Lullabyes for an Insomniac

It snowed last night!!!!!!
I woke up to a beautiful sight. So surprising... I knew it might snow, but when snow is forecast around here, it usually means a dusting but there's a few inches this morning, so everything is covered. So pretty. The dogs didn't care for it.


I met Mike P at Fridays yesterday evening-for a drink. It turned into a 6 hour dinner date. Very unexpected, as I have never thought of him as more than a fun acquaintance. I had a lovely time, great conversation, lots of laughs. We found that we both love cereal for supper and have had some similar experiences. He has asked if I would go out on a date with him and I said yes.  He is interesting and an undemanding companion. However, he is a Yankees fan. That's bad....

It's good timing, as far as starting to date again, as Nickie found an apartment and will be moving in 2 weeks!
YAY! I love having her around, but I have missed my alone time.

Right after I got home, David called me. Out of the blue. He is staying at Mother's for the weekend. He has been in Florida the last year and evidently has held a job all that time. Amazing. I gave him a huge big sister lecture about staying in touch, then we had a  nice conversation. I hope that he might be growing up finally. Grace is not a part of his life, which probably helps. I was extremely happy to learn that he has had his teeth taken care of finally and has dentures. I HATE having a brother that looked like a down and out drug addict. Which he is, but that isn't the point.

I am really irritated/hurt/upset, as the swaps that I sent out last week have all been received (thank you delivery confirmation) but only one person has had the courtesy to acknowledge receipt (the spring equinox doll). It just bothers me that I spend so much time and thought, not to mention money.... and I make sure that I acknowledge within a day or two when someone sends me something, even if I don't care for it.  It is another reason to drop out of all swapping.  Honestly, why bother?

I think I may drop full_moon_swaps  too. It is just not feeling like a community to me and I think 7 moderators for a community that is so quiet is  just not necessary. I am most definitely expendable.  And I just don't like the way it is heading.  So it might be best to just remove myself. I am going to give it serious thought over the next week. It is just a chore, at this point.

I have already dropped any outstanding swaps on swap-bot that haven't had partners assigned. I am waiting on  quite a few things that should be sent already or sent in the next few weeks, so I can't delete my profile. Will have to wait on that.

I think I am looking more for a community that has the energy that Nervousness used to have. I may not be able to find it, but I want to look for it. Or create one.  I thought FMS would have that energy, but it just doesn't.

Tomorrow is the systems switch at work and I am dreading and looking forward to it at the same time. I was fortunate enough to be assigned production by my supervisor, so I will have an advantage of having time to learn the new system before having to work from the phones with it. Supervisor is a good guy! 

Today has been designated Clean-the-house-it-is-messy, messy, messy-after-being-ill-for-a-month Day, so I need to get moving.

This was for a N'ness swap... first dotee doll I have ever made and I thought it turned out cute. It is a Valentine dotee!



This was a Winter Swap... here is the rest:



The whimsy jar is winter themed, there is a little handmade journal for New Year's resolutions, a spice mat, a cookbook that reminds me of Mima, and a chocolate sleigh, also a first attempt at something new.

Today started out rough..... the coffee maker died. It was ugly. Just ugly.
Was peeing rain and sleet on the way to work and as always, people were being jerks. It took me from 6:15 to 8:00 to get to work, because of fender benders. Sheesh.

Was kinda a rough day at work, but it's over so I will move on.

I bought a coffee percolator instead of the drip type. I think coffee is better.... and it takes less counter space!

When I got home had two GREAT packages in the mail.... gwensmom sent me a box of fabulous fabric, which I was expecting, but also sent some marvelous yarns, which has me giddy with excitement.  There is some super soft fuzzy green yarn that will be perfect hair for a Baba Yaga doll I have been thinking about starting at some point.

AND!! my PIF from gypsytemptress arrived, smelling yummy when I opened the mail box. There was quite a collection of BPal scents, which my daughter is trying to steal (I offered to share) , samples of moisturizers, tea.... just all sorts of tiny treasures. What a day brightener!

There was also a belated birthday card from Bill's precious mother, that made me bawl like a baby, I miss him (and her) so much.

Thanksgiving.
I am thankful I have a day off with pay.
I am thankful I was able to sleep an extra hour.
I am thankful I don't have to talk to anyone all weekend, if I don't choose to.


I am NOT thankful I have no one to cook for. It's a bummer, as I do enjoy making holiday meals.

Received the Sweet Treat Recipe cards for my N'ness swap. I have a great idea for a scrapbook-style cookbook, starting with these. I was hoping for 10 participants, but I am very happy with these five:

( wonderful recipe cards )



( swap-bot stuff )

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.

