Six Word Saturday #414

Travel: my version of fetal position

Sorry I missed last week. I'm traveling, aka trying to escape all reality until I feel strong enough to deal with it.

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Want to play along? All that's necessary to participate is to describe your life (or something) in a phrase using just six words. For more information, try clicking here. Feel free to explain or not explain. Add an image, a video, a song, nothing. I love seeing what everyone does with their entries.

Each week (probably on Sunday or Monday), I use random.org to select a bunch of entries to visit.  Or I visit everyone. Or even numbered entries. Or odd numbered entries. Or multiples of three. Depends on what's going on that week.  In addition, please visit the person ahead of you on the list (or visit everyone if you like!). That way everyone receives at least one visit!

If you play along in your blog, please add a link to the Mr. Linky. I appreciate a link back. Otherwise, you're welcome to leave your six words in this post as a comment.

Please be sure to link either to your main page or (preferably) directly to the 6WS post. Links to blogs that do not contain a 6WS entry will be removed (sorry, just the button in the sidebar doesn't count as participating).

Six Word Saturday

still looking for some necessary balance

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Want to play along? All that's necessary to participate is to describe your life (or something) in a phrase using just six words. For more information, try clicking here. Feel free to explain or not explain. Add an image, a video, a song, nothing. I love seeing what everyone does with their entries.

Each week (probably on Sunday or Monday), I use random.org to select a bunch of entries to visit.  Or I visit everyone. Or even numbered entries. Or odd numbered entries. Or multiples of three. Depends on what's going on that week.  In addition, please visit the person ahead of you (or visit everyone if you like!). That way everyone receives at least one visit!

If you play along in your blog, please add a link in the comments below (Mr. Linky membership has expired and I haven't renewed it yet). I appreciate a link back (shiny code below if you like!). Otherwise, you're welcome to leave your six words in this post as a comment.

Please be sure to link either to your main page or (preferably) directly to the 6WS post. Links to blogs that do not contain a 6WS entry will be removed (sorry, just the button in the sidebar doesn't count as participating).

Six Word Saturday

The roller coaster's name: atypical depression.

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Want to play along? All that's necessary to participate is to describe your life (or something) in a phrase using just six words. For more information, try clicking here. Feel free to explain or not explain. Add an image, a video, a song, nothing. I love seeing what everyone does with their entries.

Each week (probably on Sunday or Monday), I use random.org to select a bunch of entries to visit.  Or I visit everyone. Or even numbered entries. Or odd numbered entries. Or multiples of three. Depends on what's going on that week.  In addition, please visit the person ahead of you on the list (or visit everyone if you like!). That way everyone receives at least one visit!

If you play along in your blog, please add a link to the Mr. Linky. I appreciate a link back (shiny code below if you like!). Otherwise, you're welcome to leave your six words in this post as a comment.

Please be sure to link either to your main page or (preferably) directly to the 6WS post. Links to blogs that do not contain a 6WS entry will be removed (sorry, just the button in the sidebar doesn't count as participating).

Six Word Halloween-urday

the next week is super scary

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Want to play along? All that's necessary to participate is to describe your life (or something) in a phrase using just six words. For more information, try clicking here. Feel free to explain or not explain. Add an image, a video, a song, nothing. I love seeing what everyone does with their entries.

Each week (probably on Sunday or Monday), I use random.org to select a bunch of entries to visit.  Or I visit everyone. Or even numbered entries. Or odd numbered entries. Or multiples of three. Depends on what's going on that week.  In addition, please visit the person ahead of you on the list (or visit everyone if you like!). That way everyone receives at least one visit!

If you play along in your blog, please add a link to the Mr. Linky. I appreciate a link back (shiny code below if you like!). Otherwise, you're welcome to leave your six words in this post as a comment.

Please be sure to link either to your main page or (preferably) directly to the 6WS post. Links to blogs that do not contain a 6WS entry will be removed (sorry, just the button in the sidebar doesn't count as participating).

Six Word Saturday

why hello, anxiety, my old friend...

