Progress has been halted...

In terms of my novel writing, I have not done a thing in over a month now. Ever since I took my "rescheduled" birthday off from work it has been so busy. I have my moments of pure work happiness becuase I love being busy and then others when I just want to hide away wishing I had less responsiblities. I'm gearing up to do a bunch of work here at home today. I don't really want to...I have been so good recently at not doing that. I have one writing project hanging over my head and few things to put together that will make the early part of next week much easier.

The silly thing is, much like when I was in school, I'm not getting any pressure to get all things done. I'm putting the pressure on myself and I can't seem to stop. I do not know what the miswiring is in my brain that causes this to happen. I think in many ways it has helped my career...but as for the rest of me...I'm not so sure. I wish I would put more pressure on myself to have fun. That would really help my wizziwa. Although, the good news is...yesterday was all about the fun!!! Spa. Dinner Out. Movie. And if I start getting freaked out about all the stuff I have to do...I just have to remind myself....vacation in 21 days!!!

Workin my Wizziwa...

It has been busy...but despite the crazy 14 hour days...I have been holding my own in terms of reengaging my inner Wizziwa. I know that statement needs defining...but wizziwa the codename for my own inner balance. A perfect wizziwa is when my life pie chart pieces(work, health, family and friends/relationships) are in balance or "feel right" given the external obstacles thrown in my path. There are no pieces of the pie completely overtaking the entire the circle leaving thin slivers for all else. It is my own little life barometer. Plus it is kind of fun to say and feels very zen. It rolls off your tongue like a mantra. Wiz e Wah. It's the me I want to be.

A Gift for My iPod??

I have not gone to the darkside. I did not buy a game for my iPod. That is silly. I mean who does that? And it is a lame game. So this gets to another point, why am I even admitting it? It is the first game I have ever purchased. It is the only game that I have ever been totally obsessed with. I love Bejeweled!!! I love the techno soundtrack. Pretty colors. Pretty jewels. It all started with the a free trial on my laptop when I first purchased it. Now...I have purchased it off of iTunes for my iPod. Never say never...

The Numbers...

I have had a love hate relationship with numbers for many years (almost 22). My life is ruled by them if I stop to think about it. Although, much of my life has been spent either faking them or just plain ignoring them. It is hard not to not feel like a failure when you wake up in the morning to start your day and you are greeted with a crappy number. In fact, every morning used to be that way for me. It got so bad that I just stopped caring. The truth is in the numbers and I did not like what they were saying. My numbers? My blood sugar.

I'd like to think that a switch finally went off in my brain where I decided to stop obsessing over them. Where I stopped letting them define me. Where I don't tie them to me as a person and treat them as I would any other measure...one of many considerations in evaluating the overall portfolio.

My T1 Diabetes has been one of my "worry about it later" things because like novel writing, it is really hard. I'm not naturally good at it. It takes work. It takes commitment. It should be more important than my job. I don't know that I will ever treat it that way, because that isn't me. But I do think I can find a way to integrate it with how I am. It can make me better. The real truth is...I just have to keep trying and never give up.

PS - Isn't my glucose meter cute? You didn't think I would write an entry with out some flitty/flighty pink cuteness did you?

Flip Flop Frenzy

I admit that in many ways, I am spoiled. I got the coolest "just because" gift from my mommy and sister the other day. One of my most favorite things in the world are flip flops....and I have many, many pairs. Upon a jaunt to the local Hallmark store, I discovered the coolest things ever. SwitchFlops are so boss and clever. You pick out your pair and then you can buy different colored/patterned straps which Velcro on. Is that not the coolest thing? I have been lusting after them for a long while, but figured it was silly to by them since I already have a zillion pairs. I do exercise some self restraint...sometimes.

So, I was very shocked and excited when they got me a cute pair of black and white polka dot flip flops...and two additional straps. One in red and the other in turquoise. I think the next pattern I will get will be the giraffe print. If only it would get warmer so that flip flop wearing can commence.

Hopefully the weather will turn in time for my upcoming Spring Vacation...one needs to be able to wear the proper footware when you are drinking and dining by the water. :)

Purse Problems...

I have such a hankering for a new purse. Don't laugh, I know I just bought one on Saturday. See...the problem is, it has white piping on it which means it may not be appropriate to use it until it gets a bit warmer out. See my problem? I want a new purse now!!! And here is the really, really naughty part...I'm thinking of cheating on Vera.

