Wednesday, January 25, 2012

The Dragons Are Here ... And They Have Ketchup.

January 25, 2012 - 12:20

Mood: Invigorated
Music: Raise a Little Hell ~ Trooper
Thought of the Day: "Nothing worth having comes without some kind of fight. Gotta kick at the darkness until it bleeds daylight." ~ Barenaked Ladies; Lovers in a Dangerous Time

It's a little late, but ...
GONG HEI FAT CHOI!! 恭 喜 發 財
Best wishes for everybody in Year of the Dragon!

     The highlight of my day (that day) was when I went to pick up Mom at her new job. I had to find her office, and along the way I passed an elderly Chinese lady who was being fed some jello (I think). Her face was blank. As Mom and I went to pass her again on the way out, Mom noticed a nurse (supervisor?) and asked me to say the phrase again. (I'd greeted her with it.) The nurse was delighted and asked if I could speak Chinese (I DIDN'T tell her that there's no such thing ... I'm so proud.) I told her that I only really knew the phrase for Happy New Year. Apparently, it didn't go un-noticed by the elderly lady. She kinda ... flickered. Mom asked me to say it to her. I did ... :) Instant animation came to her face. Her eyes lit up, and when she smiled she was very pretty. When I waved good bye, she waved back, smiling. Apparently, she doesn't speak English, and rarely (if ever) gets visitors. Nobody seemed to know that it was Chinese New Year ... I wonder if I was the only person who offered her good wishes.

     I think I'll teach Mom to say Ni Hao (hello). :)

13:29

     Okay, had breakfast, settled down Ashley (who blames Spot every time she gets scolded.), and cleaned the kitty litter. What's left? I need to take the cans/bottles in, buy cat food and then load the car with donation items. I need to sweep/wash floors, vacuum, clean the bird cage, change the sheets on the bed and make posters for the Trade Show. somewhere in there I need to organise the storage unit a bit better. Tonight, I have a career presentation ... Day off? I laugh at the idea. It's a myth, I tell you. A myth! Tomorrow, I hope to have my PartyLite organised. Apparently, Mom is offended that the closet doors aren't closed. (No, I don't understand that either, and frankly, she can't explain it either.) I also want to figure out what I'll need for the Trade Show.

     THE TRADE SHOW! Ah, I haven't written about that yet, have I? It was kind of spur of the moment. A couple years ago, a friend and I were discussing networking and having an Open House with a few people with home-based businesses. It never happened, but his is an idea that has stayed with me as a good one. My sales need a bit of a boost and I am working on my fear of outbound calls. I know that I need to expand my inner circle before I dry up my current supporters. I also need the extra funds, and the space that my current stock takes up! :) So ... I made decision, and sent word out to people that I knew had businesses dependent on home parties. I had a good response, so I set out to find a place to hold this show. You wouldn't believe how hard it is to get a Hall to call you back. One finally did, and she was so excited to have my business that she offered to give me the entire Hall for Free. O.o! This offer was beyond fantastic. She said she's adjust the calendar so that I could have the date that I wanted and would suggest more businesses to join me.

     I was so excited that I began to seriously recruit and posted on FB. Then she wrote and tipped a bomb. Instead of her re-arranging the calendar, why don't I just pick a day when the Hall is vacant. ... What? ... She was the one who was so excited that she offered to do this. I never asked her. Oookay, whatever. Still getting the Hall for free ... The only day free is the Saturday of the April long weekend. This is either going to be less than ideal, or a stroke of lucky genius. Yes, it's Easter Weekend ... but it's too early for mass camping trips or planting yet, and many people will remain home to go to church. Kids are off school ... Well, we'll see. I believe that a new catalogue will be out then as well, so I'm going to do my best and stay positive and see what the Universe provides me in response.

     What weird weather we are having ... It was grey this morning when I went down to the gym. We had a flash blizzard, and then things lightened up. Now I've got bright sunshine streaming into the office. WTD?

