Party like it's 1999...

 Baby Bro's birthday is Thursday, so I'll be picking him up to spend the weekend. Friday, I am hoping we can attend the Indiana State Massage Championships that are being held right here in little ole Wabash!  Totally stoked by that.  I've never been, so I'm really looking forward to the experience.  Afterwards, we can come home and make his birthday cake.  Saturday is when the fam will be getting together.  024/025(almost!) is going to share birthday parties with BB, so I will need to find something non-cheese based due to milk allergies.  Pizza is kinda the go-to.

Old Business:

• Not sure why I'm struggling to get back to reading Hands Heal, P4S, and Trail Guide.
• Have been able to be out in the garage a couple of weekends now, and have started the Hoosier cabinet project I concocted for myself.  That has been fun!
• I am almost done with Perfect Union.  I joined Goodreads for 024 and Storybook for 022, and so it has been fun to update progress.
• I take the NCB test next Monday, YIKES!  I have not been studying at all.  We'll see..
• Magazines are still at a good pace too.
• Mending pile - still 1 pair of sleep pants, and also I now have a pair of pants that need a patch in the knee thanks to a tumble I took in downtown Indy.  That was embarrassing!
• Still loving and enjoying Garven.  Had the sunroof open yesterday, OMG!! At the end of the month I go down to Big Bro and Sis house to change oil and do some other maintenance on him.
• Memorabilia has all been put away, and have stayed pretty up on just doing it when it is in my hand.
• Slowing down at work is in process. I have mixed feelings about it.  I really need to find 2-3 new therapists to help out. Have done some cleaning, then hit a couple of bad weeks, but hoping to get back on track today. Wrists are doing better, but I still brace them for each session. Fingers are starting to heal finally.
• I did reach back out to the candidate, and she never called/texted back, so I guess that is a no-go.
• Cardiologist - wore a Holter for 7 days, did not show anything conclusive.  Did a Tilt Table Test, and again, nothing conclusive.  So it's probably back to the drawing board.  I need to call the nurse today and find out.
• Have set some scrapping goals - 2 pages a month. Didn't do so hot in February. However, I have picked out pictures, and now I need to do sketch and papers.

New Business:

• Continue scrapping
• Continue working on hutch
• Pick up sticks in the yard (and by sticks, I mean branches and limbs that fell down in all the wind this winter!)
• Post therapist jobs on FB and at IWC job board.
• Fill out application to run for AMTA chapter president (I can't believe I just wrote that, but, what the heck! LOL) 

Six more weeks...

 ... that darned groundhog!  LOL or, maybe just science. We had a good snowstorm a couple weekends ago. The state was actually put into a state of emergency to keep people off the roads. Why does it take that? Why are we (humans/americans?) so stupid/stubborn/?? about bad weather? Is there really anything that is worth risking  your life (or someone else's) over? I mean, yes, I get first responders and snow plow drivers needing to be out, and they have the equipment and gear to keep them safe(ish). But if you are just trying to get to the office, grocery store, etc. it can probably wait until the roads are better.  And for most places, that is a day or two.  I will go back to my previous comment, why can't we just be like bears and hang out in our dens? Study after study have shown that more work hours DO NOT equate to better productivity, and in fact, yields the opposite - worse productivity and more errors. But hey, I forgot, we don't believe scientists anymore. Sigh.

Old Business:

• Not even sure Hands Heal is on life support anymore.  However, it does give me the side-eye from the breakfast bar every day.
• Still way too cold to be out in the garage.  Rethinking the thought of January being a good time to do construction projects
• Reading Perfect Union has become more regular
• NCBTMB - I filled out the application and paid the fee yesterday!  Whoop!
• P4S also probably has had the plug pulled.  It's buried so far down a stack it can't even give me the side eye anymore.
• Trail Guide - ditto
• Magazines, good
• Mending pile - 1 pair of sleep pants need elastic ankles for baby bro
• Guitar - good, song is getting better
• Still loving the car, although the touch screen/controls seem to go a little loopy in the very cold - ie it starts doing things on it's own (stopping whatever is playing, changing screens, etc.)
• Still need to put the memorabilia away
• Slowing down work schedule has been a process.  Starting to get where it has become reality. And have been trying to use the extra time to get back to regular cleaning at the office, and getting paperwork done in a more timely fashion Wrists still are sore.  Fingers have splits all over them

New Business:

• Reach back out to therapist.  For some reason, we didn't make connection when we were supposed to
• Cardiologist is set for 2/18.  I'm a little nervous about that
• Liking my new planner and the start of month/end of month activities. Am starting to see how I need to change the layout for 2027
• Schedule Baby Bro's birthday celebration

2026 already?!?!

 Happy New Year!  I can't believe it's happened already.  I did kinda stay up last night, falling asleep in my chair and wandered back to bed at almost 2. The cat was trying to figure out what took me so long.  We had a good morning of snuggles today.  It was a good day at church yesterday, I got several old things done and organized, and started a big project that I should be able to finish tomorrow.  Pastor didn't come in yesterday, so I'll have to go in at least to do the bulletin.  I should still be able to have a fairly lazy day.

