Sunday, November 25, 2007
We Did It!
Well, most of it. The garage still needs to be cleaned out... but most of the other projects we set out to complete are pretty much done. The craft closet/office is pretty orderly, just a few finishing touches is all it needs. The various paint issues, resolved. Heck, even the doggies were bathed (much to their displeasure). We even had time for fun - board games, reading, goofing off on the computers. All in all a wonderful weekend!
Thursday, November 22, 2007
Just Kickin' It
Today we've decided we'll just kick it. No work, other than making food to eat. Tomorrow however, we'll get some smaller, undone projects hopefully started and completed! It's making time to actually do it and then doing it. Tomorrow we'll have the time... so in theory we should accomplish our goals.
I want to entertain and have friends over. We could as the place is, but I want our home to be spruced up a bit more. There's a few paint trim issues to resolve, a very messy garage, and an office/craft room that really needs some order! All of these projects can easily be accomplished if we just do it.
I had thought that NOT having a TV would help me be more productive. To a certain degree I certainly think that's been the case. However, I also discovered that if I'm not inclined to do something I'll find a bunch of excuses and reasons not to. Amazing?! Well, not really, but a reality all the same. Ugh, there's that accountability thing again. Ok, so tomorrow we'll get to work. Woo hoo, good times.
I want to entertain and have friends over. We could as the place is, but I want our home to be spruced up a bit more. There's a few paint trim issues to resolve, a very messy garage, and an office/craft room that really needs some order! All of these projects can easily be accomplished if we just do it.
I had thought that NOT having a TV would help me be more productive. To a certain degree I certainly think that's been the case. However, I also discovered that if I'm not inclined to do something I'll find a bunch of excuses and reasons not to. Amazing?! Well, not really, but a reality all the same. Ugh, there's that accountability thing again. Ok, so tomorrow we'll get to work. Woo hoo, good times.
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Food for thought
Tonight the hubby and I started off our four day weekend by having dinner with good friends. I can't think of a better way to begin a holiday weekend. Tonight's meal included lots of laughter and some thought provoking ideas. It was an enlightening supper for me and I came away from the table with a full stomach and a head full of wonder. Are there really deeper meanings to peoples' actions? For instance we discussed movies and how directors don't just shoot movies and whatever happens happens. Scripts are written, action sequences planned, backdrops carefully selected, etc., etc. There's so much more to a movie than just the visual picture. Ok, I buy that. But people in general, when they do dumb things, why? Thrill seeking? Attention seeking? Latent homosexuality rearing its head?
If I accept that people do dumb things and that's just life... well, is that taking the easy way out? If I don't subscribe to such an ideology, then when people (myself included of course) do something stupid, then there's a deeper meaning, it was a purposeful action, it was intended - at least on some level. Well dang, then, that means I have to own up to my behavior. I need to take responsibility for my decisions and actions. Usually I wouldn't haven't it any other way. But sure, there are times when I'm just sick of being responsible, being dependable, and instead I just want to be reckless, crazy. Of course, such thinking can lead to some very unwanted and unthought of consequences, thus, better to be safe than sorry.
So, on days when I'm too tired to think things through, I can't take the easy way out. Why am I too tired? Did I stay up too late goofing off on the computer? Did I not get enough sleep because I was stressed about something at work? Is there something I did or did not do that I should have and that led to the stress? If so, back to square one. Do not pass go, do not collect $200. Ugh. It seems like a vicious cycle. Be responsible, do the right thing, be accountable for your actions and lead a lovely life. Seems so very simple. I suppose it is... except for that nagging voice, "Hey, you don't ALWAYS have to be a goody-goody. Go on, have a little fun, go crazy!" I suppose that is what drugs and booze are for. "What? Me? No, I would NEVER do that, I was a little tipsy. Therefore it wasn't ME, it was the booze." "Huh? No, no, I didn't want anything to drink... but... everyone else was doing it, or so-and-so kept filling my glass...." So many excuses, so little time to use them all!
Well, I need not worry, it's not like I'm actually writing the words in this post. I had a drink at dinner, so whatever little letters are on this screen are a result of that.
