I am a daydreamer. I can easily get lost in my thoughts and start fantasizing "what if" or "maybe" or start coming up with another story I'll never take the time to write down. I can get lost in the appreciation of something I see or wondering about someone's personal life or a line from a book I'm reading or a song I heard.
On the flip side, I'm also often my own worst enemy. I can be pretty harsh on myself in terms of failing to meet standards I've set for myself or try to hold myself too. When I fail or I don't achieve a goal quite the way I'd imagined I would, I really berate myself. Sometimes, I surprise even myself with how vicious my thoughts toward myself can be. We've all done it - "You're so stupid!" "How could you make such a dumb mistake?!" "Boy, you've gotten fat." - when we're in front of a mirror. It's also such a typical type A thing to do.
Today, I tried, very hard to stop any bad thoughts when I started criticizing myself. I tried to turn a negative thought into a neutral one at minimum. i.e. instead of "You're so dumb!" I might try to say, "Well, that's a mistake I'll try not to make again."
It's hard. I'm going to have to keep working on that to see if I can't train myself to not be my own worst enemy. Anyone have any advice on how to stop that critical side of yourself?
31 July 2008
Putting in the Time
My current company believes in flextime. Which means, every hour over the 8 I work in a day goes into a personal pot. I can use that time for vacation, or get paid for any of the unused time at the end of the year. It comes in handy if you get sick, or you want to run to the doctor's in the middle of the day. Flextime also means that as long as I give them 8 hours a day and my clients are covered, the company does not care how I work those 8 hours. I've taken advantage of that when I travel out of town - I'll get up and work 6-2 on a Friday and work 10-6 or 11-7 on a Monday. It's great.
I took a long break in the middle of the day yesterday to trek across town to meet a former co-worker for lunch at my old office. I've been out of that office for almost a year now, but there's quite a few people I've managed to stay in touch with.
It was a lovely lunch - we caught up, we gossiped, we laughed, a lot. It's a bit bittersweet, because my friend and her husband are moving to Albuquerque at the beginning of next month. I'll miss having her in town.
The downside of this long, leisurely lunch was that I missed about 2.5 hours of work. Since I have quite a pot of flextime accumulated, it was tempting to just quit at my normal time and use flextime to make up the rest of my 8 hours. However, I have PLANS for that flextime, so I just sucked it up, stayed put, and worked the full 8 hours, plus another one to put into my pot. That was tough to resist the temptation.
I took a long break in the middle of the day yesterday to trek across town to meet a former co-worker for lunch at my old office. I've been out of that office for almost a year now, but there's quite a few people I've managed to stay in touch with.
It was a lovely lunch - we caught up, we gossiped, we laughed, a lot. It's a bit bittersweet, because my friend and her husband are moving to Albuquerque at the beginning of next month. I'll miss having her in town.
The downside of this long, leisurely lunch was that I missed about 2.5 hours of work. Since I have quite a pot of flextime accumulated, it was tempting to just quit at my normal time and use flextime to make up the rest of my 8 hours. However, I have PLANS for that flextime, so I just sucked it up, stayed put, and worked the full 8 hours, plus another one to put into my pot. That was tough to resist the temptation.
29 July 2008
Steppin' It Up
As part of my campaign to reduce my unnecessary expenditures (hello - I have long term financial goals - own a house, get a car, travel the world on a chartered yacht....) and as part of my campaign to improve my overall fitness and well-being, I decided that instead of reaching for a can of pop to get my desired caffeine kick every time I hit a brick wall at work (usually around 10:30 and 2:30), I'll go out for a quick power walk around the block. Save myself the money normally spent on pop, and stop drinking as much pop.
I did it twice today. I think it's a great alternative. It only takes me 10 minutes to walk the block (I could probably walk it a bit faster, but I don't want to work up too much of a sweat in work clothes) and 5 minutes or less to get in/out of the building depending on the elevator traffic. It perked me up, got me into the sunshine and fresh air (well, as fresh as city air can be), and I was more productive once I got back to my desk. Plus, I figure on the crappy days, I'll just walk in the underground tunnels instead.
Additionally, as part of the same two campaigns, I spent the last week getting a feel for how much water I drink on average a day. I usually average about three liters. To put that into perspective, to get the requisite 8 glasses of 8 ounces of water a day, you typically average about 2 liters. So to further my health and line my wallet, I'm going to start aiming for 4.5 liters of water a day, and try to limit myself to just one pop a day (at lunchtime). Let's see how I succeed on that front.
I did it twice today. I think it's a great alternative. It only takes me 10 minutes to walk the block (I could probably walk it a bit faster, but I don't want to work up too much of a sweat in work clothes) and 5 minutes or less to get in/out of the building depending on the elevator traffic. It perked me up, got me into the sunshine and fresh air (well, as fresh as city air can be), and I was more productive once I got back to my desk. Plus, I figure on the crappy days, I'll just walk in the underground tunnels instead.
Additionally, as part of the same two campaigns, I spent the last week getting a feel for how much water I drink on average a day. I usually average about three liters. To put that into perspective, to get the requisite 8 glasses of 8 ounces of water a day, you typically average about 2 liters. So to further my health and line my wallet, I'm going to start aiming for 4.5 liters of water a day, and try to limit myself to just one pop a day (at lunchtime). Let's see how I succeed on that front.
28 July 2008
Credit Check
I got a "membership fee" from one of my credit card companies this month. I called them to see if they'd waive it. No. I tried to get them to increase the limit so that it was a more user-friendly limit (this particular card has a ridiculously low limit). No.
So, with the help of my awesome Mama, I started looking around at what other cards are out there, the limits available to my credit score (way, way better than most folks my age), the interest rates available, perks, etc. to see if I should apply for a new credit card and go through the hassle of canceling the "starter card" I got when I started college. I'm a bit worried about having a high enough credit limit to allow me to take care of myself in an emergency.
However, after doing some reading and research on the credit cards I already have versus the ones I want, I think I'm just going to continue to keep the cards I already have, and shortly before the "starter card" expires in two years, I'll open another line and cancel the "starter one." I'm trying to think long term in terms of my credit score. Eventually I want to be able to purchase a house or a condo or that yacht that will take me on the 'round-the-world cruise I'm planning. ;-) The upside to all this research is that I feel like I have a much better understanding of credit options.
On a side note, water aerobics kicked my ass tonight. I learned it is entirely possible to break into a sweat while in water up to your neck. If beauty is pain, I'm looking damn good now.
So, with the help of my awesome Mama, I started looking around at what other cards are out there, the limits available to my credit score (way, way better than most folks my age), the interest rates available, perks, etc. to see if I should apply for a new credit card and go through the hassle of canceling the "starter card" I got when I started college. I'm a bit worried about having a high enough credit limit to allow me to take care of myself in an emergency.
However, after doing some reading and research on the credit cards I already have versus the ones I want, I think I'm just going to continue to keep the cards I already have, and shortly before the "starter card" expires in two years, I'll open another line and cancel the "starter one." I'm trying to think long term in terms of my credit score. Eventually I want to be able to purchase a house or a condo or that yacht that will take me on the 'round-the-world cruise I'm planning. ;-) The upside to all this research is that I feel like I have a much better understanding of credit options.
