see the beauty all around

Party like it's 1999...

2026-03-10T03:47:00.000-07:00

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...

2026-02-03T04:06:00.000-08:00

... 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

Old man winter...

2026-01-19T04:00:00.000-08:00

Not sure why the harsh, cold winter is an old man, however, it is definitely harsh today. Wind chills in the negative, 20 mile sustained winds, with gusts over 40. This is typical weather for here. Don't like it. Except it does "prune" out my trees for me. So many branches and sticks already to pick up. But, that will be for another day. It was near 70 on Christmas. Crazy weather! It does make me wish more than ever that we could be like bears and just hang out in our dens all winter until the weather is a bit more civil. A nice fire, a cup of cocoa, and a good book. Or painting. Just nurturing ourselves. But alas, capitalism doesn't allow for that.

Old Business:

Bad at Hands Heal
Has not been warm enough (when I've had the time) to work in the garage
Good work being done on Perfect Union
NCBTMB - exam will be scheduled in February
P4S - Still bad
Magazines - good
Have a small mending pile again
Guitar is good, stuck on one song though
Christmas was great!
Did not get as much decluttering done as I had hoped. Over my break I had to replace Tupac, as he was starting to have way too many mechanical/electrical/structural issues to keep up with. His Blue Book was only $600 at best anyway. So.... now I have a "new" 2016 Outback. Love it! Hate the car payment. I've not had one of those for over 10 years. Sigh
Baby bro got to help me with the bank and pickup part, my older bro helped me with the selection and test drive.
Have outlined some Yearly goals, and translated that into some monthly steps
Studio is much better, crafting table cleaned off, have a small amount of memorabilia that needs filed.
Door project was scheduled for this month, but it has been too cold to work in the garage
Same for desk project and hutch project
Work carpets cleaned. That was gross!

New Business:

Due to injuries and health, I'm cutting back again on my number of appointments each day. I will have to figure out the financial part
Have a second interview with a potential therapist tomorrow. We've talked already on the phone. Keep your fingers crossed for me.
If I can hold to #1, then cleaning schedule, and mounting paperwork issues should get better

2026 already?!?!

2026-01-01T12:39:00.000-08:00

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

2025-12-16T03:57:00.000-08:00

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

2025-11-22T13:23:00.000-08:00

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...

2025-10-08T17:07:00.000-07:00

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.

Where have all the flowers gone?

2025-09-22T14:00:00.000-07:00

Well, technically, they are not gone yet, but soon will be. I can't believe it is the end of September already. The fig tree has fruit on it, it looks like it is going to be a good harvest. There might even be one or two ready.

Temperatures are on the downward trend, we did have 90s the first week or so, then 80s. This week will probably be 70s. Always such a change, and it's hard on me, I know what is coming, and I don't like it. So now we've got to squeeze as much out of it as what we can.

Old Business:

Hands Heal - my client still has it.
Outside chores - Back stairs are stained, but then it kinda dropped off.
Inside chores - doing better, I'm getting 1-2 done per week in addition to the stuff that has to be done every day.
Perfect Union - still reading. Have had a couple of nights with good bursts.
NCBTMB - Yup, still need to schedule
P4S - BAD
Garage, still bad
Magazines - doing OK.
Still 1 shade to go in the dining room - need a rainy day that I don't take a nap with my cat!
No more issues with getting the service to go Live on YouTube! Yea!!!
Mowing has really slowed down. Last Saturday we got some good rain (13th) and then today so that should help. We have been really dry.
Weeding - I am now officially further along with cleaning out than what I was last year. That feels amazing, especially since I still have a few more weekends yet before it gets really cold outside.
Cherry tree is planted and doing well. I put it on the west side, by the fence and woodpile.
National Conference in Dallas was really great! Went down a bit early to do some sightseeing, and just really enjoyed the conference too.
Getting better at planning on what to do each day, and I've divided my list that I keep in my planner to: Personal, Work, and AMTA. That has been very helpful and lets me see just that area's items to pick what is priority.
Staycation did not work out the way I wanted it to, but it was still good.
My visit with 021 was amazing! Got to spend the night and meet her roommates.
I did get down to see D&K in August and we had a great time. I got to see the remodeling of the kitchen, and it is so amazing!
I took today off today, I spent Saturday and Sunday with 024 and that was amazing! Always so good to see the two of them. They took me to a couple of great eateries, and the bookshop. Love that, I get to learn a little bit more of what my kiddo likes. We watched some funny YouTube videos, read together, and just talked.

