Rae

I took my mom to see Barry Manilow for her birthday. I had a cassette of his greatest hits when I was in school. It was an interesting concert – a lot of older people and several younger people too. It was fun and we had a good time. It is amazing to see how one person’s music can be part of so many people’s life soundtrack. I am sure each song means something different for many of them and everyone connects in a different way. That is admirable. 1 week ago

Jeff started to transfer files and I will try out new templates. I even have some new photos for the site. I might try to free-lance a logo. 1 week ago

If I am honest with myself, this is my primary goal. But for some reason, I don’t want to admit that. I feel a bit shallow and I fear failure. Nonetheless, I am trying to make a large commitment to this goal. I am logging food and trying to work out more. I also have decided to work with a personal trainer. I plan to work with her 1/week for at least 12 weeks. I had my first session last week and apparently, I don’t work out very hard when I am alone. 1 week ago

Bike is still out of commission so we walked into work today – and probably inhaled a pound of pollen. The dogs didn’t mind though. 1 month ago

It was much more pleasant walking in this weather than the cold/rainy stuff. Tori is visiting so we all enjoyed the walk before dinner. 1 month ago

I have already got a jump start on the April inventory list. But what I need to do is get the mugs aligned with their respective count. I haven’t felt like firing a crystalline load and I think we have enough roll-over mugs to cover the first 2 shows so I haven’t made any yet. But I would like to catch up on the allotment – which is 30 through April. I have 10 finished and 7 to be handled. After I finish the crystalline allotment, then I will finish the dragonfly count. I hope the leaves will be on the trees by then so I can get the 24 leaf mugs completed. I doubt they will be done in time for the shows but that will be ok.

These are some add-on concepts but will help keep things balanced. 1 month ago

I took everything out of the box and began charging the battery. Then I realized that it didn’t come with a card – so I need to make a trip to the store to get one. Silly of me to have left the thing in the box this long. I need to take photos and I realize that this is preventing me from pursuing other goals that I have listed among my 43 Things – like posting a blog on Wednesdays because I am not as mindful about what to write without taking photos. Also, I can’t update the website or Etsy site. I have used all the good photos of the website already and haven’t taken any photos of pots available for sale. This is one task that I need to get moving on.

Also, among the things in the box were several booklets about taking better photos. I have been looking for books on SLR cameras. Why spend time shopping for them when I could at least read what is provided with the camera? 1 month ago

I stayed at home all day. And, I didn’t turn any audio on until late afternoon. The lack of distraction made space for me to help Jeff with economics and to keep focused on what I wanted to do (as well as get it done more quickly). I even worked in the studio in quiet – which was unintentional since I finished an audio book and didn’t have anything ready to go. But it did force me to consider how to make a template for the xl mug feet. 1 month ago

Thank you so much for the encouragement. I have been trying to read more labels, avoid process foods, and notice how I feel. But I haven’t committed to the elimination diet yet. I am afraid of failing and I don’t want to endure a lot of inconvenience and distraction for nothing. I think I may select a few things to eliminate and start there – wheat and sugar first. Then reintroduce them to see if I have any issues. I may try dairy and eggs later. As for corn, peanuts, and soy – I really don’t eat those any more.

I will certainly look into the Blood Type Diet and see what info it has to offer. 1 month ago

I reviewed the budget and expenditures for Feb and Mar. In short – I need to tighten up the grocery budget. But overall – doing ok. All the accounts are current. Now I can focus on the investment accts. 1 month ago

Jeff was jumping rope so I joined in. I jumped for 30 seconds on/off for 20 minutes and my heart rate was up. It was great and I feel it in my calves. Jeff has gotten good in a short time. He got a great work out in 20 minutes! It was really nice because I didn’t have to leave the house. 1 month ago

Asheville – we went for a short trip. We attended a wedding in the area so we went early to pick up clay and stayed the night. It is a great town with amazing restaurants. I have 2 fabulous cappuccinos and an awesome fusion dinner. On top of all that, an 80’s cover band was in town. What fun! They played a 3 hour set – and sounded fantastic. I sang and danced with the rest of the enthusiasts. A great time – and the wedding was a wonderful celebration of 2 lives becoming one. 1 month ago