An easy-peasy swap via swap-bot: Send decorated to-do list. It is an outdoorsy activity weekend, it looks like! This is going to Denmark. Coincidentally, my new penpal is from Denmark, so I have two things mailed to that country this weekend. It's exciting to get mail from another country, so really looking forward to the returns on this.
Got some  things accomplished from that list: winterized the koi pond, mailed my list,  and raked leaves.  Finishing the essay right now, but am procrastinating.

I am working 7-7 all week, which means I am not going to have a lot of time for studying and posting to the school discussion boards. Trying to get it all done today.

Posted a candy/cookie recipe swap LMAO on N'Ness. I hope people sign up, as I thought it would be fun... and relatively easy to do. I imposed a firm deadline and  made it a collection LMAO, so if people don't mail to me by  deadline, they will get their own stuff back. Period. 

It is sweat shirt weather, which is exciting. I have been waiting for it! Love it, love it.  The dogs are enjoying the weekend too.

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 have given up on my Autumn swap on N'Ness. I had two swap partners and one (hydro) came through with an amazing array of goodies.

The other one was a complete failure. I have heard twice that she was sending by a certain date, then nothing.... she is on the site every day, so it is not a matter of not being able to communicate.

Anyway, she also never posted to the thread with what she received, which was a requirement of the swap (the other swap partners never did this either). For my own little memory scrapbook, this is what she received:


The pumpkin candle holder was left out in the end, as it did not fit in the box. I am enjoying it!

Not pictured:
A bird feeder and seed for "Nature's Bounty"
Halloween socks and a cider scented candle for "Warm Fuzzies"
A tackle box of Wonka candies and a paper game notepad for "Your inner child"
A holiday dishtowel
Colt's Bolt, Goo Goo, moon pie and peg game for "Local Goodies"
Avon samples and tea lights for "Get to know me"

Pictured:
Tote Bag (made by moi) and safari tote  for "Inner Child"
Bell Buckle Cookbook for "Local Goodies"
Candle Making Book for "Expand your Horizons"
Raven (paper clay) and card  (both made by me)for "I read your profile"
Post-it notepad w/ leaves pattern for "Back to School"
Hecate tile (made by me) and leaf stickers for "Happy Holiday"
Art doll (made by me) for "Get to know me"
Vintage cookie cutter (crescent moon) for "Vintage Flair"
Magnet (made by me) for "Get to Know me"
Leaf stickers for  "Get to Know Me"


I put a lot of thought into this and tried to be creative with the items. It's a little upsetting that she just never bothered to reciprocate, yet she is still active on the site.


Email received via Gmail  09/15 below . Requirements of LMAO were to post to thread.

Wow Angie!

The full moon brings a wonderful treat for me.  A box filled with amazing fun beautiful things.

The raven is awesome, I want to use him in one of my shrines.  The purple bag is great.  The cookbook has a recipe for Rattlesnake Eggs! Not what you think :)  The little autumn doll is like a mini goddess, so pretty.

Snoopy socks must be hidden from covetous daughter, and that candle smell delicious.

By the way, I am known as the Avon Queen because I love (and buy) so many of their products.  Even my patients ask me what I have purchased each week.  The bird feeder is so lovely, I'll be using it soon.  My sunflowers are almost all eaten. The paper you used for wrapping is wonderful. Candle making looks like fun, especially the seashell candles.  I'm going to give it a whirl.  The post-its are almost to pretty to use, but I will.  Treats are most welcome, those I will share.  Hecate is joining a growing magnet collection. She's my gal! Those beautiful autumn leaves will be put to good use, too.

I will be mailing your special collection in a week. 

I cannot thank you enough for the love and care you put into the wondrous selection, you rock Angie!

 

Hugs,

Vickie

I finally finished with the altered bird nest. However, I absolutely could not get the camera to do what I wanted so I will just have to keep the image in my mind.
( For the Birds (N'ness project): )

I didn't make it yesterday, so was very disappointed.

I slept all day, as it was yet another day that I had absolutely no energy. No housework was done either, so my house is still fairly messy. I DID sit on the sofa and finish one component of a N'ness project.

Nicki made shepherd's pie yesterday evening. It was  delicious. And so unexpected, as she doesn't like red meat and she rarely cooks anything other than grilled chicken and couscous. I couldn't believe it when she said she was making it!


3:00... today is going better.
I have been working on my birds nest project for N'ness and I have to say it is fabulous. I have sent Nicki into town for beading needles, as everything came to a screeching halt because of the lack of the beading needles.

I am feeling very crafty.

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........