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Want to play along? All that's necessary to participate is to describe your life (or something) in a phrase using just six words. For more information, try clicking here. Feel free to explain or not explain. Add an image, a video, a song, nothing. I love seeing what everyone does with their entries.

Each week (probably on Sunday or Monday), I use random.org to select a bunch of entries to visit.  Or I visit everyone. Or even numbered entries. Or odd numbered entries. Or multiples of three. Depends on what's going on that week.  In addition, please visit the person ahead of you on the list (or visit everyone if you like!). That way everyone receives at least one visit!

If you play along in your blog, please add a link to the Mr. Linky. I appreciate a link back (shiny code below if you like!). Otherwise, you're welcome to leave your six words in this post as a comment.

Please be sure to link either to your main page or (preferably) directly to the 6WS post. Links to blogs that do not contain a 6WS entry will be removed (sorry, just the button in the sidebar doesn't count as participating).

Six Word Saturday

it's never quite what you thought

A bit of mystery never hurt...

Note: I'm aware word verification is appearing before the comments. I have it disabled. It appears that if you leave the field blank, you can still enter a comment. I tried to figure it out when it first started but had no luck. I'll try again when I have some time.

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Want to play along? All that's necessary to participate is to describe your life (or something) in a phrase using just six words. For more information, try clicking here. Feel free to explain or not explain. Add an image, a video, a song, nothing. I love seeing what everyone does with their entries.

Each week (probably on Sunday or Monday), I use random.org to select a bunch of entries to visit.  Or I visit everyone. Or even numbered entries. Or odd numbered entries. Or multiples of three. Depends on what's going on that week.  In addition, please visit the person ahead of you on the list (or visit everyone if you like!). That way everyone receives at least one visit!

If you play along in your blog, please add a link to the Mr. Linky. I appreciate a link back (shiny code below if you like!). Otherwise, you're welcome to leave your six words in this post as a comment.

Please be sure to link either to your main page or (preferably) directly to the 6WS post. Links to blogs that do not contain a 6WS entry will be removed (sorry, just the button in the sidebar doesn't count as participating).

Six Word Saturday

positivity is a choice every day

Question: I'm aware word verification is appearing before the comments. I have it disabled. It appears that if you leave the field blank, you can still enter a comment. I tried to figure it out when it first started but had no luck. I'll try again when I have some time.

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Want to play along? All that's necessary to participate is to describe your life (or something) in a phrase using just six words. For more information, try clicking here. Feel free to explain or not explain. Add an image, a video, a song, nothing. I love seeing what everyone does with their entries.

Each week (probably on Sunday or Monday), I use random.org to select a bunch of entries to visit.  Or I visit everyone. Or even numbered entries. Or odd numbered entries. Or multiples of three. Depends on what's going on that week.  In addition, please visit the person ahead of you on the list (or visit everyone if you like!). That way everyone receives at least one visit!

If you play along in your blog, please add a link to the Mr. Linky. I appreciate a link back (shiny code below if you like!). Otherwise, you're welcome to leave your six words in this post as a comment.

Please be sure to link either to your main page or (preferably) directly to the 6WS post. Links to blogs that do not contain a 6WS entry will be removed (sorry, just the button in the sidebar doesn't count as participating).

Six Word Saturday

too many thoughts for six words


Question: I'm aware word verification is appearing before the comments. I have it disabled. It appears that if you leave the field blank, you can still leave a comment. I tried to figure it out when it first started but had no luck. I'll try again when I have some time.

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Want to play along? All that's necessary to participate is to describe your life (or something) in a phrase using just six words. For more information, try clicking here. Feel free to explain or not explain. Add an image, a video, a song, nothing. I love seeing what everyone does with their entries.

Each week (probably on Sunday or Monday), I use random.org to select a bunch of entries to visit.  Or I visit everyone. Or even numbered entries. Or odd numbered entries. Or multiples of three. Depends on what's going on that week.  In addition, please visit the person ahead of you on the list (or visit everyone if you like!). That way everyone receives at least one visit!

