Thankful Thursday

Here we are at Thankful Thursday again. This will be brief. Because mostly I’m thankful that I probably have a common cold instead of bubonic plague. Probably. And you know, all things considered, that’s definitely something to be thankful for.

I’m also thankful that it’s been very busy at work today, so that except for sneezing about 47 times (I’m pretty sure I’m not exaggerating), I haven’t had time to think about how awful I feel.

I’m thankful that I’m listening to an interesting audio book (the first Eve Dallas book by J.D. Robb – I’ve read them all, but thought I would start back at the beginning). It keeps me alert and a little more civil out there on the road.

And that’s it – I’m just too knackered to be thankful about anything else right now. Oh, wait, I’m thankful that by next Thursday my nose should be back to normal!

So What Do I Think of This Here Kindle?

I took a sick day today (& now I'm pondering whether the cure is worse than the disease – darn Mucinex!). I'm not terribly sick, but I decided to keep my coughing self home out of the snow. Speaking of snow, all the way home last night I was composing this incredibly witty piece about driving in the dark with the snow blowing all over the interstate so that you're unable to see the lanes. And yet, somehow, still driving 60 mph. But I decided that might be too hair-raising. Not to mention that I don't really remember what was so witty about it. The fact that I'm warning you from ever driving anywhere near me?

So instead of that fascinating topic I'm going to do my little Kindle review. I've read one and a half books & now consider myself an expert (this is so not true – I haven't even tried most of its extra features). But nevertheless, here is a list for your consideration.

*The Kindle by itself is very lightweight, easy to carry around, read in bed, in the tub (unless you think you might drop it in, but I've only ever dropped one book in so I think the odds are in my favor).

*The screen is not backlit. In fact it's a lot like reading a regular book in the way that it looks. Apparently it's supposed to be easier on the eyes this way (and easier to read out in the sun). However, this does mean that you need a book light if you're reading in a dim room. I bought a cover for mine that has a slot for a book light and that works very well for me. The cover does add to the total weight, but it's still only about as heavy as a paperback.

*I chose my particular cover for its function – you can prop the Kindle up and read during lunch! Which is exactly what I did today.

*I find that going back to look at previously read pages is a pain in the patootie. Partly this is because I'm a non-texter, so the little keyboard is hard for me to navigate (such tiny buttons!). I think if you're a little more competent you might have an easier time of it. There is a highlight & a bookmark feature which might help, should you know which portions you might want to look at again. Since I'm always thinking things like, "now what state is this book set in?" bookmarking might not be as useful for that purpose.

*If you'd like to hear your Garmin read to you, then there is a text to voice feature. It's not quite the same as listening to an audio book. Heh.

*When you leave it idle, or turn it off, a cool screensaver comes on. The screensaver is usually a portrait of a writer – who knew Alexander Dumas looked like that?

*There are convenient buttons on both sides to turn the pages backwards or forwards – but it does make handling it a bit tricky when you're moving around (I like to walk around the house & read) – I'm always turning pages inadvertently just from picking it up.

*Hands down, my favorite feature is that you can increase the text size. No more reading glasses! Except for those pesky buttons…

*I am intrigued by the fact that the two free random mysteries I downloaded are both by Christian writers. I didn't set out to select those types of books, but that's what I got. In any case, I really enjoyed the first one I finished (sort of like a Baptist Mrs. Pollifax).

In conclusion, I'm inconclusive. I don't know yet whether the pluses (light weight! Big letters!) outweigh the minuses (flipping through pages). Hmm – if being able to flip through pages is the only con perhaps I've just convinced myself. I will say that I'm allergic to book mold so that wonderful aesthetic of being able to enjoy a great find at a used book store is fraught with peril for me. The Kindle is probably hypoallergenic LOL.

Ok, I'm going to stop talking now – back to my book!

Weekly Wordzzle - it's baaacckkk!

After a brief holiday hiatius the Wordzzle is back! I know you are as excited as I am. My stories today are pretty mundane, but I'm just getting back into the swing of things. Cut me some slack! Oh, yes, that last was directed at my own self.

