Scraps (n. ,fem., singular)

Officer meeting tonight so no working out (not that I minded the break) but I did get the rest of next week’s comic inked, spent a fun 2 hours with the officers that showed up, had a very nice chat with Izzie during our carpool, and did part one of another Super Secret project. (All of the super-secrets can be revealed after this weekend.)

Things are just absolutely hopping right now. Plans are being made, the rest of the year is just buzzing with excitement! It’s hard to believe that the year is 2 short days from being half over. The last 12 months have been full of a lot of travel, a lot of planning, a lot of changing. The next 12 months will undoubtably see plans being put into serious action and, I hope, the fruits of my labors and all that. Whatever does happen, though, I think it’s safe to say it’s going to be one hell of a ride!

*thunk*

Now that I’m back from vacation and have had my week to recover I’m doing my best to get back into a regular routine including exercise. Yesterday I was all jazzed to be proactive but since I had a 7pm conference call with the West Coast (don’t I sound all important) going for a walk might mean being late for the call. Pilates DVD it was!

Today I felt that so very much. Wow. I mean, I understand my obliques being sore because, well, I’m out of shape. Same with my back: those roll-ups are brutal! But what is up with my arms? It’s not like much time was spent on all fours or even on my stomach. There were no weights, only some controlled movements. Well, let me tell you that movement is very much controlled right now! Just reaching around to unhook my bra was torture!

Of course, since I’d mainly worked from the torso up yesterday, today (meeting and conference call free) was designated as a walking day. Because its just not fair that only half of my body hate me???

I made it a full 30 minutes and then some I think. That’s twice around the large loop at San Luis park in palmie’s ‘varied terrain.’ I was seriously thinking about wimping out after the first lap because my legs were absolutely burning but I stuck it out and forced my way through the second lap without taking any of the connector trails (short cuts). Go me!

Tomorrow is really going to hurt.

But on the to-do front I actually managed to get another of the Super Secret projects crossed off last night and tonight after my walk I sketched next week’s comic, started my first eHow article, and began compiling the info needed for the Yule bid. I had hoped to have that last one ready for the officer’s meeting tomorrow night but it may need to wait a bit more. Giving it another week will also allow me to fill in more of the non-essential positions before submission but I’ve got enough now to actually apply for the event.

My taste buds that is. Allow me to explain.

On the cruise we had some truly excellent dining so you wouldn’t think that a salad would be what spoiled me, right? Wrong! They had the absolute BEST Caesar salads in the dining room. You could tell that they used fresh garlic and just the right amount of sardines to make the dressing just salty enough. Too perfect for words.

So last night Mom asked me to join her for dinner at Broadway Restaurante. Unfortunately they’ve had a menu change and the quality has gone down overall and, being an Italian restaurant, most items include tomato sauce of one stripe or another. Nonetheless, I enjoy the few things that are safe for me to eat.

Imagine my surprise and consternation when the Caesar salad was the most bland, boring thing I’d ever tasted. It could have been iceberg with olive oil for the flavor it didn’t have. How rude! The croutons were the best part.

But enough about food, check out the latest bit of inspiration to come out of chatter with palmie.

If I have to explain, we were being catty earlier and she asked did she get a prize for a dubious accomplishment. I told her all she was liable to get was a cosy handbasket ride, but at least the company would be good. To which she replied: Party in the Handbasket!

Well, a few of them.

Though a look through the weekend’s list really isn’t a great depiction of what all I got done. Of the 8 check boxes, only three and a half are crossed out, but that first one had 13 parts (super-secret parts I might add) to it so really I made a significant improvement. Honest. And I was able to cross off another whole one this evening. Go me!

Granted, there’s still plenty left to work on, I have high hopes. For tomorrow. Sure, I’ll brainstorm on part B of the half-done one, and maybe one of the other projects, but I think I’ve earned a bit of downtime. A whopping hour and a half before bed. woo.

Kind of like jet lag but without the jet.

Basically, I’ve got the dizzies.

Now, it could be just the whole sea legs thing: you get used to the rolling of the boat and it takes a while for your body to get used to solid ground again, but I’m a little skeptical when 4 days later (we were docked when I woke up on Monday, so I count Monday as a non-sea day) the room still pitches around me. The other possibility is that its viral and inflaming my inner ear and, well, there’s nothing can be done about that I’m told.

Instead I’ve been given some pills to stop the dizzies but here’s the kicker: they can cause sleepiness. And since I tend to be susceptible to such side effects, at least for the first few doses of anything, I can’t take them at work or when driving. That does me what good? Yeah, I thought so. But missing work right now is not an option because I really need the overtime this week so I’ll muddle through.

I just took the first pill so I’m curious to see whether I make it through Starter Wife or not. I’m going to attempt to do some sketching while I’m at it but no ink until the world stops spinning.