If you play along in your blog, please add a link to the Mr. Linky. I appreciate a link back (shiny code below if you like!). Otherwise, you're welcome to leave your six words in this post as a comment.

Please be sure to link either to your main page or (preferably) directly to the 6WS post. Links to blogs that do not contain a 6WS entry will be removed (sorry, just the button in the sidebar doesn't count as participating).

<a href="http://www.showmyface.com/search/label/6WS"><img src="http://i395.photobucket.com/albums/pp35/showmyface/guts/6wsButton.jpg" ></a>

Six Word Saturday

ready for my week of solitude

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Want to play along? All that's necessary to participate is to describe your life (or something) in a phrase using just six words. For more information, try clicking here. Feel free to explain or not explain. Add an image, a video, a song, nothing. I love seeing what everyone does with their entries.

Each week (probably on Sunday or Monday), I use random.org to select a bunch of entries to visit.  Or I visit everyone. Or even numbered entries. Or odd numbered entries. Or multiples of three. Depends on what's going on that week.  In addition, please visit the person ahead of you on the list (or visit everyone if you like!). That way everyone receives at least one visit!

If you play along in your blog, please add a link to the Mr. Linky. I appreciate a link back (shiny code below if you like!). Otherwise, you're welcome to leave your six words in this post as a comment.

Please be sure to link either to your main page or (preferably) directly to the 6WS post. Links to blogs that do not contain a 6WS entry will be removed (sorry, just the button in the sidebar doesn't count as participating).

<a href="http://www.showmyface.com/search/label/6WS"><img src="http://i395.photobucket.com/albums/pp35/showmyface/guts/6wsButton.jpg" ></a>

Six Word Saturday

"Saturday" is Cate-onese for "Sleeping In"
Cate-onese is one word. It is also not to be confused with Cantonese.

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Want to play along? All that's necessary to participate is to describe your life (or something) in a phrase using just six words. For more information, try clicking here. Feel free to explain or not explain. Add an image, a video, a song, nothing. I love seeing what everyone does with their entries.

Each week (probably on Sunday or Monday), I use random.org to select a bunch of entries to visit.  Or I visit everyone. Or even numbered entries. Or odd numbered entries. Or multiples of three. Depends on what's going on that week.  In addition, please visit the person ahead of you on the list (or visit everyone if you like!). That way everyone receives at least one visit!

If you play along in your blog, please add a link to the Mr. Linky. I appreciate a link back (shiny code below if you like!). Otherwise, you're welcome to leave your six words in this post as a comment.

Please be sure to link either to your main page or (preferably) directly to the 6WS post. Links to blogs that do not contain a 6WS entry will be removed (sorry, just the button in the sidebar doesn't count as participating).

<a href="http://www.showmyface.com/search/label/6WS"><img src="http://i395.photobucket.com/albums/pp35/showmyface/guts/6wsButton.jpg" ></a>

Words about Balance

Remember my word of the year? Balance? Wow has that been a challenge.

Look at the posts on this blog if you'd like an indication. I've blogged 23 times since January 1st, of which one is my Word of the Year, one is a bulleted list of things I should do or blog about, one was a response to a tagged meme posts, five are "real" blog posts (if you define "real" in very loose terms), and 15 are Six Word Saturday posts. Not what I had in mind at the start of the year.

Not to mention the content of those 15 6WS posts. Not exactly sunshine and rainbows a lot of the time.

Now it's the second half of April. Well, tomorrow is, technically. And finally I'm starting to find some balance, as I alluded to this past Saturday: Destination Resignation 2.0 - feeling better already.

The very short version is that I had a freelance contract that was taking up a lot more time and energy than it was worth. It wasn't something I was enjoying and it wasn't paying well enough to make it worth the energy it was sucking from my life. I finally put things in motion last Friday to cancel that particular contract. Fingers crossed - I could be done with it as early as April 30th.

Which brings about a new balance challenge - I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed by the possibilities it opens up. I have a few commitments I need to tend to first. SO sorry to those I've left hanging in the meantime. I'll look for more contracts for work I love. But so many other things I want to do.

