Changes

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My Josey with her two loves: her sunspot and her bone. ::laughs::

So I finally bit the bullet and emailed 9 local libraries to see if they have practicum positions open for the Spring semester. I shot that email off before heading in to work, and by the time I got to work, my #6 choice had already emailed me back wanting to set up an interview next Thursday. By the end of work, I had also heard from my #2 choice and #4, along with assurances I would hear soon from choices #7, #8, and #9. ::chuckles:: And here I was worried I wouldn’t be able to get a position! ::chuckles:: Looks like I will have my pick of places.

Esmeralda (my supervisor) came out to talk to me about the staffing at my campus. Megan is leaving at the end of the week. And apparently, Emily has put in a request to transfer to another campus because she’s moving and would like to be a campus closer to her new home. That’s the first I’ve heard of Emily wanting to transfer, but it doesn’t surprise me. She is SUPER non-confrontational to the point that she doesn’t even like directly speaking at times. So, I may be “losing” Emily in January if there is a campus open for her.

Getting Down To The Final Stretch

written: November 27

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Look who’s feeling super social again! ::chuckles:: She’s been out and about in her tank a lot the past week or so. I guess she likes it when I have the window blinds open and she can get some sunlight.

The Diversity professor already graded my paper from last night – 100%. My grade in the class is currently a 98.9. Just two assignments left and I’m done with this class.

Storytelling, I have this week’s module and response, and the Story Journal project and then I’m done with that class. I’ll be done with the semester on December 10th (or earlier, if I choose to submit my assignments before then). I’m so ready!

Back to the Grind

written: November 26

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Necklaces. I took this photo at 11:59 pm. I almost missed taking a photo today so I had to scramble to find something. ::laughs::

I got the video watched for my Diversity class; read two articles; and then wrote and submitted my response by 10:30 pm. Whew! Only two more assignments due for this class.

I seriously did NOT want to go to work today after having an entire week off due to Thanksgiving Break. But the kiddos were pretty good and happy to be back, which makes all the difference most days. And with Zander no longer being in the program, that’s a huge bomb that I no longer have to worry about.

I had a voice mail from the mom of Aubrey (a kinder), saying that she wants to withdraw Aubrey from the program in December. Which sucks, because Aubrey is an awesome kid. BUT, it will bring us down to just 70 total in the program, which will be nice.

New Old Computer

written: November 25

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Pretty miss Leviathan just hanging out. Looks like quite the happy little serpent.

David has his set up finally so that he can work from home, so he’s enjoyed NOT having to drive to work for his four hour shift this weekend. I like it because he got himself a new computer and I’m getting his old computer – which is a lot younger than my desktop. Now I just have to cull through a SHIT ton of photos and figure out which ones I honestly want to keep. I’m thinking that will be a good project for my Winter Break time. ::chuckles::

Thoughts on Wolfenoot

written: November 24

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One of the Mystery Mosaics I’m currently coloring. I need to get some more permanent markers. Certain colors are dying out as they are used the most (like light blues, tan, and turquoise).

David’s working from home today. I’m working on school work stuff. Super exciting lives we live.
I think one of the main reasons I didn’t celebrate Wolfenoot is because the Full Moon in January is the Wolf Moon. That’s when I do most of my wolf related celebrating. That’s when I re-bless and dedicate my various wolf-related objects and make offerings. I have been doing that for years so I have more of a personal bond with that celebration than Wolfenoot. But I love that so many people hopped on that bandwagon and that a number of people started fundraisers to benefit wolf sanctuaries or dog shelters. Really awesome.

Wolfenoot

written: November 23

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My little bedside wolf altar in honor of Wolfenoot.