Old Business:

• I think Hands Heal is frozen LOL
• Still been too cold to work out in the garage.  Except when we were having our family Christmas.  It was so good!
• Perfect Union - plugging along. 022 & 024 got me started on GoodReads so maybe that will help.
• NCBTMB - It is put on my February goals page
• P4S, also frozen
• Garage is kinda bad again since it got cold.  I did an onsite day for work, so I still need to put the table back away.  And I got a new car, so I still need to get everything moved over to the new one.
• Magazines - really good!  Even gave a few old ones to the SIL over Christmas!
• Mending pile has 1 more pair of 051's sleep pants to put elastic around the ankles. Nothing stays up and then he trips over them.
• Guitar is still consistent, need to do that today.
• Got another bag going for Goodwill, 022 went through some of their things in the closet and either took home with her, or added to the donate bag.
• AMTA and VA stuff still way too much - GR budget,notes, and VA renewals are the big ones
• Did not get laundry room decluttered. Last week ended up being more about getting the new car and trying to rest a little bit.  Have been having quite a bit of symptoms/flareups lately.
• Studio got cleaned up, but does need decluttered a bit
• Have started 2026 goals - have January and most of Q1 done - this includes the cleaning schedule, and I need to block out times to do it.
• Still setting up 2026 book
• Work carpet still needs cleaned.
• Still need to build that desk.

New Business:

• Finish up some of the old business!

Snow Days

 It is definitely winter here.  We've had 2 really good snows and I did have to close the office one day.  I'm just not a big fan of my 80 year olds shoveling driveways and then driving on horrible roads.  While I do appreciate the snow plow drivers, it just does not seem like there are enough of them.  The city roads hardly ever see one, and the county roads drift back closed so quickly.

Old Business:

• Still no progress on Hands Heal
• Outside chores are on hold until spring. Although, I am hoping there will be some days warm enough to work out in the garage, and maybe get going on the door project again.
• Perfect Union - half-way through!
• NCBTMB - I need to get it scheduled
• P4S - Still bad
• Garage is pretty decent except for all the half-done projects I need to finish up
• Magazines - good!
• Shades - done!  As is mending pile!
• Guitar is still consistent
• Chairs and carpet cleaned
• Tgiving was a blast!  We had about 13 people.
• Decluttering went pretty well, have more to do for christmas.  But I did take 2 bags to goodwill, and 2 to growing grounds.
• Baby Bro and I had a ton of fun!  All his people were there, well almost, and he got lots of dog shows, popcorn, and movies.
• AMTA stuff is piling up, as is VA stuff

New Business:

• Taking the week of Christmas off to gear up for that on Saturday. Need to declutter laundry room
• Need to still get studio cleaned up from TGiving.  It is where 022 sleeps.
• Get back on door projects
• Start outlining goals for 2026
• Get book set up for 2026 with days off, holidays, and afternoons when I have to stop early.
• Get work onto a better cleaning schedule - YIKES!
• Clean the carpets at work
• Build a new desk/crafting area for the studio.  So tired of jamming my knees on this thing!

That is probably way bigger than what I can do!  LOL

Attitude of Gratitude

 Yup, hard to believe next week is Thanksgiving!  We'll have ours on Saturday, and there will be about 14 people, really looking forward to it.  I have all this next week off (except for an appointment here and there...) and will be busy getting the house in order.

Old Business:

• Have Hands Heal back, but haven't started reading it again
• Outside chores are mostly done, I did manage to get further around with weeding and mulching than last year thanks to a big push in October.  I'm really hoping it pays off next year!  
• Perfect Union - have been better at it.  Need to just stick with it as I do enjoy it once I start.
• NCBTMB Exam - still need to do it.
• P4S - BAD
• Garage - have managed to clean most of the utility area and flowers now have a good spot.  Also have cleaned my car bay and that looks really good.  Workbench is cleared off and that is exciting.  Just need to keep on.
• Magazines, pretty good too.
• Shades - gonna finish that this week.
• State Conference was a blast!
• Career fair went well, but no one in the area.
• Took a break from leash training but will start back up.
• Have been consistent with at least 1x a week with the guitar.

New Business:

• Clean chairs and carpet for Tgiving.
• Cook for Tgiving, including a pie.
• Declutter for Tgiving.
• Get Baby Bro and have fun!
• Lots of AMTA stuff to do.
• Need to figure out how to be less chatty working at church.

The monster mash...

 One of my favorite songs when I was kid!  It is definitely more fall, we had some super warm weather again for a couple of weeks, but the cold is coming. Possible frost warning tonight.

Old Business:

• Client forgot to bring in Hands Heal
• Outside chores - mainly still just weeding and mulching
• Perfect Union - eh, have dropped back off again.
• NCBTMB - Still needs scheduled
• P4S - Still bad
• Garage - Still bad, and now I have to bring in the flower pots! :|
• Magazines, pretty good!
• Still 1 shade, but hoping this winter to do.
• Weeding, I got even more done last weekend, which was totally cool!
• State Conference is this weekend!  Gonna be fun!
• Block party went really well, everyone had a lot of fun, and there were kids there!

