It's a Good Day for Apple Cider
Not much going on this weekend as I sip my hot apple cider. Yesterday was full of work, munchkins (not the edible variety but my niece and her friend who were visiting) and missed phone calls and texts. I fell asleep much too early for my liking last night and spent more money than I planned on during the day -- none of it on myself. I fear today, as beautiful as it is, will pass by just as quickly but not as eventfully.
To combat the face failure/crush funk I've been in on and off this year, I actually joined a dating service and met a really nice guy. It seems almost foreign to have someone be interested and act interested in me. Someone who calls me all the time, wants to do things and seems excited to spend time with me, who doesn't treat me like an after thought. Someone who doesn't ask me to do something with him and then takes off with his friends when he gets a better offer. I have enough "friends" who do that on a regular basis; I don't need any more. I just hope I don't mess this up because my comfort level is off, and I don't always want to chat on the phone. This is actually going a little faster than I'm used to. It's probably a really slow pace for normal people, but since when have I been accused of being normal? So far he hasn't perceived me as too boring or too strange. Yay!
It's just so difficult to completely let go of the crush, but somehow I have to try. If I don't, I'll never get out of this funk!
Oh, and a nice surprise! I found out I won a Red Sox gift basket yesterday! I'd purchased raffle tickets back in September and forgotten about it. Now I have to figure out how to claim it.
Sunday, October 09, 2011
Happy World Post Day and 52 Weeks of Mail
It's October 9. Happy World Post Day! Read about it here and then write that letter you've been meaning to write all this time. If you're feeling particularly nostalgic for letter writing days and you love a challenge, consider 52 Weeks of Mail, an idea started by one of the Etsy Teams, in honor of World Post Day. The idea is to commit to sending one postcard, letter, note or other card once a week for a year. It's a very cool idea, I think, and also a wonderful way not only to support the Post Office but brighten up someone's day. How many of us are secretly (or not so secretly *points to self*) thrilled when we receive something in the mail other than a bill? If you're on facebook, you can visit the page: www.facebook.com/52weeksofmail. The Challenge starts today. Grab your favorite pen and get writing!
Botanical PaperWorks is offering to mail a free, plantable card, at least one a week for the next 52 weeks, to randomly picked people. If you'd like to enter for your chance at being one of those lucky people picked at random, visit their blog for the details.
*cross-posted from LJ
It's October 9. Happy World Post Day! Read about it here and then write that letter you've been meaning to write all this time. If you're feeling particularly nostalgic for letter writing days and you love a challenge, consider 52 Weeks of Mail, an idea started by one of the Etsy Teams, in honor of World Post Day. The idea is to commit to sending one postcard, letter, note or other card once a week for a year. It's a very cool idea, I think, and also a wonderful way not only to support the Post Office but brighten up someone's day. How many of us are secretly (or not so secretly *points to self*) thrilled when we receive something in the mail other than a bill? If you're on facebook, you can visit the page: www.facebook.com/52weeksofmail. The Challenge starts today. Grab your favorite pen and get writing!
Botanical PaperWorks is offering to mail a free, plantable card, at least one a week for the next 52 weeks, to randomly picked people. If you'd like to enter for your chance at being one of those lucky people picked at random, visit their blog for the details.
*cross-posted from LJ
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Remembering the Day
Had a lovely day in the beautiful weather today. Spent time with my mom, sis and niece. Turns out I did something similar last year.
From Facebook, "On the Day in 2010 .. Took a little walk around the block with three little pumpkins and their brand new babies. It was a fun adventure. :) The new babies are all girls and have been named Katelyn, Katie and Patrick. Trust me. "Patrick" is a much better choice than the little mommy's first name choice for her baby doll .. "Heatstroke." :)"
The mommies in question were my niece and two of her friends with their brand new baby dolls I had just bought them at the dollar store down the street. I met a neighbor of mine for the first time that day, too, while on the walk. The "mommies" surrounded him and his baby carriage, cooing at his baby and showing off theirs before taking off again down the street. This year there was only my niece over, and there was a more subdued feel to the day.
This morning my sis and niece watched some of the 9/11 ceremony on tv. At my house we talked about what we remembered of that day, how we found out about the planesand what we were thinking. We talked a bit about the sad things and more about the good things that came about .. people helping people, everyday heroes, survival stories, .. We wondered aloud if the teachers would discuss the day in class tomorrow, and my niece announced that when she got to school tomorrow, she would ask her teacher if they could write letters to the hero firemen in NYC thanking them for helping people. We told her we thought it was a good idea, and my sis mentioned that maybe, if her teacher liked the idea, that the class could also write to their local firemen and policemen thanking them for all they do for us every day. Then we explained a lot of people came from all over to help; maybe some of her local firemen did, too.
I wasn't online much back in 2001, except on the old SciFi (now SyFy) boards (the "Dom"), so I have no online reference anymore for that day. The old posts from the Dom are long gone now. I do have my memories, however, and it's strange how much I can remember about that whole weekend in addition to that day. and the days that follow. There are other events that are eternally tied together with that day in my mind now. My great aunt died that weekend, and now I'll always remember the date. I was just entering the online Farscape fandom and had been at creation's NY convention (the second convention I'd ever attended; the first was an XF con in Mass.); Ben and Claudia had been there, and I'd met a few Scapers, too. Tuesday morning before I left for work, I checked the Dom and read posts about the con. I even posted one myself saying I had a good time and thanking the people I'd met while I was there. Just a few posts later, the topics changed from the excited post-convention euphoria to the confusing, unfolding events of the day. I didn't read them until I'd gotten home from work later, but there were posts from all over the world, people gathering together offering support. There was one post asking the con goers to sign in; some NY Scapers offered up their homes to those who were stranded in the city. And so Farscape, Scapers and the online communities are all forever entwined with my memories of September 11, 2001.
