Don't hate me because I'm beautiful...

In the last two weeks my life has flip-flopped yet again. Normally I'd panic. Okay, so I did panic, briefly. But then I got over that. And you know what? I feel better than ever about myself.

For the first time in a long time, things make sense. When things make sense, I'm able to focus on what's important. Even better - I figured out what's really important to me.

I'm setting goals and re-evaluating where I am in life, where I want to be, and what I need to get there. I'm gonna do it.

I've already lost almost 8lbs in two weeks. My stress levels are down. Energy is up. 

I start a new job on Wednesday. I'm going to be on my feet again, moving while I work. Which means I'm more likely to stay fit. AND the new job is in a field I adore - crafts. I'm working for Joann Fabrics' new store, doing the setup and (hopefully) continuing when the store opens in February. So it's retail plus craft stuff. Woot!

I'm hoping it all works out. I have some big time goals and dreams this year. They will come true. It's amazing what a confidence boost can do for you. And this time, it's coming from within.

Migraine issues

Migraine headaches really and truly suck. Just saying.

Hi.

How are you?

I had a dream...

Lush Cosmetics has a contest going now, and I entered. You have to post your dreams. I like what I came up with, so I thought I'd post it here.

"I dream of a time when I have all my children together again, when past wrongs are made right. I dream of a day when schools have everything they need - when teachers can concern themselves with educating instead of politics.

I dream that my 11yo daughter will be able to go through school without worrying about others commenting on her size, or her inherited psoriasis. And that my 12yo son will realize that thinking before acting will make all the difference in ensuring that he does not repeat the mistakes of his father.

I dream that I will be able to get a job - a good job - like I used to have before I took on the position of Mommy. That employers will see the potential instead of the years that have passed. That they will give me the chance to show just how much I can do for their company or organization given the opportunity. And I dream that I'll be able to once again take care of my family properly. "

I took a vacation.

I took a vacation. It was wonderful. April and CBear and I had a delightful weekend of mild to moderate adventure. For the cost, I'd do it again. Might even take someone with me next time. I do have to give an extra big ginormous thank you to Miss CBear (of Fuzzysheep crafts) and her hubby Xiris. They were the most wonderful and delightful of hosts.

I do have more to say on the topic (among other topics), but I'll have to do that later. Right now, I must shower and go run a few errands for my own darling. I believe I'll do some dedicated blogging upon my return. So long as nothing shiny distracts me.

AAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Look. Over there. To the right. There is LESS THAN A DAY before I go on my vacation. Wow. I'm actually nervous. *sigh* Getting things done here. Or trying to. Charging important electronic equipment (kindle, mp3 player). I'm getting edgy. *sigh* *ack*

I need to get yarn and such. Well, get it together at least. Nice thing is, this is a casual trip. Comfy clothes, nothing fancy. Important things to take: Laptop, MP3 player, Knitting stuff. Contacts. Glasses. Cell phone. Camera and battery charger. TurboFire stuff. Shouldn't take more than my laptop case, my purse, and one other bag for clothes and such. Taking the train, fewer issues.

*sigh*

I really need this vacation. Hopefully I'll come back refreshed, renewed, ready to tackle the world. Or at least get the pesky necessities out of the way. Yeah.

Wow. I can't wait.

Question for any readers...

I've started using the TurboFire workouts. I'm blogging daily on the TeamBeachBody website. I could cross-post here. If anyone would be interested in actually reading about my journey, let me know, I'll be happy to put it up. But if I don't think anyone is interested in hearing it in general, I won't bother. ;) So let me know.

Some days.

Some days are happy. Some sad. Some just sort of “there”. All the days, they linger and mingle and merge into a vague recollection of the past, and a faint hope of the future. Days don’t feel like days anymore… the passage of time blurs and the edges merge into one long series of events. Time courses and curves and just goes along without any concern for what is happening in the process. And I… I drift along with it.

Oh yeah...

The dog's name is Stewie. Because it's nicer than calling him Stupid. Which he actually answers to better than anything else. Go figure. Good dog though.

So far at the batcave...

Names that have been suggested so far:

1. Marco
2. Jackson (Jax) Jackie
3. Jim
4. McCoy
5. Bones
6. Tigger
7. Brinn
8. Leo
9. Patches
10. Sherman
11. Nimbus
12. Ferris
13. Fartbomber (Philip's favorite)
14. Hudson
15. Sirius

Melissa's class/teacher is going to offer suggestions tomorrow. Will update as we hear more.

He seems to like "Marco", but that would undoubtedly lead to other children screaming Polo and Much Confusion would ensue.

We continue the search.

A Dog with No Name...

We have a new puppy. He is wonderful. He is sweet, mostly quiet, kinda playful, and generally perfect.

He is a 5 month old Catahoula Leopard Dog mixed with who knows what. Possibly Husky. His left eye is blue, his right is brown. Very cool to look at. He was adopted from the Osceola County Animal Shelter in Reed City. They didn't have a name picked for him yet though, as he had JUST become available for adoption. This is manageable, right? I mean, 4 kids, one adult, we can figure this out.

Yeah... No.

We can't settle on a name.

So I'm posting a crapton of pictures of him here, and asking for assistance.

So far suggestions have been:

• Skipper
• Patches
• Buddy
• Stupid (hey, he answered to it)
• Puppy
• Dog
• Pooch

None seem to fit. I'm inviting people to post name suggestions in the comments here. Philip, Melissa, and myself will review them. And we will post the name we pick here, on Facebook, and on Twitter. The winner gets the satisfaction of knowing that the dog will have a real name. And my undying gratitude. Or something like that.

Here are the pictures...

So there's the puppy and the problem. Can't wait to hear the suggestions.

Drained.

Single again.
This stuff happens. Apparently more to me than others, but whatever.
I've learned how to function through this, but it's just so... draining.
Blah.
Time to put my energies into self-transformation. I shall emerge, a butterfly.