Whatever....

I haven't been blogging as much as I'd like to, or letter writing, either. I can feel the words and thoughts piling up inside my head and my heart. I just haven't had the time to sit and write; or more accurately, I haven't taken the time. And then when I do have a few free minutes, I just have no energy left. March is an obnoxiously long month. It's not fair, really; it's the longest month of the year. No holidays (well, no work holidays), no bonus days off. This year we don't even get Easter until April. Yeah, I know; life isn't fair, why should March be any different.

The busy part is my fault, actually. I'm the one who scheduled 27 programs in a 31 day month, and that's just work things. If I add in the fun stuff (not that the work stuff is all mundane, but still....), the friends and family and frolicking things, it would be a scary busy number indeed. It seems to be something I do a couple months a year; you'd think I'd learn. Ah well, I'll sleep sometime in April, I guess. ☺

But if you forget about the work stress, the wondering and fleeting angst, the mud, the snow, the long days and longer weeks ... ok, back to the positive, as I was trying to say ~ this is really one of my favourite times of the year; it always has been, and this year it seems even more so.

Today is the first day of spring, and it's almost really spring. I can feel it, I can smell it in the air. The geese are coming back, passing through; I heard them the other morning, early on a Sunday, and then again today ~ birds chirping and geese honking. The snow is melting, the ice is turning to mud. There is actual grass in the backyard. Ok, so there is a winter storm warning for this week, but still. It's spring. Well, it will be spring tonight at 7:20pm.

As if the equinox isn't enough for one weekend, there was a "super moon" last night, and it was pretty amazing. It was big and bright, and we actually had clear skies; that so rarely happens when there's a sky-gazing event. I could feel the power of the moon building all week. There was a little extra stress, a bit more angst of the unknown, and the people were a touch crazier than usual. It seems as if that all melted away overnight. Today is feeling like a day of release, of contemplation and introspection, of letting go of the past worries and accepting the challenges of the coming days, weeks, even months.

I made a decision this afternoon. I am going to get the word "whatever" out of my head. Well, I am going to get the word "whatever" ~ said in a resigned and somewhat unconfident, sort of sad and slightly sarcastic tone ~ out of my head. I have been saying it a lot lately, mostly to myself; and I have been thinking it even more. I don't like that attitude, and I refuse to live a "whatever" sort of life. I may not know exactly where I am going or how I am going to get there, but I am going to take charge of my own direction. I am going to work on becoming as confident, strong, and self-assured as the image I have been projecting; and I will do so throughout every aspect of my life, personal and professional. If I have a question, I will ask it. If I have a doubt, I will express it. If I have a smile, I will share it. If I have a dream, I will strive to make it come true (as long as there are no tap-dancing spiders....).

My life has been filled with possibilities lately. New friendships with old friends, ideas for explorations and adventures, new chances to smile and laugh and play. New eyes for some (my thoughts and heart are always with you, Merlyn ~ wait until you see what color my hair really is! ☺), new ways to listen for others, new steps in different directions. Maybe even a new life direction, a new career; time will tell, and when it does I will tell. For now, it's enough that I am keeping my mind and my options open. And I am enjoying the ride.

In other news ... National Poetry Month, otherwise known as April, is fast approaching. I tried a plan last year and fell far short of the goal. I'm going to try this year to pick it back up and see if I can really write a poem, and read a poem, every day. I shall strive, I shall attempt, we shall see....

This has been a bit of a ramble; that seems to be what I am best at lately. It's a good thing. I am discovering that only when you ramble can you get there from here, and sometimes not even then. I am also very happy to have recently learned that I am not the only one who thinks that way. (Bonus: R.E.M. agrees.)

So with these final thoughts, I shall leave you for now. Happy Spring! Go 'Cuse! Be Happy!

Thanks for listening.

On my mind....

Yeah, so the whole forced writing thing just isn't working for me these days. I'll address that at a later time in another post, but suffice it to say that I just haven't felt the pressure lately. Maybe I am just one of those people that can either live life or write about it, but not the two at the same time. These past weeks and months I have been busy living my life. I'll try to do better. I promise I'll try.

I have been writing blog posts and poems and stories in my thoughts, but never seem to find the time to post them. I know that's a lame statement (not really even an excuse), but there it is.