I've been checking through my blog and LJ posts each year on this date and found only one which contemplated the events of September 11. More of a recollection than reflection: 9/11/2009
I find myself amazed that it's been ten years already, that so much time has passed. The uncertainty of the weeks that followed 9/11 has thankfully passed; at the time one could feel the uneasiness in the air, so strange. I hope that sense of togetherness, the spirit of working together, remains. Yes, there was shock, fear, anger on that day and the days that followed, but there was also something else, this wonderful feeling of unity and selflessness. I'd like to think some of that is still here, when the going gets tough, our citizens will do the right thing, lending a hand to those most in need. Never forget the lives lost and the families who remained, the survivors, the heroes, the sacrifices made, but also never forget that other feeling that surrounded us. The kindness and concern we extended to each other after; that's also what I'm also remembering today.
** cross-posted from LJ
Had a lovely day in the beautiful weather today. Spent time with my mom, sis and niece. Turns out I did something similar last year.
From Facebook, "On the Day in 2010 .. Took a little walk around the block with three little pumpkins and their brand new babies. It was a fun adventure. :) The new babies are all girls and have been named Katelyn, Katie and Patrick. Trust me. "Patrick" is a much better choice than the little mommy's first name choice for her baby doll .. "Heatstroke." :)"
The mommies in question were my niece and two of her friends with their brand new baby dolls I had just bought them at the dollar store down the street. I met a neighbor of mine for the first time that day, too, while on the walk. The "mommies" surrounded him and his baby carriage, cooing at his baby and showing off theirs before taking off again down the street. This year there was only my niece over, and there was a more subdued feel to the day.
This morning my sis and niece watched some of the 9/11 ceremony on tv. At my house we talked about what we remembered of that day, how we found out about the planesand what we were thinking. We talked a bit about the sad things and more about the good things that came about .. people helping people, everyday heroes, survival stories, .. We wondered aloud if the teachers would discuss the day in class tomorrow, and my niece announced that when she got to school tomorrow, she would ask her teacher if they could write letters to the hero firemen in NYC thanking them for helping people. We told her we thought it was a good idea, and my sis mentioned that maybe, if her teacher liked the idea, that the class could also write to their local firemen and policemen thanking them for all they do for us every day. Then we explained a lot of people came from all over to help; maybe some of her local firemen did, too.
I wasn't online much back in 2001, except on the old SciFi (now SyFy) boards (the "Dom"), so I have no online reference anymore for that day. The old posts from the Dom are long gone now. I do have my memories, however, and it's strange how much I can remember about that whole weekend in addition to that day. and the days that follow. There are other events that are eternally tied together with that day in my mind now. My great aunt died that weekend, and now I'll always remember the date. I was just entering the online Farscape fandom and had been at creation's NY convention (the second convention I'd ever attended; the first was an XF con in Mass.); Ben and Claudia had been there, and I'd met a few Scapers, too. Tuesday morning before I left for work, I checked the Dom and read posts about the con. I even posted one myself saying I had a good time and thanking the people I'd met while I was there. Just a few posts later, the topics changed from the excited post-convention euphoria to the confusing, unfolding events of the day. I didn't read them until I'd gotten home from work later, but there were posts from all over the world, people gathering together offering support. There was one post asking the con goers to sign in; some NY Scapers offered up their homes to those who were stranded in the city. And so Farscape, Scapers and the online communities are all forever entwined with my memories of September 11, 2001.
I've been checking through my blog and LJ posts each year on this date and found only one which contemplated the events of September 11. More of a recollection than reflection: 9/11/2009
I find myself amazed that it's been ten years already, that so much time has passed. The uncertainty of the weeks that followed 9/11 has thankfully passed; at the time one could feel the uneasiness in the air, so strange. I hope that sense of togetherness, the spirit of working together, remains. Yes, there was shock, fear, anger on that day and the days that followed, but there was also something else, this wonderful feeling of unity and selflessness. I'd like to think some of that is still here, when the going gets tough, our citizens will do the right thing, lending a hand to those most in need. Never forget the lives lost and the families who remained, the survivors, the heroes, the sacrifices made, but also never forget that other feeling that surrounded us. The kindness and concern we extended to each other after; that's also what I'm also remembering today.
** cross-posted from LJ
Saturday, September 10, 2011
It's 101: Take Three!
My last list is now a collection of failed goals. As time went along, I didn't spent much effort working on the list, but that's okay. If I was going to fail, I'm glad I failed gloriously.**
I've typed up my new list and have posted it here if you'd like to check it out. In choosing my goals this time I decided to mix it up a bit. There's a combination of "easier" one time goals (for example, #45) and longer, more complicated goals (for example, #100) throughout. Some goals are deceptively simple (like goal #27) but aren't as simple as they first appear (I haven't been to the movies since Mama Mia so there's no guarantee I'll accomplish #27 without some effort). I tried to make each goal realistic, and some are more challenging than others, but all should be fun to do in some way. I'm very excited by this new list. :)
Hopefully, I'll get myself in the habit of posting updates on my progress (success or failure).
new list
previous list
first list
Do you have your own list? What goals have you set for yourself? Do you have an opinion, some advice, or a question about something on my list? Feel free to share in the comments!
