Motivation In Movement; Friday Fix Mix #2

Via Live Bold & Bloom

I've been doing a lot of research the past month or so. I'm looking for answers; trying to figure out how to blast through my depression on a daily basis, stay motivated, hopeful and even bring some excitement (cash flow be dammed) to my too small life.

One of the answers, aside from doing something, even something small, to move yourself and your goals forward is to apply that to meaningful work. Work that you not only enjoy, but that you feel adds something positive to the world, whether that's for the world at large or just a few people.

I found a post on the blog Barking Up The Wrong Tree titled "How To Be Motivated: 4 New Insights From Research" that crystallizes these ideas and tells you how keep your motivation up when you feel yourself turning into a donkey and not giving a shit about anything any more. I loved it; it's helped; and I hope it helps you too.

Now, let's get to some music! Enjoy!

Friday Fix Mix #2



America "You Can Do Magic"
Rival Sons "Pressure and Time"
The Breeders "Cannonball"
The Cardigans "I Need Some Fine Wine and You, You To Be Nicer"
Stereophonics "Have A Nice Day"
Powderfinger "(Baby I've Got You) On My Mind"
The Breakfast Club "Right On Track"
Kelly Clarkson "Heartbeat Song"
Fall Out Boy "Centuries"
Citizen Cope "Bullet and A Target"
Florence + The Machine "What Kind Of Man" (This one is a slow burn, skip 2:50 in for the music to really get going!)
Demi Lovato "Give Your Heart A Break"

New Things Are Nice

In an effort to keep everyone pumped for the weekend, I'm starting my Friday Fix Mix to help you dance your troubles away and, hopefully, introduce you to some cool music you may not have heard before. Enjoy!



Friday Fix Mix #1

Nikka Costa "Everybody Got Their Something"
The Black Keys "Have Love Will Travel"
Maroon 5 "Harder To Breathe"
Bruno Mars "Locked Out Of Heaven"
Louis XIV "Finding Out True Love Is Blind"
Paramore "Ain't It Fun"
The Detroit Cobras "Cha Cha Twist"
Will Hoge "Secondhand Heart"
Metric "Help I'm Alive"
Sia "Chandelier"
Royksopp & Robyn "Do It Again"
Elastica "Connection"

Music Monday: Well, Let's Hope I Don't Get Fired

No emergencies here, folks. None at all...

Well, after last Monday's stress-a-thon I finally got paid (right after bitching about it, in fact) and then I went on to relax for a whole day before I started worrying about work.

When my hours got cut I went from being responsible for three company blogs to two. This means that every Friday I am now supposed to turn in two stories, one for each blog. In order to get stories I have to research client events and email them. Then, whether or not I have articles to write depends on if any of those clients get back to me.

Only one person got back to me. Not one for each blog. Just one.

I MISSED A DEADLINE LAST WEEK. FUCK.

On one hand I really feel I did everything I could to email as many contacts as possible. But on the other hand I know it might not matter. My hours got cut, I had two weeks where I got two stories in each week, and then I missed one. Only one client got in touch with me, so I only had one article for one company blog.

I spent the weekend trying not to panic, and did a pretty good job. Today, though? Today I have a headache and feel a bit dizzy. I haven't checked my work email yet and probably won't for at least another hour. I just need to not think about it for a bit longer.

However, I can think about music. Let's go!









There. Now I need the biggest cup of coffee I can get my hands on!

Music Monday: Kick In The Butt

So, HUBS and I have been getting out and among people a little bit. We joined a Meetup group for sci-fi and fantasy fans and have been to three events, only, since we were late to the last two, we didn't get to actually talk to anybody. But! It got us to the art museum and the science center when there were a lot of people there, some of them dressed like various Doctor Who's.

Also, I've been signed up for a nerdy women's group for months. I kept signing up for events and then chickening out at the last minute and not going because I got too nervous to talk to new people.

Well, this weekend I went.

It was a bit easier, since it wasn't just a random sit around and try to think of things to say to strangers kind of meetup. The meeting was based on The Happiness Project, a book from a few years ago about a woman trying to figure out what would really make her happy. The goal of the group is for each member to pinpoint her values and put together 3 or 4 things we really want to work on that we believe will make us happier.

I, of course, have two huge lists of things to pull from. Two huge lists of goals from the beginning of the year that I've barely worked on as we enter the last half of 2013.

I need this kick in the ass. I'm hoping having a group of ladies who are all trying to get better and improve their lives to go back to and be accountable to will help me make those small moves every day that I know I need in order to feel better and brighter.

Constant, external motivation seems to be what moves me along. Motivation really doesn't come from within with me. I don't know why, and it doesn't actually matter. The important thing is finding what will push me and using it, even if it looks like something that shouldn't move me.

