Victoria's Secret Model

That got your attention didn't it?

I'm afraid you are going to be sorely disappointed when you get a good look at the model for the day. But hey, a girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do...right?  There is no one within 100 miles of me who will agree to be my model, except for k-k-k katy and she's in school.  Even Henna refused my offer of dog treats to sit pretty so I took matters into my own hands and posed for myself.



I know a couple of people who have begun 365 projects of only self-portraits.  God bless them, every one.



It took me over an hour to get these.  I can't imagine doing this every single day and not repeating oneself.



In case you are curious, the camera was mounted on a tripod about six feet in front of me.  I had beautiful natural light directly in front and to the right of me leaving only a slight shadow on the left.  



One of the hardest things to do was to focus.  I had to set an object in the chair that was about my height, focus manually on it and pray I jumped in at the same spot.  It didn't always work.



And then there were the chopped off appendages and disappearing body parts that were completely out of the frame.



In the process I learned a bit about posing and what looks good on me.  I photograph much younger if I smile, even slightly.  My mouth has a natural down turn and when I attempted to look serious or thoughtful I only succeeded at looking old and crabby.  (No comments from the peanut gallery please.)

As the year goes on and Project 365 progresses I think you may see more of me.  Not more OF me, but more pictures of me.  I think there is much to be learned by photographing oneself.  Maybe you ought to try it.



In the off chance you have a few vermin skulking around the basement that you would like to get rid of, I know where you can get a few pictures that will surely send them fleeing to the neighbors.

Until tomorrow peeps.

Link to Project 365

No Joy in Mudville

There is no joy in Mudville.  None at all.  I am a woman without car.  My beautiful blue baby that I loved more than.... maybe we better not go down that road. Let's just say I loved her.  A lot.  And leave it at that.  And now she is gone.



She was sold.  Right out from under me.  It all happened so fast.  One day it was an advertisement in the classified section of the local newspaper and the next day my heart was broken.  I tried to be brave.  I know she had to go for the common good.  But it was just too much for me to bear when the new owner crawled in and and reved up her sweet little engine. The Kid nearly had a stroke prying me off of her bumper as she pulled out of the driveway for the last time...without me.  "Get a grip Susan,"  he said.  "It's just a car."

Just a car!  We'll see how he holds up; the Beast is next on the copping block.



Oh somewhere in this favored land the sun is shining bright;
The band is playing somewhere, and somewhere hearts are light,
And somewhere men are laughing, and somewhere there's a song;
But there is no joy in Mudville - my little care is gone.

Link to Project 365

Serenity

                   Boredom is the feeling that everything is a waste of time; serenity, that nothing is.
                                                                                                                                           ~Thomas Szasz

Link to Project 365

Life Goes On

Just call me the water bearer.  Actually, I am an Aquarius so the name is more than appropriate.

Dan the plumber arrived on Friday afternoon and declared our house a natural disaster.  He returned yesterday and after 8 hours I believe he has isolated the problem.  We have a leaky pipe. (It took you 8 hours to figure that out?  It only took us 5 minutes.)  The good news is he knows which one.  The bad news is he believes it feeds three areas in the house and is not certain where it lands and splits.

This could get ugly.  No, it is ugly.  The pipes that are leaking are under the house buried in concrete and it appears the only way to locate their origins is to punch holes in the walls and hope they are there.  We now have three walls that look like Swiss cheese.  After hole number three I was encouraged to hear Dan shout "we hit the mother load."  Plumbers don't usually get that excited about things until they give you the bill.

Dan is returning today.  Hopefully after a good night's sleep he will be filled with ideas on how to fix this sucker.  In the meantime I have permanent bed head and smell like yesterday's garbage.

And just in case you were wondering, the Beast remains hospitalized in our local dealership's urgent care center.

At least we don't have six feet of snow to shovel...yet.

Link to Project 365

I'm Impressed

Recently I have become enamored with impressionist photography.  That comment should be your clue that this type of image will begin showing up here on a regular basis.  Starting today.

