Pictures – marginalia and such

social distance diaries: days 275-281

Day 275, Monday

I made the critical error of scheduling back to back zoom meetings and overwhelming my introverted self. It was nice to catch up but a little too much smiling at a screen for one day. This also came on the heels of having to engage a part of my brain that has been largely dormant for the last few years–tallying ratios and FTEs and accreditation-related justifications for a position. All part of the admin side of my job that I haven’t had to perform on a regular basis in my current position because that’s why we have an assistant dean, rather than as assistant director (which I was once). I sometimes forget that I used to do that sort of work. Writing policy and reports and the like.

Day 276, Tuesday

I accepted the fact that I’m tired and burned out. I’m taking a break from writing so I can refresh before my writing retreat next week (where I retreat from work, not home…), as a results, I turned to decluttering to fill my day between work projects.

Day 277, Wednesday

A long day of meetings. I’m still worn out from Monday’s meetings, but I’m so glad I meal-prepped. I was sitting in the dark by the time my last meeting ended.

Day 278, Thursday

Sat through my last meeting of the year! Vacation starts next week and my Friday is all cleared.

Day 279, Friday

Wrapped up a few projects and set my away message. I’ll have to check mail and approve timesheets, but I’m done for the year. All I want for the next year is an end to the pandemic. I likely won’t be returning to the office until I get a vaccine.

Caught up on podcast notes… Our latest mini ended up being more of a half-episode. You can hear me rambling about the 2020 Emma adaptation @bluesoxcircle.

Day 280, Saturday

Woke up with a hormonal migraine that made it hard to focus on anything but laying as still as possible. It’s partly fueled by the weather, so I get moments of respite before the pain starts up again.

Cookie Cat is getting better about being a house cat. I managed to sit him on my lap for a few minutes. It was the highlight of my week.

Day 281, Sunday

Still struggling with a migraine. Spent the morning cleaning up what I was too tired to tidy last night and wandering around the house with a TENS machine attached to my back to try to ease the tension.

Treated myself to a latte and donut from Starbucks. I ordered a flat white, but it was definitely more of a latte consistency… the donut was perfect.

After much dithering, I set up my bullet journal for 2021. It’s simple and clean and I STILL can’t get the spacing right even after doing math and using a ruler.

My follow-up with the orthopedic oncologist is on Monday. Hoping for good news.

leuchtterm 1917 and happy planner stickers.

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the view from Sunday: 1.26.20

coffee, breakfast, time in the SO’s garden.

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the view from Sunday: writing and flowers

Morning pages, tulips for color, and greenery for life. (with a kitty cat cameo from Friday)

My DSLR has ceased to be and I need a new camera.

the view from Sunday: morning after and the hazy laze

I stayed out past my bedtime for the first time in a very long time. Seriously, I’m too old for this. Spent the morning finishing a chapter because I knew I would be drained by lunchtime. I was right.

True Confession time: I broke my Whole30. It’s the first time since the first time (er… words? it makes sense when you think about it), but it happened and it’s ok. Lady time struck hard and I just needed the carbs. All in moderation, but definitely the right choice. I felt better right away.

Here I am looking tired and stuffed full of rice

I’ll get back to full Whole30 once the situation clears. For now, I need carbs. Rice and bread to be precise.

Kitty cats have lazed about and taken over, as per usual.

In other accomplishments: did my nails (only minimal staining) and only spilled a splash of my fancy hair oil when I knocked it off the counter.

I have the clumsies.

the view from Sunday: realizations and next steps

It’s a cold, wet, gloomy Sunday (cue Billie Holiday). Winter seems to have arrived (or what passes as winter in Miami), which means I want nothing more than to cuddle up with a book and a fresh cup of tea. No such luck.

This morning, in that lovely space between sleep and waking, I realized something that seemed so obvious, I’m a little ashamed I didn’t notice before. In the middle of what I thought were the easy chapters (quick revisions rather than full-on rewrites), I now see a glaring issue in the order of events that will require a complete overhaul of nearly 4 chapters. Luckily, they’re chapters I was planning to work on during February, but this will mean some serious attention to detail, and a much longer process than I thought. Nevertheless, what’s the point of revision if not to catch things like this? After all, no one is waiting on these revisions but me. I’m only accountable to myself, and I’m won’t skimp on editing for the sake of meeting a self-imposed deadline. Who knows? Maybe I’ll meet it after all.

January by the numbers:

Chapters revised: 4
Wordcount (new and rewritten): 12,492 (I started tracking. It keeps me grounded.)
1 chapter in progress, 3 to be reviewed and outlined

life: weddings and celebrations

One of my dearest, oldest friends was married this weekend and I had the pleasure of attending and making a weekend trip of it with the boy. It was a Disney wedding, because Disney holds fond memories for both the bride and groom, but it was also the bride’s dream to be wed at Disney, so win-win for all 🙂

The boy and I held off on our anniversary earlier this month to save up for the trip and make it extra special. We had an indulgent dinner at the Boathouse restaurant in Disney Springs, and enjoyed a day trip to Animal Kingdom before the wedding. It was lovely and even this snarky wedding Grinch was charmed by the Disney magic.

Date night at last…

featuring the lobster bake from the Boathouse

and the cutest dessert from Amorette’s Patisserie.

Followed by a bright and early trip to Animal Kingdom

where the views were spectacular

and the critters too cute for words.

The wedding night was also just right… clear skies and chilly weather.

We clean up nice…

the view from winter break

It’s been a busy, festive, relaxing, productive week with lots of time for family, writing, and wellness. Here’s my week in review… with pictures!

Winter lights festival after Christmas day…

New chakra dream catcher for my meditation space (ie. my bedroom)

Some mystery for the New Year…

A little kitty play time

Lovely lattes and empanadas with the family

The view from my desk — desert rose selenite for mental clarity and Eve for inspiration (and judgement)

New mug (because I have a problem)

New Year’s brunch and new-old traditions after 9 years.

And saying good bye to 2016 by framing my favorite calendar print.

life: where do we go from here?

The post I had planned feels wrong in light of recent events, so I leave you with some happy, sleepy kitties.

Because we all need a little rest…

and some kitty side-eye action.

See you Friday with a 2016 recap video.

the view from Sunday: words, words, words.

Can it be? Yes! I’ve started writing again :). The struggle has been real (too real, really), but I’m finally in a state where I can focus and get down to it. I spent the day working on a rather messy chapter that needed a day-long, uninterrupted rewite. It’s also a rather long one, so I’m debating splitting it in two… but that decision will keep for now. What really matters is that I’m starting to feel energized about the draft again. After all, I’m the only one who really cares if I finish, and I’m nothing if not persistent.

Cats are eager…

If not particularly energetic.

the view from Sunday: in which I am a toxic mess

Friends, I am sick. Stuffed up, drippy, wet, sneezy, sick. It was deceptive at first… I thought it was just good ol’ PMS, but all signs point to cold. Way to ring in the season. What I’m saying is, I’m a mess and my brain is in a bad, spacey place. Bad enough that I started editing the wrong draft… at least I caught myself before I saved it. My skin is also not happy. My whole body is rebelling. No bueno. I’m comforting myself with tea and Zarbee’s and a mad wave of decluttering to clear out the air. And youtube. Lots and lots of youtube.

The piles are getting smaller…

And only two pieces from the wardrobe… the shirt is a little too worn and just doesn’t fit well anymore, and the skirt just hugs my hips the wrong way. So long.