Lullabyes for an Insomniac

I have been busy, busy, busy. I have kept my dreamwidth account pretty updated, but that is a private journal. I was too lazy to put the rated G parts on LJ. I have made a vow to start this journal back.

Quick recap since move in July:

Home-
-Settled in and Richard and I feel like we've lived together forever
-The apartment is working out, except for the jackass upstairs that plays his music too loud and paces all the time
-Richard asked me to marry him, although not formally. Just discussed it. We agreed to table it until the first of the year.
                                (I love Richard, but am not in love with him. Rocky still flits at the edge of my brain)
-I have not only failed to blog, but crafting fell by the wayside. I dragged my sewing machine out last week and started a project!
                                (Thank you, Julia Cameron and Claudine Hellmuth, for inspiration)
-I have been taking advantage of living in Nashville and have been going to festivals, museums, and boutique stores to my heart's content. I have a membership to the zoo and have gone several times. Pictures below under the cut.
-YoYo and Jenny are coexisting peacefully, a shocker
-YoYo slipped out of his collar one day last week and was hit by a car. He is okay, but I went through a really bad 48 hours
-I spent a weekend in Baptist Hospital because of chest pains. Not a heart attack. Panic was the diagnosis. (sigh)
-I had a cyst removed from my scalp this week. I was traumatized because when I raised my head from the pillow, blood was soaked into the pillow.
-I was diagnosed with CFS.
-Several deaths in family and among friends led to a slight depression but I am dealing with it
-I cut myself off from the pettiness on swap-bot and quit swapping there
-I also quit swapping anywhere, but want to start back soon
-I met a really cool couple here in Nashville, all artsy fartsy. It was nice to meet people that like the same stuff I do
-I applied to be a writer for a website. Haven't heard back yet, but even if rejected, was good to stretch my writing muscles to apply
-Started studying for Microsoft Certification
-Have watched more movies in the past few months than in my entire life before now

Kids:
John-working toward GED, as his boss will help him get into Art Institute of Atlanta Culinary School. Has a lovely girlfriend that appears to be more sane than his last few choices. We went to see him in August and had a great time
Nicki-same-o, same-o. She has been dealing with some health issues but is reasonably okay
Nathan-is working for TDOT and discussing going to NADC in the spring


Work:
I am grateful to have a job
I am grateful to have a job
I am grateful to have a job
Maybe if I say it enough, I can make myself accept the soulless and thankless job I have


Spirituality:
What can I say? I have sadly neglected that part of me. I need to work on this.
( Nashville Zoo at Grassmere )

Yoyo reappeared, healthy and unharmed, thankfully. I am not going to dwell on that. Suffice to say, it was bad while he was missing.

Friday, someone sent me flowers at work. Pink tulips, my favorite. No card, no name, no florist logo, just a mystery. They are beautiful, although slightly limp after the weekend. It has made me nuts, as I am not a fan of mysteries like that. I would like to thank whomever sent them! They made the day a lot brighter, for sure.



I have been procrastinating a little on packing up some swap-bot things. I have had them all ready to go for weeks, just haven't felt like packing them. I am almost done packing tonight (love insomnia). I think once I mark "sent" on the swaps I have, I will stop for a bit. I joined some expensive swaps lately and as much as I enjoy putting together things for other people, it is getting to be too much, as I am not receiving an equivalent in return. I started out with quite a stash of things, so I was just clearing clutter, but I have had to purchase things recently, so time to stop.

Unfortunately, I failed to save the scans of the tip-in pages for the Wheel of the Year Tip-ins-both February and March for morrigane .

( Read more... )

( Read more... )

( Read more... )

Those are the last of the big swaps I plan on doing for awhile. I have a Spring Swap for Nervousness, but I can make most fo the things for that one and it should be fairly easy. I have a few outstanding tags , but nothing more than gathering things up that I already have or can make very quickly. I am just burned out and have been quite disappointed (and flaked on) a few times recently, so before it becomes a chore, I would rather just stop.