I have had a lot on my mind lately. Things in the news, things in my life, things at my work. Good things, bad things, and things in between. Maybe it's just that there are so many "things" I can't form thoughts about any one of them. It's ironic in a way; here I am trying to live as simply as I can, and my thoughts are becoming so confused and complicated and tangled that the last word I'd use to describe them is simple. So, I'll ramble on here a bit and maybe it will help straighten things out. I hope you'll stick with me; it gets better at the end. :)

First of all, Charlie Sheen. I will rant briefly and then he will forever be banned from my thoughts and my blog. I just have to say that I am disgusted that he is the top news item every day. He is on every show, every news cast, every radio talk show, every newspaper, every magazine, and most websites (and I do see the irony of him now being on my blog). What I don't understand is the world's aghast and surprise at his behaviour. Why is this news?? He is a sleaze, hired to play a sleaze on tv. It was perfect casting; I know lots of people who liked the show while saying in the same breath, "even though I can't stand him personally." He did his job so well that it was the number one show, both new episodes and in syndication. He was making barrels of money, for himself and his people, his fellow cast member and crew, his producers. They were all raking it in, and probably still are (after all, syndication isn't small time). So why is everyone acting all offended that he acts the way he does? He's always been that way; he likely always will. It's not news. There are so many other newsworthy people, places and things. So can we move on now?

Secondly, the Westboro Baptist Church. Or, more specifically the recent Supreme Court ruling concerning said "church" and their actions. Let's get one thing straight right off. I hate their behavior, I disagree with everything they stand for, I think they are the antithesis of Christians, I think they give the word human a bad rap. They are the embodiment of hate, of closed mindedness, of ignorance and of despair. I think the picketing and demonstrations and actions and signs and chanting are horrific, and I wish with all my being that they would stop. Having said all that, I also have to say that I will defend their constitutional right to do so until the day I die. It is free speech. It may be hateful and hurtful and disgusting to most of us, but it is free speech. If we start disallowing people from saying things we disagree with, where do we stop? It is a basic right in our country. It is what this nation was built upon; and without those basic building blocks, we'll all come tumbling down. Next will come censorship; "Hmmm, I don"t like this book (insert title here); I think no one should read it, so I won't buy it for the library, or I'll steal it or I'll burn it." Where will it end? You may disagree with me here, and I'll defend your right to do so until the day I die.

Thirdly, funding of LIBRARIES. This one has been on my mind, and in my heart, a lot lately. For obvious reasons, I suppose. I'm actually kind of tired of talking about it, and I'm really not even sure what else I can say about this one except, "WHY?" I had a patron come in today while I was on the Information Desk. She requested three books, used an internet computer, asked for help finding books on her new puppy breed, took a few tax forms and then looked at me and said, "I love this library so much. You have everything that any one could ever need. You are all so wonderful." All I could think was that I hope we are able to still be here in a few years to help her, people like her, and even those who haven't a clue.

(I was going to go on about the elimination of funding for Planned Parenthood and the DOMA, too. I think I'll save those rants for another post....)

You know what, though? Despite all of the bad news and the bad projections and the court battles and the funding crises, and the snow and ice and cold ... life is pretty good. Okay, life is really good. I find myself smiling at everything and nothing. I am so busy I almost don't have time to breathe sometimes, but it is a good busy.

I have a great family that I actually like and enjoy spending time with, not because I have to but because I want to. Not everyone can say the same. That always makes me a little sad, when I talk to someone who doesn't have a close family. I am planning another wonderful adventure with my mom ~ England and Wales ... Sherwood Forest, the Moors and the Lakes District, Dover, Hadrian's Wall, York, Hatfield House, North Wales, and so many points in between. Mom is a great friend and a wonderful travel partner. (and yes, there will be posts and pictures, even of the food....)

I have the best friends anyone could ask for, and I make sure I let them know I think so. (At least, I hope you all know so. Hmmm, maybe I'll redouble my efforts there again.) My friends are truly part of my family, and I love you all more than I can ever express. Although I miss so many of you in faire's off season, it is becoming a sweet missing, knowing I'll be seeing and hugging and playing with so many of you soon.

