Catch up time again
Day 227
Random # 476
Bike ride around a lake
We did three lakes! Lovely Saturday. Great weather and tons of tree shade. We went around lovely little Lake Mirror with colonnades and corgis, then Lake Morton with the swans, then Lake Hollingsworth which I asunder we wouldn’t do whole thing but we easily did. Fell in love with Lakeland in the process.
Day 228
Random number 477
Enjoy glass of wine and an early bedtime with Sean
done!
Day 226
Random number 475
rest
Sean is here! We put up some cork boards and fixed the light above the stove. And I tidied a bunch before he got here. And we put away the things he brought.
Then he suggested laying down and reading. And it’s the BEST.
Day 225
Random number 34
admire the clouds
I actually pulled this one the day before, and while I looked at the clouds a few times while in the car, on Weds, I can’t say I admired them. So Thursday, I slowed down enough to enjoy the fluffiness. Lots of billowy clouds after several days of grayness (but surprisingly little rain).
Day 223
Random #: 184
Practice handwriting neatly
I had four birthday cards to send out. I can’t say I practiced… but I did make effort to be neater than usual. I’d intended to write more to make it practice, but I was tired and just happy to be getting some cards out.
Day 224
Random #: 353
delight - feel that tiny thrill - wish on a dandelion, marvel at a pigeon's feather, watch water spin down the plug. Revel and resist - joy emboldens hope, delight emboldens dreams
This prompt must be one I stole from Electra, who is utterly delightful. I didn’t make any special effort — hmmmm, that’s two days in a row I have said that — but I took my usual delight in things. I’m generally pretty good at that. I delighted in Peter’s enthusiasm and high (for him) spirits. And him planning ahead and taking a shower. I even wrote to Sean about all this.
I delighted in doing a video call this evening with Sean, each of us cooking. That was sweet. And resulted in a delightful meal.
I took delight in our new toaster oven which fits the space, costs $50 less than the last one, and isn’t dented. I also was delighted at how easy the return of the larger, more expensive and dented one was at the student center.
I took delight in the wee plumber who came to fix things that he said didn’t need fixing (worth it to be reassured!) and advised me on various projects and only charged me $49 for his time.
I am delighted to finish a couple long-lingering projects with Fidelity transfer and Flamingocon ticket link. Feel much more at ease about going back to work.
I was delighted to talk to a vision therapist and get an appointment for Peter. They believe his eye may be fixable and the therapy center is close to home. I’m so delighted Peter finally wants to do something about this.
Delightful to play games at BGA with Kathy and Keith.
Delighted to firm up plans with Gary & Celeste. And that I enforced boundaries that Sean had to do his part.
And spent a second delighting in how easy it is to keep a small home tidy.
It really turned out a delightful day!
Now delightfully going to bed early. With a book recommended by Kim’s delightful husband whose enthusiasm for sharing book series delighted me to no end.
Day 222
Random number 329
Make a date for drinks with a friend
Getting together with Laura V from PBC. Known each other 20 years! She moved to Tampa area about 4 years ago. Tonight, we met at Fat Rabbit and caught up.
Experiment: condition hair every day
I think my hair will look better if I do this for 7 days. I will document any issues with getting this done and how I resolved those issues.
RESULTS: I’ve learned I need an off day, and I’ve confirmed my hair looks lovely with better care. Imagine that!
I think I’ll start a new experiment where for a month, I condition my hair at least 6 times a week.
BACKUP:
Day one, Sunday (and wet still)
Day 2, Monday: I skipped. Ooops. No good reason, just kept doing other things.
photo anyway:
Day 3 - restarting the count of 7 days — conditioned but no photos
Day 4, Weds: Love how long my hair is. I’m getting my dye job done again once I do these 7 days.
Day 5, Thursday, looking good! No styling, just air drying. So three days in a row of conditioner plus A JVM air dry cream instead of gel. Hmmm! I like it! Making appointment soon for hair color.
then pinning up sides to make neater and to give the top some lift, it really looks better.
