Random Observations on a Wednesday

[andveryginger]

1) Hitting the news sites and blogs this morning, I came across this:Video: U.S. troops on Kerry, the media, and Iraq. Actually, I found it yesterday, but didn't get to watch it until this morning. It's a clip from "Hannity and Colmes," so take it with a grain of partisan salt, but it's still an interesting clip.

2) Grey, rainy day here in the DC Metro. Made me wish I could sleep in, curled under the comforter, until I was ready to get up. Slept in a bit, though, and came in to work anyway. I knew it was going to be a slow day here, so the motivation was a bit lacking.

3) I've got to start getting in bed earlier. Tuesdays, it's a given I'm not in bed before midnight, mainly because of the Trek RPG I'm on Tuesday nights. It doesn't start until 11 PM, and runs for an hour. Thus, midnight. I'd quit the sim, but (a) the crew is fun and (b) I like the character. I'd transfer her to one of my Thursday night sims, but I kinda like those characters as well. So... dilemma of my own construction. For now, I'll be taking a nap on Tuesday afternoons, making karate, and then trying to stay awake long enough to make the sim. Some nights this is easier than others. Especially when I really should be getting up at 0530. Meh. Any other night of the week, it's my own fault.

4) I've always said that the online class would be easier for me. For now, I'm not so sure that statement is true. I've been at this online class for about a week and a half now, and I'm finding the lack of real-life interaction is somewhat challenging. I'm hoping that as I start reading and doing research, that things will feel a little more "real" for me. Otherwise, it's back to the brick-and-mortar schools after this.

5) Re-reading Executive Orders by Tom Clancy. In the current international climate, it's a somewhat disturbing read. An unstable Iraq, an Iranian religious nutcase, and an overextended United States -- the key elements of the novel. If you can weed through some of Clancy's political stuff (i.e. the cabinet appointees giving their congressional testimony), there's a bit to think about in there.

6) Still have some Christmas shopping to finish, which I will likely do tonight. DH is heading out to hang out with the guys, so I'll have the car and can run around like I'll need to. And I need to remember to get those silly dry cleaning sheets while I'm out running around, too.

7) Still poking around a bit to put together the Abby Whistler costume. The compound bow I'd like to have has another 4 days on the auction, so it will be interesting to see how much it goes for. Probably going to try and fabricate the holster rig myself, probably out of nylon. Leather would be more screen accurate, but I have no leatherworking experience, nor access to the materials. Using nylon will let me control the size and shape a little better, and will allow me to use the cheaper, more readily available nylon holsters. Still trying to work up the nerve to tap the MIL to see if she'd be willing to help with/do the jacket. =\

8) Exercise thing is going fairly well. Ran/walked about a mile Monday, did karate last night. Need to drink more water, though. About half way through class, I thought I was going to die if I didn't get water. Made it through the last round of kicks (spinning back kick) and to the water fountain. Was pretty bouncy afterward. Spoke with sensei and one of the other guys in class about trying to slim down. They basically said what I knew -- smaller meals, more often, and up the physical activity. Sensei suggested that I start training to compete. After seeing what he went through before he went to Tokyo, I'm not so sure about that. On the other hand, it would provide the motivation, and I honestly wouldn't mind competing in the kata categories. I've really come a long way in the past few years. =)



It seems odd to end on 8, but I really can't think of anything else. Maybe I'll put a note here that the list is subject to editing as the day progresses. =)