I am lusting after other purses at the moment - Kate Spade, Michael Kors and Juicy Couture. What's a girl to do?? So many purses, so little time. It's just that I want a new one so bad that it hurts. I mean really, really hurts!!! It's official...I am crazy. Either that or maybe I just need to eat something for lunch.

Vera Girls Take Cottage Monet...

A rainy Sunday is best spent with friends and Vera Bradley. We had another successful outing looking over the new Vera Bradley that came out a week or so ago. As always, I have a tough time committing, which makes my purchase all the more perfect. I decided upon a patchwork purse and adorable wristlet...all of which will look so cute with my three pairs of Vera flip flops this spring/summer. I did not go that "crazy" today...because I knew that there would be other purchases on the horizon or in the recent past. That was pretty good for me. Although, there was a point today that I was holding a bunch of purple punch file folders, highlighters, notebook and note cube while eying the message board. My justification for said articles in my grasp was that I thought my writing desk could use some "spring" accessories instead of the more "wintery" night owl patterns that currently decorate my writing space. I was proud of myself as I put the items back upon the display. Besides, I know that the only reason I did not purchase more today was because they did not have the Hot Pink Nylon purse that I really wanted. Shhhh....

Life in Status Updates...

I have written before about how Facebook changes how you chronicle your life. I seem to spend my free thinking moments creating status updates in my mind. I wonder if this is why I have not been novel writing? Here is a list of a few that have sprung into my thoughts as I meander through my days - -

* Joy was Debaser on the way into work. With a Starbucks in hand and The Pixies cranked loud...it has to be a good day. Ah Ha Ha Ha...
* Joy just ordered her favorite scent off of the internet from Macy's...and got two "free" gifts with purchase.
* Joy is thinking she has discovered the secret for having "close to normal" blood sugars in the morning.
* Joy is reading wisdom off of a Starbucks Cup (#229).
* Joy is annoyed that she can't seem to get to Facebook to work on her cellphone anymore.
* Joy wonders if there is anything that can't be fixed with Duct Tape?
* Joy is excited that Coldplay is coming to town in May.
* Joy just got a Facebook shout out on WUSA TV 9 from the weathertastic Kim Martucci...but she missed it because she was in a staff meeting. :**(

Do you have a favorite??

Fortune Telling of Sorts or Verification?

A couple of days ago I made a proclamation that I thought it would be neat to have psychic reading done at some point. Just for grins. Since I'm so intuitive, I thought it might be a fun thing to see if what I think matches what they would think. Plus, it seemed like something fun to do with my current character, Lolly Friar or one from another of my uncompleted novels. In the name of research and all...this could be interesting.

After sharing this bit of randomness with my girls (Sister, Mom, and Grandma), they looked at me like I was crazy. Which, admittedly, I very well could be. To allay their concerns I said the following:

"Don't worry, I'm not talking about going to someone behind a curtain at the Fair or anything."

To which they immediately burst out laughing.

Library Love...and a bag to boot!!!

So a trip to the Library was in order today as I finished the book I was reading...it was a book from late 90's by Jane Green called Mr. Maybe. It was refreshing to read a book with minimal use of cellphones and no blackberries and references to fun things that you hadn't thought about in years. I enjoyed it and am so happy that on a whim I started to read her books. There is something about how she spins a tale that I really enjoy. She is definitely on my "must read all books" list. I love going to Library...almost if not more than shopping for Vera Bradley. Although, my purpose for this particular blog entry is not necessarily about what I am currently reading (if you are curious...I picked up a Kate White Mystery and Kristin Gore's Sammy's House) or going to the library for that matter. It is about the cute bag/purse that I use to carry my library books in. It is the cutest bag ever and it is made entirely from duct tape. Yes...you read that right...duct tape!! And in such lovely colors!!

This adorable bag was given to me at Camp last year and made by the ever-so-crafty Ann Malo. It was one of those moments at camp where a friend swoops in and saves you. Ann did that a bunch for me this past year during Camp as I adjusted to a new role. I was using lots of my "work skills" at Camp and it was very different...but just as amazing. And now, every time I head to the library, I have my fabulous bag in hand. It fits novels perfectly!!! See...how cool is that? I am a lucky, lucky girl!!!