What appeals to me about this type of photography is that so much is left to the imagination. Impressionist photographers yearn to capture a feeling rather than an accurate representation of a scene giving the image a dreamy quality.  There are several methods used to achieve the surreal look, including multiple exposures, motion blurs, and filters lightly smeared with Vaseline.  I have a lot to learn and even more practicing to do before I begin to express myself in a more ethereal fashion.  But I think I'm going to have a lot of fun in the trying.



If this type of photography appeals to you I suggest you visit the web site of Eva Polak (http://www.evapolak.com), her work is stunning.

Link to Project 365

It's Raining Cats and Dogs

You know what they say, when it rains it pours.  (Haven't you always wondered who the "they" are that say all of these profound things?)  Maybe it was the deluge the other night that started this snowball rolling but today it is not only pouring, it is raining cats and dogs (figuratively speaking of course).

It began last night when we were heading out to dinner.  The car wouldn't start.  Not even a whimper.  The burr under the saddle here is that this is the 5th time we have had this problem.  Batteries have been replaced and a new alternator installed.  The service manager at the dealership has become The Kid's new best friend.  In fact we were considering inviting him to Christmas dinner.  But I can assure you that after this latest episode and with the vehicle now out of warranty his status is questionable.  You would think that given all of the fancy electronic this and thats and diagnostic computers at their disposal,  a simple little electrical problem could be easily detected.  Well, wouldn't you?  Apparently not.  Tomorrow it shall be towed.

But that's only the half of it.  The bigger and badder tragedy occurred in the wee hours of this morning when The Kid arose from his slumber and heard water running.  A quick check around the house only heightened the anxiety level...nothing had been inadvertently left on.  Flashlight in hand he ventured out of doors in another failed attempt to isolate the problem.  (What in tarnation did he expect to see at 4:30 in the a.m. with a flashlight?)  His solution was to shut off the main valve to the house until he can "get to it."  Today he is off at a business meeting and is unavailable for follow-up.  You can picture me hauling buckets of water from the pool to flush the toilet.  Just call me pioneer woman.  (Not to be confused with The Pioneer Woman, who has more than 11 followers and actually makes some serious cash doing this.  What's wrong with me anyway?)

The last time this happened we had to have all of our hot water lines in the house replaced to the tune of...let's just say it wasn't cheap.  We also ended up with several walls that looked like Swiss cheese because dumb and dumber (the plumbers) couldn't locate the connections any other way.  We opted not to fix the cold water lines at that time because it would be much more involved and much more expensive.  That is beginning to look like a bad decision.

The fun begins tomorrow when The Kid begins haggling with service managers, insurance companies and plumbers.  As for me, I'll just keep my bucket and my umbrella handy.



And just so you know, I haven't seen this little dude or his sister since Thanksgiving.  Grammy is in bad need of hugs.

Link to Project 365

Aimless Wandering

You can always tell when I'm at a loss for words.  Apparently it is so again today.  I am wandering aimlessly through the endless desert of my mind, searching for ideas, and coming up empty.  It's not pretty.

We had a bad storm last night.  I was awakened from a deep sleep by explosive thunder in Dolby surround sound.  The house shook in an effort to rid itself of the noisy intrusion.   Was it an earthquake or had terrorists unleashed an attack on our unsuspecting island?  For a minute I didn't know whether to hide under the bed or brace myself in the nearest doorway.  In the end I went back to sleep.  Sleep is good.

Today is a perfect day for outdoor portraits.  Gray and gloomy to some, a giant softbox to those of us following the light.  It is unfortunate I have no posers.

Monday I purchased $84 worth of groceries for $44.  I was quite pleased with myself.  Careful planning, buy one get one free and a couple of substantial coupons were all responsible for the coup.  See me pat myself on the back.



This aimless desert wandering is potentially dangerous.  If not careful one could get sand up their nose.

Link to Project 365

Opportunist

Hanging around the bait box waiting for opportunity to knock.

Link to Project 365

Picture, Picture, Picture

You people are relentless.   Clamoring for proof of my humiliation and pain; documentation of the violation that was inflicted upon my locks by the beauty school drop-out; the irreversable damage to my psche.  It's hurtful.  It really is.  But being the good sport that I am, I have decided to share my pain and humiliation with you.




You see, I just can't do a thing with it.

