Category Archive

So by now, most people have heard about the teenage girls in Massachusetts who made a pact to all get pregnant at the same time so they could raise their babies together. Me, when hearing about this, “Are you kidding me?!”

I don’t want to think about being pregnant now, at 33, let alone at age 16. Mostly because the thought of having children scares the heck out of me. Where will I get the patience needed to raise children? What if they grow up to hang out with other kids who think having babies at 16 is a really good idea? What if, like my mother cursed, I really DO have kids just like me??

I remember voicing some of my (legitimate) concerns about having children to my mom once. She, someone who had kids at a young age, said, I guess that’s one reason to have them when you’re younger because you’re too stupid to think about things like that. I don’t know about stupid, but ignorant might be a better word. There’s a lot of unknown. And I think a lot of it is not even known until the baby actually arrives.

I’m curious to know what will happen to the teens, their families, the babies and the fathers of the babies. Everyone whose lives will be affected by this. And please don’t tell me these girls are going to have to go on welfare and that means my tax dollars will help pay to raise these children.

On a related note: I heard there’s a new reality TV show coming out where young couples have to take care of babies and toddlers. That should be interesting.

It was pizza and beer night, and we substituted wine for the beer. The sex was a nice bonus! I was in bed by 9:00. I read for a little while, then turned off the TV and light and was out within seconds. I was tired. I feel a lot better this morning. I still plan on sleeping more this weekend. I’m looking forward to it.

Lastly, I’m trying VERY hard to ignore the chocolate glazed donut that is calling my name. It’s sitting right behind me, taunting me. Stupid donut.

I’ve been married for 44 days now.

I never believed ANYONE when they said, “When you turn 30, things start going downhill - your body changes.” Or, “Take care of yourself, your body will thank you.” Know why I never believed anyone? Because up until, oh age 28 or so, I was indestructible. Invincible. Nothing could hurt me. I was young and healthy and movin’ on up to the east side.

Huge revelation that came about a month after I turned 30. Yep, things really DO start going downhill. On the inside and outside. It’s now been 3.5 years since I turned 30 and things are still going downhill. Not like a runaway train heading down the Rockies, but more like the water slowly circling down a badly-clogged drain.

For example, I have 6 moles on my body that need to be removed because the dermatologist thought they looked suspicious. This is in addition to the atypical mole that was removed a couple of years ago. Can I just say it again, Stay out of the tanners! Use your sunscreen! For the love of your skin, please!! And I have itchy nipples. No, they’re not oozing or leaking or whatever. But they never itched before! They look ok. I’ve been to the doctor and mentioned it to my dermatologist - both gave me lotions to use. I hate trying to control the symptoms and not looking for what is causing them. Help me!! I’ve been doing some reading online and scaring myself a little. So it’s back to the doctor for me to find out what’s up. And my skin is less-firm. And my hands are looking a little older than I’d like. I wish I had worn gloves during those years of first-job-washing-dishes, and every other time I’ve washed dishes at home. And there’s the furrow in my brow. As in, “if you keep doing that your face will stick that way.” It sure did stick that way. To botox or not to botox - is that the question?

I guess it’s just funny how my body has changed. Some things maybe I could have prevented and others - well, who knows what God has in mind for me. But it makes me realize how much I really need to take care of myself. So, again with the balance. Healthy thoughts, healthy living, healthy eating for a healthy mind and healthy body. I want to be around for a while, and I want to be able to get around easily and enjoy life.

I just found a picture of myself from a few years ago when I was at the peak of my weight loss. Holy cow I looked good! I don’t look bad now, but have definitely gained about 8 solid pounds (in my middle) and am not comfortable with myself. I feel heavy. Sluggish. Jiggly.

I used to be really good about saying No to food. I didn’t eat food at work that someone else had brought. I didn’t eat cake or cookies or cheese or ice cream. I ate veggies and oatmeal every day. And I exercised 90 minutes a day after work - 30 minutes of running, 30 minutes of elliptical, 30 minutes of walking. All while watching past episodes of Charmed at the gym. I love Charmed. Lately, I barely make time for the minimum 30 minutes of activity each day.

I need to find a good balance. Healthy food and healthy activity. Start saying NO again. I know the secret to weight loss - there is no secret. Eat less, move more. I’ve done it.