But I need to remember balance. Because it's hard to maintain it when you're so weighed down by commitments that suck your soul out of you.

It's only because of the support of Joe and some damn good friends that I haven't broken recently when things have been coming at me from all directions. At least this one particular source of stress is heading toward relief.

Thanks for sticking with me, folks.

Six Word Saturday

hanging onto sanity by a thread

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Want to play along? All that's necessary to participate is to describe your life (or something) in a phrase using just six words. For more information, try clicking here. Feel free to explain or not explain. Add an image, a video, a song, nothing. I love seeing what everyone does with their entries.

Each week (probably on Sunday or Monday), I use random.org to select a bunch of entries to visit.  Or I visit everyone. Or even numbered entries. Or odd numbered entries. Or multiples of three. Depends on what's going on that week.  In addition, please visit the person ahead of you on the list (or visit everyone if you like!). That way everyone receives at least one visit!

If you play along in your blog, please add a link to the Mr. Linky. I appreciate a link back (shiny code below if you like!). Otherwise, you're welcome to leave your six words in this post as a comment.

Please be sure to link either to your main page or (preferably) directly to the 6WS post. Links to blogs that do not contain a 6WS entry will be removed (sorry, just the button in the sidebar doesn't count as participating).

<a href="http://www.showmyface.com/search/label/6WS"><img src="http://i395.photobucket.com/albums/pp35/showmyface/guts/6wsButton.jpg" ></a>

Today I was brave

Note: I'm still easing into this "posting twice a week thing." Let's think of it as more of a goal than a commitment. And if "balance" is the word for the year, "transition" is the word for January.

Today I did something I've never done before. I went to the movies by myself.

Because despite my dislike for crowds and being out in public, despite my general preference for spending time alone, I'm also not a huge fan of going places in public alone. At least not the first time. After the first time, it's not such a big deal. 

But there's always that pesky first time.

Hey, you have your issues, I have mine.

I always thought the perfect first time to see a movie by myself was at our little local independent theatre. It's a tiny, lovely little place. They serve wine, aka a coping mechanism. I pictured myself strolling in, settling back with a glass of wine and taking in a French film. 

Then the damn place went out of business because they decided to bulldoze it and replace it with yet another grocery store. How many grocery stores do we have in a 25 mile radius? Approximately 92172358. How many independent movie theatres showing foreign, indie, and other random films? 0 now. I'm not good at math but yeah...

It's not lost on me that the movie I saw today is Silver Linings Playbook. Among other things, it's primarily a movie about a guy with some mental issues. So yes, I finally gathered up enough courage to get beyond my mental issues to go by myself to see a movie about a guy with mental issues.

And I enjoyed it immensely. I'll do it again and think nothing of it, now that it won't the first time.

Cate's recent cardio activity

Lately, I've been thinking a lot about my eating and exercise choices. Or, rather, I haven't been thinking about them as I should because my choices have been poor.

Exercise is hard work! Also, I don't mind the activity itself so much as I hate sweating. Sweat is not attractive, though I'm trying to adjust my mindset to see sweat as an indication that I'm doing things that are good for me.

This morning, I was thinking a bit about cardio and decided to see if my definition matched that of my BFFs over at Merriam-Webster. Seems the term "cardio" has only been around since about 1991 so they directed me instead to their definition for "cardiovascular":

Main Entry: car·dio·vas·cu·lar
Pronunciation: \ˈkär-dē-(ˌ)ō-ˈvas-kyə-lər\
Function: noun

1. of, relating to, or involving the heart and blood vessels
2. used, designed, or performed to cause a temporary increase in heart rate (a cardiovascular workout)

So here's what I'm trying to figure out in my head. If I perform an action that causes a temporary increase in heart rate, does that count as my cardio workout for the day?

I ask because the most commonly performed task in this house lately seems to involve dealing with cockroaches. I can assure you that this definitely increases my heart rate. All I have to do is look at one and my heart speeds up. And then there are the activities involved in removing said critter from the inside of my home.