On a side note, water aerobics kicked my ass tonight. I learned it is entirely possible to break into a sweat while in water up to your neck. If beauty is pain, I'm looking damn good now.
27 July 2008
Getting to Know Me More
I spent several HOURS on public transportation today. I was just that lucky to have horrendous waits every time I wanted to switch a train. Normally, my highly impatient self would have gone insane after the first (relatively) minor delay.
However, knowing that public transportation is notoriously slow on Sundays, I had come prepared. I had a notebook and that book previously mentioned - the one for Turbulent Twenty-somethings. I spent the time waiting for trains and on trains, forcing myself to answer a few more of those deep, insightful questions in my quest to get to know myself better.
I still haven't developed any grandiose ideas of who I am, but so far, I'm having fun putting all the little puzzle pieces into place. I don't think I'll ever truly finish the puzzle while I'm still alive, but so far, I'm enjoying the picture that's emerging from the pieces I've already put into place.
However, knowing that public transportation is notoriously slow on Sundays, I had come prepared. I had a notebook and that book previously mentioned - the one for Turbulent Twenty-somethings. I spent the time waiting for trains and on trains, forcing myself to answer a few more of those deep, insightful questions in my quest to get to know myself better.
I still haven't developed any grandiose ideas of who I am, but so far, I'm having fun putting all the little puzzle pieces into place. I don't think I'll ever truly finish the puzzle while I'm still alive, but so far, I'm enjoying the picture that's emerging from the pieces I've already put into place.
26 July 2008
Future Planning
As part of my campaign to save money and to continue to lose weight while still eating healthily, I've started putting more thought into my shopping list. In the last few months, I've put a lot of emphasis on buying healthy, seasonal foods that were on sale by looking at sale ads and seasonal items.
My Mom, sweetheart she is, surprised me last week with a slow-cooker and a multitude of corresponding cookbooks. Today, I sat down, started pulling out recipes I'll enjoy, and trying to figure out what season to try what dishes in. Some are heavy on cream or meat and seem like they will be better in winter months. Others seem like better candidates now, in the summer, given the abundance of fresh seasonal veggies to put into the mix.
Once I figured out all that, I've started pulling together a list of items I'll need to make several of the dishes, and tomorrow, with the sale ads, I'll figure out what's on sale and start planning menus appropriately.
It's amazing how much work is involved, but I bet, once I have all this legwork done, the great, yummy, healthy, and cheap meals will be so easy. Plus, if I plan appropriately, most of the dishes will be easy to convert into delicious leftovers that I'll actually eat.
My Mom, sweetheart she is, surprised me last week with a slow-cooker and a multitude of corresponding cookbooks. Today, I sat down, started pulling out recipes I'll enjoy, and trying to figure out what season to try what dishes in. Some are heavy on cream or meat and seem like they will be better in winter months. Others seem like better candidates now, in the summer, given the abundance of fresh seasonal veggies to put into the mix.
Once I figured out all that, I've started pulling together a list of items I'll need to make several of the dishes, and tomorrow, with the sale ads, I'll figure out what's on sale and start planning menus appropriately.
It's amazing how much work is involved, but I bet, once I have all this legwork done, the great, yummy, healthy, and cheap meals will be so easy. Plus, if I plan appropriately, most of the dishes will be easy to convert into delicious leftovers that I'll actually eat.
25 July 2008
Ego-Trip
The Success Story I blogged about earlier was posted today.
It looks damn good, and I sound damn intelligent and successful.
If anyone's interested in reading it, let me know and I'll send you a copy of the link. To post it here would defeat today's challenge of not getting a gigantic ego over being considered a success story at the ripe old age of 24.
I don't know how I'm doing with today's challenge yet, but I'm trying mighty hard.
It looks damn good, and I sound damn intelligent and successful.
If anyone's interested in reading it, let me know and I'll send you a copy of the link. To post it here would defeat today's challenge of not getting a gigantic ego over being considered a success story at the ripe old age of 24.
I don't know how I'm doing with today's challenge yet, but I'm trying mighty hard.
Beauty Sleep
Sometimes we all get so caught up in the day to day of living life that we forget we need some beauty sleep to recharge the proverbial batteries that keep us going in the daily living.
I'm equally as guilty of that as anyone else. However, lately I've been burning the candle so much at both ends that I could feel the lack of sleep physically getting to me. I was drained, had no energy, my eyes burned if I even thought about contacts, I was foggy, couldn't concentrate at work, yawned a lot, and was a wee bit irritable.
So last night's challenge was to not only get in bed early, but to also fall asleep early (vice the habit of crawling into bed and reading until the book falls on the floor).
I succeeded! I got 9 hours of blissful, uninterrupted sleep! Even if I had a crazy dream about moving to Australia and commuting to New York City via an underwater train that would only take an hour to get to NYC from Australia. Yeah, I have no clue either.
I'm equally as guilty of that as anyone else. However, lately I've been burning the candle so much at both ends that I could feel the lack of sleep physically getting to me. I was drained, had no energy, my eyes burned if I even thought about contacts, I was foggy, couldn't concentrate at work, yawned a lot, and was a wee bit irritable.
So last night's challenge was to not only get in bed early, but to also fall asleep early (vice the habit of crawling into bed and reading until the book falls on the floor).
I succeeded! I got 9 hours of blissful, uninterrupted sleep! Even if I had a crazy dream about moving to Australia and commuting to New York City via an underwater train that would only take an hour to get to NYC from Australia. Yeah, I have no clue either.
23 July 2008
Long Way Home
I'm still trying to be really good about sneaking in some exercise every day. Some days are better than others.
Since I left early for my French lesson downtown today, I decided to get off three stops before the one I needed to get off at and walk the rest of the way. It was hot, it is summer after all, but it felt good after being in the office all day.
So good in fact, that I walked all the way back to that stop after the lesson was over too, and at the other end of my ride home, opted to get off a stop before mine as well. I may just make that my new habit for every day that I have a French lesson from now on.
Since I left early for my French lesson downtown today, I decided to get off three stops before the one I needed to get off at and walk the rest of the way. It was hot, it is summer after all, but it felt good after being in the office all day.
So good in fact, that I walked all the way back to that stop after the lesson was over too, and at the other end of my ride home, opted to get off a stop before mine as well. I may just make that my new habit for every day that I have a French lesson from now on.
22 July 2008
Patience is the Name of the Game
I'll be the first person to admit it; I'm impatient, to a fault.
I always want (and honestly, usually expect) things to happen right now. In school, I'd find myself getting irritated when someone didn't understand a simple concept (mostly because they weren't paying attention the first 20 times) or when it took forever to reach a certain academic milestone. I get impatient in the grocery store with the horrible lines at 5 pm on a Tuesday. I get annoyed that it sometimes takes longer than planned to take public transportation anywhere in the city. The list goes on.
