Just Now: After The Party Edition

Current time:  12:14 a.m., so I guess it's actually Saturday.  We just had my Mom's surprise 60th birthday, she never guessed.  Everyone just left, tucked the girls in bed.

In my glass:  A very last bit of Carmenere wine I found that I left upstairs.  Also half a Smithwick's, a small glass of champagne with a hibiscus in it and three glasses of water.

In my belly:  Tuscan bean and vegetable soup, bread, marinated olives and way too many cheese and crackers.  Oh, and don't forget a scoop of bread pudding and a slice of my grandmother's apple cake.  (Yes, we do know that food and wine make the party).

In my ears:  "Georgia on My Mind"  Ray Charles, have had my Nora Jones Pandora station on all night.

Out the window: A clear night, a bit of a chill, just went out to turn out the Christmas lights.

On the editor:   A few from tonight but not too many.

Last watched: An episode of River Cottage last night on the computer.  All my television shows are on hiatus for the holiday :-(  

Feeling good about:  Family.  We had my little family, my sister and her boyfriend, my grandparents, my brother and Claire up from Salisbury and my Aunt and her husband all here tonight.  It was fantastic having my house full of family.  It was wonderful being able to surprise my mother.  I love having a house full.  My parents played Just Dance on the Wii and the girls were playing tennis with my brother at 11:00 pm.

Feeling bad about:  Not really bad, but I'm having a hard time getting back into a routine after the holidays, there was Christmas, then this party and Karelyn's birthday is Tuesday.

By my bedside:  Almost done The Ninth Wife, got Deborah Madison's Vegetable Soups from the library this week on Calum and Claire's recommendation.

Making me think:  How lucky I am.

Just Now

Current time: Thursday evening, 7.40pm

In my glass: Coke Zero, though I am seriously considering a Baileys

In my belly: Cold chicken chow mein, leftovers from last night's takeaway

In my ears: blissful silence

Out the window: cold, dark, wet, miserable. I am very happy to be indoors, wearing my favourite warm jumper, yoga pants (I should call them non-yoga pants) and fluffy socks, snuggled up on the sofa by the fire. 

On the editor: nothing. I haven't taken any photographs since the day after Christmas, it's been a very lazy few days here, and likely to continue until January 3rd, when the Prof goes back to work. 

Last watched:  Four episodes of Stargate Universe back to back last night - I bought the Prof the whole series for Christmas, we don't have Sky so haven't seen it yet

Feeling good about: Looking forward to dinner with my parents and brother on New Year's Day, my birthday


Feeling bad about: nothing, right at this moment 

By my bedside: Nicci French's Blue Monday, enjoying it very much 

Making me think: making plans for 2012 and beyond. Mainly my concern is how to make plans without it feeling like a huge to do list. As soon as I have a list of things to do, I want to rebel and do the opposite ;)

Just Now

Current time: Thursday evening, 9.30pm
  

In my glass: Coke.

In my belly: My homemade chicken soup.

In my ears: too much noise from some manic sports programme on the tv. If I could be bothered to get up to reach the remote control, I would turn it down.

Out the window: Twinkly Christmas lights in the neighbour's window opposite.

On the editor: Some photographs I took on Tuesday evening at the fortnightly meeting of our English History group, silly Christmas hats, Saxon helmets, mead and sloe gin. 

Last watched: The Knowing, last night. There's two hours and twenty minutes of my life that I will never get back. 

Feeling good about/ bad about: Today I am made of equal parts jolly and Christmassy and absolutely bloody exhausted. 

By my bedside: This delightful version of the Night Before Christmas, which I bought for myself this year. The Woman He Loved Before, by Dorothy Koomson, which was recommended to me. Not sure about it so far, but giving it time. Half tempted to give it up in favour of Comfort and Joy, by India Knight. Also the Dummies book for my new camera, which I am looking forward to having a look at over Christmas

My wishes for the New Year: Simplicity. Peace. Love. Joy. Cherry brandy and the occasional Cream Tea.  

Just Now: Nine days out

Current time:  3.45, Thursday afternoon

In my mug:  cold coffee. I am always forgetting it, and we no longer have a microwave so I can't warm it up. Think I'll put the kettle on again.

In my belly: do I have to admit all I have eaten all day is a packet of crisps? 

In my ears: nothing today. the last thing I listened to was yesterday, my Salvation Army Christmas CD. It reminds me of Christmases when the Young Philospher was younger, as he went to Sunday School there and we sometimes went to services.