I am slowly but surely recovering and every day is a little better. I hope I can get well enough to start packing, as I am very serious about moving back closer to Murfreesboro. There are more and more issues becoming apparent with the house and I need to get out before my life becomes even more of a misery. All this, just when I finally start to meet some local people. Figures. I hate moving... I own too many things. I will be freecycling a lot of possessions when I move. I just don't need them. They are encumbrances.

Speaking of local people, have met some lovely people that I have wanted to meet for quite some time and got my entry to The Mark, which is a wonderful thing. It gets me back out with people I have things in common with, which is nice. I have a dinner date with one of the men that I used to see at the old club, so it is something to look forward to. I still miss Bill, but I am never getting him back, so it is time to look forward. I am not looking for a relationship, but occasional dates would be nice.




















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It has been quite a while since I could update. Between health issues and LJ not allowing me to update (GGRRR), I just have been pretty quiet.  Putting a lot of this under cuts, so as not to clutter up people's FLists.

( Boring health stuff )

It has been bitterly cold quite a bit in the past few weeks and neither Nicki or I can bear to go into the kitchen because it is so cold, so the kitchen is messy and we have been wasting money on take-out. The messiness is making me nuts, but honestly, I can't stand to go in there. It was 42 degrees in there the other morning. Today, the temp is supposed to be in the 70's!  If the kitchen warms up, I may venture in there to tidy and wash the sink full of glasses. Tennessee weather......

I have been really busy with full_moon_swaps  and swap-bot... not to mention school. This semester is kicking my butt.

I received a lovely pocket goddess from gypsytemptress  via swap-bot. I think it is hilarious to be paired up on another site with the same people from LJ. I don't have a pic of the goddess she sent yet, but as soon as I post my pics of my updated water altar, I will show it off. It is cross stitched, a lovely blue goddess.

Swap-bot has paired me with morrigane several times, right on the heels of our FMS swap in October. Too funny.
( My funny Valentine )


I wrote another lovely paper about frugal shopping and debated starting another journal just for that type of thing, as after the first paper I wrote in the fall, which I recycled into a Toastmasters speech, I made a zine, which was so well received, I ended up printing again two more times. I gave out 23 of them, which isn't bad. After the 2nd paper, which I again recycled into a speech, I made another zine, which I haven't distributed yet.  Need some $$ before printing. Anyway, at work, I am considered somewhat fo an expert and since times are so hard, I have been invited to speak to other groups and distribute the zine. I thought a blog dealing with the issue of frugal living would be nice, but there are already SO many, I just don't want to repeat things. Need to think on it some more.

( Dumpster diving )
More later, going back to bed....still so tired.....

I am debating whether or not I want to go pick up some overtime. I am thinking no, as I need to rest the neck and shoulder, but my bank balance is saying, get your damn lazy ass to work and make some money.

For the past hour, I have been finishing up my recipe cards for my sweet treat recipe card swap. If I do say so myself, they are lovely.  There is a cookie swap again this year at work and several people requested I bring my ooey gooey chewy bars. It seems strange to me that the same people who got the recipes last year want me to make it again and get the same recipe, but whatever. They are easy to make, so not going to argue.

Ruby has been allowed to stay out of the cage all week and no bathroom mishaps! This is exciting. I am going to give it one more week, and if she does okay, I will return Gail's humongous cage to her. I swear, it is great dane sized. Ruby is lost in it. And it takes up a goodly portion of the dining room. Now... need to work on the fence. I have been keeping her chained when she goes outside, which I hate, but I can't go through another night of walking all over the neighborhood looking for her.


Okay, need to get to work, whether paid work, or household drudgery.

Friday! Finally! I don't know why, but it has been an incredibly long week. Next week, I go back to my  normal shift, so maybe I won't feel so off-kilter.

I am 75% finished with that damn report. So close.... so close. It WILL be complete by lunch time today, and sent off to the printers. Geez.  Meeting with the 2 members of the group that didn't go on vacation the week before a major presentation. Grumble, grumble, grumble. Less than a week, and it will be over. It's like a countdown.  And a total waste of time and my nerves.

