Bail Out

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We've reached the end of what seemed like a long month here! Am I happy with my personal progress this year so far? Not really. The arrival of loud, new folks has slowed me down because of lost sleep. The frozen conditions without the usual week-long thaw has also contributed to delaying of chores. It's simply been too cold to consider going into the back room, which is unheated.

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I'm waiting for more warmth to do the recycling drop-off, n go to the dump with garbage. Driving conditions haven't been good, n I haven't been up n ready, early enough on non-work days to get there before closing. I know that I need more rest to function well, n staying warm under the blankets instead of getting out in the frigid air has definately been preferable.

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It's too cool in my place to properly cure paints, or to ventilate for chemicals used on projects (such as rubber cement). My allergies have been acting up, so I've put off irritating activities, n avoided dusty items. I did finally clean the guitar, which I wanted to do weeks ago, n the acoustic violin case (so I can open it). The list of objects to dust is endless in here! Everything needs cleaning before I can use it, due to allergies (n the Puter too). Mando n Banjo will wait longer...

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I'm trying to get more written correspondence done with folks to stay in touch, that list is long also. I'm in progress on getting some photos in a small album, n want to frame some more I just got. I got some new colored pencils on sale to play with this week. I must devote more time to goof off with scetchy stuff. With less work hours lately, I may be able to come up with more time to spend on creativity if I can get my arms to cooperate.

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Planning other goals ahead has been more difficult due to circumstances. I've been leaning in the direction of writing words more than using other medias at my disposal so far in '09. Physically it's do-able for the available time. Blogging is the easy part for me. I don't plan most posts, n just go where it leads. Starting with a pic most times, I just try to relate my happenings, n title to it.

Thinking, I've been doing alot of this past month.

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Prez Obama has been working on the USA challenges for ten whole days now! (How fast should we expect results?) The economic situation can't improve fast enough, if the slide can even be stopped at this point. Why the administration thinks a bail-out plan using funds, which don't yet exist, may provide the band-aid needed, is beyond me.

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In my state, 100,000 foreclosed home auctions this week was reported on the news today. Some one rented a function room to do a whole bunch at once! I think the bank folks who took all the money n spent it shouldn't be bailed out-

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More jobs is always the economic answer, because the more who work, the more who spend, spurring more product production, causing more hiring, n then the more companies n individuals there'll be to pay taxes for more helpful programs to keep the cycle going up. (But what do I know, I only got an A in EC101).

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So far the Obama plan supports more jobs, in infastructure. There's nothing wrong with that, except most work in areas mentioned (construction) would be more for men than women. Most people aren't trained for, or can't do that work. I hope the impression I got of the plan on the board for approval now is wrong. I hope everyday people can soon get work, n the bankers won't continue to legally rob the taxpayers they took the homes from.

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When I get to the point of having an inventory of artwork built up to sell, I can only pray the economy will support my efforts, not make me take a loss on my materials n time invested. Of course, I can always hang it all on my own walls, n give it out for presents. It sure would be nice if I could pay the rent with it on a regular basis, tho. That's the life I work toward, not all this other stuff I've had to do to survive which never gets me ahead on the path of self-furfillment.

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January has passed, it's only been one month of twelve to mark the year's progress. As once written in an '80's tune by me, "I'm runnin' in circles going nowhere-" n getting older n more worn down. I don't want to feel I've wasted so much time doing what I have to instead of what I want to. Art can be very entertaining, but needs a good economy to flourish. (Not flush in the toilet as it is now).

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Those new boat-seat covers in the pic sure look cold... It's tough to bail snow, too-

n-Ice

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A deluge descended upon our area last night, after the initial snowfall, n the water ponding was extensive. Driving n walking the path to the building were tough. Alot of frozen, snow-covered ground n ice-covered drains contributed to the slippery water-world to navigate to n from work.

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Then everything refroze in the early am, thawed a bit again today, n refroze again.

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If I had ice-skates it would've been a good day for skating thru the trees at the little park next to the icy b-ball court. I didn't attempt the futile excercise of trying to walk across it. My butt is sore enough already, thanks-

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They actually had pics on the Boston news of people rear-ending on the slidewalks! I don't know who would ever sign a release form to let them show that- how embarrassing... They were reporting on stepped up ticketing efforts for poor quality of required snow removal in the city. I'm sure every one has money to pay fines if they don't have money to buy the needed salt (not).

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All of the many stores in our town are sold out of salt today, btw. I saw alot of folks looking for it on my errand run. I'm really glad I thought to save a bucket of sand from several months ago, n have been using alot of it on the driveway. A little sand goes a long way to fend off butt-bruising, (n more importantly, keeps the neighbors from sliding into Little Truck).