It's almost spring. Someone told me today that the geese are coming back! The sun is shining warmer and longer every day. I long for the green, the birds, the buds, the flowers. The time for faire is fast approaching, with three garb events before my trip and Sterling shortly thereafter.

My social life is full and fun and busy. I laugh a lot and smile even more these days, more than I can remember doing so in a very long time. I am reconnecting with old friends, making new friends and having a blast. There are dinners and movies and wine and play and music and sandwiches and parties and snuggles and laughter and frolicking and plans and so much fun. I'll admit that it is hard sometimes, though. I am so far in miles from my closest friends. An hour is a long drive, especially in the winter; but the things that matter are worth the effort, and these friendships are of the heart and mind and they are so incredibly worth it (and I am blessed that those who matter to me think so, too). Sure, there is a small measure of uncertainty, a little angst at times, some communication stress. But without those things, I suppose we wouldn't know how good we really do have it. Besides, I am a gemini and this is my life. :)

Plus, I have the best damn dog in the world.

I know that I started out this post with the awful, the dregs, the depressing. It doesn't mean that the bad is the foremost in my mind; just the opposite actually. I wanted to get the negative out so I could focus on the positive. Consider it this way ... I saved the best for last.

So, now you know some of what's been on my mind lately. I'll try not to stay away for so long next time.

Thanks for listening.

Success and a Happy New Year!

How wonderful to enter a new year, a new decade on a success! When I started this project, it was almost a lark. I was desperate to get some order in my apartment, and so made a rash decision. About a month into the year, I decided to really dedicate myself to completing the task. I slipped along the way, had two major shopping sprees and a few good jags at bookstores, but I always managed to get myself back on track. I am actually beginning 2010 with at least 365 fewer items in my possession than I had when 2009 began! I had my doubts (as did many others, I know *grin*), but I DID IT!!!!!!

And now, I have for the last entry: 4 days, one new coat, a digital video player and a dashboard mount for my GPS.

Thus, I am getting rid of one coat, one robe, a sweater, a broken CD mount, 2 shawls, and a pair of gloves. Just to be on the safe side, in case I have missed a day or two (or an acquisition or two) I am also getting rid of a few pairs of pajamas and five books.

And so we begin a new year. Be happy, be healthy, and be wonderful!

I'm going shopping....

The very merry Christmas issue

This is exclusively for Christmas Day. There will be another final issue later today.

Yes, I am blessed. I realize that every day, and never more than at Christmas. This year I was gifted by many people with CONSUMABLES! Wine, chocolate, dip, temporary tattoos, cookies and candles. And gift cards, oh wonderful gift cards. And a great set of purple socks.

I also, however, got a lot of stuff.
To be specific, and in no particular order: 2 pint glasses, 2 wine glasses, 2 casserole dishes, 2 sweaters, a t-shirt, a jersey, 3 pair of earrings, 3 books, 1 bread plate, 2 DVDs, 2 CDs, 1 paperweight, 1 foot stool, 1 curling iron, 1 gps case, 1 SU snuggie, a tea towel, 2 sets of napkins, a candle trimmer, a bell, 2 ornaments, a mug, a wine stopper, a wine vacuum set and a scarf.

So, I now have to account for 37 things. We'll call it an even 40, as I most likely forgot to list something. So, I have gotten rid of:3 pair pants, 1 gps case, 2 sheet sets, 3 pair pillowcases, 4 holiday sweaters, 6 pair jeans, 4 holiday fleece, 1 pair boots, 1 glove, 1 curling iron, 2 pins, 2 pair earrings, 8 broken pieces of jewelry, 1 wine rack, and one SU doll. And what wasn't tossed is packed into one old suitcase to give to the rescue mission.

That covers Christmas. And now the strata is done and it's time for brunch. I'll be back this afternoon to finish up the year.

The best intentions....

Ah well, I did mean to catch things up before Christmas. So now I have to do a retrospective up to today, and then I'll post about Christmas.

It is December 27, so I have 27 days to account for, plus I acquired a few things: 2 hats, a DVD, a GPS (her name is Penelope, for Odysseus' wife), a dragonfly window decoration, and 3 new CDs. That is 35 total.

I have gotten rid of, in one way or another, and in no particular order:
3 glasses
a mug
7 tins
3 books
a candle holder
3 mugs
2 shot glasses
6 earrings (not pairs, separates)
3 small glasses
7 cups

That is 36 things (35 plus one, just in case I forgot something).

