"Put 'em up, Put 'em Up"*

I'm warning the world, okay? I'm in a seriously pugnacious, pugilistic, antagonistic, combative, contentious, hostile, quarrelsome, scrappy, truculent, warlike mood today. If that's not clear enough...

You've probably figured out I've waded into it on the BB again. But I'm tired of not posting or saying anything because I don't want to be lambasted again. Seems lately people on there are feeling like it's okay to call names if you don't agree with someones opinion or experience. Which has made me wary and, frankly, has me avoiding the BB. Which is now pissing me off because I've been part of that community for almost 7 years now, before quite a few of these people showed up. I hate feeling like I'm being chased off a BB I've enjoyed so much in the past. And maybe I'm being too self-conscious and haven't really waded into it. And maybe I'm coming across as mean or antagonistic or nasty or something. I don't know. I do know I get passionate when debating ideas...in a good way. I love to talk and debate and hear new ideas, etc. Maybe that just doesn't come across in this type of forum. Just seems like the last few times I've posted my opinion on a topic it becomes icky - at least for me.

Anyway. I'm about ready to bean one of my coworkers with a rubber band. [rolling my eyes] She's driving me crazy about the move. We're color-coding our boxes and putting the same color on our office door jambs so the movers know where to take each box...and to help us "guide" them as they come into the new office with the stuff without having to reach each individual box label. She now wants to use special round stickers, not the colored post it notes we already have. Because the little circles have glue all around them, the post its don't. I suggested she just tape the post it's on (like I've already done with mine). She doesn't have tape, hasn't had tape for nine months, etc, and so on. Okay. EVERY OTHER DESK IN THIS OFFICE HAS TAPE. It's not that hard to borrow, ya know?

She also was complaining yesterday because we packed up the front counter. Including the little file tray next to the printer that blank paper is usually stacked in. We left a little paper, after making sure the printer was full. She comes out there and starts on with "Can't we leave the tray?" I said just leave the paper on the counter. She comes back with the counter is dirty. (hah!) I pointed out that the wipes for the counter were literally right there at her elbow and she could wipe it off and put the paper down. Does she? NO. She puts the paper in the bypass tray and walks away. Stupid bitch. What the hell would it have hurt her to wipe the counter (which didn't need it) and put the paper down. This is also the one person in the office that's not helping pack anything but her own stuff.

Well, I'm sorry. The few of us that are making sure everything else gets packed will be moving computers to the new location tomorrow and setting those up, so we won't be around to pack. And they're breaking down the desks starting at 8am. Not sure what she doesn't understand about everything needing to be packed by 5pm TODAY.

Wow. I'm seriously being irritated by people lately. I think I need to find a cave to crawl into. I'm ready to yell at my neighbor because when she waters her lawn, she turns it on full force, puts it next to the fence, and waters half my front yard. Which is what killed the plants I put in the front flower bed on that side last year...(I deliberately select plants with low water needs to conserve) And it totally derailed my plans for trimming the front yard Sunday. By the time I realized what was happening, the grass was soaked. And then the guy 2 doors down decided to do some outside work around 9 pm last and use the stereo on his truck for music. My floors were rattling to the bass, and I could make out the words. Thank goodness he turned it off a half hour or so later...I was going insane. Couldn't hear my TV without blasting it; and I'd really been enjoying reading a book in the peace and quiet until then. I heard my neighbors kid wake up crying shortly after the music started. Heh. If I'd been her, I'd've been seriously ticked at that.

Argghhh. I need to let this stuff go. I've always said it's the little things in life that're gonna give me an ulcer. I need a time out. Online and in person!

*The Cowardly Lion in the Wizard of Oz.

I vs I

Sitrep: Embarassed to write this - nothing for the last 2 weeks. [hanging head]

Today's Goal: 15 minutes of Bootcamp

Christmas this year was most excellent (as Bill & Ted would say.) Woke up at 2am, unable to sleep. And not in any Xmas morning excitement kinda way, either. In a too-much-Clar.itin kinda way. sigh. I loaded up the car and headed over to my little sister's at 6 am. She wanted me there at 6:30 but originally I said no, but I'd do 8am. Then we haggled a bit and settled on 7:30. I texted her at 6am to let her know I was on the way. Naturally, they were all awake and waiting impatiently for me.

The morning passed in a frenzy of glittery paper and bows and boxes and squeals of delight. Some presents were even kissed. Not the giver...the gift got kissed. LOL. It wasn't me, and it wasn't a book...It was, however, a gift I gave. ;) Instead of a big dinner, we made a big breakfast. Eggs, homemade biscuits, gravy, sausage, bacon...Oh, what a delight. Even better, we didn't cook or eat until after the presents were all opened. Whoo-yah. Now we're talking. I always hated opening our stockings, then having breakfast and then opening our presents. For pity's sake....A girl can only take so much!

I got tons of cool stuff. Even GIRL STUFF. Yes, it merits capital letters. [g] Eyeshadow, nail polish...Of course, Michelle whispered in an aside to me "we'll show you how to use it." Heehee. Now I need to stop eating my nails. Got "Metro Girl" by Janet Evanovich. I lied to my little sister. She was so happy to have found it, although I've already read it. When she asked if I had, I said "Nope." Sorta true...I listened to it on audiobook so I haven't actually read it. But it's been her first attempt to pay attention to what I like and go pick out the present herself. Got my "wicked" good slippers (putting them to good use.) And some great PJ's. The best part about this Xmas was all the stuff I got was stuff I needed and can use.

