It’s been a while, and I’m beginning to make my way around, seeing what my favorites have been up to.  I was going to fill you in on what I’ve been up to but that was before I read a friend’s Thanksgiving post.  I don’t know if it’s because I just haven’t been reading good writing or if she’s suddenly more brilliant or what but between her post and the comment made by a mutual friend, I am in awe.  These two women have flourished in my absence and while it makes me proud for them I feel shame for myself.  I am not working at something I value. 

It seems like a pattern has developed.  I disappear then come back briefly, lamenting my absence and catching you up.  I wrote the beginnings of a post last night but it was so unfinished looking this morning that I decided to make the rounds instead.  Mia’s writing was so damned good, though, that it made me want to type something.  It made me want to practice. 

I have been busy trying to salvage what gains I’ve made in the stock market and it has been taking me 10 hours a day lately to get a handle on what’s going on.  I took October off  and haven’t written a thing since I got all hyped up about the website that is still not up.  I wrote the beginnings of two articles and I’ve got a third one conceptualized that should be good.  I don’t know what’s wrong with me that I can’t sit down and write.  I wasted a month on that guy I wrote about.  I guess it wasn’t a waste because we had SUCH fun and my policy is that if someone invites me to do something I go.  I certainly have had plenty of time by myself the past few years so if there’s a man around whose company I enjoy, I’m going to. 

I also spent one week getting a new furnace and air conditioning installed.  There were no vents upstairs so it was quite a job.  It was fun having Brian and Eddie around all the time but I didn’t get anything done.  Then last week I was in San Francisco with my best friend and youngest daughter, half the time with each.  Best visit I’ve ever had, and I’ve had lots because the middle daughter went to school there.

I joined NaNoWriMo, hoping that would get me started but I only went there once.  Maybe I’ll go back before it’s too late, just to see the blue bar fill up. 

What I have been really good about is Flylady.net.  I swear she’s changed my life.  I’m cooking meals and freezing them.  I’m cleaning.  I’m caught up.  I’ve begun having the kids over for Sunday night meals.  I love being home now that the whole house is warm and clean.