The Excercise Continues......

I've been very good. We are on week number 3 and I've only missed one day at the gym because of the rain. I've really enjoyed spinning class on Tuesday mornings. It's been exceptionally helpful to have a friend in Elaine. She's more addicted to the gym than myself. She'll meet me at 5:30 in the morning, go get the kids ready for school, and return for a class at 9. Talk about dedication.

I've been a little down on myself for the last few days. I don't know if it is the weather, hormones, or what. I've been dragging and very disgruntled. Jason is always trying to pull me out of it. He's such a saint. I know I need to change my perspective and just roll with it sometimes. The cardio has been loads of help. I am trying to eat better. I'm not changing everything in one single stroke, but there have been improvements. For instance, no more fake sugar. I am finishing off the diet sodas I do have in my cupboard, but after that, no more. No more Equal, or Sweet N Low, or any of the other fake junk. I've been using Stevia which is all natural. It tastes pretty good. In general, I've just cut back on the sweets. I've had a few sneaks here and there. Nothing major. I am not going to deprive myself. For instance, I'm going to have Mexican food with my mom today. I will just eat less and go more healthier on my options. I am trying to drink more water instead of tea and coffee. This is a really hard one for me, but water is better for you. I just can't do the absolute no coffee or tea thing. I don't want to be responsible for shooting someone because I didn't have my coffee.

Back to LIfe, Back to Reality

I've kinda been in a spiritual bubble for the last month and a half. With pioneer service school, convention, and the C.o visit, I've been on cloud nine. The first month of the service year is almost over. I am 1/12 of the way through the year. Hoorah!

I had blood work done this morning for the first time. You should see the disbelief in peoples faces when I tell them that. "Never had blood work?" "Uh, I've never been sick. Why should I get blood work?" Of course, it is a good idea to get a baseline and that is something I tell our customers. But for me personally, I wish I could delay something like getting blood drawn to the latest possible moment. I left early this morning, which I think alarmed my cats. I think they knew I was heading to a place I didn't want to go. Now that I am home, they are all sleeping around me in relief. I guess it was a good thing I returned from the vampire place.

I am looking forward to going on vacation at the beginning of next year. Already looking at flights and hotels in New York. It's been too long. I do dread having to leave my cats. They will be too sad.

Pioneer School, Convention, and CO Visit, Oh My!

It has been a spiritually action packed month. Pioneer school for the second time around was a real blast. I really enjoyed meeting all sorts of new and really sweet people. Brother Moske and Catanzaro were the best instructors anyone could ever ask for. I will miss the Moskes. I got a real education in Polish jokes. Lol. But seriously, I really learned a lot. I also got to remember how awesome it feels to comment a billion times a day and really feel involved in a spiritual discussion. Brother Catanzaro reminded us that our meetings could be just as enjoyable if we put more into contributing. Something we all already know but needed to be reminded of.

Straight after Pioneer school was our wonderful convention. We had the privilege of having Brother Jackson from the Governing Body. I was so sad not to be able to meet and thank him dearly for the thought-provoking talks and experiences. I liked the point he made about not letting fear get to us. He told the experience of the co-founder of Apple computers who got scared and sold his share of Apple for 800 bucks. AGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHH! Wow, I got the point.

I'm really super excited about this new service year. With the school, convention, and now our CO visit, I should be super charged to take on our territory. I even got a new bag for the year. It's time to SSPI! That's SHOW SINCERE PERSONAL INTEREST

Too Much to Do

I had a dream last night that I wrote a personal memoir. It was very similar to the scrapbook/slambook that I already worked on for sometime, but more professionally bound and printed. It was similar to the "Kurt Cobain Writing" book published about 8 years ago with all of Kurt Cobain's doodles and drawings. It reminded me that I really want to get moving on the novel I started and promptly lost interest in a few months ago. I just have too much to do.