This morning's adventures (I will spare you the horrific details - you're welcome!) increased my heart rate almost to the point of achieving panic attack status. Complete with shallow breathing and sweat, followed with a feeling of complete exhaustion afterwards.

Sounds like a cardio workout to me!

P.S. Cats are worthless.
P.P.S. Traveling husbands are also worthless in this situation.
P.P.P.S. Is it considered cheating on you husband if you have an affair with a neighbor for the lone purpose of having someone to remove bugs and such from your home while your husband travels? I'm asking for a friend...

An update on writing

I announced a couple of weeks ago that I would be blogging less frequently so I could focus on writing. Since then, I've had a few people ask how that's going.

So, here's how it's going.

I have, indeed, started writing again. And it felt glorious. Then I got very busy with paying clients. The good news is that I really missed writing while I was working on other things.

This week, Joe is away for work and I had big plans to write a LOT. So far, I've done just that. I have over 8k words so far since he left Sunday night. And when he gets back, I intend to keep writing regularly.

I need to remember how important that outlet is for me. I need to remember that this is a major goal that I've wanted to reach for a very long time and it's within site if I can just keep going.

What I'm working on right now is a novel. But I'm already forming plans for the book that will follow its completion. I think having a second project I'm looking forward to writing will encourage me to keep going on the current project, which I'm also enjoying very much.

I tweeted a few days ago that when I write a little, it makes me want to write a lot. It's an amazing feeling to have that desire. For me, it's a bit like the "runner's high" Joe describes after completing a hard run. Just, with less sweating.

Pointless

Today, like most days, I feel the urge to blog. Today, like most days, no real idea what to blog about. Or what purpose to serve. So I'm going to ramble a bit.

Joe started his new job this morning. He had all of last week off which was great because he needed the break. However, since it was so last-minute, we weren't able to plan anything exciting. Also, I had planned on him being away all week originally so I went from "no husband!!!" to "all husband all the time!!!".

I love my husband. But I think (for various reasons) we were both happy for him to be out of town today and tomorrow starting the new job.

While he's gone, I'm trying to do ALL THE THINGS!!! (It also appears I am trying to use ALL THE EXCLAMATION POINTS!!! and ALL THE SHOUTY CAPITAL LETTERS!!!) Nothing too exciting - it's too hot here to do anything too exciting. But I'm finishing some projects and starting some projects and generally taking care of business. Which feels amazing.

I thought I might post about my sick cat (Tonya) or not having insurance for the first time in almost 14 years or how this is a whole new beginning for both of us so I'm excited to also take advantage of it or how I need to lose 97 pounds so is it just better to say 100 or how I had a total panic attack Saturday that was originally about lack of insurance but progressed until I was freaking out about being fat and dying alone and wanting my missing sweater. Any of that sound interesting?

Probably not-so-much. Which is why I've been blogging a lot lately. Welcome to being me.

On Self-Help Books and Advice and My Dad

I also said in that post last week that I'd address how I tackle self-help books/instructional guides/how-tos.

The short version is that I treat them as speed limits - they're just suggestions and you have to figure out what works for you. Ha! But, really, in most cases, the material you're reading or listening to is describing a method that works for someone. Maybe for many someones. You've got to adapt that to your situation. If a program says you have to journal every morning but you find you do better at night? Do it at night. If a recipe calls for pecans but you prefer walnuts? Use the walnuts. There are times when it's appropriate to follow a method exactly (brain surgery or working with electricity maybe) but that's not what we're talking about here.

My dad has shared with me two really great bits of wisdom. First, it's a good idea to ask many people for their advice - and then you think about it all and do what you want. Second, just because a decision seems wrong to you doesn't mean it's wrong for someone else. Pretty good stuff, huh? My dad's a good guy. He also told me to never travel without TUMS but that's not as relevant here.

I don't take every bit of advice I'm given. But it's great to seek answers and new ideas and other viewpoints. So many times, someone has pointed out an issue or possible solution that hadn't occurred to me. Then we assimilate that information into our own little world and do with it what we may.