New Business:

• Have a career fair in a couple of weeks, I'm really excited about that! Hoping we will find someone soon!
• Working on leash training the cat. So far, she's goofy.  As soon as I put the harness on, she falls over like she's dead.

The heat is on...

 It has been very unseasonably hot the past 2-3 weeks. First, the heat dome that just decided to hang out for awhile, and now, just regular hot. And the humidity.  IT's been sticky.  But, then the other morning, it was like 59 when I woke up, and that felt cold, and good.  Speaking of cold, I typically take cold showers in the summer, and that helps.

Old Business:

• Hands Heal - actually loaned this to a client who's going to help me start doing better information gathering before/after each session.
• Chores - Ooo boy, that's been a tough one. Up, down, and all over the place. But, I have gotten both the shed ramp and the deck stained, so that is good.  Inside, it's a struggle, but Little Bro came home for a visit this weekend, and he helped me go through my files and pull out the shredding.  He ran the shredder for me.
• Perfect Union - still hard to read
• Advocacy day was fun! We had a good group down at the State House, and we did manage to meet a few good, key contacts
• NCBTMB - I just need to do it!!!  LOL
• P4S - BAD!
• Trail Guide - BAD!
• Garage, always bad!  LOL
• Magazines - good
• 1 shade left to go - waiting on a rainy day
• YouTube is being a lot better. I upgraded the church wireless to a Netgear Orbi mesh system with 2 satellites, 1 in the sanctuary, and 1 in the fellowship hall downstairs.  That has also helped with our Zoom capabilities for HAWC and board.
• Winter projects? Well, you can guess...
• Lawnmower struggled a bit at first, but I ended up bringing the battery in to charge overnight and that was the trick.
• Weeding is in full force!  So far, the sections that I went over last year, and got chips down on have done well, and I've been able to quickly go through those and top dress them. With it being so hot, it has been a challenge, I've mainly just been trying to work where there is shade, so it is sorta hodge-podge, but hey, better than nothing! I've also resigned myself that along the alley, and a few other places, I just needed to take it all down with the weedwacker and the mower.  Not the flowers, but going around them.  It has helped. I also decided to just one Saturday cut out all of the junk trees, and that also made a big difference. So, maybe it will get easier... And trying to snap off the dandelion heads before they turn to fluff...
• So much has bloomed, and it just looks beautiful!
• Still need to figure out where to put the cherry tree!  LOL
• AMTA conference/board meeting went well.

New Business:

• Figure out how to be more intentional - like working on the business, making time for the fun things I like to do, and not just weeding.  Like am I really living a life?
• Going on vacation next week!  It will be just a staycation - but maybe just spending some lazy time here at home will help.
• We meet with one of the Reps we met at Advocacy Day next week too. That will be informative and interesting!
• Looking forward to AMTA National in Dallas.  Going a couple days early, to just be, and maybe have fun!  LOL
• Going down at the end of the month to visit 021, and help her move.  That also will be fun
• Need to plan a trip up to 024 now that she's moved into her new place
• Next Sunday is a joint worship with Eel River at Camp Mack
• Also need to schedule a visit down to D&K's

Not blown away...

 ... we had our first round of really strong spring storms yesterday. The kitty was uncertain about it all, but did OK. It made the house creak and the chimney howl.

Old Business:

• Hands Heal continues to be informative, and makes me think about how I do my charting and intake and how I could improve
• Chores were OK last week. I had Monday off, so did some housework, as well as a lot of paperwork for work
• Still having hard time with Perfect Union
• Advocacy Day is planned for Apr 8 - it's going to be fun!
• Need to schedule NCBTMB
• 2024 recap done, but have not started back up with P4S
• Garage gets little bites done, maybe I just need to resign myself to it always being messy
• Magazines going well
• I have another shade done for the dining room, so one left
• Still need to get pulmonologist appointment and tests done
• YouTube at church is still being a pain, but I think I have some answers
• E's party went great!  Everybody had a good time
• Three Dog Night concert went well too, 023 watched Uncle E for me and did a GREAT job.  They both like to dote on him, it's sweet!
• Newest hire is doing great, she is so wonderful!

New Business

• Trying to finish up some winter projects now that spring is arriving
• Need to get lawnmower started and make sure it is ready to go
• Gonna have to start getting back to weeding.  We are starting to get a few popping up here and there.  Mostly dandelions and creeping charlie - hoping with all that I did in the fall, and all of the wood chips it doesn't get as bad in the sections I have done, like that I can maintain them, and get more of the bad ones done
• Lenten Roses are blooming!  They are so beautiful!
• Cherry tree that I bought in the fall and over wintered in the garage has leaves popping out! Now I just gotta figure out where to plant it!
• Looking forward to state AMTA conference and board meeting

Inconceivable

 It is absolutely mind-blowing the amount of illegal and unethical behaviour that has taken place in this country by our highest leaders.  Most, if not all, of which cause me to be very embarrassed as an American.