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Most of the snowpack we had is now diminished into glossy lumps. Luckily, the roads drained off during the warmth of today's daylight, n driving is much better than yesterday.

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All the stores are pushing Superbowl goodies. I have to work, so I'll be taping on the ancient VCR while I'm out. The young guy who correctly predicted last years winner didn't get his choice from back in August to win in the play-offs this turn.

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The other young man who said it was going to be his year, as placed in ESR's current header text, quit a couple weeks ago. I miss his smile n daily hellos, but ya- he's lucky to have had a better, second job to fall back on. I wish I did.

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Orders at work are way down. That does happen after the holidays, but it's less than slow was last year. Hours are further axed this week, n less people are again doing more in less time. Every one is taking a pay hit they can't afford. Everytime I complain about rushing around more just so I can leave early, n then not getting paid for it, (what kind of motovation is that?) I'm told that I should just be quiet n greatful to have a job at all.

The managers on salary haven't given up any income.

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Everywhere, people have given up so much in this economy madness already. We've all been buttoned down as far possible, pared down to essential expenses. I guess we're suposed to go without those next. There's no where left to cut down.

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We're all hanging on by our toenails to the ice, penguins waddling slowly along trying to keep our precarious balance. One false step of our own, or of another's fault, will send us tumbling into the pool of sharks to be devoured.

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I'm going to go watch the documentary film "Deep Blue" now, with penguins n polar bears in it, seeing as I'm already soggy, icy, n depressed...

See Gull

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An Ivory, Artic Sea Gull was spotted in Plymouth harbor this week near the harbormaster's office.

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According to the article at The Boston Channel, it's the first adult Artic Sea Gull to be spotted this far south since the 1800's!

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It certainly does look n feel like the Artic around here lately! But seriously, the strange weather climate changes, will certainly change survival habits of many species.

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Are Polar Bears swimming in next? I still dream about them sometimes, as mentioned in the archives. I'm more paranoid of species dying out than their relocating, however.

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The above article also mentions only about 200 of those pretty white birds were recorded being sighted by Canadian Authorities recently-

I also wonder, where is the rest of the traveler's flock?

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Follow the link above to see that Ivory bird's pic. The grey gull in this pic from the other day is tough to spot ontop of the tall snoball in front of the background jette.

Ice is a Beach

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The same scene is shown in the post below, this pic was taken today.

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I went to visit my fav spot today while out on errands. It looks a bit different now, tho the chill feels the same. We're expecting more artic air for the week-end taking us sub-Z F again. The ice will build more.

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A slush-puppy like layer several feet wide is visible rolling with the waves along the water's ice edge now. I wonder how long it'll take to freeze over the bay. Those are my footprints. No one else got out of the cars there again.

Mood Elevator

Two weeks ago, altho the windchill was below Zero F, the waves weren't frozen yet. This is one of my fav views at my fav place, at sunset, my fav time. Maybe I'll get there again soon, to see if there's any ice flows.

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Every night until today it's snowed before my ride home from work. Yay for not having to clean off Little Truck for once this week! My arms feel like they could plop off at any moment.

Sleep is at a premium lately, so I'm going to try to get a head start on it, seeing as I got home so early tonight.

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Sales are down this week n everyone's had hours cut again. The damage isin't too bad yet, but trying to pay bills like heat lately is insane. I need to cheer up (n hit the lottery jackpot, quick!). This pic helps my mood- Well lets see if they let me sleep for a few hours this time...

Post 444

At the time I didn't pause for long to contemplate this scene. It's easier to appreciate the serentiy of the forms, textures, n colors from the warmth of the house tho! The frozen pier is a very uncrowded spot lately. Only a few folks were parked there who didn't get out of the vehicles.

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I braved the cold blast out there the other day, but aren't foolish enough to see if I can slip over the side on that ice. Today it's another 10 degrees colder, n this spot is a nevermind...

Think I'll just hang around home this Day Off, n try not to freeze solid-

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Here's a ditty made up on the spot in a Jannie Comment as an answer to a request of a Ukulele tune. I can hear it in my head as I read, but don't have one to play it on...