However, as I get older, I'm finding that my impatient is detrimental at times, and this year, I'm trying awfully hard to become more patient. I've noticed that life has a way of forcing me to be patient at times (as it's definitely, absolutely doing this year), and I'm trying to teach myself to calm down, slow down, and relax. Thus, you, dear readers, will encounter a lot of posts about my keeping (or failing miserably to keep) my patience this year.
Today was such a day. Thanks to wonderfully senseless bureaucracy, I got locked out of a key email system that I need daily access to. To get it reinstated will require leaning upon the good nature of my clients, an hour out of both our days, and a small amount of frustration. Since I've been locked out of this system twice in the past month alone, I should be horribly annoyed. Instead, today, I just said "Oh well. I'll deal with it tomorrow." Hopefully a good night's sleep, and a tongue to bite when the tech guy gets stupid, will be enough to help me keep my patience tomorrow too.
I always want (and honestly, usually expect) things to happen right now. In school, I'd find myself getting irritated when someone didn't understand a simple concept (mostly because they weren't paying attention the first 20 times) or when it took forever to reach a certain academic milestone. I get impatient in the grocery store with the horrible lines at 5 pm on a Tuesday. I get annoyed that it sometimes takes longer than planned to take public transportation anywhere in the city. The list goes on.
However, as I get older, I'm finding that my impatient is detrimental at times, and this year, I'm trying awfully hard to become more patient. I've noticed that life has a way of forcing me to be patient at times (as it's definitely, absolutely doing this year), and I'm trying to teach myself to calm down, slow down, and relax. Thus, you, dear readers, will encounter a lot of posts about my keeping (or failing miserably to keep) my patience this year.
Today was such a day. Thanks to wonderfully senseless bureaucracy, I got locked out of a key email system that I need daily access to. To get it reinstated will require leaning upon the good nature of my clients, an hour out of both our days, and a small amount of frustration. Since I've been locked out of this system twice in the past month alone, I should be horribly annoyed. Instead, today, I just said "Oh well. I'll deal with it tomorrow." Hopefully a good night's sleep, and a tongue to bite when the tech guy gets stupid, will be enough to help me keep my patience tomorrow too.
Parting is Such Sorrow
I love going home to visit.
Somehow, despite all the years I've been out of the house, away at college or living on my own in the city, no matter what, when I go home, we all just fall back into our old routines.
My bros harass me mercilessly. "Katie's got the football!!!!" I give it back as bad as I get it via pulling their leg hairs (Hey! They were taller, heavier, stronger, and much, much, MUCH hairier than me years and years ago....gotta have SOME way of fighting back!) My mom and I gossip about everything under the sun. And I still remind Daddy how much I love him while trying to charm a $20 or an ice cream cone out of him.
Home just feels right. I love going home, for a visit.
But at the end of it, no matter how long I'm home, it's never long enough. And it sucks to leave. We all hate it when I go.
I tried, unsuccessfully, to not cry after I got out of the car at the airport.
Then I thought of how awful my bros were this weekend with that stupid football, and I laughed, and I was glad I was leaving, if only for the sake of not wanting any more bruises.
Somehow, despite all the years I've been out of the house, away at college or living on my own in the city, no matter what, when I go home, we all just fall back into our old routines.
My bros harass me mercilessly. "Katie's got the football!!!!" I give it back as bad as I get it via pulling their leg hairs (Hey! They were taller, heavier, stronger, and much, much, MUCH hairier than me years and years ago....gotta have SOME way of fighting back!) My mom and I gossip about everything under the sun. And I still remind Daddy how much I love him while trying to charm a $20 or an ice cream cone out of him.
Home just feels right. I love going home, for a visit.
But at the end of it, no matter how long I'm home, it's never long enough. And it sucks to leave. We all hate it when I go.
I tried, unsuccessfully, to not cry after I got out of the car at the airport.
Then I thought of how awful my bros were this weekend with that stupid football, and I laughed, and I was glad I was leaving, if only for the sake of not wanting any more bruises.
Hostess with the Mostess
Sunday was party day!
I honestly had expected to make chit-chat with a few people, mostly my parents' friends, and then spend the rest of the party ensuring there was enough food, drinks, and empty trash cans. My bro went to a different high school than I did, and since I was away at college or living in the city the entire time he was in high school, I really didn't know that many of his friends or his friends' parents.
Whoops. I underestimated my own popularity.
I knew most of the adults there, and those who I didn't recognize were quick to remind me ("I'm your Dad's cousin's wife...."). A lot of the kids that weren't high school buddies of my bro's were kids I babysat at one time or another, or my parents' friends' kids that I'd watch grow up. So between filling in the adults on my highly glamorous city life (glamorous compared to my hometown at least) and feeling old while being filled in on college plans of the kids, I honestly didn't spend much time sitting down or paying attention to the food. In fact, I had to beg my third brother from another mother (the oldest friend of my bro and my "adopted" kid bro) and my bro's best high school bud to let me sit and hide out with them for a few minutes to just get off my aching feet.
I had a great time. The downside is, you never get a chance to REALLY catch up with anyone at these things. My bro made out like a bandit, and my parents are relived they only have to this once more, in two more years.
I honestly had expected to make chit-chat with a few people, mostly my parents' friends, and then spend the rest of the party ensuring there was enough food, drinks, and empty trash cans. My bro went to a different high school than I did, and since I was away at college or living in the city the entire time he was in high school, I really didn't know that many of his friends or his friends' parents.
Whoops. I underestimated my own popularity.
I knew most of the adults there, and those who I didn't recognize were quick to remind me ("I'm your Dad's cousin's wife...."). A lot of the kids that weren't high school buddies of my bro's were kids I babysat at one time or another, or my parents' friends' kids that I'd watch grow up. So between filling in the adults on my highly glamorous city life (glamorous compared to my hometown at least) and feeling old while being filled in on college plans of the kids, I honestly didn't spend much time sitting down or paying attention to the food. In fact, I had to beg my third brother from another mother (the oldest friend of my bro and my "adopted" kid bro) and my bro's best high school bud to let me sit and hide out with them for a few minutes to just get off my aching feet.
I had a great time. The downside is, you never get a chance to REALLY catch up with anyone at these things. My bro made out like a bandit, and my parents are relived they only have to this once more, in two more years.
Party Planning Patience
I flew home this weekend for my bro's grad party.
I knew that as the big sis, as my Mom's right-hand woman, as the party planning veteran, that I was going to hit the ground running as soon as I landed. Fortunately I was granted a reprieve Friday night, due partly to the late hour of arrival, and mostly due to the fact my bro (star of the party) had just landed back on American soil from a month in France, and we all wanted to hear about his adventures and misdeeds.
So, Saturday was the day to pick-up last minute items, pull together last-minute plans, and plan out layouts, locations, timing of the food that needed to be cooked, and putting together the requisite photo board spreads. It was a long day, but one in which I was much more patient than I normally would be in such situations.