New Business:

Looking forward to State Conference in October.
We are having a block party at church this weekend, it should be so much fun! I'll also have baby bro that weekend, so I'll take him back home before.
Attended his ISP/BSP last week, and it was great to ge an "extra" visit with him.
Need to find another therapist. Unfortunately KL had to leave due to some personal issues. Will go to the next career fair.
Can't believe it will be November and Thanksgiving soon!

The heat is on...

2025-07-07T04:04:00.000-07:00

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...

2025-03-31T03:21:00.000-07:00

... 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

2025-03-03T06:49:00.000-08:00

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

Resistance is NOT futile....

2025-02-08T07:02:00.000-08:00

... I will not go quietly into this goodnight... I will remain defiant, I will remain subversive, I will not bow. They can try all they want to try and suck out all of the good and decent parts of this country, but they are going to have to fight to do it.

Old Business:

Still chugging through Hands Heal
This past week was bad for chores, too many later afternoon appointments at work
Finished Kings of the Wyld, and decided to pick up A More Perfect Union by Adam Russell Taylor. I picked it up this year at the Brethrenpress.com booth at Annual Conference, as I like to support them. It's been in my wishlist on bookshop.org for a while now. Slow going, as it is definitely meat and potatoes reading.
Enjoying having another team member. Apparently, the governor is going to give us lots to work on as he's asking the state to audit all licensed professions to make sure they truly warrant licensure
NCBTMB, I say I want to do it, so why don't I?
P4S, yup, you guessed it, but I'm doing a 2024 recap, and that has been good
Magazines, very good
Garage - too cold, but in the next couple of weeks, it will get warmer
Got my house/auto switched over. Small savings on house, BIG savings on auto. Very excited about that! Working on getting business and workman's comp switched too
Still need to do that other scrapbook page
All the drapes have been taken apart, and last week, E helped me get the panels cut out for the shades. I still have lots left over. Wonder what I'll be able to do with it!
Human trafficking webinars were cancelled after you know who took office
The new therapist agreed, she's also a K haha. She will be working Saturdays only which should help compensate for me not being there on Fridays. K1 went to another career fair, and got many resumes, so there might be a #3 in the future.
Ended up being a cold. So I had E here last week, and he got to go to church and he was SOOOOOO excited!
Still need to schedule the pulmonologist tests
Spreadsheet is reworked, but I don't know if it is better
We have another weather advisory this weekend, so we've been busy trying to figure out how to keep everyone warm.

New Business:

Need to type up HAWC notes
Need to get some SM posts out for GR regarding what we are doing for the EO
Get to be worship leader again tomorrow!

Whelp...

2025-01-23T03:37:00.000-08:00

... that just happened. I can't believe this is where we are as a country, but I'm not going to let it stop me. Time to roll up the sleeves and get to work...

Old Business:

Still chugging through Hands Heal
Still doing well on chores at 2-3 per week
Kings of the Wyld, almost done! Big question now is do I read Bloody Rose next, the sequel, or one of the books that has been on my pile for longer???
GR, doing better, and have 1 more team member!
NCBTMB, my subscription to the test prep ran out, so do I just go take it and see how I do???
P4S not so good, but I have been doing a 2024 recap/2025 goal journal, so maybe that will help
Magazines, very good
Garage is not bad, got the light hung up in the sanding booth, and for the most part it has stayed tidy. Have a couple of garden projects on the work bench, but it's so cold I had to stop the repairs
Have made contact with potential new insurance
Still really like my 2025 book
Have not done that second scrapbook page, but maybe this weekend...
Have one panel left of the drapes to take apart for my dining room shades
Adjusting to new schedule routine with being church admin. So far, so good
AMTA budget meeting is done, and we've got some great ideas in the works!
Have the second webinar on human trafficking today

New Business:

Have an offer letter out to another therapist - nervous!
Hoping to have baby brother here for the weekend, although I woke up with a sore throat today and hoping its just from it being so cold and dry, not actually being sick
Need to schedule my tests for the pulmonologist
Need to make my chiro appointments
Need to rework my spreadsheet for GR so it's more manageable
With it being so cold, Growing Grounds and the church have been close to overwhelmed with the calls for help getting off the street. As have several other organizations

2025

2025-01-04T10:30:00.000-08:00

Is in like a lion! Another round of arctic air on board. Christmas visit with the kiddos and family was wonderful! Didn't really go as planned, but we all still had a good time.