Honestly, I didn’t do anything to Wolfenoot or the full moon this evening. I’m still utterly wiped out from all the driving I did yesterday. Though, I did spend an hour on the phone with my Hazel Nut, swapping Tarot/Oracle readings. She’s sick as a dog right now (has been for a week or so), and didn’t want me to catch whatever she has, so we did readings over the phone. Definitely not my preferred way to read cards – or have my cards read. But it’ll do in a pinch. :smiles::

I’ve been nursing a headache all day long – trying to keep it JUST a headache and not let it develop into a migraine. Luckily I haven’t had a bad one in a while. ::knocks on wood::

Had a crazy dream the night before Thanksgiving. I was doing a banishing spell on my Psycho Ex to finally remove all traces of him from my life. Specific herbs were used. Which, when I did the research on those herbs, turns out they ARE for banishing. Crazy. ::chuckles:: So yeah, needless to say, I’ll start gathering up the herbs used in my dream and perform the spell in the waking world and hopefully get rid of him once and for all.

Chris and Christie L. are having a Wolfenoot party at their house and were inviting anyone and everyone to it. I was actually thinking of going until I remembered they have cats. Plural. ::sighs:: So yeah, nixed that idea as Hubs and I are both allergic. Man, I really need to get a library job so I can hopefully afford to do the immunotherapy and get rid of all my damn allergies. And if it works for me, then we can figure out a way to pay for hubs to get it done as well. I don’t know if the VA offers it or could cover it, so there’s a possibility he would have to pay for it himself.

Turkey Day

written: November 22

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Awesome polar bear ornament I picked up earlier this week at Target. My plan is to use it as a focal point for my dream of going to Churchill, Manitoba to see the wild polar bear migration. Once I get that big dream accomplished, I’ll write the date on the bottom of the bear and it will probably find a place of honor on one of my shelves. ::smiles:: I’m more than halfway to my goal, financially.

Today was a whirlwind of activity for me. I got up early (7:30 am) and got on the road to my lil hometown. I made EXCELLENT time, so I got there a bit earlier than I had planned. But that just meant extra time with Lil Niece, Lil Nephew, Sister-in-Law, Brother, and my Mom. Uncle Jake and Wade (cousin) showed up a bit later, and honestly, it was a really nice Thanksgiving lunch with the family. I wish the husband could have made the trip with me, but he had to work today. After that, we all just hung out, chatted, and then I got back on the road to home. Long, long day for me, but so worth it.

Crappy Ending

written: November 21

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Pretty Josey, patiently waiting for David to come home from work. She may also be begging for the Spicy Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole that I have cooking currently. I had forgotten how AMAZING it smells. It’s going to be hard to save it for tomorrow (Turkey Day with the family). ::chuckles::

Finished The Ritual by Adam Neville. I’m seriously bummed out by the ending. It was just so lackluster. Too many unanswered questions and The Big Thing isn’t resolved. It sucks because the book was so amazingly written but then it’s like the author went “Um…the end!” I almost threw it across the room in frustration from the lackluster ending. Maybe….the author is setting up for a sequel. Or maybe I’m just being crazy hopeful. ::laughs:: But seriously, damn good book. Just don’t expect an ending that wraps everything up neatly with a bow on top. You will NOT get that. ::chuckles::

I’ve been having a blast coloring in the Mystery Mosaic book (Book #3). But I’m going to need to pick up some more permanent markers soon. They are my go to coloring supplies. I like the solid coloring they give. Maybe Amazon will have some great deals on them on Black Friday or Cyber Monday and I can get ‘em cheap. Honestly, I wish I could buy the colors individually (cheaply). Because there are certain colors that I just burn through, and it would be so much better for me if I could buy those particular colors on their own instead of having to buy the big rainbow packs. Hmmm, I can do that apparently with Sharpies through Jet Pens. Wish I could do the same for Bic, as the colors are definitely different. If Copic markers weren’t so damn expensive, that would be a route for me to check out. But DAMN. They are pricey as hell and well out of my price range at this time.

Book: The Ritual

written: November 20

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Awesome creepy book I’m currently reading. I started today and am more than half way through it. If I end up having nightmares tonight, I will not be shocked at all. And I’m pretty sure Netflix did a movie based off of this book, so I’ll certainly check it out once I’m done reading.