Link to Project 365

Just So You Know

Just so you know:

      1.  I'm still not happy with my haircut.

      2.  I like the new American Idol judges.

      3.  My jeans are getting too tight....again.

      4.  I bought a new boat at a yard sale on Saturday.

      5.  If it would warm up I could use it.  In the pool.

      6.  It has been almost two months since I have seen my babies.

      7.  That's two months too long.

      8.  Henna got a bath last week.

      9.  She smells much better.

     10.  I am sad that football season is ending.

     11.  I am happy the Steelers are Super Bowl bound.

     12.  The Kid is still watching 24.

     13.  I would really like a pizza right now.

     14.  It's cold and windy here today.

     15.  My hair still looks terrible.

Just so you know.


Link to Project 365

Hacked

Isn't there some sort of test required to graduate from beauty school?  (Or cosmetology school, or whatever is currently politically correct?)  Isn't there a standard to achieve before one is let loose in the universe to take scissors to another one's head?  Isn't there a way to detect if one side is shorter than the other?  Perhaps, maybe, checking in the mirror?  There must be minimum standards.

I know this whole haircut fiasco is probably my own fault.  After all I have someone who does a beautiful job with my hair.  But she went too far when she raised her prices the last time.  I had to draw the line some place.  I am retired you know.  On a fixed income.  One should not be forced to forego nourishment for a week in order to cover the cost of a haircut.  Should they?  What makes this even worse is that I found someone who does an equally fine job - for half the price!  That's right, half the price.  The problem is she is 700 miles away.

That's what led me to the impostor.  The hair stylist un-extraordinaire.  I am convinced she was a beauty school drop out who faked her credentials.  I thought she acted a little on the nervous side when she began hacking away at my tresses.  If I had been an undercover hair agent she would have been busted and charged with defamation of locks. My locks.

So herein lies the problem.  Do I want to stand on principle and refuse to pay the gouger with the magic scissors? Or do I want to look good?

I guess one week without food won't kill me.



Link to Project 365

In Honor Of

In honor of Saturday,

 

I suggest you take the day off and have some fun.

Link to Project 365

A Change of Scene

Are you still with me?  Are your eyeballs doing donuts in the back of your head as a result of all the recent talk of projects, pin holes (as opposed to pin heads), lens babies, catch lights and low light?  Or are you depressed because the icicles hanging off of your roof are considered lethal weapons, you don't have seat warmers in your car, and the snow blower kicked the bucket forcing you to do things the old fashioned way?  I think what you need is a change of scene, a vacation if you will; and you have come to the right place.

This morning I finally tired of staying in my pajamas and sipping coffee until noon.  I got up off the couch and went to the beach.    I thought you might like to share in my adventure, you know dispel those winter doldrums.  It's my gift, even if it's not your birthday. (I'm sorry, but I'm not going to venture out of the comfort and safety of Florida to shovel snow for you.  This little cyber vaca will just have to do.)



Let's follow this guy and see where he's headed.

It looks like the cold weather has gotten to those palms.  They aren't crazy about temperatures in the 30s and we've had a few of those morning this month.  (See, you're not the only one suffering.)



A quick stop a the dune line to check on the sea oats.  They're looking mighty fine to me.  Just get a load of that sweet, sweet bokah.  (Sorry, I forgot no photography jargon today.  Just the beach Mam, just the beach.)



No, he's not plowing the lower 40 to get the crops in on time.  He is the raker.  His job (God love him) is to drive that big old tractor up and down the beach every morning and fluff up the sand.  When your economy depends on happy tourists you fluff up the sand.  Tourists like fluffy sand.



This little man is on the hunt for his breakfast.  I think he slept in and missed the buffet at Denny's so he's scouring the shallows for whatever it is that shore birds eat.



Sand and sea shells, a beachcombers delight.  There is always an abundance of shells on our beach, especially after a storm.  But this time of year they get picked over pretty quickly.  If you want to get the good ones you have to arrive much earlier than I did this morning.



Do you see those people?  They are wearing shorts.  Do you remember what those are?

I was afraid of that.  You are in more trouble than imagined.