Old Business:

Still reading Hands Heal, I'm about halfway through
Chores are staying pretty consistent.
Kings of the Wyld is good, and for Christmas 025 got me the second book! <3
GR work took a slide over the holidays, but I'm hopeful. Also looking for more team members!
NCBTMB really took a hit with holidays and sermons. But need to catch up to the wagon again
Same for P4S
Magazines, doing great
Garage - did another fix on the sanding booth, have a couple more ideas I'd like to try. Got the wheelstand done for the cross-cut saw and that really helps!
Still need to switch insurance
Trading has been thrown a life jacket, so I am hopeful! I desperately need it
Really liking the 2025 book so far. Has enough space in it for a to-do list, a tracking section, a section to list your wins, and a notes section! It's going to save my from my ADHD LOL
I scrapped!!! I had Wed/Thurs off this week, and I did a layout and I have another one planned
We're going to have a GG call later today, so I'm going to start ripping out the seams of the curtains I bought to make the shades for the dining room!

New Business:

Started back at the church as the Admin on Friday, definitely a change in the routine/schedule, but I'm hoping it will work out well.
Getting ready for AMTA board in January. It's budget meeting time
Have played guitar now for 65 weeks in a row!!
Starting a human trafficking webinar next Thursday.

Beginning to look a lot like Christmas...

2024-12-17T13:43:00.000-08:00

.... not really, no snow, and it was 60 yesterday, 40 today. Because of new kitty, probably won't have a tree. But will get a visit from all the kiddos!!!

Old Business:

Still plugging away at my Hands Heal book
Chores are getting pretty consistent. That's all I'm looking for...
Kings of the Wyld is still a good read!
Got my message done at Eel River. Was so much fun, they are a great group of people
Again, starting to get consistent with work/GR
Need to get back on the NCBTMB bandwagon
P4S, oof
Magazines, again, pretty consistent
Garage, always needs attention
Still need to switch insurance
Trading is still barely afloat
2025 book is getting fleshed out
Still no scrapping or painting, just don't seem to have enough energy any more
Finished 3 lanterns!
Thanksgiving was a blast!
Possible new therapist is looking like a good potential. Keep praying!

New Business

Christmas meal on 12/24
Mending pile
Figure out ingredients for lasagna so I can go shopping!

Giving Thanks...

2024-11-29T05:34:00.002-08:00

Most of us really do have a lot to be thankful/grateful for. We woke up, we have people we care about, animals we care about, food to eat, shelter, water to drink, and clothes to protect our bodies. It's easy to forget that you only need to make $30K to be considered in the 1%.

Old Business:

Still plugging away...
Chores, doing pretty good, getting at least 2-3 done a week (outside of like laundry, cooking, cleaning kitchen)
Got back into Kings of the Wyld
Have 1 more message this year to give, on the 15th
Working towards consistency of scheduling work and GR duties
NCBTMB took a dive with message preparation
P4S is dead lol
Magazines, doing pretty good again
Garage, have done another minor cleanup, and that feels good
Still need to do website - actually wondering if I still need it, or if MassageBook would be enough
Still need to get insurance switched
Dinner was good, but not sure that I really felt any connection
Trading schedule took a dive again! LOL
Working on getting 2025 book squared away for Q1 and scheduling Fridays for Church Admin. Hoping to get there at 8 (last time I was lucky to be there by 9, so pray for me!)
Career Panel went really well, and met a gal who might be interested. We talk on 12/7
Pie was delicious!
Still need to work on scrapping and painting
Did start the next lantern project, so might have 2 ready soon

New Business:

Family get-together for Thanksgiving tomorrow (Saturday). Baby brother already here
Have a mending pile
Need to make soup and pies for tomorrow

Noxious November...