Out the window: It looks cold and windy. Hopefully my washing on the line will be dry. 

On the editor: nothing. I haven't even been using the fancy camera. No inspiration.

Last watched: Do you know, I don't remember. I don't think we have watched any television for a few days. This evening I expect we're going to catch up on taped editions of Masterchef. 

Feeling good about: Last night I went to the Women's Institute Book Group for the first time. I have held back from joining as the one thing I can't stand is to have to finish a book I am really not enjoying, but I have joined in now as it seems the group is very laid back if someone doesn't want to/can't get a particular book read. Last night was held at a local Indian restaurant and it was a really good evening, with ten of us eating good food and chatting books and everything else all night. There was also Secret Santa, we all had to wrap a book we had enjoyed and swap them. The one I wrapped was Thaw by Fiona Robyn of Writing Our Way Home, which I really liked. It is original, funny and a little bit dark, a really good read. The one I was given is May Contain Nuts by John O'Farrell, which looks really funny. I read the first chapter last night and laughed out loud. 

Feeling bad about:  the deadline for posting Christmas cards is in a couple of days and I have not written any yet. It's only nine days to Christmas and I still don't have a tree and decorations up. I have approximately seventy gift items to wrap. That is all. 

By my bedside: A Cupboard Full of Coats by Yvette Edwards. I am about halfway through and thoroughly enjoying it. 

Making me think: I have a big pile of Christmas music and films and I am going to find time to listen to/watch them. Just as soon as I have put up the decorations, written the cards and posted them, given myself Repetitive Strain Injury wrapping presents, and had a nervous breakdown. 

Just Now: Thursday While Girls Are in Bath

Current time:  7:35 p.m.

In my glass:  Glass of iced tea.

In my belly:  Bacon, scrambled eggs and toast.  It was a breakfast for dinner night.

In my ears:  "Unfold" by Jason Mraz.  I don't know I kind of just needed it tonight.

Out the window: Rain.  Yesterday, we went to the concert at school with no coats.  My grandfather mowed the grass yesterday, ten days before Christmas.  I could really go for a snow day, stuck inside.

On the editor:   A few photos from our trip to Longwood Gardens.  I really haven't had the camera out much.

Last watched: Miracle on 34th Street with the girls last weekend.  Love this movie.   

Feeling good about:  This is a tough one, it's been a rough day.  My daughters really cracked me up at dinner though.  Their laughter makes me happy.

Feeling bad about:  I don't know how I didn't give up today.  Overslept.  Almost left without packing Ems lunch this morning.  Put all the Christmas/gift cards for work on my passenger side seat and then my soda fell over and I found them in a puddle of cola when I got there.  Bashed my hip on the crazy heavy vault door at work.  Screwed up about a zillion little things all day.  Got home to a giant envelope from the state prosecutor today (don't like attorney mail, too many bad memories, but they arrested the people who tried to break into my house (teenagers, two boys and a girl) and sent me paperwork for restitution).  Dropped the plastic spatula into the oven tonight, slightly melty.  Dripped bacon grease all over the floor and counter..........ugggghhh.

By my bedside:  The printed pages of the book.  I've been editing a bit at night and do it better on paper than laptop.  Hoping to send them off to you to take a little look at around the first of the year.

Making me think:  How sometimes even surrounded by so many people, when all goes quiet at the end of the night, sometimes I feel really alone.  Your poem yesterday, was such a help.

Just Now: Thursday evening

 

Current time:  6.20pm. Cold, tired, hungry. The Prof has to work late this evening, I am waiting for him to come home with a takeaway.

In my glass:  no glass, can of Coke Zero. 

In my belly:  toast, yoghurt, banana, apple. It's been a picky kind of day. 

In my ears: the wind howling outside, and various crashes which are probably plant pots and the bin being blown over. I'm not going out there to check. 

Out the window: cold, dark, wind. Good reason to be snuggled up on the sofa here.

On the editor: The pictures I took in Canterbury on Monday evening.

Last watched: a programme I had taped, I have several waiting to watch, hints on taking better photographs. I must get over my indecision as to which brand and model and get myself that big girl's camera. It's difficult, you know? I do all this research online but half the time I don't understand what the various features even are. I need to just stop overthinking and pick a camera already. I would like it before Christmas, but with everything else I don't know if I will. 