One surprise gift I got was the DVD of "The Secret". Based on the popular book. Or it seems a popular book. Shanni's older sister carries it with her everywhere; it's her "bible". So. Not having read the book, I was clueless. Got home around noon, made the return call to my parents, and then popped the movie in. It was interesting. Nothing new to my ears (maybe I watch too much Discovery Channel and History Channel.) Reminds me of a lot of Eastern Philosophy, Chi, etc. But it's a good message.

Especially if Shanni's older sister actually follows through and does this. Focus on the positive, etc. But if you ask me, that girl just needs a swift kick in the butt and nobody willing to bail her out. ;) But back to "The Secret"; I'm a bit of a skeptic, had to roll my eyes at some parts, the background a bit distracting (especially that darn floating key - I kept wanting to click on it....too much video gaming, maybe?!?) , the lettering extremely hard to read. Of course, that last could be my eyes and my smallish TV set. I've been pricing HDTVs but just can't make myself spend that much.

One thing that stuck with me was a comment one of the "experts" (not sure what they are called. Holders of the Secret???) made. It basically went like this: There's being informed and then there's being inundated. Huh. Kinda what I do to myself, I think. Which is probably why I had that huge rant the other day all sparked by wanting some Clarit.in-D.

I have a tendency to get inundated very easily...especially when it comes to politics and current events, etc. But even in everyday life. It's why I like it out here so much, and why city living is just not for me. I loved visiting my brother & sil in TN, but was so glad to get off the plane here in MT. I can't remember ever feeling such relief upon arriving home. [It could also have been because of the delays and missed connections and hostile airline staff.]

Anyway. I'm working on my "shields" but it's imperfect at best. And when I'm tired or sick...My brain gets to a point I can't process anything on it's own, but everything all at once. It's overwhelming. So I just need to learn the point between being informed and being inundated. And learn when to turn everything OFF. The TV does not need to be on all the time. Try some music instead, Nat. ;)

PS - I beat the "Changing Brains" chapter in the "Nightmare Before Christmas" game. Hah. It only took me a solid 2 hours on the 24th. But I did it. Once. Got a nightmare rank of "C". Haven't tried it again. The only time you can get the brain into the Doctor's head is to throw it right before the darn bolts of electricity fire. Just make sure you have a life left. Or you die before the brain goes in. Stupid game. ;( Beat the next chapter multiple times that night too. It was an easy one! :) I also figured out if I went to town and stocked up on "life" and "firebombs", etc, then saved the game before attempting the brain changing part, I could just exit the game when I died instead of choosing "continue". Then I'd reload the saved game. Didn't loose money or "life" that way. Hah. :)

Shifting Gears

Sitrep: Zero. Zip. Zilch.

In my defense, I was traveling a good part of Sunday & didn't get my BodyRev & Perfect Pushup back until yesterday when my suitcase made it back to town. Last night was all about unpacking, and finishing my SILs Xmas present. I know, I know, I'm making excuses...I definitely could have and should have done either abs or a set of PPU. Tonight.

I was talking on the phone with Janet W last night, and had the most astonishing revelation. So astonishing I didn't realize it until this morning. [g] Gotta be the 2-days travel followed by diving into things at work. Man, I hate going back to work after a vacation. Especially this one. I really had such a good time, and didn't realize how much I would miss my SIL, brother, and the kids. It was kind of a let-down not being with them the last few days!

But on to my "revelation". JanetW asked if I was looking better what with all the exercise I've been doing lately. And I said no, but that's okay, I'm still down the 20 pounds, and still down the 2 pant sizes that I lost during the first year of using the BodyRev. But I'm okay with that. And it's true. It doesn't bug me that I'm not losing more weight, etc. Because I feel so much better when I work out. It's just so weird. :) Even when I do the pushups, and that is so not something I ever thought I'd "hear" myself say. And that's really how I feel. Oh, sure, I want to lose another 20 pounds and really tone so I can look hot in a swimsuit...But I'm okay with feeling better and healthier and having energy, etc. It's all in the attitude, anyway. And I'm sure I'll need reminding of that along the way. :) I'm bound to have "I'm so fat" days in the future. It happens to everyone!

It's just such a good feeling to have energy and motivation to do stuff. :) So on with the BodyRev and Pefect Pushup and yes, even Bootcamp!!!! (Although I'm thinking Saturday might be the day to start that, so I don't have to go to work in agony.) Anyone want to take bets on how much of Bootcamp I'll be able to do my first time out? I'm aiming for 10 minutes before collapsing...

Stone cold sober, I find myself fascinating

Katherine Hepburn said that in an interview with Dick Cavett on his show, 1973.

It was on Turner Classic Movies last night. And has to have been one of the funniest things I've seen/heard in a long time. :) Makes me grin just remembering it. I originally put it on for background noise to fall asleep to, but was too fascinated by it. She was great. I've always liked her, but find myself admiring her more now and wanting to read her autobiography. [Just checked, it's available on Audio CD read by none other than Katharine herself! I must get this!] She must have been a hoot to know.

When she said that line, it was in response to Cavett asking her about drinking and drugs, etc, when she was in Hollywood, then, now. In reference to cocaine she remarked that she "had enough energy on her own." Then she made the comment that became my title today. My ribs hurt by the end of the interview from laughing.

She totally took control of that interview. Like I imagine she took control of her life. We should all be so lucky to be as wonderfully at ease and peace with our decisions as she came across in this interview...

I really need to get it on tape.

Cavett: "Do you regret never having acted with [Lawrence] Olivier?"
Hepburn: "Neither of us is dead yet."