I am off Monday, as I have a neurologist appointment Monday. Honestly, I expect to be referred to yet another doctor, as that seems to be the trend. It is at St. Thomas at 8:20, so should be a stressful morning. However.... I wanted to go to some places on the West End and rather than doing it this weekend, I will treat myself after the doctor visit. The Parthenon is closed on Mondays, unfortunately, but I can find something else to do.

I am groggy this morning. Ruby got loose again yesterday evening and Nicki and I spent 2 hours looking for her. Nothing. We finally had to give up and had decided to put up flyers in the morning. She showed up at the door around 1:30 AM, smelling like a sewer. Ugh. So Nicki bathed her at 1:30 in the morning... in the tub... and it is 6 hours later, and the smell is still in there. Nicki cleaned the bathroom, then took a shower.... not sure WHY the smell is lingering.  Anyway, I have to fix that spot in the fence, because I can't handle that kind of stuff. Every time I heard a car horn or sqeally tires (it was foggy), my heart jumped. Stupid dog.

Honestly... running out of things to say and my paper journal is suffering! 13 days down....17 to go.

Yesterday, managed to finally get some input from the other members of my project group and made inroads in formatting the document. Discussed our individual parts of the presentation... was steaming because the one person that has written one paragraph to my 10 pages took excepts from MY WRITING as her speech. I was flabbergasted when she sent the rough draft... cut and pasted from the things I put in the summary. Infuriated me.  This is why I detest group projects. A week from today and this project will officially end. My BP will probably drop 50 points at the end of that day. :) Hope so, anyway.

Marge was back from her trip... so I had a vent person, fortunately. Too cool, she brought me back a bag of WaWa coffee! Delicious and I am enjoying it very much this morning!

I really want to pack up and move......

I was trying to get pictures of the  pretty, orange (!), new aquarium fish... not a photographer and pics are not so great, but that's okay. It's really cool to watch them, as the formerly lonely tattooed molly  is schooling with the new orange fish.





While I was moving pictures from camera, found the one of YoYo, when he was embracing his cat side and curled up in a laundry basket.... I swear... so much like a cat, he is. Unfortunately, he was disturbed when I came into the room, so the full effect was lost. When I found him, her was curled up like a cat, with his tail over his nose. 
This picture irritates me.... you can see where the bureau was in Nicki's room and she let her cat scratch the sides up. Refinishing this is on my long list of projects that need to be done.



I hope today is a little smoother than yesterday. Really hope.

It has been a rough past couple of weeks, interspersed with moments of peace and quiet joy.

Rough:

• 3 more doctor visits, 2 MRIs and 1 more doctor visit to go this month.
• right arm is still tingly/numb, but neurologist appointment not until mid-November
• face is still burning, but it may be related to the cyst in my sinuses-ENT appt next week
• bills piling up and I had to stop putting $$ into my 401K and savings + pull all the savings out. It scares me.
• it suddenly hurts my upper back left side  to take a deep breath, although it is easing up some today
• Mild case of bronchitis
• Upped BP meds... out of samples so filled the script-it is NOT on the $4 list...
• it was 106.72 for one month  so I will not be able to take this one. It's a shame, as it is working. BP is lower.
• Ruby has started messing in house again.
• Desperately need some car maintenance but don't have any $$
• Last essay (Spay & Neuter---Cause and Effect in Community) was horrible. Hasn't been graded yet... just wasn't insprired, although I think it is important
• Mid-Terms
• Mower and weedeater not working
• Bathroom drain is slow... have used drain-o, but no affect ---plumbers are damned expensive
• Koi pond ready to be winterized and I am just not strong enough
• Insomnia has reared its ugly head and I am exhausted
• Nicki is being really lazy and not helping with stuff around the house unless I force the issue.
•  
• CREDIT program project is stressing my group... no idea where we are going with it.
• Was assigned to the phone team. I HATE being in phones. No break.  Have to be nice all day.
• Toastmasters has taken over all my lunch breaks, as I don't have time to deal with it during the day
• Banquet is finally over! Whoo.
• Missed last meeting and my back-up didn't go, so no attendance records taken. More emails.......
• Yesterday, had to hang up on an agent because of his yelling and cursing. Always rough....
• Was not selected for other department applied to. Good interview, but they want a degree.-why, I don't know, as the work is black/white--a checklist. what I do is far harder and much more technical knowledge is required, as well decision making. Oh well.... their loss.
• Someone I really dislike was assigned to my team
• Tried to finish following up on Autumn swap. One of my swap partners never sent... huge disappointment, as only one participant fulfilled all the requirements of the LMAO. Finally gave up and closed the LMAO.
• Early onset of SAD... or maybe just the exhaustion is leading to a depression. I have gone 2 years with no anti-depressants and trying to make it a third, but it is a struggle.