Feeling good about: oh, that's a struggle. Christmas, I guess, but it's hard to find the enthusiasm at the moment. 

Feeling bad about:  Feeling overwhelmed and exhausted the last few days, once again I have overdone things and have to wait to feel better. Sometimes the worst is not knowing how long for. 

By my bedside: A sadly neglected Simple Abundance and Romancing the Ordinary. 

Making me think:  Oh, I've not time to think!

Just Now: Thursday Night, Exhausted

Current time:  9:28 p.m.  I was going to have myself in bed by 8:30 or 9:00 as I've not gone to bed before 11:00 one night this week, but I see already I'm not going to make that.

In my glass:  Nothing,  I was going to make a cuppa, but decided not too, didn't feel like getting up to pee four times before I went to sleep.

In my belly:  Popcorn, it's what's for dinner.  The girls were at their Dad's, I had an hour and a half before they returned.  I chose an hour bath and popcorn for dinner.

In my ears:  "Beautiful Butterfly"  Innais. I have my yoga channel on Pandora, but I'm in bed.

Out the window: Coldness.  December has finally arrived.  We could see our breath outside tonight for the first time.  Now just some snow for Christmas.

On the editor: Nothing.  I've taken no photos this week since the quick grabs this past weekend.  There has been.....no....time.  This photo I scrolled through and found.  I kind of really like it.  They are potholders sitting on my parent's wood stove I took last time I was there.

Last watched:   The Office, the American version.  Believe it or not I've never seen the British version.  I quit watching it for a few years, but this year I think it's reclaiming itself.

Feeling good about:  Do I say it again, and again, and again.  I'm driving them crazy at work. CHRISTMAS, CHRISTMAS, CHRISTMAS

Feeling bad about:  My time.  I have none.  There's schoolwork, and housework and well, work-work, and then the girls started Taekwondo practice three times a week, and then there is CHRISTMAS.  I am mad, stark, raving, like a lunatic mad right now.

By my bedside:  Read?  Are you kidding?  Actually, I'm reading Karelyn Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban right now, so it's by the side of my bed.  Half a chapter each night.

Making me think:  I think that word I was searching for.  My word for 2012, might need to be balance.

Just Now: Friday Evening

Current time:  8:04 p.m, I actually started this at 7:00 a.m. and never got it finished, it's our busy time of year at work.

In my glass:  King Cole Tea with a smidgeon of honey, forgot to get more last night :-(

In my belly:  Chicken and Broccoli Chinese takeout, minus the chicken gave it to Karelyn.

In my ears:  Revolution, John Butler Trio, been listening to them all week, looove John Butler.

Out the window: there was a frost across the field this morning, but it warmed this afternoon, hard to believe some days it's December.

On the editor: 25 days of Joy, cannot believe how little light I have in my house when I'm working daily on the fly, usually in the evening

Last watched:   The Santa Clause with the girls, right now.

Feeling good about:  Christmas, oh Christmas, it's coming, I love this time of year!  Finished up shopping last night.

Feeling bad about:  i can't list one thing, perhaps not being in a warm bath right now, lol.

By my bedside:  The new Yoga Journal

Making me think:  wondering how I can hold onto this lovely Christmasy feeling all year round, especially when I get the winter doldrums around February/March.

Just Now: Thursday evening

Just Now...

Current time: 11.25pm.

In my mug: tea, one naughty sugar. 

In my belly: jacket potato with tuna, sweetcorn, onion, mayonnaise and a little bit of curry powder. It was unremarkable, probably because I can't taste anything at the moment with my cold. 

In my ears: Christmas songs! It's all I am listening to.

Out the window: Dark, cold and wet.

On the editor: nothing! I am hoping that Finding Joy will motivate me to take more photographs.

Last watched:  Question Time. 

Feeling good about:  Having stuck to the latest diet healthy eating plan all week, despite just wanting comfort food.

Feeling bad about: having a cold, it's making me grumpy. I am still at the stage where every day I feel a bit worse. I will be happier once I get to the turning point and feel a little better every day.

By my bedside:  A Wartime Christmas and The Christmas Books by Charles Dickens. 

Making me think:  A question I was asked recently:

What could you still be?

Just Now: Friday Morning, Slumped In Chair

Just Now...

Current time: 9:49 a.m.