     After a few weeks of making hints of change, Jackie has finally revealed the master plan in her 'blog. A 'blog that she says holds naked truth, but I haven't seen any yet. She barely writes anything in it. Certainly nothing naked. She said that a best friend made a hurtful comment, but never says what it was, or anything else. How it made her feel, or how it got the ball rolling, and led to this decision, or to this diet. Call it what it is. A Diet Journal, or a Log. "Naked truth", forsooth! Anyway, she's on one of those crazy diet plans. Will she lose weight? On 500 calories a day? Sure. Will she keep it off? I doubt it. She doesn't say anything about exercise, and you can't maintain this kind of diet long term and stay healthy. She called it a detox. Okay, fine. I know people who use them, but I also know that they constantly have to do them. Personally, the idea makes me shudder, because in the wrong hands, these crash diets are dangerous. There was nothing wrong with her that a proper routine of exercise and nutrition won't help. She doesn't need a diet, she needs a lifestyle change. But that's just my opinion. This is her choice. Her life. Which she has made sure has very little to do with mine.

     Which brings me to my own diet. After falling off the wagon due to illness and depression (not helped by Mom giving up and promptly buying me junk food), I am back on track. I haven't taken any measurements, because I feel that being able to look in the mirror and liking what I see is more important. I should measure though. Should probably have a goal too. Later. Right now I'm enjoying my workouts (which have almost reached the point where I dropped off.) and I feel really good. Am I counting calories? Heck, no. I'm watching my portions, keeping an eye on sodium levels, and avoiding processed foods as best I can. I've increased my fruits and vegies. (which is benefiting Ashley as well, because in the morning we share an apple or something. It's our "us" time.)

     By the by, I'm still nagging Mom about her nutrition too. She's looking better for it, even if she doesn't think so.

     Well, I'd better get back to my list of chores. They won't do themselves. Makes me happy too. <3

Sweet Dreams!

PS. Laaaveeeendeeeerrr ... Hee hee! WHY AREN"T YOU ANSWERING YOUR E-MAILS? :P

Wednesday, January 18, 2012

Stepping Forward

January 18, 2012 - 01:54

Mood: Pleasant, relaxed
Music: Spock vs Q audio track
Thought of the Day: "Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time. ~ Thomas Edison

I sit here all ready to type away ... and I can't think of anything to say. LOL!

My poor car was even more frozen tonight. I really should have taken it in to be winterized. Everything freezes ...  the brakes, the power steering ... even the wheels feel like I'm driving on blocks of ice. I hope I remember to call in the morning for an appointment ... it's probably due for an oil change anyway. I wonder if I can afford to get wipers that actually wipe ...

Tonight, we light a candle for Beej's companion. Her beloved beagle has been sent into the next life with sad, but loving hearts. While I cannot say the usual things to my friend in this time, I know it was the only option and I'm proud of my sister for being able to make the unselfish decision to let her friend go. She'll be back ...

I finally did it ... I sent a text message to a wrong person. Luckily, it wasn't anything racy, but it went to a co-worker. And I have the uncomfortable feeling that she hasn't deleted the thing. Gah!

I still haven't heard back from the Hall in regards to my mini-trade show, so I'll be calling around to others to see if I can get a similar, or better, price. Talk about bad business practises.

I am determined to make some calls for PartyLite tomorrow. I'm not sure what I'm going to say, but I'm sure I've been e-mailed a script at some point to give me ideas. I will conquer my fear of outbound calls.

Sweet Dreams!

Monday, January 16, 2012

It's a New Day

January 16, 2012 - 12:47

Mood: Calm; Mentally Energised!
Music: Firedance ~ Bill Whelan (aka the Spanish section of Riverdance. Yeah, I know, but it's peppy!)
Thought of the Day: When things aren't going your way, you have two basic options ... you can pout, rant, and remain blocked ... or you can change the rules and find a new path. Good things don't happen to people who sit and wait for it.

I woke up this morning in complete bliss, despite waking late enough that I missed my workout. Mom's first day at her new job began today. While I feel bad that she is bussing to work, she refuses to take the car away from me. She's certain I'm going to get mugged coming home. Personally, I think that if I'm going to get mugged, it will be for my snow pants, more than my purse, but that's her fear, and I don't mind. I asked her to contact an old friend, who has a sixth sense for finding deals, to find me a car of my own, but I don't think she did. Ah, well, I'm still saving. It's a good feeling.

