ugh

I hate the flu.

That is all.

Almost to work? Not so fast....

I was about 10 miles from Galveston this morning when my car died on me. Fortunately, I still have about 15k miles left on the extended warranty, so this (hopefully) won't cost me too much.

Car trouble sucks.

HIMYM

I love this show.

quiet?

I find it difficult to work at my house....the sound of explosions from whatever video game, cheers/commentary from the sporting event on the TV, or the stench of certain vices (or all of the above) often drowns out my train of thought (even when I'm in my room, with music on). Because of this, I tend to get frustrated and distracted and don't get as much work done as I wish I could.

So I was really excited today when the roommies all left the house to go to work (poor Cody - he's got year-end close and has been working crazy hours all week and weekend) or to run errands (Jared), leaving me in a quiet house with a sleepy puppy. I was set, curled up on the couch with the new computer and my story ideas laid out in front of me. But the time passed too quickly and Jared soon returned. As he settled in to study for the CMA, with a football game on full volume, I knew my solitude was over. Instead of locking myself in my room, I decided to try out the local starbucks. Its a Sunday afternoon, so its not crowded, and I figured I could get some quietness as I worked. I was wrong.

Why are the starbucks baristas the loudest thing in here? They can't seem to speak at normal volumes.

Why did I forget my headphones?

Productive

Today is the official start of my MS150 training session. I'm determined to do better this year at both the ride and the training and I have my schedule all mapped out. Not sure how this is all going to work with my writing schedule, but somehow, I've got to make it happen.

I started the day at 7am, heading out with my bike to ride in Memorial park. It was an easy ride, a simple loop that goes round and round. I was able to accomplish the distance I wanted in just over an hour. My friend Alison joined me for the ride, and I'm happy to say that neither of us left with a broken shoulder blade. I've been on the bike since my accident, but not with my emergency room driver Alison.

I made it home by 9:30, took a quick shower and headed out to get my oil changed in the Mariner. I bring the Mariner back to the dealership for oil changes for 2 reasons: 1) oil change places don't necessarily like working on hybrids, and 2) the dealership is right next to the only location of Rudy's in Houston. I actually look forward to having my oil changed for this reason.

I made it back around noon, and after a feast on brisket, sausage, and their fabulous creamed corn, I settled down for a nap.

I got up a little while ago to mix up a batch of Carmelita's for the annual post-holiday re-gifting party with the Clem women. We get a large group of ladies together each year and enjoy a night of food, drink, and crappy gifts. I do have to admit, I'm bringing a rather special gift this year. I'm bringing an original stickfigurist painting of a pirate. I'm kind of sad to part with it, but homemade gifts seem to be the best thing to bring. I'm still jealous of that knitted tissue holder Kelly got a couple of years ago. Maybe this year, I'll be the lucky recipiant of the Christmas wreath made out of shredding U.S. curreny.

Keep your fingers crossed.

Motivation?

My new computer was delivered today! It was a Christmas present and I'm very excited to get it! My old computer is on its last legs and there are things that I just don't want to do on my work computer (namely: my checkbook, my writing). I bought an HP laptop with rather basic features (although its probably 100 times better than old Agatha). I originally was going to use the promise of a new computer as motivation for my writing....finish my story, get a computer, but the increasing need, combined with Christmas money, allowed me to abandon my original plan. In addition, there is a deal at work where we can get a copy of Office 2007 for $8, so that helped keep the cost down to a manageable level.

The best part: I used its delivery as an excuse to "work" from "houston" today. :)

Attack

Yesterday, I was attacked by a cupcake. A simple birthday celebration at work quickly turned messy when my cupcake tried to commit suicide before letting me eat it alive. I saved the little bastard, but not before it covered my hands, arms, face, and pants with icing.

It was a damn good cupcake.

Hmmmm.....

Well, I've been silent too long. I kept dropping hints (to myself of course) that this blog should be updated, but apparently, I just didn't catch on.

I have recently been getting in touch with old high school friends via facebook. Not the SJA grads, but the good old HHS alums that I would have graduated with if I had not moved to Baton Rouge. Its great catching up with them and I have been really excited about making contact again, but I have to laugh because of one little thing. Several of them, in their first communication with me have stated that I look fabulous (of course) and that they love my HAIR!

Hehehehe.

Just when I was contemplating growing it out again, I get a multitude of compliments and find an article about how wigs are the latest and greatest style accessory. Makes me laugh.