Old Business:

• Hands Heal is still a daily read
• Was not super good on chores last week, or over the weekend, but not gonna walk away from the wagon
• A More Perfect Union is starting to become an easier read as I get more intrigued by his commentary
• Think we've got advocacy day planned for the State House this year.  Hoping to make this a regular event again. New team member is great!
• NCBTMB, I really need to get off my butt and just schedule it.  I'm afraid of failing and "wasting the money"
• 2024 recap is going OK, hoping it will lead me back to P4S
• Magazines, good
• Garage, I've done a small amount of cleaning and/or watering the plants that are over-wintering. Just this AM I cleaned up a patch, and wheeled the saw outside to cut a new shelf for the closet where I store the magazines.  No, I don't want to talk about it... LOL It is installed and everything shuffled around
• Decided not to switch BOP and WC, it was more expensive, finally got the refund back from the other company
• I have one of the new shades made and hung up.  Need to get some straps so I can raise/lower it, but it is there and looks good.  Two more to go...
• Still need to do pulmonologist

New Business:

• Need to figure out our YouTube Live issues at church
• E's 51st birthday party is this Saturday.  Need to do some cleaning and baking
• Also supposed to go to 3 Dog Night concert with Kim on Saturday. Hoping the kids will watch Uncle E for me

Finally Fall...

 ... yeah, I think we are finally there.  Have had a couple of frosts and then a bit warmer.  Today, it cools down and brings some rain, which we definitely need!

Old Business:

• Still eating a bite of Hands Heal every morning.  Didn't do great when I was at conference, but back on the bandwagon
• Chores have made a comeback, and I've been successful the past couple of weeks of getting 2-3 non-daily activities done
• Still reading Kings of the Wyld, very engaging!
• Work game plan ebbs and flows.  I need to do a better job at scheduling times to work on them intentionally
• NCBTMB has been shaky this week, but it is going.
• P4S - horrible!  LOL
• Magazines, pretty good, but still piling up.  Need to put in another shelf in the closet to help. That makes me sad. But there is at least 1 that is no longer in print, so as I read those, it frees up space. "Trouble" is when I hit an MTJ or National Geo or another that I like to read cover-to-cover so they take a while.  Some of them I just flip through.
• Got conference memorabilia put away, just a couple of odds and ends here and there now
• Garage - I did bring in all my potted flowers that I try to overwinter, and some perennials that I didn't get planted, so I cleaned up that section a bit.  I've also done a big sweeping all over. Still several projects out there that I need to finish up - getting the lanterns painted (I want them all black) for the solar lights; converting the desk to a table saw station, etc.
• Guitar - Week 55 baby!  Who-hoo!
• Bloodwork done, cholesterol climbed back up a bit.  Was very frustrated about that.  Had a check up on Monday to go over it.  That was all she wanted to talk about.  Didn't even want to discuss my possible POTS symptoms (which I am thinking more and more is correct - K&K agree). Had my med checkup with my psych NP and they gave me a recommendation to another cardiologist here who works with POTS patients.  So thankful I said something!  So I'm working on getting that appointment set up, along with Cleveland Clinic and Johns Hopkins POTS clinic in TX.  We'll see which one happens first...
• Was able to continue west from the east patio, so the walkway out to the shed that cuts through the gardens is done, as well as 1 whole side on the west patio. I've had to make a lot of it significantly larger due to bush growth (such a great thing!, so I've had lots of clumps to help fill in where the sewer line was repaired and settled. And doing the edging as I go along made so much sense.  I've used up almost all the vinegar bottles I've been saving over the past couple years.  And I probably still have 2 of the 3 truckloads of woodchips unused yet!  I don't know how much more I'll be able to get done this year (ground is back to being hard!) but I will keep going if I can.  What is left is the west fenceline, south fenceline, and the alley.  I've got several flowers that need to be divided and transplanted, but I need places to put them!  Acutally, I have done some of that already and/or moving stuff around, and just cleaned out the area where I wanted to put them, and that does work too.  I guess it just depends on what mode my brain is in that day.  Being this close gets me excited about the other projects that I want to do out there.  I've got more of the embossed brick to finish that walkway from the patio to the yard, I want to pull up the stepping stones out to the shed and put down woodchips and about half-way down, I have a small brick project that I want to put in, and then put a birdbath with a solar fountain in it.  and I have a brick patio idea that I want to do in the south-east corner fenceline.
• Izzy has been growing more independent as she has gotten more comfortable.  We are pretty much over trying to scratch on the furniture (and trimming her nails helps too), but still having trouble with jumping up on dining table, kitchen counter, stove, and crafting box on the wall.   We will get there.  She cuddles less, so it's wonderful when she does.  Although at night, she is always in there with me, either above my head, or down at my feet. Love her to pieces!
• GR work is done, and the RFP  
• Raises so far have been OK
• Weeding at work done, looks better.  It is taking less time each time, so I'm able to go a little bit further each time.
• Website still needs done
• ISP for E is done, that was a lot of fun to go up to the workshop and meet all the people he works with
• Still need to get insurance switched over
• Finally got to work at Chili for Charity this year!  GG receives funding from them, so we are supposed to work the event.  Every year, it's been when we are celebrating H's birthday.  I was so glad it worked out.  It was a beautiful weekend for it, and I got another elephant ear!
• Earlier in the month I did a motorcycle ride for Riley with a friend of mine's husband (she doesn't like to ride), his sister, and his cousin. That was fun, and got an elephant ear there too!  Probably should be done with the sweets for awhile!  LOL
• Had H's birthday at Bob's.  That was so much fun!  My brother and his wife were there, and I surprised E with it.  He had such a great time!!! and V came down from Grand Rapids.