This month is supremely busy. I start pioneer school next week. Work has been so busy. With 3 doctors, us technicians have been working nonstop to keep things running semi-smoothly.

I am buying some watercolors so I can paint this series of art deco pictures of Miami buildings I photographed last month. It's been a while since I've painted anything. Watercolors definitely scream South Beach to me.

I am scrambling to finish my time this week so I can enjoy almost a week and a half of working in my yard. The weather is super hot this year. My plants have suffered a great bit this week without any measurable rain. We've had lots of thunder that has threatened, but I'd love a real gully washer, please. I've moved many irises and aloe plants to the back. I'm getting rid of all the fern that I wrongly placed in beds. I should have listened to grandma when she said that they'd overtake my beds to create a sea of green for snakes to hide in. Yes, grandma, that's exactly what happened. What a big mistake. Hopefully by the end of August, that will be rectified.

It Was a Perfect Tuesday all around

I usually really, really like Tuesdays for the obvious reasons. One- I have the day off from work. Two- I spend it out in service. Three- It's not Monday or Wednesday. Haha. Today was especially nice. The group for service was nice and diverse, for a change. I didn't get a chance to work with Toby's sister from Pa, but I did get to go with Debbie on her study with Vivian.

It was such a nice and relaxing morning on the study. She actually made us green tea with fresh mint leaves. So good. I traded her some of my Good Earth Sweet and Spicy Red Tea for some herbs that I hope to not let die in the next few weeks. After the study she dug up some fresh mint and Mexican cilantro.

I really enjoy going on people's studies because it gives you further opportunities to learn about the human race. People are so different. It' nice to see things out of other people's key holes, if you know what I mean. This lady lives on a nice size of property behind our Kingdom Hall. The land is extremely flat and marshy. I was curious why Debbie wanted me to turn her side mirrors of her car in as we exited the car. "If you don't turn them in, the birds spend all morning looking at themselves in the mirror, and they just poop all over my car." "Oh, really? I never thought about that." The turning in of the mirrors didn't help. About 15 minutes into our study, Debbie sighs and points out that a blue bird was perched on her mirror as it was turned in. He left her a nice present down the side of her car.

Thirty minutes into the study, we were visited by a sandhill crane at Vivian's back door. He steadily pecked at her french doors until she excused herself to feed him some bread. Talk about a bunch of naughty, spoiled birds. NO wonder I don't like birds very much.

I was able to go to Miriam in the afternoon. It is so nice to sit with someone on a study and learn so much about them. She has lived such a full life. I always loved listening to her stories about Canada, the farm, having children and all the other fun stuff in life. I will miss her if she moves to Arkansas, but I am sure we'll keep in touch.

I finished the evening off with tacos and homemade mojitos, thanks to the fresh mint. I really hope tomorrow will be as much fun as today. I doubt it.

Another 5 Years.......

I really can't believe it has been 5 years of marriage. Really, where does the time go? I've obviously neglected this task of writing on this blog, seeing that I have been so busy. Lots to do, I guess.

Jason and I went to St. Augustine for the 2nd time. We were able to tour the San Sebastian Winery. Our only souvenir was a delicious case of the tasty wines from San Sebastian. I never knew muscadine grapes were native to Florida. I think we used to actually pick them in our neighborhood when I was a kid. They make a great wine.

The weather has been unusually cool this year. In fact, it is the coldest winter on record, if you average the temperature everyday. All winter, it was an average of 56 degrees. I did enjoy wearing the occasional sweater and scarf, for once. I usually wear a scarf one time a year. I probably wore a scarf everyday for 3 weeks. Unbelievably cold, I tell you. Be prepared for a really brutal warm season. Look out for those hurricanes:(

It's a Radiohead and Wilco morning

I've become quite addicted to Pandora. What has been a better invention than internet radio? I think it will be soon when conventional radios will be pitched out of peoples cars at record speed. You seriously can listen to anything. I just wish I could figure out how to take it with me. I think it is a sin to pay for radio. It must be how people thought 30 or so years ago about paying for cable tv. Now we can't live without it.