Stay tuned for the Christmas edition....

Sometimes the decision is made for you....

Like today. When Bailey (I love him, I really do) jumped up where he shouldn't have been and knocked over my Galway Crystal Claddagh candy dish. Ok, it's really a votive candle holder, but I have always used it as a candy dish. Ah well. Good thing I am planning another trip to Ireland next spring so I can replace it. So that's the "thing" for yesterday.

For today, I have 2 Lord of the Rings plastic popcorn tubs that have been sitting on top of my refrigerator since the movies were in the theater. I guess I can bear to part with them.

A few days, a month, and two to go....

My last post ended with the words, "See you in a few days or so." I guess a month must count as "or so". I have been keeping up, just not posting, so here's a month in one fell swoop. A boring post, though, as I haven't been taking pictures, just lots of notes.

I did have one more shopping spree, during which I bought a sweater, two skirts, a book and 3 CDs. So, if I add those 7 things to the 31 days I am behind and add in 1 poodle skirt and a pair of cat's eye glasses, I have 40 things to get rid of.

So, here's a list:
7 books, 3 necklaces, 2 candle holders, 1 wallet, 1 tv antenna, 1 radio antenna, 1 broken fairy trinket, 1 computer mouse, 1 cell phone ear piece, 1 pair headphones, 8 useless cords, 1 exercise ball, 1 toothbrush holder, 1 Palm Tungsten, 3 cookbooks, 1 CD player, 4 pair of jammies and 2 night shirts.

That's 41 things. So I'm good through tomorrow.

I am actually beginning to find it a little difficult to find things to discard. I have just under 2 months to go and Christmas is in there, so I'll have to toss at least 60 things. It's going to be interesting....

But there was a sale!

I have been so good; no new clothes or new anything really for SOOOOO long! Well, I just kind of broke tonight. :)

Here's what happened. I stopped in to JC Penny for pillows. I've been meaning to for a while now, and just decided to swing by after work. Well, you have to walk through the whole store to get to the bedding section!! Unfair!! And, of course all of the clearance stuff was 75% off. Double unfair!!

So now it's time to tally it. It's not really that much, but after a drought of shopping, it felt REALLY good. I bought 2 pillows, 2 fall tops, a sweater and 3 skirts. I have also acquired one other thing over the past week. My friends, drinking buddies, fellow rennies and Mischievites, Terrible Musicians, gave me their new CD.



So, with those items and 7 days added together, we have a total of 16 things.


15 CDs (donated to the library)

and

One very floppy, unsupportive neck pillow.

That should do it. See you in a few days or so!

Still rainy, still lazy....

It's been only a few days since my last post, but they have been very busy days. Last night was the first show of our season ~ Avenue Q. It is one of the funniest shows I have ever seen. Definitely the right choice for Banned Books Week, too; something to offend everyone! But oh, did we laugh! And I bought a set of small pins. :)

I also took delivery today of my new obsession ~ Outlander by Diana Gabaldon (and the following 3 books in the series). So, that's 5 things for which I have to account, plus 3 days.

So I am getting rid of:

2 dresses, 1 pair of shorts, 1 belt, 2 tank tops, 1 skirt and


One spoon rack. I no longer collect spoons, so this one was actually pretty easy.

That's it for tonight. Next time we speak, it will be October. Three months to go. For now I am going to hibernate with Claire and Jamie. :)

A lazy, rainy Sunday

Well, autumn is certainly upon us. It's grey and rainy and chilly and there is Giants' football on the tv. A nearly perfect fall Sunday. I've been pulling out warm clothes, thick sweaters and flannel jammies; putting away summer clothes, flimsy tops and peasant skirts. It's baking season, crock pot season, mulled wine and apple crisp season. My favourite season of all.

I have just a few days to catch up. It has been a slow week. The only thing I acquired was a new curling iron, and I just made a straight trade ~ the one that died was tossed and the new one was put to work.

I do have 5 things to show you, things that have been waiting patiently, collecting dust, taking up shelf space. A pair of book ends, a bread machine that burns the bread every time, a broken food processor, a wooden paper towel holder and an iron spice rack.


