Working.
Going to be up late tonight.
Devising systems, getting things together, checking, double checking, listening to NPR while I'm at it.
I wish I had tuned into NPR earlier, 'cause it occupies the part of my brain that gets annoyed to all hell. And it's a lot less distracting than TV, and it's way less annoying than regular radio.
All in all, it was a good weekend. Especially these snippets of spring. Did you know that it got up to 78 degrees today? I know it's a tease, and I know we're going to have a few freezes, but I live for weather like today. After a long, cold, dark winter it is so great to have a day where you can throw your windows open and run around in shorts and take on a ridiculously optimistic view of the world.
Sunday, March 25, 2007
Thursday, March 22, 2007
Dog tired
I’m exhausted.
Unfortunately, I say things to myself such as, “I’m only 26, I should be full of life and energy!”
And I probably should, except that by saying the above to myself, I’m not taking steps to be vibrant and bouncy and full of energy.
I haven’t pulled an “all-nighter” in years. When I go out with friends and we stay out past 1 a.m., I know the next day is going to be a waste because I’m going to be exhausted. If I stay out until 4 a.m., the next 2 days will be spent recovering.
Not that this prevents me from going out and staying out. But I don’t do it every Friday and Saturday night. Once every few months when the groove strikes.
I guess what I’m trying to say is that I need to make a couple of changes to my life here. Anything to keep me from feeling exhausted all the damned time.
None of this is unusual or frightening - as one gets older, one’s needs change. And then your body kind of nudges you a bit here and there when things start getting out of whack.
Ah, but how to implement these changes? Going to bed earlier is much easier said than done -especially when you have multiple factors such as work, the dude upstairs being loud as hell, anxiety, and/or the internet in general having so many shiny things to look at.
“Eating healthy” is another challenge. I do my best to cook a lot of my own food simply because I don’t want to eat all of those preservatives and such. That and I like cooking. I like taking bits and pieces from here and there and Poof! I’ve made something out of nothing. And it’s nice to know that what I’m eating is closer to natural than what I could get out of a box. And it REALLY cuts down on the sodium intake. Not that I’m watching that, but it’s always nice to avoid it.
And that brings me to mention my latest project - saving money at the grocery store. I found a website - thegrocerygame.com - that looks as if it can significantly bring down the cost of groceries. The basic premise is that it gets you to use coupons on items that are already on sale. There’s more to it than that, but I feel the website can explain it better than I can. It takes a few weeks of coupon clipping to really get rolling, but I gave it a go yesterday and did a little shopping.
3 of my items would have cost $15.13 at regular price. But due to sales and then additional coupons, I paid $5.49. Kind of awesome for a first go. This next round should be more interesting.
I should mention the service isn’t free - after the trial period, it’s about $10 for a 6 week subscription (if you subscribe to only one store), so that averages out to $1.25 a week.
Honestly, I’m a little excited about it. I’ll keep posting about it.
Also, I need a spice rack. I have enough spices that keeping them on a shelf is a pain in the ass ‘cause I can’t see what I have.
I would like a wall-mounted spice rack, definitely. But now the question is, do I get a rack that fits all of my odd-shaped bottles, or do I buy one of those nifty racks that comes with a bajillion empty bottles so everybody looks uniform? I’m leaning towards everybody looking uniform, because I can’t think of anything more cluttery-looking than 8 different companies’ labels competing with one another visually above my kitchen sink.
Or I can go real “Harry Potter” with it, get glass bottles, but then all the labels would be in calligraphy and I’d give them the old world names (where possible. I don’t cook with lavender, but one if it’s names was “Eye of Newt.” Mullien, another spice I do not cook with, is also know as “Graveyard Dirt.”) That could be a hella fun project.
Unfortunately, I say things to myself such as, “I’m only 26, I should be full of life and energy!”
And I probably should, except that by saying the above to myself, I’m not taking steps to be vibrant and bouncy and full of energy.
I haven’t pulled an “all-nighter” in years. When I go out with friends and we stay out past 1 a.m., I know the next day is going to be a waste because I’m going to be exhausted. If I stay out until 4 a.m., the next 2 days will be spent recovering.
Not that this prevents me from going out and staying out. But I don’t do it every Friday and Saturday night. Once every few months when the groove strikes.
I guess what I’m trying to say is that I need to make a couple of changes to my life here. Anything to keep me from feeling exhausted all the damned time.
None of this is unusual or frightening - as one gets older, one’s needs change. And then your body kind of nudges you a bit here and there when things start getting out of whack.
Ah, but how to implement these changes? Going to bed earlier is much easier said than done -especially when you have multiple factors such as work, the dude upstairs being loud as hell, anxiety, and/or the internet in general having so many shiny things to look at.