Friday:
Saturday
Sunday
Monday, I skipped again, so still not 7 days in a row.
Something to do this fall: Tampa architecture tours
Frank Lloyd Wright tours at Florida Southern College
Day 221
Random number 307
Do 15 bicep curls — each side — 3 times
A wee bit of exercise. Does my body good.
Day 220
Random number 247
Simplify something
Removed old store and library tags, moved WPB house key to other car key. So I can leave the car keys with this house key with Peter. Took the air tag off… not sure about that but it does make it less bulky.
Day 219
Random number 217
Rememorize the state capitals
I could name all 50 states by age 6. And identify most of them. I have learned the state capitals before but I have gotten rusty. I tried a quiz, and screwed up Columbia SC and Hartford CT. Well, hopefully now I won't forget them! If someone tells me the capital, I will remember the state. But remembering the capitals without clues is harder.
And I rediscovered this silly song about the state capitals.
Saving texts to friends to document this time:
Well Peter and I went to campus to pick up his books. Forgetting that thousands of students are moving onto campus — not far from bookstore — so it’s utter chaos. Peter was driving and I just had him exit and go to our next errand.
Eeep. Never go near campus on move in days.
I remembered we can get to book store from other side of campus, with no dorms. So we’ll try that later.
Peter has been pretty cooperative and eager to do some things. But always always in his own time. Cause we could’ve done the books on Tuesday if he’d felt like it. 🙄
We found a fantastic movie theater. Shows current movies but also foreign and classics too. Serves food and liquor at reasonable prices. Very heavy student attendance, and all uber geeky — at least for seeing a 30 year old Chinese movie we were there for.
Peter loved it. And they have 4 more movies by this director over next 4 wednesdays. Definitely will be a regular haunt for us.
We’re sitting in at a Tijuana flats splitting a quesadilla, because he was suppose to make appointment at Sports Clips. Annnnyway, we got there and it’s a 56 minute wait. 🙄
But I was tired of his driving (he did avoid a guy trying to sideswipe us, so he’s not an awful driver), and figured we’ll just wait.
I’ve been too busy to miss you guys too much. Plus y’all [Stacy & Barbara] are sick as dogs, I wouldn’t have been seeing you this week.
But I’m sure when I’m working full time and juggling Peter having an occasional meltdown, I’ll miss my old life.
But! I’ll be back there in just over two weeks!
Sean said the house is so weird with yet more furniture out of the house. Peter and I are all cozy, Sean is rattling around in 2400 square feet.
May try this technique on dining room table at the condo
Got up early to finish some work I’d promised. It took longer than I expected, but I was also on social media and moisturizing my face and doing my hair (as much as I ever do).
Made chocolate chip pancakes. Washed all the dishes. Reloaded dishwasher and felt grateful Peter had emptied it unbidden yesterday.
Took cat out on balcony to explore.
Added groceries to grocery list and tasks to To Do list, including wash sliding glass door and fix broken blind.
Looked up events at local library — was reminded I need a library card! So added that to errands today. And made brunch plans with Kim & Stephan for Sunday. And emailed off info to register car with condo management. Set up printer on WiFi too. All while playing games in Board Game Arena and eating lunch.
Helped Peter (finally) order his books. Took in a big box from Amazon: Have silicone mats for baking and a comforter for Peter and a vacuum to assemble. I’m not so sure about the knife rack — it goes on wall, not on fridge.
then Skitty told me to take a nap.
I did rest awhile and gave Skitty many cuddles. Then I remembered my idea that I keep re-remembering: order from Target rather than walk all over the store. Delightful! I’ll pick up later after the movie.
Sean and I did a video call and he had me talk him through feeding his starter, Bruno.
i cleaned the sliding glass door and assembled the new vacuum while watching more Agatha Raisin.
Then Peter and I went to the Sun-Ray theater which was a blast. Shows current movies but also lots of classics and one offs. Peter is super excited because there’s a series of movies from an important Chinese director. I only went because he was excited, but I was very impressed by Chung King Express.
Then we picked up the online shopping from Target, and returned two items.