Went to the gym this morning. I am trying to get to the gym 3 times a week to lift weights. I had to remind myself that I like lifting weights and I enjoy the time – as I argued in my half-asleep state. Fortunately, the better version of my won the debate. 1 month ago

I have been shopping for a Wordpress template. In the course of things, I decided that I would even pay for one. There are a lot out there and I am sure I can find one. But I need content – which means photos which means I need to learn to use the camera. 1 month ago

Jeff gave me a jump rope. He bought one for himself and has been trying to use it. Muscle memory is amazing because I was able to do it. It is intense – but fun and something he and I can take turns doing – we switched off when we mess up. 1 month ago

I reconciled the credit card account and the banking account yesterday. The IRA seems to have debited for Feb and Mar.

Here is what I still have to do:
1. Compared budget and spent for Feb and Mar
2. Set up online access to IRA
3. Allocate funds in IRA and Simple
4. Review life insurance info
5. File papers
6. Rvw and enroll in Hlth rewards plans for Jeff and me 1 month ago

This month seemed quite long – so getting the inventory done wasn’t a chore. In fact, I also helped Julie finish some of her inventory and we worked on the supplemental items – steins, rice bowls, berry bowls, and batter bowls. I even got a head start into April – not big but a small jump. Julie is out of town until next Saturday so I am going to use the time to make mugs – I would like to get a load of crystalline done. I think we are in good shape for the May shows. 1 month ago

I signed the forms last week and mailed them off to the preparer. And the Federal Return came within a few days! The state return is larger and it might be deposited – but either way, Taxes 2012 are done. It helps that I know what to keep track of and that I finally have spreadsheets that I can re-use. 1 month ago

Mailed the accountant our signature page so all I should have to do is wait for the refund. 1 month ago

I have had a series of dreams dealing with my weight – it has been on my mind a lot as I struggle to make changes and yet fall back into easy choices. This morning I made it to the gym which is good but I know it isn’t the real solution – the eating part is. I have been thinking about my challenges – between work and studio time and after dinner. It really goes back to TV – I do not make best choices when I am being passively entertained – this is a difficult change to implement. 1 month ago

Gym again today – I haven’t really implemented MWF rule. That seems to be a problem with me – I am too lenient and I round up too often. Friday we left for Asheville – and I had too much to do before we left so the gym was cut. Monday was just laziness and unpreparedness. But today was a victory and I am planning Friday. 2 months ago

Less is more – well, less stuff is more space. And, it is difficult to keep things tidy when I have to fight to put things away. I have a few friends who are moving – so I have begun to look at my house through the lens of an up-coming move. And, it is amazing how many things I live with that are not useful or cherished. They just are.

I am not ready to do a move-type purge. But I can make some extra space. That would at least clear out the things that are easily removed without much thought or effort. 2 months ago

I purged the files that were waiting on closure.
I purged old regulations.
I cleared closed files from the drawer.
I organized the GRI related regulations.
I organized the state regulations.
I cleared the bulletin board so it has usable information.
I cleared the storage drawer so it is uncluttered.

I would like to re-organize the furniture but that requires a wireless mouse which I am waiting for. Then I can move the CPU off the desk. I also need another file for storing the current regulation materials. 2 months ago

Started going to the gym today – it has been since January and I do miss it. I can tell that I have lost strength. But I will not be pulled down by that – where I am is where I am – now to change that.

I was listening to a podcast and the interviewee said that the most successful people have rules that they don’t break. It helps them stay focus and avoid relying on will power. Perhaps my rule could be M-W-F gym mornings – it is doable and within the realm of what I used to do. 2 months ago

It was cold and drizzly but we walked the moderate loop. He seemed happy during the walk and curled up by the fire after. 2 months ago

I love coffee – although I drink mostly decaf (too responsive to caffeine). I am trying to ditch the cream though – which is hard.

I also really enjoy tea (even more if served from a teapot). But, I will say, green tea is so much better if you use loose tea leaves rather than the bags. There is a world of difference (and I don’t think I am particularly perceptive). If possible, get some from an oriental store.

Hope you find some other teas that you enjoy.

Rae 2 months ago

We have had a walk every day since 2/25/13. In fact we had extra long walks on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. I think he was a bit pokey yesterday but after the walk he and Jeff were playing in the yard.

Today we walked to work and will walk back home. 2 months ago