“Eating healthy” is another challenge. I do my best to cook a lot of my own food simply because I don’t want to eat all of those preservatives and such. That and I like cooking. I like taking bits and pieces from here and there and Poof! I’ve made something out of nothing. And it’s nice to know that what I’m eating is closer to natural than what I could get out of a box. And it REALLY cuts down on the sodium intake. Not that I’m watching that, but it’s always nice to avoid it.
And that brings me to mention my latest project - saving money at the grocery store. I found a website - thegrocerygame.com - that looks as if it can significantly bring down the cost of groceries. The basic premise is that it gets you to use coupons on items that are already on sale. There’s more to it than that, but I feel the website can explain it better than I can. It takes a few weeks of coupon clipping to really get rolling, but I gave it a go yesterday and did a little shopping.
3 of my items would have cost $15.13 at regular price. But due to sales and then additional coupons, I paid $5.49. Kind of awesome for a first go. This next round should be more interesting.
I should mention the service isn’t free - after the trial period, it’s about $10 for a 6 week subscription (if you subscribe to only one store), so that averages out to $1.25 a week.
Honestly, I’m a little excited about it. I’ll keep posting about it.
Also, I need a spice rack. I have enough spices that keeping them on a shelf is a pain in the ass ‘cause I can’t see what I have.
I would like a wall-mounted spice rack, definitely. But now the question is, do I get a rack that fits all of my odd-shaped bottles, or do I buy one of those nifty racks that comes with a bajillion empty bottles so everybody looks uniform? I’m leaning towards everybody looking uniform, because I can’t think of anything more cluttery-looking than 8 different companies’ labels competing with one another visually above my kitchen sink.
Or I can go real “Harry Potter” with it, get glass bottles, but then all the labels would be in calligraphy and I’d give them the old world names (where possible. I don’t cook with lavender, but one if it’s names was “Eye of Newt.” Mullien, another spice I do not cook with, is also know as “Graveyard Dirt.”) That could be a hella fun project.
Monday, March 19, 2007
General, all-over goings-on
1 - I’ve taken another step into the wild blue yonder of grownup-ness and subscribed to a magazine. I’ve never done that myself. I’ve usually asked my mom to do it, and then when I started making money, I decided it was a waste of money.
But I’ve decided that a yearly subscription to “Cooks Illustrated” is not going to be a waste of time, especially since I cook quite often. That and it’s a great way to celebrate my taste buds and sense of smell growing back.
2 - Back on the dog sitting wagon this week. It’s good stuff. Last week, it kind of made me consider getting a dog. But then I had to go around and pick up dog crap, and I changed my mind.
I love the dogs, I really do. We get along GREAT. But picking up dog crap EVERY DAY for 10-15 years? Sorry, I’m too much of a priss.
3 - And I’ve been wrestling my way through Lolita. Holy fuck, it’s a pretentious piece of work to get through. I was feeling kind of like a pervert when I started it (book club reasons), but after some discussion (and actually reading it), it’s not really pages upon pages of smut. But our main character is a real pretentious and delusional.
4 - I made a pretty yummy casserole-type dinner. It was pretty fucking good. Though the only thing I would do different is add some more noodles. But that’s because I’m a noodly person.
5 - I bought a clivia on Sunday. Not because I need another plant, but I’ve wanted one for 2 years and they’re impossible to find (and way expensive if you can find them out of catalogues), and the price was not too bad.
Supposedly these plants are indestructible. And they bloom, which is a plus.
That’s about it. The Doctor Who scarf is getting longer and more ridiculous. I wouldn’t be surprised if I had it done in a week or two. My current Doctor Who scarf gets quite a lot of attention, but nobody has ever heard of Doctor Who. I think maybe 10 people recognized it.
Go here for a thorough explanation of Doctor Who. Or you can arrange an evening with me in which I’ll tell you a bit and we’ll watch a few episodes.
But I’ve decided that a yearly subscription to “Cooks Illustrated” is not going to be a waste of time, especially since I cook quite often. That and it’s a great way to celebrate my taste buds and sense of smell growing back.
2 - Back on the dog sitting wagon this week. It’s good stuff. Last week, it kind of made me consider getting a dog. But then I had to go around and pick up dog crap, and I changed my mind.
I love the dogs, I really do. We get along GREAT. But picking up dog crap EVERY DAY for 10-15 years? Sorry, I’m too much of a priss.
3 - And I’ve been wrestling my way through Lolita. Holy fuck, it’s a pretentious piece of work to get through. I was feeling kind of like a pervert when I started it (book club reasons), but after some discussion (and actually reading it), it’s not really pages upon pages of smut. But our main character is a real pretentious and delusional.
4 - I made a pretty yummy casserole-type dinner. It was pretty fucking good. Though the only thing I would do different is add some more noodles. But that’s because I’m a noodly person.
