I realized yesterday that the site which used to host my guestbook no longer offers that service. I guess I should find some time this weekend to clean up all of my older journal files. Won't that be fun?

In anticipation of having houseguests, I continue to clean in my own disjointed way. My pile of completed crafts continues to grow, but the pile of crafts that need completed remains immense. I should begin working on selling some of these items. Feel free to let me know if you need a journal. Those form the largest pile at this time.

Sadly, this cuts into my actual exercise time. Luckily, dance painting burns calories as well as dance cleaning. It also improves the appearance of my house, which brings me happiness. I suggest such antics for all who search for more smiles in their days.

Someday soon, maybe I will take the time to post a real post. Here's hoping. *crosses fingers*

I've been neglecting my morning walks. Like most people, I can find any excuse to not get my heart going. This morning, I decided to ignore my excuses and go for a walk. Nature offered a better excuse. As I stepped onto the sidewalk, droplets of water began to fall from the sky. I sighed and decided to turn over my compost instead.

As the rain continues, I find myself doing what I do best: shuffling. I've made some cards, so I need my pen-pals to write me, so I have a reason to write them back. I doubt any of them read this, but in case they do... The cards are really cute. Consider yourself nudged, pen-pals.

I've also been watching too much television. Free trial weekends wreak havoc on the DVR recording habits of the average couch potato. We have to select movies based on how much space they will clear off to watch and delete. I actually had to delete some older movies that I figured I would eventually watch again. You'd be amazed how expensive some 80s movies are if you want to purchase them. (Maybe you wouldn't. The 80s spawned many classic movies that we can not live without from "The Breakfast Club" to "Real Genius".)

Well, I should probably do some research for some of my story ideas for the fiction blog, so wish me well and go back to enjoying your day.

As the middle of the year approaches, my mind wanders to the commitments I made a mere six months ago. Usually, I wait until the last minute to evaluate how I am doing, but the Ensign counselled me to evaluate myself a little in the following month, so thought I'd take a peek and see how much progress I have made.

First, I need to remind myself what was on the list:

2012's BIG TO DO LIST

1. Respect myself, my achievements, and my goals as much as I expect other people to.
2. Learn to play my guitar!!!!
3. Sell some of my craft artistry (before it takes over my house).
4. Be a better friend to the people who are true friends...
5. Stretch out my cranky muscles (after working out, of course).
6. Keep writing, writing, writing.
7. Organize, weed, use, re-appropriate my craft supplies and other "trash".
8. Love my husband (we all need an easy goal).
9. Learn to accept praise. (Elder Wallace will be so proud if I accomplish this task).
10. Keep reading the items in my various "to read" piles.

So how do I think I am doing?

1. :( Obviously, I still need to work on this one.
2. :\ My fingers actually stretch far enough to make a G at this point, but I need to sit down and build those calluses still.
3. :O Oh yeah. I should work on that.
4. :) :) I am doing a good job with this. Though I have been forcing people to let me watch their cats while they are away, so that could be a strike against me. (Cat lady's got needs. Don't judge.)
5. :) I still need to work out more. Particularly after a weekend of hobbitish debauchery. I really shouldn't try to put that much food into myself. Ugh.
6. :/ I should be writing real pieces right now, but I needed to update. In other news, the fiction blog has received consistent postings. I do still need more followers so I can give away cookies and bring joy into the world though...
7. :O I bought more fabric this weekend, so this goal may not end well. Of course, I know the intended use of that fabric already, so I may be in luck.
8. :) :) :) :) :) Yes. This is an easy goal. I should have included more of those.
9. :( :( I'm still offering explanations instead of saying, "Thank you." I did think of this goal this weekend without reading it from my journal though, so that should count for something.
10. :) :) :) :) :) I've even made dents. I do have a bookshelf and not just a pile of precariously stacked books.

Looks like I am doing okay. I just need to find my motivation and make sure it can never get away. How does one lock up motivation? Maybe, I'll find out. In the meantime, enjoy these snippets I found while working on number 10.

"The example we set before the world will determine, in large measure, whether we gain friends or enemies. It is most important that each of us live according to the standards of the Church, adhering to the precepts of the gospel and keeping the commandments of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, which have been so well defined for us." ~President N. Eldon Tanner

"I suppose I shall incur the censure and displeasure of many in saying these things, but I do not care what the world has to say, what men say, nor what women say, in relation to these things. In my sight the present day fashions are abominable, suggestive of evil, calculated to arouse base passion and lust, and to engender lasciviousness, in the hearts of those who follow the fashions, and of those who tolerate them. Why? Because women are imitating the very customs of a class of women who have resorted to that means to aid them to sell their souls. It is infamous, and I hope the daughters of Zion will not descend to these pernicious ways, customs and fashions, for they are demoralizing and damnable in their effect." ~Joseph F. Smith

"When Gandhi was very young, he took a pledge to his mother that he would remain a vegetarian throughout his life. Many years after Gandhi's mother had died, Gandhi became very ill, and the doctors tried to persuade him that if he would drink a little beef broth it might save his life. But Gandhi said, "Even for life itself, we may not do certain things. There is only one course open to me, to die, but never to break my pledge." Now just think for a minute what kind of a world this would be if each one of us could manifest that kind of integrity before his family and among his friends and before the world generally." ~Elder Sterling W. Sill

Following in the footsteps of Chicken Little, I see foreshadowing of doom where none may exist. I got close enough to two Siamese cats this week to make both of them purr contentedly. While I know I was born with inherent cat lady skills, these skills have never worked with noble Siamese. In fact, most interactions with Siamese leave me convinced that the furry little creatures want to rip my face off. Thus my fear that the world is ending. Of course, the more likely cause of such feline appreciation lies in a longing for their mommy that caused them to put up with my cooing, scratching, and petting.

Of course, since this Friday promises to be a hot one, my body attempted to convince me to not take a morning stroll. I decided to ignore it and dragged myself around the neighborhood. I encountered a few startled squirrels and an injured bird. I decided to let it flutter off when I realized trying to pick it up would give it a panic attack. I haven't had much success with the rescuing of birds in the past (refers cat lady status), so I made the best decision.

BTW, I am sorry for those of you who expected a political discussion. I try to keep my politics to myself, unlike my cookies. Speaking of? Have you added yourself as a follower to fiction blog? I anticipate more fun falling onto its pages soon.

Mother Nature taunts us with a hint of rain in the morning and a sizzling hot day. Anyplace that sells ice cream, slushies, and other cool treats probably enjoys the profits more than the rest of us are enjoying the heat. News of storm-related power outages still has me a little worried about some friends who haven't offered up reassurances yet, but I am hoping all is well.

Continuing in my streak of not thinking things through, I whipped up some zucchini lasagna. My kitchen proved a little uncomfortable for a while, but, this time, my lasagna turned out passably good. I attribute this to remembering to cook the zucchini slices in a little olive oil before using it in place of the pasta shells. Try it. Your taste buds will thank you.

Stay cool, my friends, and get ready for the fourth. I'm feeling a little red, white, and blue, how about you?