Unfortunately I did not order the food scale still! I don’t know what distracted me. So still no sourdough making. Ordering the scale now for tomorrow morning.
We set up new trash can, and put away cleaning supplies, and then the cat blessed the apartment with her first puke.
Time for bed! What a day!
Day 218
Random # 101
Spend most of the day quietly
Well I had breakfast with Sean and went to two stores and spoke to clerks, and spoke to Peter a little. But I’ve mostly been on my own and in my head all day. It’s been delicious.
Once when my son was about 3, just forming full sentences, he came to me, very serious. I was sitting down, and he put his hand on my knee and he looked me straight into my eyes, and said (with a hint of disappointment?) “Batman is not a potato.”
We still have no idea what inspired this announcement. We asked him months later and he had no idea what we were talking about.
Day 217
Random #474
organize things
Big tiring day, but my happiest place: organizing things. Unpacked 8 boxes and numerous other containers. Nearly everything is in its place in a new home.
Day 213
Random # 230
Find and photo 3+ heart shapes
Still not finished. This is hard! I e found a couple… but I forget to look and I just dint see much when I do. Here’s the two I found and they’re not good…
I like the curve of Skitty’s tail here so I’m seeing a heart with her keg. 
Rubberband heart!
Day 214
Random # 473
Print On The brink cards
Done, now to leave them places…
Day 215
Random # 266
mend something
Well barbara mended my purse for me. Of course she had the right needle and options of thread color. She’s my joy.
Day 216
Random #57
make a list
So many lists. Moving is a big game of organization. But it’s reminding me what to pack and bring.
I have many favorite things, so I wasn’t sure what I’d post for an Instagram prompt. Looking up other things today, I rediscovered this photo of my two maternal aunts from May 2017.
My whole life, Lynne and Laurie each referred to themselves as My Favorite Aunt. And they were both right. Sisters and yet very different, both had big influences on my life.
Lynne (on right) battled cancer off and on for 20 years. On the day of this photo, we didn’t know she’d be diagnosed a few months later with her fourth(?) cancer and pass away 11 months later. I suppose Laurie is my final Favorite Aunt. But it’s really hard to think of one without the other.
Note: they always coveted my curly hair (from my dad’s genes). And clearly I now covet their natural blonde hair.
Ok I’ve started packing!!!! … for my temporary 3 1/2 month (or longer) move to Tampa. Been holding off because if I started too early, then I’d pack too much. And no matter when I start, I will keep packing until it is time to leave.
So I began with sheets (for two beds) and books — that was three boxes. Priorities, right!? I am packing far more books than i would ever read in three months. But i want choices. And also books are a decorative item! Who would I be without a full bookshelf!
I’ve also packed towels, hair stuff and toiletries (as in all the backup stuff and such from under the sink that I never remember I have. Maybe I’ll use it up now — skin care and all that. Threw out some stuff as I went too…). I even packed toilet paper and boxes of kleenex ‘cause we have so much here in this big house and it helps lighten the boxes of books.
I packed greeting cards and address book so i can get back to sending out cards! I have missed it!
I packed two bags of board games — along with small baggies and my label maker so i can label/organize these games.
I have even packed three bags of canned soups, pasta and cereal from our pantry.
I think that is enough packing for today.
I am not packing every single thing because I will be back and forth to West Palm Beach and I will need clothes and toiletries here too. And if i forget anythung or change ny mind in anything, sean and I will be back and forth every few weeks.
I need my bread making stuff!
Day 211
Random number 126
Start weekly photo challenge on FB
I asked for Photos of clouds yesterday. Have scheduled photo requests for next few weeks.
My contribution:
Day 212
Random number 472
Get a copy of US constitution
Done! Ordered 10 copies from ACLU. I’ll give them away.
Things I learned at Grato, a restaurant in West Palm Beach, this weekend:
I’m enjoying my far less-planned-out weekends and weeks. We socialize far less than we did pre-Covid, and then even less this year as we have prepped to move.