Ahhhhh...Let's relax a little. MUSIC!









What gives you a kick in the ass?

Happy Friday: Rolling Right Along

I can't believe it's been almost two weeks since we took our vacation. All I've wanted to do since we got back is not sweat and take another trip. Being someplace different revitalizes.

I, of course, have a ton of photos from our jaunt to Kentucky and Tennessee. Just so I don't overload you all at once, I've decided to divide the pics into four categories: places, people, food and details. Today? Some of the sights in Louisville and Nashville...















Did you know Nashville has a full scale replica of The Parthenon?



It's been a while since we looked around online. Shall we?

1) Oklahoma! Your peeping toms are way too freaky and desperate!

2) Wow. There are a lot more wild cats in the world than I thought there were.

3) Speaking of cats, Wasabi-chan the kitten has been through a lot. It's hard not to love her.

4) When times are tough, sometimes you need a manifesto to help you along.

That's all for me friends. Have a great weekend!

Music Monday: Decisionary

Like the hot, hot fire in my belly...

I need to go to the doctor. Something has been wrong with me since 2008. For about a year I thought I'd just become more sensitive to food that wasn't prepared well, and was getting frequent bouts of food poisoning.

Then I started paying more attention. About four times a year, HUBS and I would eat the same thing ( I would eat less of it, even) and I would get horribly ill. It always hits either around 2 a.m. or 7 a.m. And?

IT'S VERY, VERY BAD.

It's the kind of ill where you're forced to spend two full hours in the bathroom. The kind of ill where once everything finally stops you're tired and sore for the rest of the day.

I've had several near misses so far this year; where I woke up, thought I was going to be sick, but was able to medicate it away with Rolaids or Tummy Drops. I had another one last night.

I must be allergic to something, but I have no idea what. I've gotten sick eating a wide variety of things: pasta sauce, salsa, BBQ spaghetti, baked un-breaded fish, chicken & dumplings, Mexican food, Arby's (that was last night). It's usually something I've had before and kept down just fine.

I have put this off for way too long, being worried about doctor visit copays and medical test copays. I have to just do this now and hope they find that something easily manageable is wrong with me. (Which I think they will. I mean, if something MAJOR was wrong it would have shown up in other ways after five years...I think.)

Wish me luck.

Music Monday: May, Thanks!

Wow, how sad is it that I'm having a hard time remembering good stuff that happened in May? The month shot by so fast I'm barely registering the fact that it's June now.

Alrighty, time to put on my thinking cap, 'cause here we go...

May, Thanks!

1) Thanks to the commitment to saving money, which helped me buy a new purse.

2) Thanks to men who know how to jackhammer a basement, drill holes in each cinder block, install a drainage system and hook up a sump pump.

3) Thanks to the office manager who works with those guys for giving me a $25 discount because of the light bulb they broke and the door frame they busted up.

4) Thanks to a reasonably cool start to summer.

5) Thanks to the note taking app on my phone for helping me keep track of my daily you-must-leave-the-house jaunts.

6) Thanks to Lila, my car, for still running after 15 years.

7) Thanks to my ever growing gardening skills for giving me onions and fresh basil.

8) Thanks to Tummy Drops for keeping my sensitive stomach happy.

9) Thanks to online clothes shopping.

10) Thanks to therapy.

OK, that was actually easier than I thought it'd be!







What good stuff happened to you in May?

Happy Friday: It's All In The Wrist

Our formerly rotten bathroom floor...

Is there anything better than whipping your house into shape? Well, OK, sure. Lots of things are better than cleaning house and repairing stuff. But! Taking care of these issues sure is nice.

HUBS and I finally had a sump pump put in our basement so that it won't flood anymore. It'll take us a while to pay that work off, but at least it's DONE.

Since the beginning of the year, we've had insulation added to the attic and basement, the kitchen plumbing replaced, the bathroom floor replaced, the toilet fixed and upgraded and we're about to add an electric outlet in the basement.

Holy shit, we're on a ROLL NOW!

We've also been getting rid of mounds of clothes, shoes, dishes, electronics and various useless household items we've been holding on to for way too long.

It's almost, very slightly, like living in a new house. And that's nice.

What's going on, peeps? Let's see...

1) Autocorrect never fails to fail spectacularly.

2) Want to take better photos? It's really not that hard.

3) If you loved Reading Rainbow and Mister Rogers as a kid, immerse yourself in this & this.

4) Virginia Woolf thinks all writers should keep a journal.

5) If you need help getting motivated to do...anything, while depressed, Psych Central has 12 tips for you.

Oh, yeah! Have a great weekend, everyone!

