but I forgot. So I'll do it this Friday. We also got a load of groceries, which will hopefully last for more than one week!
When we got home, we put everything away, and sat down to watch a couple of movies we rented. The first movie was "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban." It was a decent movie, but so much was left out. DH, who hasn't read the books, said it was perfectly fine and he enjoyed it. The second movie was "Elf." I don't know what the hubbub was all about, because it's an average, predictable movie.
After the movies, we wrapped the gifts, hiding DD's in a closet. Then DH put up the tree and we strung the lights on it.
Needless to say, Saturday was a very long day.
Catching Up I
Anohter Thanksgiving has come and gone. I can hardly believe that today is December 1! This entire year has flown by.
I've been away for a few days. Nanowrimo kept me busy, writing over 10,000 words in the past three days. But I achieved my goal of 50,000 words, and that in itself was a huge and wondrous accomplishment.
On Wednesday, we had some funky weather--rain, ice, and snow, and very windy conditions--and the power went off at work. The boss was generous, letting us all go home at 12:30. Thankfully, the weather cooperated and I made it home safely. I was certainly glad I didn't have to drive home later in the afternoon, when the snow started falling.
That night, I caught up on three Nano entries that I was behind on. DH had to work, and nothing was on tv, so I had plenty of time to get them written and posted.
Thursday, the weather was better. It was still cloudy, but the rain had finally stopped, giving us a break in almost two straight weeks of rain. The roads were clear and dry. My cousin was having TG dinner at his new house, so we arrived there around 11am. We were the first ones there, but it didn't take long for other people to show up. We gorged ourselves on a mound of delicious food: turkey, ham, mashed potatoes, gravy, corn, noodles, green bean casserole, sweet potatoes, strawberry pretzel salad, rolls, veggies and dip on a veggie tray, cheese and crackers, deviled eggs, corn casserole, and a myriad of desserts, such as pumpkin pie, pecan pie, cherry cheesecake, and pumpkin cheesecake muffins. It was a veritable feast!
My cousin said they planned for 26 people to show up, and I would say that just about everyone they invited came. Most of the people were my cousin's relatives on his dad's side, so they were no relation to me. His family was somber because the day before, on that cold, dreary, wet and windy Wednesday, they buried his grandfather who passed away on Sunday after a short battle with an invasive cancer. :(
After visiting while there, we then drove to my aunt-in-law's where DH's family had gathered to celebrate the holiday. His sister's family was supposed to be there, but at the last minute, they all got sick with a nasty virus. Because we were still stuffed from lunch, we didnt' eat anything for supper, even though his family had a lot of leftovers. We ended up taking home several plates of food to eat later. I visited with a friend of mine, DH's cousin. It was nice to see everyone.
I've been away for a few days. Nanowrimo kept me busy, writing over 10,000 words in the past three days. But I achieved my goal of 50,000 words, and that in itself was a huge and wondrous accomplishment.
On Wednesday, we had some funky weather--rain, ice, and snow, and very windy conditions--and the power went off at work. The boss was generous, letting us all go home at 12:30. Thankfully, the weather cooperated and I made it home safely. I was certainly glad I didn't have to drive home later in the afternoon, when the snow started falling.
That night, I caught up on three Nano entries that I was behind on. DH had to work, and nothing was on tv, so I had plenty of time to get them written and posted.
Thursday, the weather was better. It was still cloudy, but the rain had finally stopped, giving us a break in almost two straight weeks of rain. The roads were clear and dry. My cousin was having TG dinner at his new house, so we arrived there around 11am. We were the first ones there, but it didn't take long for other people to show up. We gorged ourselves on a mound of delicious food: turkey, ham, mashed potatoes, gravy, corn, noodles, green bean casserole, sweet potatoes, strawberry pretzel salad, rolls, veggies and dip on a veggie tray, cheese and crackers, deviled eggs, corn casserole, and a myriad of desserts, such as pumpkin pie, pecan pie, cherry cheesecake, and pumpkin cheesecake muffins. It was a veritable feast!
My cousin said they planned for 26 people to show up, and I would say that just about everyone they invited came. Most of the people were my cousin's relatives on his dad's side, so they were no relation to me. His family was somber because the day before, on that cold, dreary, wet and windy Wednesday, they buried his grandfather who passed away on Sunday after a short battle with an invasive cancer. :(
After visiting while there, we then drove to my aunt-in-law's where DH's family had gathered to celebrate the holiday. His sister's family was supposed to be there, but at the last minute, they all got sick with a nasty virus. Because we were still stuffed from lunch, we didnt' eat anything for supper, even though his family had a lot of leftovers. We ended up taking home several plates of food to eat later. I visited with a friend of mine, DH's cousin. It was nice to see everyone.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)