If I accept that people do dumb things and that's just life... well, is that taking the easy way out? If I don't subscribe to such an ideology, then when people (myself included of course) do something stupid, then there's a deeper meaning, it was a purposeful action, it was intended - at least on some level. Well dang, then, that means I have to own up to my behavior. I need to take responsibility for my decisions and actions. Usually I wouldn't haven't it any other way. But sure, there are times when I'm just sick of being responsible, being dependable, and instead I just want to be reckless, crazy. Of course, such thinking can lead to some very unwanted and unthought of consequences, thus, better to be safe than sorry.
So, on days when I'm too tired to think things through, I can't take the easy way out. Why am I too tired? Did I stay up too late goofing off on the computer? Did I not get enough sleep because I was stressed about something at work? Is there something I did or did not do that I should have and that led to the stress? If so, back to square one. Do not pass go, do not collect $200. Ugh. It seems like a vicious cycle. Be responsible, do the right thing, be accountable for your actions and lead a lovely life. Seems so very simple. I suppose it is... except for that nagging voice, "Hey, you don't ALWAYS have to be a goody-goody. Go on, have a little fun, go crazy!" I suppose that is what drugs and booze are for. "What? Me? No, I would NEVER do that, I was a little tipsy. Therefore it wasn't ME, it was the booze." "Huh? No, no, I didn't want anything to drink... but... everyone else was doing it, or so-and-so kept filling my glass...." So many excuses, so little time to use them all!
Well, I need not worry, it's not like I'm actually writing the words in this post. I had a drink at dinner, so whatever little letters are on this screen are a result of that.
Sunday, November 18, 2007
Pets / Pests?
Sometimes our pets are pests, other times (like when they're sleeping or at the groomers) they're just wonderful! I realize it's our fault for not being consistent and training them properly. However, with regards to the cats... I don't think there is much we can do.
Ginger is usually well behaved. Jordan, however, is a whole another issue. That cat is senseless and likes to demonstrate this on a regular basis. She's always getting into the cupboards and tearing apart various packages (walnuts, oatmeal, Splenda flavored coffee packets, etc.). The dogs think this is great and join in whenever they can. Usually Jordan, aka Pest-A-Roonie, does this while we're at work. I've asked the hubby to lock her up before he leaves, but he claims he can't find her. LAME excuse, I'm not buying it. That cat loves treats and all you need to do is shake the little kitty treat bag and she'll come running.
Well, as a solution the husband has slapped on some Velcro to the cabinets. He thinks this will keep her out. I hope he's right. Tomorrow will be test run number one. Cross those fingers!
Ginger is usually well behaved. Jordan, however, is a whole another issue. That cat is senseless and likes to demonstrate this on a regular basis. She's always getting into the cupboards and tearing apart various packages (walnuts, oatmeal, Splenda flavored coffee packets, etc.). The dogs think this is great and join in whenever they can. Usually Jordan, aka Pest-A-Roonie, does this while we're at work. I've asked the hubby to lock her up before he leaves, but he claims he can't find her. LAME excuse, I'm not buying it. That cat loves treats and all you need to do is shake the little kitty treat bag and she'll come running.
Well, as a solution the husband has slapped on some Velcro to the cabinets. He thinks this will keep her out. I hope he's right. Tomorrow will be test run number one. Cross those fingers!
Welcome to the Neighborhoord!
Today the 3 little neighbor girls brought over some banana nut bread. It was good, really, really good! So, to return the favor I made chocolate chip cookies. While they were baking, the hubby ran an errand. Upon his return our neighbors directly next door and the couple from 5 doors down were hanging out and said, "We have a pumpkin beer for Becky." When the cookies were cool enough to take over we joined the group. I had a pumpkin beer and enjoyed every sip. Apparently I am the only one who likes this particular beer - more for me! We had a very nice evening with our new group. I'm really liking it here. With neighbors like these, what's not to like? I'm finally "home". My only worry now is that the weather will turn cold and we'll all hide indoors and not get together again till spring.
Saturday, November 17, 2007
No TV, New hp, Books to Read, and LFPSDHT
The hubby has been a very good sport about my not wanting a TV in the house. And this during football season?!