Music Monday: Perfect Timing

Sometimes you happen upon things for a very good reason. I had a rough night; I was sick and barely slept, and when I did fall to sleep a bit it was on the couch so I could be as close to the bathroom as possible.

I spent most of this morning and early afternoon on that very same couch, trying to piece myself back together for work, chores and the household fix-up HUBS and I had planned for later today.

The only thing I could really do with any consistent focus was finish my April issue of O Magazine. There, on page 169, was an article by Lauren Slater called Getting Lighter. In it, she talks about her decades long depression and how it made even the simplest of tasks (taking a shower, putting on non-pajama clothes) become more and more difficult; and how she's striving to feel better by making sure she looks better (new clothes, new hair cut, a well-made-up face even though she's only sitting at home writing...).

Now, it's confession time. I am sometimes so exhausted just from being alive and trying all day long not to panic or worry or get sad for no good reason, that I frequently skip bathing. Not for one day; hell taking showers every other day on a regular basis would be excellent for me. I sometimes skip showers for days at a time; four or even five to be exact.

I find bathing tiring in a way that no personal grooming should ever be. Admittedly, about 70% of this is me being woefully out of shape and actually (dammit, I'm confessing again) getting winded when I shower. The other 30% is my desire to not be reminded of how out of shape I am by seeing myself naked and sweating through my shower because of the mild, mild cardio I get from it.

Also in that 30%? Not wanting to move. Never, ever wanting to move.

I'm entirely too comfortable sitting, all day every day. And for me bathing isn't just jumping in the shower, oh no. It's a whole series of exhausting steps: cleaning the bathtub, taking off my clothes, bathing, drying off, putting on lotion, putting on new underwear and clothes, cooling off (even if my shower/bath was already a cool one).

I am trying to do better, I honestly am. The thing that has struck me since starting medication for depression again is that it's almost worthless without my effort. This is probably why I've had few real successes in my life (lofty dreams and unfinished plans, acquaintances and few friends, jobs but no fulfilling career to speak of).

I'm scared to move. I'm scared to try. I'm scared to fail.

The giant-ass white pill I'm now taking isn't the cure-all. I am.

Happy Friday: Cleanin' House

Well, this has been a productive time for me. I got an article written today, ran some errands and (this is a biggie) cleaned out my closets and cabinets and bins.

Oh, Lordy! I've got seven bags of clothes, shoes, purses, belts, jackets, kitchen goods and old magazines to take to the Goodwill tomorrow. It feels good. I was holding on to all these clothes that I haven't been able to fit into in nine years. Purses I was keeping because someone gave them to me as gifts. Magazines I never got around to reading. Shoes I thought I would wear, that I never wore.

This is so much better.

Also, with the exception of yesterday when it was raining, I went somewhere every day. So, I'm breaking through this agoraphobia day by day.

That? So. Much. Better.

What's happening online nowadays...

1) The truth about fear from the woman who runs Facebook. If fear is keeping you from doing anything you want to do, read this.

2) “Life really begins when you have discovered that you can do anything you want.” - William J. Reilly

3) Any ladies who need some encouragement/tips for traveling alone should check out The Gypsy Gals.

4) Everyone needs to relax and distress. Here's some help if you need it.

5) Don't think you're not an expert at anything just because you don't have a degree in it. You just need to figure out what kind of expert you are.

6) Finally, 40 cats who suck at hide-and-seek.

Have a wonderful weekend, everyone!

Happy Friday: Note To Self

Note To Self

OK, girl, you're too old for this crap. Stop it! Food and eating are not magical mysteries to you.

Stop eating breakfast hours after you wake up!

And, stop eating weird crap like onion rings and lasagna for lunch!

Today's lunch gave you indigestion, are you happy with that? OF COURSE YOU AREN'T! So, you know, get your shit together, already!

Alright, it's internet awesome time. Let's go!

1) I wrote about solo travel this week. Here are some more tips and stories from around the web.

2) I've gone podcast crazy over here, and Podcast Gallery can help you find, listen to and save the ones you want.

3) If you're already itching for summer to get here, why not try out this 140 song Summer Music Playlist assembled by Reddit users to take yourself away?

4) Looking for a job or new career path? Read How To Pick A Career You'll Like.

5) If you want to store sensitive files in the cloud but are worried about keeping those things private, here's a guide to free, and easy to use, encryption software.

Tuesday Tipday: How To Travel Alone

While I can admit that I don't exactly live for adventure, I have done some things in my day. Something I still count as a major accomplishment are the times, in 2005, that I braved my nerves, boarded airplanes and traveled to places I'd never before been...totally alone.

I didn't backpack through India, or do anything quite that impressive, but when it comes to doing new things we all have to start somewhere. Really, if someone as cynical, quiet and fear-filled as me can travel solo, so can you. If you've wanted to make a lone travel trek, but haven't been able to get up the nerve, here's what you need to know.

