Yesterday afternoon I realized that I needed to find some paperwork from almost 6 years ago. Now, I pride myself in being a pretty organized person. But our personal paperwork situation lacks a bit of organization.
Our only file cabinet is in the office closet and it's completely packed with past bills, receipts, etc. On top of it sits a single, plastic file drawer which is also full. On top of that sits a 6 inch pile of paperwork to be filed. And finally, on the floor is a small portable file for 2006 bills and receipts (since they won't fit anywhere else).
So, you can see I have a rather elaborate system. So when I realized that I needed to find this paperwork, I knew it had to be somewhere in the closet, but the question remained, "Where?"
Chris and I basically tore the closet apart...pulling everything* out. We still hadn't found it and the situation felt a little hopeless. I pulled out the single plastic file drawer all the way (which I was only able to do after we cleared out all the boxes) and stuck my hand down into the pile of old bank statements stacked in the back of the drawer. Lo and behold there was a thick manila envelope. I knew right away that was what we'd been looking for. And, sure enough, it was. What a relief.
All in all it was a productive effort. We ended up throwing 2 garbage bags of stuff away which felt really good. I think I'm getting to the point in life where throwing things away gives me more satisfaction than saving things. I'm into life simplification.
All this reminds me that I never shared my goals for 2007. I'll have to leave that for another post.
*I should mention that in addition to the elaborate file system there are 2 large plastic storage bins of pictures and assorted other stuff. On top of those bins sat probably 10 or 12 boxes from old cell phones, new cell phones and who knows what else. I think it's safe to say that I have a tendency to hold onto things. I mean, how do I know when I buy a new phone or hair dryer that I'm going to keep it? I need to have the box if I'm going to return it. The fact that I never get around to throwing out the boxes even after I no longer have the item is beside the point.
Wednesday, January 31, 2007
Sunday, January 28, 2007
Closure on the GRE...
With all my complaining about taking this test, I figured I could at least provide some closure on the subject. (I didn't do this sooner because I got sick on Wednesday and felt miserable.)
I took the test on Tuesday. It was okay...the writing part wasn't bad and I feel fairly good about how I did. I won't get my score for that section for another couple of weeks.
The math and verbal sections were awful...and if you can believe it (don't forget I just graduated with a degree in English), I did far better on the math section than I did on the verbal. Go figure.
I'm not thrilled with my scores, but they're okay. I don't know if they constitute as "good scores" because I don't really know what a good score is. Suffice it to say, they'll have to do and I'll deal with it when I'm ready to apply to grad school.
Thanks for listening (or not) to all my whining.
I took the test on Tuesday. It was okay...the writing part wasn't bad and I feel fairly good about how I did. I won't get my score for that section for another couple of weeks.
The math and verbal sections were awful...and if you can believe it (don't forget I just graduated with a degree in English), I did far better on the math section than I did on the verbal. Go figure.
I'm not thrilled with my scores, but they're okay. I don't know if they constitute as "good scores" because I don't really know what a good score is. Suffice it to say, they'll have to do and I'll deal with it when I'm ready to apply to grad school.
Thanks for listening (or not) to all my whining.
Saturday, January 27, 2007
Um, the dog ate my homework?
Today was another book club meeting. Despite multiple discussions of adding to the group, so far it is still just me, John and Christina, the three original members. Today we were meeting to discuss the Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay.
Upon arriving at Starbucks, John told me that Christina had e-mailed him to tell him that she had thrown the book across the room at page 70 and never picked it up again. The odd thing is, that there were times when I wanted to throw the book across the room, but it definitely wasn't at page 70...the story was just starting to get really good.
Anyway, I felt really bad because I actually did not finish the book. It's around 650 pages and I was at 463 as Chris pulled into the Starbucks parking lot.
I have a good excuse, though. Ready? I had the GREs on Tuesday (of course you know that because I've been complaining about it all along). Once that was over (thank God) I figured I'd read 50 pages a day until Saturday and I'd be good to go. The problem, however, is that I developed a nasty cold on Wednesday and despite my efforts to read, my head hurt so bad that I just couldn't do it.
So, since Christina hadn't read the book (and therefore didn't come to the meeting), it was just me and John...and he was the only one who finished the book. We had a pretty good discussion, considering the fact that I hadn't read the last 200 pages of the book.
I'm looking forward to finishing the book and getting some closure.
February's book is Life of Pi.
Upon arriving at Starbucks, John told me that Christina had e-mailed him to tell him that she had thrown the book across the room at page 70 and never picked it up again. The odd thing is, that there were times when I wanted to throw the book across the room, but it definitely wasn't at page 70...the story was just starting to get really good.
