Coffee

I made my coffee a little different today. Instead of putting the grounds in the filter and then adding hot water (I use the Melita system), I boiled the water with half the normal amount of coffee, then put the resulting "tea" through the strainer. It's not too bad. And I get "Cowboy Coffee" without the grains! ;>D

Friends???

I have a "friend" who keeps harping on what I should be doing. She is in her own bag of shit, and yet she keeps judging me for what I'm not doing and not able to do.

I listen to her, and I hear all the stuff that's wrong. How this person or that institution wronged her, how this isn't working out, her lawn is a foot tall, her dog need more maintenance...

What I don't hear is how she was grateful to wake up this morning, that she had water to shower with, and drink, that she has a dog that loves her, that she has a house with a yard.... I don't hear any gratitude at all.

Yet, she harps on how messed up my life is, how I don't eat right, and what I shouldn't include in the room I'm renting. I'm sorry, but even renting a hotel room, you get a bed and dresser!!! You get a closet! Shit!!! What does she think a person wants - a blank, empty room???? I don't think so!!!

So, I've decided to see less of this person. She can go off and be miserable by herself. Maybe her sponsor can jump her ass. She won't listen to me, because she knows everything. I've tried to be a good friend, and to support her and confront her, as she needed me to do; but I can't do it anymore. The price is too high. My sanity and serenity are too important.

If I'm a little flaky once in a while, that's fine. I can do that. I'm more creative most days, than not. That makes me less than attentive to the details sometimes. I pay attention to my life by what needs the attention. If someone has advice or a suggestion, I'll listen - not necessarily take their advice or suggestion. I'll listen - that's the bargain.

So, that's my rant for tonight. I can't call anyone at this hour, but I can blog. Thank goodness for the internet!

Still Sore...

I got up early - early - EARLY this morning and mowed the lawn. I'm still sore. I took ibuprophen, and it messed up my tummy, but without it, I'd be a total mess!

I didn't get to the weed-eater, so that still needs to be done. Maybe, if I'm moving a little better, tomorrow I can do it.

Sleep??? Work???

What sleep??? What work???

I've been doing all the same things I've done for years to promote a good night's sleep, but it ain't happenin'....

I might sleep 2 hours (last night) or 4 (the night before) or, if I'm really lucky, 6 hours (Sunday night).

I wake up in the middle of the night - either to relieve myself or just to turn over, and can never get back to sleep. Last night, it was a dream that woke me. A dream about my mom. OK, really it was a memory. I heard her singing.

My mom could SING! She really had a nice voice. There were other things she didn't have - like a famous name or a great head-shot. But she had the voice.

I e-mailed a friend of mine to see if there was any way to track down a tape of mom's voice, and it seemed to be a dead end.

But, of course, it was 5am before I got done and went back to bed. I'd spent the time sifting through the job ads, because one of my worries is that projection I have of me: homeless, jobless, and on the streets. Hey - it's happened before, so it isn't that far-fetched! And that kind of worry can keep a body awake no matter what.

Well, I went back to bed, and was nearly defeated by cold feet. Finally, I got to sleep, only to be woken by the alarm. I re-set it for another hour, and then got up. I have stuff to do today - like follow up on those job leads.

Besides, I arranged to get a word processor today. Free, of course! If it works as well as I hope, maybe I can access the files of my dad's sermons, or at least write some more of my stories down.

I picked up a typewriter about a week ago. I need to get a new ribbon for it, but that's all. It works fine. If I can find some ink for the ribbon that's on it already, that will be a "greener" solution. The unit can also use one of those red/black ribbons, if I can find one.

I've been waiting for the plumber since Monday. I have sewer gasses coming from both toilets, and Habitat referred me to a plumber last week who said he'd come by on Monday, but he hasn't shown up. I've called him to follow up, and reported the non-response and no-show to Habitat.

Well, I have to get moving so I can get to the employment office. The temp services don't have anything, so maybe one of the 5 I found there will work out.

Crochet!

I went crazy yesterday, following a link to Lion Brand Yarns from Facebook.

I found 50 or more crochet patterns and downloaded them to my computer. I printed out another 30 or so.

I'm actually making up one of the items - but I won't be publishing a pic till after my sister's birthday - since I'm making it for her...

UPDATE: 7/17 - I finished the piece last night, but again, no photos till my sis receives it. It came out pretty good!