Quiet Joy:

• It's Autumn and the weather has been amazing
• Was able to sit outside and bask in the moonlight on Monday
• Nathan's picture on the front page of the band site-there is such happiness in his face
• Marge brought me a 5 lb bag of DD coffee beans! (okay, that's LOUD joy)
• Was very happy with what I sent to my partner for Honoring Your Ancestors swap, was fun to put together and I wish I had taken pictures. I was really pleased with the wrapping too
• Almost finished decluttering clothes and stuff I have hauled around for past 3 moves
• Garage organized
• Marge's daughter sent me a sequined Halloween picture-children's artwork is the best!
• Nicki bought two pumpkins for the front porch. I wasn't going to spend the money and was a little sad about it.
• Read "The Age of Innocence" again
• A neighbor who picked pears in the side yard brought me pear preserves as a thank you. Yum......
• Had a real date with someone very nice. Nothing there, but we had a pleasant  time and plan to go out again... maybe a long bike ride this weekend.  Great conversationalist, he is. And open minded and tolerant, which is important. 
• New penpal! Denmark
• Completely finished two journals.
• Started a new journal
• possibility of meeting a very cool couple I have been chatting with for awhile on 25th, which would be awesome.
• looking forward to John's arrival at end of month and my vacation

There is a lot more, but my mind is blank. Nothing horrible going on, but no overwhelming good stuff either.
Time to get ready for work.

I filled out the questionnaire for the full_moon_swaps  October swap today. It was pretty deep stuff and I stared into space for nearly 2 hours, trying to put in words some very personal feelings and attitudes. All this before I finished the first cup of coffee. Whew!

It made me think a lot about how much of a traditionalist I am, despite my "who cares" attitude. I miss the family gatherings, I miss the connection to family. I DON'T miss my family in particular, but the idea of the family. Even before the theme was posted, I was thinking about Mima and Papa, have for all of this year. Maybe having a home and doing things to make a home have made me feel a deeper connection to them. I have been trying to locate Glenna so I can get a copy of the family history, but with no luck. I may ask Alicia, as if she doesn't have a copy, maybe she can borrow Mother's and have it copied.

I also keep thinking about Papa Charlie. Even though he died when I was five, I have vivid memories of him and can still feel his love, today.

I looked up the Family Crest and was reminded of the family motto: "it behooves us to live". It has also been translated as "we must live", which makes a heck of a lot more sense, since it comes from the borderlands, where people did what they had to, in order to survive. I like that translation better. It goes with the 3 foxes on the crest.... foxes do what they must to survive.

It also made me think about how lackadaisical (great word!) I have been about honoring my ancestors and how I don't take enough time to center myself and live life the way I know I should.  A timely reminder.

Samhain is the New Year for me. A time for reflection and renewal. I am giving serious thought to how I intend to observe Samhain this year. Out come the books!

Closer is Mabon. It is MONDAY! I plan to have a simple supper (maybe a stew?) of local harvest from the Farmer's market and to bake bread.  I will also simmer some spiced cider and the house will smell divine.  I may take the cider crockpot to work, as the team loves it. I am almost out of dried lavender and oak moss, so need to find a way to replenish. Hopefully, I will be able to walk along the Greenway Monday evening and collect some leaves and seed pods to dry. No formal ritual,  just thanksgiving and gratitude for the harvest, and I will go out and talk to the Oak tree in the back yard.