So really this post is mostly about nothing but since I said I'd write about it and then I took the trouble to draft it, I figured I'd go ahead and publish it. And since it's my blog, that's what I'm going to do.

Spirituality in The Artist's Way

In my review for the "My Artist's Way Toolkit," I mentioned that the book and accompanying site had a spiritual aspect to them that I would address at a later time. That post was already far too long.

Before beginning The Artist's Way book, I noticed the subtitle, A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity. Wanting to know what that meant, I did a little digging. The book has multiple references to God. The author of The Artist's Way, Julia Cameron, is most likely a Christian. I'm not sure if she ever states that outright. 

However, on the first pages of the book, she addresses the way in which she is using God and suggests ways for others to think about it. If a religious God isn't your thing, she recommends thinking of God instead as the Universe or whatever higher power you do believe in or even as an acronym for "good orderly direction."

This worked for me. I was raised in a strict, conservative, Christian home. As an adult, I'm not sure how I would define my beliefs exactly. I believe in something. I believe in treating others with kindness. I believe in a certain moral code. I believe in allowing others to live within theirs. So substituting the Universe whenever she referenced God was okay for me. The Universe provides me with creative ideas. That kind of thing.

So to my friends who asked for a report regarding the spirituality aspect of the book, I can say that for me, it was okay. I think she actually managed to present the ideas in a manner that could work for most people, which I'd imagine was tricky. If that concession of substituting your own idea for God isn't something you're comfortable with, or if you don't believe in any kind of higher power or general order, it might be more difficult.

I also said in that other post that I'd address how I tackle self-help books/instructional guides/how-tos. I'll do that tomorrow or Friday.

How To Tell Cate Is Out Of Sorts

Today, a top ten list (because I promised you and more importantly I promised myself that I would blog this week so here goes).

Top Ten Reasons To Tell That Cate Is Out Of Sorts

1. One tweet is uber-happy, the next involves punching people or things in the face.
2. She doesn't return emails.
3. She doesn't comment on your blog.
4. She doesn't make the rounds for 6ws.
5. She doesn't post on her own blog.
6. She has a lot of headaches.
7. She takes a lot of naps.
8. She resurrects the Walrussian. Because she can. 
9. She doesn't care if this list makes it to 10.

I'm working on it. Resolution is coming. I think. I hope. But mostly, I'm ok. Even if I'm not dealing well with life right now, I'm dealing with it. I'm getting out of bed each morning and finding joy here and there, even if my actions and words are all over the place. Yeah, "stable" isn't a word I would apply to myself at the moment. 

Thanks for standing by me. And special thanks to awesome friends who encourage me, listen to me, distract me, and call me out on my negative actions (or, rather lack of action).

P.S. Confused? Try here. And here.

Six Word Saturday

moving forward despite having no answers

Aka: Nothing that has been stressing me for the last few weeks has been resolved but I'm learning to function in the state of not-knowing. This week, I intend to blog.

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Want to play along? All that's necessary to participate is to describe your life (or something) in a phrase using just six words. For more information, try clicking here. Feel free to explain or not explain. Add an image, a video, a song, nothing. I love seeing what everyone does with their entries.

Each week (probably on Sunday or Monday), I use random.org to select a bunch of entries to visit.  Or I visit everyone. Or even numbered entries. Or odd numbered entries. Or multiples of three. Depends on what's going on that week.  In addition, please visit the person ahead of you on the list (or visit everyone if you like!). That way everyone receives at least one visit!

If you play along in your blog, please add a link to the Mr. Linky. I appreciate a link back (shiny code below if you like!). Otherwise, you're welcome to leave your six words in this post as a comment.

Please be sure to link either to your main page or (preferably) directly to the 6WS post. Links to blogs that do not contain a 6WS entry will be removed (sorry, just the button in the sidebar doesn't count as participating).

<a href="http://www.showmyface.com/search/label/6WS"><img src="http://i395.photobucket.com/albums/pp35/showmyface/guts/6wsButton.jpg" /></a>