Oh motivation, where art thou?

Not sure why I can sit here and stare when there is so much to do and I am so ready to be done.  Guess I need a muse?  I guess I just need to figure out what will make me do what needs to be done.  How can I get those thoughts of writing and those ideas of daily exercise out of my mind and into my being?  Am I just feeling overwhelmed so I shut down?  Any ideas are welcome!
One thing I do know is that I can't sit here doing nothing and expect my tasks to get done!! 
Off to seek the elusive motivation.

Honesty and Integrity will get you nowhere...

I've been an Amazing Race fan for quite a few of the last 18 seasons.  I wasn't sure if I wanted to watch this season - Unfinished Business - until I saw that my favorite team was going to be back.  Yep, I am a Cowboys fan - Jet and Cord McCoy.  They are just good ole boys with a lot of integrity.  They have gone from last to first a couple of different times showing their fortitude and energy.  I thought I was just mad last night when they got eliminated until I happened to see the CBS message boards today!  I am not alone!  If you TIVO the race and haven't seen last night's episode - STOP READING.  Seems the roadblock last night was to take a map, follow it, and figure out how far it was on a motorized bike.  As the first team approached and figured it out correctly, the right answer was then passed to every single team except for the Cowboys.  Nobody likes a nice guy, I guess.  It was pure jealousy.  Everybody was afraid of Jet and Cord because they are awesome racers.  It wasn't the first time they were bumshackled.  Jet completed the roadblock correctly.  Can any of the rest of you say that???  Didn't think so.  And at the very end, when there was only the Cowboys left, the Globetrotters u-turned them, knowing that Jet and Cord were the only ones behind them.  Classy move boys. 
So I've stewed about it and deleted my TIVO season pass, but at least now I know that I AM NOT ALONE!  Thank you other race fans for voicing your opinions as well.  And yes, I did let CBS know my thoughts. 

Easter Sunday

So it wasn't the Easter that we usually enjoy, but sometimes enjoyment comes from less.  We are so thankful for the success of the bakery and yesterday was another "slammin' Saturday."  Would it be so bold of me to say that we really do have the BEST breakfast in town.  Add the bakery's charm and nobody wants to miss Saturday breakfast/brunch at Sugar Magnolia.  So when one employee fails to show up (for the second weekend in a row) and another one's sister goes into labor, that wipes out most of our options!  I had students at the Farmer's Market that would have been fine without me but I felt like I needed to support them, so Barry ended up working the bakery and then off to work at JA for the rest of the day. 
When we had made no plans for today, Barry said he'd just like to stay home and do as little as possible.  Mission almost accomplished - as he is still doing a little research on the backs of his eyelids.   Brooks and Caitlyn are enjoying a day at The Heritage and Whitney and Andrew are in Peachtree City with Eileen.  Jan had "dug" some new potatoes and "made" (it to the house with) a delicious strawberry pie (Thanks Esther!) so all that was necessary for the day was KFC. 
We did miss the Turner clan, but overall, it has been a nice day.  I do need to do just a tad of work, so I am off to read.

Sunday Nights

I have such vivid memories of Sunday nights.  Growing up, we were still out on our bicycles trying to get in one more ride around the block before dark, using a blade of grass for a whistle, or just sitting for few more minutes in the tree in the park.  Talking.  Laughing. No cell phones.  Good times.

Sunday nights during nursing school meant one of two things.  Scavenging the dorm to see what everyone had done on their weekend home, or getting off from a 40 hour weekend at work.  "Working extra" we called it.  Starting Friday at 3pm, we would work until 7am Saturday, go back at 3pm and work til 7am Sunday, then round out the weekend with a 3-11 shift on Sunday.  So those Sunday nights were pretty much falling into bed for a few hours sleep. Good times

When my children came along, Sunday nights meant packing up to go home after a weekend at Mama and Daddy's when Barry worked EMS all weekend.  As they grew, Sunday nights were spent winding down from softball, roller hockey, or a cookout with friends.  There were also those Sunday nights getting back from Taekwondo tournaments and unpacking the trophies and the suitcases.  Good times.