My brother visited this weekend. It was bittersweet. I was sad to see him so sad. To top it off, he forgot his wallet in Savannah and drop his cell phone in the toilet. I was glad to be of service to him and tell him the rice trick to get the moisture out. I have talked to plenty of people who have dropped their phones in the crapper and it seems to work. I want to go visit him soon and actually take Jason with me. He's never been to Savannah and I want to take advantage of having a place to stay while I can.

I believe we will be going to St. Augustine next month. It will be a busy few weeks until then. Jason has a talk on the 13th in Sanford. I have a tea party the following week, and our circuit overseer will be here the following week. Busy busy busy. And because we unknowingly got married during bike week, we can never book anything on our actual anniversary because everything is mad packed. So the following weekend is when we celebrate. I can't believe it has been 5 years. It flies, for sure.

Horrible Blogger, indeed

I can't believe I've let a whole month go by (actually more) without leaving my mark on the Web. Not that anyone cares, or anything. A lot has happened. I happened to get a cold, twice, in the last month. I am enjoying the second helping now. I don't know how that occurs. I am taking vitamins and everything. Evalyn says it is because I don't eat enough kimchi. I would love to add it more regularly to my diet, but it's hard.

Jason's aunt in New York died of cancer a few weeks ago. I know he was glad to talk to her on the phone before she died. I wish we could have made a visit, too.

I think we are keeping little retard kitten, as much as would like to find him a home of his own. He is doing quite well, even after almost dying again after eating a brown widow spider. He's a great fit for our house. He loves to cuddle with you on the couch in the fleece. So sweet.

I went to see Sherlock Holmes yesterday. I thought it was quite good. I was a little nervous at first. The plot has a lot to do with black magic. But, of course, Holmes gets to the bottom of the mystery and unveils what really is happening. The main bad guy looked a lot like Andy Garcia. It will be interesting to see who they get for the sequel to be Moriarty.

I went to see Nathan in Savannah last month. It was a nice visit. The weather was next to perfect for wandering about the town. I was glad grandma was able to go. We got to be corny tourist and take the blue bus ride. Lady & Sons was a real treat. In fact, I'm craving ho' cakes right now. All hail to the great Paula Deen.

Speaking of large women who know their way around the kitchen, I went to see Julie & Julia. I was fond of the concept. Meryl Steep is always the best at whatever role she has. The task of cooking all of Julia's recipes and blogging about them was quite a feat. That's something Miss "Blog-once-a-month" won't be doing anytime soon.

New Kitten, Wasps, New Plantings, Bad Blogger.

I didn't realize how true the new magazine on technology was until I couldn't log onto my Facebook for a whole day. I was completely lost. I had not realized how dependent I was on my news feeds and my CafeWorld. I have to say I am a little pathetic. I was mostly upset that most of my virtual food spoiled because I couldn't log on to serve it. Dommage. The time away from the online world helped me to read more and work in my garden. The important stuff.

I have seen a total of 3 snakes in the past week. Blackfoot brought the tiniest ring-neck snake dangling from his mouth much like a cigarette. I took a picture of it just to prove how small he was. Only 5 inches at the most. Wednesday, while taking out the trash, a red rat snake lay on my trashcan. It gave me quite a scare. Today Jason and I saw a rattle snake crossing the road by our old house in service. It must be the time of year for snakes to pop out of the wood work.

I planted so many new things. Irises line the beds of my courtyard next to my spare bedroom and office. I just laid some mulch in the beds today. I unfortunately could not save the violets that Peggy gave me. Not enough water, I'm afraid. I will have to beg her for some more. It was good to get good and dirty during this nice weather.