**Ben Browder (here and here)
**cross-posted to LJ
My last list is now a collection of failed goals. As time went along, I didn't spent much effort working on the list, but that's okay. If I was going to fail, I'm glad I failed gloriously.**
I've typed up my new list and have posted it here if you'd like to check it out. In choosing my goals this time I decided to mix it up a bit. There's a combination of "easier" one time goals (for example, #45) and longer, more complicated goals (for example, #100) throughout. Some goals are deceptively simple (like goal #27) but aren't as simple as they first appear (I haven't been to the movies since Mama Mia so there's no guarantee I'll accomplish #27 without some effort). I tried to make each goal realistic, and some are more challenging than others, but all should be fun to do in some way. I'm very excited by this new list. :)
Hopefully, I'll get myself in the habit of posting updates on my progress (success or failure).
new list
previous list
first list
Do you have your own list? What goals have you set for yourself? Do you have an opinion, some advice, or a question about something on my list? Feel free to share in the comments!
**Ben Browder (here and here)
**cross-posted to LJ
Thursday, September 08, 2011
101 in 1001: List Three
from Day Zero (aka "101 in 1001 days")
The Mission:
Complete 101 preset tasks in a period of 1001 days.
The Criteria:
Tasks must be specific (ie. no ambiguity in the wording) with a result that is either measurable or clearly defined. Tasks must also be realistic and stretching (ie. represent some amount of work on my part).
Why 1001 Days?
Many people have created lists in the past - frequently simple goals such as new year's resolutions. The key to beating procrastination is to set a deadline that is realistic. 1001 Days (about 2.75 years) is a better period of time than a year, because it allows you several seasons to complete the tasks, which is better for organizing and timing some tasks such as overseas trips or outdoor activities.
Start Date: Saturday, September 10, 2011
End Date: Saturday, June 7, 2014
* Completed tasks will be crossed out.
* Tasks in process will be in bold (so I can keep track of them easily).
* Incomplete tasks will be left as is.
My 101
1. Attend Dragon*Con.
2. Get my driver's permit.
3. Get my driver's license.
4. Take three continuing education or enrichment courses. (0/3)
5. Read 50 books. (4/50)
6. Start an IRA.
7. Try one new thing every month, no matter how small, for at least six months. (The months don’t have to be consecutive.) (6/6)
8. Take a cruise.
9. Complete the 2011 NaNoWriMo challenge. (Fail!)
10. Complete the 2012 NaNoWriMo challenge. (Fail!)
11. Complete the 2013 NaNoWriMo challenge.
12. Bring my laptop in for repair.
13. Submit one of my finished stories somewhere for publication.
14. Finish a WIP.
15. Make a short film.
16. Submit the film to at least three festivals. (0/3)
17. Participate in at least three projects/events in the local/New England film community. (0/3)
18. Organize Ella photos.
19. Finish the list of books I own.
20. Sell 10 items on ebay. (5/10)
21. Identify 100 things that make me happy.
22. Complete at least two things off my 43 Things list. (0/2)
23. Post the result of something inspired by The Soul Food Cafe.
24. Spend three days without once going online. (0/3)
25. Write 10 actual letters (not an email or a card). (10/10)
26. Go apple picking.
27. See five movies in the theater. (5/5)
28. From Learning to Love You More assignment #53: Give advice to yourself in the past.
29. From Learning to Love You More assignment #3: Make a documentary video about a small child.
30. Renew my passport.
31. Answer the "50 Questions That Will Free Your Mind."
32. Dye my hair.
33. Make a bucket list (100 things I want to do before I die).
34. Travel to Nova Scotia.
35. Participate in a charity event (other than/in addition to The Walk for Hunger)
36. Attend the Portuguese Festival in New Bedford.
37. Go on a day hike. (10/8/11)
38. Try 10 new (to me) flavored teas. These 10 tea flavors do not count toward goal #7. (1/10)
39. Participate (unofficially) in the Walk to Rivendell challenge.
40. Visit the Cloisters in NYC.
41. Visit Coney Island.
42. Re-certify in CPR.
43. Purchase a first aid kit for home.
44. List 25 new items in my etsy shop. (25/25)
45. Get my hair cut.
46. Make a little "movie" with my niece.
47. Visit the Peabody Essex Museum.
48. Visit Rockport again.
49. Visit Martha's Vineyard again.
50. Visit Nantucket.
51. Visit Newburyport.
52. Visit P-Town again.
53. Visit Georges Island again.
54. Participate in the 26 Things meme.
55. Write an article (on any topic) and submit to at least one publication of some sort (online or off). (0/2)
56. Take the MENSA test. (I'd say "join MENSA," but that assumes I'll automatically pass the test. haha)
57. Learn to cook something.
58. Go without caffeine for 30 days (doesn't have to be consecutive). (30/30)
59. Meet five new people. (4/5)
60. Go on 3 dates. (real dates, not these casual hanging out things I usually do) (3/3)
61. Attend a film festival.
62. Attend an author event of some sort.
63. Make an appointment with my PCP.
64. Start an art journal and work on it at least three times. (0/4)
65. Write in diary/journal at least ten times. (0/10)
66. Post at least 20 times in one of my blogs/online journals. A blog entry elsewhere (guest blogger, etc.) is fine, too. (20/20)
67. Participate in at least three online memes (LJ, writing memes, photo memes, art memes, etc.) Facebook-only memes do not count. (0/3)