Anyway, I felt really bad because I actually did not finish the book. It's around 650 pages and I was at 463 as Chris pulled into the Starbucks parking lot.
I have a good excuse, though. Ready? I had the GREs on Tuesday (of course you know that because I've been complaining about it all along). Once that was over (thank God) I figured I'd read 50 pages a day until Saturday and I'd be good to go. The problem, however, is that I developed a nasty cold on Wednesday and despite my efforts to read, my head hurt so bad that I just couldn't do it.
So, since Christina hadn't read the book (and therefore didn't come to the meeting), it was just me and John...and he was the only one who finished the book. We had a pretty good discussion, considering the fact that I hadn't read the last 200 pages of the book.
I'm looking forward to finishing the book and getting some closure.
February's book is Life of Pi.
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
Monday, January 22, 2007
The GRE is tomorrow...
YIKES! is all I can say. I can't believe the GRE is tomorrow.
Leah was over today for a long study session and we decided we'd take a practice test. Oh my gosh. You can choose to have the score show so that with each question you see the score go up (if you get the question right) or down (if you get the question wrong). Let me just say that I saw the score go down a lot.
I can't even believe that we'll be sitting in a room tomorrow for 4+ hours taking this stupid test.
Why am I doing this? Oh yeah, someday I'd like to go to grad school. And again, why would I do this?
I'm brain dead just thinking about it.
Leah was over today for a long study session and we decided we'd take a practice test. Oh my gosh. You can choose to have the score show so that with each question you see the score go up (if you get the question right) or down (if you get the question wrong). Let me just say that I saw the score go down a lot.
I can't even believe that we'll be sitting in a room tomorrow for 4+ hours taking this stupid test.
Why am I doing this? Oh yeah, someday I'd like to go to grad school. And again, why would I do this?
I'm brain dead just thinking about it.
A little changes a lot...
We're in the process of painting our kitchen. Today, Rachel came over and started taking down the ugly border that's been up since we bought the house.
I can remember saying, "We'll take that border down right away." It's now 5 1/2 years later and we're just now doing it. Funny how those "emergencies" get pushed to the back burner.
With Rachel doing most of the work (and me helping) we got the border down in a little less than 3 hours. It looks incredibly different for just taking down a strip of wallpaper around the top of the room. What a major improvement.
Interesting how something that seems so insignificant can make such a huge impact.
I can remember saying, "We'll take that border down right away." It's now 5 1/2 years later and we're just now doing it. Funny how those "emergencies" get pushed to the back burner.
With Rachel doing most of the work (and me helping) we got the border down in a little less than 3 hours. It looks incredibly different for just taking down a strip of wallpaper around the top of the room. What a major improvement.
Interesting how something that seems so insignificant can make such a huge impact.
Thursday, January 18, 2007
Quote of the day...
"Life's too short to wear boring underwear."
--A former coworker
Although kind of funny, there's some truth to this.
And, no, I don't want to discuss this further. ;-)
--A former coworker
Although kind of funny, there's some truth to this.
And, no, I don't want to discuss this further. ;-)
Kind of a weird day...
Today was kind of a weird day. One of my coworkers passed away on Sunday...today was the funeral. It's odd how these kind of events seem to pull people together.
As some of you may know, I've been at my job for almost 11 years. And during this time people have come and gone. Today was a reunion of sorts...there were quite a few former employees who came out to celebrate the life of our fellow coworker.
Some of these people I've seen recently and others not for several years. You almost feel bad saying, "It's good to see you." Or smiling and waving at someone. While these are normal things and people do and say these things all the time, it feels like a kind of betrayal.
The service was very nice...it seems kind of strange to say that, but it was. I'd never been to a Catholic funeral before. And while my church experience has been quite nontraditional, I found a certain comfort in the ritual.
Today was not good or bad...it was just kind of weird. I think I'll have to leave it at that.
As some of you may know, I've been at my job for almost 11 years. And during this time people have come and gone. Today was a reunion of sorts...there were quite a few former employees who came out to celebrate the life of our fellow coworker.
Some of these people I've seen recently and others not for several years. You almost feel bad saying, "It's good to see you." Or smiling and waving at someone. While these are normal things and people do and say these things all the time, it feels like a kind of betrayal.
The service was very nice...it seems kind of strange to say that, but it was. I'd never been to a Catholic funeral before. And while my church experience has been quite nontraditional, I found a certain comfort in the ritual.
Today was not good or bad...it was just kind of weird. I think I'll have to leave it at that.
Monday, January 15, 2007
I wish we hadn't gone to the bank...
Today started like most other Monday mornings, except for the fact that I don't have to work today.