I need to find a time to go back to Target. I found a cute little Christmas tree that would fit in the same place the Jack O’ Lantern was. It’s a little three-foot-tall tree with lights already on it for like $25. And I seriously want a tree of some sort. I would go so Pagan on that tree. I have these little clear quartz crystals that I have eyelets already screwed into them. I would buy a bunch more and hang those all over the tree. I would love to make a red bead garland to go around it. And then some star for the top of the tree.

Juvenile

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Huge burr oak acorns.
And because I’m a total child at heart, I totally sent this photo to my husband and said “Dude, check out deez nuts!”

Today has been a pretty good day. I swung by the library (where I got the monster nuts) and picked up The Ritual by Adam Nevill. I’m looking forward to diving into that book. And I went to play at Target (hoping for Sharpies…no dice), but picked up a few bits and bobs there. Then I headed over to Barnes & Noble and picked up a new planner. I hit Starbucks on the way home, picking up my Chai and a set of chocolate dipped Madeleines. I shared those with Josey (the non-chocolate part).

It’s now been over two weeks on Pristiq, and I’m doing great. I’ve only had a handful of days with depression. And even then, it wasn’t soul-crushing. So yeah, I think this is going to work for me. I go back to the doc on the 30th to check-in with her.

Tara did this awesome video on the items she picked up when a whole bunch of them went to Salem. And I utterly fell in love with two pieces of sapphire blue obsidian. I’ve never seen obsidian that color and she said they were a measly $2 apiece. So now I’ve sent the store a message, seeing if I can order a handful of pieces.

Honestly, before Tara talked about all the awesome things she did and saw and bought in Salem, I just never got the appeal of going. Seemed overly morbid in my opinion. But her showing off the amazing items she got for such amazing prices? Dude, I want to go now! ::laughs:: Now it’s going on my Bucket List for sure.

Newest Obsession

written:  November 18

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This is one of my Zuni fetishes – a bear carved of Picasso marble by Emery Eriacho. He is, hands down, my absolute favorite bear carver. I have two more by him – one of them my mom picked up on her trip to Yellowstone on a whim. She just saw that it was a Zuni fetish and had no idea about the carver, or that he was my favorite. ::smiles:: My mom is just awesome that way. I’ll have to get photos of those sometime soon, along with all my other Zuni fetishes.

Man, temperature dipped down again today. Cloudy and overcast and down in the 40s. I may have to grab another blanket for my room. ::chuckles:: There’s nothing I love more than snuggling down deep under some blankets when it’s cold.

One of my 101 Goals in 1001 Days is to complete all of the Mystery Mosaic (by MindWare) coloring books. I’m not buying them in order right now, but Book #3 just arrived and I’m diving right in. Loving it! It’s the original Pixel Art. ::smiles:: I’ve ordered Book #5, but it hasn’t arrived yet. I was originally planning to limit myself to just one a day, but seeing as how I’ve already done 4 and started on a 5th one, I don’t see that happening. ::chuckles:: I’ll probably finish this book this week, as long as my permanent markers hold out.

Good Saturday

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Wonderful surprise gift from Long Fang that arrived today. I truly do have some amazing friends.
I also got my trade in today from Denise – I traded my Witch for her Solum. And yeah, I’ll be trading Solum for sure. ::laughs:: It’s a “grounding blend” but damn, it is smelly and strong. You know, I really should write down the ingredients of the oils I hate and the oils I love and see if there are common oils/aromas that decide which pile they go in. I’ll just add that to my never ending of “Things I Should Do” list. ::chuckles::

Speaking of trades, I mailed out Siren today to Kendra. I’m trading it for her Blue Lotus oil. Siren is one of those oils that I didn’t hate, but I didn’t love it either. It wasn’t a very strong aroma either, so it faded very quickly, hence why it was in my Trade Pile. So fingers crossed I like Blue Lotus.

I spent the bulk of my day reading. I finished A Head Full of Ghosts by Paul Tremblay. It’s got murder, mystery, mental illness, and an exorcism. So friggin’ good. My only complaint is that it was written in two different styles – one is the narrative (which I LOVED) and the other was written as a series of blog posts (which I HATED because I wanted to get back to the narrative asap). But still, a very good book.

