This is why I like solo roadtrips...

Today I am grateful that I made it home and am no longer sitting in my car. I'd like to make it known that for that final stretch, I was rockin' to Billy Joel. This made me very happy- not so much the act of listening to Billy Joel, but knowing that if there was video footage of me in that last hour or so of my drive, it would be hilarious. Deeply embarrassing, but hilarious. Windows down, stereo as loud as it would go, smoking a cigarette, singing (badly) at the top of my lungs, playing the steering wheel drums, and just having a grand 'ol time.

Needless to say, I am running on adrenaline. I am officially so tired I'm giddy. You know what I'm talkin' about. More tomorrow 'cause right now

I

am off

to la-la-land

Old Maids

I said I would update, I haven't. But ya know what? I am pretty sure the people who actually read this are the ones I spend all my time with anyway so they know exactly whats been going on. There are no big surprises here.

However, I think I had a good thing going when I was coming up with at least one thing to be grateful for each day. I dont know if you liked it, but I enjoyed doing it, and I'm all about starting that up again.


















I have had a really great week. I mean- I don't feel like giving the world a great big hug, but I don't want out so desperately either. Perhaps this is weird, but I feel it most in my eyes. I dont know if you can tell by looking at me, but this last week my eyes have been open and anticipating and actively taking things in. I have had happy eyes as of late- as opposed to being all droopy and cynical or darting around desperately trying to avoid eye contact with others. I can fake a smile, speak happy words, and make it seem legit... but my eyes are (or at least feel) more telling. Yeah, maybe this is weird.

Anyway, I'd like to get back on track with my documentation of what makes me smile for real. Whole body smiles. Things that really truely bring me joy.

Today (yesterday, I guess) I went to Beth's, a very cool cafe less than a block from Lance's house in Greenlake with Kristen, Lance, and Brice. Beth's is known for their 6 or 12 egg omelets. (The four of us split a 12 egg bacon something-or-other omelet. It was delicious, and I am still full a solid 13 hours later) They also have an interesting way of decorating the place... there are stacks of plain white paper, big 'ol packs of crayons, and masking tape to stick your art to the walls wherever you can find a space. I was feeling less than inspired, but Lance and Kristen went all out. Kristen's artwork is what I am going to officially be grateful for... but really, it was the whole day.



















Above you see photo documentation of some impromptu art that kept me giggling for quite some time. Thank you Kristen, Lance, and Brice. You guys get an A+.

I am thankful for friends friends friends.

Its been a busy weekend... update, and multiple photos within a week or so!

Back!

I have returned!

The next few days are filling up quickly. Today is for regrouping, organizing, laundry, etc. Tomorrow I'll be back to babysitting, and in the evening my friend Nic and a buddy or two of his will be staying with me and spending the next few days in the Tacoma/Seattle area. There will be appointments here and there, planning for my August trip to Sioux Falls, and catching up with friends.

But for now, coffee.

Adios!

Well everyone, I am off! Going to spend a few days with the fam, then some more days with my other family.

Happy 4th, catch ya in a couple weeks!

Oh, Mister Sun?

Sun? Mr. Golden Sun?

I'd like to thank you for being around the last few days! I am grateful for your presence, Mr. Sun! You are quite a pal. (If you are not too busy, I would looove it if you could come to Winnipeg with me next week! We'd have a blast, really!)

Thanks again, hope you stick around!

Mmmm

So lately I have started some new medications. Some days I think I feel better, some days, not so much. Today, is a good day though. One side-effect of these meds is a marked decrease in my appetite. Without giving it much thought, it seems like a fabulous side effect. Weight loss goals finally attainable!! But really, it can be a bit of a bummer. I never really realized how big a role food has in every day life. So many interactions take place around food. That, and I really like food. I would like to eat it thankyouverymuch.

I would love to be thin and toned, but not at the expense of feeling lethargic all the time or on the verge of passing out. So, I've started reading lables. Very closely. It is really something I should have been doing all along, but this kinda forced me into it. I have to get a lot of bang for my buck when I eat. Luna bars and protein shakes have been lifesavers. And today I am grateful for a new discovery...

Veggie burger from Trader Joe's baked in the oven (it was the recommended prep)
Big 'ol dollop of guacamole
Lots of cilantro
Topped off with a couple slices of tomato

We've got protein from the burger without the bad fat of real burgers, good fat in the guac, and maybe a couple vitamins/minerals/whatnot from the rest. And in my humble opinion, it tasted pretty good!

backtracking

I've missed a few days, please allow me to make amends.

I am grateful for the feel and smell of clean laundry coming right out of the dryer. Heavenly. I am currently enamored with all things Mrs. Meyers Geranium Scent. I have the hand soap, dish soap, laundry detergent, and dryer sheets. Its a bit on the spendy side, but the stuff lasts forever. I say its definitely worth it.

I am also grateful for my computer. It does what I want it to do, when I want it to do it. It also has an application called, "Photo Booth" which enables me to show you...

How rockin' I am...

What I look when I am feigning interest...

Or that I am actually a twin... who knew?!

If I'm still missing a couple days, I'll leave you on this note. Now it is time to climb into bed (which I am grateful for) and watch some Arrested Development on Hulu (which I am also grateful for). Have a nice evening folks!

Squeeeeeeze

I am grateful for hugs. Hugs hugs hugs hugs hugs. Then, some more hugs.

Stop Thinking

I am grateful for Solitaire in all its forms. I really think I am.

I put some thought into it... Am I really grateful for something that keeps my mind busy with absolutely nothing of substance? Can I be grateful for a game so monotonous, so addictive, so brain numbing, and so unrelated to "real life"? Turns out, yep, at this point in my life, I am.

I am grateful for Solitaire because it keeps my mind from wandering places I do not want it to go. No, it is not productive, but it is not destructive either... and THAT is a step in the right direction.

Some of the "distraction techniques" I have encountered do no such thing. Taking a bath just makes me think about things I don't want to think about while I'm all wet. Going on a walk just makes me think about things I don't want to think about while wandering around the city. Talking it out with a friend just makes me think about things I don't want to think about while becoming embarrassed and flustered.

So I am grateful for the boring old Klondike, Spider, Tri Peaks, or whatever. Not productive, but more importantly, not destructive.