68. Add 10 items to my zazzle stores. (3/10)
69. Watch a film I haven't seen before which has won Best Picture.
71. Put $10 into savings for every completed item on this list. (3/101)
72. Go to a concert.
73. Make a treasure map for my niece to follow.
74. Do a craft project with my niece.
75. Buy a pedometer for my niece.
76. Participate in Book Crossing at least once.
77. Participate in PostCrossing at least once.
78. Get a pen pal. (I used to have several!)
79. See a play or musical.
80. Get a book agent.
81. Do 10 random acts of kindness. (1/10)
82. Send 10 postcards to 10 different people.
83. Take a tour of the Day House.
84. Do a good deed.
85. Have lunch with an old or new friend. (12/30/11)
86. Complete 20 creative writing prompts from Toasted Cheese. (0/20)
87. Go to Castle Island.
88. Visit 5 places in New England I've never been to before. (0/5)
89. Go on a picnic. (4/16/12)
90. Do 30 continuous sit-ups.
91. Attend a live music performance.
92. Try contact lenses again.
93. Take my niece on a carriage ride.
94. Go on a harbor cruise or take a ferry ride somewhere.
95. Try a new place for breakfast (eating out).
96. Don't log into Facebook for a week.
97. Attend a barbecue.
98. Visit La Salette.
99. Explore Bird Park.
100. Complete all the items on this list.
101. Start another 101 things to do when the 1001 days near their end.
Days Left: 282
Tasks Remaining: 79
** previous lists:
list 2
list 1
The Mission:
Complete 101 preset tasks in a period of 1001 days.
The Criteria:
Tasks must be specific (ie. no ambiguity in the wording) with a result that is either measurable or clearly defined. Tasks must also be realistic and stretching (ie. represent some amount of work on my part).
Why 1001 Days?
Many people have created lists in the past - frequently simple goals such as new year's resolutions. The key to beating procrastination is to set a deadline that is realistic. 1001 Days (about 2.75 years) is a better period of time than a year, because it allows you several seasons to complete the tasks, which is better for organizing and timing some tasks such as overseas trips or outdoor activities.
Start Date: Saturday, September 10, 2011
End Date: Saturday, June 7, 2014
* Completed tasks will be crossed out.
* Tasks in process will be in bold (so I can keep track of them easily).
* Incomplete tasks will be left as is.
My 101
1. Attend Dragon*Con.
2. Get my driver's permit.
3. Get my driver's license.
4. Take three continuing education or enrichment courses. (0/3)
5. Read 50 books. (4/50)
6. Start an IRA.
8. Take a cruise.
9. Complete the 2011 NaNoWriMo challenge. (Fail!)
10. Complete the 2012 NaNoWriMo challenge. (Fail!)
11. Complete the 2013 NaNoWriMo challenge.
12. Bring my laptop in for repair.
13. Submit one of my finished stories somewhere for publication.
14. Finish a WIP.
15. Make a short film.
16. Submit the film to at least three festivals. (0/3)
17. Participate in at least three projects/events in the local/New England film community. (0/3)
18. Organize Ella photos.
19. Finish the list of books I own.
20. Sell 10 items on ebay. (5/10)
21. Identify 100 things that make me happy.
22. Complete at least two things off my 43 Things list. (0/2)
23. Post the result of something inspired by The Soul Food Cafe.
24. Spend three days without once going online. (0/3)
26. Go apple picking.
28. From Learning to Love You More assignment #53: Give advice to yourself in the past.
29. From Learning to Love You More assignment #3: Make a documentary video about a small child.
30. Renew my passport.
31. Answer the "50 Questions That Will Free Your Mind."
32. Dye my hair.
33. Make a bucket list (100 things I want to do before I die).
34. Travel to Nova Scotia.
35. Participate in a charity event (other than/in addition to The Walk for Hunger)
36. Attend the Portuguese Festival in New Bedford.
38. Try 10 new (to me) flavored teas. These 10 tea flavors do not count toward goal #7. (1/10)
39. Participate (unofficially) in the Walk to Rivendell challenge.
40. Visit the Cloisters in NYC.
41. Visit Coney Island.
42. Re-certify in CPR.
43. Purchase a first aid kit for home.
45. Get my hair cut.
46. Make a little "movie" with my niece.
47. Visit the Peabody Essex Museum.
48. Visit Rockport again.
49. Visit Martha's Vineyard again.
50. Visit Nantucket.
51. Visit Newburyport.
52. Visit P-Town again.
54. Participate in the 26 Things meme.
55. Write an article (on any topic) and submit to at least one publication of some sort (online or off). (0/2)
56. Take the MENSA test. (I'd say "join MENSA," but that assumes I'll automatically pass the test. haha)
57. Learn to cook something.
59. Meet five new people. (4/5)
61. Attend a film festival.
62. Attend an author event of some sort.
64. Start an art journal and work on it at least three times. (0/4)
65. Write in diary/journal at least ten times. (0/10)
67. Participate in at least three online memes (LJ, writing memes, photo memes, art memes, etc.) Facebook-only memes do not count. (0/3)