Beautiful Day

written: November 16

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Yeah, our crazy weather is feeling like Spring again. Teeny, tiny baby Texas Spiny Lizard above.

Ladybugs (though, I was corrected that these are Asian Lady Beetles):



Oh well, still pretty:



I got my response to a classmate’s online presentation done for the Diversity class AND my Praise & Appreciation done for the 3rd story in Storytelling. Just two posts and a response left to do in Storytelling and I’m free for Thanksgiving week! Woohoo!

I was seriously worried about today. Jess AND Megan were both out. Maddie didn’t come in until 4:30. Luckily I got Lance (a sub) and Nancy (an aide from another campus) to help out. AND Zander went home early. So yeah, today was his last day and luckily, I didn’t have to see him after Wednesday’s craziness. I’m deeply grateful for that. BUT, then two parents were LATE picking up the kiddos, so I was still on campus until 6:45. Which, it’ll be nice to have those late fees and the extra time on my paycheck, but damn, I just wanted to go home!

But I got all of that squared away. All the kiddos got picked up. I emailed the bosses about the late pick ups and that Maddie stayed with me (so she gets part of the late fee). I finished up the week’s paperwork and I bolted as soon as I could. ::chuckles::

Big Things

written: November 15

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Lil Miss Leviathan was actually out and about her tank today. ::smiles:: I just adore my lil serpent lady. I can hardly believe she’s 12 years old at this point.

Big Things Today:

1. We had our staff meeting today in which we all sat in a circle, passed a tiny plastic trophy around, and answered bullshit questions about ourselves. Like, what’s your favorite color. What office supply best embodies you. ::shakes her head:: Introvert hell.
   
2. They’ve agreed to remove Zander from the program…..BUT his last day isn’t until tomorrow. So we’ve still got to make it through today and tomorrow. Please god, let them be GOOD days. I don’t think I can do much more at this point.
   
3. Had a good talk with Emily T. about the issues I’m seeing. Honestly, it went very well I think. Much better than I was anticipating. So hopefully we’ve reached a better understanding of all the things and we can get back on track again. And if not, well, then I’ve tried and next come write-ups.
   

Kick in the Teeth

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My puppers ADORES her Sun Spot.

Well, hell, today was a kick in the goddamn teeth. My emotionally disturbed kiddo, that honestly had been doing pretty damn good for a while now, had a BAD day. Throwing shoes at teachers, pushing kids down, throwing HUGE trash cans, running away……Yeah. Great fucking fun day for me. I had to hold him by the arm to get him to stop throwing the trash bins and when I let go, he took off. So I had to sprint down the hallway to catch him and bring him back to the cafeteria (our home base). I had him sit in my office until he could calm down (the only way out was the door I was standing in). I called my supervisor and told her I needed her out on campus and explained what had happened. This kiddo is on probation already, and Esmeralda is pretty sure he’ll be removed from my campus at this point. She had to talk it over with Kelly (head boss), but I should know something before work tomorrow.

I’m also going to have a major meeting with Emily T. She isn’t even doing the bare minimum now at work and I’m so fucking over it. So tomorrow is a serious sit down meeting in which I will lay out, very bluntly and to the point, the directives I need to her follow and what is expected from her from now on. And that failure to meet these criteria will result in write-ups. Zero verbal warnings from here on out. I’m just too tired and too fed up to be nice any longer. And honestly, nice has just gotten me walked all over by her and I’m done. So wish me luck with that, because I know it’s not going to be a fun talk at all.
In better news:

I got my payroll notification today and tomorrow’s paycheck is AMAZING. ::smiles:: Thank goodness!
AND, I got my grade on my presentation of two online resources that I was nervous about. One key step in the evaluation of the resource was to do three searches. Wellllll, one of my assigned resources didn’t have a search ability, so I wrote that and left the rest blank. I figured I would get docked, but I’m rocking a 98 in the class, so I figured I would just take the hit and keep on rolling. I got 100% on the assignment! Woohoo! So I currently have a 98.7 for the class. Thank goodness.