When Whitney left for college, Sunday's often meant sending her back to Athens.  And waiting. It is my right as a mother to worry. After the requisite phone call, I could relax and piddle around until bedtime. Good times. (once everyone was back where they were supposed to be)

Now that we have the proverbial "Empty Nest", Sundays just give me time to think about what I've done over the weekend.  Plan for the week ahead.  This weekend was productive.  I made a "Dukes of Hazzard" birthday cake for Cole.  Tried some brioche dough in the bread machine that I used for cinnamon rolls.  They turned out pretty good.  Combination sticky buns/cinnamon rolls.  I finished the third of six ancillary projects for my book.  Getting close.  I watch my Sunday night show - The Amazing Race.  I am pretty much a Cowboys fan.  I almost get too nervous to watch.  And now - for the two hundredth time - Sweet Home Alabama.  Good times.

The windows are open and I hear the night sounds.  Crickets.  Takes me back to that tree in the park.  Good times.

Has it really been that long?

Since I've written I mean.  I've needed to vent, to share, and to create but I just totally forgot this outlet.  So, I'll attempt to catch up on the venting, the sharing, and the creating here now.  And I may even throw in some complaining.  I am sad to say that my book has become my albatross again.  The manuscript is hopefully done with the help of a "ghost writer" but the ancillaries are giving me a fit now.  Why - since I wrote the book, can I not come up with questions for the six online activities?  Maybe because I am trying to make each and every question unique?  Or I am, as usual, just making it harder than it is and taking the "I can't do this approach?"  I've seen other books with the same questions asked different ways.  This is not hard, so why am I making it so?  I should probably be writing questions rather than venting here.  Let me share before I go. 

I made a quilt top for Lydia's baby.  I ended up with one pink square in the corner rather than the blue square that should have been there.  Not sure how that happened since the pattern worked out.  I will post a picture later.  I am sure that nobody would have noticed (nobody did) but I did.  So, I took it to have an initial monogram placed on that now obvious pink square in the corner!  I thought I knew the baby's name, but something made me stop by the bakery and ask for sure - in case I wanted to put all three initials.  Turns out, I misunderstood the baby's name and would have had the wrong initial monogrammed. Does a 'curlz' H look anything like a 'curlz' K???  The H looks good even though no one would have noticed the pink square!  I really want to try quilting it myself.  It's small and I read a trick about using glad wrap (the sticky on one side) to draw your pattern.  I am going to try it.

I have always though 'madeleines' are the cutest cookie/cakes.  So I found a pan (thanks Amazon.com) and found an interesting recipe on the mini madeleine pan for lemon almond madeleines.  I love lemon and almonds are good for you, so that was to be my first attempt.  The almonds are ground with the sugar so they are very fine and somewhat like the flour.  The recipe made about a million of them.  And of course, I thought I had to eat them all.  The lemon glaze was a perfect topping.  I'll be making more of them, but maybe with a smaller recipe.  Barefoot Contessa made some coconut ones, but since I am the only one around here that likes coconut, guess what will happen.  Same reason I haven't made cupcakes lately. 

Vent, share, and create.  I've done them all.  Back to the questions.  After all, there are so many...

I'm back!!

It has really been a while and so much has happened!  We finished Fall quarter.  What a wild ride!  Students who don't care, students who care but can't make the grade, and the disgusting drama that is a bunch of women in the same room at the same time!  BUT - the most exciting news is that my #1 daughter got engaged!  We have been hoping for a while that it would happen and now we settle in to wedding planning!  An early fall date has been set, so here we go!!
I have been baking a lot the last couple of days.  I have done a little more shopping.  I am running out of funds, but thankfully, I am getting close to the end!  Of course, my door handle broke off of my car yesterday, so there goes the last of my Christmas Club funds!! 
I hated sweating yesterday while shopping.  Christmas shopping is supposed to be cold!!  The problem was the humidity, but the air temperature wasn't cool enough for me! 
My #1 son has settled into a very good relationship with such a sweet girl.  They seem very comfortable together, much like #1 daughter and her fiance' did in the beginning.  It does help to be friends first.  We'll see where they go, but we are hoping they go together!  As parents, we feel very lucky to have two wonderful children who seem to have made good choices!
Back to the baking, sewing, and oh yea - writing!!  Got a lot of chapter reviews to read (where's the wine???) and then onward to the last chapters and the all important resource guide for the whole book!  What have I gotten myself into......