These I donated to the library. They'll look cute in the Children's Room.


I regret losing these two. But I'll get a new food processor someday soon, and I'm thinking about learning to make bread without a machine. I do all my other own baking and cooking. It's past time to start making my own bread, too. Besides, I understand the kneading and punching is great for stress management. :)


I am slowly working towards no longer using paper products in the kitchen. I am moving to only having cloth napkins (not quite there yet), and using kitchen towels and rags rather than paper towels. It's my little bit to save the environment (and it's cheaper, too). So I no longer need this.


The worst place to store spices in in the open light and air. So, this is going. I love it, and it goes with my wine rack and kitchen shelves, but I'd rather have good spices than a pretty spice rack. :)

So, that's it for this week. We're soon moving into October. Happy fall everyone!

Fall and Festivals and Faires, oh my!

It's been a busy few weeks. Last weekend was the Syracuse Irish Festival. What a great time! Wonderful music, great food, tasty ale, and I got to share it with some of my favourite people. And of course, there was shopping. This past weekend was the Niagara Celtic Festival in Olcott, an event I look forward to every year. More great music, more great food, lots of ale and many more of my favourite people. And, of course, more shopping.

I'll post in two sections. First, I have 15 days to account for. It's that time of year, and I have been going through clothes again. I have so many things that I just don't wear! So I am getting rid of 15 summer tops.


Next, I have all the stuff I bought and that was given to me. That includes a sweater, a shawl, a mug, 2 books, 9 CDs and a DVD. Here are some pics of most of the stuff.


This is the mug and most of the CDs (I left 2 at work).


This is what happens when you forget to click the "respond" buttin in the Columbia House email. *sigh* I guess it could be worse.


And here's the sweater, the books and Bailey.

That's a total of 15 more things. So, I'm getting rid of:


2 sweatshirts, 3 sweaters, 1 tshirt, 1 denim shirt, 1 summer top, and 1 chemise

And:


4 skirts, 1 tank top and a dress.

I probably missed a day or an item (or 2 or 3 of each) somewhere over the past few weeks and months, so I have decided to toss a few extras, just to make sure.
So, as a bonus I am adding this stuff to the bag to the Rescue mission:

4 t-shirts, 4 pairs of pajamas, 3 tanks and a skirt.

That should do it for now. I'm almost 3/4 of the way through, and I really think I might make it!

Falling back into the routines....

It has been 70 days since my last post. Summer has come and gone. Faire has passed into the past. I have been very neglectful of my blog, and I am sorry for that. I have been a very good girl, though. I have been keeping track of the days and packing stuff up to get rid of. I have also been keeping track of all the things I acquired. It's mostly garb and other faire accessories.

This is going to be a very boring post. No pictures; just a couple of lists. First, the list of things I acquired over the past 2 months. Some of this I made, some I bought, some was gifted:
6 skirts, 1 bodice, 4 pair of bloomers, 3 chemises, 1 capelet, 2 pockets, 1 feather fan, 1 leather mask, 2 flower garlands, 1 mead mug, 2 ceramic mugs, 4 CDs, 3 books (yes, only 3 books!!), 1 camp coffee maker, 1 electric kettle, 1 pair of pewter candlesticks, and 1 wooden claddagh wall hanging.

That's 35 things. Added to the 70 days, and I have to toss (or recycle, donate, etc.) 105 things.

So, here's the list:
9 pair of shoes, 9 purses, 17 plates, 1 sugar thing from a diner, 9 bowls, 1 flask, 2 fancy hair comb sets, 1 pink satin pouch, 4 necklaces, 1 watch, 5 pair earrings, 16 stray earrings, 9 pins, 1 bracelet, 11 charms, 3 glass candle holders, 6 pair capris.

That's 105 things. And I am now caught up. I am going to really try to stay up on the project from now on. I am, after all, 2/3 of the way through. Wow. I might actually make it!

A book buying expedition or two...

Well, I finally cracked. I have been doing pretty well in the "not buying stuff" department, and last weekend, I cracked. Actually, it started 2 weekends ago and culminated last weekend in a true shopping spree.