Uh Oh...New Vera Bradley Bags are Out!!!

Just when you thought it was safe, Vera Bradley (who is the devil...I am totally serious about this) comes out with more beautiful things to tempt you. I will not be able to hold back...since a good share of my collection is Limited Edition...I am predicting that I am going to be doing some major damage in terms of all the lovely colors and selections of summer bags that have just come out. No worries...I will post updates as the collection grows. The Vera Girls are plotting their next outing...and I'll leave it at that.

It was another crazy week at work, long days. It is bad when you are the first one in and the last one to leave. Work is always my first priority so all else falls by the wayside when things get busy - Family, Health, Writing, and Friends. I suck at balance and I know I need to sit down and do some prioritizing. I'm exhausted and feel as if I am spiralling a bit...but I'll figure it out. It is hard to change your core personality and I don't know that I can. But figuring out how to balance all the of the important pieces that make up the pie of my life has to be possible. Right? I need to write this on my to do list....note to self.

l did leave work on Friday...close to on time....so that is something. The sun was still shining!! On my way home, I stopped by a Vera Store that I really can't stand (I know...how is that possible?) because they are so disorganized and hold on to inventory once it has retired but still charge full price. Well, they had some cute PJ shorts still in stock that they finally put on sale. I already have them in Riveria Blue but now I have them in Daisy Daisy and Pinwheel Pink (shown) too. Wahoo!!! And that made me feel better...a little bit. Even Vera Bradley it seems can't make me more centered and balanced.

One of my Hang-ups = Chewing Sounds

I'm sure there is some huge character flaw that I am revealing in admitting that one of the things that I find most annoying is when you can hear people eating/chewing their food. I don't know what it is...but I find it horrifically annoying. It is like fingers on a chalkboard for me. I bring this up because under some social situations, I think that eating and making the associated noises (opening one's velcro sealed lunch tote, opening bags of chips, eating raw carrots...) is just plain wrong when you are in a meeting.

This week I was in lots of all day Board meeting and I was reminded again how much I hate chewing sounds. After the working lunch session and once the meeting had begun again in full swing, someone sitting near me proceeded to open their velcro fastened lunch bag, root around for items, and then eat lots of crunchy veggies. It was so out of place. It was driving me crazy. There was no attempt whatsoever to muffle the sounds. I don't know if I'm alone in this peeve, but I just had to unleash this hidden secret. It has been bothering me all week...and I know...in the grand scheme of things...this is sort of silly to be obsessing about. But I was...so there you have it.

Just be glad I didn't blog about the lady sitting across the room digging into her nose looking for something that she was obviously having trouble finding. Hello? Manners? Social Graces? I may be socially inept in terms of my introvertedness, but at least I know enough not to draw attention to myself by eating carrots during a meeting or picking my nose. Good Grief!!

Sports Fan??

I am not about sports...not at all really. If I ever was, it was because there were cute boys involved. I'm not ashamed to admit it. I was trying to think about my history of sports crushes...I think it started in the early 1980's. The thought entered my mind when I was listening to one of my Vera Girls chat about Mike Green of the Washington Capitals. Who...I have to admit...is a total cutie. With very adorable hair...which is so important. :) After she shared the Scarlet Caps Website - Mike Green with me, I thought putting together a list of cute boys who got me interested in different sports. Here we go!!!

List of Cute Sports Boys

* Joe Theisman - Washington Redskins
* Dave Johnson - Decathlon
* Dan Jansen - Speed Skater
* Andre Agassi - Tennis (even with the long hair!!!)
* Christopher Bowman - Ice Skater
* Brady Anderson - Orioles (my boss at the time used to leave me newspaper articles about him...that was before the Internet was available to all...do you remember back then??)
* Mike Mussina - Orioles (before he joined the team of the enemy)
* Justin Leonard - Golf
* ?? - A basketball player from UConn in the late 90's who had me totally obsessed with March Madness. I can't belive I don't remember his name.
* Jason Taylor - Dancing with the Stars...ummm...I mean Redskins.

I would like to go on record that I became a Boston Red Sox fan not because of cute players...but because you can't walk into Fenway Stadium and not fall in love...well...the accent of beer drinking fans was a bit mesmerizing. I should note that the Sox won the World Series the year after I became a fan. Coincidence? I think not...