Saturday morning

I am writing!  I have a chapter due to my editor by tomorrow afternoon which is technically the end of "the weekend" which is when I promised to deliver. I have the info, I am just rewriting and rewriting it now.  It is a chapter than can basically be said in one paragraph, but I'll keep expanding, deleting, and revising to make it long enough without repeating myself.  I ordered myself a birthday present this morning.  A new, more sophisticated sewing machine.  I have really enjoyed sewing again, so I found one that was 65% off the regular price and it had good reviews, so I am counting on receiving a few dollars for my birthday which will pay for it!  I did use some Christmas Club money to buy it since there was only one left in stock, but I promise to replace it.  If I really won that netbook, I will be SO excited, since that is what Jan, Robert and I were going to get for Meema!  I think she will love it.
Life is good.

It's been a while

since I've had a chance to catch up.  I am currently at St Simons, my favorite place.  The weather is gorgeous and we've done just about as little as possible.  I went to Camden County yesterday to meet with my students, then ate at Five Guys, shopped at Target and went to eat for Troy's birthday at Bonefish.  I actually went to Ziggy Mahoney's for "dancing" which means Troy and I sat at a table watching the show on the dance floor.  Barry stayed busy dancing with Charlotte, Vonnie, and Wanda.  Drunk people are so funny to watch!  I imagine that plenty of people don't feel so well today.    I did have a very nice winter white cosmopolitan at Bonefish!  I'll have to figure out that recipe!! 
We sat on the pier for a while.  SO PRETTY OUT THERE!  There is an odd ship that is in the sound that seems to be stuck or anchored.  It is just floating there.  Kinda strange. 
There are some new places to eat, some old places are back, and some have just changed names.  Chelsea is now Saltwater Cowboys, Frankie G's apparently went way down hill and is now the Island Grill.  There is a new Mallery Cafe behind Parker's.  Blue Water is back - even with Crispy Flounder.  Speaking of restaurants, it is about time to eat again! 
I am SO enjoying my time here, even if I am not getting anything done.

Life rolls on..

So, it has been a while.  Isn't it a shame that everytime someone asks how've you been, your answer is "just so busy" or you can't do something because "I'm way too busy"?  Everyone is busy these days and I don't think anyone has the corner on being busier than the next.  We get up, go to work, get off, work some more, go to bed and start the cycle all over the next day.  I don't think life should be that way.  We should all have some play time everyday.  Right now, my Thanksgiving break is so full of things I want to do, I know it will be over before it starts!  You see, that's my projected "get it done" week.  I see how messy my living room is with youngest child's unwanted household items and say "I'll pack it up when I'm off for Thanksgiving."  I want to finish the project for oldest child's significant other and I keep saying "it will be a stretch, but I'll finish it over Thanksgiving break."  And of course, you know I am thinking that I will finish at least two chapters of "the book" over the Thanksgiving break!! 
Everybody has to realize at some point that you can't be everything to everybody, so quit trying.  I told a student yesterday to simplify her life.  She didn't understand.  I have given up surveying, Although it doesn't sound like much, it really is a relief.  I don't want to give it up for good, but just for this year.  That basically saved me about  six weeks of work over the next year.  I hope to finish the book soon - wouldn't by the end of the year be GREAT? - and that will free up a little more time. 
So today is my day off and I HAVE to get a watch battery, get a few groceries, and then hopefully come home and sew for a while.  As bad as I am at cutting and sewing straight lines, I am enjoying it.  Straight lines are overrated!!!  I can't wait to see my quilts that come back from the quilter.  I most likely will not have another one ready to get back by Christmas, but there are always birthdays next year!  I just think homemade quilts make the perfect gift.  Too bad quilting machines cost so much!! 
Loving the prospect of cool weather this week.  Hot weather takes away my patience.
Off to the store.