Link to Project 365

Catch Lights

Yesterday Miss Henna and I had a little photo shoot for a Project 365 assignment.  The challenge was to photograph a portrait with catch lights in the eyes.  Since the grandchildren are in a galaxy far far away (NC) and The Kid was in hiding, Henna was proclaimed the subject of the day.

My family is not always the most cooperative bunch when it comes to posing for portraits. That attitude seems to have been conveyed to the dog.  Most days she turns her head to the side or simply gets up and trots off letting me know in no uncertain terms how she feels about me and my camera.  Today was different, a least for awhile.  I got my shot, and a lot of others too.  The little missy was all about showing her many faces to the camera.  She posed, she played, she ran in circles and then she rested.  (Hey, when you're done you're done.)

But in between there was this:



I bet you can't make your ears do this.

And this:


Oh noooo,  I'm not taking the blame for that.

And finally this,


If you take one more picture of me I'm going to bite you.

And...... there are catch lights in every frame.
Amen.

Link to Project 365

After the Rain

It is winter in south Florida, the dry season.  Typically we can go for weeks, even months without seeing a single drop of rain so it was with open arms that we welcomed Monday's shower.  In it's aftermath yesterday morning dawned with a haze in the atmosphere and droplets of water everywhere.

The image above wouldn't win any prizes in a photo contest but I love the quality of the light that is a direct result of our less than perfect weather the prior evening.  It has the feel of an image made on a pinhole camera or one taken with a Lens Baby.  I have neither.  In order to get the result I wanted I had to rely on a little Nik filter magic.

It works for me.

Monday

Mondays are confusing and complex days. (I know that you are reading this on Tuesday, but I'm writing it on Monday so work with me here.)  Monday is day one in our work week and should be viewed with the same respect we show the remaining seven days.

All too often Monday gets a bad rap.  Whenever things go wrong we claim it's because "it's Monday."  Or if we're having a bad week we say it's been Monday all week long.  Why is that?  Was it always that way or have we, in our modern world made Monday the bad guy.  The black hat wearing day of the week that wreaks havoc on our lives.  Is it because it is the day we trudge off to work after two days of rest; or because we simply need something to blame when our worlds collapse?

What Monday should be is a day of anticipation.  The slate of the week past is wiped clean.  Seven days of new challenges and adventures lie ahead.  The hours and minutes of the future stretch endlessly in front of us like sands on the beach.  Monday is a day of new beginnings.  It holds within its grasp a myriad of endless possibilities of what we can be and do.  It is a day for dreaming big dreams and outlining a plan achieve them.

And then the coffee pot breaks, the milk is spilled on the recently mopped kitchen floor, and the dog runs away.  That's when you know it's Monday and it's going to be Monday all day.



Click here for Project 365

Cruisin the Hood

Between the weather and the flu The Kid and I haven't had many opportunities to get out on the water since our return to Florida.  Saturday would have been a perfect day.  It was sunny with temperatures in the 70s.  (I don't mean to rub that in, really I don't.  Well, okay, maybe just a little.)  But we got busy doing things around the house and didn't give the boat a passing thought.  Sunday it seemed, was the next best thing.  Even though there were clouds in the sky and a chill in the air, we were anxious to cruise the neighborhood and see what changes had taken place since our last outing in June.



The Judge Jolley bridge which connects our island to the mainland is undergoing a face lift of major proportions.  A second span is under construction and for the moment it is a blemish on the usually beautiful landscape.



They say construction is on schedule and the new bridge should be open for business by fall 2011.  I will be happy to see the barges and cranes disappear but the thought of two lanes of traffic zipping across that  long span of concrete reminds me that living in paradise does have its down side.



A short while later we spotted this little gem.  It appears a flock of pelicans have taken up residence in the abandoned South Wind.



In the off chance you may be interested I'm fairly certain one could get the South Wind for cheap.  Just sayin.



These love birds were spotted setting up house keeping on one of the channel markers in the intercoastal waterway.  Osprey are magnifent birds of prey that don't take too kindly to boats drifting too close to their nest.  (Isn't that right CJ?)  But these two were down right friendly.  I thought they were going to invite us in for coffee.

