My Chaotic Realm

The weather here has been beautiful lately—overnight lows in the upper 60s and daytime highs barely nudging into the 90s. Living near the water has its perks; there's a steady breeze that makes things feel pleasant overall. We’ve even been able to open the windows some days. And I have been taking my motorcycle out more, even riding it to work some days.  Work at Office Depot is still going well. I do wish it weren’t a full 40 hours a week, but that’s not something I can change at the moment. Thankfully, it’s mostly stress-free—apart from the usual nonsense that comes with retail. Some customers really seem to be trying to wear down my last nerve, and the entitlement levels can be unreal. But not all are bad—some are kind, and some are even grateful, which helps balance things out. I’ve been able to carve out a little time for art on Fridays, which—for now—seems to be consistently one of my two days off. Sundays are my other day off, but those tend to be reserved for family time an...

Guess what? We made it! We drove all the way to Texas to witness the Total Eclipse this time. Remember back in October 2023 when we chased the Annular Eclipse? We were fortunate enough to catch that one in Bandera at my Dad's place, despite some challenging weather. This time around, the weather gave us a run for our money on April 8th. But with a mix of map-reading prowess and a touch of weather magic, we managed to stay a step ahead of the clouds. We ended up southeast of Mason, TX, where we had a perfect, uninterrupted view from the beginning of totality until just after it ended. We arrived home late Tuesday afternoon to a warm welcome from all four kitties. After touching base with Tom to arrange Midnight's release from summer camp, we quickly unpacked before hitting the road again bound for Bracken Fen Kennels. Wednesday saw us back at our respective jobs, slipping back into the familiar rhythms of daily life. However, Saturday evening, following the Farmer's Market a...

 Wow, March 1st already! I was up early this morning (as is my norm) and so I am listening to the birds as they awake. I have already taken care of all the financial minutiae that must occur on the 1st and 15th monthly. Coffee was been consumed throughout the process. All that is left before I go to my college classes is to check-in on my monthly goals for February and see what March has planned for my time.  1) Blog the 1st of each month: and look...here I am! "ON TARGET" 2) Maintain an intentional spiritual practice: I observed both the new and full moons with fire and friends. The new moon was on the patio because of the weather. The full moon had different friends and was held outdoors. Wrote five journal entries for the month. I set out my year-long "Desires" grid last night since still under the Virgo full moon energies. "ON TARGET"            3) Lose one pound each month: I actually lost just over 3! "ON TARGET" February started with Imb...

I have not blogged in almost 7 weeks... that means there was no there has been no accountability posts since April. ARGHHHH In my defense May ended with my annual birthday camping trip AND with one of my co-workers being told to find employment elsewhere. So down to 9 teammates instead of the required 10-11. That means I worked at least 4 days a week in June. I did manage to scrapbook the B-Day pictures though. Speaking of June...that month started with my annual "All Class Reunion". Back home to Bandera we went-even the dogs! Took the camper this time, still stayed at my Dad's place. Mid-June saw us at the IMMS educational booth @ Jones Park during the summer shindig there. Got a tooth from a mackerel & a crow shark. Came away more educated because I didn't even know there were such sharks! we both also did some rubbings...lots of fun. And just when I had become somewhat used to working 4 days a week, teammate #9 quit at the end of June. No notice, no warnin...

But I will see them again soon because I am headed to go see Dad in a few days. Have to work Thursday through Saturday then heading out 2 OMG on Sunday morning. Got some pics during the kids visit so will get those printed today & packed. My plan is to scrap some of them on my previously made page kits while I visit with Dad. So...the book for my expecting teammate.. pics! Took me 3 days of work.. Friday I built the structure. Saturday I covered it with decorative papers & put a cover on it. Monday I made journalling tags for pockets & embellished it. Tomorrow I will deliver it.

I just noticed that I have not posted on here in like a coon's age.. so sorry!! been busy teaching at Michael's, working at DaVita and living the beach life. callie died in August, almost a year to the day of Mr. Buoy's passing. Sad. We are looking at end of life care for Cappi as she is way into the geriatric doggie stage now. Did make it back to Texas in July & then again early October to see the kids, my dad & some BHS friends. Also did some touristy type things like Horseback riding, walking the river, etc. Bud did not get to go because I took the BF instead. he can go in March. :-) Oh..get this.. DAD QUIT SMOKING!!!!! Wait.. THAT should be the headline.. lemme go change that up top.... ... ... Ok... Title of blog post has been changed. That is like an awesome thing, y'all...So, working on teaching some classes outside of Michael's since they have changed how they pay me. They are now deducting a "Room Fee" from my "Classroom Bo...

So, made the trip back home...we left way before daybreak last week. We hit Jennings park for a quick dip & roll...saw the baby gator (Bud didn't even bark...). Then back in the car & over the Baton Rouge bridge. Ever upward and onward until we finally see it...the Texas State line!! That meant we were halfway there! Made it to 5 Mile Dam and took a trip down memory lane...that was where Bud learned to swim with his Daddy as a mere pup. Speaking of his Dad, we made it to the kid's place in time for dinner and an early bed. Saturday saw us head out at the crack of dawn to Bandera. Along the way I was going to stop for breakfast at the biggest (and newest) Buc-ee's in New Braunfels. That's when I saw it... BRAND NEW HEB+ ...right across from the Beaver!! Ah, my loyalties were torn :-( But HEB+ won. The grand opening was the day before but there were still LOTS of specials. Loaded up the car & ice chest as much as possible (the overflow got to ride with B...