What I have accomplished this year....

1. New bedroom set
2. New dishwasher
3. New computer, that I set up myself.
4. New TV
5. Hysterectomy (not sure if it was really a goal but I've taken charge of my health)
6. Got the window in front fixed.
7. New tires
8. video camera
9. Got rid of the exercise machine
10. Digital cable
11. Finally got the paperwork changed over at work to reflect my divorced status.

Lots of those goals are superficial. They were goals, of course, but not things that I really had to put a lot of thought into and some of them, like the TV, dishwasher, and my hysterectomy were not really goals that I had set out for, but were done out of necessity. I kind of sucked at the goal making this year and in September, I completey forgot to take inventory of what I really did want to accomplish, and then cram it into a few short months.

I do have some goals for this year. THey're small and manageable.
1. Save 300. per pay check
2. pay off all loans
3. reduce spending
4. Exercise at least 4 times a week once I get the ok from the doctor.
5. lose 20 pounds by June.
6. finish some of the simple home projects.
7. Keep in better contact with friends and family...Be a better friend/sister/etc,.

I have to admit it....

I have fallen in love with the colour blue again. Prussian blue has long been a favourite but I have always had an aversion to Royal blue, UK blue, and baby blue. Lately I like lighter shades such as a steely grey blue...cadet blue in a box of crayons. Perwinkle...more of a purplish blue, cornflower, and sometimes a greyed down aqua blue, very light. Accented with cream and white it is very peaceful, calm and soothing. In Lexington I saw several adorable light aqua houses that are etched in my mind. They were unique houses in their own right, but all the more unique because of their sweet colours. If I ever go back, I will be sure to take a camera.

15 things that bring joy

1. Knee sox
2. mom's fruit cake that one day I will try to replicate.
3. Smart kids
4. unconditional love
5. The way my animals trust me (see #4)
6. Sunlight in all of it's forms...morning, high noon, and the warm glow of the setting.
7. Beautiful music
8. Beautiful art
9. dancing, either watching or doing, but not watching myself do.
10. a brand new box of crayons
11. Long drives in the country
12. that first taste of the finest chocolate.
13. March 17
14. Water..in a pool, in a stream, in an ocean, in a river, in a lake and even in a tub.

snow day...

Today we were off school and it looks as if we will be tomorrow too. I went ahead and put Josephina down today. She's burried in the back yard. It was more difficult to lose her than it was any of my other rats (except Rudy). She was more personable and rudy became less interactive when he began living with his woman rat LOL so she was a little more special. She used to play fetch when sitting in my old office with my legs proped up on the desk. She'd run down to get a small paper wad and crawl back up toward my hand til I threw it. She was independant and not afraid of the cats, but they were a little taken aback by her. I have elenore still.. The little one eared rat that I adopted in Sept. She's sweet and special too. Not as smart and comfy as Josie but sweet just the same.

I miss Josie and feel a little sad. I think I just have the winter blues in general. My fridge is stocked, my house is warm, and I have everything I need for teh next few days if we do indeed, get snowed in. Would be nicer to have someone else here with me, but that will be someday too. For now, I am still just enjoying the because I can time.

The new year so far...

Things have been going well. I feel happier and more peaceful than I have since 2004 when mom was first diagnosed with cancer. I feel a Renaissance period in my life. The best it truely yet to come.

Some pictures of my new furniture...

Farewell....

Goodbye to the old sectional. I got on Craig's list yesterday and advertised it for free and within minutes I had someone email me. Seriously, it was less than five minutes. She had it picked up today. As much as I hated having that sectional in my rectangular and oddly laid out living room, I was kind of sad to see it go. It belonged to mom and Nick and it's been in this house about 18 years. I kind of liked it when they got it but even then I remember thinking damn this thing is big and not really practical as you have to put it all the way to the back wall or if you move it up, it cuts the room in half with very little space to get around it. I love my mom of course, but sometimes she had the crappiest taste in furniture. Or maybe it was good taste but just outdated. I dunno. I did keep pictures of the sofa and I had taken pics of the room a few years ago too so I do have it to remember. I am excited about having my own stuff. Me, in the era of my mid life finally get to do what i want and have what I want.