Only thing on my schedule today: lunch with friends
For tomorrow: manicure
Ahhh. Bliss.
With all this free time, I’ve really pared down the endless To Do list. And there’s just less to do with less planning and coordinating for socializing and going out.
Watching old and new movies with Peter and Sean. Crafting. Reading. Baking. Oh yes, all the things I’d been saying for years I wanted more of.
Going out less means less to post on social media and that is also a *very* good thing.
This move to a new town is naturally reducing our material things but also shifting our perspectives on everything. A new place to live and a slightly modified *way* to live.
Of course other reasons we don’t go out and do as much anymore: germs, guns, MAGAts, disquieting unease with other citizens who seem unaware of the growing darkness of the world
Day 210
# 422
Have lunch with friends
Had lunch with Barbara, Kevin and Susan. Friends for 30, 25, and 17 years. Wow! We went to Howleys on Dixie Highway. We all were wearing the same shirts from Flamingocon because we’d just dropped off a donation of games. As a consequence, we had two people ask us about the event and we talked it up and gave out business cards. It was a good lunch.
AND
#116
Take photos of outfits of the day
This was for an Instagram challenge. And today I wore 4 different outfits!
walking the dog:
Giving away games as part of Flamingocon:
Out to dinner at Grato with Peter:
And now my wrinkly cat-fur-covered pajamas!
Day 209
Random number 471
Send gift to a friend in need
Victoria in Miami Beach is going through a tough time financially. Just mailed her a $50 Publix gift card. Was planning on $150, but that might be too much pressure, too big a gesture. Will have to think of something else small to send later.
Day 208
Random number 290
Finally replace master bathroom mirrors
Been meaning to do this for years. Finally! Maybe I’ll get one of these for the condo too…
Must get as much of my work done as possible before Tuesday meeting with partner who makes me crazy. To whom, on a speaker phone call months ago, i announced loudly that I am ready to quit.
The one that women whisper about his dumb “jokes.” The one all new hires have to meet and listen to rambling stories and everyone treats as a rite of passage.
That’s who they send me an invite for a teams meeting for my annual review. 🙄🙄🙄🙄
Four phone calls in a week — 3 of them unreturned messages — about how to get a medicine refilled. Appointment today. Have waited 30 mins in waiting room. Now 35 mins in exam room so far.
Will get ‘script today… maybe.
Then will find new doc.
Years ago, I raved about how well run this office was. 🤷🏼♀️
I had a list of things I could do on my phone while waiting: sort photos, contact two people about 2 events, read an article. That was all done in first 15 minutes.
I’m taking time from work for this. So it’s not about me being bored. This has wasted a ton of time, mental energy, and money.
There’s way more serious things happening in the world. But I happen to have excess free time this morning to vent about this.
EDITED TO ADD: I did finally get my medicine. Hmph.
Stay here — least expense, but stairs and high energy costs and PBC and we want change
Sell here & Buy house in Lakeland area — one story, close to Nora & USF, $100,000 less than current house, could get renewable energy, away from coast, away from PBC,
Sell here & Rent house in Lakeland area — gives us flexibility on when and where to buy, one story, close to Nora & USF, away from coast, away from PBC; but costs more and we move twice
Sell here & Buy or Rent out of Florida — one story, probably cheaper house, away from coast, away from PBC; maybe good to escape Fla while we can. But far from Nora & USF.
Sell here & nothing — put all in storage or condo, travel for a year: flexibility for choosing when and where to buy, risky, only if pets have passed
I can’t get excited for AI. Crappy art, crappy customer service, invasive in social media.
So many problems and mounting in this world; AI does nothing for hunger, sex crimes, war, social safety net, wait times for medications…
It IS good for research. Too bad we stopped funding research.
Day 207
Random # 341
What’s a small thing that bugs me? Fix it today
Been struggling to get a prescription filled with my gastro. Admittedly it’s been awhile since I’ve seen him. But I left three messages with his medical assistant over 8 days and they never called me back. One time, I spoke to a receptionist who “looked into it” and told me the prescription had been called in. It hadn’t.