Bummed

written: November 13

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My necklace FINALLY arrived from BrazilianMagick. The pendant is awesome. But the “chain” that came with it?



Cheap and flimsy. The clasp opening is just BARELY bigger than the chain and you have to really FORCE it to get it in. Which you can’t do when you are putting it on because the chain is about 16 inches long. ::shakes her head::

I paid $60 for this? And it took 10 business days to ship? And the owner was dodgy as fuck every time I inquired when she would mail it (it was supposed to be mailed 3 to 5 business days after order). ::shakes her head::

Thankfully, the black leather necklace I bought for the Wolf Shield pendant arrived today as well. So I put the Wolf Shield on its necklace and put the crystal pendant on the leather necklace with the serpent. That’s where it’ll stay until I can order one specifically for the crystal pendant.

But in better news – Leviathan had a PERFECT shed. She hasn’t done that in a while. Zero tears. All one beautiful piece. And she didn’t shit in or on it. Impressive! ::laughs:: She’s still holding steady at 5 feet 2 inches long. I should get a photo of me holding it for scale. ::chuckles:: She’s a long serpent.

Incoming Freeze

written:  November 12

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I am concerned about my roses due to the incoming freeze we’re supposed to get tonight. Hopefully the freeze won’t damage the plant itself. I am ok with losing the blossoms, as long as the plant itself is ok.

It is so nice to have all my assignments done for the week. Well most of it. I still have to respond to a classmate’s presentation of an online resource, but nothing major. And then I have two assignments due Sunday and Monday and then I have an entire WEEK OFF. ::happy flails:: Seriously, I am so looking forward to that.

David is working all of Thanksgiving week. Which is nice for me, because it means I have an entire week TO MYSELF during the day. Seriously stoked about that. Don’t get me wrong. I adore my husband. But to have a full week JUST me and I can do whatever I see fit during the day without have to talk to anyone about it? BLISS.

I plan to pick up a new planner at Barnes & Noble. I will probably hit Michael’s while I’m there (since it’s next door). I’m thinking I should do sushi at some point that week. And I plan to burn my Jack-o-Lantern affirmation in the fire pit. At some point I’ll head to my lil hometown for the family Thanksgiving (still waiting to hear when we’re doing that). And David wants to pick up the Thanksgiving meat at the Cracker Barrel for us to enjoy as some point as well.

Adulting WIN Today

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I’m still waiting for the leather cord that I ordered specially for this pendant (that Brandy, my Canadian twin) to arrive. But until then, I’m wearing on the leather cord that also has my serpent pendant (that my Mom gave me years ago). I wore it to Wal-Mart and just love the piece so much. It still needs to be blessed, but damn I seriously dig it.

I went on adulting overboard today. ::chuckles:: The neighbor behind us had a huge white dog they put outside at 9 am…that proceeded to bark its damn head off for TWO GODDAMN HOURS. But the upside of being up that early meant I got the following School Related Things done:
- Self-Eval for Storyingtelling Class
- Discussion Post AND response to classmate in Storyingtelling Class
- TWO Presentations of Online Resources for Diversity Class
- registered for GRADUATION for Summer 2019
- registered for my final class Spring 2019
- AND weeded through the big list of places I can do my practicum hours at and have a list of 11 places I plan to apply to asap.

I also changed the sheets on my bed, vacuumed my room, took a shower, and did two loads of laundry.

So yeah, I definitely think the Pristiq is working. Because last weekend – I didn’t even have the energy/desire to change the sheets on my bed.

37

written: November 10

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Happy 37th birthday to me!

David hung up the birthday banner after I went to bed last night, so it was a nice surprise to come down and see it.

I need to finalize my 37 Goals for my 37th Year. And I need to go over the goals I had for this past year as well.

