Thursday 13 #4

Thirteen Reasons I'm A Dog Person Dogs love me unconditionally. Dogs comfort me after a long day. Dogs are wonderful companions, no matter what or who else is around or not around. It's like have a kid who doesn't grow up.* They eat crumbs off the floor. They greet me with enthusiasm, even if I've only been gone 5 minutes. My dogs are couch potatoes, like me. They know I'm wonderful. ;) They depend on me for everything.* They can be guard dogs if they want to be. I don't have to pretend to be someone else because they love me for who I am. They cheer me up when I'm down. Dogs make me laugh. *Of course, some would say these reasons are reasons NOT to own a dog. :)

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Journals, Books, oh my!

Here are a few of my additional journals. I think there are about 15 altogether. I probably will give away the "Friends" one. I collaged its cover. In the top picture, on the far left, with the red sun cover, that is my special Oberon journal. Its going on its third refill and will be #65.

This is my current journal, #64, almost all used up.




Here are three boxes full of journals 1–63. :)



Below are the books I have kept over my years of book collecting. These are the books I have read over and over, and can't bear to part with—at least most of them are. I haven't culled any lately. They stretch along an entire wall (hopefully, someday I'll have them on shelves), and I had to take three pictures to fit them all in. These books do not include books on my bookshelves downstairs, or in my to-be-read pile next to my nightstand. :)

Just some of the journals I've been meaning to use this year. :) The blue one on the right has already been used. It was #60. My mom got that one for me for Christmas. It has my name engraved on the lower right corner, with the word "Journal" in the middle.

The black one on the left has also been used; it was #61. The next one I'm using is the flowered one in the middle. It will be #64. (62 & 63 were not part of this group.) I have loads more blank books to use up. Buying blank books is one of my addictions. I will have to get the other blank books corralled and take a pic of them.

(And yes, that's the dog in the background, sniffing the floor as usual.) :)

A good weekend

A Spider's Web

Woohoo! I had a good weekend for once. The Sunday Stormfront didn't pass through my mind like is has for the past umpteen Sundays in a row. Instead, on Saturday, DH, DD, & I went to a local state park. DD & DH fished from the dock, while I just sat and enjoyd the silence. Living in town, even though we live on a quiet street, kind of jangles on my nerves.

We hadn't been there since April, when it was still rather cool. I felt very sick after we got home that time; hay fever or tree pollen really did a number on my allergies. But this trip, I felt so calm and relaxed when I got home. Instead of stressing out about DD, or what was going on around me, or even about the weather (it was cloudy, with some rain sprinkles), I sat on the park bench and just was.

I had my paper journal with me and filled several pages, describing the lake and the trees. We brought a picnic lunch of ham and cheese sandwiches and chips and ate as soon as we arrived. I had also made some trail mix, and we had that for dessert. Food always tastes better in the outdoors, even simple sandwiches. It was funny that the longer I sat there, in spite of the mugginess of the day, I actually got chilled. There was a cool breeze moving across the face of the lake and the sun was hidden under the clouds.

Later in the afternoon, DD and I went on a short(ish) trail hike. Although I had been quite chilly earlier, I was sweating once we started our hike. It was very steamy in the woods, where no breeze was moving. Every so often, we heard the pittery pat of rain hitting the leaves of the trees above us. DD was a real trooper: she didn't complain too much about walking so far.

When we finished, we met up with DH and had ice cream cones at the concession stand. By that time, it was 3:30, and so we decided to head home.

That peaceful feeling stayed with me all weekend, and even into today.

Read my journal entry about the details here.

Flash Fiction Friday #1—The Abbey

The Abbey

It was called the Lost Abbey. We all knew about it, of course, having lived in these woods all of our lives. Outsiders didn't understand. Oh, we had the occasional tourist, or professor, or graduate student, who blundered into the woods to look for the home of the monks.

Sometimes, we led them up there for a few bucks. Other times, if the person was too citified, we led him on a merry chase, giving him the wrong directions. It was almost always a "him," never a "her." "Hers" were not interested in the monks or what had happened there.

Not too many people were, these days.

Only a few of us locals remain, to guard the old ways, to guard the Abbey.

I heard tell that the survivors disappeared into the World, believing their time in these woods had been a dream, almost. But the Abbey is there, for those who dare to look for it.

All I can say about what happened is that the monks' arrogance got the better of them, and Mother Nature Herself sent the storm that blew down the Abbey.

Wind can be horrendous out there on the balds. City people don't get that.

I looked down toward the foot of the bluff. The body would rot quickly in this rain.

Some people shouldn't be so nosy.