68. Add 10 items to my zazzle stores. (3/10)
71. Put $10 into savings for every completed item on this list. (3/101)
72. Go to a concert.
73. Make a treasure map for my niece to follow.
74. Do a craft project with my niece.
76. Participate in Book Crossing at least once.
79. See a play or musical.
80. Get a book agent.
81. Do 10 random acts of kindness. (1/10)
83. Take a tour of the Day House.
84. Do a good deed.
86. Complete 20 creative writing prompts from Toasted Cheese. (0/20)
88. Visit 5 places in New England I've never been to before. (0/5)
90. Do 30 continuous sit-ups.
92. Try contact lenses again.
93. Take my niece on a carriage ride.
94. Go on a harbor cruise or take a ferry ride somewhere.
96. Don't log into Facebook for a week.
97. Attend a barbecue.
98. Visit La Salette.
100. Complete all the items on this list.
101. Start another 101 things to do when the 1001 days near their end.
Days Left: 282
Tasks Remaining: 79
** previous lists:
list 2
list 1
Monday, June 27, 2011
Passengers of 7D
The trailer for the sci-fi short film, "Passengers of 7D," is now online! I had the pleasure of helping out on this so I'm super excited right now. This is an original sci-fi indie short film, written and directed by Sharifa Williams.
The trailer and synopsis are here: http://www.sharifawilliams.com/p7d
The direct youtube link is here: "Passengers of 7D" trailer
Please check it out, let me know what you think, and feel free to share the trailer with others! :)
I'll keep you updated as we get word on festivals and where you can see the completed film.
The trailer for the sci-fi short film, "Passengers of 7D," is now online! I had the pleasure of helping out on this so I'm super excited right now. This is an original sci-fi indie short film, written and directed by Sharifa Williams.
The trailer and synopsis are here: http://www.sharifawilliams.com/p7d
The direct youtube link is here: "Passengers of 7D" trailer
Please check it out, let me know what you think, and feel free to share the trailer with others! :)
I'll keep you updated as we get word on festivals and where you can see the completed film.
Tuesday, May 03, 2011
Walk for Hunger Update
Thank you, everyone!! With your generous help I reached my fundraising goal for Project Bread's The Walk for Hunger. The Walk was held this past Sunday, May 1st. According to the website 42,000 people came to the Boston Common and raised $3.6 million to provide food for 448 emergency food programs in 130 Massachusetts cities and towns.
The Walk itself went really well. We had beautiful weather! Not a cloud in the sky! (Thanks for all the good weather vibes sent my way - heehee) We traveled on foot 20 miles from Boston through Brookline, Newton, Watertown, Cambridge and back to Boston again (starting and ending at the Boston Common). (map of the Walk route) Perfect walking weather, and it was wonderful seeing so many people out for a good cause. :)
Thanks again! :D
Thank you, everyone!! With your generous help I reached my fundraising goal for Project Bread's The Walk for Hunger. The Walk was held this past Sunday, May 1st. According to the website 42,000 people came to the Boston Common and raised $3.6 million to provide food for 448 emergency food programs in 130 Massachusetts cities and towns.
The Walk itself went really well. We had beautiful weather! Not a cloud in the sky! (Thanks for all the good weather vibes sent my way - heehee) We traveled on foot 20 miles from Boston through Brookline, Newton, Watertown, Cambridge and back to Boston again (starting and ending at the Boston Common). (map of the Walk route) Perfect walking weather, and it was wonderful seeing so many people out for a good cause. :)
Thanks again! :D
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
The Walk for Hunger
This weekend, on Sunday May 1, I'll be walking once again in Project Bread's annual Walk for Hunger. This will be my 20th year walking, and I'm hoping to raise $500! I'm around 75% of the way there (so close!!) and hope you can get me to my goal. I know purse strings are tight, so if you can't make a financial contribution this time around, happy thoughts sent my way are always welcome. ;) If you *are* able to make a contribution, you can do so at my Walk page here: projectbread.org/goto/ctegan
Any and every amount helps, and every dollar really adds up!
* $25 provides a bowl of hot soup & a sandwich for 50 people at an emergency food program
* $50 provides a bowl of hot soup & a sandwich for 100 people at an emergency food program
* $100 provides a week's supply of groceries for 5 families at a local food pantry
* $500 provides a week's supply of groceries for 25 families at a local food pantry
If you'd like to read up on Project Bread, please visit their site: ProjectBread.org
If you'd like to make a donation to the Walk (and help me reach my fundraising goal!), the url is http://projectbread.org/goto/ctegan
Many, many thanks to all the people who have made a donation so far. You are all awesome and very generous, and I'm giving you virtual hugs!!! (((hugs)))
This weekend, on Sunday May 1, I'll be walking once again in Project Bread's annual Walk for Hunger. This will be my 20th year walking, and I'm hoping to raise $500! I'm around 75% of the way there (so close!!) and hope you can get me to my goal. I know purse strings are tight, so if you can't make a financial contribution this time around, happy thoughts sent my way are always welcome. ;) If you *are* able to make a contribution, you can do so at my Walk page here: projectbread.org/goto/ctegan
Any and every amount helps, and every dollar really adds up!