Went to the gym, stopped by the store and the post office and then headed to the bank. The bank wasn't a necessity since it isn't even opened today, but we figured we'd go ahead and deposit some checks through the ATM.
Unfortunately, I looked to the right and noticed that there was a dog walking through the parking lot of Eckerd (right next to the bank). He didn't have a collar on so I knew there was no way to contact his owners. We called Animal Control but they are closed for the holiday and the police officer I spoke to told us there was really nothing we could do.
We knew we couldn't bring him home...for a bunch of different reasons. We don't know anything about him or his health so we can't risk Pebbles and Bam Bam getting sick.* We really can't afford another dog. So with Animal Control and all the shelters being closed, we didn't really have an option.
When we pulled out of the bank parking lot (after numerous phone calls), he was curled up behind a clothing donation drop box. I can't get that picture out of my head. And all I could do when we got home was hug my dogs and cry.
I am outraged by the way people treat animals. Why in the world doesn't he have a collar on? I can only pray that he's okay and eventually finds his way home. And I know I'll always feel guilty for leaving him there. Now I'll spend my holiday wondering where he is and how he's doing and wondering if leaving him there makes me a bad person.
None of this would have happened if we'd waited to go to the bank until tomorrow.
*When we eventually brought Bam Bam home (after he spent a week at the shelter in case his owners were looking for him) we built him a special pen outside because our vet said that not only should we not bring him in the house but he shouldn't even go in the same yard space where Pebbles goes. He stayed in the pen for almost 2 weeks until we could confirm that he wasn't sick and made sure he had all his shots, etc.
Went to the gym, stopped by the store and the post office and then headed to the bank. The bank wasn't a necessity since it isn't even opened today, but we figured we'd go ahead and deposit some checks through the ATM.
Unfortunately, I looked to the right and noticed that there was a dog walking through the parking lot of Eckerd (right next to the bank). He didn't have a collar on so I knew there was no way to contact his owners. We called Animal Control but they are closed for the holiday and the police officer I spoke to told us there was really nothing we could do.
We knew we couldn't bring him home...for a bunch of different reasons. We don't know anything about him or his health so we can't risk Pebbles and Bam Bam getting sick.* We really can't afford another dog. So with Animal Control and all the shelters being closed, we didn't really have an option.
When we pulled out of the bank parking lot (after numerous phone calls), he was curled up behind a clothing donation drop box. I can't get that picture out of my head. And all I could do when we got home was hug my dogs and cry.
I am outraged by the way people treat animals. Why in the world doesn't he have a collar on? I can only pray that he's okay and eventually finds his way home. And I know I'll always feel guilty for leaving him there. Now I'll spend my holiday wondering where he is and how he's doing and wondering if leaving him there makes me a bad person.
None of this would have happened if we'd waited to go to the bank until tomorrow.
*When we eventually brought Bam Bam home (after he spent a week at the shelter in case his owners were looking for him) we built him a special pen outside because our vet said that not only should we not bring him in the house but he shouldn't even go in the same yard space where Pebbles goes. He stayed in the pen for almost 2 weeks until we could confirm that he wasn't sick and made sure he had all his shots, etc.
Saturday, January 13, 2007
Feeling compelled to post...
Since I let The Fayre Word fizzle out, I've gotten out of the habit of posting regularly. Not sure how I feel about that. On the one hand, I don't know how many of you were interested by the daily word feature. On the other hand, maybe I don't care since it at least served as a vehicle to keep me posting. And since I haven't heard from any of you, I guess I need to figure this thing out.
This morning I just feel compelled to post something for the few of you who are stopping by. (I do have to say that since I've not been posting daily, my visits have dropped off...maybe that's the evidence I need...who knows.)
Anyway, I'm glad it's the weekend...and a long one at that. We have some errands to do today before we head to Waverly, VA, for a housewarming. Then tomorrow I'll be going to Bedford, VA, with Chris. It's his last Sunday out there. I promised them that I would sing and since I haven't yet, I have to do it tomorrow.
Then Monday should be a nice relaxing day. I have major reading to do for my book club...we are reading The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay. It's a good book (gets better the further I get into it) but it's long (over 600 pages) and I only have 2 weeks left to finish it.
Not only that, but I take my GREs in 10 days. Let's all say together, "Yikes!" It is what it is...I can always take them again (for another $115). ;-)
I guess that's the update from here. Hope you all are doing well...left me a note when you stop by!
This morning I just feel compelled to post something for the few of you who are stopping by. (I do have to say that since I've not been posting daily, my visits have dropped off...maybe that's the evidence I need...who knows.)