2024-11-12T14:23:00.000-08:00

... very upset at the outcome of the election. Not doing to do a dump here, however. And going to try really hard to not hold it against November. LOL

Old Business:

I'm about halfway through Hands Heal. Good review in a lot of instances, and learned new things too
Doing pretty good with keeping up with chores, so that is encouraging
Haven't read Kings of the Wyld lately, been busy putting together a couple of messages for church
Trying to be more consistent with scheduling work activities, good weeks and not as good
NCBTMB I haven't done for a couple of weeks, see comment about sermons
P4S - still horrible!
Magazines, good until I started working on the messages
Garage, has been on hold....but is manageable
More weeding done at work, so that is cool, done for the year, and hopefully will get an earlier start next year
Website still needs done
Still need to get insurance done
Responded to the ask for dinner, we go on the 18th. Keep me in your prayers!
Message at Wabash CoB went really well
TSA pre all done
Trading schedule better

New Business:

I'll be going back to the church admin position, temporarily. So my schedule is going to change
Participated in a Career Panel at IWC and met a gal from Marion, so hopeful about that
Made a couple of pies for 2 different charity auctions and decided to make one for myself too!
So need to get back into scrapping & painting
And house projects - hopefully this winter

Finally Fall...

2024-10-25T04:11:00.001-07:00

... 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 Summer...

2024-09-17T06:31:00.000-07:00

.... Yup, we are back to the 80s. Not had rain in awhile, so grass is looking bad. Should not have mowed before I left, but maybe it would not have made a difference...

Old Business:

Keep plugging away on Hands Heal
Was gone last week, so chores were on a hiatus
Reading Kings of the Wyld, very good!
Again, gone last week at conference, so work tasks were at a minimum. However, am getting better at scheduling the game plan for the week
Plugging away at NCBTMB
P4S - BAD! LOL
Magazines, not bad, even though I was gone, I did read several pages in the airplane to and from
Memorabilia is back, now that I'm back from conference, but it is just the 1 event!
Garage - got the sanding booth repaired with a lot of help from my baby brother. Rest of it still needs attention, but trying not to add to it...
Guitar - week 51, go me! I was afraid conference was going to undo all of it!
Bloodwork is on the books for this Thursday
All of East patio is connected now to the inside east fence, so A LOT done! It is so nice to look out from my desk here and NOT SEE WEEDS! LOL What I've previously done is still looking pretty good too.
Gourds are butternut squash, and so far I have 2-3 fruits. It's been really dry. Did get 1 good tomato so far, and 3 yellow squash. I also have a pepper growing!
Had a great visit with the baby brother; yes, we had cheeseburgers and milkshakes!
Izzy is so wonderful! Some behavior issues, but she's not quite fully grown, and coming from the shelter, rules are just different, but we are working on it. She is a cuddler and such a delight. She did not like me being gone for the week; the neighborhood kiddos were so good with her, I was so pleased.

New Business:

Get my PLA and GR notes taken care of, and the RFP that goes with them
Gave myself a raise, we'll see how that works out. I'm a bit nervous. Also gave K a raise
Probably need to do some weeding at work soon, been trying to stay on top of it too
Need to get website updated
Need to get in touch with Baby Brother's house manager to coordinate his IAP
Need to get my house & business insurance (maybe) switched over
Been working on getting old Growing Grounds Case files put into our Google Drive
Just keep plugging away and trying to enjoy each day as it comes
National Conference in Tampa was amazing!!!

False Fall...

2024-08-28T10:03:00.000-07:00

...last week was full of 70 degree days and gorgeous! Aaaannnndddd, then on Saturday 90 and oppressively humid! I was able to do some weeding and mulching; felt like I took more breaks than I did work, but, something is better than nothing, right?

Old Business:

Still reading Hands Heal
Last week was a good chore week, this week is not bad
Finished Sirens, started a new book, can't remember the name. Fantasy genre
Last week was a good week for work tasks, this week not bad
Plugging away on NcBTMB
I'm about to take P4S off this list! Ha!
Magazines, not too bad. For some reason, when I hit an MTJ, it takes longer.
Memorabilia is DONE! Go me!
Garage still needs about a month of time...
Guitar, I'm on week 49!!!!
Got all of my tasks done for the lawyer on the guardianship
Bloodwork still needs done. It's fasting, so yuck! I have to do black coffee.. :(
The entire east fence is done (inside and out! go me!!!) and I have about a third of around the patio done. I'm finding that in a lot of places, I'm having to cut deeper into the yard due to things growing. Not a bad problem. Trying to keep a better eye over what I've already done and pluck out the stray that pops up.
They are gourds growing out of the compost. So cute!