The new kitten I've been fostering has been real fun. He's quirky. His tail is all bent up like someone has snapped it like a twig. He has a double dewclaw on one front paw, and it missing an entire toe on each of his front paws. I say he's a little retarded, although, that isn't entirely nice. He's so sweet and I'm going to hate to see him go. If I can't find him an ideal home, I guess Jason and I will have to make room for one more in our cat family.>^..^<

I've always been a fan of the book Why Paint Cats. I got a wild hair yesterday and bought some non-toxic face paint to paint my kitties. I practice on Winston, our office cat. He didn't appreciate my artistic sensibilities. I want to paint a skunk stripe on Harlem and do bumblebee stripes in yellow on Bronxie. I am sure that would please them just as much. Unfortunately, I learned that the painted felines in the book are the crafty works of a photo shop and that they really aren't painted. Oh well, I'm still going to paint my cats. At least I'll try to paint Harlem. We would mind it less. I think it's no more cruel to paint a cat than to groom a dog. That's my humble opinion.

I wish I could do something to annoy the wasps in my yard without them coming after me. I've have 3 stings in 3 weeks. Not cool.

Blogging Slump

Yup, haven't had much time or subject to blog about lately. At work, for instance, much drama there is, but none of my own. Sigh.

I had the flu this weekend. It reminded me that I should have gotten the flu shot. I never find time in my busy schedule to do that. I felt like dying yesterday. The body aches were so I bad that I couldn't even get out of bed. I am feeling a little more human today.

I have 4 studies to report this month. So exciting. Two of the studies are making excellent progress. I felt bad to have canceled the one study today. I didn't want to share my germs with her.

I've started a novel. I am determined to finish it. It is sort of an adventure journey, but much research has to go into it. Many of the places I talk about I've never been to. It's been much fun. It is so fun to develop characters. They are loosely based on some of my friends and family. The main character is loosely based on myself. I've always wanted to be a librarian. What an exciting job.

Convention Time

I can't believe our convention passed so quickly. I really think this was the best one yet. I know everyone probably says that. But I seriously don't think there was a single time in the program that didn't catch my attention. I can't wait to read all the new publications and see the DVD.

I really thought about what what I wanted to get out of this convention. The part on the traps of Satan was great. I could stand to read the notes on the trap of the fire. Differences between our brothers and sisters can snare us at any time. That is is a hard one to avoid. Someone is always getting on my nerves.:)

I had to help out at the front desk at work on Thursday and yesterday. I have a new found respect for receptionist. I would rather be peed on by a dog than deal with an irate person on the phone. Or a crazy drunk person trying to make an appointment. Or an even crazier person trying to get me to make 100 copies of her cat's records for herself. Do you know how fast I was to telling her to go to Kinko's. Oh well. I can't complain. There are so many people who don't have jobs in this economy.

The convention helped me to have the right prospective in this time of the end. Things are getting worse for a reason. Now is not the time to be distracted. Get on the ball and be ready. Such good reminders.

Eyes of the World are Watching you

I've not blogged for a while. I feel kind of bad about that, but it's better late than never. Lots of things have happened over the last few weeks. I had a corneal abrasion on my left eye. That was A LOT (note the sarcasm) of fun. It was a real treat to have to work without any contacts or glassed because stupid me let my prescription run out and I never had my glasses replaced. My fault totally. The eye doctor, in a really polite way, told me how stupid I was for not seeing him sooner. Again, my fault totally. He is this big, gruff Italian guy, who reminded me of Tony Soprano. In my narrow mind, most hefty, Italian guys remind me of Tony Soprano.

My living room and dining room got a nice makeover, thanks to Jason's dad. He came up last weekend without Lynn. It was a nice visit for the most part. He mostly painted, drank Jack Daniels and reminisced with Jason over the past. I mostly stayed out of their way. I didn't feel much like painting or reminiscing. Plus, the battery in the Pacifica died right as we were heading out to Outback for my parents anniversary Saturday night. Not fun at all.

Morning

I'm having my first cup of coffee in this empty house, trying hard to remember what it means to be sad........