Meanwhile, I'm fully enjoying my personal time again. Bliss, bliss, bliss ... I can't describe the freedom I feel. Most people would notice the emptiness with a usual person missing ... Me? I just notice the quiet. To me, every person brings about a piece of noise with them. It surrounds them, and moves with them. The level of noise varies, but it's always there. Add that to having peoples emotions shoved up my nose, and I wonder, some days, if becoming a hermit is still possible in this Age. Maybe this makes me odd, but that's the best way that I can describe it. I have no idea how I sound/feel to other people, but I hope it's a quiet, happy sound when they need it most.

Okay, so I stepped back to look at my life. Yes, again. And I see that I've let things slip. Yes, again. BUT ... I haven't been depressed. this time it was partially laziness, and an inability to fight against the tide. It's very difficult, for example, to diet and be healthy when the person you live with has little to no concern in the matter. I've decided to focus on a single area for now, so that Mom gets the idea. (Not that she's allowed to shop alone, but it happens.) Anyway, the focus is sodium reduction. If it's above 500 mg per serving, put it back on the shelf. If it's something you REALLY want? (And those items at M&M Meat shop are tempting ...) then think about what you plan on serving it with and if it can balance out. I try to keep my sodium intake PER MEAL under 1000 mg. This sounds like a lot, but most articles are focused on per serving ... not per meal, so I've had to figure things out for myself. If I notice that I've been keeping at a certain lower level with consistency, then I'll lower the goal. Right now, my meals are about 800 - 1000.  Granted, this is a lunch and dinner rule.  Breakfast/second breakfast are MUCH lower. (I have a smoothie when I wake up - only 150 cal and 90 sodium, and them have a small breakfast after, like cereal, while my metabolism is still quickened.) And, of course, I drink lots of water while I work out and while I'm at work. That's a rule I almost never break. Water only at work.

When Mom shops, she tries to buy me treats that I just don't eat any more. Which she ends up eating them. Not to mention the poor choices she makes when she tries to help. Like the popcorn she bought because it was cheap ... Ugh. Triple calories and salt! *shudder*

Treadmill has been going very well, but I seem to be struggling a bit with the power crunchies. Maybe I should lower the weight. I'm barely managing 35 on weight 6. That's not too horrible considering that I used to do 40 with little effort, but it still bothers me. We'll see. I'll keep at it for a bit more. If it doesn't get easier, then I will drop to 5 for a short time and work back up.

Okay, I'm sure this is boring.

I had intended to start my phoning today, to make sure my customers had heard about the new sale that started today, but I've managed to put it off too late again. So I will get some cleaning done before work and promise myself to get it done tomorrow. The house is cleanest (to me) when Mom is gone because I always feel motivated when I'm home alone.

Winter has finally arrived as of Saturday ... fashionably late, I suppose. Of course, there have been grumblings  and ranting from others because most people see Winter as inconvenient, or extra work. I don't view Winter this way, and am generally disgusted that others appear to be blind to the necessity of the cold season.

Ashley still loves her cage, although she demands to come out a bit more often. Spot has been doing better in some ways, and still not getting better in others. I'm trying to watch him carefully, but with my dental appointments finally taking place, I can't afford the vet bills. Even with the insurance. Still, if things get bad instead of just worrisome, I'll have to take him in. I'm a bit put out with his current vet office though. We'll see.

Trying to get a Mini-trade show together, but I haven't received an answer form the  the chosen Hall. I sent them an e-mail 5 days ago. This morning I called. If I don't get an answer by tomorrow morning, I will be calling another Hall. This is silly. Don't they want the business?

Well, time to get the floors done ... Have a good day!

Sweet Dreams!

Thursday, January 05, 2012

Bringing Sexy Back ... with Hot Pink.