New Business:

Want to get back into scrapping & crafting
Have put out job postings at a couple different schools. Would love to get another therapist
Baby brother is coming to spend the weekend - really excited about that
Need to fix the sanding booth. Something happened the last time the door got opened. Need to try and get it fixed before water delivery day
I got a kitty cat! Her name is Izzy, short for Isabelle - she has first vet visit today
Got some new sheets and blankets at work - always energizing!

Dog Days...

2024-08-14T17:07:00.000-07:00

...we are full into Summer. And.... school started back up this week. NUTZ! We've had alternating hot and muggy and some of it cool and sunny. Butterfly bushes, Melissa, Salvia, Coneflowers, Daylilies, Garden Phlox are all still in bloom, I love it! And my fig tree is COVERED! I can't wait! But, I don't want it to be fall. Sigh...

Old Business:

Working through Hands Heal, and of course I'm learning a lot!
Chores are the same, sometimes I get going in a good streak, sometimes not.
Same for the work tasks. Good weeks/bad weeks.
Still reading Sirens. Almost done with it though. It has been interesting.
Still working through NCBTMB, same as chores, sometimes good, sometimes bad.
P4S bad, sigh.
Magazines, pretty good.
Pulmonology went well, I really liked him. He's ordered some more tests. I"m starting to think its POTS.
Craft table got cleaned off, but still need to do memorabilia. Dan, 2 months and not done yet. That's shameful.
Garage, same as the rest! LOL But I did get the old electric chippers stripped (yes, parts are still on workbench) but the big parts are gone!
Guitar, at like 46? Last update was really cool! I need to just put it on my schedule!
Met with lawyer regarding guardianship and have a couple things I need to do.
Had a mini Roudy vacation with the ex & his wife, 023 and her partner 024, and 020. It was just a weekend and way too short, but better than nothing!

New Business

Have to get bloodwork done.
Flowerbeds, I have almost the entire outer east side of the fence done. About 8' to get to the alley. Then I'm hoping to work around the patio. So many weeds! Please tell me it's going to be better next year! I've told myself that each year. Sigh.
Zucchini ended up being squash.
Not entirely sure they're cukes in the compost. Nothing has fruited yet, but lots of flowers. Do have a volunteer gourd growing in one of the front pots.
Will be going to Tampa for AMTA NC in September, looking forward to that.

Summertime!

2024-06-28T03:50:00.000-07:00

Well, it is officially summer in the northern hemisphere. The first week of the equinox was a HOT and HUMID one here. This week has been wonderful with rainy days and cooler temps, but the blast furnace is coming back... Butterfly bushes, Melissa, Salvia, Coneflowers, Daylilies, Garden Phlox are all in bloom. It is definitely my happy place!

Old Business:

Picked up Hands Heal which is a guide for LMTs on insurance work. Yea, I've been doing it for awhile, but thought the book might help smooth out some of the rough edges.
Doing OK with chores, but sometimes I get to one that takes more than a day to get done, and find that it then lingers for way too long, and my brain won't let me jump over it to the next one.
Have been good at planning small things to do at work to keep some momentum and make sure things are done in a timely fashion.
Started reading the Sirens of Titan by Vonnegut. Fascinating!
Still doing NCBTMB test prep instead of trail guide
P4S still bad
Magazines are good.
Have my pulmonology consult the end of July. The really hot/humid days I notice are hard.
Finished 020's version of what makes you smile LO, now I need to put away some memorabilia and decide what is next.
Garage - definitely ebbs and flows. I've been working on mulching flower beds (see more below) and got to the spot where I want to put the rainwater tank, so that's out of the garage now. Trying desperately to not put more in it! LOL
Guitar - I'm at 40 weeks! That is super exciting! Just wondering when I'm gonna get good at playing! LOL
Guardianship still needs to be done, and I have it on my short list to do finally.