In better news, I figured out the issue with my email at the office. Gmail was having a bit of dislike for me (as was yahoo after a bit) and not letting my messages get through to Palmie. Do you KNOW how difficult it is to plot world domination when your emails are lost in the ether? Of course I figured out the problem this afternoon and Palmie left tonight for Disney. I’d be jealous if I didn’t need to get so much done this weekend.

No, that’s not my Script Frenzy! wordcount, it’s the number of emails I have yet to wade through (down from about 10K when I started this evening). And no, that doesn’t include SPAM… I’ve already skimmed that folder and deleted it all and still had the 10K of group emails, etc. to sift through. But it’s okay, I’ll get caught up, feel organized again and be able to maybe unsub from some of the lists that I just never read.

In other news, I finally made it to the grocery store after work so no more panic about not having actual food in the house. I admit, I get a bit uneasy when the stock runs low and the necessity of shopping sometimes has that anti-progress effect of not wanting to bite the bullet and shop. And I love shopping, so that should tell you something. It’s that whole concept of being forced to do something rather than just doing it because I want to or because its a comfortable part of the routine. I am a creature of habit and my habits are way off this week–happens every time I travel.

This was not the only such task on the list and I’m slowly working my way through some of those lovely mental roadblocks I like to erect. I swear, if it wasn’t for myself I’d get so very much more done on a regular basis. That’s okay, though, I have this weekend mostly to myself (SF! write-in for 3 hours on Saturday) to tackle projects. I see a large to-do list being written so that I can cross things off with vigor as I complete them. Such a lovely feeling, that.

And in good news I think I’m close to ridding myself of the ennui that descended on Sunday. It’s difficult when you realize that there’s something on your mind, something you need to work through, and said working through might involve being very emo and teary for a bit just to release the pressure built up, but being on a boat with 2000 other people who you’d rather not have that happen in front of prevents you from actually doing so. Such was the case (after my facial of all things) and I had to wait another 36 hours before I finally was back in my own private space and could let go. Not that it’s that easy, no, it took a couple of days to really get there but right now I’m feeling pretty okay about it. Not good, because it’s a tough pill to swallow and all, but okay. The important thing is the improvement, right?

I think yes.

The cruise was incredibly fun, only a few minor complaints overall, and Mom thoroughly enjoyed herself which was the most important thing. She took today off as well and I sort of wish I had as I seem to have a touch of vertigo today stemming, most likely, from the exhaustion of the constant activity of the last several days.

I honestly don’t even know where to begin as far as recapping the trip. I’m sure I have tons of fodder for Random Acts…, just under 200 pictures and a few souvenirs to act as reminders, but for now I’m just sort of in a post-vacation-let-down. All good things must end, right? Back to the grind stone. I’m going to go back to my veg-post on the sofa and makes some notes for the strip and for some articles that I hope to put together into a readable format tomorrow night when I plan to not be so exhausted.

But before I go: Hearty Congratulations go out to Steve and Best Wishes to Izzie on their recent engagement! I’m just so happy for Izzie as she truly deserves to be happy and while I don’t know Steve all that well (yet, I’m sure) I do know that he’s doing a wonderful job of that so far. Time for a manicure, Iz, as everyone is going to be paying a lot of attention to your hand now that it’s spoke for!

Woot!

I have unpacked and repacked my luggage and think I just might be able to get things to work. I really wish I’d been able to get more done before leaving, around the apartment and on the script and on other writing projects, but I’ll have The Book with me while I’m gone and can make notes and plot things out for a fabulous restart come Tuesday when I’m relaxed and rested from vacation. This is the plan!

I have a few goals over the next 5 days:

1. Not to stress about anything. I know for me this is a biggie, but its vacation, everyone is a grown up, and I’ve done all I can to arrange a wonderful weekend for Mom’s 50th. I can do no more than what I’ve done and it’s my vacation, too, so I might as well enjoy it.

2. Talk to strangers, appreciate the differences in random humanity, and think happy thoughts. I’m going to be in the middle of the Gulf, what do I have to be bitter or uncharitable about? Hmm? This does not mean that snark is forbidden. After all, I do plan to come back with some great material for Random Acts…

3. Wear as few constricting clothes as possible. Basically I mean bras. Oh, sure, at dinner certain outfits will require underpinnings (though one dress actually has it built-in) but during the day? Tank tops with built-in shelf-bras will be my friend. No underwires. No pinching. Pure bliss.

4. Actually be IN some pictures. Seriously, I usually end up behind the camera and I would like that to change. Obviously the formal and ship shots I’ll be in, but I will make a point to hand my camera to someone else from time to time so that I can have some proof that I did not spend the entire vacation hiding behind the lens.