January 4, 2012 - 23:43

Mood: Amused
Music: When the Children Cry ~ White Lion
Thought for the Day: Life is an unfolding process of becoming. ~ Tim Connor

Day three of the new regime, and I happily accomplished my second day back to my work out schedule. (I missed the second day due to an errand, but kinda made it up helping Mom to move heavy shelves.) I am happy to report that my heart rate is co-operating very well. Day 1 had it in the Cardio range for the majority of the program, instead of in Weight Loss. Day 2 (today) had it in the Cardio area only briefly, and not until the second "hill". I'm very proud of myself. Now, if only I could find ear buds that STAYED in my ears. I have skull candy, but I swear my ear wax gets slick as my temp rises. Even if I don't bounce, or sing, they wiggle out. Maybe I should try the smaller fittings?

Didn't accomplish as much as I had hoped today. Mom wasn't feeling well, so she took a nap and I went out to a movie with Shorty. I will NEVER go to that theatre downtown again. While it does have good prices (only $8 to get in ... about $2 cheaper than my small popcorn and med pop) the seats are uncomfortable and I had a sore back for the last half of the movie. But the worse part was when I went to pay for parking. Not only did they charge me $17.50 for the approx 3 hrs I was there, but they would only accept payment with Visa or Mastercard. No debit.What kind of crap is that? From now on I will go to Silvercity ... at least they are honest about gouging your pockets! I was also unhappy they weren't a Cineplex any more ... I couldn't use my gift card. :(

Still a good movie. Yes, I went to see Sherlock 2 again. Shorty said he hadn't seen it. I think I disappointed him when I wouldn't go for a bite after, but I honestly wasn't expecting to spend money for my movie and  I was out of cash. Sorry, Shorty. And thank you, so much, for covering the parking when my card told them off. You rock. (Glad I drove you home.)

Signed up for a Boudoir Photoshoot. It'll be a bit pricey, but I think it'll be worth it. I'm going to get my sexy caught on "film". Might even give it as a Valentine's gift ... if I think of somebody to give it to. <3 It could happen.

Mom wanted to know why I'd wanted to do that. I said I wanted to feel sexy. It was the best answer I could give her. I thought about it a bit more, because it WAS an impulsive sign up, and I came up with this. 1) I want to see the sexy that others say they can see. I want to see it though somebody else's eyes, and maybe I will believe it with a stronger conviction. Otherwise, I can believe it all I want, but deep down I'm waiting for somebody to disagree. 2) Law of Attraction ... not only will it bring sexy things into my life, it might bring more attraction. LOL! (It might be worth the hives I'll get from the make up) Besides, it's good incentive to keep up with my work outs! LOL!

By the by, Mom's response was to make sure that the "negatives" didn't end up going to somebody else. I said if Playboy wants them they can have them ... and they can pay me for them.

Sweet Dreams!

Wednesday, January 04, 2012

Aliens Want to Know Why I Always Seem Angry ... Silly Aliens ...

(aka Crisis Averted. NEXT!!)

January 4, 2012 - 01:59

Mood: In a zone. Enter at own risk.
Music: Broken Wings ~ Mister Mister
Thought of the Day: "Snowflakes are one of nature's most fragile things, but just look what they do when they stick together." ~ Unknown

     Okay ... so common sense has prevailed. So has guilt, but I can't claim that as being part of the plan. That was her own doing. Anyway, Mom has made the decision (Final Answer) to NOT move to BC at this time. She agrees that she needs to save up money ... and allow me time to do the same so that she doesn't leave me in the lurch. She is also offended that I'm waiting for her to change her mind again. (I won't stop waiting until the new lease is signed.) That's what you get for being impulsive all the time!

     Next ... I discovered that among FB's need to re-arrange and upgrade things, they've also created a new Messages file for items from Non-Friends, etc. What a cache of messages I have discovered. One was from a person who asked for dirt on Jade, asked for "my side" of the story, and my opinion as to whether or not she should invest any more of her time with him. Apparently, it would make her feel better if she knew he had also treated me badly. Oh, and he may have cheated on me with her a long time ago.

WHAT?