Getting Away

I am not the best traveler.  I hate riding.  I've said that.  I am in Atlanta and in spite of having to ride in the back seat for almost four hours, it is kinda nice to be here.  Had dinner last night in a neat place called Two Urban Licks with friends from work and my oldest child and her intended.  She had the "Big-Ass Burger" - really, on the menu.  It was true to its name.  I had jerk chicken that was good.  Sweet and spicy. 
I actually made it to three sessions at the meeting this morning.  I don't think many of my cohorts did.  Interesting subjects. 
Headed back out now to learn video making for procedures.  I'd love to use the technology.
There's something to be said for a quiet hotel room high above Peachtree Street.  Trader Vic's tonight.  Looking forward to a real Mai Tai!

Getting in gear

I need to get in gear.  I am out of excuses.  Classes start Monday.  I am pretty much ready.  There are way too many students, but we'll deal.  I can't wait for accreditation to come down on our retention statistics.  Let someone else answer for why we have so many students.  Dumping ground.  Plain and simple.  And on top of that, when somebody wants everybody to like them and is afraid to fail anyone, we end up with a boat load of students who do not need to be there.  Working on a plan here....
And I still don't facebook.  I have met others recently who feel the same way that I do.  Not enough time to do what I need to do and want to do, so why do I need another time waster.  If I could just use it to reconnect, that's one thing, but I know my personality and I would be constantly checking it and not getting done what I need to get done.  So, I resist.
I have a plan for this afternoon.  I need to recut some quilt batting and revise a chapter.  I need to get over the "drag ass." 
So, if you are looking for me today, hopefully, I'll be busy!!

Facing your fears

I have gotten out of the travel mode.  I really don't like to ride in a car for long distances.  Not sure why, just don't like the way some crazy people drive.  I am thinking I have deep seated fears from being in a wreck many, many years ago.  Whatever.  I just got back from North Carolina.  We drove up on Wednesday and back today.  It was about a six hour ride.  I made it!  It wasn't so bad.  I barely had to grab the "oh shit" handle.  This was my last site visit for a while, since I never got to the training update.  I guess that's okay.  It is something I really like to do, but I don't really like to travel alone.
I still have some things that I need to do this weekend.  I am taking Monday off to try to do some of those things.  Revise a chapter, write a chapter.  It's due the first of the week.   A little break from school will be nice. 
It will be nice to sleep in my bed again tonight.  I don't think anybody ever sleeps well when you are in a different place. 
Later.

