Plans and Actions

I have been away from my blog for a while now. Many reasons for this, not the least of which is that nobody reads it and I haven't had much in the way of creative motivation but I am working on making changes in how I am living so I figured I might as well expand my sentiments to this little bloggy-thing.

Since I last posted:

• Some good friends of ours had a little boy, Jacob, who both the hubby and I are quite fond of.

  

  

• I got a horrible contract job back at a former employer for a few months and was happy to leave it.

• Got another equally horrible (but better paying) contract job with a company I quite wanted to work for but things didn't work out and as of 09/09/09 I am back on the job market.

• I got swine flu - REALLY - I was diagnosed with that on 09/09/09 as well... Not a good day for me, especially considering that 9 is one of my favorite numbers - I got screwed!

• I've been losing weight, which is great and basically a miracle because I haven't put any real effort into it.

• I have taught myself how to make Fessenjan.

• I almost finished that blanket for my cousin Karen and then got distracted with work and how much it sucked - I will be back on it shortly I assure you.

• I have begun to come to terms with the fact that some of the things that I was always sure about in my life aren't going to be or happen the way that I thought.

• I found Klaustahler (my favorite non-alcoholic beer) at two local stores, and enjoyed one this evening.

• I have been expanding my "girl craft" skills dramatically in the arenas of cooking, baking, sewing, knitting, crochet and even (gasp) canning.

• I bought an old fashioned dymo label maker and using it reminds me of my Nana and Papa Dave. I have their old card table with "BARER" dymo labeled to the underside. Using the label maker makes me happy.

  

A lot of boring things have happened and there has been much generalized malaise around these parts for the past several months but on Thursday of this week I just broke out of it. So, approximately ten days post shit-storm...

I decided that I am going to plan things and then do them. Even if it is weird little domestic things like making Apple Butter (which I did today) or picking out the paint for my office or thinking about going to dealer school in vegas next month. I don't have to take care of everyone. They will be fine. I can live on less and make things work and be (possibly) happier than before.

I can focus on the good stuff in my life like my husband who is amazing and supportive and dealing with his own crap but is still a serious stand-up guy. I can spend time with my dogs, stay in touch with my people, remember that I have people, insist on being treated how I deserve and refuse to compromise on what makes me ME.

I am working on things and I have a plan.

Accomplished today:

• Made EXCELLENT apple butter (6 pints in fact) from beginning to end all by my lonesome never having seen it made and without any "official" canning tools.

• I was successful and I also totally cleaned my kitchen while doing it.

• Deep cleaned and replaced the lining in all my cupboards (including the awful island of UGH).

• Made first round picks for paint colors in office, bedroom and living room.

• Applied for a job that didn't sound too hateful.

• Talked to several good friends and had real conversations.

All in all, a very good day.

Apple butter steps, cause I am proud of myself!