I knew when to bite my tongue, when to speak up, how to mediate between my parents and my bros, when to leave it alone, and how to take a box of annoying, sticky, irritating photo squares, slap them on pictures, and make a presentable photo board (times three) without swearing (that much). And, in the midst of all the chaos of setting up tables ("No, we should set these tables this way." "It's a better flow that way."), debating which pictures to use, and trying to figure out whether we were going to have enough guests for all the food, I actually had fun doing it all.
I knew that as the big sis, as my Mom's right-hand woman, as the party planning veteran, that I was going to hit the ground running as soon as I landed. Fortunately I was granted a reprieve Friday night, due partly to the late hour of arrival, and mostly due to the fact my bro (star of the party) had just landed back on American soil from a month in France, and we all wanted to hear about his adventures and misdeeds.
So, Saturday was the day to pick-up last minute items, pull together last-minute plans, and plan out layouts, locations, timing of the food that needed to be cooked, and putting together the requisite photo board spreads. It was a long day, but one in which I was much more patient than I normally would be in such situations.
I knew when to bite my tongue, when to speak up, how to mediate between my parents and my bros, when to leave it alone, and how to take a box of annoying, sticky, irritating photo squares, slap them on pictures, and make a presentable photo board (times three) without swearing (that much). And, in the midst of all the chaos of setting up tables ("No, we should set these tables this way." "It's a better flow that way."), debating which pictures to use, and trying to figure out whether we were going to have enough guests for all the food, I actually had fun doing it all.
18 July 2008
Testing, 1, 2, 3
My job currently requires me to take a lot of on-line training to apply to take more on-line training, at the end of which, I'll be able to access programs that the on-line training did nothing to prepare me for.
Each level of the training requires you to pass an on-line exam to unlock the next key portion (the application form, the program, nirvana). Today I needed to pass an exam to unlock stage two of the training. While the exam was outright insulting at some points (it asked for the name of an acronym when the answer was written on the exam itself), it was ridiculously hard.
It took me not one, not two, but THREE tries to get enough correct answers to unlock the next level. Ugh. It made me feel so dumb, which is hysterical since, as I said, the training won't actually prepare me to use the program.
Each level of the training requires you to pass an on-line exam to unlock the next key portion (the application form, the program, nirvana). Today I needed to pass an exam to unlock stage two of the training. While the exam was outright insulting at some points (it asked for the name of an acronym when the answer was written on the exam itself), it was ridiculously hard.
It took me not one, not two, but THREE tries to get enough correct answers to unlock the next level. Ugh. It made me feel so dumb, which is hysterical since, as I said, the training won't actually prepare me to use the program.
Legitimate Whiner
I called and issued a formal complaint against the person who wouldn't take "no" for an answer the day before.
I generally get annoyed, but I usually don't issue an actual complaint.
I did this time, with good reason, and with good results (for me at least).
I generally get annoyed, but I usually don't issue an actual complaint.
I did this time, with good reason, and with good results (for me at least).
16 July 2008
Standing Tough
For some reason, society teaches women to be polite and accommodating, even when we don't want to be. And when we aren't, people get mad, so often, we women tend to back down when confronted after saying "no."
Today, I stood firm.
I made them take my "no" as answer.
Also, I began standing firm with myself. I sat down, figured out a budget to adhere to, and am putting my foot down on all unnecessary spending.
Today, I stood firm.
I made them take my "no" as answer.
Also, I began standing firm with myself. I sat down, figured out a budget to adhere to, and am putting my foot down on all unnecessary spending.
15 July 2008
Turbulent Twenty-Something
As I have stated before, the purpose of this year's challenge to challenge myself daily is to help me figure out myself, what I want from life, and what I want to do with my life.
A few days ago, I picked up a book (I know, I broke the self-imposed book buying ban, but for good reasons). The book is called "The Turbulent Twenties Survival Guide" by Marcos R. Salazar.
Normally if I ever pick up a self-help book, I glance through it, take the advice I like, and leave the rest. Not this time.
Today, I sat down and spent some time truly answering some of the questions put forth in the book. I didn't answer many questions tonight. And the answers don't suddenly reveal my destiny, but I already feel calmer, having put down my thoughts on paper, getting to organize some of the chaotic, random thoughts bouncing around in my mind.
I think I'll continue to work with this book and see if it helps. I doubt doing so can hurt me.
A few days ago, I picked up a book (I know, I broke the self-imposed book buying ban, but for good reasons). The book is called "The Turbulent Twenties Survival Guide" by Marcos R. Salazar.
Normally if I ever pick up a self-help book, I glance through it, take the advice I like, and leave the rest. Not this time.
Today, I sat down and spent some time truly answering some of the questions put forth in the book. I didn't answer many questions tonight. And the answers don't suddenly reveal my destiny, but I already feel calmer, having put down my thoughts on paper, getting to organize some of the chaotic, random thoughts bouncing around in my mind.
I think I'll continue to work with this book and see if it helps. I doubt doing so can hurt me.
14 July 2008
Straightening Out the Student Loan Saga
Grad school is expensive. I mean, crazy expensive.
Student loans are supposed to help make school affordable by loaning you the funds while you're young and still on an hourly paycheck and you pay them back once you've got the diploma necessary to be on a salary.
Hahaha. The student loan folks I went through to pull out loans for grad school have been highly UNHELPFUL. (I'm trying to be nice here) They conveniently forgot to tell me that they made a typo and corrected it without notifying me. That typo was on a letter I got saying I didn't start my payments until January 2009. It was supposed to be January 2008.
So, when I called them, unaware of this typo in June to discuss pre-payment options, I was informed that I was six months overdue and needed to pay the overdue balance immediately to avoid being sent to collections. Let's just say it was no small payment, and that it was damn lucky I'd already been saving and setting aside money as if I was making the payments (with the hopes of making extra payments once I started).
I've been calling every week or so since then, raising hell and high water, trying to find out how they screwed up in the first place, how they continued to screw up (they never once contacted me to say I was delinquent in payments....), and what they're going to do to work with me now.
Today, I called, straightened out the mess (sort of satisfactorily) and figured out a way to reduce 25 years of payments on the one loan to just over 9 by making minimum payments on the other loans. I understand the concept well enough to agree to it and know what I'm getting into, but not well enough to make it make sense on a blog.
Long story short, I have a loan repayment plan I can tolerate. Ideally, I'll have them all paid off even earlier, if I can.
Student loans are supposed to help make school affordable by loaning you the funds while you're young and still on an hourly paycheck and you pay them back once you've got the diploma necessary to be on a salary.
Hahaha. The student loan folks I went through to pull out loans for grad school have been highly UNHELPFUL. (I'm trying to be nice here) They conveniently forgot to tell me that they made a typo and corrected it without notifying me. That typo was on a letter I got saying I didn't start my payments until January 2009. It was supposed to be January 2008.
So, when I called them, unaware of this typo in June to discuss pre-payment options, I was informed that I was six months overdue and needed to pay the overdue balance immediately to avoid being sent to collections. Let's just say it was no small payment, and that it was damn lucky I'd already been saving and setting aside money as if I was making the payments (with the hopes of making extra payments once I started).