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On 16 January 2009 at 12:31 am SnaggleTooth said,

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A you a n a me, uku a le le

Just a silly song to play me

Tiny Tim tickled you

Don Ho bubbles crazy

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Mary Ann a all Day

Nights in Georgia down

Kiss me quick plucky

Throw out all the money

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Only wanna time a

play n sleep n cry a

Strum finely sound tin

Send tears a back in

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A you a n a me, uku a le le

Just a silly song to play me

Tiny Tim tickled you

Don Ho bubbles crazy

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(Of course ya hafta play it on the ukulele)

Icy

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Today's only the 14th, but for some reason, it feels like the new month of the year has flown past me already. I want more done by now, I guess. Time drags when you're over-tired! The deep freeze stretching all the way from Chicago is settling in here on the Cape.
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I went out to get errands done figuring it'll only be more dangerously sub-z in the next few days. I snapped a few out on the pier before diving back into Little Truck real quick to get the feeling back in my hands. Wind-chill out there in the wind is intolerable. The ice on the pier is treacherous. I stayed well away from the edges.
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My current tooth-ache is even less tolerable in this cold tho- My sinuses have been bleeding a bit with the dryness. At least the sore lungs n throat have finally cleared up. I can talk n sing again, now I just need the ambition to clean the dust off the instruments before I run out of free time to take advantage of it.
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This is the first Wedsnesday I've had off in four months. The store was really crowded. I don't know if that's normal for this day of the week, or if everyone else was trying to beat the weather too. Flurries are forecast for the morning again. The road in front n driveway are all ice, so the bucket of sand is getting used alot already.
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Forgive my rant ad-nauseum about the young folks staying downstairs n their noise, which is affecting my mood n rest at home. I need peace n quiet, n there isin't any! The birds I like to watch are all frightened away. I got very little satisfaction today by playing some U2 to answer their steady "boom, boom, da boom," of non-stop music.
Really, I'm fighting an urge to get the hammer n start pounding immaginary nails at odd moments, like they did to me the other day. Alas, that wouldn't be right, even if deserved.
Luckily for them, I treat everyone as I wish to be treated, altho I find it impossible to ignore their presence which intrudes into my limited free time's quality. I keep praying for more patience.
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The only good side effect of neighbors, that the heat is on downstairs n heat rises, will definately come in handy for the Big Chill this week. It's the only silver lining in the thunderclouds of sound rolling in here.
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If only I could get some rest to feel good enough accomplish some tasks too long delayed. Still, I'm not quite good enough to deal with items beyond immediate needs. I wonder how I'll feel about the new year's progress at the end of January. At this rate, I may not get to my list until June, but at least it's warm in here, if not quiet...

N Baby it's Cold Outside

Alot of ice accidents have been happening around New England lately, because the ice hasn't been as strong as folks thought. Maybe after this week of single F's it will be tho-

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This is the Mill Pond on the West side of town where I lived thirty years ago. It takes the salt water alot more time to freeze up. I hope I find time to go back to my fav beach in search of icebergs this winter. Check these ones out. I also previously posted a frozen wave. I haven't gotten any Digi-Cam frozen shots there yet.

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Day Off was cancelled this week. I haven't done any errands n will be playing Catch-Up for some time.

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I have some new neighbors who are making too much daylight noise so I can't get any sleep. Three days n I'm really getting grouchy. I'll prob chew some heads off in another week- They are expected to occupy there until June. I may not make it... (I like the winter quiet after not sleeping well all summer, now no winter sleep either- yikes!)

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See ya when ever I get another free ten minutes without collapsing!

Seven Dings

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Fact: I took this pic today of my fav place in the world.

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"a piece of information presented as having objective reality"- Merriam-Webster online dictionary

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Tagged after all these years!

Here's the famous "7 Things About Me" finally, as requested.

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I don't follow instructions well. But sure, I can mutalate the rules of Jannie Funster's Meme ...

What do ya mean, it doesn't have to be complicated? Every thing I do gets that way, n everything has a reason! I drive people nuts because of "complication factors" all the time. OK, your turn-

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Note: I'm semi-secret here on ESR. Altho many commentors know exactly who I am off-line, I won't divulge my name, exact location, my actual age, n many other personal details, except in ball-park figures, in order to protect the innocent. I did a Meme " 5 BAD HABITS THAT I NEED TO REVEAL TO THE WORLD" about me awhile back in Dec '05.

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7 Things About Me

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1.) I prefer natural surroundings to concrete anytime. I can't stand living in the city, so I don't. I grew up 15 minutes from Boston. Now I live an hour away.

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2.) I'm short! Of the five in my sibling group, my parents, n my kids, I'm the shortest.

I measured 5'2" once, but I've shrunken- Gravity is taking a toll as the years roll.

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3.) I was a Girl Scout for ten years. It did something to me. I never ignore some one in my day I know that I can help, even if it makes me late, n also I'm very brave. I don't know why when I go to the store, folks ask me questions like I work there.

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4.) I attended college as a single parent, then I sent my children to college.

I never got a grade lower than B all the way thru five years of full-time college, but that didn't help me get work in my field locally, except in self-employment.

I earned a BFA magna cum laude (high honors) in Visual Design (from UMass).

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5.) I have two brothers n two sisters. I have two kids who each have two kids.