* $25 provides a bowl of hot soup & a sandwich for 50 people at an emergency food program
* $50 provides a bowl of hot soup & a sandwich for 100 people at an emergency food program
* $100 provides a week's supply of groceries for 5 families at a local food pantry
* $500 provides a week's supply of groceries for 25 families at a local food pantry
If you'd like to read up on Project Bread, please visit their site: ProjectBread.org
If you'd like to make a donation to the Walk (and help me reach my fundraising goal!), the url is http://projectbread.org/goto/ctegan
Many, many thanks to all the people who have made a donation so far. You are all awesome and very generous, and I'm giving you virtual hugs!!! (((hugs)))
Monday, February 07, 2011
C'est la vie
I've eliminated one possible person from the Mystery Person candidates. Well, he eliminated himself really by not being ticked off at me. Yay! I am relieved but still perplexed. I also shared the story today with two other people who were basically surprised that my response had been impolite. (unintentionally so! my brain had ceased functioning for awhile!) We discussed putting up posters of a faceless person and a hat with the caption reading "help us put a face on this .. face" or something like that. It's funny in a really sad way. I can't even apologize or explain! If I see the person again, I will have no idea that I'm looking at him. Unless he is wearing the hat. Welcome to my life!
Oh, and I found out today that I won't be going to The Slackers on the 18th after all. L. is leaving for Connecticut on the 18th and not the 19th. Good thing I haven't bought the tickets yet!
I've eliminated one possible person from the Mystery Person candidates. Well, he eliminated himself really by not being ticked off at me. Yay! I am relieved but still perplexed. I also shared the story today with two other people who were basically surprised that my response had been impolite. (unintentionally so! my brain had ceased functioning for awhile!) We discussed putting up posters of a faceless person and a hat with the caption reading "help us put a face on this .. face" or something like that. It's funny in a really sad way. I can't even apologize or explain! If I see the person again, I will have no idea that I'm looking at him. Unless he is wearing the hat. Welcome to my life!
Oh, and I found out today that I won't be going to The Slackers on the 18th after all. L. is leaving for Connecticut on the 18th and not the 19th. Good thing I haven't bought the tickets yet!
Sunday, February 06, 2011
The Walk for Hunger: 2011
It's that time of the year again! On Sunday May 1, I'll be participating in Project Bread's The Walk for Hunger for the 20th year. I'm hoping to raise $500 in donations. :) Donations are tax-deductible. Any amount will help.
I know not everyone can make a donation, but every dollar counts. It really adds up!
Read all about Project Bread here: www.projectbread.org
Many thanks in advance!
My Walk Page: http://projectbread.org/goto/ctegan
It's that time of the year again! On Sunday May 1, I'll be participating in Project Bread's The Walk for Hunger for the 20th year. I'm hoping to raise $500 in donations. :) Donations are tax-deductible. Any amount will help.
I know not everyone can make a donation, but every dollar counts. It really adds up!
Read all about Project Bread here: www.projectbread.org
Many thanks in advance!
My Walk Page: http://projectbread.org/goto/ctegan
Wednesday, February 02, 2011
Lousy Weather and Other Things
Yesterday was snowy. I left work an hour early. Today was "mixed" (snow early morning followed by icy rain the rest of the morning), and the office was closed. I went into work to reschedule the afternoon, and the sidewalk on the main street was ice. Tomorrow will not be much fun getting to work, but I'm inside, warm and dry, today. That's all that matters at the moment.
I'm still obsessing about my face failure a few weeks back, but it's less about solving the mystery now and more about .. I need to just move on. One way to move on, with my life in general .. I'm actually considering those online dating services. The worse that can happen is I get a bit of a personal life. I really can't stop thinking about the fact that the random person might have been my recent crush, and I totally blanked on him. I haven't seen him (that I know of!) in over a month or more, and T. is probably right. He's not interested in me - never has been; he's just friendly. If by some chance he had stopped by the office, he will undoubtedly think I'm a jerk for not recognizing him, and then he'll no longer be friendly when I see him. Or he won't be bothered by it at all. Friendly or not, I must stop wasting time wondering and trying to bump into him since it's getting me nowhere, stuck in limbo. It's part of the reason my brain had shut down when the mystery person stepped in.
Luckily, a very exciting project has come my way, and I'll be focused on helping Sharifa during P7d's post-production final stretch. This opportunity is an even better way to refocus myself and move on. :D The tricky part will not be jumping ahead and simply sticking to each task as it's presented. Can't wait to see the final cut!
Yesterday was snowy. I left work an hour early. Today was "mixed" (snow early morning followed by icy rain the rest of the morning), and the office was closed. I went into work to reschedule the afternoon, and the sidewalk on the main street was ice. Tomorrow will not be much fun getting to work, but I'm inside, warm and dry, today. That's all that matters at the moment.
I'm still obsessing about my face failure a few weeks back, but it's less about solving the mystery now and more about .. I need to just move on. One way to move on, with my life in general .. I'm actually considering those online dating services. The worse that can happen is I get a bit of a personal life. I really can't stop thinking about the fact that the random person might have been my recent crush, and I totally blanked on him. I haven't seen him (that I know of!) in over a month or more, and T. is probably right. He's not interested in me - never has been; he's just friendly. If by some chance he had stopped by the office, he will undoubtedly think I'm a jerk for not recognizing him, and then he'll no longer be friendly when I see him. Or he won't be bothered by it at all. Friendly or not, I must stop wasting time wondering and trying to bump into him since it's getting me nowhere, stuck in limbo. It's part of the reason my brain had shut down when the mystery person stepped in.
Luckily, a very exciting project has come my way, and I'll be focused on helping Sharifa during P7d's post-production final stretch. This opportunity is an even better way to refocus myself and move on. :D The tricky part will not be jumping ahead and simply sticking to each task as it's presented. Can't wait to see the final cut!
Friday, January 21, 2011
Testing Myself on a Cold, Wintery Day
It's cold and snowy outside, a typical New England winter day. I'm at work. Currently taking a break.
