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January 29, 2007

Notes from a Cluttered Desk

I was chastised this weekend (and rightly so) for neglecting my blog. Because I am to scattered right now to put together a cohesive post, I thought I would just jot down a few bullet points and let you sort them out.

  • Flounder the Scope Gate* - Poor Flounder became the Whipping Boy this weekend when I took the older of our two cars to the beach (read as His Former Car) and we had some car trouble. I was embarressed and fearful that the car trouble would ruin our weekend so I was going to find some one to blame, damn it! Irrationality didn't prevail and did realize that there was no reason to place blame at all, eventually anyway.

  • Project Dump the Saturn - I am trying to get rid of my old car and it isn't going as smoothly as planned. Plans to donate my Saturn to Melwood (who will come pick it up and auction it off) has been put on hold while I await the arrival of the lein release which my former bank neglected to send me when I paid off the vehical. I think I will call them again tonight. I really want to get rid of this thing before I have to renew the registration.

  • Progress not Perfection in 2007! - As I mentioned before, I haven't created resolutions this year but I have picked a motto. Progress not Perfection in 2007 is meant to sum up my need to continue to make babysteps toward a healthier, happier, more fulfilled me. It's also an excellent rallying cry.

    • *Scope Gate = Scapegoat, I had a really hard time speaking the words I intended this weekend!

    Quote of the Day:
    Everyone who's ever taken a shower has an idea. It's the person who gets out of the shower, dries off, and does something about it that makes a difference.
    Nolan Bushnell - Founder of Atari

    Posted by La at 9:33 AM | Comments (0)

    January 17, 2007

    The Changed and Unchanged

    All good things come to an end, and so goes my winter break. On Tuesday I am headed back to school. This time I am branching out and taking Sociology 101. I am sure I will enjoy the subject, as I have in the past, but I am a little concerned with the amount of reading I will need to do for the class. I think this semester will be a real test of my determination and focus.

    I have made great strides with decluttering (since I keep giving things away) but since I rearranged the office/sewing room, I have yet to fully put it back together. This is going to be a key task over the next four days so that I don't have to deal with disorder when I settle in to do homework for the first time next week. On a similar topic, I have realized that I collected 4-5 books that I intended to read, but have fallen by the wayside. I am not sure when I will get around to these what with the large number of quilting shows, Scrubs episodes and daily showings of Ellen waiting for me on the TiVo.

    Meanwhile, Flounder did a small thing that has made a big difference in our home this past weekend. He swapped out and upgraded the lightbulbs through out the house to brighter, lower-wattage compact fluorescent bulbs. The house is brighter and more energy efficient. The brighter lights have totally changed the kitchen for the better. It feels less dingy, and I can actually see what I am chopping. That said, I still want to tear the whole thing out and start over. Which reminds me, I need to sharpen our knives...

    Quote of the Day
    What is the use of a house if you haven't got a tolerable planet to put it on?
    Henry David Thoreau

    Posted by La at 2:26 PM | Comments (0)

    January 16, 2007

    The Fit Is Go

    In an unexpected move this weekend Flounder and I bought a car. It's the first new car for both of us. We purchased a Honda Fit, which is a shockingly roomie and versatile sub-compact -- like a clown car, but cute and black. Why this car? Because it is safe, well made, cost effectice, fuel efficent and Flounder fell in love. Oh, yeah and Mr. BA's little brother workes at the dealership. We seriously didn't choose the dealership because of BA's Bro, it is also very close to our home, but the magic Bro worked didn't hurt.

    Ah, the new car smell! Mr. BA asked in a comment today if the new car has brought me comfort. The answer is yes! I no longer have to drive my old Saturn with the blown airbags and ageing brakes. Flounder is passing his Ford Focus on to me (the Fit will be the commuter car) and it is far comfier than my old Chase (that's the Saturn's name).

    Quote of the Day
    "And Man created the plastic bag and the tin and aluminum can and the cellophane wrapper and the paper plate, and this was good because Man could then take his automobile and buy all his food in one place and He could save that which was good to eat in the refrigerator and throw away that which had no further use. And soon the earth was covered with plastic bags and aluminum cans and paper plates and disposable bottles and there was nowhere to sit down or walk, and Man shook his head and cried: "Look at this Godawful mess." "
    -Art Buchwald, 1970

    Posted by La at 4:25 PM | Comments (1)

    January 11, 2007

    Comfort

    Where do you go when you need comfort? My cat seeks out warm soft places, especially those that are adjacent to her people when she is looking for comfort. For Flounder cuddly blankets and a plate of rice noodles are his choice. Red goes straight for jammies and her Friends DVDs.

    Some themes are universal -- hugs, warmth and food are a few. Lately I have sought comfort in sound. Not music as you might expect, but spoken word -- audio books to be exact. To be even more specific, I listen Jonathan Stange and Mr. Norrell read by Simon Prebble. I love Simon Prebble. I know nothing at all about him except the sound of his voice. He has a lovely British accent that is more flexible then any other voice I have ever heard. I have listened to JSaM.N at least 5 times. This is pretty impressive considering how very long it is -- so long it's broken into 4 sections to be digestable by the iPod. That doesn't even count the number of times I have listened to a random 15 minutes while falling asleep. I am happy to say that I am not yet dependant upon to iPod and Simon Prebble to fall asleep at night. But let's face it, it's only a matter of time.

    I think we could all use a little extra comfort about now. I don't think I know a single person who doesn't struggle a little in January. Most people are either trying to change their lives or habits, a little depressed by the weather, or A LOT depressed by the weather. Pick your poison.

    Personally, I was thrown off balance by the unnaturally warm 70 degrees we experienced last Saturday. So, it seems, were the flower bulbs. There are some very lovely snowdrops in full bloom in the corner garden I pass on the way to the office each day. Poor confused flowers. And poor confused people. Now it is hella cold.

    Welcome Winter, we haven't missed thee. So I say a little prayer of thanks for all of the jammies, rice noodles and Simon Prebble recordings in the world for making us a little more comfortable.

    Quote of the Day
    Every man, wherever he goes, is encompassed by a cloud of comforting convictions, which move with him like flies on a summer day.
    -Bertrand Russell

    Posted by La at 9:12 PM | Comments (2)

    January 2, 2007

    Things To Be Happy About - January

    Hello 2007! Let's take a minute to count up some things to be happy about!

  • Good Skin = Facial + Philosophy products

  • Debt Busting!

  • Having a nail file

  • Getting an A in EN 109!

  • Taking out the Trash (we had a TON after the holidays!)

  • Clean feet between fresh sheets

  • Not having any poorly chosen gifts to return

  • An empty, clean and shiny sink

  • Scrubs (Flounder and I just discovered this show)

  • Working in DC and having the opportunity to say goodbye to President Ford

    • Quote of the Day
    No one realizes how beautiful it is to travel until he comes home and rests his head on his old, familiar pillow.
    -Lin Yutang


    Posted by La at 9:37 AM | Comments (0)