Thursday 13 #3

Thirteen Luxuries I Can't Live Without My journal—without it, the voices would consume me. Lip gloss—without it, my lips would be cracked and nasty. Eye drops—my eyes would be non-functioning. Books—I love to read! Hand lotion—my hands would look elderly. Hair color Purple ink pens My imagination ;) Leave-in hair conditioner—fights the frizz. Silk (or silk-blend) sheets Hand-dipped crème de menthe chocolates Scented candles A wide variety of nail lacquer for my toenails.

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The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others' comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

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Oh, and I also wrote a new journal entry about the recent anniversary of MTV.

Blah-di-Blah-Monday Blues

TV makes me complacent. TV makes me bored. TV saps my energy.

I need a cabin in the woods.

...nah, I just need a vacation, or else I need to lower my expectations of what "happiness" and "satisfaction" mean.

Hopefully, more mindful living is in the works!

Sunday Again?

I have no idea where the time went. Yesterday was a blur of shopping for school supplies, exhaustion, and all-around feelings of tiredness. Perhaps I shouldn't have had 3 Diet Mt. Dews and a Sprite.

Perhaps I should close the bedroom door at night so I don't have to listen to the Boxer flopping around in his crate, sounding like someone is breaking into the house.

Perhaps I should turn the a/c down so that it comes on, instead of me sweating to death all night.

Perhaps I should stop trying to take naps on Sundays.

Perhaps I should get up off the couch and DO something constructive instead of watching "Amélie" and "Ferngully."

Perhaps I should take more aspirins so that my headache will go away, instead of only taking two.

Perhaps I should just quit bitching and moaning and DO something.

At least I got the laundry done. :)

TGIF!

Thank the gods it's Friday. Surprisingly, this week has passed quickly.

Five Reasons I Love Fridays

1. No work for two days--no driving, no getting up early, no having to decide what to wear.
2. The weekend is time to spend with DD.
3. I can stay up as late as I want because I don't have to get up.
4. Sci-Fi Fridays on the Sci-Fi channel (I'll be glad when "Battlestar Galactica" returns.)
5. I don't have to do anything or be anywhere.

I don't have anything much planned for this weekend, other than the usual: laundry, maybe dusting and cleaning off my desk. I will have to go shopping at some point; I haven't been school-supply shopping for DD and I told her that we'd go this weekend. She starts school on Tuesday.

There will be a new journal entry as well. Stay tuned.

What's that on the Floor?

"Mom, there are two piles of something in the kitchen," DD tells me in a funny voice earlier this evening.

"Two piles of what?" I ask, puzzled. DH had just left to go to work and the dogs had just gone out before I got home. I'd only been home long enough to change my clothes and eat supper, so I thought surely one of the silly creatures couldn't have had an accident--or could they?

"I don't know what it is! It's brown . . . and ewwwww!" She wrinkled up her nose.

I sat there on the couch for awhile. Did I really want to go in there and see what was waiting for me? Not particularly. But if it was poop, then I needed to clean it up ASAP or it would stink up the whole house. So I got up off the couch and walked slowly toward the kitchen. The Husky was in her crate already (she goes in there of her own free will now). The Boxer had been in the living room with me the whole time.

I look in the kitchen. Over by the sink, next to the portable dishwasher, are two HUGE piles of something chunky.

It ain't poop.

I sighed. "Looks like puke, DD," I said. "Apparently, the Husky's food didn't agree with her." DD has followed me into the kitchen, making comments the whole time. So I put her to work. I grab a plastic shopping bag and tell her to hold it open. Then I get some paper towels and set about cleaning up the mess by picking/wiping it up with the towels and putting them into the bag. Once I was finished, I tied the bag shut and took it outside to the trash.

All I can say is that I was glad it was chunky--It was easier to clean up.

Thursday 13 #2

Thirteen Things Marital Communication Tips The other person can't read your mind, so you should tell the person what you are thinking. Approach the other person when you are both calm and relaxed, so the other person will be more likely to listen to what you have to say. Speaking of listening, perhaps the best way to communicate is to just listen, without being judgmental, and witholding all comments until the other person is finished talking. If you cannot tell the person something face-to-face, try writing a letter, but be prepared for the other person to bring it up in conversation. You really should not be afraid to tell your partner anything. People who marry should be the best of friends, and should trust each other unconditionally. If you have doubts about your partner or his/her behaviors, talk to your partner first. Then seek outside help from an unbiased third party. (Your family and friends might not be the best choice to give you relationship advice.) Arguing is not communicating. Although the old adage, "Never go to bed angry" is a good one, it may be impossible in reality. If you do have an argument that extends into the next day, try to work things out when you are both rested, relaxed, and calm. Clearly describe your expectations. If you expect your spouse to pick up after him/herself, be sure to tell the person that is what you expect. Otherwise, you'll be picking up after the person and resenting it. If you have an agreement on splitting the housework, do not go nuts when the spouse "gets around to it eventually." If you want things a certain way, then do them yourself, but don't get mad or resentful that you have to do them all the time. Again, communicate your expectations. Learn to compromise. Don't expect to get your own way all the time. If you are frustrated and can't seem to find relief, seek therapy. A spouse cannot make you happy. You have to be happy within yourself. Don't repeat things over and over. Your spouse probably heard you the first time. Forgiveness goes a long way.