Feeling tired and low today (still can't figure out the mystery person, and I can't stop kicking myself for it) so I thought I'd take some of those online personality tests. I haven't taken them in awhile. For fun, of course.
Take Free Jung Personality Test
personality tests by similarminds.com
Decisive, am I? Hm ..
and
Image Icon results:
Take Free Enneagram Personality Test
Yeah, I'd say I was definitely a type 5 personality today.
Lovely.
It's cold and snowy outside, a typical New England winter day. I'm at work. Currently taking a break.
Feeling tired and low today (still can't figure out the mystery person, and I can't stop kicking myself for it) so I thought I'd take some of those online personality tests. I haven't taken them in awhile. For fun, of course.
| ISTJ - "Trustee". Decisiveness in practical affairs. Guardian of time- honored institutions. Dependable. 11.6% of total population. |
personality tests by similarminds.com
Decisive, am I? Hm ..
and
Image Icon results:
Main Type | Overall Self |
 |  |
Yeah, I'd say I was definitely a type 5 personality today.
Lovely.
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Still Obsessing
Over the past few days, I've had to refer to my 100 things that make me happy (the list so far) several times. Just to remind myself.
Tuesday of last week, there were three very random moments. The first two aren't important to this post. It's the third one that's left me obsessing. The third moment involved a gentleman I did not recognize coming into the office, just as I returned from my coffee run and errands. I figured he was a patient or maybe he had followed me in off the street and wanted to make an appointment. I'd started to make a phone call and had to hang up when I heard the door open, and then there he was, wearing a dark colored Marines cap. (The cap said "Marines" on it. I don't know if it really was a Marines cap or not.) And then he opened his mouth. Instead of what I expected him to say, he said something totally unexpected and seemingly random. My brain was still trying to process and was thinking "Who are you and how do I know you?" but my mouth said something else. Before my brain could finish figuring it out, he said something, shrugged then left.
I was left thinking "What was that all about?"
Of course, when I told T. about this later, she suggested that it's possible I *did* know the person. Maybe he was someone I see only occasionally. Maybe he was at the coffee place I just came from, and I hadn't noticed. Maybe I didn't recognize him because he was out of context -- in a location I don't usually see him in. And so I didn't recognize him. Then she pointed out I tend to do this sometimes and used two neighbors as an example. One neighbor I'd seen around for months, even saying "hi" to, without realizing he was my neighbor. Another neighbor I say "hi" to walked past me one day, and I didn't recognize him until he walked up to his house .. and then it clicked. Context.
It's worse when I'm distracted, and yes, I was distracted when I returned to work Tuesday. I was still thinking about the previous two random things, and then another seemingly random moment was thrown into the loop.
So anyway .. T. put the idea in my head, and I've been obsessing about it. I haven't seen anyone wearing the same cap so maybe I'm right, and it was a random moment from a random person. But maybe, just maybe, it wasn't, and that thought is making me crazy!! and sad. I certainly don't want to have snubbed someone I know. I certainly would have reacted differently. What's worse is .. I'm afraid it could have been this guy I actually like. Highly unlikely since I've been told by someone else that he's just friendly, and I should stop reading into his friendliness, but still .. geez. If it was, I'm an idiot and will feel like such a jerk the next time I see him. Ditto if he was someone I know, period. But it's worse if it's this guy because I have a feeling he'll think I'm ditzy or just plain insane or something. *sigh*
If I see someone I know wearing that cap or something similar, I'll have to ask if he stopped by my work, and if so, not only explain but also apologize profusely. Hopefully, if he was someone I know, he'll laugh it off. So embarrassing!
I still haven't a clue who it could have been though.
My only consolation is realizing that facial recognition blackouts happen to a lot of people now and then. A coworker explained how she blanked out on a cousin she knew when she met the cousin on the street (where she wasn't in the habit of seeing him), and it wasn't until a good 5 minutes or more of small talk had gone by that she realized who he was. That and he mentioned some relatives of theirs. ;-) A friend told me that his mother had snuck up on him in the town center, and he had no idea whom she was, even though he was looking right at her, for several moments. In fact, this was a common occurrence for my mom where she used to work. T. and I sometimes visited her after school, and she wouldn't know who we were for several minutes because she wasn't expecting us to be there.
There is some comfort knowing I'm not alone, but it's a small comfort.
Over the past few days, I've had to refer to my 100 things that make me happy (the list so far) several times. Just to remind myself.
Tuesday of last week, there were three very random moments. The first two aren't important to this post. It's the third one that's left me obsessing. The third moment involved a gentleman I did not recognize coming into the office, just as I returned from my coffee run and errands. I figured he was a patient or maybe he had followed me in off the street and wanted to make an appointment. I'd started to make a phone call and had to hang up when I heard the door open, and then there he was, wearing a dark colored Marines cap. (The cap said "Marines" on it. I don't know if it really was a Marines cap or not.) And then he opened his mouth. Instead of what I expected him to say, he said something totally unexpected and seemingly random. My brain was still trying to process and was thinking "Who are you and how do I know you?" but my mouth said something else. Before my brain could finish figuring it out, he said something, shrugged then left.
I was left thinking "What was that all about?"