I am also still working through the thoughts raised at Lughnasaddh about personal harvest, as well as the more traditional harvest.  No real conclusions there, just some nebulous thoughts. And they aren't all good.

Off of the deep stuff!

Was a busy week....

• Monday, I took 97 calls. Exhausting. Also wrote my rough draft for my "expert" paper. I decided to write about how to feed your family for almost nothing. It relates to being poor, but it has a positive spin.
• Tuesday was the 5th class in the Communication series. 3 more and I can add that certificate to my wall.
• Wednesday was the bake sale I organized. I made 643.00 for the Toastmasters club! Definitely going into the "significant business results" of my talent profile at work.
• Posted the short draft of "expert" paper to discussion Wednesday morning, along with my thoughts on the short story essays we had to read. I enjoyed the one called "On Being a Cripple" by Nancy Mairs.
• Thursday was a speech... gave a talk on Mary Shelley's life.  I wrote the speech that morning......It was the smoothest delivery I have done yet, but I still HATE giving speeches. Sent out reminder for the banquet and forgot to take off the read receipt.... Had to sit there and delete all the receipts  (126)to prevent email hell, which irritated me.
• Yesterday was a team member's last day, as well as the department secretary's last day (both going to other departments) and the entire department had a food day. 200 people bringing in snacks and sweets...... my supervisor bought our team Mexican from a little local dive down the street from work. Was delicious, especially the obviously freshmade guacamole. I woke up at 4:00am, full of energy! Got a head start on the weekend housecleaning.  Ordered the invitations for the Toastmaster's banquet, which was somewhat of an ordeal.

My aquarium was suddenly full of green water yesterday. Literally, one day clear and the next murky. Disturbing and upsetting. However, Nicki went last night and got some miracle product, put in a 1/2 tsp, and this morning the water is clear. Amazing. There is still algae growing, on the glass and the rocks, but at least my fish aren't swimming in oxygen choking murk.

Ruby made it two days this week without messing in the crate. She did pee yesterday, but that is less worrisome. If she would learn to go outside, I'd let her run loose.... I would like to put in a better fence and install a doggie door, but my finances will not allow that for a long time.  I think both dogs would be ecstatic with access to the outdoors during the day.

Had mock interview Monday... went well.
Had actual interview Wednesday.... went well, but I have heaps of competition. Not getting hopes up, as there are other opportunities.

The last biopsy went well, so no radiation needed again. Glad to have that off my mind.

My BP was in the normal-high range today, for the first time since last year. Ironically, even though the meds are helping, they had to be changed yet again, as it was causing me to cough, cough, and cough some more. Not pleasant.

The fairly normal BP reading this afternoon was a total surprise, as it was a slightly stressful day:

Today was the development group and I needed to be dressed up more than normal, etc.....

Ruby and Yoyo got out of the fence this morning at 5:30am, so I had to chase them (in pajamas) all the way to the horse show grounds. I caught Yoyo, but Ruby kept darting away, the little hussy. I had to traipse back to the house with Yoyo, then go back with the car. I couldn't find her when I went back, which upset me terribly.  I was getting ready to post flyers and such, when she appeared at the front door.  I was really terrified that she would wander into one of the yards with a pit bull tied up...... I love pit bulls, but let's face it. They are territorial and if she wandered into their territory, she would deserve to be attacked. And she is so damn stupid........

And all this meant I had no time to dry my hair or put make up on, so I went to the meeting with fly-away hair, no make-up, and the wrong shoes. It was a panel from other departments to determine where we all wanted to job shadow, so I really wanted to look nice.
Aggravation and stress.

Assholes galore on the roads this morning.

After the meeting, was notified all the calls from the Florida office would be routed to us, as they were closing the building. Makes sense, but it just meant that we are even further behind than we were, as we answered their calls yesterday also. Call volume was obscene.

I have spent $60 on gas since Thursday and when I left to go to doctor, was on empty again.  I don't know that I'll be able to afford to go to work next week. Geez.

All this, and BP was fairly normal. Somewhat of a miracle. Something to be thankful for.
I hope the new meds do well. At this point, I have 5 months worth of BP medication I cannot use.

