Birthday

So, today's my birthday. And just for fun, I was re-reading the first birthday post I ever did, back in 2006, 100 Things About Me. I've edited it along the way since then, removing references to my ex-husband. Now I kinda wish I didn't. It was who I was on that day, and now that picture of me at that time is gone. Many of the other things are different now, as well, as time does march on. So maybe I should do a new list to update some things. I'll stop at ten, cause I don't have time to get to 100 before my birthday is over. Maybe I'll work on adding to this list over the next few days.

1. I no longer own cars named Bruiser and Harriet. Now I am the proud owner of Charlie, a Honda CR-V.
2. I still like the way Merlin smells. Dobby smells different. Not bad, certainly, just doesn't have that same scent.
3. I've discovered that I don't mind being barefoot anymore. I think it has to do with the difference in hardwoods and carpet.
4. I'm still non-confrontational, but I'm definitely getting better at standing up for myself, and I'm FAR better at walking away and not giving a damn.
5. Haven't been much into Hot Tamales in a while. I have discovered actual tamales made by a Mexican lady at my work are HEAVEN.
6. I have a new-found love of tacos. Like at home, Ole El Paso tacos. I've always LIKED them, but recently have come to know true love.
7. I really did like Memphis. Still do. I miss it. But I truly don't feel an urge to move back.
8. I am madly in love with Colorado.
9. I still would like to learn about photography. I have checked out a few books from the library and am reading websites to learn how to use the camera I already have (aside from just "auto") and someday I hope to have a nice DSLR.
10. I don't have to watch TV before bed anymore. I had no cable in the bedroom for a while, and I was reading NEWSWEEK every night before bed, and that worked. But I do have to read or listen to something that will distract me from my own brain.

Accountability

Well. In the past week since I made my vow of daily exercise and daily decluttering I have not done so well.

I exercised: Wed, Thurs, Fri, Sun, Tues. 5 out of 8. Not awful, but not great.

Decluttering? Did it ONCE. Sigh.

I did have two dates with a really nice guy, though that is unrelated entirely. ;)

Zen

This is totally my new favorite website. I have spent the past few weeks poring over page after page.

It's been helping me with simplifying, decluttering my apartment, thinking more positively, and exercise.

Now I can actually walk into my walk-in closet, and I can see and reach all my clothes. With the help of my roommate, my living room finally looks like a living room and not a storage room. I'm trying to adopt a minimalist attitude about things, which coordinates nicely with my minimal funds. I love the lack of clutter that I'm starting to see in my apartment, it makes a huge difference.

And today I start a 30 day challenge for myself to exercise every day. Just a little, even to just walk Max around the block, I'm going to do SOMETHING every single day.

I'm also spending a few minutes (like ten) every day organizing a small section of my apartment, which keeps me from being overwhelmed by a large project.

This is where to start with the website if you're interested.