Of course, when I told T. about this later, she suggested that it's possible I *did* know the person. Maybe he was someone I see only occasionally. Maybe he was at the coffee place I just came from, and I hadn't noticed. Maybe I didn't recognize him because he was out of context -- in a location I don't usually see him in. And so I didn't recognize him. Then she pointed out I tend to do this sometimes and used two neighbors as an example. One neighbor I'd seen around for months, even saying "hi" to, without realizing he was my neighbor. Another neighbor I say "hi" to walked past me one day, and I didn't recognize him until he walked up to his house .. and then it clicked. Context.
It's worse when I'm distracted, and yes, I was distracted when I returned to work Tuesday. I was still thinking about the previous two random things, and then another seemingly random moment was thrown into the loop.
So anyway .. T. put the idea in my head, and I've been obsessing about it. I haven't seen anyone wearing the same cap so maybe I'm right, and it was a random moment from a random person. But maybe, just maybe, it wasn't, and that thought is making me crazy!! and sad. I certainly don't want to have snubbed someone I know. I certainly would have reacted differently. What's worse is .. I'm afraid it could have been this guy I actually like. Highly unlikely since I've been told by someone else that he's just friendly, and I should stop reading into his friendliness, but still .. geez. If it was, I'm an idiot and will feel like such a jerk the next time I see him. Ditto if he was someone I know, period. But it's worse if it's this guy because I have a feeling he'll think I'm ditzy or just plain insane or something. *sigh*
If I see someone I know wearing that cap or something similar, I'll have to ask if he stopped by my work, and if so, not only explain but also apologize profusely. Hopefully, if he was someone I know, he'll laugh it off. So embarrassing!
I still haven't a clue who it could have been though.
My only consolation is realizing that facial recognition blackouts happen to a lot of people now and then. A coworker explained how she blanked out on a cousin she knew when she met the cousin on the street (where she wasn't in the habit of seeing him), and it wasn't until a good 5 minutes or more of small talk had gone by that she realized who he was. That and he mentioned some relatives of theirs. ;-) A friend told me that his mother had snuck up on him in the town center, and he had no idea whom she was, even though he was looking right at her, for several moments. In fact, this was a common occurrence for my mom where she used to work. T. and I sometimes visited her after school, and she wouldn't know who we were for several minutes because she wasn't expecting us to be there.
There is some comfort knowing I'm not alone, but it's a small comfort.
Sunday, January 02, 2011
#65. Identify 100 things that make me happy. (1-27)
I decided to review my 101 in 1001 days list this morning and tackle item #65. Identify 100 things that make me happy. This is a partial list at the moment because I don't want to just type as many things as possible without giving it much thought. I really want it to be a list of "100 things that make me happy" that I can refer to when I need a little reminder. ;)
1. My neice
2. Chocolate
3. Writing
4. Books
5. Stories/Storyelling
6. Walking
7. Watching movies
8. Making/creating things
9. Miniatures
10. The ocean
11. Listening to music (live music, on the radio, on my iPod, etc.)
12. My family
13. Sunshine
14. Making lists
15. Exploring new places, especially on foot
16. Taking a cruise
17. Small children playing, laughing, running
18. Eating ice cream, especially mint chocolate chip, with jimmies on a cone
19. Looking at old family photos and family albums
20. Learning new things
21. Daydreaming
22. Tap dance, Irish step, Flamenco, .. I love hearing the tap-tap-tap sounds when the person is dancing
23. Fruity scents .. strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, oranges, apples, etc.
24. Having time to myself
25. Ferry rides, boat tours, etc. - This one is closely related to #10 and #16, but deserves its own number, I think
26. Eating out, especially for breakfast, brunch or lunch
27. Grazing. I'd rather "graze" throughout the day, eating several "mini-meals" and snacking than have to endure the traditional three (large) meals a day all the time. Buffets, dim sum, tapas, etc., make me happy because I can have a little of this and a little of that instead of large portions of things I really only want a bite of. Grazing and snacking make me happy.
That's it for now. I'll revisit this list now and then and add to it. The results I'll share as the list progresses.
So tell me, what makes you happy?
I decided to review my 101 in 1001 days list this morning and tackle item #65. Identify 100 things that make me happy. This is a partial list at the moment because I don't want to just type as many things as possible without giving it much thought. I really want it to be a list of "100 things that make me happy" that I can refer to when I need a little reminder. ;)
1. My neice
2. Chocolate
3. Writing
4. Books
5. Stories/Storyelling
6. Walking
7. Watching movies
8. Making/creating things
9. Miniatures
10. The ocean
11. Listening to music (live music, on the radio, on my iPod, etc.)
12. My family
13. Sunshine
14. Making lists
15. Exploring new places, especially on foot
16. Taking a cruise
17. Small children playing, laughing, running
18. Eating ice cream, especially mint chocolate chip, with jimmies on a cone
19. Looking at old family photos and family albums
20. Learning new things
21. Daydreaming
22. Tap dance, Irish step, Flamenco, .. I love hearing the tap-tap-tap sounds when the person is dancing
23. Fruity scents .. strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, oranges, apples, etc.
24. Having time to myself
25. Ferry rides, boat tours, etc. - This one is closely related to #10 and #16, but deserves its own number, I think
26. Eating out, especially for breakfast, brunch or lunch
27. Grazing. I'd rather "graze" throughout the day, eating several "mini-meals" and snacking than have to endure the traditional three (large) meals a day all the time. Buffets, dim sum, tapas, etc., make me happy because I can have a little of this and a little of that instead of large portions of things I really only want a bite of. Grazing and snacking make me happy.
That's it for now. I'll revisit this list now and then and add to it. The results I'll share as the list progresses.
So tell me, what makes you happy?
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