Something like that. I heard a line like that and it's sticking with me. Kind of like a song that sticks with you for the rest of the day. It's been Michael Jackson songs for these last 3 weeks. Gotta love nostalgia.

Things are pretty good. Work is steady and crazy as usual. Home life is good. Service is excellent. My moods aren't too bad, either. Jason's dad will come down in 2 weeks to paint my living room and bedroom. It's hard to believe we've been in this house for over 19 months. It doesn't feel that long. We've really made it our own.

Jason's first public talk is this weekend. I am so nervous for him, but I don't know why. He has such a knack for public speaking. Me, on the other hand, not so much. It's been all he can think about. Once it is over, we can both breathe easy.


I looked up the serial in my 1.00 Coach bag only to reassure myself that it is a fake. The 1.00 Louis Vuitton wallet, on the other hand, I believe that is real.

Rubbin my tired eyes.

Nothing completes a 10 hour work day like cleaning the house and doing laundry. My knees and back ached at about 10 pm as a waited for Jason to come home from his work function at Ember last night. I watched a little Nancy Grace. listened to a little digital radio.

I found a great resale shop in Maitland. Designer Seconds has a nice variety of higher end clothing items. I bought a nice Ann Taylor Loft shirt to go with my black and white skirt for 6 dollars and a nearly new Lacoste shirt for 7. Christina and I will definitely check it out when she comes to town.

Thinking of going to visit her in October or November. Have to see what is going on in the autumn months. Just think, a couple of months and it will actually get cooler. I am dreaming of it:)

Happy Wednesday!!!!

Not much going on in the life of me. Possibly going to Pioneer school in about 2 weeks. I had to make the mad dash and figure some numbers to get the time off. That was a magic act. I should know something in the next day or so if it is a go.

This was a bad day for cats. We had it start off with Erin's cat dying at work first thing this morning. It was very tragic and put everyone on edge. That was followed by a fractious cat loose in our lobby. We had to pull out the kevlar oven mits and the anesthesia box to even touch it.

I had a lot of work to do in the back. So much work that I, in fact, had to change my clothes mid-day. I was smelling like a rose.

Too Hot!!!!

It is seriously too hot this summer. I look at all my plants outside and desperately want to spend time to take care of them. Nope, sorry guys, you will be on your own. I'm inside watching stuff I DVRed and enjoying a nice glass of lemonade. Or wine.

My amarillos are blooming. I always thought they were yellow flowers, but my friend informed me that my pink lily-like plants were indeed amarillos. I don't think I am spelling it right, but oh well. I really don't care.

It's too hot to care.

OCD

Our friends are moving to Conn. and they couldn't take 2 of their desks. I inherited them last night and didn't rest until my old crappy desk was broken down and the 2 new desks were successfully integrated into my 2 bedrooms. They fit. I even rearranged and cleaned both rooms. There is so much room in our office/spareroom. I love space.

The old desk fell apart like a house of cards. It's so sad what junky craftsmenship we have in this country. No wonder all American car companies are going under.

Made yummy friendship cake. You know, the kind that takes 10 days to make. It was definitely yummy. Before it's made the batter smells like feet. Really disgusting.

Great with coffee.

Nothing Relavent Yet......

I haven't blogged in what feels like ages. Okay, it has rained for days. My service for the past week is shot. TV pretty much sucks. I know everyone is all over American Idol and Dancing with the Stars. Not me. I just can't get into it. Jason says that I've sort of turned into my dad. I could watch the weather for hours. I don't know what the fascination is. I can't believe I spelled fascination right.

The rain has helped me catch up on projects and the letter writing. I cleaned out BOTH of Jason's closets. I have a pile of stuff for Goodwill and a few items for ebay. I would really like to replenish my Pay Pal account. I depleted it with the U2 tickets. I can't believe it is almost June. My yard is really green. Everything is doing really well. The only problem is that I left out my patio set and hammock. I will have to let them dry out before I could use them. With the rain, who knows when that will be.

