I now have a Blackberry Bold 9700. Brother Tim refers to it is "crackberry."

I still console myself that I was "blogging" before blogging was a word or cool back in '90.

Imagination is more powerful than Will.

Discuss.

Remember that interview in Chicago back in November? My measure of success was to get on the "list." Well...

I got a call Monday asking me if I was available to sit on a "blue ribbon panel." DOE is organizing. My agency approved and I'm going to Denver on Monday for a week in order to complete the work. There is no preliminary information. All will be revealed when we are enpaneled on Monday.

My plan is working; why am I scared?

It snowed last night. I awoke to a winter wonderland.

A good morning. I played with the programmable thermostat last night.

Toinght is for getting out my holiday cards. I'll make a bit of mulled wine cider.

A moment of wonder to share:
( urban pantheism )
I was drinking some coffee by the window when I spotted her this morning. She's after the corn I set out a few days ago.

A better shot of my new furnace:

( it's wonderful! )

Now to work...

Sainte Colombe playing viola de gamba & dreaming of his wife (from the movie). It's about 3 minutes.



Thank you, this_not_that for the great lead into 17th century baroque music and the viola de gamba.

( The full score for those that liked the first excerpt (7 minutes): )

Something that's been on the list of home improvements is the furnace/AC. Since I have some time on my hands, I've been getting estimates from different companies (carrier, coleman, lennox and trane dealers). It looks to be about $5-6K to replace my 30 year old 60% efficient furnace with a 95% high efficiency furnace with two-stage burner and variable speed motor. To replace it with an 80% efficient furnace would be about $1500 cheaper. The prices include an R14 AC unit using R420 refridgerant. I've saved money in a different account for my house so I have the money if I cash out some CDs or I can get 90 days same as cash or a fairly good 12 month loan from the credit union (5.75% interest). I get the feeling that I can wheel and deal with the companies to get some discounts or concessions. I'm also going to get a filtering system. I'll probably make a decision next week after more homework.

In other news, I wheeled and dealed at Lenscrafters on a pair of eyeglasses (eyeglasses and sunglasses). They aren't preferred providers and so I can't use my insurance discounts, but the technician also wheeled and dealed, because I knew the prices over at the other provider, to get me a better deal and, of course, 1 hour service. I'm feeling pretty good about finances right now. I'm also appreciating the fact that I am in good financial shape and my future prospects are brighter than a lot of peeps. I can't imagine the stress and trauma a parent might feel if they had no insurance and their kid(s) needed eyeglasses. Those things are EXPENSIVE! I might start a donation drive at work (we have over 400 peeps working at the location)and collect spare glasses to donate to the shops that provided free glasses to low income folks. It would be a good thing.

Tired now. Big day. Need sleep.

1. Kicked the starbucks (take away coffee) habit ($2/cup) and now drink instant decaf with a splash of milk. Math: $8 for 60 cups of coffee which is about a month's worth for me. Bonus win: Picked up 2 jars of instant decaf (120 cups) for $5 each with coupon and sale. Major win!

2. Grocery bill is approximately $160/month including CSA and Farmer's Market veggies. Was: $50/week. Yummy Win!

3. Save Yourself slash Pay Yourself First plan is working. I'm spending less than I'm making and socking cash away every paycheck. Win!^2

4. Gasoline is costing about $100/month versus $150/month. Win.

5. Electric/Gas bill is down about $25 - maybe from line drying clothes (I've only run the dryer twice in the past 2 months) and CFL's. Psuedo-win!

6. Overall, my credit card bill is down about $300. It looks like my spending (beer, eating out) is down $150 per month. I still pay it off every month. Responsible Win!

7. I still have some of my allowance (cash) in my wallet at the end of the month instead of nothing. This means I've cut my incidentals (coffee, pints, sticky buns, gum, magazine/book, snacks etc). Nickle & Dime Win!

8. My auto insurance finally qualified for a "good credit score" discount. I've seen the notices for years that my credit score was a factor (my FICO was 740 a few years ago) but this is the first time I recieved a discount! Saved Spending about $100/year less. Score! I mean, Win!

The plan is working!

I am home for the holiday and aside from a couple hiking trips planned, I have nothing on the books except to hang at home, read and relax.

In the continual development of my left/right brain creativity sources, I have been conscientiously trying new things, breaking out of my comfort zone, and even been spontaneous once or twice.

joad77 once posted a "focus" request for lj friends to comment with a couple of sentences which he then turned into a short story for his lj friends. I thought I'd modify it and ask you, my lj friends, to play along if you so desire.

If you would like, please comment and provide anything from a simple, "yes, please" to a couple of words or sentence or whatever. I'll use your input, free associate with what I know about you, and turn it into some creative work - poem, story, verse, music, still life photo, or something. I'm not sure what form it will take - that's the fun!

Sister P has that magical ability to catch a rainbow!



Weather phenomena were stunning. The combination of moisture, dust and sunlight boggled the mind.

East of Zion National Park (on Rt 9)
July 16, 2007