The truth be known

It is no secret that I suffer from Adult ADD.  At any given moment while working, I have a minimum of 5 windows open on my computer, several projects going on my desk and the inability to finish any of them.  I have been told NOT to multitask, just finish one project and move on.  So here at home, things are no different.  I have two quilts that need to be quilted (I'm waiting for cooler weather), I have one quilt top cut and because of my lack of ability to concentrate, I am having to re-piece the rows as I am sewing them together.  AND I have some new fabric that I just think is really pretty and I want to start working on it.  I have decided on a nine patch for that fabric.  I tried to make myself finish one quarter of the "you bug me" quilt, but I got so frustrated when the seams didn't match up.  I did make myself finish one row and decided that when I have time, I will do one row at a time to lessen the stress!  We'll see. Currently I have a needlepoint project about half done, two quilts to quilt, two quilt tops to sew, a BOOK to write, a book I am reading, a site survey next week, finals to be given on Monday and Tuesday, grades to post on Tuesday, student learning outcomes to correlate, and partridge in a pear tree.  Maybe six hours in the car on Wednesday and again on Friday will give me some time to work on the book and the needlepoint - at least I can't get up and get distracted.   Oh, I ordered a new book from Amazon.  It will just have to get in line.
Speaking of reading, I have officially decided that I cannot read Wicked.  I want to but I just can't seem to get into it.  A clue is that my bookmark is from a trip to the "Top of the Rock" in NYC from Deceember 2005.  I was excited to find the audiobook at the library, but could not even get into listening to it.  I need to return the overdue audiobook today.  Maybe one day, but maybe not.
And then there's my book.  That is what I need to do today.  I will go and get my materials and then come back upstairs to start putting together a chapter of information that I know so well but have trouble starting that first paragraph. 
I read some suggestions for sewing straight last night.  I think I'll use the tape on the sewing machine since I could not figure out how to use a bamboo skewer to sew straight or what a stiletto is - other than shoes I will never wear.  Of course, did I start sewing without taping my machine?  Such a simple method, but since I didn't see the painter's tape on my way upstairs, I just figured I could wing it.  And I wonder why my seams aren't straight and my blocks aren't lining up.  Why is it that we don't follow through on the things we know to be true and helpful?  What is it in our brains that disconnects somewhere between knowing and doing. I;'m not content unless I am doing something, even if it is nothing.  I can't even wait for an internet page to load without flipping to something else, usually something irritating like spider solitaire.  It's why I should be able to sit down and write a book.  I know the material and all I have to do is type type type.  But even then I find myself clicking off onto web pages, playing games, and just staring at my work.  I may try the writemonkey again so all I have is a blank screen.  It may be too much trouble to ESC every time I want to procrastinate.
So, off I go to attempt to contain myself and write some words about our body's vital signs...

Furloughs

Today was my first furlough day in many years.  I've done it before, not three days in 6 month, but one day a week for about 6 months.  In the whole scheme of things, it is not so bad.  I still have a great job, so I can't complain.  I don't believe the audacity of some people who are complaining.  It's going to take an effort on the part of many many people to keep our little world from crashing.  I'm willing to do my part. On top of that, I had a good day.  I baked some and crossed a couple of things off my to-do list, so it wasn't a waste.  Besides, it was a rainy day which is my favorite time to be home.  I even watched that ridiculous soap opera.  Is that just a diversion or have I really gotten hooked.  I do complain every day when I watch it about how unrealistic it is and how stupid the story lines are.  Will they ever expose Adam - will Victor get caught - why don't Nick and Sharon get back together for good - does Michael Baldwin have an office - when is Ashley going to clue in that she isn't pregnant???  Yet I watch.....
On a previous note, I found an implement to help me cut straight.  I am hoping to use it soon to try another quilt top.  I made my "quilt sandwich" with the baby quilt.  I put it in the hoop and am ready to try my patience at hand quilting. 
Had a wonderful meal at Chops so I'll go sit in the chair and mush my brain with a little television.

Cutting straight - A Lesson in Patience

I have discovered that I can't cut straight. I can't sew a straight line either, but that's another issue. I have all of the tools that you would think could help cut a straight line. I have a mat with measurements, a ruler with a handle, a rotary cutter, one eye and half sense, and I still cannot cut a straight line. I WANT to quilt. I want to make quilts that I can give my family or friends so that on cold nights, they can wrap up in them and maybe think about me. I know that's the selfish part, but regardless, you can't make a quilt if you can't cut a straight line. Last week I was trying to cut fabric across my left hand which was holding the ruler and made such a mess of the cut line. with little shreds of material that not only mess up your seams, but make your fabric uneven. I went to the other side of the table, thinking if I cut on the right side of the ruler, my cut lines would be neater. Okay - that should have worked, except that I turned my fabric as well which gave me the same problem only I was standing on the other side of my table. So when I figured out my issue (it was like Judy Finch and the gas tank) I added that experience to my quest for straight cutting. So I truly believe this cutting and sewing straight issue is a lesson in patience. There should not be a reason that I cannot sew straight. My mama has sewn for years. She made my clothes when I was growing up and I am pretty sure she probably finished my Home Ec and 4-H projects because I do remember them looking very neat and perfectly stitched. She still sews - very well. It is in my blood. I should sew. I am normally a very patient person and a very crafty right brained person. So why can't I mix the two? I tell people all the time - start a craft - it will help you relax and give you something to do. So, I wonder why I am having such issues. Most of it probably stems back to the days when I was learning to sew and wanted to go to the store, pick out the pattern and material, then come home and have the garment ready to wear by bedtime. Otherwise, I got frustrated and it wound up unfinished. Woe is me. Here is my new plan. I have read that I should stop multitasking and focus on just one thing at a time. So I am going to choose one part of a project and set aside just enough time to complete it. This morning, I cut and ironed the three rail part of the baby quilt I am currently working on, cut my inner blocks and laid out the quilt top on the bed. I sewed the first row together - wrong - twice. So once I got it together correctly, I picked up the second row to stitch. And then I stopped. I need to write. My book.