     How do these people find me? We don't have any friends in common on FB. Seriously, I spent a long time looking just to be sure, because it sounds like somebody has been talking about me behind my back. After gathering what info I could (and it was little) I finally wrote her back. I'm considering blocking her too, but first things first. I decided what angle I was going respond with and let it fly with minimal info. I hope she reads it and chokes.

Here: You be the judge ...

Hi (Lea). You don't know me from adam, but we've had mutual friends over the years. I really hope that I am not crossing the line or opening up a can of worms here. I've known (Jade) a long time. Sometimes he's great and other times he's well.. an ass. Anyway, without stepping over boundaries, or opening old wounds...I'm interested to hear your side of the story of your relationship with him...before I invest any more time. Feel free to ignore this too if you don't feel comfortable responding. It'd be comforting to know that he's treated other women in his life poorly...I'm not sure what to believe from him anymore but I think in the past he may have dated both of us at the same time without us knowing about it. I could be wrong about that. That's just an assumption.

Take care.
And my eventual response ...

I apologise for taking so long to respond. FB's refurbs tucked away a number of messages on me and I've only just discovered the cache.

If you are interested in hearing my side of the story, then I must find myself curious as to who has already told you theirs. I cannot find any mutual friends with you on FB. I feel that this places me at a double disadvantage.

As for investing more time, I am somewhat astounded by your request to hear more about my boyfriend so that you can decide about dating him. That's gutsy. I'm honestly not sure if I should admire you, or punch you in the face.

As for him dating two of us (or more) at once, you wouldn't believe the number of messages I've received in the last 20 years that tried to say the same thing. They all had one thing in common ... no proof. Most don't even try to offer any. According to him, you are just a friend that he once tried to date back in the 90's, but it didn't work. I'm willing to believe that. 

My side of the story? He's not available. Thanks for writing.

     If she's telling the truth, he's now in a world of trouble. I'm not sorry about that, by the by. I am seriously tired of getting notes like this. I am NOT the only ex that Jade has. I'm just the one that lasted longest. He has other exes on his FB list. I've seen them. None of them are getting these letters. Who the dickens contacts their boyfriend's ex and asks if he is worth keeping? This woman is supposedly an Executive with Addictions and Mental Health (according to FB) ... doesn't that mean she's a big girl now and can pull up her own panties?

Dear Sluts,  Bitches, and Those Who Must Not Be Named; (I swear, this is the one time I would like to use the c-word.)


I don't care if you thought you were in love with Jade once, or think it now. I don't care if he banged you in the bathroom of a bar, or if you are one of his weepy one, or two, night stand conquests. I don't care if you think you own him. Do you really think I want to hear that he PROBABLY cheated on me with you? If you really think this is a problem that requires my attention (especially WELL AFTER we've separated) then be prepared to provide honest proof. Also be prepared to get checked for an STD, darlings. He's got one.


STOP CONTACTING ME! Did you read the part where I DON'T CARE?


Have a nice day!


Seriously. Do I need to start wearing hats made of tin foil? Get a life, people!

Meanwhile, back at headquarters ...

     Mom and I started moving furniture in the living room today. It's an experiment. A pox on rectangular living rooms. Looking good so far though ... just have to move some big shelves and the TV (which I will carefully rewire so that the DVD player works!!) and Voila! The new floor plan! Not exactly Party friendly, but I'm sure it's workable in case of just such an emergency. ;)

     Ah, yes, that reminds me of another fight. somebody wrote me in regards to my advertising on a page in FB. Apparently, I'm too pushy and not giving anybody else a chance. LOL! No, not really. And instead of writing me nasty letters, all they had to do was introduce themselves ('cause I hadn't noticed any consultants). I would be happy to share my advertising. That's how it works in PartyLite. Anyway, I won't get into it, needless to say, she declared that she was going to be speaking to her Unit Leader about me. Pfft. Okay. So, I contacted mine ... who promptly told me not to worry about it. I wasn't doing anything wrong.

     It's been a busy couple of days for me. On a lighter side, I did manage to take myself out to a movie last night.  Sherlock Holmes 2 is exquisite. I plan on going again tomorrow, with a friend this time, and seeing it again. Should I wear a mask in hopes of avoiding more letters?

