gonna miss her & other stuff

Yesterday I went for my first acupuncture treatment in months. I felt in need of a tune up. It was really great to see my acupuncturist, Jean. She's like a friend, easy to talk to and a good listener. I will definitely miss her when we move. I always smile, usually laugh and sometimes cry, all in the span of 15 minutes, during our check-in before she begins placing the needles. In looking to see if they had a website, I discovered an article about the clinic she and her husband own, click here to read it.

The session left me feeling very tired. Apparently, I had a lot of things going on that she was able to touch. She also strongly recommended I see a physical therapist for my back. I've been having a fair amount of pain in my low, low back and haven't been able to attribute it to anything. She thinks a PT will be able to look at it and give me a routine to strengthen it. I tried a chiropractor for a few sessions but just wasn't convinced it was the right path for me. I guess we'll see what the PT has to say.

Work has been busy. We've hired someone to replace Tom. He won't start until June 2. I think this is a good thing. I'm still adjusting to the first new guy in our department. And, I've been working on the resume. I think it's just about finished. Whew! It's been a challenge though I've had lots of support to get it in shape.

This morning I went for my second run this week. It had more moments of feeling good than Monday did, but it still isn't anywhere near the length I'd like it to be. I'll get there. I have to. My clothes aren't fitting the way I'd like them to and I refuse to buy anything new right now.

I guess that's it for now.

busy but not much to report

Things are pretty busy here right not but there isn't much real movement yet to report.

I leave for ArtFest in just a smidge over two weeks. It's one of those things that takes forever to get here and then all of a sudden I have a lot to do to get ready. Kind of like Christmas.

This year is different from last year in that I am flying one-way to Seattle, attending the festivities and then driving back with Rob since he'll be in Seattle for a different event. I'm glad the dates worked out that way even though it's a bit of a pain for me in the prepping stages. I don't want to chance anything getting pulled from my luggage supply-wise so am shipping most of them in advance to a friend's house (thanks Elisabeth!).

Also, I don't have the "first time, what's it going to be like?" jitters. I can see two big differences from last year: a new roomie and where Rob and I are in our move process.

First, I am going to miss Robyn terribly. She's one of my favorite people to spend time with and was a great person to share space with. On the other hand, I'm really looking forward to meeting Sue. I'm glad to extend my circle. From the pictures I've seen, she's an amazing artist and from our emails, she's a kind person.

And second, since we are in a much better place in regards to our move, I feel a bit lighter in general. We have plans and are about to jump into one of the best support mechanisms I know. Things are looking and feeling brighter.

In addition to all this ArtFest activity, things at work have been thrown into flux. Our new GIS person starts on the 24th. This is exciting but will also be a demand on the whole department's time over the next several months as he gets settled and begins planning our transition. I took an intro to GIS course last week so hopefully I can be helpful to him and my boss in translating things. (Also, it left me feeling pretty good about future possibilities in the work realm.)

The other bit of news is that my co-worker has decided to leave the organization and pursue his dreams. I am excited and happy for him. At least I am now that I got over being mad at him for leaving. He is so easy to work with, I just don't know how anyone else will measure up. My boss and I are in the process of figuring out how to accomplish this and we know it is going to be an even bigger disruption to our timeline of tasks. Big picture, it's going to be a crazy busy time for us over the next several months.

As usual, I had more to write than I thought when I first sat down...

Have a lovely Sunday.

blustery morning

My oh my, is it ever blustery this morning. It snowed a bit last night and now the wind is blowing it all about. Brrrr...it was a quick trip outside for Tiika and I. There were too many noisy things in the air like plastic bags. We were both a bit spooked.

Yesterday at work we began interviewing to fill our GIS position. This is the first time I have ever been on the hiring side of the table. The whole situation is providing me a good opportunity to prep for my near future. It is also freaking me out a bit. Probably a good thing, I need a little bit more of a kick in the pants to get the ball moving.

Next time I'll have a picture to post...can anyone guess the subject??

ironic

On Monday I took my first run of the New Year. I was surprised at how great I felt! Runners high, endorphins firing, cheesy grin. I had to slow to a stop a couple of times but it was almost more a mental need than a physical one.

Then yesterday morning I woke up with a headache and a general, not-feeling-so-good body. I went back to sleep for a little bit while Rob took care of Tiika in the hopes that it would help. No go. I ended up staying home from work. It just seemed like the best idea with everything that goes around this time of year.

I spent the entire day on the couch, snuggled with Tiika, reading. I still feel sort of woozy this morning. Hopefully being vertical for a while will be enough to overcome that sensation.

It was kind of a strange, low-grade sickness. I wonder if running on Monday somehow protected me from getting hit harder. I like to think so.

Here's greater health and more regular exercise in the New Year!

bonus

For as grumpy as I've been about work lately, I have to admit I had a nice time at the celebration dinner on Monday night. Especially the next morning when I opened the envelope I was given that evening. It was a bonus, something I had a hunch (and a hope!) was coming. The delightful surprise was the amount. After taxes, it is just short of what I owe for ArtFest (before taxes it was more than enough, dang taxes!).

As soon as I deposit my bonus, I will be sending off a check for the final payment so I won't even have to think about it anymore. I can then focus more on putting together my supplies. This year ought not be quite so daunting since I have most of the basics and my classes mostly require basics with a few frills throw in for spice. Honestly, I still have a few things I bought last year that haven't even been touched!

hmm, the brain is ticking

I'm surprised I can't be heard from even 600 miles away. I just had an invigorating conversation with a cartographic colleague. He is strongly urging me to attend a particular conference mid-October to do some networking in person. Not that he doesn't think I can't sell myself (my skills, that is) via a clever package and phone conversation, it's just that nothing works like face-to-face. His pitch was strong enough that I am seriously considering it. It wouldn't be cheap between airfare and conference fees. (I think something can be worked out in the accommodations area.) St. Louis is a little far to drive by myself. It would be better if I had some frequent flier miles to use...anyone got some they'd be willing to part with? ;-)

this week

This week was ok. Work was interesting. We met with a GIS consultant, packed and moved our offices to make way for new carpet this weekend and I got busy with some team-oriented projects outside of the department.

The weather was pretty good as I remember it. A bit on the windy side at times but mostly sunny. And I bought new running shoes yesterday! Yippy. The ones I got over Christmas just weren't working out. My toes kept hitting the ends on downhills. No fun.

In my regular blog readings I came across a new one I want to read regularly, Karen Blados. I like her bold drawings. It reminds me of Danny Gregory's work but neater, more precise.

I also came across a place to buy cool, interesting surplus stuff, American Science and Surplus. I haven't actually bought anything there but want to explore it a bit more and see what is what. It looks like fun regardless.

I think I am going to return the scanner. It is just too slow and it sounds like it's about to break. Guess I'll just have to wait a bit longer and save my $$ for the one I really like.

I am feeling the urge to do some cleaning around here. Get rid of stuff that has been accumulating that we don't use, don't actually want but haven't gotten rid of for some reason. It will make it easier to move, too, if we have less junk to pack.

I didn't do any art at all this week. In fact, I haven't done any since I returned from ArtFest. Most of my supplies are still in the tub I took them in. Next week ought to be better for stirring the creative juices again.