5 - I bought a clivia on Sunday. Not because I need another plant, but I’ve wanted one for 2 years and they’re impossible to find (and way expensive if you can find them out of catalogues), and the price was not too bad.
Supposedly these plants are indestructible. And they bloom, which is a plus.
That’s about it. The Doctor Who scarf is getting longer and more ridiculous. I wouldn’t be surprised if I had it done in a week or two. My current Doctor Who scarf gets quite a lot of attention, but nobody has ever heard of Doctor Who. I think maybe 10 people recognized it.
Go here for a thorough explanation of Doctor Who. Or you can arrange an evening with me in which I’ll tell you a bit and we’ll watch a few episodes.
Thursday, March 15, 2007
I miss sleep
I am such a huge fan of sleep, I really am. But these past, oh, two weeks have been hell.
Maybe part of it is the time change, but I am willing to bet that a good chunk of it is due to the oaf that lives upstairs.
Seriously, I want to say 5 out of 7 nights that asshole has his TV up way too loud. As in, I can understand, CLEARLY what the characters on the show are saying. Normally I wouldn’t have a problem with it, but he’s doing this after midnight. I have banged on the ceiling on a few occasions, and he turns it down some. Though there have been a few times when he turns it off.
But the other night, he had the TV going, and at about 1:15 a.m. I banged on the ceiling. He turned it down some, and I managed to drift off to sleep.
But then, at around 3 a.m., his TV was blaring at what must have been top volume. Again, I had to pound on the ceiling.
What’s worse is that I want to position a radio close the ceiling and blare some Midnight Creeps
during the morning, but he’s awake then, too.
It’s really fucked with my sleep schedule. 4 hours of sleep (not even in a row!) per night make me couch fodder. And then I don’t wake up until 8 or so, and then when it is time for me to go to bed, I can’t.
I’m not looking for everybody to be as quiet as mice here, but IF I CAN TELL YOU WHICH EPISODE OF WILL AND GRACE YOU WATCHED LAST NIGHT, YOUR TV IS TOO LOUD.
Ugh.
Maybe part of it is the time change, but I am willing to bet that a good chunk of it is due to the oaf that lives upstairs.
Seriously, I want to say 5 out of 7 nights that asshole has his TV up way too loud. As in, I can understand, CLEARLY what the characters on the show are saying. Normally I wouldn’t have a problem with it, but he’s doing this after midnight. I have banged on the ceiling on a few occasions, and he turns it down some. Though there have been a few times when he turns it off.
But the other night, he had the TV going, and at about 1:15 a.m. I banged on the ceiling. He turned it down some, and I managed to drift off to sleep.
But then, at around 3 a.m., his TV was blaring at what must have been top volume. Again, I had to pound on the ceiling.
What’s worse is that I want to position a radio close the ceiling and blare some Midnight Creeps
during the morning, but he’s awake then, too.
It’s really fucked with my sleep schedule. 4 hours of sleep (not even in a row!) per night make me couch fodder. And then I don’t wake up until 8 or so, and then when it is time for me to go to bed, I can’t.
I’m not looking for everybody to be as quiet as mice here, but IF I CAN TELL YOU WHICH EPISODE OF WILL AND GRACE YOU WATCHED LAST NIGHT, YOUR TV IS TOO LOUD.
Ugh.
Monday, March 12, 2007
I don't care what Tom Skilling says - I say it is spring NOW.
If you live in Chicago, then you already know about the nice weather we had today. I went for a 2 mile walk, then came home and opened up the house. And burned a ton of incense. It felt so good to get rid of all the stale air in my apartment.
And this time change? I approve. Yeah, it’s rough for the first few days, but as long as we’re all pretending the sun sets later earlier in the year, then I’m all for it. I don’t like short days, and I don’t like short cloudy days. Winter is rough on me. This year was better than most, due to a giant pile of plant catalogs and a whole ton of projects and Harry Potter books, but usually I’m pretty blah.
Everybody’s coming out of hibernation, it seems. My social calendar got pretty full - engagement party on Friday, book club later this month, and then a birthday/hens night. I should probably dash out and buy a new pair of shoes and some cute clothes. I haven’t purchased clothes in a while. Oh, sure, the occasional tank top, but I don’t count that, seeing as I’ve been either sleeping in them or laying about the apartment in them.
A pair of cute shoes is definitely in order. Maybe a dress, too.
Ah, tolerable weather, how I’ve missed you.
And this time change? I approve. Yeah, it’s rough for the first few days, but as long as we’re all pretending the sun sets later earlier in the year, then I’m all for it. I don’t like short days, and I don’t like short cloudy days. Winter is rough on me. This year was better than most, due to a giant pile of plant catalogs and a whole ton of projects and Harry Potter books, but usually I’m pretty blah.