Then they'll tell two friends, who'll tell two friends... n so on...

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6.) I used to repair outboard motors for boats. I was a grease-monkey in a bathing suit for six years. (The tan was great, but I had to stop injuring my hands).

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7.) I have many allergies which get in my way. Because I'm allergic to the fragrance in your fabric softener, n you're less than three feet from me, I'll get a rash n a head-ache for two weeks... I also have a reactive airway (asthma attack) when my threshold gets low (as it is now).

-Excuse me while I go die in the corner. Where did I leave my plastic Bubble?

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I'll Challenge the following folks to attempt this feat of blog-hood:

David at Sugarloaf Mountain

Zoey at Zoeys World

Xray Chick at Not Turning Back

Fleenie at Poofing in Paradise

MilkBrain at In the Mind of a Mom

Buddy at Buddy the Doxie

Using Up The Words at CJ's

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Note: These folks are already obscurely listed in my sidebar.

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un Official rules:

* You must link back to the origin blog (I linked Jannie)

* Post 7 facts about yourself, whatever you choose, long, short, ect.

* Post the rules, so they know what to do.

* Tag 7 folks, n link them so everyone can hurry up n visit.

* When you're done posting your facts, go comment on their blogs,

so they'll know they gotta do it, (for the fun of it).

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(There's no nasty curse for not continueing the chain in this meme either...)

Want fun n games?

Want questions? Want more readers n comments?

Just DO IT! N tell 'em SnaggleTooth sent ya-

7 is Waiting

I was Tagged this week. Unfortunately, I don't have time to get the meme together until I have a Day Off work at the end of the week. So to those of you still checking, I'll go to Jannies n comment when It's posted, anyhow.

I'm tossing out facts that I don't wanna divulge left n right, making it difficult to come up with an acceptable set. It's easy to think of what you don't want to say... that's a list for another medium- n of course Jannie wants to know it all- but I'm staying somewhat mysterious no matter what!

Stay tuned ... ... ... ... ...

Trax

If I'd gotten outside before sundown today, I could've taken a pic very similar to this frame, which was taken across the road one year ago.

It's the fire trail gate heading up the wooded hill. A set of human tracks is crossed by small, animal prints.

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Finally daylight is getting a bit later, so it won't be long before I get to leave for work before dark again.

Hippy New Z

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Yes folks, we've again been hit with deep, icy crystals. Long Johns n scarves are now wardrobe requirements, do not get caught outside without them!
I had to shovel n grit my teeth to get to work on the Rockin' Eve, n missed the whole party... (but got to work in one piece, at least)
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I heard on the news they even cancelled the Beantown Midnight fireworks due to the gusty winds. The cold alone usually doesn't slow the city folks down a bit-
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TG I got the Day off- even tho it's freezin'...
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I haven't made any resolutions. It's the anniversary in 2003 of the date I quit smoking. I'm happy not to be controlled by nicotine, n plan to stay a non-smoker for the rest of my life. Before that, I'd quit coffee, which I think was more difficult. Since then, I quit soda drinking. Now I only drink tea, herbal tea, purified water (boiled), n 100% fruit juice without any added high fructose corn syrup.
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Last year I'd hoped to not work holidays again, but that was tossed out in favor of survival this season. Holidays are difficult for me, because I get too sentimental for those I miss. If I can't be with my family I'd rather be home alone than at work, where well-meaning people prod me about my sad mood the whole shift. It doesn't help, just aggrivates me, n I get more depressed.
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I'd love to ditch my night job altogether, n just hang out doing art projects all day. Until funds allow it tho- it's not a practical choice. It's hard explaining it to folks who are actually happy to be there working (I'm not).
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Christmas card updates are still being worked on. It's slow because I write actual letters in the cards. I'll be happy if they get done by the end of the month. My illness did me in on timing for that project.
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It'd make me happy to successfully finish the half-done paintings waiting on my easle. Sometimes I have to start all over again to get a good one.
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A photo project for some one has been procrastinated to death also, which I'd like to have the money n time to wrap up on this year.
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So there you have it, stuff I'd like to get done, not resolutions.
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Today tho, New Year's Day, which is after dark n into night already, I will attempt to relax. I'm still a bit chest-congested n feel sluggish, so not yet healed enough to feel good. But I am maintaining myself, n that is enough for me today. The turkey leg bones will make some soup to go with bread.
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I'll get off the feet, read, watch a movie, try not to get into any major projects until my next Day Off. It's difficult for me to let myself off the hook of "what I should do today." I think it's more important to try to kick this bug out, tho. Quality work is tough to produce in the mood I've been sporting lately. Physically n emotionally, I've been under the weather, which makes me less than Sub-Z !
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Here's to a better Day, n a much better 2009!