Sweet Dreams!

Monday, January 02, 2012

Here We Go Again

(aka Stop the Ride! I Wanna Puke!)
(aka Why's the Barq's Gone??)


January 2, 2012 - 01:05

Mood: Emotionally tired, a little restless
Music: I'll Be Back Upon My Feet ~ The Monkees
Thought For the Day: If it's in Man's nature to strive to please, then why am I always sleeping alone?

All my life's a circle;
Sunrise and sundown;
Moon rolls through the night time;
'Til the daybreak comes around.


All my life's a circle;
But I can't tell you why;
Season's spinning round again;


It seems like I've been here before;
I can't remember when;
But I have this funny feeling;
That we'll all be together again.
No straight lines make up my life;
And all my roads have bends;
There's no clear-cut beginnings;
And so far no dead-ends.


I found you a thousand times;
I guess you done the same;
But then we lose each other;
It's like a children's game;


As I find you here again;
A thought runs through my mind;
Our love is like a circle;
Let's go 'round one more time.
~ Harry Chapin

Harry Chapin was a genius. I swear he was. I wonder if his life was like mine, in that he found himself repeatedly in similar situations. sometimes I feel like a bug caught in the dregs of somebody's glass and they are swirling it around to watch me struggle.

Here I am again. Getting ready to start over ... again. So much for my careful budgeting and plans to start doing nice things for myself. Impulsive Joyce, my mother, has flipped decisions again. Why? Because despite practical, solid advice that she agreed with, she had a couple people to say "Sure! Go for it! We'll help you!" Grrr ... Thanks, you idiots. Thanks alot. You going to loan me the money for my deposit for my new apartment and buy me a car too? Glad you think she's emotionally ready ... did you think about her funds? Or the fact that we've been a bit dependent on each other while sharing costs? Thanks. No, really ... Thanks alot.

Gah!

*sigh* Okay, fine. I've got until the end of February to get some funds together. I'll just have to see what I can accomplish. and re-work my budget to see what I have to work with. No point in talking to Jade. I have no intention of asking anybody for money anyway. Hmmm ... put the word out now and maybe I'll manage to get a couple friends out to help me move. Hopefully, I won't have to go far. My goal will be to stay in the same tower. Not that I'll have a lot of furniture. No, don't wanna think of that right now. It's just making me angry again. Lessee ... Budget what I know, sell what I can, and get help to move. Greywhistle, Shorty, Jade, Beej, Junglegirl, Harem and Mercury ... Lynne? Jackie? Sarge? maybe Lavender, but I'm not sure how much she can lift or how well her allergies will handle things. Well, we'll what we can get. Jade's a long shot, but I'll ask anyway. No worries. I'll manage. I guess I need to start packing things again. Grrr ...

Put the word out to a friend who can search for an affordable vehicle ... no, that will have to wait until I know what kind of cash I have to work with. I can't work my PartyLite without a vehicle. I'm finally starting to get customers, but they are all out of town, so far. But even if I get in-town customers, I can't exactly take the bus.

Thanks for dropping me on my ass again, Mom. You're getting better with practise. No more helping you out when you are down. I don't have anything left. Michael's turn. And if you tell me what I can sell one more time ... POW! To the moon!

Okay ... happier notes.

I'm getting a lot of compliments on my video of the local fireworks. Spot still loves me. My Imagination sent me some lovely messages for Christmas and New Year's (not the biggest positive right now, but it's a positive!) Going to focus on getting as many parties as I can while I have car. This means frying myself with work. Ah, well ... I hear there's no rest for the wicked.

Music: One Day at a Time - Theme song (Seems like it should be mine!)
If you need it, the song is here ... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M82CUd6isyY

... Oh sure, now she's up and wandering because her conscience is bothering her because she's dropping me on my ass. If she flips again, I'm going to scream. Can't trust her. *sigh* I guess I'll just have to stand back and wait. I've offered my advice. Just have to wait and see where impulse takes her.

Just wish she'd get it over with ... I can't make plans until she decides what HERS are.

Sweet Dreams ...