And I need to get away from my desk during lunch. Not that that has anything to do with my physical health, but it sure affects my mental health. The work will get done - it’s sure not going anywhere. Plus, I can use the time to take a quick walk - physical exercise AND mental break.

I’m getting a 15-minute seated-chair massage at 11am this morning. Someone comes to our building once a month to give massages. No, it’s not free. Yes, I wish it were. It’s convenient tho and I’m going to take advantage of it today.

I don’t want to go to E’s kart races anymore.

It was a rough weekend of karting. Thankfully, E didn’t get hurt. His kart didn’t run worth crap and we couldn’t figure out the problem. E’s dad and stepmom always come to the races, too. His dad works on the karts. He assembles them and works on them at home (he’s retired), then does a lot of work on them at the races. This weekend he felt taken advantage of and sent E an email saying E needed to do more work on, and learn about, the karts and when E has a bad day don’t take it out on them (his dad and stepmom).

I have no idea what was said or done. If I’m not needed, I’m usually reading a book or taking a nap. I know nothing about motors or tires or how the trailer is organized. I help lift and push when necessary - which is often since E’s dad’s back surgery. I bring the food for the weekend. Otherwise, I just stay out of the way - which can be helpful in its own way.

I took E’s dad’s email personally. Like maybe I’m just an extra burden to worry about at the track. I told E this and he said to not take it personally and he probably shouldn’t have sent it but he wanted me to know how they felt. I said that I was glad he sent it because I am glad I know. And I don’t want to go anymore. I guess it’s one thing when my own parents are mad at me about something (which thankfully hasn’t happened in years), but to get scolded by someone else’s parents (even tho they’re mine now too) is really hurtful.

I told E to sell everything. Just put a price on the whole trailer and sell the whole lot of it. Then he can buy a motorcycle and get way more use out of it. And if he feels the need to race, he can rent a kart for the weekend from someone else and then the mechanical issues are their problem. I am supportive of whatever he decides to do. I’m done with it.

Just a couple pictures from the wedding. 

I like this one of E and I that (I think) his dad took.  E’s pants look really baggy, but they weren’t otherwise.  And me in the simplest, most inexpensive wedding dress I could find.

 The red shoes - and red polish!

Yesterday, my boss had a meeting with a visitor to our company. When she arrived, I was called to the lobby to escort her to the conference room. While up there, we introduce ourselves and it went something like this…

Me: Melissa *new last name*.

Her: Sue *familiar last name*.

Me: Nice to meet you.

Her: Nice to meet you.

Her: *new last name*? Who is your husband? (because it’s a fact there are no females w/ my new last name unless they are married to someone in the family).

Me: E.

Her: (smiling knowingly) From (small town nearby). (not a question)

Me: Yes.

Her: And you just got married. (again, not a question)

Me. Yes.

Her: (smiling again).

Me: Well, right this way to the conference room. I’ll let *boss’ name* know you’re here.

I tried to cut it off as soon as possible before she could start rubbing her hands together forming a plan in her head ala wicked queen in Snow White. Because the *familiar last name* and the knowing smile = 2+2 and I am a smart cookie and can add that up. This woman was E’s ex’s MOM. From small town, Midwest where everyone knows everything.

So, as you can imagine, it was a little awkward, and typically when I’m in a situation like that I always try and implement the words Rad and Bodacious as many possible times in each sentence to make it even more uncomfortable.

After I got back to my desk, I emailed E with only the subject of Who is Sue *last name*? He responded, Ex’s mother. I said, I thought so. And told him about what happened. He responded, Be glad we don’t live in *small town, Midwest* because then she would know how many days it’s been since we mowed our lawn. I said, She probably already does!

Rad.

I gave up taking step classes a few years ago when I got bored out of my mind by the monotony of the whole thing. Lately, my favorite class has been one called Open Circuit and we do everything and anything. Last week, one of our workouts was outside. I love that class and the instructor AND get my butt kicked and stay interested. That class is only on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Bummer.

Last night (Monday), I decided to try a class at the gym called Step and Strength. I thought, I haven’t been to step class in a long time, maybe it’s changed a bit, I’ll give it a try. And one called Step AND Strength - well maybe that will mix it up just enough to keep me interested. Yeah, no. I watched the clock the whole time. So. Boring.