Go to Raven's blog to check out the other participants. I promise you'll enjoy it!

The mini (research, insane, clarity, toy mouse, lottery)

Glancing down at the cheeseburger, I grimaced, and then indulged in one of my favorite fantasies about a toy mouse coming to life & eating the cheese & then biting the ankles of the waitress who forgot to tell the kitchen to leave it off. Don’t get me wrong – I love cheese (I’m not insane) – but it’s always the first thing to go when I’m trying to cut calories. Sigh. I’m not sure why I care – I had done a lot of research this morning into different methods of losing weight and compared them to my habits and strengths and weaknesses. My conclusion was that I had a better chance of winning the lottery than losing weight on any of these. After wolfing down the cheeseburger, I headed back to the office where I had a moment of clarity and went to www.weightwatchers.com. Not a diet, they say. A lifestyle change. Well, we’ll see, won’t we? Just in case though, I’m buying a lottery ticket too.

The 10-worder (celebrate, doctor, shipping, choice, stake, time flies when you're having fun, secrets, disaster, back down, clouds)

I walked down the hallway to my doctor’s office. It looked to me like all of the doors were hiding secrets – secrets of pain and uncertainty. Or maybe that was just me. I waited forever for my examination. Grimly, I kept thinking, “time flies when you’re having fun.” Yeah right – this experience was the opposite of fun for me. When they finally called my name I glumly headed back to the inner sanctum.

An hour and a half later I skipped back down that hallway, ready to celebrate. No more dark clouds. No more wondering if I would have to make a choice between different treatment plans. I know I was grinning like a loon, but given what had been at stake and the positive news I’d just received, I just couldn’t help it. Disaster averted.

When I got home I busied myself shipping off my good news to the world wide web and then just let myself briefly travel back down the path of despair so I could fully appreciate my good fortune. And then I offered up a prayer of thanksgiving, and a prayer of hope for the ones who weren’t as lucky.

2011 Project 365 – Weeks One & Two

So did you guys like how I had 53 weeks in the year? I am such a DITZ sometimes. Heh. Therefore I'm including weeks one and two this week (of course week one is just for one day). Also, I apparently wanted to start the year with a bang – 23 pictures this week!

Saturday, January 1^st – New Year's Day
We decided to just stay in on the 1^st and enjoy a leisurely day. I did some reading of a library book I downloaded onto my netbook.

I'm sorry this picture isn't very clear – it was taken through the kitchen door which kept fogging up. But I really wanted to include a picture of Kung Fu Squirrel this week. Hi-Ya!

Sunday, January 2^nd
We went on a ramble to see what was going on in the world. We tried to take pictures of some frozen ponds.

Dr. M had to say a sad farewell to a bag of shredding that had been in his car for a month or more.

While we were out we had this conversation. When we got home I decided to go for it & made my peanut butter, jelly, banana, ham & cheese sandwich. Wow it was good!

Monday, January 3^rd
The Tax Time Pig dressed for the new year.

Dr. M took pictures of these geese flying. I could not decide which picture to use, so you get them all. I like the geometry of the pictures.

Tuesday, January 4^th
As you can see, our bird feeder attracts an eclectic group.

Every night when I get home, this sight greets me. He's sitting on our swing that we're storing in the garage for winter. He gives me the evil eye as I pull in. Today Dr. M had plugged him in so I laughed when I saw him.

Here's a better picture that's not taken through my windshield.

Wednesday, January 5^th
Another squirrel picture – I just think they're so cute.

It started snowing while I was at work. This is supposed to be a picture of me with snow in my hair. However, it just looks like I'm in a bad mood.

Here's my car before I cleared the snow off - just a dusting.

Thursday, January 6^th
Our bird bath cracked. Which is sad, but I love this icicle that formed from the crack.

There are three birds in this picture, but only the cardinal isn't camouflaged.

Friday, January 7^th
More snow on Friday – Dr. M took this on his way home from school.