I've been calling every week or so since then, raising hell and high water, trying to find out how they screwed up in the first place, how they continued to screw up (they never once contacted me to say I was delinquent in payments....), and what they're going to do to work with me now.
Today, I called, straightened out the mess (sort of satisfactorily) and figured out a way to reduce 25 years of payments on the one loan to just over 9 by making minimum payments on the other loans. I understand the concept well enough to agree to it and know what I'm getting into, but not well enough to make it make sense on a blog.
Long story short, I have a loan repayment plan I can tolerate. Ideally, I'll have them all paid off even earlier, if I can.
13 July 2008
Every Woman Should Have....
If you're reading this blog and you're a female, at some time or another you've gotten an email (or, if you're like me, the book) of the poem that talks about all the things that "Every Woman Should Have."
Today, I went through the poem to see what things I should have that I already have, and during the course of this year, I'll work on acquiring the rest:
Every woman should have...
- One old boyfriend you can imagine going back to [Check - well, if we all believe the current technicality]
- And one who reminds you of how far you've come [Double check!]
- Enough money within your control to move out and rent a place on your own, even if you never want to or need to [Check]
- Something perfect to wear if the employer or the man of your dreams wants to see you in an hour [Semi-check? I've got the perfect outfit for an interview in an hour; however, I don't think I have the perfect outfit for the man of my dreams yet, but given that he's more than an hour away, I think I have time to work on this one]
- A purse, a suitcase, and an umbrella you're not ashamed to be seen carrying [Check, check, check]
- A youth you're content to move beyond [Check]
- A past juicy enough that you are looking forward to retelling it in your old age [Still working on this one]
- The realization that you are going to have an old age, and some money set aside to help fund it [You mean I won't stay young and glamorous forever?! Working on it]
- A set of screwdrivers [Check. Wait. Does it count if one of the screwdrivers is purple?]
- A cordless drill [Check. Thanks, Daddy!]
- A black lace bra [Semi-check. It's black, but not lace.]
- One friend who always makes you laugh [Check!]
- And one who lets you cry [Check! Not that it happens more than once every five years....;-)]
- A good piece of furniture not previously owned by anyone else in your family [Check. Actually, until I get my Christmas present of my Mom's refinished rocking chair, I actually don't have any furniture previously owned by anyone else in my family]
- 8 matching plates, wineglasses with stems, and a recipe for a meal that will make your guests feel honored [Hmm....I have 8 matching plates, 3 wineglasses, and no special recipe...I'll have to work on this one]
- A resume that is not even the slightest bit padded [Check. Didja not see the entry about being a "Success Story" at 24?]
- A feeling of control over your destiny [Definitely need to work on this one. I realize I have the whole world in my hands, but a feeling of control? Not quite yet]
- A skin care regime, an exercise routine, and a plan for dealing with those few other facets of life that don't get better [Check, check, that's a good plan to develop]
- A solid start on a satisfying career, a satisfying relationship, and all those other facets of life that do get better [Checks, except for that satisfying career bit]
Every woman should know...
- How to fall in love without losing yourself [Check]
- How you feel about having kids [Check]
- How to quit a job, break up with a man, and confront a friend without ruining the friendship [I know how to quit a job, I've never dumped a man, and I know how to confront a friend without losing the friendship. 2 out of 3 isn't so bad]
- When to try harder [CHECK!]
- When to walk away {CHECK!]
- How to kiss a man in a way that communicates perfectly what you would and wouldn't like to happen next [I'd say check, but I'll poll the men I've kissed and get back to you on this one...]
- How to ask for what you want in a way that makes it most likely you'll get it [Still learning this one]
- How to have a good time at a party you'd never choose to attend [Oh, total check. Thanks to my Mom, I know how to have fun anywhere, anytime]
- That you can't change the width of your hips, the length of your calves, or the nature of your parents [Check, check, check, AND I know I'm becoming my parents]
- That your childhood may not have been perfect, but it's over [What?! My childhood WAS perfect]
- What you would and wouldn't do for love or money [I've got a solid start on these lists]
- How to live alone, even if you don't like it [Check. This was a total post-college personal requirement of mine]
- Who you can trust, who you can't, and why you shouldn't take it personally [Check, check, semi-check]
- Where to go, be it your best friend's kitchen table or a charming inn hidden in the wood, when your soul needs soothing [Hmmm - I have a lot of folks I can call, but a place to go? I'll have to figure that one out]
- What you can and can't accomplish in a day, a month, a year [Negative. I'm still young and optimistic enough to believe I can do anything!]
- And, why they say life begins right now [Check]
Hmm, I think I'm in good shape. But I definitely have a few things to work on crossing off.
Today, I went through the poem to see what things I should have that I already have, and during the course of this year, I'll work on acquiring the rest:
Every woman should have...
- One old boyfriend you can imagine going back to [Check - well, if we all believe the current technicality]
- And one who reminds you of how far you've come [Double check!]
- Enough money within your control to move out and rent a place on your own, even if you never want to or need to [Check]
- Something perfect to wear if the employer or the man of your dreams wants to see you in an hour [Semi-check? I've got the perfect outfit for an interview in an hour; however, I don't think I have the perfect outfit for the man of my dreams yet, but given that he's more than an hour away, I think I have time to work on this one]
- A purse, a suitcase, and an umbrella you're not ashamed to be seen carrying [Check, check, check]
- A youth you're content to move beyond [Check]
- A past juicy enough that you are looking forward to retelling it in your old age [Still working on this one]
- The realization that you are going to have an old age, and some money set aside to help fund it [You mean I won't stay young and glamorous forever?! Working on it]
- A set of screwdrivers [Check. Wait. Does it count if one of the screwdrivers is purple?]
- A cordless drill [Check. Thanks, Daddy!]
- A black lace bra [Semi-check. It's black, but not lace.]
- One friend who always makes you laugh [Check!]
- And one who lets you cry [Check! Not that it happens more than once every five years....;-)]
- A good piece of furniture not previously owned by anyone else in your family [Check. Actually, until I get my Christmas present of my Mom's refinished rocking chair, I actually don't have any furniture previously owned by anyone else in my family]
- 8 matching plates, wineglasses with stems, and a recipe for a meal that will make your guests feel honored [Hmm....I have 8 matching plates, 3 wineglasses, and no special recipe...I'll have to work on this one]
- A resume that is not even the slightest bit padded [Check. Didja not see the entry about being a "Success Story" at 24?]
- A feeling of control over your destiny [Definitely need to work on this one. I realize I have the whole world in my hands, but a feeling of control? Not quite yet]
- A skin care regime, an exercise routine, and a plan for dealing with those few other facets of life that don't get better [Check, check, that's a good plan to develop]
- A solid start on a satisfying career, a satisfying relationship, and all those other facets of life that do get better [Checks, except for that satisfying career bit]
Every woman should know...
