I had a rather accomplished day. Although I didn't sleep well last night, I managed to get up in time to clean out a cabinet that REALLY needed it, vacuum, fold up some laundry, and still get in a 5 hour-shift at work. Perhaps these tasks are not as much as some do in their day, but considering my level of exhaustion, I'm rather happy with the progress made.

Hours at work have lessened a bit, which is understandable as we're into January and retail is not exactly flourishing at the moment. I'm just happy I'm still employed; I've been hearing of too many layoffs and places closing and I'm grateful for any income.

I'm ready for the cold to depart. Really.

I saw the Inauguration yesterday, and couldn't help but admire Mr. Obama's speaking skills. It's nice having a leader that can actually speak without making up words or using the wrong word at places; though to be fair I would hate to have to try and give a speech to a nation with the media ready to pounce on any misstep. (But dear God and Goddess, there were SO many such missteps with our last leader.) Fine words are a great thing; I'm curious to see whether fine actions follow. Still, I have hope.

Be well.

Never underestimate the role of sunlight in mood elevation. It's been gray and crappy around these parts for the last few days, and today with the appearance of that fabled ball of flame, I've actually gotten some cleaning done in the house, so as to keep up the positive momentum the wife and I have built in this area.

Note to self: staying still is the same as falling behind in many ways. Time not being an infinite resource, try to keep moving.

Partially because I've been aching some, and partially just because I occasionally become like the turtle, I've been on one of my patented computer sabbaticals. Still, the month has been an active one. I expect that those people who keep up with kelshei's journal will have some idea what I've been up to. Still, you can get it straight from the horse's mouth.

The first big thing to report is that we have a vehicle. Yes, it's true, I'm driving: I find the release of "Death Race" at about the same time to be happily coincidental, though I favor the old school rules. The car is a Ford Taurus wagon, and has plenty of hauling room. It's been an investment so far, and will likely continue to be, but having the ability to drive is worth it.

Second, since the car has come through, my role as manager at my work has stepped up. I even got to fire somebody for my boss: yee hah. :-/ The writing had been on the wall for this guy, but that didn't make it any easier. It was only later that I found out that it was the marked man's birthday that I fired him on. Jeebus. One step closer to becoming Evil Overlord of the Universe, I guess.

My ankles have not gotten any worse, but they're not any better either. With some of the fronts passing through, I've been having some fun days dealing with them. Still, I've kept up with work for the most part. Not much else, mind you, but the money must be made. We've been eating healthier, and that -has- been helping. Plus, I have been power-slamming water as I get the time. Water is my friend.

Them's the facts. Hopefully I'll be in a more social phase, but I guess we'll see. Until then, be well.

This is in response to the shooting at the Unitarian Church in town today. I just can't wrap my brain around what would make someone start shooting in a church during a children's performance. I don't get it, I don't WANT to get it, and the whole thing just hurts my head and my heart.

Fortunately, friends who were there (who I didn't KNOW were there) came away physically unharmed. Other friends weren't in attendance as well, which is something I'm also grateful for.

*sigh*

That's all I've got for the moment.

Well, not really. I've just been away from the computer for a bit. This weekend was mostly a work weekend, and I was feeling a bit under the weather earlier in the week. One thing that helped cheer me up was watching the Dr. Horrible's Sing Along Blog episodes, which I enjoyed thoroughly.

I'll be working again tonight, but only for a short bit. On these short days, by the time I get into my routine and make sure everything is where it should be, stocked up, and looking like a shop instead of a stuffed Dali painting...well, it's time to go. Today, I'm very okay with that.

East TN is HOT lately. Just darn hot. Blah.

That's all for now. Hope everyone is well.

I feel terrible.

I've got some sinus goop going on, and swallowing is a bit of a joy right now. Been taking it easy yesterday and today, but I have a nine hour shift tomorrow. It shouldn't be too bad, but I will not be operating at 110% either.

And yet, I have inspiration for my Brigit's Flame post at least.

Hope everything else is feeling better.

 Some various notes:

1) If you can't tell from the title, the thought of my aging is not sitting too well. I had a dream that I finally got down to DragonCon and I didn't enjoy myself because I was too freaking old. Heh. Not that I think my life quality is decreasing; despite the bump that the infection caused in our finances, we're actually on more stable financial footing than we've had in some time. Physically I'm starting to get in better health...mostly because my body protests loudly and dramatically when I pull stupid stuff. I think it's just that I'm feeling time in several different ways, and it's a lot clearer in my head that our time on this world is limited. I'm sure this will make a -fascinating- post later (read: at least semi-angsty and long-winded) so I'll save myself from indulging. Today. You have been spared for now. ;-)

2) Actually started on a writing piece called "Dark Spot". Not exactly sure where it's going, but what I have came fairly clearly. It was good to write, especially about something that goes bump in the night.

3) Lordy, it's freaking hot in town. I'm sure no one finds the weather all that fascinating as a conversation piece, but I'm surprised anyone in town is getting anything done besides swinmming or enjoying the makeshift sauna of the Tennessee Valley.

4) Yahoo Launchcast is a blessing. It really is. I've gone from Santana to Evanescence to Rob Zombie to Ashlee Simpson to T.A.T.U. 

Well, I'm off. Not that this state of affairs is news....