In my glass:  cuppa tea, third one this morning

In my belly:  blueberry bread pudding, we have a tradition of having dessert for breakfast the day after Thanksgiving.

In my ears:  Nat King Cole singing "Silent Night", the Christmas songs played all day the last two days while i've cooked.

Out the window: sunshine and soggy earth

On the editor: a few photos from yesterday, not too much time to take many.

Last watched:  The Peanuts Thanksgiving special, I was dying waiting for it to go off so that we could go to bed.

Feeling good about:  this is the first year that I had Thanksgiving dinner all ready to go at once. i've always been horrible at timing so many things.  i'm thanking for being off work the day before and cooking and prepping the turkey on Wednesday!!  that and everything stacked up covered in aluminum foil on the stove to stay warm.  i found my love of cooking again because i actually had the time to take and concentrate on it with no other distractions.

Feeling bad about: neglecting my yoga practice this week and definitely feeling it.

By my bedside:  the new Artful Blogging, I have four issues I'm getting ready to cut up and make photo collages with for my wall.

Making me think:  why do we spend two days prepping for a meal that lasts twenty minutes and then you're back in the kitchen washing dishes???

Just Now: Friday morning

Just Now...

Current time: 7.20 am

In my mug: coffee

In my belly: nothing yet, McDonald's breakfast in an hour or so, with a big coffee to last me the one and half hour journey

In my ears: silence except for the various noises of central heating, th dog clamouring for her breakfast (no barking, but much thumping of tail) and the Prof getting ready upstairs

Out the window: dark and raining

On the editor: photos from last Sunday in Brighton 

Last watched:  a documentary about he brilliant autistic artist Stephen Wiltshire

Feeling good about: the Prof having a day off work 

Feeling bad about: having to go shopping, ugh. Tempered a little by the fact that it is in Canterbury, one of our favourite places and we are planning a nice lunch while we are there

By my bedside: a novel I picked up at the library that I can't get into and can't even remember the name of

Making me think: As always my mind is all over the place, that monkey mind you talk about, though I have always thought of it more like a grasshopper. I am trying to focus on one thing at a time to avoid getting overwhelmed

Just Now: Thursday evening

Just Now...

Current time: 6.45pm 

In my mug: coke

In my belly: fish and chips

In my ears: this week I have been listening to Christmas music all the time. I'm feeling festive already. November is a bit early for me usually, but it's probably because I am ahead with things for once

Out the window: dark and chilly, though not as cold as it has been this week. Lately I am finding it's hardly worth hanging washing out on the line, it hangs out there all day and feels nearly as wet when it comes in as it was when it went out! 

On the editor: absolutely nothing. I am taking so few photos these days, probably because I don't want to hang around outside very long!

Last watched:  White Oleander, while I was doing the ironing yesterday. I recorded it when it was on television a while back.

Feeling good about: A nice day out shopping with my Mum today. Partially successful, as I got a few Christmas presents, but I couldn't find a coat for myself, which was my main reason for going. I did treat myself to a top, cardigan, two wraps and a satchel though. 

Feeling bad about: not dealing with my paperwork

By my bedside:  the engagement cow, the three books I am reading, bedside lamp, coaster with 'Mum' on it, glass of water. And next to the bedside table--bedroom slippers (no more flip flops or bare feet, brrr!) and a basket of re-enactment kit that needs to be taken up into the loft.  

Making me think: how much I have managed to do lately, despite the odd exhausted afternoon/day. Slightly worried I might be overdoing it and headed for a setback, but so far so good

just now: thursday, tucked into bed

Just Now...

Current time: 8:46 p.m.

In my glass:  no drinks tonight, finding it better not to drink too much before bed, if i hope to sleep all night ;-)

In my belly:  dinner my Aunt Pat cooked, she has taken up post at my grandparents for the next week

In my ears:  lying in bed with Karelyn listening to "Too Much Noise" a song story by Heather Forest

Out the window: starshine


On the editor: more photos from last weekend.  can you believe this rose was still blooming in my grandmother's back garden this week?

Last watched:  Simon's Cat with the girls, always good for a chuckle

Feeling good about:  watching my girls listen to the stories my aunts have been telling with commentary from my grandparents about growing up

Feeling bad about: not much this week.  it's been a good one.  hectic, but happy. perhaps as always wishing for more time

By my bedside:  this month's Yoga Journal

Making me think:  thinking about joining in River of Stones in January?  hmmm, what do you think?