Bon Voyage!

And yet, I know I have. The shirts are done and packed, the water bottles are cleaned and drying, the dishwasher is loaded and running, the trash is taken out. And I stayed a bit late at work.

But still…

I haven’t written anything on the Script or any articles this week and have only one night to go before the cruise so that’s probably what’s throwing me off, but I have to admit I’m having a leetle trouble getting my mind to settle and my stomach is off. Am I nervous about the trip? I suppose it’s possible, though unlikely. I’m off to slug on the couch again… oh, yeah, productive…

Well, two if you consider that today is pretty much over and Thursday we leave to catch the boat, but since we don’t board until afternoon, maybe we’re dealing with more like 2 1/2 days. Or we could just cut the fuss and count down hours : 60 hours, 45 minutes or so. Whee!

I decided to repack my one big case into the two smaller ones, which both fit under the carry-on size (one just barely) and everything fits, except the goodie bags (hey, it’s a birthday cruise, we need goodie bags) so there will be my small shoulder-bag as well. I just have to make sure we’re not limited to a number of carryons if we choose to tote our own bags rather than risk a mix-up.

I finished the t-shirt design but I want Mom to go ahead and have a look before I commit iron to cotton and have her unhappy about something. I like the way they turned out, though, at least so far. And I still need to wash out the water bottles and put the names on them and such (oh, hush, this /is/ me and I am the ersatz host of this floating party–I want it to be memorable… for all the /right/ reasons).

I did write some tonight, got to about 4200+ on the screenplay so I’m a couple hundred short of goal but I’ll make it up tomorrow night, I hope. There are only so many hours in a day, and mine seem to be getting shorter and shorted despite the sun staying up longer.

Those are hard-won words my friends. Ugh. I just couldn’t really get into and I knew exactly what I needed to get written down, I just get way too distracted here on this computer. Oh well. I’m at quota for the day plus a little bit (not quite 100 over) so I can stop and move onto other things.

Other things being designing the t-shirts for the cruise and getting the ironing-on done. Actually Mom designed them more-or-less, I just have to lay it out and do the rest. I haven’t felt incredibly productive at all today, but I did do most of my packing last night after finishing the laundry. And I think I can fit everything into my one big suitcase but then I have a dilemma. Do I want to put all of my clothes in one hamper?

Sure, I imagine it doesn’t happen all that often, probably less often than an Airport losing a bag even, but if something happens and my luggage is not put on the ship, it’s not like I can just run down to the local store and buy some cheap shirts and tshirts to get by. No, by the time there would be cause to worry we’d have already left the dock and the ship shops are not cheap.

Of course I’ll have a second small bag as carry-on because that’s just smart travel. But how much should I divide everything up is what I’m wondering? And the big case is a couple inches too long and wide to board with myself, so I can either take two smaller bags and carry on at least one of them or I can take my chances. Oh the dilemma! Oh well, I have a few more evenings to diliberate.

It’s so odd. I just went to go start the laundry and it’s hardly even dusk out at 8:30. Yes, I know we haven’t even made it to Midsummer yet, but still, it feels kind of weird, like it’s not really as late as it is.

Anyway, I finally started Script Frenzy! last night and in a couple of hours managed to tap out 1116 words. Cool, huh? And today we had our first write-in so after 3 hours, if my manual count is correct, I’m now up to 2771! That’s over 10% in. During one of my many people-watching breaks this afternoon (the B&N coffee shop is so good for that sort of thing) I did a little math and, even with not starting until the 8th and missing 5 days for the cruise I still only have to write 1112 words a day in order to reach 20K by the end of the month. That’s not bad at all! It also means I’m 500 ahead after today. Granted I still have to type up today’s pages, but it’s a whole lot easier that still having to come up with them!

I also managed to ink RA8–I even did a heavier outline for all the characters. Of course it makes sense but it was kind of one of those ‘duh’ moments while I was watching Timeline that, if I did the heavier outlines on just the characters outer edges they would stand out from the backgrounds that much more! (I said it was a ‘duh’) In fact, I’m so impressed with the way this one turned out, I’m halfway tempted to post it as black and white. I probably won’t, but I may just scan it b/w just in case I screw it up with color.

And my non-fiction kick continues. After forcing myself to stck out all three hours of the write-in I wandered B&N for a bit, looking for deals. I found this slim little book about secret societies throughout history and Disney War (about when Roy & co split off from Eisner+). I’m really enjoying the Absolut biography that’s on my bedside table along with the Black Dahlia Avenger (which I switched off from this last week). And waiting to be brought on the cruise? Priscilla Presley’s Elvis and Me! lol (Though really I got that to prep for next year’s road trip.)