Everybody’s coming out of hibernation, it seems. My social calendar got pretty full - engagement party on Friday, book club later this month, and then a birthday/hens night. I should probably dash out and buy a new pair of shoes and some cute clothes. I haven’t purchased clothes in a while. Oh, sure, the occasional tank top, but I don’t count that, seeing as I’ve been either sleeping in them or laying about the apartment in them.
A pair of cute shoes is definitely in order. Maybe a dress, too.
Ah, tolerable weather, how I’ve missed you.
Saturday, March 10, 2007
We had a weird winter. It was warm and pretty much dry until about February or so, then we got all the shitty parts of winter all at once. Bitter cold, snow, more cold, more snow, and lots of dark, grey days.
I hate dark, grey days. I can handle the short days of winter - as long as they’re sunny, I’m alright. But I can’t take a thick layer of clouds.
The only thing that got me through this season was the bajillion plant/seed/bulb catalogs. At least I could remember the nice days.
Today will be a good day - it’s 45 degrees and the sun is shining. Spring is on it’s way.
My only complaint this year is the mountains of dogshit that appear when the snow melts. Yeah, I know that it’s a real pain in the ass to pick up after Fido when he has decided to squat in 2 feet of snow, but you know Fido does this EVERY TIME IT SNOWS. Guh. And it’s so fucking gross.
But that aside, how ‘bout that upcoming time change? More specifically, what the fuck is with the media spending so much time on it every day for the last week and a half?
Don’t get me wrong, the date in which we adjust our clock changed, and we have to make sure everybody knows, but they go on and on about the “computer glitch” and how companies are spending thousands of dollars fixing this “problem.”
And all I can think is, “Aren’t there other things going on in Chicago that you guys should be reporting on? Like maybe the incredible incompetence of Todd Stroger?” I never tire of hearing about that.
Lately my days have been filled with knitting. I came down with a cold/flu hybrid last week, and picked up my knitting needles. I’m getting pretty good at this. It’s totally clicked. I’ve moved from scarves to bags - I’m going to attempt felting today at my mom’s. Felting has nothing to do with the actual process of knitting. But it does have to do with projects that have already been knitted.
On they belly dancing front - it’s good. I’m really enjoying it. I probably don’t move like Shakira, but the important part is that I’m having a hella good time. I should probably mix in some Pilates for good measure.
I’m eating better, too. Not perfectly, but the small changes I’ve been making over the years are finally starting to reveal some benefit in the form of generally feeling better. I don’t keep much crap in my house - no soda, no chips, no ice cream, no junky foods. Oh, I still eat them on occasion, and they are delicious (except for the potato chips - after I have some of those I feel kinda crappy and tired).
And on that note, I’m out.
I hate dark, grey days. I can handle the short days of winter - as long as they’re sunny, I’m alright. But I can’t take a thick layer of clouds.
The only thing that got me through this season was the bajillion plant/seed/bulb catalogs. At least I could remember the nice days.
Today will be a good day - it’s 45 degrees and the sun is shining. Spring is on it’s way.
My only complaint this year is the mountains of dogshit that appear when the snow melts. Yeah, I know that it’s a real pain in the ass to pick up after Fido when he has decided to squat in 2 feet of snow, but you know Fido does this EVERY TIME IT SNOWS. Guh. And it’s so fucking gross.
But that aside, how ‘bout that upcoming time change? More specifically, what the fuck is with the media spending so much time on it every day for the last week and a half?
Don’t get me wrong, the date in which we adjust our clock changed, and we have to make sure everybody knows, but they go on and on about the “computer glitch” and how companies are spending thousands of dollars fixing this “problem.”
And all I can think is, “Aren’t there other things going on in Chicago that you guys should be reporting on? Like maybe the incredible incompetence of Todd Stroger?” I never tire of hearing about that.
Lately my days have been filled with knitting. I came down with a cold/flu hybrid last week, and picked up my knitting needles. I’m getting pretty good at this. It’s totally clicked. I’ve moved from scarves to bags - I’m going to attempt felting today at my mom’s. Felting has nothing to do with the actual process of knitting. But it does have to do with projects that have already been knitted.
On they belly dancing front - it’s good. I’m really enjoying it. I probably don’t move like Shakira, but the important part is that I’m having a hella good time. I should probably mix in some Pilates for good measure.
I’m eating better, too. Not perfectly, but the small changes I’ve been making over the years are finally starting to reveal some benefit in the form of generally feeling better. I don’t keep much crap in my house - no soda, no chips, no ice cream, no junky foods. Oh, I still eat them on occasion, and they are delicious (except for the potato chips - after I have some of those I feel kinda crappy and tired).
And on that note, I’m out.
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