Today I called the appointment coordinator and asked: do I need I need an appointment to get this medication renewed? They asked their superior and told me, yes. Now how difficult would it have been for someone to call me back and tell me that 7 days ago? Another week without heartburn meds, not cool. Good thing I have a mild case. Appointment Weds, and new ‘script then.
Anyway, I end the day happy I made progress on this annoying thing.
UPDATE: went to doctors appointment. Assholes kept me waiting more than an hour. Didn’t ask any questions or look at my throat. But called in prescription.
UPDATE: And guess what fuckers didn’t call in my prescription.
What happens if one *only* listens to TS’s “august”: we learn Augustine has big feelings and wants to be understood and loved. Poor thing!
Yet what about Betty? Does she not have feelings and deserve to be understood and loved?
Isn’t there more to this story? I believe there is! Let’s see…
In “betty”, James points out he kinda neglected Betty. And then his friend Augustine maybe took advantage of that. Though, James is no fool — he admits to his own “worst intentions.”
Betty & James certainly grew from the experience. James realized he was wrong. Yes, “betty” is a lovely song.
James expresses regret, says his heart never left Betty.
Of course “cardigan” is nice too. Betty has moved on, having gotten perspective & wisdom with maturity.
Poor besotted Augustine will forever be cemented in the teenage love triangle drama. She’s stuck in the month of August long ago… sad.
Maybe Tay needs to write an update for Augustine so the child can move on.
“Cause you were never mine” is an astute observation by Augustine. She’s could grow and learn. It is just weird how that song lyric isn’t obsessed over and learned from. I guess it’s not convenient. 😉😆
Maybe the obsession with “august” is someone wants to be the misunderstood victim... but isn’t willing to extend grace to others. 🤷🏼♀️ And that is very sad.
Taylor wrote this lovely trio of songs to make a full complicated story. People miss out by only playing one song … on a constant loop.
Fun inside joke: my husband has called me his favorite girlfriend for thirty years. Like “you put me on and said I was your favorite.”
Randomly pulling out Taylor Swift lyrics *is* fun!
Doesn’t bug me at all who likes or doesn’t like “august.” I mean I like it — It is a catchy tune.
But i also recognize “august” is only a part of a larger story. Focusing on and sympathizing and even also *demanding sympathy* for only one third of the story is… weird.
Of course, in Taylor’s full story James is wanting to hang out with Betty. There is no James and Augustine, never was.
James was immature, but he learns from it, wants to improve himself.
Augustine is stuck and wistful, living in the past, reliving that summer in her mind. Needs an update.
Day 206
Random number 438
Watch classic old movie
Sean, Peter & I watched Gentlemen Prefer Blondes. Great movie, fun catchy songs. Peter likes Marilyn Monroe now. It’d been 2 or 3 decades since I’d seen it; and Sean said he’d never seen the whole thing!
This movie choice was inspired by the Norton Art Museum showing the film on the big screen. We’d intended to go but Peter was indecisive and I decided to skip the driving part. It would be spectacular in a big screen! But we all enjoyed it.
Day 205
Rando 22
Sing along loudly to Journey song
DON’T STOP BELIEVING! Done. In car of course. Satisfying.
Day 204
Random number 1
Learn a new constellation
i never know how to find Pisces, my star sign. Looks like I’ll have to wait until I’m away from light pollution to have any chance of it. Once I am, hopefully I remember to look up these directions again.
three things about me
1. I’m a mom to two fantastic brilliant strong and very different adults. They’re my lights.
2. I’m in a period of transition. Letting my hair grow out and the grey grow out. Moving houses. Coasting to retirement. Losing weight (again). Changing how I interact with the world. Slowly (painfully) weaning myself off social media (nothing like a photo challenge to stymie that!).
3. I love to travel. This whole moving process has gotten in the way this year, but I have some spectacular USA/Canada road trips planned for me and @sean.brodrick as soon as we can, and smaller trips with friends. My flowery suitcase is ready!
#introduction #whoami #augustphotochallenge #transition #augusteyecandy