Evalyn was suppose to take me to her two studies today. Because of the rain, she's inside all day sewing. She told me to stop by and get some fresh seaweed soup. I ltook her to the Korean market on Saturday. That place is so awesome. It's like going to another country. I didn't like the slice of rice flour cake. It looked so appetizing colored like Neopolitan ice cream. Looks can be deceiving.

Yum. I want to make wontons and brownies for Jess's last day tomorrow. I was suppose to go to lunch with them today, but I have so much to do. I am not sure if I will have time or the gumption to make wontons today. I don't want the house to smell like a Chinese restaurant today. Cat box, yes. Chinese restaurant, no. Just kidding. I hope my house never smells like a litter box.

Speaking of litter boxes, I picked up a little book called How to Toilet Train Your Cat- 21 Days to A Litter-Free Home. I started to read it, and it seems plausible. I just don't think my retarded cats would get it. I would probably stir up even more anxiety problems in them. I would love to have a house without a litter box.

I do disagree a lot with the author. He doesn't believe in putting a litter box in a laundry room because of the detergents. He doesn't think you should use slotted scoop. I think he thinks you should stick with clumping litter. I hate clumping litter. I actually hate the idea of any litter.


The things I think of when it's pouring down rain.

Tuesday Tuesday

I saw two decent movies this weekend. Persepolis- the French cartoon about an Iranian girl obsessed with Iron Maiden. There was actually more to the story than that. A lot of political and social themes. Reminded me a lot of the old Madeline cartoons with a twist and profanity.

I am embarrassed to say that I had to ditch the French and watch the movie in English. Yes, me who took AP French. If anyone know me knows I can't just sit and watch a movie. I have to be actively doing something. I haven't gone the way of actually reading a book during a movie. I was losing the story as put together my scrapbooks. (Which I finished, thank you very much) Hours and hours of paper scraps, stickers, decals, and stencils. It is finally completer. Until the next journey, of course.

I would like to visit my brother in Savannah for Memorial Day. Jason, however, informed me that he would be working. Rats.

The other movie I enjoyed was My Blueberry Nights with Norah Jones. It was watchable but nothing I would bother to see again. I was expecting more out of her speaking voice. Kind of shrill in comparison to her beautiful singing. Her acting was ok. Not the next Meryl Streep.

Things have been very busy lately. Where is everyone finding time to have children? I know of at least 10 pregnant friends. I can hardly schedule time to have my hair cut. ( That is happening today.) I am very happy for all of them. Better them than me.:)

Whirlwind Week

I feel like it has been forever since I've been able to sit down and blog for a change. I worked all week, which was good and bad. I now realize that I am not a full time work kind of girl. I don't mean that in a bad way. Just with all my other responsibilities, I wouldn't try to work full time on purpose. Not if I don't have to.

I really missed being out in the ministry this week. Especially since it was memorial week. I felt like I was really missing out on all the fun. Oh well. I will have time to catch up this week. So much drama going on.

We were very busy at work, but Jacquie, Tabitha and I worked really well together. Some how we managed to get everything done. Not bad. I don't think there was ever a day that I felt overwhelmed or angry about the work environment. Everything was pretty smooth. Just too many barking dogs for my taste. That is when earplugs come in handy.

We had my parents and grandma over for dinner yesterday. It was so nice. Grandma gave me a quilt her grandmother gave her. It was so special. I want to get it cleaned and put it on display. Just hope the cats don't do anything special to it.LOL.

I went to get the food from Honey Baked Ham. I didn't realize that it is Easter weekend. There were 50 people waiting in line for ham. Two police officers were at the door to guard all the precious hams. Seriously people, is this necessary? I guess people take their ham seriously.

Jay and I are going to the zoo today. I haven't been in ages. Gotta get a monkey fix.