(no subject)

Just got in to work from taking the dog to the vet.

Let it be known, I'm the abnormal one in my family. My dog is my only pet, whereas I found out yesterday that even my grandmother, who never had pets until last year, has adopted her second cat. As I said to the vet (who has always taken care of our animals), "I have restraint".

I also have the only pet that has never had an issue with going to the vet. He actually loves it. Ride in a car? Great! Place that smells like other animals? Awesome! Actually *seeing* other animals? Even better! The only part he didn't like was getting shots (that and the high table), but he got over that in no time. Dog was dang ADHD, darting about, pulling on his leash (note: it's hard to write a check with a dog that pulls on a leash), trying to check out everything before we left.

The sister

After 2 1/2 to 3 years, my sister quit her job. The good part? She had a job lined up elsewhere. But she went from a job in a law office to working at a gym.

The path to self-destruction...she's back on track.

(no subject)

New Year's Resolutions

I know it's January 7th, but I'm posting my resolutions. I have a new approach this year. I'm going to do something every month. I've made a master list of things to do - 20 in all - and each month I have to choose something from the list. The key is to do things that are outside of my normal comfort zone. They also range in price so that I can choose based upon financial need during that month.

1. Learn to drive stick shift

2. Go to a new race track (not Charlotte, Martinsville or Bristol)

3. Hike in a park (this also includes avoiding scary men who plan to murder me and dump my body)

4. Take a cooking class

5. Go to a concert

6. Take a dance class

7. Travel out of state (if my cousin decides to get married this year, this counts - if not, I'm thinking San Diego)

8. Go to a pottery festival

9. Learn to crochet and make an afghan for Victory Junction

10. Learn to make kee mao (this will happen in April as my sister is my guinea pig)

11. Volunteer

12. Buy stock

13. Pay off credit card

14. Have a party

15. Get a new job

16. Create my own original artwork

17. Visit Childress Wineries

18. Visit Biltmore House

19. Actually date

20. Do something adventurous

Number 13 is the one I wish to do most, but it may have to wait until next year based upon actually getting something done every month (or travel). Number 19 could be facilitated by actually going out and doing things, thereby making it easier to meet men. Plus I've already told one coworker she's allowed to set me up with guys. (R. is much better at choosing men - mainly because she's chosen so many men - than my family.) Number 20 at this point will probably be the Petty Driving Experience, because I keep putting it off, although it could be bungee jumping. Number 7 is one I want to do badly, but is dependent upon finances (like if my budget for travel gets wiped out for finding a new job - like that lull between paychecks that can happen). Number 4 and number 11 I'm already looking into - I have to make a call to the hospital and go by Williams Sonoma to find a class schedule.

I also have a "must do every month" set of resolutions: write 5,000 words (original fic) and I must do hard core cleaning once a month (the kind that includes cleaning out the fridge and washing the dog's bed).