- How to fall in love without losing yourself [Check]
- How you feel about having kids [Check]
- How to quit a job, break up with a man, and confront a friend without ruining the friendship [I know how to quit a job, I've never dumped a man, and I know how to confront a friend without losing the friendship. 2 out of 3 isn't so bad]
- When to try harder [CHECK!]
- When to walk away {CHECK!]
- How to kiss a man in a way that communicates perfectly what you would and wouldn't like to happen next [I'd say check, but I'll poll the men I've kissed and get back to you on this one...]
- How to ask for what you want in a way that makes it most likely you'll get it [Still learning this one]
- How to have a good time at a party you'd never choose to attend [Oh, total check. Thanks to my Mom, I know how to have fun anywhere, anytime]
- That you can't change the width of your hips, the length of your calves, or the nature of your parents [Check, check, check, AND I know I'm becoming my parents]
- That your childhood may not have been perfect, but it's over [What?! My childhood WAS perfect]
- What you would and wouldn't do for love or money [I've got a solid start on these lists]
- How to live alone, even if you don't like it [Check. This was a total post-college personal requirement of mine]
- Who you can trust, who you can't, and why you shouldn't take it personally [Check, check, semi-check]
- Where to go, be it your best friend's kitchen table or a charming inn hidden in the wood, when your soul needs soothing [Hmmm - I have a lot of folks I can call, but a place to go? I'll have to figure that one out]
- What you can and can't accomplish in a day, a month, a year [Negative. I'm still young and optimistic enough to believe I can do anything!]
- And, why they say life begins right now [Check]
Hmm, I think I'm in good shape. But I definitely have a few things to work on crossing off.
12 July 2008
Love Letters
I woke up this morning with every intention of spending the day wandering the city. It's been a while since I just wandered the city without a destination in mind or an errand to run. I had to run two errands and then I was going to go wander.
However, it was, once again, wickedly hot, too hot to spend any length of time outside if you weren't right next to a pool. So, the roomie and I spent a blissful day by the pool.
So, for today's challenge, I needed something that could be done in the relative cool of air-conditioning. Thus, after the day at the pool, I came in and spent some time writing a few letters to folks in my life - the aunt in Minnesota, my grandma, and a few other special people in my life.
E-mails are great, but even in today's day and age, there's nothing quite like opening a handwritten letter you've gotten in the mail.
However, it was, once again, wickedly hot, too hot to spend any length of time outside if you weren't right next to a pool. So, the roomie and I spent a blissful day by the pool.
So, for today's challenge, I needed something that could be done in the relative cool of air-conditioning. Thus, after the day at the pool, I came in and spent some time writing a few letters to folks in my life - the aunt in Minnesota, my grandma, and a few other special people in my life.
E-mails are great, but even in today's day and age, there's nothing quite like opening a handwritten letter you've gotten in the mail.
11 July 2008
A Success Story?
At the ripe ole' age of 24?
Who'da thunk it? Not this glamor girl, that's for sure.
But I digress.
When taking breaks from boring myself senseless with online training for work today (or when I wanted to appear like I was working while listening to my co-workers gossip), I spent the day filling out a press release to be used by my undergraduate university in their "Success Stories" section.
Yup. You read that correctly. My undergrad considers me a success story already. In fact, they've asked me to do this press release three times in the last eight months alone. Since I don't consider myself successful yet, and I dread having to commit to a picture that will be posted in internet immortality, I kept blowing it off. But, since they asked for a third time, I figured I better do it.
Have you ever tried writing a press release about yourself?
It's a lot harder than you think, trying to toot your own horn while not sounding like a complete and utter braggart.
But yeah, since I managed to hold two fairly prestigious jobs (esp. considering the semi-backwater location of my undergrad...) AND earn a Masters within two years of graduating from undergrad, I suppose I can be counted amongst the success stories.
Who'da thunk it? Not this glamor girl, that's for sure.
But I digress.
When taking breaks from boring myself senseless with online training for work today (or when I wanted to appear like I was working while listening to my co-workers gossip), I spent the day filling out a press release to be used by my undergraduate university in their "Success Stories" section.
Yup. You read that correctly. My undergrad considers me a success story already. In fact, they've asked me to do this press release three times in the last eight months alone. Since I don't consider myself successful yet, and I dread having to commit to a picture that will be posted in internet immortality, I kept blowing it off. But, since they asked for a third time, I figured I better do it.
Have you ever tried writing a press release about yourself?
It's a lot harder than you think, trying to toot your own horn while not sounding like a complete and utter braggart.
But yeah, since I managed to hold two fairly prestigious jobs (esp. considering the semi-backwater location of my undergrad...) AND earn a Masters within two years of graduating from undergrad, I suppose I can be counted amongst the success stories.
10 July 2008
Apartment Sweet Apartment
East, West, Home is Best.
Today, I signed a lease for a new apartment for next year. It is, get this, three doors down the hall from my current apartment. Talk about the easiest move ever.
My lovable roommate is ditching our girly glory to move in with her stinky boyfriend. (Seriously, I'm excited for her, bummed for me.)
Thus, I had to figure out new housing arrangements since there's now way on God's green earth I can afford a two bedroom apartment in this city on this salary. So I'm back into a studio for the next year, but I think I'll be happy. I sure know this neighborhood quite well by now. And I'm just relieved that I don't have to stress about the housing situation any more.
Also, I went back for round two of water aerobics. Oh YEAH!
Today, I signed a lease for a new apartment for next year. It is, get this, three doors down the hall from my current apartment. Talk about the easiest move ever.
My lovable roommate is ditching our girly glory to move in with her stinky boyfriend. (Seriously, I'm excited for her, bummed for me.)
Thus, I had to figure out new housing arrangements since there's now way on God's green earth I can afford a two bedroom apartment in this city on this salary. So I'm back into a studio for the next year, but I think I'll be happy. I sure know this neighborhood quite well by now. And I'm just relieved that I don't have to stress about the housing situation any more.
Also, I went back for round two of water aerobics. Oh YEAH!
09 July 2008
Becoming a Lady
Best I can tell, being a lady isn't just about looking polished or knowing which fork to use for the salad course (for the record, I do know which one to use). My understanding is that being a lady is about having a certain indescribable charisma, manners, and the ability to maintain grace under pressure. In short, I think being a lady is about the grace with which one handles all the twists and turns of life.
With that definition of a lady, there are two role models I try to hold myself up to: my Mama, and the classic grace of Audrey Hepburn.
There's no denying that I severely lack the physical grace of either woman, but I do try to carry some dignity in how I handle daily life. Some days, it is much harder to keep that dignity, or when it is lost, to regain it quickly.
Today was one of those days.
I was walking in front of my apartment building, and as I went to step off the curb, I realized a UPS truck was coming down the street in front of me. By the time I realized I should wait, my heel had already gotten caught in the edge of the curb, and in classic KtMac fashion, I went flying. But! I fell gracefully. Somehow, I managed to crash land on both knees neatly and somehow, in such a way that it looked like I had just intended to step off the curb and immediately kneel down. The trick was getting up gracefully and gracefully laughing off such a careless mis-step. I did the best I could. My knees were much, much redder than my face.
