Weather

I kinda like when the weather occassionally offers up a perfect excuse to be lazy. Dinner plans cancelled. City seems quiet.

Weather

C: You want to go to the park and take some photos?
d: Looks cold out
C: You could get some good pics of the pagoda and boat lake
d: I'm gonna pass on that
C: You need to suffer for your art
d: I am suffering Americas Next Top Model really sucks and we're out of rainbow sherbert!

Dear Blog

A mug for half empty and one for half full. . .Big shout out to L who so kindly offered the hilarious Chelsea Handler "Suck It" mug when I really needed a laugh. As well as permission to tell people to. . .Suck it?

Dear Blog, I know it's been a while. . .Here's the dirt:

1. Big Fluffs is on a diet. It's stressful for all involved. (per previous posts)

2. Caught Tilghman outside eating Molly's doody when he was supposed to be making his own doody. Is something lacking in his diet? GACK!!! Why are dogs sooooo gross?

3. Have developed several (more) bad weeknight habits: Going straight to PJs when I get home, eating whatever dinners C has prepared, hitting the sofa in the spare room and binging on episodes of The Wire (possibly the BEST show since I don't know what. The writing is amazing. Everything about it makes me want more! Why why did you stop HBO?), doing crossword puzzles while watching The Wire 'cause the show is so smart, I can't read and watch it too.

4. Read Confessions of a Shopaholic - pure fluff. Easy read. Cute. It's been out there a while. Definitely good for an afternoon of escapism for chicks. Get from the library. Not one to take up space on the shelf. Although, I enjoyed it. It seemed predictable and lacked a certain edge or energy I appreciate but I would still say go for it if you have the time.

5. Could Toyota get a grip already?

6. Elin Woods - IDK yet. Elizabeth Edwards - I'm offering a standing ovation. I support both of you ladies. I admire how well you've handled the challenges. I feel a bit of sadness for the situation. I feel for your children and families. Thank you for your examples of grace and strength and grit and determination and steadfastness and courage.

7. SAD STATE OF CURRENT AFFAIRS: Sisters and I are discussing the idea of a weekly set conference call with agenda (if needed) just so we can connect. I'll do anything to get a little routine love from the sisters. . .Even if it means 6:45AM!

8. I'm in trouble with 2/3rds of the sisters. . .I guess this should make for an interesting call? They should know how much I adore and admire them. Pfft.

9. If I tell you I will not drink wine while watching the State of the Union address, there's a 50/50 chance I will: not drink wine OR watch the State of the Union address.

10. Did anyone else know that by the time you're my age, you have just about 30,000 eggs left in your ovaries?! And they aren't all healthy? Will this cause anyone else to lose sleep this evening? Should it?

Thoughts on Strength II

I think this is important to revisit. . .Since there was a comment (thank you to L! XOXOX u2). . .And since I was spouting off following a very stressful week when I posted the first "Thoughts on Strength". . .

I think I should drill down a bit further. . .For myself. . .

How lucky for you. . .Read along as d once again spouts off. . .Not an expert or reference in sight!!

I don't necessarily perceive myself as a "strong" individual. I will confess to being strong willed. The two should not be confused. Clearly, on occasion I even confuse the two qualities.

Being strong-willed does not necessarily make you "strong." In fact, I think you might find that quite a few "strong," successful individuals are actually at their core a bit insecure, a bit scared, a bit weak, a tad ego-centric. . .or more than a bit. . .depending. . .

As I've grown older, my ideas of strength have evolved. I can no longer run a 5-6ish minute mile. I no longer have the "strength" to give my Mother the silent treatment for 6 consecutive weeks. . .Nor do I have the desire to do either of those things.

Strength, I'm learning comes from experience, and work. Strength - no matter the form - always seems to be a reward of work.

I work on staying positive, keeping perspective, being my authentic self. Strength of conviction, sense of self, a willing heart are I think more important than simply being what other's perceive as strong (often in a traditional sense or conventional way). I've been working hard in the past year to understand these things. To challenge myself to do the work necessary to move beyond conventional strong or ego-centric strong-willed.

Maybe it's paying off? I am honored people believe I am a strong person. I want to be a strong person. I'm sure I'm not alone in this endeavor.

Just keep in mind, strength is personal. Strength is subjective. We can all be strong in our own ways.

Strength isn't about a display of will, or a masking of feelings, or brute physical force. Strength can offer itself quietly and thoughtfully. . .

Strength is admirable. Strength is achievable for everyone. Strength should be used judiciously.

Guess Who Hates Fat Camp?

So Allister aka Big Fluffs has been on his weight loss regimen for about two days now. This also means our other cats are learning to eat only when food is offered. The sun has set on the era of the never-empty cat crunchy dish.

This has led to a heightened sense of alertness, edginess, and less camaraderie in the feline population.

I just know a revolt is imminent. . .

I always knew it would come to this. . .

Something is on fire bitches. . .In our OFFICE! Oddly enough, it doesn't appear this was the work of a disgruntled employee.