Trying to normalize

It's been approximately 3 weeks since I moved into the new digs. Adjustments have not been too difficult once some of the familiar things in life have been put into their places or have found their places in this home. As I might have mentioned, the cats seem to have adjusted to life here pretty well.

This evening I had my 3rd yoga class. It's going pretty well. I'd like to see how I can continue with yoga over the summer. The recreational center doesn't have any yoga classes over the summer but our instructor does have some classes scheduled at her own studio over the summer. I will have to take a closer look at her schedule to see how feasible it is. If not then I might check with my cardio instructor about her yoga classes and where/when they are.

As for my outdoor cardio classes, it's been going pretty well. I'm trying not to miss too many other classes since the week of the move. I still need to make up for 3 missed classes. I think I can do it. I did cardio last night and I think I will go again tomorrow evening. My goal is to be in better cardio shape than I was last year by the time I go in for my annual physical. I think I can do it.

Egad!

Wow! Has it been almost 3 weeks since I last posted something here? Yeesh! Time certainly flew! Then again, I have been in the throes of unpacking and getting things in order around the house.

Some "highlights"...

The leather sectional I bought from Ikea was delivered on the 15th. However, after the delivery guys unwrapped, put it together and left, I noticed what looked like a blown-out seam on the back of the right side of the sectional. It's as if something had impacted that part of the sectional. A friend of mine who saw the damage also made note that the frame of the couch seems to be impacted along that line as well. So I called Ikea, described the damage and was given 2 options: 1) take pictures and get discount based on damage seen in pictures, or 2) get a replacement.

At first I thought about the discount, but decided that in the end that would be more trouble than it was worth and went for the replacement. The replacement was delivered on Friday. No damage on this replacement.

Other than that, it's been nothing but unpacking and putting stuff away. there are still some things not unpacked yet. It was kind of decided for me that the Mac Pro be situated in the mezzanine. As my friend mentioned, it would be like my own private space. It's actually rather nice and cozy up there now. I have the other leather couch up there. I've got the bulk of the bookcases up there plus the smaller LCD TV and cable box. The older Poang chair and Sumo beanbag are there too. It's indeed very cozy up there. On Friday, I had a couple of friends over for dinner and some TV/movie. Afterwards, we went up there to chill and stuff. It was quite comfy!

There will be a need to get some painting done. I myself haven't had time to do it. A friend of mine has said that she'd help choose the colors and paint for me. So far, it was suggested that in the living room, an accent color would be put on the stair side of the room. All of the bedrooms will need to be repainted for sure. The mezzanine will also be repainted. My friend suggested painting some flowers on the side of the wall that meets the stairwell. I think the whole painting thing will take a while, but I'm not in a big rush.

Over the weekend, I picked up a few things for the yard. I got a rake, a hedge trimmer and this ecological lawn care kit. Since it was nice and sunny yesterday afternoon, I decided to clean up some of the debris in the backyard and rake up the loose bits. Hopefully this will encourage some grass to start growing. I will have to look at the booklet for the lawn care kit to see what I will need to do next. The next couple of days will be very wet with rain, so I don't think I will be able to do much in the meantime.

I haven't done anything with the front of the house yet. I might do a little bit of cleanup next weekend if the weather is good.

Other than that, I am slowly settling into a routine in the new place. The cats seem to have gotten accustomed to their new surroundings. I think they have explored all of the rooms. I'm sure they will find their favorite spots to nap.

Anyway, I should be back on some regular schedule soon. In other words, I should be updating the blog more frequently. :)

What has been going on??

Well, in case you haven't noticed, I have not updated my blog as frequently as I normally do as of late. As most of you know, I have been in the throes of packing for the big move, which is TOMORROW! I am currently living amongst piles of boxes and utter chaos. Today is my last chance to finish packing before I actually panic. Of course, I am up early because a particular feline demands to be fed.

For now I can only update you with the state of packing. The kitchen is probably 90-05% done. The office is about 75% done. The bedroom does not require as much. Then there's all the little baubles and tchotchkes left lying around. They'll probably all end up in the miscellaneous items box.

*sigh*

Almost there!

Mid-Week Funny

Okay, so I have not found it actually cited on PC Magazine's own site, but I still think it's rather funny.
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This is an actual letter from an Austin woman sent to American company Proctor and Gamble regarding their feminine products. She really gets rolling after the first paragraph. It's PC Magazine's 2007 editors' choice for best webmail-award-winning letter.

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Dear Mr. Thatcher,

I have been a loyal user of your 'Always' maxi pads for over 20 years and I appreciate many of their features. Why, without the LeakGuard Core or Dri-Weave absorbency, I'd probably never go horseback riding or salsa dancing, and I'd certainly steer clear of running up and down the beach in tight, white shorts. But my favorite feature has to be your revolutionary Flexi-Wings. Kudos on being the only company smart enough to realize how crucial it is that maxi pads be aerodynamic. I can't tell you how safe and secure I feel each month knowing there's a little F-16 in my pants.

Have you ever had a menstrual period, Mr. Thatcher? Ever suffered from the curse'? I'm guessing you haven't. Well, my time of the month is starting right now. As I type, I can already feel hormonal forces violently surging through my body. Just a few minutes from now, my body will adjust and I'll be transformed into what my husband likes to call 'an inbred hillbilly with knife skills.' Isn't the human body amazing?

As Brand Manager in the Feminine-Hygiene Division, you've no doubt seen quite a bit of research on what exactly happens during your customer's monthly visits from 'Aunt Flo'. Therefore, you must know about the bloating, puffiness, and cramping we endure, and about our intense mood swings, crying jags, and out-of-control behavior. You surely realize it's a tough time for most women. In fact, only last week, my friend Jennifer fought the violent urge to shove her boyfriend's testicles into a George
Foreman Grill just because he told her he thought Grey's Anatomy was written by drunken chimps. Crazy!

The point is, sir, you of all people must realize that America is just crawling with homicidal maniacs in Capri pants ... which brings me to the reason for my letter. Last month, while in the throes of cramping so painful I wanted to reach inside my body and yank out my uterus, I opened an Always maxi-pad, and there, printed on the adhesive backing, were these words: 'Have a Happy Period.'

Are you f------ kidding me? What I mean is, does any part of your tiny middle-manager brain really think happiness - actual smiling, laughing happiness, is possible during a menstrual period? Did anything mentioned above sound the least bit pleasurable? Well, did it, James? FYI, unless you're some kind of sick S&M freak, there will never be anything 'happy' about a day in which you have to jack yourself up on Motrin and
Kahlua and lock yourself in your house just so you don't march down to the local Walgreen's armed with a hunting rifle and a sketchy plan to end your life in a blaze of glory.

For the love of God, pull your head out, man! If you have to slap a moronic message on a maxi pad, wouldn't it make more sense to say something that's actually pertinent, like 'Put down the Hammer' or 'Vehicular Manslaughter is Wrong', or are you just picking on us?

Sir, please inform your Accounting Department that, effective immediately,there will be an $8 drop in monthly profits, for I have chosen to take my maxi-pad business elsewhere. And though I will certainly miss your Flex-Wings, I will not for one minute miss your brand of condescending bullshit. And that's a promise I will keep.

Always. . .

Best,
Wendi Aarons
Austin , TX