I'm enjoying the quiet that comes from the absence of a TV. Bob, a local radio station similar to Jack or Earl, has become my new buddy. Bob and I hang out while I goof off on my new hp laptop. It's a small little computer that works. The "that works" part is what I'm most happy about. My previous computer just gave up and died, taking all my data with it. Oh well.
After no TV and before the new computer I spent most evenings reading. Now with Herman (that's my hp's name), I find I read less books and read more blogs and such. Not sure if that's good or bad. It's probably about the same considering I'm not reading anything of real value, just some silly little books for entertainment (John Grisham, Stuart Woods, James Patterson, and others of that kind).
The Memoris of Cleopatra by Margaet George, The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett, and Labyrinth by Kate Mosse are sitting on the coffee table. Maybe I'll read Celopatra next. I read The Autobigraphy of Henry VIII, also, by Margaret George and it was fantastic! I'm hoping Celopatra is every bit as fasinating, I have no reason to suspect it wouldn't be.
The hubby said we could join Bookswim.com (like Netflix, but with books) and so I should probably sign us up and save some dough. Right now I'm purchasing and reading about 4-12 books a month. Most books usually cost about $5 or more each. Bookswim, depending on which rental program I go with, would cost the same or less! And, I wouldn't be stuck with a bunch of paperbacks littering the place. Yes, I'll eventually donate the books, when I get around to it.
I know, I know, I should utilize the library. Yes, yes I should. But, I don't want to. I'd have to go to the library, find the book(s) I wanted, return them, pay fines if I forget... it's just a hassle I'd rather not deal with. I'm ashamed of this attitude, especially considering my wonderful childhood memories of walking to the library with my mom during the week and both mom and dad on Saturday (oh and my twerp brother was always apart of these adventures too. Actually, we usually got along quite well at those times. I guess books were a bridge to a new land where some pesky, pest of a brother seemed so insignificant that we'd not fight. Oh! That's why mom took us to the library all the time?!). Many, many fond recollections of the public library.
I've been to our local library, that yes, I could even walk to it, and it's quite nice for its small size. I even personally known the librarian. She's a fabulous woman, whom I admire and respect. Hmm, maybe today while the hubby's at the office I'll walk my butt over to the library and get some exercise, enjoy the uncharacteristically beautiful weather we're experiencing and hopefully see my friend.
Of course, if I were to do that I'd have to leave Herman behind. I know Herman wouldn't mind, he'd probably like the break... but I'm still having fun discovering the differences of Windows Vista and all that entails. Windows Vista is pretty groovy. So far I it's been very user friendly and easy to navigate. Some features are very intuitive, which I totally dig.
Unfortunately the little finger-print scanner do-hickey-thingy (LFPSDHT) is a pain in the @$$ and doesn't seem to like me. Not sure what I'm doing wrong. I'd rather just type in my password than have the LFPSDHT belch at me every 5 seconds telling me I'm too fast, try again. Try again. Try again. Try again. Screw you LFPSDHT, scan yourself. I can afford the extra 3.2 nanoseconds to type in a password. I'm not SOOOOOOOOOOO important that I NEED you! Well, that one time the LFPSDHT worked was really cool and I did feel really, really important...
I'm enjoying the quiet that comes from the absence of a TV. Bob, a local radio station similar to Jack or Earl, has become my new buddy. Bob and I hang out while I goof off on my new hp laptop. It's a small little computer that works. The "that works" part is what I'm most happy about. My previous computer just gave up and died, taking all my data with it. Oh well.
After no TV and before the new computer I spent most evenings reading. Now with Herman (that's my hp's name), I find I read less books and read more blogs and such. Not sure if that's good or bad. It's probably about the same considering I'm not reading anything of real value, just some silly little books for entertainment (John Grisham, Stuart Woods, James Patterson, and others of that kind).
The Memoris of Cleopatra by Margaet George, The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett, and Labyrinth by Kate Mosse are sitting on the coffee table. Maybe I'll read Celopatra next. I read The Autobigraphy of Henry VIII, also, by Margaret George and it was fantastic! I'm hoping Celopatra is every bit as fasinating, I have no reason to suspect it wouldn't be.
The hubby said we could join Bookswim.com (like Netflix, but with books) and so I should probably sign us up and save some dough. Right now I'm purchasing and reading about 4-12 books a month. Most books usually cost about $5 or more each. Bookswim, depending on which rental program I go with, would cost the same or less! And, I wouldn't be stuck with a bunch of paperbacks littering the place. Yes, I'll eventually donate the books, when I get around to it.