And then a little closer to home we got our first look at the shiny new Antithesis II.  This little sweet heart is so big that the owners had to purchase the house next door just to have enough frontage to dock her.  At 125 feet in length she replaces the original Antithesis who was a mere 109 feet.



We're going to christen her next week and you're all invited.

Happy Monday everyone.  Stay warm.

Click here for Project 365

Spring Break

For those of you still digging your way out from beneath last week's blizzard, and for the rest of my faithful readers who are shivering in below freezing temperatures and watching the snow fall, I gift you with a taste of spring.

No need to thank me.  I was glad to do it.

Click here for Project 365

Happy Accident

After 10 days of Project 365 I have learned one thing.  It ain't easy.  My admiration for those who have successfully completed a picture a day project has soared into the stratosphere.  It takes a tremendous amount of discipline to produce a credible photograph each and every day.  Only time will tell if I have the fortitude to see it through to the end.

Initially I wasn't certain how much I would depend on the Daily Shoot assignments.  I thought I would use them as filler but I find the tasks, which are revealed early each morning, give me a focus for the day.  I imagine I will continue to lean on them and spend my creative genius on the interpretation.  But who knows I may even give you all a chance to pick my assignment for the day.  I'll have to think about that one.

One of the other things that has become painfully is obvious is the fact that I produce a lot of junk.  There's no easier way to put it.  Most of my images aren't as good as the ones sweet Allie is producing with her new big girl camera.  But every once in awhile I get a pleasant surprise.  In fact I had one of those yesterday afternoon.  The picture is over exposed and poorly executed and I love it.



There was no Photoshop hocus pocus performed.  In fact the image as pictured above is for the most part SOOC (straight out o the camera).  I consider it a happy accident.  And if I were still involved with the gallery I would make a few adjustments, print it, frame it and slap a price tag on this puppy.

But since I'm not: I'll just share it with you.

Click here for Project 365

Backwards Thinking

One of my intentions for the new year is to read more; to hold a novel in my hands and turn the pages.  I have stated previously that I spend an excessive amount of time here, on the internet.  It  may be an effort to string a few words together in a coherent fashion, or researching a particular subject.  But more than likely I am surfing the net bouncing from one photography site to another with no particular place to go...and getting immense pleasure from the journey.

I'm off to a good start with the reading thing.  I purchased The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo a couple of weeks ago and finally cracked it open the other evening.  It is showing promise.  I know I have stated in the past (like yesterday)  that I do not care for suspenseful, violent movies but I don't mind a book staged in a similar tone.  Most likely because I can block off parts of my brain to deal with the violence; imagine the story in a way that is acceptable to me.  It may also have something to do with the fact that I usually read the end of the book first.  That way, there aren't too many surprises.

I know, I know, it's bizarre.  It's crazy.  It makes no sense.  My family agrees with you.  But it's the way I roll.  My philosophy is why waste all of that time reading the middle if the ending isn't any good?

And that's the truth.  According to me.

Click here for Project 365

Secret Agent Man

Are you a fan of the television show 24?  Neither am I.  I have watched bits and pieces of it but never could get into the show.  It is partly because each episode builds on the previous one.  If you miss a week you're doomed.  It is also in part because I don't care for bang, bang, shoot em up, violent type movies or programs.  The Kid on the other hand, is a fan.  No, that's not accurate, he is an addict.

It began over the holidays when we were both ailing.  (Remember the "not the flu" crud we had for weeks?)  He needed something to help pass the time while recovering from said non-flu.  That's when he found Season 1 of 24 on Netflix.  And then Season 2, and  Season 3 and well you get my drift.  His days became one long Jack Bauer fest.  From dawn to dusk it was all Jack, all the time.  Dinner conversation revolved around the current  subversive terrorist plot that Jack was scrambling to prevent or which CTU (Counter Terrorist Unit) operative had gone over to the dark side.

The other morning he stumbled out of the bedroom and slid into his chair looking as if he had been on an all night binge at the local watering hole.  "What's wrong with you," I asked?    It turns out my dear husband had had a particularly rough night.  Instead of resting in peaceful slumber he had spent his entire night saving the world as Jack's right hand man, slaying the dragons of terror as a bonafide member of the CTU.  The man was exhausted.