But first, I have several days to account for, 16 to be exact. For those 16 days, I have decided to get rid of 16 t-shirts. And this is what a pile of 16 t-shirts looks like:



Now for the shopping spree. I bought, over the past two weeks, 11 books:

One of them, Brida, I have started and don't like. So that one is going straight to the library and I'm not going to count it. However, I also bought two hair sticks which brings the total up to 12.

So, I'll get rid of 2 shower curtains (both the same bright, garish fish design):


One bodice that bled badly when it was washed (by the seamstress's directions, I might add...):


And one Trivial Pursuit Book Lovers edition:


A pair of flip flops that are too small:


A blue sweater t-shirt:


2 tan tops that I never wear:


2 sweaters:


And 2 matching tanks:


and that catches me up. I'll have a slew of garb to account for after his weekend, though, so stay tuned....

It's been a long, long time....

....since my last post. I've been to Ireland and I am back! I'll be posting my pictures in a seperate blog sometime soon, so watch for that!

Now, I am going to sdo this in stages, as I have many days to post for, as well as things I bought in Ireland and things I got for my birthday. (Yes, I am now a year older) I have been keeping track of things acquired and discarded, so here goes...

My last posted discard was for Tuesday, May 20; that means I have 19 things to count (and that gets me through today). Here's a list; I dpon;t have pictures this time, as I have been working with my memory cards and camera with the Ireland pics. I'll be back to photos next time.

5 paperback "throwaway" books
Burning Bright by Tracy Chevalier
An Irish Country Village by Patrick Taylor
1 old glass with gold trim (the last of the old wedding gifts....)
An old make-up case (too big for practical use)
Mozart Musical Masterpieces book and CD
Butane Curling Iron
A broken canister that goes with my tea and coffee set
1 denim shirt
2 leather skirts (yes, 2 *grin*)
4 winter scarves

That's 19 and that gets me through!

Now, the things I have acquired:
2 tshirts
1 photo album
7 CDs
2 cookbooks
1 set of guide books
Assorted small souvenirs (magnets and pins that fit in my current collections; I'm counting this as 1 thing)
2 books from Ireland
3 books for my birthday
1 dragonfly candle holder
1 claddagh ring
1 Royal Tara trinket box
1 shamrock necklace
1 claddagh necklace
2 dolls
1 sheep (not a real one. *grin*)
1 egg cup

That's 28 things.

So, I have gotten rid of:
Trivial Pursuit 90's edition
4 fire damaged tigger statuettes
4 sewing patterns
1 box assorted greeting cards
1 address book
1 pair sneakers
3 pair sandals
1 jacket
4 t shirts
1 cardigan
1 hairbrush
2 pair PJs
1 purple sweater
4 black mini skirts (let's face it; these 41 year old legs ain't never getting into a skirt THAT short again!)

That's 28 +1 (in case I missed anything).

And now I am caught up. *whew*

A Stormy Saturday

I have been sitting here enjoying the spring storm that is rollong across New York State, thinking of things I have to do before I go to Ireland on Wednesday. I figured I had better catch up here before I get so far behind I lose count.

I have actually been intentionally letting the blog slide, because I got rid of many DVDs last week. Of course, I lost count and let it go too many days. So, I have 13 days to account for, and I got rid of 10 DVDs. Every once in a while, I get in a mood and just go through and purge any movies I know I won't watch again. This was one of those times. No pics, just a list:

Tuck Everlasting, spider-Man, The Treasure of the Sierra Madre, The Last Castle, Mona Lisa Smile, Miracle, Gone in 60 Seconds, The Others, The Haunted Mansion, and The Crucible.

That's ten. So, to get me through today I have these three tins that I have been saving forever, for something. One is a Christmas tin, one is a cookie tin, and one is a popcorn tin. And now they are gone:


That gets me through today. I'm actually going to go a little bit ahead, through Tuesday. Then, before I leave for Ireland, I will blog enough things to get me through the days of the trip. That way, when I get home, I will only have to get rid of the same number of things that I buy while I'm there.

So, for tomorrow, Sunday, I am tossing this pretty, but torn tank top:


And for Monday and Tuesday, two flower pots. They have killed the last 3 plants that they have held, so I figure it's fate they be shattered and discarded.


I also have a gift to make up for. Mom bought me a little tote for travel (it's packed already, and so is my camera, so no picture of it. But it's the greatest bag! It's a nice big tote that packs down to practically nothing and stores itself in its own little zipper pouch.