On a brighter note:
Cut out two of the things for a swap, made some paperclay thingies, and managed to clean out the crafting area so I can work. Also took apart and cleaned the sewing machine so I am ready to go!

I have been feeling very inspired lately to work on an art doll AND a little shrine. Waiting for the final details to be clear in my head, but I have the box prepped and ready to go and started sorting through my fabric.

And over time is offered again this weekend. Woo hoo! Definitely can use the $$

According to a book by Kyra Sundance, I should be able to train my dog to bring me a beer. I don't think I want my dog to know how to open the refrigerator. I just think that opens up a huge possibility for a lot of problems and a lot of anger and high blood pressure on my part at some point.

That being said, I wish I could teach Yoyo to sit properly. He is so dumb.... every time we say "Sit", he sits (briefly) then holds up his paw to shake, then lies down, then gets up and does the whole thing again. And "stay" is just not sticking at all. And if he is busy, I get ignored........... He was infuriated by a squirrel yesterday morning and I thought he was going to go over the fence again. I wish I knew why that particular squirrel gets him so stirred up.....

Ruby has adapted readily to the new crate (Thanks, Gail).  She might even be a little happier, as she was in the shelter for so long, it may be that she needs the crate to feel safe. I have had it since Thursday and there have been no messes since.  When I open the door,  she goes right in and settles down, which is a huge relief. I put Yoyo in it for a little while one night, as it is a simply huge crate and there is plenty of room. He did not care for it and just stared at me until I let him out.

I have been thinking about Wilson lately and how much I loved him and how good he was. And how much it hurt when he died.

I ended up mowing again yesterday evening. I am not supposed to, but it needed to be done. The koi pond needs to be cleaned again too, but there is just no way. The last time I did it was right before all the BP problems started and I pulled my neck also. It was a bad weekend.  It's no fun to sit by the pond if I can't see the fish.

I'll be glad when I am not so weak, and when I can DO stuff again. SO many projects have come to a screeching halt.... the floors, the bathroom, the garage, the yard, the walkways, the patio...... it is making me crazy. I really want to work on these things, but I am relegated to sitting quietly, with nothing more strenuous than walking. Bleah. BORING! And frustrating. As horrible as I felt after mowing.... it was good to accomplish something.  The yard has piles and piles of clippings that will not be raked up, so not real attractive, but I guess it's better than the knee high grass.  Starting a compost pile was on my list too.... so I could have that started for next year, as I want a veggie garden. It seems endless, the list I have.

I started a matchbox shrine for my N'ness swap while I was waiting for Nicki to come back with my beading needles. I was really inspired and have high hopes for the finished product.  After a long dry spell, it seems that my creativity is flowing again, which is a blessing.

Time to get ready for work. Ugh.

Maybe not loser, but damned flaky lately. I wrote down TUESDAY the 28th as being the date to pay Electric/Water bill or would be sent a nasty cutoff notice. Well.... MONDAY was the 28th. I had to leave earlier from work than planned so I could take care of that. Pissed me off that I wrote down the wrong day and was fixated on the day, not date.

Doctor appointments yesterday..... BP still too high. Started the new med he prescribed last week. Will be starting the new diet after payday. I don't have any $$ for special food right now.... so will continue to live on cereal and couscous the rest of the week.  No biggie.

Was hopeful about the other situation.  That doctor is always fairly noncommittal, but he did say that he didn't see any more spots. Playing the waiting game with the lab now. Not dwelling on it. I think my BP is closer to killing me right now than cancer. I could be completely wrong, but if I am , will deal with it at the proper time.

Got my first hits on my N'ness LMAO. Too exciting!

So.....  a week after I discontinued my subscription to Match.com, I get an email saying someone has sent me a message, which of course, I can't access, because I cancelled my subscription. My question.... since I disabled my profile before I ever left the site,  how would anyone send me a message? Methinks Match.com is trying to get more money out of me. Seems a little havey-cavey..... At least E-Harmony was upfront about not being to match me to anyone. Immediately. "You are unmatchable" . So hilarious.