Then I read an article last night that said that exercise really doesn’t help one lose weight. It’s more about what you eat (or don’t eat) that is the main factor in weight loss and maintenance. I can buy into that. I’ve always been good about exercising - even before I lost the 40 pounds. I can tell that when I’m gaining or losing weight - it really has more to do with what I’m eating (or not). Lots of pizza and cheese - weight goes up, lots of fruits and veggies - weight goes down. It’s not a lot of weight - a pound or three, but enough to make my pants go from a little tight to just right.

Maybe I don’t have to freak out about the exercise so much. I love walking a lot more than step class, and if I don’t burn quite as many calories - oh well. At least I’m moving - and it helps clear my mind. I’ll just skip the second beer the next time I’m out. Or have soup for lunch one more day a week. Or whatever.

Besides all of the crazy severe thunderstorms, tornado warnings, and rain - my weekend was quite nice.

Saturday morning I got up early to go buy groceries. It’s best for my sanity and my have-more-patience-resolution that I avoid stressful situations - even if that means grocery shopping at 7am on a Saturday morning. It’s nice and quiet. Afterwards, I did some laundry and house cleaning, including washing the floors. E cleaned out the garage and mowed the back lawn. (I had mowed the front lawn in record time on Friday just before the first thunderstorm came through.) I had just settled on the sofa for a little nap when E informed me that his dad and step-mom were coming over. We entertained them during their short visit - showing our new furniture and finished basement. After they left, I showered, and THEN took a nap. It was so nice.

Saturday evening we went to a cookout at our friends’ house. It was really a grill-off. With poultry being the main dish. All participants brought their own grills and recipes, and grilling was already in progress by the time we arrived. The food was done at 6:00 sharp and we were all tasting (judging) by 6:05. And oh, was it good! There was grilled chicken pizza - the actual pizza was cooked on the grill, chicken kabobs, turkey with stuffing and gravy (on the grill!), chicken with a cilantro-buttery sauce, smoked chicken, and peanut butter chicken (sounds weird, but it was so good).

Not only were we judging on the grilled portion, but also on side dishes and desserts. I ate way too much. After the eating and voting was over, votes were tallied and the winners announced. Each category winner received a trophy and small gift. There was a short meeting about next year’s grill-off and it was decided that beef would be the main dish. E and I plan to participate next year. This was our first year attending and we weren’t sure what to expect. If you have any tasty beef-on-the-grill recipes, send them my way please.

My dermatologist appointment went well. She did a pretty thorough check of my skin and came up with 6 moles that she’d like to remove and send for testing. Yuck. Good news is that she wasn’t concerned about the pimple-thing on my back that I initially went for. And good news is that she participates in my insurance plan, so I get a bit of a break on the cost.

Really good news that it rained yesterday. Our lawn was so dry that the dirt had cracked - like we were in the desert or something. Our grass, trees and plants are very happy now.

E and I are going to a baseball game tonight. We have free tickets so I don’t have to feel bad about not getting my money’s worth if we show up late because we’re soaking up the air conditioning first at the local bar. Tomorrow we are going to a cook-out hosted by our friends. And Sunday, we’ll be at my grandparent’s house for my Gramma’s birthday. She will be 79.

I also want to buy a file cabinet so I can finish organizing the office. I’m excited about how close it is to being organized. I’m tired of my name-change paperwork lying all over the place.

Other than that, I need to sleep. ZZzzzzz

Early morning before going to work is my time to myself. I don’t have to talk to anyone. I can eat my breakfast and make my lunch in peace. I can read a little or check my email. I have my little routine and if it gets screwed up, I end up forgetting something. Like deodorant.

Sometimes I get really irritated when my morning gets interrupted. It doesn’t help when I haven’t had a good night’s sleep the night before due to something like having to go sleep in the guest bed because someone’s snoring was irritating. Just an example.

And sometimes when that happens I might have a little temper tantrum and not eat all of my breakfast and get mad because there’s no breakfast bars because I didn’t go shopping because I’m the only one who goes shopping. And sometimes that causes me to write really long sentences that may or may not make sense.

And sometimes when I don’t eat all my breakfast or put on deodorant because my morning has been interrupted I leave the house all huffy and drive to work all huffy and decide to wallow in my huffiness all day long because I can.

Funniest part of the wedding: The looks on E’s dad’s and stepmom’s faces when they see me, standing behind the priest, making the throat-cutting motion to let them know not to take pictures during Communion - as they had their cameras up and ready to snap away.

