Batteries are Charged

Although only 9 o'clock on Wednesday night, I feel as though I've already made my way through much more of the week.

At 7:37 this morning, with arm outstretched and palm upturned, I handed the keys to my rental car over to the local Enterprise agent. It was checked out exactly 48 hours earlier; to be returned with a considerable amount of soil in the interior (my guess is probably close to a 3-gallon bucket), on odor that lacks appropriate descriptors and 1297 miles on the odometer.

I'm exhausted -- actually exhausted doesn't even begin to describe the degree of fatigue -- but recharged at the same time. For more reasons than one, this is a trip that I needed to take. Not only for business reasons but personal ones as well.

I learned that even though I'm getting older, I can still drive 1000 miles in a single day and get up the next day to hit the road again.

I learned that not all of Oregon is green and lush.

I learned that some collaborators really do want to complete their share of the work.

I learned that the wind can blow so hard, and pick up so much dust that it's impossible to see more than 3 feet in front of your car.

I learned that bug swarms can be so thick across the interstate that it looks like a Michigan blizzard in January.

I learned that some friendships can pick up like they never missed a day. Even after more than 2 years.

I learned that some places can change significantly, yet still feel the very same.

I learned that I am valued as a scientist.

I learned that people will play softball no matter what life throws at them.

I learned that coming around corners will always make you look for someone at a computer, even if you know they're now thousands of miles away in Indiana.

I learned that the paths I've walked will always remain in my thoughts; the memories to collect dust but never completely fade away.

I learned that life carries on when I'm not at home.

I learned that although there are days where I doubt decisions I've made, or question the place I'm in, I don't regret a thing. It may not be where I thought I'd be, but it is a great place to be.


"No, life ain't always beautiful
But I know I'll be fine
Hey, life ain't always beautiful
But its a beautiful ride
What a beautiful ride."


From Idaho into Oregon, back to Idaho and on to Utah, then finally back to Idaho, I learned that it is a beautiful ride, indeed.

Tagged!

Flying Monkeys tagged me on her blog. This is the first I've ever actually responded to one of these. I'm not sure if that means I really like her or just don't want to listen to her bitch when I don't actually follow through. Hahaha! Run over to her hang out if you're looking for a laugh; complain to her if you'd rather that you never learned the 6 things I'm about to divulge.

Here are the rules:
1. Link to the person who tagged you
2. Post the rules to your blog
3. Write 6 random things about myself
4. Tag 6 people at the end of your post and link to them
5. Let each person you have tagged know by leaving a comment on their blog.
6. Let the tagger know when your entry is posted.

Here are my 6 random things:


1.) I leave wrappers in my car. Gum wrappers, straw wrappers, candy wrappers, etc. You can usually find them in the little pocket on the driver's side door or in the console between the front seats. It drives C up the wall (which is perhaps why I continue to do it) but I figure that it's a minor infraction. My vehicle is usually fairly clean and free of clutter.


2.) I never snuck out of the house as a teenager. Never had the need to. I would just tell my folks that I was going out, and they'd typically let me go. Only once did I get caught telling them I'd be one place and actually went someplace else. I can probably count on one hand the amount of times I wasn't where I told my Mom I'd be. I was a goodie-goodie.


3.) Folding clothes is the least favorite of all household chores. Most of the time, the clean clothes are either left in the dryer to wrinkle or throw on the bedroom floor at the foot of our bed. If I don't bring them into the living room and fold them immediately, the chance that they'll be folded within a week of them being washed are low. On average, 1 out of 20 loads gets folded immediately.


4.) I'm horrible at finishing sewing/quilting/crafting projects. There are numerous projects in various stages of completion in my guest room. I love to start things and am all fired up about them initially. As the project goes on, I tend to get busy and find other things to occupy my time. Projects then get put away. the longer it's been since I've worked on one, the hardest it is to get involved with it again. My goal is to start taking time once a week and working on them. To give me a sense of accomplishment for one, but to also just have some time to myself.


5.) I had to have my wisdom teeth extracted back in 2001 or 2002. It's the only time that I've ever had dental work done. Never had a cavity that needed filled. Although this could change significantly considering I haven't been to the dentist since 2006.


6.) There are times that I really wonder if I was ready to be a parent. Not just the typical, "what did I get myself into" days. Days that I wonder if I was old enough, mature enough, or had enough patience to take on the responsibility for another human being. Those thoughts usually creep in on the days that I'm overwhelmed with work and trying to juggle too much. It makes me feel guilty that I have those thoughts.


I'm tagging:

• Kristin
  
• Kristen
• Sami
  
• Jessica
• Meg
  
• Candice

Holy Weight Watchers!

I weighed in tonight at the gym. The last time I weighed was the beginning of last week. I'm down a little over 6 pounds since then! And down almost 1.5% body fat since the last time I had it measured.

Granted, I was sick with the flu for 2 days last week. But, wow. I didn't expect to see the numbers I did. Guess there's no question as to whether the online program works for me.

Sign me up for 3 more months!

Broken Volume

We've lived in Idaho for over 2 years now. There are things that I've talked about doing every since we moved up here. The same issues have been raised time and time again because I felt like it needed to be addressed. It's always been set aside because it's not pertinent at the moment.

Funny how when it appears as though said things could become an issue, it becomes important. Somehow it's construed as my fault that it never got done, no matter the effort I have already put forth. No matter that it was ultimately someone else in the house who let the matter fall to the wayside as it didn't need to be done right then. And when the realization hits that it's going to be an issue, let's get pissy and obnoxious. We all know how much that solves things.

Whatever.

I might as well save my energy. No matter how hard I try to suggest stuff, nor how loudly I do so, it's irrelevant until the urgency smacks he who has the highest testosterone level in this house, squarely upside the head.

7-Day Trial Motivation

I signed up this morning for the 7-day free online trial of Weight Watcher$. I'm undecided as to whether I want to follow the program online, or attend meetings. So the 7-day trial will help give me an idea of whether or not I can do this on my own. Hopefully by the middle of next week I'll have a better idea if I need online or face-to-face support.

It's a start.

Just a Tease

4 days of posts in a row last week.

Man, I was on a roll!

And then nothing for almost 7 days. How's that for a tease?



I've come down with a serious case of writer's block. Perhaps it's because I sapped my creativity by writing 4 days in a row. Perhaps it's because I'm trying to write a manuscript for work, yet again. Perhaps it's because writing 4 days in a row took a great deal of effort and commitment. Much more so than my lazy (and inconsistent) self can handle.

I'm going to put on my big girl panties and admit that although it's a combination of the 3, the greatest culprit is the last.

I suck at consistency, no matter how hard I try.

I'd apologize but that would mean mustering up some effort.

Plus, it's not like you really care anyways.