After I picked myself up off the floor where I had rolled in a fit of laughter, I put my foot down.  "That's it," I said, "no more Jack Bauer for you."  "But I'm not finished with the series," he whined.  "I've still got seasons 5 - 8 to go.

In the end I lost to the greater good.  Jack Bauer and the CTU eked out a victory against common sense.  24 still reigns supreme.  He has however,  cut down on his late night viewing.  No Jack after 8 pm, after all he values his sleep.  But he will not rest until all 8 seasons of 24 have been consumed.  (Do you have any idea how many hours of viewing are contained in 8 seasons of 24?)  Like a moth to the flame or an addict on crack he is hooked.



I guess I shouldn't complain.  It's an improvement over the Walker Texas Ranger phase of several years ago.  And besides I now have my own secret agent man.

Click for Project 365 

I Wonder

I wonder, is it morally or ethically wrong to spend half of the day in one's pajamas?

And while I'm on this, why is it so important to make the bed everyday?

Or for that matter empty the dishwasher?

So many deep thoughts to ponder.

I wonder....



Click here for Project 365 : Day 7

Rhythm

Well, well, well, where did this day get to?  We stayed up until the bitter end last night officially putting the 2010 football season to bed until next year.  My internal alarm clock rang annoyingly on time at 6:00 a.m.  and I have been dragging all day.  But I'm awake now with nothing to say and no picture to post.

So I invite you to check out today's installment of Project 365.  The assignment was to photograph something with "rhythm."  (Appropriate on a day when I am so out of rhythm.)  I interpret rhythm in photography as a subject with fluid lines or patterns that draw your eye through the frame.  I had a great example of it in a picture I took on our last cruise.  But that would be cheating wouldn't it?  And I wasn't about to cheat on day six.  Instead I began looking around the neighborhood and finally found a subject that I think qualifies as an example of rhythm.

Hope your day is as bright as mine has been.  Hopefully I will be back tomorrow in better form.

Project 365 : Day 6

One Thing Left To Say

There is only one thing left to say.

WAR DAMN EAGLE!

War Eagle, Hey

The college football season is drawing to a close.  It has been a good one.  It has been a great one.  There have been moments of brilliance that will be talked about for generations.  There have been scandals that will go down in infamy.  Tonight it will be all be decided on the field, in Glendale, Arizona when the Oregon Ducks take on the Auburn Tigers for the national championship.  I will be watching and I will be cheering on the Tigers.

My love affair with football began many, many years ago along with my undying affection for the Pittsburgh Steelers.  How is it you ask that a born and bred Pennsylvania girl became a devoted Auburn fan?  It began in late 1980 with a phone call.  Six weeks later I found myself living in the great state of Alabama ensconced in magnolia trees, cat fish, and SEC football.  After a few short weeks it became apparent that Auburn/Alabama football was a religion in that part of the country. Folks looked at you with more than a little suspicion if you didn't believe in either crimson or blue.  I began to sip the kool-aide.  I began to believe.  In Auburn.  At first it was on the down low, a petty act of rebellion against the Alabama zealots who occupied the house next door.  Over time it grew.  There were a couple of trips to the university for swim meets.  Walks around campus.  It seemed to be a special place.  For special people.

Unlike many Alabama fans, Auburn enthusiasts usually have a connection of some sort to the school.  Either they attended the university, or their parents did, or perhaps a child.  I was impressed with their love for their Alma Mater and their dedication to all things Auburn.  I admired the Auburn spirit.  But I was a guest at the party.  And then it happened.  Stephen chose Auburn. A connection was made.

I never had the opportunity to attend a large university.  No, that's not true I elected to attend a 3 year nursing school instead of a 5 year degree program.  And while that was the right decision for me, I have always wished for that big school experience.  In a round-about way Auburn was my chance.  With each visit to the loveliest village on the plains I was drawn in a little bit more, and a little bit more, until I was hooked.  I was a fan. I had connections.  I was in.

And so, on this day, on the cusp of what might be the greatest day in Auburn football history you can be asured that I will be watching.  I will be decked out in orange and blue, cheering on my adopted team.  I will be a nervous wreck but I will own it.