I finally was able to talk to SS.... after several years of trying to get all that business cleared up. I feel better now. As always, the big problem was a huge hug HUGE miscommunication/misunderstanding.  This time, not all my fault...... definitely two-sided, that. The positive thing... maybe we can talk as adults now and be friends again. We used to have good times.

Ruby messed in the house again while I was at work  yesterday.... it is really making me crazy and I don't know what to do. I can't afford a crate. What's worse is I know it bothers Yoyo. She is messing in HIS house.

Was reading "Dancing with the Goddess Incarnate" this morning. About the silliest, fluffiest book ever. I am listing it on Amazon. I don't want it on my bookshelf.

I still have a credit on paperbackswap.com  but just not finding anything I want. It would be nice to get a new book to read, however, so maybe I will look again.  I am running out and the Shelbyville library is not exactly the most well stocked of libraries.  I was excited to find a used bookstore, just off the square. Unfortunately, it was chock full of Harlequin romances and westerns, of all things. Slim pickings on contemporary and classic fiction.

I am in the mood to go antiquing, but I know that will have to wait. I am going to go to Nashville on the 3rd for a luncheon and plan to make a day of it, health permitting. I want to go into Green Hills and stroll the aisles of Whole Foods and head over to Jake's place to look for a  travel coffee cup with the Cup o' Joe to Go logo on it. I love that t'shirt.... want a mug also. I will probably take advantage of being on the West End and go to Borders, Magical Journey, and all those nifty vintage clothing stores on Louise St. I am so looking forward to this and I hope nothing happens so that I can't go.  I could use a day of window shopping ... and I am really looking forward to the luncheon and meeting some cool people. I only know 2 people and there is supposed to be 10-12.

I am still craving the Hermit   tattoo. John is supposed to head up here the last week of October, but I am thinking of going down there to pick him up so I can get that done. I don't know any local tattoo artists that I trust that much and it's such a detailed picture... I want it done right.

Listening to the Beatles this morning. A Beatles sort of day........

YoYo woke me up to go outside a little while ago, a rare event. When he does, he is usually quick about wanting to come back in, but I guess his tummy is upset because he is adamant that it is not time to come in and it's been 30 minutes.  And he is eating grass.  Ruby got up with us and went out, but stood on the porch just looking back in with a very befuddled look, as if to say, "What the heck are you doing? It's SLEEP time!" She is very expressive and communicative.

Of course, I am wide awake now (sorta) and I don't have any reason to be up this early because I don't have to go to work today. Follow up doctor visit today.  I was a bit nervous about that visit but I am just too exhausted to be fretting too much. Probably a good thing... maybe.

I have been a zombie since Sunday. All I have wanted to do is sleep. Yet I managed to work.  Somehow.  I started those meds on Saturday so I am thinking that my body should have adjusted a little bit by now. I can't handle feeling like this. Quite frankly, I would rather run the risk of a stroke. That is on the list of things to bring up to the doctor today.

I'm 2 items closer to being able to register for classes. 3 more to go: Compass exam, computer proficiency exam, and meeting with an adviser.

I am astounded at how many people are sharking at Freecycle. Well, maybe not so amazed as I know good and damn well that the general population is fairly greedy. I am  a little bummed with the Shelbyville Freecycle, as I see lots of wanted and very few offers.
AND..... I have posted 5 offers in the past two weeks and at least 4 people responded to all 5 offers. That seems greedy. Really.
My offers: loveseat, icebox fridge, dog bed, a years worth of womens mags: Glamour, Allure, Marie Claire, etc, and a bag of assorted household linens.   I plan to post offers for clothing, but I dunno. Another part of me says to just take it to the Goodwill. That would seem to be a better idea so I don't get pissy when the same people email immediately with "I want it, when can I pick it up?"

I have posted ONE wanted. For plastic clothes hangers. Just to see if anyone would think about all those hangers they have in some spare room closet.  Not one response on that one.  Not one. I just feel that if I posted to Murfreesboro Freecycle, someone would email me to say they have a garbage bag full of hangers and pleasecomegetthemthankyouverymuch.

Oh well.