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The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others' comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

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11pm, later...

So I FINALLY loaded all the old journal entries from my now-defunct online journal (http://cassanndra.diary-x.com) to my new(ish) online journal here. I also wrote a new entry, but it's nothing new, really, for you long-time readers. I've been thinking a lot about re-design of this site, plus getting back into journaling online. There's no time like the present!

This evening, DD & I visited my mom at her workplace (a place that sells gourmet food). She needed to give me a wedding invitation from my cousin. Even though she sent his family my address, they were STUPID and wrote my parents' address on the invitation. DD & I spent about an hour talking with Mom. She wasn't too busy this evening, but while we were there, her coworker dropped a bottle of martini mix on the floor and it broke--and it stank to high heaven.

We came home and watched "Mama's Family." I hadn't seen that sitcom in years. I used to watch it all the time. DD made me laugh while we were watching it. Eunice (Carol Burnett) was wearing a really ugly flowered and flowing dress, and I asked DD what she thought of the dress. She said, "That dress is hideous, Mom!" I said, "Hideous, huh? Do you know what that means?" "No," she said. I laughed because it's funny to hear the word "hideous" come out of the mouth of a 6-year-old, especially so spontaneously. I think she will have a large vocabulary when she gets older, in spite of all the sailor talk around here (too much cussing--yet another failure of my parental skillz).

Expect more frequent updates from me--and bug me if I don't! :)

The Stuff

It's been over a month since our yard sale. Guess where the majority of the leftover stuff is sitting? Yep, you guessed it. On the front porch. Some stuff I did get put away, like breakable stuff. DD goes out there to play sometimes and I didn't want her to accidentally break anything.

This blog was getting to be like my front porch--cluttered and dusty.

I didn't really do much of anything in July. In fact, I sit here wondering where the time went. DD starts first grade on Aug. 22. I feel like the summer just started, though. July was so hot temperature-wise that I didn't want to be outside at all. My SIL gave us a pool and we got that set up, but then we didn't use it but once or twice. I did read a lot.

The Rape of Nanking by Iris Chang
Our Lady of the Forest by David Guterson
The Mermaid Chair by Sue Monk Kidd (awesome, awesome book!)
The Devil Wears Prada by Lauren Weisberger
The Englisher by Beverly Lewis
The Moth Diaries by Rachel Klein
Marriage, a History by Stephanie Coontz

My youngest sister got engaged. Don't know when the wedding might be.

It was my middle sister's birthday on Saturday. DD & I took her some happy birthday balloons. We were going to sing "Happy Birthday" to her, but we ended up forgetting to sing. DD played with her cousins while my sis caught me up on all the family gossip. One of our cousins is getting married on Sept. 16 in Evansville, IN, so we'll probably be attending.

Crazy Mag woke me up last night, crashing around in his crate. I don't know what that dog does, but he flops around more than any dog I have known. I do wish he communicated better with us. This past Saturday, he followed me into the kitchen where I was getting some water, and he suddenly decided to pee--nearly on my leg! WTF was up with that? So I had to clean that mess up. Some days, he's really obvious about needing to go out. Other times, he just lets fly with no advance warning.

More later.

New Look

How do you like it?

It took forever for me to find an imageless template that I liked. Blogskins has tons of templates; some of them look amazing. A lot of hard work went into creating them. However, I was searching for something that was simple, yet elegant, and I found this one. An added bonus is that the template is three columns, and green. (Green is my favorite color!)

I still probably need to fix a few things, but for now, it's looking pretty good.

Hopefully, this new look will inspire me to write more often. :)

Thursday 13 #1

Thirteen Things I wish I had known about Marriage The other person can't read your mind. There will be a lot of compromises. Happily ever after is a lie told in fairy tales. Kids change every dynamic in a relationship. Marriage won't solve whatever problems are in a relationship. As the years pass, sometimes you take each other for granted. People change over the years. You will have highs and lows. Communication is the key. It's easy to fall into a "same stuff, different day" mentality. It's easy to lose yourself for the needs of the other person or the kid(s). There are no happy endings. Why you got married may be completely different from why you stay married.

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!

The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others' comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

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