I got my ring back today.  It’s so pretty and sparkly and looks brand new.

E and I met with the priest tonight to go over paperwork and make sure we were all set.  Aaaaand…we also practiced our vows.  I did really well.  Meaning, I didn’t cry.  E said he was trying not to.  He did well, too.

E also picked up our marriage license today. 

It’s nearly official.

And, you know?  It’s some serious stuff.  Yes, I knew it was…know it is…

Anyway, moving right along.

So I got my hair cut yesterday.  I love that it’s short, but I don’t love the style.  I go back on Monday for some color, so I will have my stylist tweak it a little and it should be fine.  I’m still going to look for a new stylist after this.  I have two recommendations to try, so I’ll start with those.  I thought about trying to find a new one before the wedding, but it’s so hard to break in a new stylist.  I figured I can work with whatever my stylist gives me.

And, it’s Friday and I couldn’t be happier about that.  So I’m off to enjoy my weekend.  Some painting in the basement, dinner with the girls on Saturday, and sleeping in. 

Where is your cell phone? In my bag

Your significant other? He’s a wonderful guy who amazingly puts up with my crazy mood swings and makes me laugh and can also cook and clean.

Your hair? Getting cut (off) today!! Hooray!

Your mother? I love her.

Your father? I am just like him. And I love him too.

Your favorite thing? Time to myself. Or at least time away from work.

Your dream last night? I was trying on some weird robe thing and all of a sudden I was getting married - wearing the ugly robe, and I could see my sister-in-law totally waving from among the sea of faces of those who were there to witness the wedding.

Your favorite drink? Something warm (pumpkin spice latte) in the winter and cold (Oberon) in the summer.

Your dream/goal? Win the lotto

The room you’re in? Cube at work.

Your ex? No idea.

Your fear? Skin cancer or having a stress-related heart attack - which makes me stress even more.

Where do you want to be in 6 years? Happy. Oh, where? Somewhere I’m happy.

Where were you last night? Gym, then home to do the seating chart, had some dinner and cleaned house a bit.

What you’re not? Content. And I should be. What’s up with that?

Muffins? I like the really high-calorie chocolate ones. Mmmm..

One of your wish list items? A vacation home. Or even just a vacation.

Where you grew up? Playing in the yard and woods with my brothers.

The last thing you did? Turned on the lights. Yeah, I showed some skin.

What are you wearing? Jeans and t-shirt. It’s take your child to work day and we’re hosting some activities.

Your TV? Wish I were lying in bed with it turned off.

Your pets? No pets.

Your computer? Too heavy to lug back and forth from work to home, but I do it anyway.

Your life? Quite good actually.

Your mood? Also quite good right now.

Missing someone? Yes

Your car? Just got fixed yesterday to the tune of $300. So much for not spending money before the wedding.

Something you’re not wearing? Engagement ring. It’s off being prettied up for the wedding.

Favorite store? Target. And Fossil - I love watches.

Your summer? My perfect summer? Warm, breezy, sunny, no humidity. Likely summer? Hot and humid. Blah.

Like someone? I’m like my dad, and a bit like my mom. Oh, and I’ll have to tell a funny story about my nephew being like me. Makes me proud!

Your favorite color? All of them.

When is the last time you laughed? Last night. Too early yet today.

Last time you cried? Two nights ago, it was a follow-up to the mini-breakdown at work that morning.

Two posts in one day! 

A co-worker made me think of this…cropped pants and cropped sleeved jackets in one outfit make the wearer look like their clothes are too small.  If i wear a cropped sleeved jacket, I wear a skirt (supposed to be short (er)) or long pants.  And if I wear cropped pants, I would wear short or long sleeves - not inbetween.  And always heels with cropped pants.  She did that part right.  Just saying.

I have not been able to come up with any fun exciting topics for my blog lately. And as much as I like to think I write for myself (sometimes I do - straight-up diary style), I like to write for my (2? Maybe 3? Readers). Hang with me, loyal readers. I’ll try to do better. Not today.

My life is pretty much consumed with wedding and work. And I’m very much ready to be married and win the lotto.

I get a little bit of a break tonight when I go out to dinner with friends. One of them is in town for a couple of days. The bad thing is she’ll want to ask questions about the wedding. I know, I know. I’m just tired of talking about it. It’s just a small wedding, as simple as I could make it. It’s really not even that exciting to talk about.