Saturday, January 8^th
More snow (more opportunities to grow!). Here are some indignant penguins – I have to cater to their wide internet following. Heh.

Our neighbor loaned us his snow blower and Dr. M spent a while clearing our driveway, the neighbor's driveway, the sidewalk down the block & around the corner, and the sidewalk down the other direction from our house. He's such a good Samaritan.

I had mentioned in an earlier post that I broke down & got a Kindle. So far my favorite feature is that you can increase the print size – don't need to wear my reading glasses to read it! I'll be doing a separate post later with my "official review."

As I am posting this at nearly 4:00 it's snowing again. The heavy sighs you hear are Dr. M watching his hard work being undone.

Go here to see the blogs of all the other Project 365 participants.

Does She Do Nothing But Ramble?

Last night I dreamed that I encountered a black bear in the forest (or a grizzly – I don’t know. All I know is that it wasn’t white). I stood stock still and we eyed each other for a minute. Then it looked like he thought, “meh,” and turned to go away. That’s when I whipped out my camera to take a picture of him for my Project 365. All righty then – is this getting out of control?

I had gotten some money for Christmas & I finally decided to get a Kindle. It came last night and I’ve already downloaded four (free) books. I think I’ll still enjoy reading real books more, but there are some situations that call for a Kindle. Like when you’re trying to eat your lunch & the fat paperback won’t stay propped open on the right page. Or when you’re going on vacation & you don’t want to lug four books with you. Or when you’re reading in bed at night & it’s easier to not have to flip pages (this is really the scenario that sold me). Anyway, the four books I downloaded are:

• Letters of Catherine Benincasa by Saint of Siena Catherine
• Against All Odds (Heroes of Quantico Series, Book 1) by Irene Hannon
• Invisible (Ivy Malone Mystery Series #1) by Lorena McCourtney
• The Holy Bible English Standard Version (ESV) by a bunch of people and God

As you can see, a bit of a variety. Keep in mind these were free – I’m going to try very hard to not just buy random books because it’s so easy. We’ll see how long I hold out.

Yesterday I had the opportunity to practice my new attitude toward snow. It started snowing sometime around 4:00 & was coming down thick & heavy for a while. I left work a little early & started my trek home. And, really, the snow was not a problem. If I cursed at all, it was toward the other drivers who seemed inordinately cautious. Even then I told myself to calm down because their cars probably didn’t handle these conditions as well as my excellent car does. Talking to myself helped somewhat, but I’m glad no one was trying to take my blood pressure at the end of the drive.

I am considering a poetry break. Some of you of you are saying, “Oh no!” Some of you are saying, “Thank God!” And some of you are saying, “She writes poetry?” But it’s just for a week or so. The Christmas season seemed to be packed with poetry, which was nice, but the brain needs replenishing. With the Heroes of Quantico and elderly ladies solving mysteries, apparently. However, if I can somehow match my epic poem, “Sally Jo’s Curtains,” (circa 1974) to a meme I will certainly post it. Oh, and Wordzzle’s are back – woo hoo!

OK, enough rambling. You may now resume going about your business.

Thankful Thursday

Things are kind of rough in the Bug household this week. Having to go back to work/school. Potential self-hair-cutting tragedies (but my bangs were in my eyes!). We didn’t win that huge lottery (or even a little one!). The Bug has sought out & eaten any number of ridiculous things (there are reasons, but it’s TMI. Heh.). And apparently she’s allergic to January – or at least her eyes are. It’s a good thing she learned to type all those years ago – she can do it with her eyes closed. Anyway.

{I’m done talking in the 3rd person now – creepy!}

I thought I would join in with the Thankful Thursday crowd today. I need to remember that I am spoiled by the good life and that eating a soft pretzel with cheese is not the end of the known world. So, here are the things that I’m thankful for this week:

• Despite the fact that I should exercise some control, I do have a wide variety of food options available to me. I can afford them. They are safe to eat. And I have clean drinking water with which to wash them down.