Anyway, I'm glad it's the weekend...and a long one at that. We have some errands to do today before we head to Waverly, VA, for a housewarming. Then tomorrow I'll be going to Bedford, VA, with Chris. It's his last Sunday out there. I promised them that I would sing and since I haven't yet, I have to do it tomorrow.
Then Monday should be a nice relaxing day. I have major reading to do for my book club...we are reading The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay. It's a good book (gets better the further I get into it) but it's long (over 600 pages) and I only have 2 weeks left to finish it.
Not only that, but I take my GREs in 10 days. Let's all say together, "Yikes!" It is what it is...I can always take them again (for another $115). ;-)
I guess that's the update from here. Hope you all are doing well...left me a note when you stop by!
Tuesday, January 09, 2007
Top ten words of 2006...
When I found out that there was a word of the year, I wanted to share it with you. Actually, instead of one word of the year, there's a list of the top ten words of 2006.
Here they are:
1. truthiness
2. google
3. decider
4. war
5. insurgent
6. terrorism
7. vendetta
8. sectarian
9. quagmire
10. corruption
Quite an interesting collection. If I wasn't so tired, I'd try to come up with a more creative way of sharing these words with you, but I'm really tired. Why, you ask? I don't know. But I'm looking forward to a relaxing evening on the couch.
Happy wording!
Here they are:
1. truthiness
2. google
3. decider
4. war
5. insurgent
6. terrorism
7. vendetta
8. sectarian
9. quagmire
10. corruption
Quite an interesting collection. If I wasn't so tired, I'd try to come up with a more creative way of sharing these words with you, but I'm really tired. Why, you ask? I don't know. But I'm looking forward to a relaxing evening on the couch.
Happy wording!
Sunday, January 07, 2007
I don't want to talk about it...
I guess I'm violating that simply by posting this entry, but I feel like I at least have to address the loss. I stayed up to watch the entire game and I'm glad I did, even though I didn't feel that way last night. I can't even believe the end of the game...it reminded me of the 2nd Dallas/Washington game. Those stupid things shouldn't happen when people are getting paid millions of dollars to play a game.
Anyway, Patricia's post just about sums it up for me too.
Anyway, Patricia's post just about sums it up for me too.
Saturday, January 06, 2007
Football can't be good for my blood pressure...
As much as I give Chris a hard time for his crazy football antics, I have my moments, too. I do my fair share of yelling at the television.
While I am grateful that the Cowboys made it to the playoffs this year, they have not had a stellar season by any stretch of the imagination. And even though almost everyone I heard talk about this game gave the win to the Cowboys, I'm not feeling all that great about it.
Even so, I'm holding out hope that they'll come through. And in the process, my blood pressure is rising. I love football, but the stress is crazy.
Come on Cowboys!
While I am grateful that the Cowboys made it to the playoffs this year, they have not had a stellar season by any stretch of the imagination. And even though almost everyone I heard talk about this game gave the win to the Cowboys, I'm not feeling all that great about it.
Even so, I'm holding out hope that they'll come through. And in the process, my blood pressure is rising. I love football, but the stress is crazy.
Come on Cowboys!
The Fayre Word fizzles out...
I mentioned recently that I've been toying with the idea of putting the Fayre Word to rest. And since it's been about a week since I've posted a word and I haven't received any angry comments, I think I'm going to let it die out.
It was fun, I think, but probably not why you ultimately check out this blog.
Since I won't be posting that every day, I'll make more of an effort to post and keep you all updated on what's going on with me and the family.
It was fun, I think, but probably not why you ultimately check out this blog.
Since I won't be posting that every day, I'll make more of an effort to post and keep you all updated on what's going on with me and the family.
Wednesday, January 03, 2007
Happy New Hair!
Or, for those of you who don't have new haircuts, Happy New Year!
I had been growing my hair out for a while and it had gotten a bit long. The problem is that my hair is thick and hard to manage when it's long. So I tend to wear it up all the time. And if that's the case, what's the point of having long hair?
So I decided I had given it a good go and it was time to get it cut. New hair for a new year.
Thought I'd share a picture. It's not the greatest picture, but it will do.
And of course I cannot refuse a cute picture of the doggies.
As far as resolutions, I'm still ruminating on potential candidates and will share them when they've been finalized.
Happy New Year!
I had been growing my hair out for a while and it had gotten a bit long. The problem is that my hair is thick and hard to manage when it's long. So I tend to wear it up all the time. And if that's the case, what's the point of having long hair?
So I decided I had given it a good go and it was time to get it cut. New hair for a new year.
Thought I'd share a picture. It's not the greatest picture, but it will do.
And of course I cannot refuse a cute picture of the doggies.
As far as resolutions, I'm still ruminating on potential candidates and will share them when they've been finalized.
Happy New Year!
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