I just want to BE married. I’m about done with the wedding part.

And how bad is this, that once again I can’t even enjoy what’s going on right now because I’m looking ahead to what is on the other side. Can I please just slow down and enjoy this? It’s never going to happen again.

On a good note, I checked our wedding registry and someone finally bought us something. I’m not ALL about the gifts, but I told E that if his mom made us register and then I got all excited and then no one bought us anything I was going to be kind of mad.

And I’m going to a press conference for work this morning, so I’m going to get ready for that. I’m going to practice living just today. Not 2 days from now, not 3 weeks from now…just today. Wish me luck.

Two weeks from today I will be getting married. It’s almost overwhelming when I really think about it. Yes, we’ve prepared and discussed and prepared and discussed some more. I am sure that E is the man I want to spend the rest of my life with.

The funny thing is…I’m nervous about the stupid things.

I’m nervous my dress isn’t good enough. I didn’t spend a lot on my dress because I didn’t want to, but I’m afraid it shows. And I’m afraid I’ll be judged, at least a little, because of it. Not by my family and friends - they love me no matter what. But I don’t want E’s family and friends to think less of me.

I’m nervous about seating arrangements. Will everyone be happy where they are and not feel slighted if they don’t have the perfect view of E and I. It sounds egotistical, but really - try putting Gramma in a seat in the back and see what happens.

I’m nervous I’ll bawl through the whole ceremony starting from the moment I wake up in the morning and E’s family will think I’m a total freak. I’ve managed to keep this side of myself from them thus far. For the most part. My family is totally used to it. Oh, she’s crying again? No biggie.

Ok, when I write it all out it sounds kind of stupid, so I’ll remember that and just focus on the good stuff.

In honor of my 100th post:

1. I like food.
2. A lot.
3. And shoes.
4. A lot.
5. I lost 40 pounds a little over 3 years ago.
6. It was kind of easy.
7. I sometimes struggle with weight even now.
8. I’m engaged.
9. I’m getting married in 40 days.
10. To a really great guy.
11. Who doesn’t mind me having short hair.
12. Then I’m going to Italy for my honeymoon.
13. I have 3 brothers.
14. They are included in my list of best friends.
15. I have 3 nephews and a niece.  
16. I love them.
17. And I love how funny they are.
18. I don’t want my own kids.
19. I love to bake.
20. I often give baked goods away because I can’t have them in the house. (see #1 and #7)
21. I love to cook too.
22. I’m hoping for a nice set of pots and pans for the wedding.
23. Even though I would be perfectly happy with no presents.
24. I hate disrespect.
25. I think lack of respect will be the downfall of everything.
26. I am average height, yet pants marked average are too long for me unless I’m wearing heels.
27. I like to wear heels.
28. I hate white shoes.
29. I don’t wear bikinis.
30. I love sunshine.
31. I don’t always like being in the sun.
32. I wear spf 70 sunscreen.
33. I had an “abnormal” mole removed.
34. I used to use tanning beds.
35. Once, while at the beach, I burned my face so bad it blistered.
36. The skin on my face hasn’t been the same since.
37. I might want a dog someday.
38. I love pizza.
39. I could eat it every day.
40. I love wine.
41. I love Starbucks.
42. “Grande nonfat no whip pumpkin spice latte, please” is one of my favorite things to say.
43. Note the “please”.
44. I think saying please and thank you is super super important.
45. I like washing dishes.
46. Washing dishes at a restaurant was my first job.
47. I like when E asks if I want to “fool around”.
48. I like “fooling around”.
49. I have a college degree.
50. I want to take classes for fun, to learn.
51. I like to learn.
52. I think old people are great.
53. I recycle what I can.
54. I use tote bags for grocery shopping.
55. I really like the LL Bean tote bags.
56. I love to walk.
57. I like to ride my bike.
58. I am good helper.
59. I like to help people who are appreciative.
60. I like having a clean house and work area.
61. I am very practical.
62. I love mowing the lawn.
63. It’s perfect multitasking – exercise and doing chores all in one.
64. I prefer to have the bed made in the morning.
65. I have been known to make the bed just prior to getting into it at night.
66. I love the European idea of long lunches.
67. And wine at lunch.
68. I like music.
69. I like to travel.
70. I like cruises – multiple stops in one trip, and only unpacking once.
71. I don’t ski.
72. The artwork in our dining room is framed open-wheel racing posters.
73. They are quite tasteful.
74. My parents are divorced.
75. They get along pretty well.
76. I don’t want to be divorced.
77. For better or for worse is a really serious promise.
78. Really serious.  And a little scary.
79. I promised to do a Baja buggy trip down the Baja peninsula for our 5^th anniversary.
80. I think it will be fun.
81. Sometimes compromise sucks.
82. I love musicals.
83. I would rather see a movie at the theater than watch it at home.
84. E has at least twice as many clothes as I do.
85. I’m not sure who has the problem here.
86. I have a lot more shoes though.
87. We both have a lot of jackets/coats.
88. I took French in high school.
89. I love that language.
90. I have taken some basic Spanish classes in the last few years.
91. I want to expand on that.
92. Sometimes I don’t want to change my last name.
93. My friends are amazing people.
94. I love magazines.
95. I was always reading books growing up.
96. I am good at reading maps.
97. I like to nap while riding in the car.
98. I like to play with the radio/iPod a lot too.
99. I like to laugh.
100. I think I am a good person.