In addition, I gracefully and patiently handled an irritating and unexpected phone call in such a way that the caller hung up thinking I was thrilled that he called questioning me about my ability to accomplish something. That I was able to handle such a phone call in such a pleasant manner (even while thinking highly unpleasant things) was a huge personal challenge. It is also a sign that I've matured a bit and might actually be a bit closer to being a lady.
With that definition of a lady, there are two role models I try to hold myself up to: my Mama, and the classic grace of Audrey Hepburn.
There's no denying that I severely lack the physical grace of either woman, but I do try to carry some dignity in how I handle daily life. Some days, it is much harder to keep that dignity, or when it is lost, to regain it quickly.
Today was one of those days.
I was walking in front of my apartment building, and as I went to step off the curb, I realized a UPS truck was coming down the street in front of me. By the time I realized I should wait, my heel had already gotten caught in the edge of the curb, and in classic KtMac fashion, I went flying. But! I fell gracefully. Somehow, I managed to crash land on both knees neatly and somehow, in such a way that it looked like I had just intended to step off the curb and immediately kneel down. The trick was getting up gracefully and gracefully laughing off such a careless mis-step. I did the best I could. My knees were much, much redder than my face.
In addition, I gracefully and patiently handled an irritating and unexpected phone call in such a way that the caller hung up thinking I was thrilled that he called questioning me about my ability to accomplish something. That I was able to handle such a phone call in such a pleasant manner (even while thinking highly unpleasant things) was a huge personal challenge. It is also a sign that I've matured a bit and might actually be a bit closer to being a lady.
08 July 2008
parle vous francais?
Oui, oui!
(Well, I will, soon.)
Today, I started French lessons with a tutor. The tutor is awesome, and I think I'll learn French much better than Arabic or German because our sessions will be one-on-one.
Today was just an initial lesson to see if we could work well together. We covered subject pronouns, numbers, and a few basic greetings. I need to work on the pronunciation of "je" but otherwise, it seems like I'm picking up the accent quickly.
I've got to order a book online for the lessons, and I think I'll be all set for the actual start of lessons next week. Awesome. I'm excited.
(Well, I will, soon.)
Today, I started French lessons with a tutor. The tutor is awesome, and I think I'll learn French much better than Arabic or German because our sessions will be one-on-one.
Today was just an initial lesson to see if we could work well together. We covered subject pronouns, numbers, and a few basic greetings. I need to work on the pronunciation of "je" but otherwise, it seems like I'm picking up the accent quickly.
I've got to order a book online for the lessons, and I think I'll be all set for the actual start of lessons next week. Awesome. I'm excited.
07 July 2008
H2O
Today's challenge was unexpectedly one of the most fun ones I've done so far.
I took a water aerobics class offered in the pool of my building.
You wear a funky belt instead of a life jacket and these crazy fins and you do aerobics in the pool. So much fun, even if no one in the class could master the concept of personal space. (We kept floating into each other.) I gotta give props to the instructors for doing a great job of making sure I could follow along with the changes in the routines.
Ouch. I ache already.
But I loved it, and I can't wait for the next class on Thursday!
I took a water aerobics class offered in the pool of my building.
You wear a funky belt instead of a life jacket and these crazy fins and you do aerobics in the pool. So much fun, even if no one in the class could master the concept of personal space. (We kept floating into each other.) I gotta give props to the instructors for doing a great job of making sure I could follow along with the changes in the routines.
Ouch. I ache already.
But I loved it, and I can't wait for the next class on Thursday!
06 July 2008
It's a Small World After All
One of the purposes of this year's challenge is to push myself in all kinds of ways - big and small.
I've taken (but not learned) two years of Arabic. I also took (learned and forgot) two years of German. Since neither language really stuck, and I'm a glutton for punishment, today, I put out feelers for a French tutor.
I haven't decided yet whether this is just another one of my half-hearted, wild-eyed crazy ideas or if this is something I'll actively pursue. I think a lot of it depends on what the various tutors' responses are. (And how expensive their rates are)
Also, I gave girl advice to my brother. Usually my youngest brother comes to me looking for advice about girls and love and dating and stuff. And usually I try to steer him in the right direction. However, the middle bro has never, ever, ever come to me for girl advice before. So I was pleasantly surprised.
Giving girl advice to younger brothers is quite a challenge in of itself. Boys just are horrendous when it comes to giving the requisite information necessary to offer advice, so first I had to figure out what the situation was and what he wanted to know before I could start encouraging him. I did my best.
Whether or not he takes my advice, and whether or not he ever comes back for more advice from me, remains to be seen. But it was a nice moment.
I've taken (but not learned) two years of Arabic. I also took (learned and forgot) two years of German. Since neither language really stuck, and I'm a glutton for punishment, today, I put out feelers for a French tutor.
I haven't decided yet whether this is just another one of my half-hearted, wild-eyed crazy ideas or if this is something I'll actively pursue. I think a lot of it depends on what the various tutors' responses are. (And how expensive their rates are)
Also, I gave girl advice to my brother. Usually my youngest brother comes to me looking for advice about girls and love and dating and stuff. And usually I try to steer him in the right direction. However, the middle bro has never, ever, ever come to me for girl advice before. So I was pleasantly surprised.
Giving girl advice to younger brothers is quite a challenge in of itself. Boys just are horrendous when it comes to giving the requisite information necessary to offer advice, so first I had to figure out what the situation was and what he wanted to know before I could start encouraging him. I did my best.
Whether or not he takes my advice, and whether or not he ever comes back for more advice from me, remains to be seen. But it was a nice moment.
05 July 2008
(You Want To) Make a Memory
When I moved to the city, I put up a bulletin board, and began tacking up different memories from things I've done and places I've gone in the city. Various odds and ends have wound up on the board - scraps from a theater program, a restaurant napkin, favorite pictures. It gave my bare wall some color, and made me smile every time I look at the bulletin board.
After two years, the bulletin board is overflowing and items were tacked up over other items. I've been a busy girl - being young and fabulous in the city, and the memories on the board show it.
Knowing that another move is coming up soon - the current lease is almost up - it's time to make those memories more portable. Thus, today I started to make a scrapbook of all the things I've done, people I've loved, places I've gone since moving to the city. The scrapbook won't be officially completed until I move out of the city (whenever that may be someday in the future), but I've made a decent start.
Unfortunately, at this point, I realize it's going to take me several days to finish it. Partly because I'm mildly anal-retentive about where each memory should go on a page, and partly because I keep stopping to recall each memory as I work on the pages. However, once I have it finished, this city scrapbook will be a work of art, and, more realistically, a great way to recall all of the glamorous, fabulous things I've done while living in the city and all the fantastic people I've met here.
After two years, the bulletin board is overflowing and items were tacked up over other items. I've been a busy girl - being young and fabulous in the city, and the memories on the board show it.