I know, I know, I should utilize the library. Yes, yes I should. But, I don't want to. I'd have to go to the library, find the book(s) I wanted, return them, pay fines if I forget... it's just a hassle I'd rather not deal with. I'm ashamed of this attitude, especially considering my wonderful childhood memories of walking to the library with my mom during the week and both mom and dad on Saturday (oh and my twerp brother was always apart of these adventures too. Actually, we usually got along quite well at those times. I guess books were a bridge to a new land where some pesky, pest of a brother seemed so insignificant that we'd not fight. Oh! That's why mom took us to the library all the time?!). Many, many fond recollections of the public library.
I've been to our local library, that yes, I could even walk to it, and it's quite nice for its small size. I even personally known the librarian. She's a fabulous woman, whom I admire and respect. Hmm, maybe today while the hubby's at the office I'll walk my butt over to the library and get some exercise, enjoy the uncharacteristically beautiful weather we're experiencing and hopefully see my friend.
Of course, if I were to do that I'd have to leave Herman behind. I know Herman wouldn't mind, he'd probably like the break... but I'm still having fun discovering the differences of Windows Vista and all that entails. Windows Vista is pretty groovy. So far I it's been very user friendly and easy to navigate. Some features are very intuitive, which I totally dig.
Unfortunately the little finger-print scanner do-hickey-thingy (LFPSDHT) is a pain in the @$$ and doesn't seem to like me. Not sure what I'm doing wrong. I'd rather just type in my password than have the LFPSDHT belch at me every 5 seconds telling me I'm too fast, try again. Try again. Try again. Try again. Screw you LFPSDHT, scan yourself. I can afford the extra 3.2 nanoseconds to type in a password. I'm not SOOOOOOOOOOO important that I NEED you! Well, that one time the LFPSDHT worked was really cool and I did feel really, really important...
Friday, November 16, 2007
Won't You Be My Neighbor
Today I had the great fortune of meeting my next door neighbor and his three young daughters (his wife was out with her gal pals, though she's very nice. She and I met in passing a couple weeks ago). As others in the neighborhood arrived home I was introduced to them as well. Three beers, two hours and one mudslide later the hubby arrived on the scene. I only partook of the mudslide since I'm not much of a beer drinker - though I'm trying to keep an open mind about this. Hey, beer pressure can be tough, I don't want to be that one lame neighbor who won't belly-up to the bar and kick one back, ya know? How un-neighborly would that be?! And poor Erik, he didn't even get one brewski, as I gave away all our Bavarian beers to our new friends - guess that means we'll have to buy more ;-)
It seems we moved into the coolest neighborhood in all of the Antelope Valley! Our neighbors actually know one another and interact on a regular basis. I'm not talking about, "Hi, nice weather we're having, huh?" I'm talking about, "Tomorrow afternoon we're hanging out at Duke's place. You should join us, bring a lawn chair." I'm talking about "Hey, you like Attack Uno?" I'm talking about some fun people who know how to have a good time. I can't wait to get to know them all.
Apparently in the winter things slow down as people tend to stay indoors. But, in the spring/summer folks sit out in their driveways with the garage door open (this provides quick and easy access to the garage fridge with the beer) just waiting for you to come over. If you don't see them sitting out, don't worry, they'll give ya call on the tele. How awesome is that?
It seems we moved into the coolest neighborhood in all of the Antelope Valley! Our neighbors actually know one another and interact on a regular basis. I'm not talking about, "Hi, nice weather we're having, huh?" I'm talking about, "Tomorrow afternoon we're hanging out at Duke's place. You should join us, bring a lawn chair." I'm talking about "Hey, you like Attack Uno?" I'm talking about some fun people who know how to have a good time. I can't wait to get to know them all.
Apparently in the winter things slow down as people tend to stay indoors. But, in the spring/summer folks sit out in their driveways with the garage door open (this provides quick and easy access to the garage fridge with the beer) just waiting for you to come over. If you don't see them sitting out, don't worry, they'll give ya call on the tele. How awesome is that?
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