There was one fiction novel that caught my eye: The Big Over Easy. It’s a crime novel set in Nursey Rhymes (hello? Fables anyone? But anyway…) and this is an investigation into the murder of Humpty Dumpty. Too awesome for words! Not that I’ve read it yet, but I love the premise (for the same reason I adore Fables).

Okay, now off to type in my script so far… Celtx, btw, rocks the formatting.

Today’s deadline at work: Met.
Interactivity on websites: Yup.
RA8 sketched: Wohoo!
Script Frenzy! begun: Finally.
I can has bed now? Kthx.

This was basically my message to Progressive Tuesday night…

Now, normally I would not refuse a check made out to myself but, well, when that money was intentionally sent as a renewal payment and some bozo decided to refund it rather than apply it to the new policy, this is a problem.

Basically, Progressive changed my account number upon the current renewal so what they thought was an overpayment was refunded. Not so, and luckily a quick call was able to resolve it (otherwise I would have been late with my renewal payment and that’s never a good thing).

# # #

I’m not totally vegging tonight though I had intended to. Instead I finished painting RA7 and am sketching RA8 while watching installment 2 of Starter Wife.

# # #

We are one week exactly from The Cruise! Yes! By this time next week I will hopefully be sippy something with an umbrella in it.

# # #

Mindy is still brainless. I’m hoping for some progress tomorrow, but when someone’s doing you a favor you run the risk of being at their mercy. Looks like Ring of Fire (SF! working title) will be started by hand this weekend if nothing changes. Sigh…

pitching to post!

Tomorrow night, after the SCA meeting, I’m planning on doing nothing but vegging out so I’ll post about not wanting a refund from Progressive and my other activities these last three nights.

The IT guy feels pretty sure that Mindy is fine but for needing a new harddrive. Not only that, but he thinks he has one that should work in her and, if so, will sell it to me for what he paid for it. So Mindy might live again, sometime this week maybe, and I can get back to semi-normal.

But wait: there’s more!

The Abyss has a new door. No longer will I be tempted to get a round frame for the hole and call it a port-hole. Granted, the new door is unfinished (not laquered, etc.) but I suppose that doesn’t matter so much.

And that’s all I’ve got. I worked on the Barony site a bit and managed to come up with the WORST ever color configuration for a forum… but at least I know what I did wrong and can fix it lol My goal is to be able to say, look, a forum, go register at the meeting Thursday night. If I survive that long.

I also have some title things to research and submit so that I can start writing some articles. And I need to get RA7 finished in its drawing stage so I can paint it. RA8 needs to be started so I don’t have to worry about it when I’m on the cruise. 9 days! Woot! Oh, and I need to make the iron-ons for the matching shirts (oh, yes, we’re going to be one of /those/ groups lol). Tomorrow and Wednesday nights will be verra verra busy!

as taps plays softly in the background…

Mindy, btw, is the Dell laptop I bought a couple of years ago. She was a refurbed Inspiron 1150 but made the last 3 NaNo’s much more doable. But last year, 10 days into November she coded [bsod] on me and only through the resuscitative efforts of palmie and her beau was anything recovered. Palmie shared an ubuntu disk with me and that actually worked and was working fine, but I decided that it was time to give the Windows XP reinstall another go.

Now, mind you, I have hardly touched Mindy since Minnie showed up in January. But now it is June, and Script Frenzy! is upon us (for which I haven’t written a single word to date). I have sufficient credit on my Dell account to purchase a replacement but do I want to go into debt for a second computer I’m hardly going to use except for 2 months out of the year?

This is the quandry.

Yeah, yeah, I know, her harddrive is barely cold and I’m looking at replacing her. I may bring her into work tomorrow and see if our IT guy has any luck with her but I doubt it. the WinXP install didn’t work because of possible hardware failure. I suppose something could be loose, but I think she’s on borrowed time already.

Again, I’m not sure I want to spend the money on a secondary computer. I really did like my aunt’s teeny little dell laptop this Christmas (seriously, I don’t think it was as big as my purse), it was so lightweight and cute! Then there’s the whole everything PC comes with Vista now, and do I really want to deal with that hassle? Maybe I should just work on Minnie and handwrite at the write-ins (shudder!). Sure, I’ve got my Olympus, but I think the noise would bother the other writers. (Not to mention where would I find ribbons?)

Then there’s the work issue. We finally have a VPN set up at work for the accounting system but it’s not Mac-compatible. So if I ever need to work from home I’ll need another laptop. No, I don’t think asking work to buy me a laptop is a viable solution either, as the frequency of me doing work from home is probably on the low side. But work isn’t the only compatibility issue: not all sites play nicely with Mac/Safari or even Firefox and you can’t get an IE installation for Mac anymore.

I just so didn’t need to have to worry about this this month! Argh!