• Dr. M, even when he makes me mad – I can’t even imagine life without him. He really bends over backward to make sure I have an easy life – who else would want to take on that job? Certainly not me!

• My friends and family and their generosity at Christmas. I should do actual thank you cards, but who knows if that will happen. So, Daddy & Amy, Joe & Bren & the kids, Kim, Jenny, Sherri, Barry & Sharon, Judy, the other Joe, Dr. M – thank you thank you thank you! I love all of you way more than a gift can show.

• I’m not a morning person, but even though I grumble a bit and whine, I have somewhere to go every day. I have a great job, and I get money for what I do. It’s great that it works out like that.

• Snow. Work with me here. I read this post by Lisa at Blessed yesterday & realized that the whining really should cease. I might need to work extra hard to be grateful for winter – but I know for sure that, when it comes, spring will not go unnoticed. So, go snow for making me appreciate the blessing of spring even more.

That’s it, for today. I just put some drops in my eyes so maybe I can remove the toothpicks now.

What are you thankful for today?

Break Free

Break Free

It doesn’t have to be this way
You know it doesn’t
We can unclamp
The vice of our
Grandmothers’ voices
You can take that hand
Gripping my arm
Loosen the fingers
Cup my cheek
Softly softly.
What is real?
That hereditary hunger
Our middle class manners
The golden rule
The hand that cups my cheek
My hand, that softly brushes
The hair from your eyes.

 
This is a Magpie Tale. Please visit the site to read more stories.

Sunday Afternoon Conversation

We had been discussing our supper plans – having had a nice lunch at Applebee's we decided to have a light supper. 

Me: Ooh – I'll have a peanut butter, jelly & banana sandwich. 

Dr. M: Good idea, we have all those ingredients. 

Me: Maybe I'll add a slice of ham – it'll almost be like eating a Monte Cristo.

… 

Me: Except for the peanut butter… 

Dr. M: …and the banana and the not being deep fried. 

Me: Yeah, except for those things it's exactly like eating a Monte Cristo. Yum!

Bennigan's Monte Cristo

Project 365 – Week Fifty-Three

Wow – 53 weeks & not one missed picture - although there were a few slightly odd ones. I can't believe Dr. M & I didn't miss a single day. I think my New Year's Resolution will be to do the same thing next year – I think I can be reasonably sure to actually achieve that. As promised, I'm starting this week on Saturday, Christmas Day (although Dr. M snuck on here & posted a picture on Saturday last week). And I'm ending on Friday again – I want to start the new year fresh next week. Then I'll get back on track.  

Saturday, December 25^th – Christmas Day!
It started snowing Christmas morning, and by the time we left the nursing home after spending lunch with Dr. M's mom (who was thrilled to see him) this was what it looked like.

That evening Daddy wanted me to take a picture of the mini pecan they found. They get these periodically & apparently they're perfectly formed & very tasty. And cute!

Sunday, December 26^th
So it just kept on snowing. No church for us today! I have a post showing some of the lovely snowy scenery here, but here are a couple of bird pictures. Daddy & Amy have a wealth of cardinals – it is the state bird of NC after all.

And here is a blue jay who apparently has a taste for Old Roy dog food.

Monday, December 27^th
Lots of pictures today. We pass these flags when we go to the nursing home. I'd like to say that it's because the local high school mascot is the Rebels, but I'm sure we all know what they really mean. Sigh.

Of course we have pictures of sheep – this time they're Lincoln County, NC sheep. I think they're well insulated from the snow!

That evening we went to Dr. M's aunt & uncle's house for soup & sandwiches. Afterward Dr. M enjoyed her new recliner – it has a built-in massager.

 

Tuesday, December 28^th
Dr. M took a picture of the sunrise on Tuesday.

I went to lunch at Atlanta Bread Company with my cousin KJ. She didn't really want me to take her picture, but we Project 365ers are ruthless. Heh. We had a great time - & didn't nearly get done talking.

I wanted evidence that I did eat something besides cake while we were in NC.