So now you know I can't spell (or edit).

I have committed one of my unpardonable errors - I misspelled the title of my last post. I tend to get agitated when my students do not spell correctly or use the proper grammar. So, I'll give myself a demerit and move on. I have a big week coming up. I am going to Camden County tomorrow to meet with my remaining students. Two graduated in May, so I have eight students left. For the most part, they are talented, eager young women. One with a little bit too much attitude, one is too "blah" and the other six are fine - typical high school kids! I do enjoy them. I am going to St. Simons this afternoon so that I don't have to make the 2 1/2 hour drive twice tomorrow.
It is mid-term and that means registration for Fall quarter. I don't know how else to stress the importance of advising rather than asking. Four students ended up not having the credits to graduate and I am afraid that is because my fellow advisor is not looking up the students' history before advising them. I don't want to get off on my soapbox, but just know that it is so terribly frustrating to put up with someone who doesn't share my passion for what we do. If you can get by doing shabby work, you will continue to do shabby work. I have quit accepting the fact that "this generation" does not have a good work ethic. I just think it is pitiful that these people are allowed to skim by, thus piling more work on those of us who care. I have tried to be patient, but it is wearing thin. In the whole scheme of things, I don't know if management doesn't care or just thinks I'll keep putting up with it. Either way, I guess it translates into "they don't care." I said I wouldn't get off on my soapbox, so I won't.
It's Sunday and I should be in church. Instead, I have to go to Walmart and I really really need to at least type what I have of the next chapter of my book. So, sitting here typing this is not getting that stuff done, so it's off to the sweatbox to get dressed.

Distrations

I know that I am probably the easiest person in the world to distract. Anything works. Something I thought of looking up several weeks ago. A picture or interesting headline. A craft project. Why can't my book be such a distraction. What is it that they say about good intentions? I know if I go upstairs now to work on that needlepoint project - which by the way - is my current "have to finish" project, I will go to sleep in the chair. I need to go to the store, but I am waiting on a list. Life really is good.
We got notice on Thursday of our three "Uncle Sonny" furlough days. I am not complaining. Who doesn't like an extra day off? I do worry about those who can't afford to miss a day's pay. I need to bump up my donations to my "worthy cause." Who knew a $1.83 box of 6 Ramen noodle cups would make such a difference. Apparently it did. Who also knew that the ones who complain the most about not having any money could go out and boast about buying huge flat screen TVs, Wii Fit, and $100 of quilt material but beg for the "poor you" feelings. There is nothing that peeves me more than a sense of entitlement. Nobody owes me anything. I detest people who feel that the world owes them something.
I had a student ask me this week if I prayed for her by name or just for my students in general. She needs prayer as do those of us who try to teach her to become a respectful person. So I have prayed for her by name. I do pray for those who have put their heart into school and I pray for those who are just taking up space because they get a check to come to school. I pray for those who will never make it in the workforce because they don't have the ability or the work ethic. I pray for those I gave a second chance that aren't taking it.
I really enjoy my job. I love the people that I work with. I am sad that not all of them share my passion for people and tend to alienate themselves from students and coworkers. Maybe I am too empathetic, but I know that is what healthcare is all about. I remember one hateful nursing instructor that I had but more so, I remember those who knew we were young and just learning about nursing and that a kind word did more than a harsh word of correction. I do hate to hear some of the things that are being said to students. I don't have any reason to believe that they are making it up. Embellishing sometimes, maybe, but attitudes lead me to believe that it is bascially the truth.
As I have been distracted for an hour now, I will go and do something - even if it is a short nap - I don't nap well - 15 minutes at most. I guess that is what they call a "power nap."
But first, I have to look up "Dog Days" - I have heard so many stories about what happens during "Dog Days"....