Today was a nice, quiet day at the house. We did venture out to do lunch at the Cracker Barrel. We watched Skyscraper – such a good movie. I received so many happy birthday well-wishes through Facebook. My mom called on her lunch break (she was at a paid training event) to sing happy birthday to me and we got to chat for a while. Hazel Nut also called and sang happy birthday to me as well. ::smiles:: Totally made me feel super loved. Logan and Lindsay sent me a gift card to Red Robin. We’ll hit that later on.

All in all, a good birthday. I’m hoping the calmness of today is setting a good beginning to this new personal year for me.

Here’s to seizing life by the balls this year!

Pre-Birthday

written: November 9

Pre-birthday celebration at On The Border. I opted for a Tequila Sunrise:



Man, it was as strong as it was pretty. ::chuckles::



I got a lovely goody box from my mom with Peanut Butter balls, Cookies, a card (and check) and a copy of the Whose Boat is This Boat?: Comments That Don’t Help in the Aftermath of a Hurricane by Donald J. Trump (created by Late Show and that 100% of the proceeds go to help the victims of Hurricane Florence). And my photo of Niko with his pumpkin arrived from Wolf Park’s “Give a Wolf a Pumpkin” fundraiser. Hopefully next year, I’ll be more on top of things and not realize at the last second that I missed the fundraiser (I cut it REALLY close this time).

So almost a week now on Pristiq. Guess the best thing about the week long cold is that any adverse side effects I may have had were completely overshadowed by that. And other than bottoming out Wednesday (which really, had more to do with the election results for my state), I am doing worlds better. So I’m really hopeful about this FINALLY being something that will work for me.

A Pretty Good Thursday

written: November 8

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My beautiful roses. We’re supposed to get a freeze on Friday night, so I’m not sure if it’s going to survive it. Which, I mean, it is early November. But I’m going to be sad to see my roses close up shop for the year. I should probably just go ahead and cut them and put them in a vase to enjoy. ::chuckles:: Such pretty roses.

Crazy long day at work due to the fact that the kiddos couldn’t go outside (misting rain and it being in the high 40s). And they couldn’t go to the gym because Excite (a local gymnastic program) has all their stuff set up in there for the week. Thank goodness Emily (shit aide) hadn’t taken her movies home yet, so we were able to watch Finding Nemo.

Yeah, the necklace that Shit Lady said was mailed out on Monday? Yeah, USPS just picked it up TODAY to mail. ::snarls:: Shit Lady couldn’t even tell me the truth. ::rolls her eyes:: I’m going to smudge that necklace the fuck down when it gets here because I want NONE of her energy left on it. Honestly, I think she went ahead and made the shipping label on Monday just so I couldn’t cancel the order. ::shakes her head:: Yeah, will NOT be ordering from that shop ever again. Which is a pity, because she had these gorgeous rough garnet rings that I’ve been drooling over. But yeah, after this experience? NOPE. I’ll get a ring somewhere else.

I need to get a photo of the awesome earrings David got me for my birthday. He got them from one of his coworkers. He complimented her on her earrings and asked her where she got them because he thought they looked like something I would wear. He mentioned that it was my birthday this week. And because she’s awesome, she up and offered that pair to him. She of course cleaned them up before handing them over.

They’re a copper half circle with black tassels. Copper isn’t typically a metal/color I wear, as I prefer silver. But I’m sensing a lesson here to break out of my standard “I only wear this color” mentality. So I’m just rolling with it. Now I’ve just got to get my ears used to wearing earrings once again. ::chuckles:: I very rarely wear them.

Orange

written: November 7

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AWESOME surprise gift today from Annette!!!!!!!!
Not a color I would naturally choose for myself, but I like it! ::smiles::

And she sent this necklace along with it:



I’m thinking it may get tied to my ritual spear. That’s at least the flash of inspiration I got the second I saw it. ::smiles::

For the most part, today has not been an overly pleasant day. Depression settled down on me early this morning and I just couldn’t shake it. I did manage a good, long, hot shower to do some self-care. Only to realize I’m practically out of deodorant. Ended up using my husband’s! ::laughs::

I got approval today for my final class next semester. Woohoo! I’ll register for that asap AND work on finding a place to do my practicum hours.