So, to balance that I'm getting rid of this:

Yes, that's a dust buster. (Dirt Devil, actually). It never worked that great, and has been completely non working for a few years now. Time to just toss it. I'll probably get a new one down the road; we'll see. For now, it's gone.

Okay, that's it for now. Have a great weekend!

Yeah, I'm a slacker....

I admit it. It's been that kind of week with allergies, work and just general PMSiness, and I let things slide. But I'm back now. And I'm making it up with books. anyone who really knows me will tell you that my books are my most prized possession. I covet them, I explore them, I arrange them, I collect them, and I even read them. And sometimes ~ ok, often ~ I end up with some I'll never read again, or that I don't really even like.

I have 11 days to make up for, and I have 11 books that are going. Some (of the fantasy ones) to my brother, some to the library.

These six are going to my brother. They are 2 trilogies of fantasy fiction that he'll probably like and I'm pretty sure he doesn't have them.




I think I'll give this one to him, too. He'll like it, and it will be a good one to keep for my nephew. :)


These are going to the library. They're just not worth the shelf space.


This one was all set to go to Ireland with me. I always bring "throw away books" when I travel, paperbacks that I'll read and leave wherever I am when I finish them. I've left books in airports, airplanes, hotel rooms, taxis, buses, park benches, etc. This was going to be one of them for this trip, but i discovered i already read it. So it's going to the library.


This one I am going to pass along to friends and family to read. I loved it! But I probably won't ever read it again, so after the book discussion this week, I'll share the joy. :)


So, that's actually 12 books. I guess I am set until Tuesday.

I've been doing really well on the shopping front. I have bought some fabric (ok, lots of fabric, and I'm not done yet), but I've decided to count the items I make rather than the pieces of fabric. I really need some new garb pieces for faire (skirts and chemises and bloomers, oh my....). So when I get home from Ireland, I'll be sewing and adding items. What fun!

Enjoy your Sunday!

28 days and counting....

Until my vacation. My trip to Ireland with my Dan. And wow do I need a vacation. This has been a rough spring. I have been so tired, and I am sure part of it is that I'm burning out at work. Hopefully this vacation will revive me and give me back some inspiration. If not, I'm not sure what I'll do.

Big news. We're going to the voters. The library, that is. We need a boost to the budget (we're running pretty close to the 2001 budget, very short staffed and very low materials budgets, among other things). I have a link, but I left it at work. I'll post it tomorrow.

{Okay, it's tomorrow now. Here's the link: http://voteyesforourlibrary.org/jervis}

Anyways, I have some catching up to do. I haven't bought anything, so I have just the day to day things to toss. And here they are.

A fan way past its prime.


Two pair of sandals. I just don't wear white shoes.


A too fuzzy green turtleneck sweater.


A cream sweater that I always think i am going to wear, but I never do.


I also gave away a book this past weekend and didn't log it. Case Histories by Kate Atkinson. It's making the rounds of the family right now with instructions to keep it going and then donate it somewhere when everyone has read it.

So, that's it for now. I'm caught up to today. I'd like to say that I'll do a better job of keeping track, but, well, we all know how that goes. :)

Have a good hump day!

Spring fever, spring break, springing out all over the place

Yes, it's spring break in our schools. Which means that the kids are all pouring in to the Children's Room. I hope everyone had a nice Easter weekend. I have been very busy over the past week. Went to see Sunshine Cleaning with my mom and two aunts. Wonderful film! Mom and I went to the SU lacrosse game (we won) ~ Go SU! Also went to see Sweeney Todd (on stage) ~ LOVED it! What a strange, fantastic, sad, dark, funny, gruesome, twisted and wonderful show. Spectacular! Easter was great, a whole day with my family and my Dan. And now we're deep into vacation week and Book Fair.

I didn't even realize I had let this slip for so long! I have been discarding items all week, and keeping track as usual, though. Now it's time to catch up. Six days; six things. A few sweaters, a couple of shirts and a pair of boots. Nothing terribly exciting. Nothing earth-shattering. Nothing even really worth writing about. Just things that either don't fit or that I just don't wear anymore.

See:













That's it for now. Talk to you all later.