Why I don't "Facebook"

I am asked on a several times daily basis, "are you on Facebook?" to which I simply respond no. In case you wonder why or even if you don't really care, my answer is because I do NOT need anything else to help feed my addiction of procrastination. I understand the reconnecting with old friends and communicating with people aspect of Facebook, but I barely have time for my friends and family now - why would I want to take away any of that time? Facebook is something that my kids enjoy and I don't want to move into their territory. I know - I can only see their info if they are my "friends," but what if I am nosy or think I want to know where they are and what they are doing??? They will tell me what they want me to know and to the best of my knowledge, they have never tried to hide anything horrendous from me. I don't think they've done anything horrendous, but hopefully, you get my point. I respect their privacy. Sure, I'd love to know where my college roommate is and what she is doing - is she still working at John's Hopkins - and maybe one day we will reconnect. The last time I heard from her was almost 25 years ago. I wonder if she is on Facebook....
As I have engaged in my worst pasttime, procrastinating for over an hour now, I really need to jerk myself up and get on with my plan for the afternoon. I do have work to do and I really want to start the week off on a good note.
So I will continue to "Say NO to Facebook" and work at curing my addiction....after I check out another website and look for that long lost book that was on my table in the den for months until it disappeared....

Canned laughter and other ramblings

I hate watching a television show with canned laughter or laugh tracks. I especially hate reruns when the laugh track is so much louder than the show. Why do producers think they are necessary? Is the show not funny enough that the audience will know when to laugh? I just don't understand. I do know it is annoying. I wish someone would start a campaign to stop the canned laughter. Such a miniscule topic in the whole scheme of things, yet so irritating. Let me laugh when I want to laugh and listen quietly when I don't.
I like my new writing schedule. Small projects with short deadlines. I function much better. Evan as a last minute Lucy, it doesn't seem so overwhelming. I finished revising a chapter this morning and sent it in with a much better feeling about it.
My daughter moved this week to a new city and new life. The working life. She hasn't found the perfect job yet, but she hasn't really started looking. I wish the best for her. She is very talented and any company would be lucky to have her. I think she is excited, but that is somewhat overshadowed by having to leave a place she has called home for the past seven years.
My son is moving as well. I use the current tense because he is out of his old apartment, not into his new apartment and the majority of his posessions are in my living room. He is staying with friends until he can move into the new place.
I am really proud of my children. There are each becoming their own person and I am proud to say that I had a part in raising them to be the people they are. I never spanked them - well, they say I did once - because I didn't have to. They just learned right from wrong early in life and never gave us any cause for too much punishment. I owe that part to my parents.
Life is good.

Lazy Day

Woke up this morning to a welcome cool. I opened the house and let everything "air out." I am so surprised it hasn't been hot today. I hear the hot weather is coming back tomorrow, so for today, I am enjoying life here in all the splendor of fresh air. I haven't worked much today, just graded a few pitiful papers in Anatomy, some better ones in my Diseases class. And now it is Saturday morning and I am back from the Farmer's Market and a couple of other places. Bought some new local honey from a place in Brooklet. I think they must be a new honey farm, so I'll give them a go since the place I usually buy from was not there. We got a couple of Crepe Myrtle trees and another lime tree. I am going to replant some of my broken hen and biddie plants in the planters outside the front door. They have been pretty hearty, so maybe they'll grow like the ones on Mrs. Iris' front porch in Nevils!
Got some more fabric for a blue quilt. I am determined to learn how to do quilt. Anne is going to help me, but I want to be able to go from fabric to quilty by myself!! I think I have to invest in a walking presser foot, and can't find one of those here in town yet.
Time to get up and get busy.