Eating Ouija

written: November 6

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Close up shot of mints inside the Ouija board Altoids tin. I’m seriously addicted to these. They aren’t as strong at the standard Altoids mints, so I’ve been eating them like candy. ::chuckles::

Today is the final day to vote. I am proud of the record-setting turn out for this election. I just hope we keep being this involved. I hope we’ve seen what happens when we allow voter apathy to take root. And I hope we can change the direction we are headed. But seeing the lines at the polling places…man, I am SO glad we voted early! ::laughs::

I’m feeling less Plague-ish now. The sore throat is gone, along with the sneezing. Just massive sinus pressure and a cough. On the mend, but still got a ways to go.

Lovely Surprise

written: November 5

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Look at this awesome necklace my Canadian Twin sent me!

Backside:



I’ve ordered a leather necklace to hang this pendant from. As soon as it arrives, it is all getting blessed and charged on my altar and then I’m wearing that bitch EVERYWHERE.

I am still waiting for the Crystal Necklace I ordered back on October 25th to ship. I emailed the lady about it and she was beyond NOT helpful. ::shakes her head:: I just hope the necklace is worth all of this hassle. She won’t be receiving a stellar review from me already, due to her crap communication. I just hope I don’t get some subpar jewelry and have to then fight to get a refund.

So you remember me talking about a “work-crush” (non-romantic, I just friggin’ adore her as a person), Mackenzi? Well she sent me a friend request a while back on FB and I was going back and forth for a while if I would accept it because I’m an out-and-proud-and-LOUD liberal and Pagan and it SHOWS on my FB page. Which I’m always hesitant to add people I work with because I live in a not so liberal, not so welcoming to non-Christians area and I don’t need that drama spilling out into my work place. Sucks that I have to worry about that, but it is what it is for now. ANYWAYS. I ended up accepting her FB friend request and then sweating bullets for about a week – until she announced she has a GIRLFRIEND now. Yay! So yeah, now I’m not so worried. ::chuckles:: And I’m happy for her. She seems really happy. ::smiles::

SICK

written: November 4

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Yeah, I’m SICK today. Seems I caught a cold at the doctor’s office. Yay. ::grumbles:: But I’ve double and triple checked my symptoms to make sure it is a cold and not the flu.

I spent the day napping off and on, eating cough drops like they were candy. I finally had the strength to venture out and pick up some NyQuil. Gonna dose the shit out of myself tonight. ::chuckles:: I hopefully knock this shit out asap because I just can’t afford to be sick and miss work right now. And I just don’t trust my staff (excluding Jess) to run the campus at all while I’m gone.

Roses

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Yep, those are my roses today. Blooms on November 3rd. ::smiles:: Though today is windy and cooler, so I’m not sure all the blossoms will make it to full bloom. Which reminds me, I still have two packages of dried rose petals that I STILL haven’t mailed out.

Yeah, needless to say that Depression has been kicking my ass majorly this past year (or longer, if we are being honest here). But I’m ready to turn the corner. I’m done wallowing in the darkness. Time to start clawing my way out of this pit. I’ve been here more than long enough. I started the new anti-depressant (Pristiq) today. Dr. O. said to give it at least a week before I could expect to see any changes. But just the fact that I am DOING something about my depression is helping to lift it.

Hope

written: November 02

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My tarot/oracle reading for Samhain that I did today. I felt like Samhain proper (October 31st) was for the Beloved Dead and thus held off until today to do anything for myself. I don’t know why I was so shocked at how accurate the Jade Oracle reading was – it always is. ALWAYS. And damn, this deck doesn’t pull any punches. ::chuckles:: I am so thankful I randomly stumbled across this deck while looking at The Last Unicorn Tarot (STILL waiting for that deck to be printed and shipped), because this is my total go-to deck since I’ve gotten it. It’s not as brutally honest as a Tarot deck is…but at the same time, there’s a bit more edge to it than you standard Oracle deck. It’s a nice blend of the two.