New Business:

The electric company has been going through doing tree trimming around the power lines, and they have very generously dropped off 3 truckloads of chipped/shredded wood for me! It's a lot! Has come in very handy, and I have managed to get all of the front & east side of the house done, and bits and pieces of other places around the fence as I've been transplanting/planting new. I've done probably close to 40 wagon loads, and you can barely tell! LOL
We had State Education conference and board meeting at the beginning of June. That was so good and I received an award for my volunteer efforts that I do. I was so surprised and it still just about makes me want to cry! So sweet!
Stick pile is actually growing now as I've trimmed several bushes, and we've had storms that have knocked more branches down.
Baby brother spent another weekend with me, and this time we DID get to ride the lawnmower. He was super excited and would wave as we were buzzing up and down the yard, just like we were a parade. It was so cute! Of course, we also had hamburgers and milkshakes, and went to church. He's so much fun!
Stained the back steps.
Found a free desk, older student kind, that I'm going to build up a bit, and put castors on and that will be my saw workbench. I'm excited to get that project done.
Also need to do bench repair.
And scrub north facing window frames and paint the ones that didn't get wrapped.
And paint the doors.
Have zucchini, peppers, and tomatoes planted. And rhubarb!!! Volunteer cukes in the compost!

May flowers...

2024-05-05T12:32:00.000-07:00

They are definitely here! Lilacs, creeping phlox, iris, and allium are all in bloom. Daffodils, tulips, hyacinths, crocus have all passed away. I even have some salvia being brave and sending up blooms. Peonies are getting ready to open. This is so my favorite time!

Old Business:

Done with Power, did the workbook sections. Nailed down a few things I need to concentrate on and put into practice. Not sure what I am going to pick next.
Chores and downtime were one of those things. Listened to an interesting podcast from Hidden Brain (SO! recommend it) regarding scarcity and even how that can affect our view of rest and recharge. I am getting more consistent with putting these in my schedule book. I remember a time when I was in college when it seems like I was better at this.
Eleanor is SOOOO good! It is almost done, and then I will have to decide what to read next.
Trail Guide is still iffy. I had to do another subscription to NCBTMB test prep as in taking the practice tests I realize how much I need to study again!
Still bad on P4S
Magazines are going pretty good.
Health - next step is Pulmonology
Finished 023's challenge LO of what makes you smile, working on 020's version
Garage - ebbs and flows. I did get all of my potted plants that I overwintered outside this weekend, and that has helped. I also finally (!) got around to drilling some drainage holes in the big ones.
Guitar is now at 32 weeks!!
Still need to do the guardianship stuff

New Business:

Have had a couple of nights when I've gotten home from work and been able to do some gardening. I really like that. My therapist has encouraged me to do some walking barefoot outside to reconnect my energy and I've loved that.
Sticks are picked up each time now. I had to buy another woodchipper (I went to use the one I bought last August and it worked for 15 minutes and then stopped!) So I got a gas-powered one this time (more environmentally friendly than another electric one that I'll have to throw away??). I was a bit intimidated with it at first, but we are now old friends. I like using it, and we've already chewed up 1/2 of the pile that was behind the shed, plus the ones off the property, plus the ones that I pick up when I go walking. Dad says he has some at work he's going to bring home for me, so I can't wait! I'm hoping this will help in keeping the weeds a bit more manageable. I mean, I do enjoy weeding, but I'm getting a little tired of them constantly taking over.
Got the oil changed in the mower, and have mowed I think 3 times now. Love it!!
I did get 1 bush planted in the new section, as well as transplanting some phlox there. And this weekend planting the Asiatic lilies that were in the garage.
Baby brother spent the weekend with me last weekend. We got to do all the things he wanted to do: eat hamburgers and milkshakes, clean the garage, watch dog shows (I've seen so much Paw Patrol now!), and go to church. He was totally stoked!
Stained the ramp to the shed
Repaired the screens in the house windows - love having the windows open, it smells so good, and boy does the house need airing out after winter!
Pastor's wife has helped me on my crochet project, so it is really taking off!
Have had a lot of fresh asparagus - yummy!

No Foolin'!

2024-04-01T12:23:00.000-07:00

It is April, and in the typical Birthday Week fashion, rainy and overcast! LOL but fairly warm. Saturday was gorgeous! I was down in Richmond, IN at my brother & SIL's for Easter. Got to see my nephew, my aunt, uncle, other brother and his wife, dad, and baby brother. She made a super yummy dinner and we had a great time. Made sure my baby brother got to ride down with me, as he's always asking.