New Business:

• I've been asked about to coffee or dinner by a friend's cousin and I've not responded back yet.  I'm nervous.  I don't trust myself.  But I know I should not leave him hanging.  I'm not sure I've ever done just dinner or coffee before.  It seems like it always turns into something serious right away,  and I know I don't want that.
• Giving the message at church in November, so I've been working on that, and then Eel River in December.
• Need to follow up with the lawyer on E's guardianship papers
• Need to get my TSA Pre renewed, doing that today!
• Gotta get my massage trading schedule worked out better, I think that is part of the reason why my symptoms have been worse lately, I'm only getting every other week.

Second Winter

 Well.... we're moving out of false spring into second winter, here in Indiana.  It was nice to see the sun for a few days, both makes it easier and harder to face the cloudy days.  But I also know I'm not quite ready for the spring projects yet as I've not completed the winter projects I thought I'd get done.  Sigh, but it does seem to be a fact of life, only so much energy, and maybe less as you get older.  Or I'm just getting into a bad rut.

Old Business:

• Still going hard with Power.  Have learned some good things, and also good reinforcement on others.
• Chores and downtime are starting to find a good rhythm.  
• Finished Dust.  Dang it!  LOL  The whole series is so good!  Started Eleanor Oliphant is Just Fine.  Quirky, recommended by my fellow ND cousin.  And the main character is ND, and told from first person voice, which I find odd after so many from third person.  LOL
• Fell off the trail for Trail Guide, but I'll get back to it.
• Still bad with P4S
• Magazines are going great!
• Walking now even seems exertional.  Have had about 3 weeks now of palpitations. Went to cardiac consult, he does not seem concerned, however, he did order a stress test and echo, so we are awaiting prior approval.
• I have kept scrap table cleaned off, but need to do another layout.  I'm finding it difficult to gain momentum and keep it going.
• Have worked a bit out in the garage, have a lantern project going for my outdoor lights, as a way to maybe keep them lasting longer.
• And guitar is going well, up to 21 weeks!

New Business:

• Second verse, same as the first!  LOL
• Trying to lean into 020's strategy of "done quickly or badly beats not being done at all".  Maybe just quickly/best effort at the time, as opposed to badly...

Oh, the weather outside is frightful...

 ...unfortunately I have no fire to be delightful!  Well, welcome to 2022 and Winter Storm Landon!  LOL We took today (Wednesday) - Friday off  (closed the offices) and this morning it looked like it was a bad call, but now... not so much.  Have been enjoying my snow day, have a batch of bread rising, some marinara simmering on the stove, and have shoveled the driveway 2 times, and even got some old birthday cards mailed out.  Yea, I still do it. I know it is probably goofy, but with the past two years, I think it's appreciated.  Let's see, it's been a hot minute since I've done this.  Have really lost (or maybe acquired a new) my pace/rhythm on things...

Old business:

• Pictures put away, homework put away!
• Finished Essential Spirituality. Now Reading Boundaries as my "work" book, and Land of the Painted Caves for fun.
• Trail Guide - ouch fell off the wagon!
• Magazines, every day, before I do my fun book reading. This has been a fun new rhythm right before bed.
• Neck and shoulder exercises (Neckersizes as the boys like to call them) are better, 3-5 days a week.
• We had our 1 year anniversary at HC in Wabash, that has been fun. It has been a rough couple of years for massage, but we are hanging in there.
• QUIT church!  Yea, I know, can you believe it? Last day was in October. Replacement gal is perfect for it.  It was such the right thing to do, I feel good about it.
• Finished up fall gardening stuff, but unfortunately did not get all the weeds pulled before the ground froze. I reckon they will probably still be there in the spring.
• 018 is off to IU!
• Boys' and my closet rework is done!
• Continued with running as much as I could, 2-3 days a week.  Now that it is so cold, I've switched to riding my bike. Not as successful, 1-2 days a week.
• Have donated many things to Goodwill.
• Built a bench for Wabash office.
• Bought S a lift table, and then made an extension so she can work on tall people.
• Starting hiring process for Marion.

New Business:

• 018 and 020 suggested I move them into the same bedroom since they are both in college now so I can have my studio back. So there has been LOTS done to get that going:
• Built a loft out of piping for 018's bed to go over 020's.
• Moved shelving in from laundry
• Moved office stuff out of 020's room
• Made crafting table from old countertop the neighbor's gave me
• Bought a super-cute rug to go under so hopefully my feet stay warm
• I get to look outside the double window into the backyard, yea!
• PURGING as I move stuff in and around
• That set off a chain reaction to reorganizing the laundry room a bit and 018's old bookshelf went out there to be a butler's pantry for me
• Built more pipe covers for the laundry room to keep the cold air out
• Sand/stain boys' bedroom door
• Sand/stain my closet and bedroom doors
• Sand/stain studio doors
• Hang shoe organizer for boys
• Hang punch organizer for me
• Keep on keeping on!