So I had my appointment with Dr. O. today about getting on some anti-depressants. It’s always so much fun to run through all medications I’ve tried and why they didn’t work out. She’s putting me on Pristiq – turns out, the generic of it is a ZERO cost drug for me. My health insurance doesn’t pay shit for doctor visits (this visit cost me $120), but damn it does very well on prescription medication. So at least I’m only get the shaft on one item. I have a follow up visit with her at the end of the month to see how it’s going and if we need to supplement this medication with Wellbutrin. I’m setting my intention right now that Pristiq WILL work for me. Trying so hard to stay positive here.

Annie messaged me to give me a heads up that the On-Line Friend that I had blocked last month has finally figured out that she’s been blocked. ::chuckles:: And apparently On-Line Friend is saying she has no reason why I would block her, that obviously I’m over-reacting to something, and is begging people to talk to me on her behalf. ::shakes her head:: I really wish people would come with appropriate warning labels. How do I manage to consistently attract the crazies? And it’s not even like On-Line Friend was even NICE to me, so why is she so desperate to get me back as a friend? Guess she’s missing her favorite verbal punching bag. ::shakes her head:: Yeah, I just hope she accepts this and moves on to someone new.

Venison

written: November 01

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The beginnings of my famous Venison Chili Cheese Dip. This dip is so damn delicious.



My version:
- 1 pound ground venison (though ground beef or ground turkey work just as well)
- 1 sweet onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
—Cook these together in a skillet until meat is fully browned and onions are translucent.
In a pot, melt 1 block of Velveeta cheese (cubed) and a can of Wolf Brand Chili (no beans). When that is melted, mix in the venison, onion, and bell pepper until fully combined. I eat these with Fritos Scoops. Any of those thin corn chips will NOT stand up to this hearty dip.

I didn’t take a photo of it once it was all combined. It’s just not a “pretty” dip. But holy hell, it is delicious and will fill you up in no time flat. ::smiles:: It’s one of the foods I associate with this time of the year. Cooler temperatures and stronger winds…autumn is coming. Which brings deer season, which brings venison. With my brother having so much work and family responsibilities, his ability to hunt has drastically decreased. I might have to step in soon and start hunting.

But I would prefer to start off hunting pigs. I am pretty sure I would not hesitate to pull the trigger on the feral hogs we have out on our land. But I definitely wouldn’t want to hunt those solo. Cell reception out on our land is hit and miss BIG time, and I wouldn’t risk a nasty run-in with a pack of feral hogs without any backup or ability to get to help, should I require it. Running into coyotes, bobcats, or even a puma out on the land doesn’t frighten me. But coming face to face with one of our monster feral hogs out there while on foot? That shit chills me to the bone.

But I’m thinking hunting pigs could help me work up to hunting deer. Eventually, I would love to go elk hunting. One of those would feed us for a WHILE. ::laughs::

Voted & Samhain

written: October 31

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We voted! ::smiles:: And honestly, it was a pretty easy and quick thing. We were in and out in under 10 minutes. Forgive us, we look a bit ragged. We got up early (TWO DAYS IN A ROW) to come vote because there was no telling what the lines were going to be like. ::chuckles::

The rest of the day was pretty low-key. Work was kind of crazy due to it being Halloween AND raining. ::chuckles::

Blessed Samhain!

My Samhain altar:



Nice and quiet. Just how I like it.

Long Day

written: October 30

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An interesting chocolate bar I saw today at 7-11.

Loooong day today. Hubs had to get up early for his VA appointment. Which meant, I had to get up early to move down to his bed so hopefully Josey would go back to sleep. She did not. Little shithead. I am not a fan of 7:30 am. I hope my library job, when it manifests, isn’t an early one.
I set up my Samhain altar. I went pretty minimalist this time around. I kind of like it. Feels like the altar has space to breathe. I may continue this trend of minimalist for a while, at least for now. Just the thought of setting up a BIG and BUSY altar completely exhausts me and I end up not doing a damn thing instead. ::chuckles:: So I’m thinking of cutting a lot of the fluff out and seeing how that works for me.

Except for Wolfenoot. That one, I’m going to go all out for. ::chuckles::