Old Business:

Almost done with Power. Into the workbook section, so I think that is going to be interesting.
Chores and downtime, I think I need to start blocking and gating.
Still reading Eleanor. Starting to get good.
Doing OK with trail guide. I signed up for the 3 month subscription for the NCBTMB test, so I need to get cracking.
Still bad with P4S.
Magazines, doing pretty good.
Stress test and echo are done. While I do have some mitral and aortic regurgitation, he says he does not feel it is bad enough to cause my symptoms. So, back to the drawing board. I was thankful for my brother and his wife to come up and go with me to it.
Have not started the next layout yet.
Garage is so-so. Got water inside the last couple times it rained, so that's put a damper on it a bit. However, did put together the 2 lanterns that were painted, and put the lights in them, and so far, they are staying put on the holders I made for the fence. And lighting up.
Guitar is good, at 28 weeks now.
Need to set up appointment with lawyer and dad to do the co-guardianship.

New Business:

I have been out weeding and edging once or twice a week, just to try and get a little head start.
We've had a couple of good windstorms, so I've also been out picking up sticks a few times instead of waiting until I'm ready to mow.
Going to change the oil in the lawnmower this week.
Maybe going to plant the bushes that I overwintered along the "new" section of the fence so I can start working there.
Probably need to mow the yard this week/weekend. Thinking about maybe pushing it to get the clippings. Will depend on whether or not it goes to seed before I get there.

Crocus are gone already, but now I have daffodils, bleeding hearts, grape & regular hyacinth, and forsythia. I did see a small nub of asparagus peeking up, the magnolia tree has buds that are almost out, and the lilac is starting to bud out. My hydrangeas are starting to get little green growths around the crowns, and my ligularia are popping up. So excited!

Spring of Deception

2024-03-04T03:10:00.000-08:00

Oh my goodness, it was so nice over the weekend. I had Friday off to celebrate my Alive Day, and did some inside stuff - guitar, mending, etc. and went over to Encounter Cafe for lunch. So absolutely adorable, and run by 2 of the best humans I know. Saturday I spent some time outside doing some weeding and edging, and am definitely ready to get covered up where we put the fence back, but on the outside of the fence. It's been a long time coming. Sat out back and had a beer too, first one of the season. That was so good. And on Sunday, I got a visit from 020 (got in late Saturday) and we had coffee and cookies, then I cooked a yummy breakfast and lunch. We worked on some homework, took a nice, long (2 mile) walk around town and then had dinner. It was a perfect day!

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.
Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine is starting to pick up a bit, and starting to enjoy it. I always have this trouble when I start a new book.
Have done a couple more times of Trail Guide.
Still bad with P4S
Magazines are going great!
Have Stress Test appointment and Echo next week. Yes, I did have trouble on the walk with the kiddo, but we went slow and that helped. But yea, I can feel it this AM.
Have another LO done, and another one to start on the craft table. That's pretty exciting.
Been trying to keep the garage cleaner. And I have 2 lanterns to finish up, and 2 more to start.
And guitar is going well, up to 23 weeks!

New Business:

Made it to the lawyer to finish up my will, yea!!! And talked with him about guardianship of my younger brother. So I think at this point, getting on as co- with my dad would be the correct next step. We will all talk at Eric's birthday party on the 9th. 022 will be there so we can celebrate 023 with them!! OMG!
Interviewing another therapist for Heart & Soul. So excited about that too! K1 & K2 and I have talked about it a bit, and they are both on board, and excited about the possibilities. It will definitely mean having to use the laundry over at K1's a lot more, but I need to see that as a good thing. K1 has dropped down to working only in the afternoons 1-2 appointments, so using during the day shouldn't be an issue. And we'll still have ours going, I'm sure.
I'll be staying overnight with my friend again, after he has knee #2 done. Looking forward to catching up.
Now that temps are increasing again (but I'm nobody's fool, I know it is temporary) I can start thinking of getting back to taking care of the doors.
There is so much outside maintenance to do this year, I'm concerned I won't get the weeding done that I need to do. I need to get to where I am doing one, and then weeding as a reward while it is drying (like painting door and window frames, repairing screens, staining ramp, etc.) None of it is big stuff, just stuff I need to get done.

I'm sure we will have another cold snap again, but I have to admit it really soothes my hear to see all the crocus in bloom, and tulips and daffodils and allium peeking up from the dirt. And the pussy willows are fuzzy!