  
Wednesday, December 29^th
We headed home on Wednesday. I had lost my sunglasses so we got new ones at a truck stop. I think I'm the stuff LOL.

Here's part of our journey. We were joking that we weren't sure we'd make it up that snow covered road in the distance (click on the picture to make it larger). Don't worry – there's a tunnel. And we know that's not really a road :)

Thursday, December 30^th
Laid back day of doing not much but laundry & putting away Christmas presents. I got Dr. M this sock monkey wine cover.

Friday, December 31^st – New Year's Eve!
Today we went to Yellow Springs to eat lunch and wander around the shops. It's a nice little new age-ish kind of place. There's a clothing shop I told Dr. M he has to bring me back to when I lose 20 pounds. After that we went to the mall in Springfield to go to the Christopher & Banks (sweater sale!) and to get some calendars. No pictures of any of that. However, here is a clue to where we went next. What treat do you imagine we had?

On our way out we saw this bush with a very content fluffed out bird ensconced. What a cutie.

We will likely not stay up until midnight tonight – but we'll see. I have a book to read. Anything could happen! So once again I'll wish everyone a Happy New Year! I'll be documenting it again – can't wait to see what pictures we end up with!


Go here to see the blogs of all the other Project 365 participants.

The Poetry Bus – The Bug Sings Auld Lang Syne. Sort of.

Jeanne Iris is driving the bus this week & gave us three prompts. I picked the "Write your own version of 'Auld Lang Syne.' Post it as a verse and sing/play it on your blog player" one.

Auld Lang Syne for You and Me
 
Should you and I review this year
And for the old days pine?
Should you and I regret these days
And auld lang syne? 

Oh I with you my sweetest dear
And you with me.
Yes I with you my only dear
And you with me!

Sure 'twas dark and sometimes light
And sometimes smelt of brine
But you were there & so was I
For auld lang syne. 

Oh I with you my sweetest dear
And you with me.
Yes I with you my only dear
And you with me!

Well close your eyes and sleep this night
We'll bide this darksome time
And by my side you'll wake the morn
With auld lang syne. 

Oh I with you my sweetest dear
And you with me.
Yes I with you my only dear
And you with me!


If you dare, listen to me sing it, here:

Happy New Year Everyone!

Saying Little with Many Words

So I haven't posted in several days. I was busy making merry & sitting on my bum – and frankly, forgot I had a blog. Heh. But now Dr. M and I are home so I'm going to try to get back into a routine. One that involves a lot less of Amy's German Chocolate Upside Down Cake, and a little more exercise. Although I was astounded to get on the scale this morning & discover that I only weigh one more pound than the last time I checked two weeks ago. Astounded I say! I'm pretty sure my scale is insane – but it makes me happy anyway.

After spending a week at my dad's house we are realizing just how small our place is. This is a blessing and a curse. I like that I don't have to walk very far from the washing machine to the closet. But there's nowhere for Dr. M to hide from me. Bwahahaha! I sat at my computer muttering to myself all morning (catching up on Quicken & bill paying does that to me) & he just had to sit there & take it. Wait - could this be the reason he's the Watering Man in the summer?

I have turned into one of Those People. After all of my high finance, I needed to go to the bank and the post office. I bathed this morning, but to leave the house I just brushed my hair & headed out in my sweat pants. No makeup. No structured pants (really, it's not polite of me to go running around in sweat pants). I didn't go to Walmart, but I'm sure I would have had my picture taken for that website if I had. You know the one – where unsuspecting fashion morons are highlighted for all the world to see. I am a fashion moron. And you know? It's not really that I don't know what I look like. I just don't care. Wow – maybe I should make more of an effort just for Dr. M. Poor guy!

Perhaps that will be my New Year's Resolution – do not leave the house without makeup & jeans (at least until I've lost enough weight that the view of my backside in sweatpants isn't cringe inducing).

Well, I'm off to compose a Poetry Bus gem. I'm sure it will be fabulous. I think I'm going to write a song!