One for the money...

... two for the show, three to get ready, now go cat, go!
Well, Gadget is out in New York helping his daughter get moved and settled. So this is our first Thanksgiving in 8 years that we've been apart. And it is more than OK, because I am so happy he is able to help her.  Also different in that we are going to my brother's house for Thanksgiving. Should be fun!

So wow, two posts in the same month.  That's crazy.

Old Business:

• Memorabilia and pictures put away. Until the next pile, or order.
• Being a bit more consistent on the reading.
• Study, eh, not so much.
• Garage now has decking and outer walls up. Waiting on shingles and siding and windows.
• Have started project plan for business. Includes growth section and education section. Would really like to hire another therapist.
• Listed bolsters and wedge on eBay. Have some personal stuff I'd also like to get listed.
• Have started Medicare videos that I'm required to watch.
• Have gotten 2 layouts done!
• Have temporary sign installed over at Marion.
• Have draft floor plan laid out for garage.

New Business:

• Keep trying to just be consistent, no matter how slow.
• Hire another therapist.
• Continue to work on business development.
• Get some old, lingering projects at church done (membership books, safe cleanout, etc.)
• Get Christmas presents ordered.

Pumpkin Spice...

Gotta admit, I'm not a huge fan of everything pumpkin spice! Like, moderation is OK, love it in candles and pie, but I'm just waiting for the pumpkin spice toilet paper to hit the market, knowwhutimean?

Again, it has been months, but maybe that is OK. Maybe that is the pace, rhythm.  And maybe I just need to be OK with that.  I mean, like, who cares, anyway???!

Old Business:

• Some of the memorabilia is put away.
• Still wish to have Gadget sit on me to take naps...
• Arrendale's has been absorbed into Heart and Soul.  It ended up being anti-climatic.  But that's OK.
• Gardens - wow! Was able to get all the way down the alley.  And do one of the corners up by the house.  We're on our way!  And yes, still loving the straw. Since it doesn't decompose as fast, it does a much better job at keeping it moist, and the weeds at bay.  Plus good for the crowns over the winter. Next year, the push will be around the back of the house.  Need to figure out if I want to make the patio behind the kitchen (#1 or east patio. We have #2 or west patio behind the garage) bigger, or leave it as is. Have started sinking fund back up!
• Decided not to do memberships just yet through MassageBook.  There's significant overhead cost to it.
• Reading - eh, some good, some bad. Almost done with the book. Magazines, slow, but it is happening.
• Study - eh. Same as reading. But I would like to sit down and make some CEU class goes.
• Flow/Pace/Rhythm may always be something I strive for. Maybe that's just how it is.
• 018 is at Trine. He's been home for a bit during Fall Break, but that is it.  Looking forward to Thanksgiving!
• House project is well underway! North side of existing house almost done, east side almost done, and south face is about half. Footers are dug and poured, block is laid and walls are up for new garage bay. New windows in garage area are also in, as are new man doors. Finally a storm door that is not so crooked you can see in through the cracks! And new front doors too, so we will finally have a storm door in the summer that will have a screen! So far, have been able to do it without refinancing through the bank. But, wow, what a project to get the garage cleaned out so they can work there. Most everything has been moved to the shed, the laundry room, the living room, my bedroom, or my office (018's room - it got a redo too, slimming down to a twin bed with dresser drawers so that i could move in here).  It also "required" the purchase of a large toolbox and chest (rollaround kind) a rolling cart with drawers, a new workbench, and 2 LARGE standing cabinets (although we put them on casters and the workbench too) and 2 smaller cabinets that will eventually be mounted to the wall. So I have spent countless hours over the week and weekends sorting hardware, going through stuff, getting rid of stuff, making a free pile, donating, and throwing stuff in the dumpster. How did I get so much stuff!  I feel like I have more than when I started, but I know it's not true. But I"m super excited about it, and it's going to be so awesome. And I think make the house and the property look so much better.  So right now, my car is outside in the carport (Gadget was able to move it into the front yard.  That was pretty impressive!

New Business:

• Set some class goals
• Set some business goals
• Figure out a better way to organize/manage daily tasks so goals get progress
• Continue work on house
• Have some things to sell on eBay
• Memorabilia
• Scrapping!
• Reading!
• Thanksgiving and Christmas
• Continue life at home with just 016. It has been a lot of fun. We seem to mesh pretty well together!

Old Man Winter....

... is still a'blowin' out there.  Yet another winter storm. But short-lived. It is supposed to be in the 40s this afternoon, and then it all changes to rain. YEA!