Don’t ask for my zip code and get all pissy when I ask, Why?  I said, No thanks (note the THANKS). I don’t care if “they’re” doing a survey.  You told the lady in front of me to have a nice day.  It’s probably better that you didn’t tell me to have a nice day.  I would have known you didn’t mean it, and I would have replied, You’re not the boss of me.  And meant it.

WordPress is showing I edited certain posts that I know I didn’t edit.

Last night I was looking through E’s old yearbooks. Gah - the hair!! And the mustaches. Those seniors sure did love their mustaches. I pointed at one picture of big 80s hair and said, And this poor girl is still walking around with this hair style.

Apple pie. My favorite. My mom makes the best. She said mine was pretty darn good though. Score!

Las Vegas. See “K”

Money. Yes, I like it. Yes, I’d like some more. Please.

Nuts! What I usually say instead of the F-word.

Oh how I love crossing things off my to-do list. It’s long, but I am working on it. Also, I love lists.

Patience. I have VERY little of it. Gah, so little. I am working on it. It’s a daily struggle.

Quit giving my tax dollars to people who don’t deserve it.

Reading magazines. I do this regularly. I have many subscriptions. I like to flip through them first and then go back and read everything.

Shopping and Shoes. I love them both.

Toyota. The type of car I just bought.

Ugh. I’m tired of my hair and want to cut it off. I’m trying to grow it out (options for the wedding), but (see “P”) I’m just not sure I’m meant to have long hair.

Very tired and in need of a vacation.

William. My oldest nephew. He started kindergarten this year, and is very smart.

XXX. I’ve been known to watch it. Maybe enjoy it. Just sayin’.

Yes! My friend had her baby last night and I’m going to see them today. Can’t wait!

Zzzz. What I’d like to be doing right now.

E and I have been meeting with the priest at our church for pre-marriage stuff. He (the priest) is such a nice guy and really seems to care about people. Just seems happy to be a priest; he’s really into celebrating mass instead of just reciting words and actions. I know I shouldn’t sound surprised, but some priests just act like it’s a chore and they’d really rather be elsewhere. I’m really glad I found this church when I moved. Besides the priest being nice, the other members seem equally as nice.

As part of the marriage prep, we had to take the Myers-Briggs personality test. It’s meant to be used as a way to help us communicate better with each other. If we each understand how the other person communicates, then we are better able to communicate with them and understand them. We’re scheduled to meet with the test coordinator to get our results next week. I’m curious to see the results.

We also have a meeting scheduled with the coordinator of the reception site we like.  And in contact with the band we want to have. We’re still working on the guest list.

And, most importantly, discussing the honeymoon. We both really want to go to Italy, and just need to get those details worked out.

For the near future, E’s mom is planning a little party for us so that I can meet her side of the family. I met them at her dad’s (E’s grampa’s) funeral a couple of years ago, but that’s never a good time to meet people, and I don’t remember a lot of them anyway. So that will be fun.

We’re getting there.

Ok, so here I am.  Leaving the paper journal/diary behind for the new (to me) and exciting world of blogging.  I’ll give it a try and see what comes out.  Stay tuned for more writing.