Nice Surprise

Today I got a call from a friend I met at Outdoor Retailer 3 years ago. I don't think I've spoken to him in over a year. He called to say he's back in the industry & hoping he''ll see me at OR. It was so nice to hear a friendly voice that understands how hard working a trade show is (even though it's fun) and that despite the fun, you'd rather be home with your family. It made my day.

I've introduced BubbaLou to the sport of slacklining (video introduction.) She can't wait to try it out and neither can I. I think it'll be a good way to work the hell out of my core and have fun. Get my skinny little waist back. She wants to learn to "do tricks like the people in the videos." I'm hoping I can get a deal on a Gibbon at OR, I've been told they're the best. They usually sell them at the show, so here's to hoping! I know I've always stopped to watch at their booth, wishing I could join in the fun.

I'm not looking forward to the packing, but I never do. In fact, I'm procrastinating right now. I have yet to not over pack and then bring back too much stuff. I'm traveling the lightest yet, so I may end up checking a well packed box on the way home. It's been done before!

it's been awhile

Spring came & went. So did Expo. My hours at work went back to normal. Headed to Outdoor Retailer in SLC next week. Part of me can't wait, part of me doesn't want to go at all. It's all the same shit, different day. Work will never change until I can find something new with a chance for growth both personal and professional.

I'm back to knitting, a little bit. I'm sewing the heck out of little girl skirts, knitting breaks it up. Apple Pie Craft Fair is less than a month away and I've signed up for a booth again. Let's hope I don't lose money yet again. 90% of what I'm selling are skirts.

Summer is flying by, like usual. Someday I'll be able to take it off and enjoy it instead of cramming more than possible into each sunny day I don't have to work. This is the reason my house is a disaster area. I should be cleaning instead of writing, but whatever. Oh, to be 25 again with no cares in the world except why my cocktail glass is empty.

My irises were beautiful, until the rain beat the hell out of them. The bee balm is stunning this year. I may actually have edible tomatoes before the frost hits. I'm not holding my breath, though.

I start teaching part-time at BubbaLou's school this fall in exchange for tuition. It works out to about $10/hour, but it's worth it to keep BL at the same school. I'm hoping this will turn into something full time with a decent paycheck. Again, I'm not holding my breath.

Argh. I only seem to post when I'm feeling "off." I guess my journal has gone online. I need to find a babysitter and rediscover my life and the man in it.

Touching base

It's been a while. Got sucked into Facebook, got sidetracked by resumes, made a trip to SLC for Outdoor Retailer (great to see old, and make new, friends.) OR is a long, exhausting show, but it's good for the soul and helps me to remember that people are inherently nice and good. Casey, our new 4-year-old wolfhound has settled into the house nicely. BubbaLou has lost 2 teeth, learned to swim underwater, improved her skiing. I've knit almost nothing, I owe my sister a pair of mittens for Christmas and can't seem to get past the first one. Forget about all the sweaters on needles right now. I'm headed back to CA for Expo West in March and not looking forward to it. It'll be a stressful trip this year and I'm not looking forward to returning the office afterward to face the third degree and petty office jealousy ('cause I'm on vacation out there...riiiiight.) I probably haven't posted in so long because I just had nothing to say. I probably ought to post more often to get things out, maybe it will restore some of my creative ambition and put a little fire under my ass. I am in desperate need of some motivation. And some spring.