Old Business:

• Corner of laundry room complete - taped and mudded, primed and painted, and flooring in. All was a bit tricky, but nothing we couldn't handle.  Even was able to get the drain for the washer (which runs RIGHT next to the wall) to be able to be taken apart and put back together so that tools can more easily fit there.
• FSA/HSA work complete!
• Working on Insurance stuff now. So.Many.Pages.And.Forms!
• Surgery is scheduled, and is now 1.5 weeks away.  I'm nervous. And scared. But it will be OK.
• Have signed another contract for on-site massage. I'll miss the first 2 visits due to recovery times, but I'm still excited.  I was able to hire a local gal to fill in for me. Super sweet!
• 2018 letter is printed out on my desk, just waiting to go into envelopes.
• Doing better at reading my book and magazines. I finished 1984 and have gone back to The Plains of Passage.
• Memorabilia and scrapping still on list, but still getting neglected. I've moved my desk out of the laundry area. It was causing me so many neck issues (not a real desk, not the right height, etc.) and it was COLD out there when the weather was bad. The whole situation was giving me a bad attitude. Now that I have that fixed, I'm hoping I'll get there.
• Not doing well on the anatomy book or blog reading, but I'll have 6 weeks of recovery, so I'm hoping I'll feel up to it. Gadget will be here for 2 weeks of it, since I won't be able to drive or anything for myself. I'm sure he'll motivate me.

New Business:

• Kim and I are flip-flopping buildings with Global Travel! Kathleen's is taking over that building again, we're going to reconnect the parts, and then we'll be over there. She's hoping it will be more like a spa (and she is a fashionista so I know it's going to look great!) and we are all so excited! Of course, this is all happening a day before my surgery - YIKES! We've been busy cleaning out closets and rooms.
• Joined a couple of marketing membership programs to see what they are like, and see if they will help me bring in business.  It still seems like most of what I get is just through the virtue of working at the salon. Not a bad thing, but...

May 2017 Flickr Upload

Yea me! I got some more uploaded today!!  You can see the stream here....

My favorite pie - well, one of many... Strawberry Rhubarb

015 Helping with replacing the kitchen faucet...

015 running sectionals at IWU...

Gadget fixing my car...

016 Academic Honors...

013 being goofy...

013 falling asleep at work...

Hazy Shade of Winter...

Look around, leaves are brown...

I'm sure I've used that song before, but it is very apropos for today.  If it hadn't been for being on the receiving end of a massage, then YUCK!  But that made it all better!

Old Business:

• Got the storage area of the garage cleaned a bit, swept up cobwebs and insect carcasses.
• Still filing away photos.
• Reading is going OK.
• Breakfast bar remains mostly clear daily.
• Been studying my functional anatomy book fairly regularly.
• Contract is going well.
• Menu plan fell off for a bit.  Over the weekend I just decided to write down all of our faves.  Close to 30.  Something to use when I have no inspiration.
• Flowers are all planted.
• Talent show went well.
• Hoping winter project list proves to be better than spring/summer.  Not much done.  I've been dealing with some health issues that just zap my energy.
• Mowed the yard this weekend.  Got most of the beds covered. Need to do the front yet to see what it yields.  Then I can use the straw that my dad got me.

New Business:

• Busy this week and next with evening appointments of the massage and church variety.  Please pray for stamina for me.
• Visit doctor on Thursday to see what he wants to do based on the blood tests we had done last month.
• Trying to really watch my pace and GO....SLOW... BE...THE....SLOTH... because that is what I CAN do right now. I have the tendency to go like gangbusters when I have the energy, and then really pay for it.
• Working on Thanksgiving menu.  Gadget has put me in charge of it for his family this year.  I am very honored about that.  Trying not to go overboard, or keep it all to myself.  Being the control freak I am, that is hard...

June 2016 Flickr Post

Well, somehow life has happened and I've gotten a wee bit behind again, but you just gotta keep truckin'!  As always, you can see the complete upload by clicking this link, and here are a few of my faves!

Here is 012 as my undersecretary.  He said that is NOT what he was, he was the assistant executive assistant.  Either way, it was actually fun to have him go with me and help, and I think good experience for him too.  And he made some money too.

Speaking of money, 015 had his first summer job this year.  He worked at the cemetery with my dad, on the trimming crew.   Lots of exercise, and a good amount of money too.  This was his first ever pay check!

The Hooligans did the flyover at the Belle Isle race again this year, very awesome to see the Detroit skyline!

The same day, the Hooligans also did a Wings of Mercy event in Muskegon.  Busy day but very fun!

015 lettered in track this year.  Totally cool!

Being my assistant also meant helping me at home.  So the family ride got a good bath.  And he did many other things around the house too, like helping me get the shed re-organized (you'll have to check the feed for that!) and many plants planted, and grass cut.

La Fontaine has a town festival every year, and someone got second place in the cornhole tournament with a friend.

Some brotherly love at the newly opened Curb-a-teria.  They were around when I was a kid, and then went away for a long time.  Someone was very fascinated by the spinny stool.

The youth at church also packed cleanup buckets for Church World Service.  They then distribute them to areas that have been hit by disasters.  It was quite the puzzle to get it to all fit in the 5 gallon bucket, but they were up to the challenge, and succeeded!

Happy Hump Day!

Still been mostly sunny, but some very welcome showers as well.  It has been 6 weeks since I have posted.  My goodness, that is a long time, but I guess a lot has been going on.  The boys ended their stay with me at the end of June, and so now I must do their chores too. Who would have guessed they do so much!  LOL  They come back early in August to start school on the 10th.

