helpful hints

Going back to work has really cut into my blog time. I got more sleep when I was on FMLA. If Rich was up through the night, I could at least grab an hour of sleep with him during the day. No more. Still not getting much sleep at night but I still have to get up at 5 am, and I don't get to hit the rack again until 8 pm.

I have learned some helpful tips, though.

You need a haircut that requires nothing more than a towel to style. If you don't apply make-up you have an extra ten minutes for chores in the morning. If you forget to feed the cats, there is less litter box clean up. Do not open any mail that is not a bill and deposit it directly into the recycle bin.

Leaves on the ground are MULCH. Leaves that get tracked into the house are a decorating statement. (Casually mention that you saw it in a past issue of “Martha Stewart LIVING”.) Burned out lightbulbs mean you're being more Green. If you don't disturb the dust, it's less noticable.

Clothes do not have to be washed after worn, only after soiled. A basket of folded clothes on the bedroom floor is just as clean as clothes in the drawers or closet. Wrinkled clothes and mismatched socks are a fashion statement. Be BOLD!!

The weeds that have taken over this year, will go to sleep for winter, and next spring is another chance to take back the garden. If there's not time to fill the empty bird feeders today, the birds will come back when you get to it (though the cats will stare out the window with sadness until you do)

You can save time and gasoline if you grocery shop once a week—food cravings are just another disappointment you can learn to live with. Coupons are a waste of time unless the item is FREE. You CAN convince yourself that a bowl of cereal is haute cuisine—and if it's oatmeal, you're on a freakin' health kick!

I've learned that no matter how much I do, there will still be more that needs done. I've learned that taking care of Rich is more important to me than how my house looks, and I never thought I'd be able to live in a house that looks the way mine does now. Rich doesn't care how the house looks but he loves it when I'm completely and totally with him.

The voices and I come up with some kick-ass stuff for the blog during our commute, but I can't drive and type and the voices are disembodied, so I'm struggling to find time to get it into postable form. I understand that there's only fourteen of you interested in this journey, but I assure that I want to deliver. Okay, I'll admit it—this blog is the thin thread between my innate quirkiness and a total melt down. Someone recently told me I am a cross between Abby on “NCIS” and the female lead on “BONES”.

I don't know what that means, but it sounds a little hinky.