After an extended weekend, it’s back to routine. It was a pretty good weekend. I spent Friday with church folks, Saturday with family, and Sunday with a long time friend. I’m a little tired today because I didn’t get a single nap this weekend, and didn’t sleep very well Saturday night. But oh well, at least I had fun! This weekend should be a good one also. Saturday is my sister’s birthday & we have plans to celebrate. And then on Sunday, we have a special guest for church.

Saturday I spent the day with my sister helping her organize some things at her house and prepare for a garage sale.  Within one of the piles she had a sewing machine from when she was in junior high. I had been looking into getting a sewing machine for minor clothing repairs and for when I get a decorating urge and need (want) to make pillows or window treatments, or in case I become all Martha Stewart suddenly. Now I have only used a sewing machine a few times and it wasn’t like I was some instant pro or anything. But for some reason I’ve had this desire to learn to use a sewing machine and make stuff. I’m really glad that she let me take her machine so I don’t have to purchase one, and then in a couple of weeks decide that I really didn’t want to do this afterall. So look out friends and family that have upcoming birthdays (and there’s always Christmas)! You may be getting some homemade gifts! I feel sorry for you already. Those of you with birthdays past, breathe a sign of relief; it will probably be a short lived fettish.

The little kitty is getting closer, but I still haven’t touched it. I almost got it last night. It had come up on the porch and was “talking” through the door to my kitty who was inside. I had it cornered & tried to throw a towel on it so I could pick it up, but alas, not enough towel. Only the corner covered the kitty & it ran back to my shed where it likes to hang out. Apparantly lawn mowers are soothing to little kitties. Who knew? It came back to the porch a little bit later. I may have to settle for an outside kitty, but I think my kitty needs a little friend since I’m gone so long during the day. I’ll keep working with the baby to try to tame it. 

I am also looking to move back to Texarkana in the next few months. Gas is getting too expensive, and most of my family is in Texarkana. I had originally moved to New Boston because of my church. I was at some sort of class, group, or service most nights of the week, and although I worked in Texarkana, I was in New Boston just as often.  But since our church has drastically changed over the last couple of years, we are now only meeting once a week. I’m sure all my nieces and nephews will enjoy having Aunt Amy so close. My lease isn’t up until February 2009, so I have time to look. I will also be reviewing my lease and talking to my landlord to see what the penalty (if any) would be for moving out early.  My landlord is really nice, and has been very accommodating for me, so I’m praying for favor if I need to move out early.  Since I’m not in a hurry (like I have been in the past) I may be able to find a really great place for a really great price. At least that’s my prayer.  

If I were a superhero, I would be Captain Common Sense. I would use my superpowers, logic and reasoning, to rid the world of stupid. I would have a septer that I would bonk folks on the head to infuse them with some sense. There would be a lot of job security, as there seems to be an abundance of stupid.

Someone once said, “Who needs a fountain of youth? How about a fountain of sense? We have plenty of youth running around.” I like that.  

Last night a storm blew through parts of Texarkana and Arkansas. I had just left my office and headed to the tanning salon when it hit. I was actually in the tanning bed when it happened. When I left the salon, I had no idea what had just taken place, because all of the damage was northeast of where I was. It was only after I had gotten home and received a phone call from Mom wanting to know my whereabouts, that I learned of the storm. It was raining and there was a little lightening when I headed home, but I didn’t think it was any big deal. Boy was I wrong.  I was very lucky. Apparantly I missed it by about 15-30 minutes. This seems to be a pattern for me. I missed the tornado that came through Hooks a few weeks ago by only 10-15 minutes (I was ahead of it). And I missed a tornado that ripped through Dekalb, Texas in 1999 (I was about 30 minutes-1 hour behind it). That particular tornado happened on my birthday.  Authorities are saying that yesterday’s storm was caused by straight line winds, but many seem to believe it had to be a tornado due to the extensive damage. The world may never know.

Not even a drop of rain fell last night at my house only 25 miles west of Texarkana. Crazy East Texas weather!

Yeah, it’s Wednesday! This really means nothing, except that the weekend is a little closer. I really love my job, so even that is not a big deal. Although having Monday off for Memorial Day sounds good. I can grill more! Woo hoo!

I got my letter in the mail yesterday informing me that the government is going to stimulate me with money. According to their information, I should have it by Friday. That will be like a double payday for me. Now I’ll be able to take care of some things and get my elliptical machine.  Another woo hoo!

I was successful in my plan for last night. I walked one mile when I got home, ate a reasonable dinner (did not overeat), and did not eat anything after 8pm. Surprisingly, I wasn’t starving this am. Apparantly my body does not need to be fed round the clock. I was shocked! I have been fooled for so long. Anyway, one day down & many to go. I’m really looking forward to getting my exercise machine, either the elliptical or bicycle. Walking really hurt my foot last night & my lower back was so tight it was hard to move. But I may just have started at too fast a pace. We’ll see tonight.

I never really had a problem with my weight until the last 10 years. So starting today, I am going to begin to do something about it (other than complain). I have half-heartedly started different plans, which mostly consists of me getting aggravated about my weight and saying I’ll do better tomorrow. This time will be different. I will track my progress here and hopefully make myself more accountable. When I weighed the other day, I was at 225. I will walk 1 mile (at least) each night when I get home and eat a reasonable dinner with no extra snacking. I will not be eating after 8pm anymore, and will be cutting out the soft drinks. I have plans to get an elliptical machine in the next couple of weeks which will be easier on my foot than walking. My diet will consist of more proteins & dairy, and less carbs. Portion control will have to be a major factor as well as stopping the emotional/boredom eating. This will also entail identifying the emotional triggers & dealing with those things. God help me, and please keep me in your prayers. I will report tomorrow how the evening transpired.

Although I did not make it to bed as early as I had wished, I was blessed with a wonderful thunderstorm to carry me to dream land. I love sleeping in a thunderstorm! This morning I am refreshed and relaxed. I don’t know what it is about the rumbling of thunder that helps me sleep, but I was grateful for it.

Although my intention was to go to bed early last night, it did not happen.  I ran some errands after work, which included stopping at a store that’s going out of business to check out some of the markdowns.  Had to see what they had that I couldn’t live without! I did find a grill for only $13.  Nothing fancy, but sufficient for me.  Anyway, of course when I got home I had to put it together, although I probably won’t be doing any grilling until this weekend. Alas, it was my project. So suffice it to say, I did not get to bed early.  Maybe tonight.  We shall see.

It was a good weekend, but I’m exhausted.  I didn’t get my usual naps Saturday or Sunday, and both nights I was up really late.  But despite the sleep deprivation, I had fun.  Saturday morning I slept in a little and then was with one of my sisters and her family until about midnight.  Sunday I got up for church & then went to Mom & Dad’s to celebrate Mother’s day, my birthday (last week) and my brother’s birthday (next week).  Later that evening a friend stopped by for help on a research paper for college.  We finished about 1:45am.  WHEEEEEEEE! I’m looking forward to going home this evening and going to bed early.