Knowing that another move is coming up soon - the current lease is almost up - it's time to make those memories more portable. Thus, today I started to make a scrapbook of all the things I've done, people I've loved, places I've gone since moving to the city. The scrapbook won't be officially completed until I move out of the city (whenever that may be someday in the future), but I've made a decent start.
Unfortunately, at this point, I realize it's going to take me several days to finish it. Partly because I'm mildly anal-retentive about where each memory should go on a page, and partly because I keep stopping to recall each memory as I work on the pages. However, once I have it finished, this city scrapbook will be a work of art, and, more realistically, a great way to recall all of the glamorous, fabulous things I've done while living in the city and all the fantastic people I've met here.
04 July 2008
Happy Fourth of July!
It's kind of a lame holiday celebration for me this year. I didn't think about doing anything for the 4th until too late. Mostly just chilling today. Although, I did do the all-American hot dog to celebrate.
Today's challenges were two-fold. I went grocery shopping to restock my kitchen. I'm trying to create a livable budget, so I set a certain dollar amount to spend on groceries. I came in about $45 under that set limit. Awesome, especially considering I had NOTHING in the kitchen to eat.
I was laying on the couch watching the Martin Child (so far, I highly recommend it) when I realized I'd missed a few phone calls. So, the other challenge today was to make my first international phone call. I managed to connect on the very first try, and got to send my love and wishes to someone very special on the other side of the world.
Today's challenges were two-fold. I went grocery shopping to restock my kitchen. I'm trying to create a livable budget, so I set a certain dollar amount to spend on groceries. I came in about $45 under that set limit. Awesome, especially considering I had NOTHING in the kitchen to eat.
I was laying on the couch watching the Martin Child (so far, I highly recommend it) when I realized I'd missed a few phone calls. So, the other challenge today was to make my first international phone call. I managed to connect on the very first try, and got to send my love and wishes to someone very special on the other side of the world.
03 July 2008
Out With The Old...
...to make room for the new.
I, for some odd reason, have this strong aversion to grocery shopping. No clue why. Just that, out of all possible household chores, that is the one I dislike the most. Although vacuuming is a very close second.
As a result, I tend to put off grocery shopping until my cupboards resemble those of Mother Hubbard.
I, for some odd reason, have this strong aversion to grocery shopping. No clue why. Just that, out of all possible household chores, that is the one I dislike the most. Although vacuuming is a very close second.
As a result, I tend to put off grocery shopping until my cupboards resemble those of Mother Hubbard.
Except, however, there's always a few staples in my pantry and the freezer - yaknow the kind - where if I just had "this" or "that" I could make an actual meal. Which is great - it's inspired some genius ideas of creativity when it comes to making dinners. (I also have the bad habit of not thinking about cooking dinner until I'm actually hungry, thus dinner typically ends up having to be something I can make in ten minutes or less.) The downside is, I realized today that some of those staples have expiration dates that have long since passed....in 2006.
Since I was seriously overdue for a grocery run anyway, I seized the opportunity to clean out my cupboard and make room for healthier, delicious food items.
Tomorrow, I'll learn if I can do a month's worth of grocery shopping and still manage to stick to a budget.
Since I was seriously overdue for a grocery run anyway, I seized the opportunity to clean out my cupboard and make room for healthier, delicious food items.
Tomorrow, I'll learn if I can do a month's worth of grocery shopping and still manage to stick to a budget.
02 July 2008
Life Is Like a Box of Chocolates....
.....You never know who you'll meet.
I went out tonight - I had a few errands to run and then was going to meet a friend for dinner.
I finished the errands much faster than planned, and was waiting to hear from my friend. After killing time for so long, I decided to wander into a local pub and order a drink. That in of itself was highly unusual for me. I don't drink alone, and I don't wander into pubs alone.
I sat down, ordered a cocktail, and decided to strike up a conversation with the lonely old man* next to me.
It started out with the usual chit chat chatter - where are you from, where do you live, what do you do? He started telling me that he's a columnist, and writes a weekly trivia column. Eventually, after asking a few questions, he tells me that Bob Barker of the Price is Right fame once wrote him a letter saying how much he enjoys reading the weekly trivia column.
As I got up to go meet my friend, he tells me - look for the column on the Conservative Chronicle webpage. I just looked him up, and realized I've read his American History book. Crazy, small, random world.
I think I'll start purposely trying to start more random conversations from now on.
(*In case you want to know: his name is Andy Seamans.)
I went out tonight - I had a few errands to run and then was going to meet a friend for dinner.
I finished the errands much faster than planned, and was waiting to hear from my friend. After killing time for so long, I decided to wander into a local pub and order a drink. That in of itself was highly unusual for me. I don't drink alone, and I don't wander into pubs alone.
I sat down, ordered a cocktail, and decided to strike up a conversation with the lonely old man* next to me.
It started out with the usual chit chat chatter - where are you from, where do you live, what do you do? He started telling me that he's a columnist, and writes a weekly trivia column. Eventually, after asking a few questions, he tells me that Bob Barker of the Price is Right fame once wrote him a letter saying how much he enjoys reading the weekly trivia column.
As I got up to go meet my friend, he tells me - look for the column on the Conservative Chronicle webpage. I just looked him up, and realized I've read his American History book. Crazy, small, random world.
I think I'll start purposely trying to start more random conversations from now on.
(*In case you want to know: his name is Andy Seamans.)
01 July 2008
Let's Get Physical, Physical
While I tend to be much more physically active in the warmer months, it's been a while since I was serious about my workout routine.
I'm one of those annoyingly perky morning people - I just get up and go and do my best work (or the most of the horrible chores) in the first few hours after I wake up. Thus, the best time for me to work out is first thing in the morning. I got out of the habit this past year, mostly because I was staying up late every night to talk to a certain someone...
Now that I'm no longer staying up so late, I've been waking up earlier in the morning, but just tossing and turning until the alarm finally goes off.
Today, I woke up AND got up out of bed before my alarm went off. I then proceeded to work out for an hour before having to get ready for work.
If that wasn't enough, I ended the work day with a decent bike ride (against the blowing wind) with a coworker.
I feel good. I don't feel as stressed. Today at least. Tomorrow, I probably won't be able to move. But, it takes 21 days to make or break a habit, so I'll be back up and out early again tomorrow.
I'm one of those annoyingly perky morning people - I just get up and go and do my best work (or the most of the horrible chores) in the first few hours after I wake up. Thus, the best time for me to work out is first thing in the morning. I got out of the habit this past year, mostly because I was staying up late every night to talk to a certain someone...
Now that I'm no longer staying up so late, I've been waking up earlier in the morning, but just tossing and turning until the alarm finally goes off.
Today, I woke up AND got up out of bed before my alarm went off. I then proceeded to work out for an hour before having to get ready for work.
If that wasn't enough, I ended the work day with a decent bike ride (against the blowing wind) with a coworker.
I feel good. I don't feel as stressed. Today at least. Tomorrow, I probably won't be able to move. But, it takes 21 days to make or break a habit, so I'll be back up and out early again tomorrow.
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