"I like living. I have sometimes been wildly, despairingly, acutely miserable, racked with sorrow, but through it all I still know quite certainly that just to be alive is a grand thing." ~ Dame Agatha Christie



Thursday, June 5, 2008

May was Manic!

Where did the month go? Movies were seen (Iron Man and Prince Caspian--both ranked 5/5 with me), and Prince Caspian is on my "Buy" list when it comes out on DVD. Iron Man ended in such a way I really feel they are planning a sequel. Also saw Smart People and now I understand all the buzz about Ellen Page; having had NO desire to see Juno, I was unaware of this young woman's talent. She is certainly an actress whose career I will follow.

Books got read and my Paperback Swap BIR list got updated with the reviews--25 total with the majority being cozy mysteries. I also read both of Claudine Hellmuth's collage books from the library and simply must track down copies for my own. The stand-out book of the month was without a doubt Trace Adkins' A Personal Stand: Observations and Opinions from a Freethinking Roughneck which now ranks as one of my all-time favorite reads. He has always been a favorite performer of mine, but my admiration grew as I read his well-reasoned commentary on America today. Lots of deep thinking in that slim volume!


New shifts at work ate up some of the month as well. I temporarily have the mid-day free and work mornings and evenings while we train new staff. That has turned out to be quite fun in a way and a blessing in disguise because of the errands that can be done locally in the afternoons--I will almost regret going back to the old 8-hour straight schedule later this summer.


And speaking of summer--it has come to Dallas! I am trying to be as energy-efficient as possible but must admit that I had to turn on the AC and lower the thermostat to 80. Whether it be obesity, age-related hormones, or just plain being spoiled, I can no longer work well if the room is hot. The blinds are staying closed except in early morning and I purchased fans for the bedroom and living room (already had one for the office where the biggest majority of my day is spent).


Speaking of the office...courtesy of my IRS refund, my crafting area is slowly coming together! My home PC is on a more suitable desk, my sewing machines have a table soon to be dedicated strictly to them, and my crafting table is ready to be organized (do piles of things count as organization???) The digital camera is scheduled for pickup this weekend. June planned purchases include 2 Iris carts to organize my supplies as well as the long-awaited all-in-one printer. There are currently stacks all over the floor, but I really want it organized by the end of June. I plan on a couple of hours of cleaning and organizing tomorrow because Saturday is our monthly stamping group (gratefully not here LOL!)

Memorial Day was of course a workday for me as most holidays are, but before I close, and although I am tardy in saying so, I am truly grateful for all those who have put their lives on the line to defend our freedom, and I light candles for those who paid the ultimate price that I might live in this great land. May those in uniform be always cradled in the Creator's hand. We are indeed the home of the free because of the brave.