Old Business:

• Layout #7 is done
• Layout #8 is done
• June cards done
• Most all of the pictures in the living room are up, including cuckoo clock.  Now I just need to decide what to do with the boys artwork projects from school that I have collected over the years.
• 012 helped me get all of the flowers planted from the old house.  Most have survived the shock, some have not.  But I think all that came from my Mom's gardens are OK.  012 has also been my assistant during the summer for a small wage.  So we have been doing things like mowing and using the grass clippings around the flowers for mulch, hanging up organizational stuff to hang all the tools in the shed on (boy did that make a big difference) and just any other thing I need to do.  As well as being my assistant at church.  I have definitely missed a second set of hands there.
• 015 really enjoyed working at the cemetery, and I hope he has made a couple of new friends in the process.
• Some of my specials at the salon have drummed up business, so that is good.  It is slow, but I think steady.  And I think that is OK, because I have to also be available in other areas of my life.
• Started working at another Massage Therapist's place of business over in Marion.  The 2 that are there now have more than what they can work on, so they invited a girlfriend to come rent a room, and she decided she did not want to do it full time so we are sharing it.  It has been a wonderful opportunity and has generated some new appointments.  Very excited about that! 
• Christmas letters got sent out
• 012 washed the car as part of being my assistant
• 015 helped me with the gutters
• Outhouse curtains made
• 1 pair of work pants repaired (zipper, knee patches)
• Celebration cards sent out
• Expo letters sent out
• Nursing home client letters sent out
• Door baskets hung on pantry and bathroom closet doors
• Shed organization project done
• File drawers cleaned out and shredded (thanks to 012 for manning the shredder!)
• Bathtub drain cleaned out - GROSS!
• Track Awards ceremony was cool!
• Have been bowling a couple of times - yea!
• Have also attended 1 Free Movie Monday
• Eaten at the pasta bar
• Everyone got to the eye doctor and got new glasses and/or contacts (015)
• Son #1's wedding was beautiful and awesome!
• Balloon & Airshow over July 4 was wonderful!
• Roof repairs made - hopefully all is good!

New Business:

• Get in to see new doctor
• Selling a lot of stuff on eBay - stamps, video games, etc.  I guess it is time to do a little house cleaning!
• Mow, mow mow!
• Clean out my desk drawers
• I ordered some prints, need to file them in my LOM
• Hang more pictures
• Keep reading (I've started reading an old favorite of mine!)
• Keep reading magazines (they are piling up everywhere!)
• Prepare for remodeling of laundry area (more on that later!)
• Keep scrapping!!
• Keep trying to grow the business

Good day, Sunshine!

We have been experiencing a lot of sunshine lately, but did get a couple of days of unexpected rain, that is always nice for the flowers (and the soul too, I believe).

Old Business:

• Layout #7 still on desk (it's been hard to create, desk has been very messy!)
• June cards need to be picked, made and sent out
• Living room paint is FINALLY done!  Took 3 coats on both the door and the mantle, walls took 2 coats.  There is a bit of touch up that needs done on the mantle & vents from putting everything back together, but I think it will be OK.  012 was able to help in the 11th hour to get it done.  Furniture has been moved back, Knick knacks/decorations have been sorted, some dusting and putting out of decorations has occurred as well.  4 pictures have been hung on the walls.  It is slow progress, but it IS progress.
• Was able to get over to the old house (thank you Dylan!!!) and I got a whole carload of flowers to plant here.  I'm hoping they all make it OK!
• With the boys being out of school, 015 has been working at the cemetery with Dad, that has been really cool.  It is an official job with a paycheck, so I think that will be very good for him!  012 has been my assistant at church, and at home.  That has been wonderful too.  Altogether, we have planted: a magnolia tree, 2 dogwood trees, a pussy willow, about 6 lilacs (I think 3 will make it) countless lamb's ears, daylilies, iris, sedum, phlox, hostas, peonies, and a couple that I don't remember the name of.  I decided I can't let the clippings just pile up (turns it into manure - not a bad thing, but not fun to spread!) so we've been spreading them out as we make them.  That has slowed down since the rains have slowed down, but that is OK, it is still progress every little bit we get done.  We finished the plantings last Thursday, and even got clippings spread out front.  I'm hoping that as the plants grow and mature, they will grow together well and we will need less ground cover.   I can't wait to watch it all mature!!!
• Second nursing home day went well.  Appointments at the salon have slowed down, but I've been trying to drum up some new business by running some specials.

New Business:

• Christmas letters are still sitting on my desk (they are being sent out this week!)
• Car needs washed
• Gutters need cleaned out
• Outhouse curtains need made
• Celebration cards need made & sent out
• More pictures need hung
• Door basket/shelves need hung in pantry and bathroom
• Shed repairs & organization project need started
• File drawers need cleaned out & shredded
• Bathtub drain needs worked on (I'm starting to think it is me!)
• Track Awards ceremony this week!
• Signed up for KidsBowlFree.com so we need to start bowling!