Lazy Days

Hi all-

After a summer of excitement, professional and personal development, and globetrotting, the last few days have been slow and relaxed.  Seems like I'm not doing much, but I think that's exactly what I needed.  I'm resting, but feeling guilty about it of course.  That is something I need to work on.

Tall Ships in the harbor in Lisbon, July 2012
(Picture by brother in law of tour guide)

I'm heading to NYC on Monday so am slowly getting ready for that.  But, before I can truly do that I need to unpack and reorganize everything from LA and Europe.  There are lots of piles and suitcases laying around!   I made a dent in it last night, getting all the clothes folded, sorted, and in some semblance of being put away.  I organized stacks of books (OK, I admit it, I have a book problem) and started sorting receipts, papers, mementos, souvenirs, travel supplies, etc.  There is still much to do but at least it doesn't seem hopeless now.

Yesterday I potted around the house in the morning, almost finishing the book "Dead Man Walking"- I tell you, if you haven't read it, it will make you rethink the death penalty.   Went to the chiropractor (big old crunches that time!), and then for a massage with Holly.  She is brutal, but that is what I need.  I'm still sore today, but she definitely found "the spots" I'll tell you what.  Big tip for Holly!  Then to school to work on an evaluation, miscellaneous email and small projects, and getting my recital music organized.  I've got to get it to Barbara, my pianist, now and then get to practicing.  Guess I know what I need to do in NYC.  Came home for a dinner of LOTS of chips and salsa (YUM!) and then called Mom, went to Goodwill to look at books (5 books for $16- can't beat it!  See, I do have a book problem.  But I really needed those books......) and to Target for some essentials including crescent rolls rolled up in a can (you know, the kind that pop when you open them).  After so many croissants in Portugal and Spain--YUMMMMMM--I have decided that I need them here as well.  Got home at 9:30 and had one of my late night energy kicks in which I did the above described organizing and cleaning.  Then I watched "The Other Boleyn Girl"--not the best movie in the world but good acting and a wonderful, horrible true story (obviously).  Went to bed at 2:30 after yelling at two different Dish employees who will not under any circumstances allow me to change the name on the Dish account at my house.  The first guy was just rude, but the second guy was doing his best and following company policy.  Let me tell you (like I told them) that Dish just lost my business for their ridiculous policies.

Grrrrrrr.

Slept in today, washed the sheets and hung them out to dry--in this weather they were probably dry in 5 minutes, washed the dishes, made eggs (those of you who know me well know that this is momentous.  I also bought a cookbook at Goodwill last night.  Whu?)  Then business over email, made sun tea (yup, made a second thing!), and working on the computer while lying in my pajamas on my fainting couch.  Oh yes, I have a fainting couch.

 Purchased at auction in May with Nancy and Dustin.  So lovely and so comfortable! That auction was amazing- I got a rosemaled table and a Chinese silk screen, along with many other wonderful items I didn't know I needed until I saw them :)

Tonight I am going for dinner at Nichole and Ted's--gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Can you say avocado and havarti!--and then we're going to Ted's softball game.  They have only won one game, but apparently they are much better than the ill-fated team I played on three summers ago (aptly named "Eau and Ten.")

Christa and me--since we're smiling, it is probably before a game, not after

 Before that I need to mail a gift and something my mom forgot here, go to Younkers and buy some more silverware and maybe some red stoneware, and possibly pay property taxes.  I have a few things I am avoiding doing (year end report for the NYC trip for one, some NOA work, and balancing the check book :(   ) but hey, I'm not leaving for five more days :)

OK, off to do errands.  Later gators-

Updated later that evening: the sandwiches were amazing!  Ted's team won the game, and we got to play with their doggie Sierra.

Home again, watched the movie "Once"--have you seen this movie?  It is SO good, and it is about music!

Now I'm watching "the new" Pride and Prejudice.  So far, meh.  Getting tired though.


Tomorrow must pay property taxes, meet with the costume designer for the opera, and other miscellaneous things.  Night night!