And I say, whatever happens on the football field tonight, win or lose...
                                                                               it's great to be an Auburn Tiger.

WAR EAGLE,
HEY


Click here for Project 365 : Day 5

Self Portrait

Yesterday what began as an effort to capture pictures of my bad haircut quickly morphed into something entirely different, a frustrating lesson in self portraiture.


It is no easy task this self portrait stuff.  Either the camera was tilted too high, not high enough,


too far to the right, too far to the left.


I must have take over 50 shots and most were much worse than these.


Would I ever get it right?


Whoa, what's this?  I think I'm getting close.


Hey, not bad.  Not bad at all.  This one might be a keeper.

I may have to try this again, only next time I think I'll get dressed first.

Click here for Project 365 : Day 4

To Do or To Don't

I am a list maker.  No to the same degree as some people I know.  (Don't hide, you know who you are B & K.)  But I do plan my day, a trip, a dinner, around some type of list.  It is the only way to ensure that something will not be left out or behind.

As I get older I find I can't remember squat.  A quick trip to the grocery store for two or three items invariably leaves me befuddled.  More often than not I stand in the middle of the store like an escapee from the looney bin repeating the items over and over out loud in a futile attempt to recall that one thing I know I have forgotten.  It's quite embarassing to return home with only one of the two items you needed because you can't remember a short list of two in the five minutes it takes to get in the car and drive to the local Publix.  And let us not forget those times when I carefully compile a list of needed items and arrive at the store only to find said list is at home on the kitchen counter.

I can start cleaning bathroom A, walk to the kitchen for something I need, get distracted by another project and only remember bathroom A when I return there four hours later.  I'm not certain why I have lost so many brain cells of the recall variety but it seems they have taken flight and won't be returning anytime soon.  Thus I have begun the new year by creating a to do list the first thing each morning.  It helps keep me organized and focused on the day ahead.  It seems to be helping...as long as I remember to write it.

My question is, what happens to the items that are not crossed off the list at the end of the day?  Should they be ignored?  Moved to a To Don't list?  Added to the following days tasks?  And what of those things that are pushed forward from day to day and never seem to be completed?  Should they be removed permanently?  Or should I seek therapy to determine why I seemingly don't want to walk 3 miles? It really is quite perplexing when you think about it.

Project 365 : 003

It's The Flu Stupid

This is one for the ages.  The flu that won't die.  The virus that floated in on an errant puff of air and then multiplied like a colony of sex starved rabbits.  Each newly minted flu bug waited patiently in line to hop on board a waiting blood cell.  They are now coursing through my system as if on a never ending, nightmarish ride at Disney.  I have entered week four of this foolishness and I have to tell you I'm a little tired of it.  No, that's not true I AM A LOT TIRED OF IT.



This strain has false feel good days built into it.  I feel better for two days and then wham the ride powers up again usually with a new twist, a sore throat, a stuffy nose, a more productive cough, a headache, laryngitis.  On Monday I made an appointment with the doctor.  The sore throat I had been nursing off and on for five days needed to be addressed.  I was convinced I had strep.  By the time I arrived at the office on Tuesday the sore throat had vanished only to be replaced by the return of the elephant to my chest, a stuffy nose and itchy ears.  The rather unpleasant nurse was peeved.  He had prepared for a strep test and I no longer had a sore throat.  His body language said it all, if you don't have a sore throat why are you wasting my time?  It was all I could do to keep from grabbing his shiny little head and giving him a lesson on empathy.  Lucky for him a fit of coughing ensued and he made his escape to the hallway.

The doctor was more understanding, however she didn't think I had the flu.  Are you kidding me?  Not the flu?  It's the flu I yelled.  A long, miserable case of the FLU and you had better put that in your computer Ms. M.D.  It's the FLU stupid.  I know it.  I have lived it.  Diagnosis done.

She didn't budge.  She declared that I have an upper respiratory infection and possibly bronchitis.  I left armed with antibiotics, cough syrup (the good kind laced with codeine), and an inhaler.  That was two days ago.  I'm still sick.  And while I do feel better, the elephant is still in residence, the cough remains and I have no energy.

But I sure do like that cough syrup.

Project 365 - Day 2