How To Travel Alone

1) Focus is helpful. My family took occasional vacations when I was a kid, but by the time I was 31, I still had a LONG list of places I wanted to see. When the whole world is an option (Or, really, the whole country. Traveling abroad cost more than I was willing to put on credit!), how do you narrow the possibilities down? I say, follow your hobbies. Something I'd always wanted to do was go to the Sundance Film Festival. So, my first solo trip was to Park City, Utah during the final weekend of the festival. Roger Ebert passed me on the street! I went to a party with Jennifer Jason Leigh!

If you enjoy yoga, find a retreat in a city you'd like to visit. Maybe you're a writer, if so, get thee to a conference. The best part about this method is that not only do you get to see new places, but you automatically surround yourself with people who share interests with you. And this makes some of the strangers in your midst EASIER TO TALK TO. Score!

2) Make yourself talk to strangers. I managed to socialize a bit at Sundance and during my trip to SXSW a couple of months later. But, mostly, I spent time exploring on my own because I'm good at being alone. I wanted to broaden my horizons, though. So, what did I do? I went to Las Vegas...and volunteered at the CineVegas Film Festival.

If there's a better way to connect with people who'll share your interests and force yourself to converse with them, I don't know what it is. During my seven-day-stay I got rides to and from my hotel from a former showgirl who'd become a real estate agent, went to a burlesque show with a director, his actor friend and another festival volunteer, and party hopped with yet another volunteer who hooked up with a now famous actor. I had an adventure! I'm sure it's possible to do that without hanging out with others, but it's probably not as much fun.

3) Be safe, not scared. I never would have had as much fun as I did had I not taken some chances. The key is simply to keep your wits about you, asses all situations/new people and don't be afraid to hurt someone's feelings if you believe you need to bail out. Some additional things to think about:

a) Keep your cell phone charged and handy. Maybe even put 911 on speed dial.
b) Ladies, if you need to carry a purse, make it one that closes fully and either fits snugly under your arm or allows you to carry it crossbody in front of you, so you always have an eye on it.
c) Consider a money belt. Withdraw the cash you'll need for the day and store it in a front pocket to eliminate the need to root around in your bag. Put your debit/credit card and a photocopy of your id in the money belt, and wear it under your clothes while you're out. This might be TMI, but I always put mine inside my pants and panties, that way if it comes unbuckled (never happened, by the way) it will stay snugly against my body and not fall out a pant leg.
d) Use common sense and trust your gut. No drinking more booze than you can handle or taking drinks from strangers who are not tending bar. Try not to walk around alone, at night in unpopulated areas. If you simple have to? Carry your keys/mace in your hand, ready to be used as a weapon if needed; walk speedily with your head up and with purpose. Folks will be less likely to mess with you if you look like you know where you're going and will take NO SHIT from random people.
e) Keep your car doors locked and don't roll non-driver windows down so much that someone could reach in and open a door on you.
f) Secure your hotel door. I braced mine with a chair, but that was before this or this.

That's it! Follow your passion to someplace cool, stay safe and have fun!

How have you traveled safely while alone?

Music Monday: There's Nothing Like A Spring Day

Isn't it great? You know, when we get those early Spring days where it feels like the fog of winter has lifted and everything is wonderful and new again?

That's today. Actually, it's been the last few days, but since this is a Monday where the pressure of life didn't seem to be forcing its way into my body, the mood really stood out.

HUBS' parents, serious gardeners, brought over their tiller to get our garden ready for this year. So far I've planted red onions and carrots and I've got a bag of seed potatoes I need to cut up and dry out so I can get those in the ground this week as well.

I doubt I will ever be one of those people who find gardening enjoyable, but at least it's good exercise. My legs and arms are killing me from all the hoeing and weeding and planting and bending and digging!

I have to say, it feels good to feel good! Let's keep the happy times going with some music...!

Happy Friday! What Have I Done For Me, Lately?

I know Easter's been over for almost a week, but this video of a baby bunny eating and cleaning its face is AWESOME.


It occurred to me that since we're in the fourth month of the year, I should probably take a look back at the massive list of goals I set for myself in January and see how I'm doing. What have I managed so far?

Accomplishments: Jan-April 2013

1) I'm making $ writing again!
2) I tried a podcast!
3) I check my professional email daily!
4) I add my blog posts to Twitter & Blogaholic!
5) I've left some food behind at a restaurant!
6) I limit pre-5pm TV watching to two hours daily Mon-Fri!
7) I'm practicing reading faster!
8) I hang out on our deck!
9) I've (almost) mastered winged eyeliner!

OK, so, nine out of 76 items isn't exactly an example of me going gang-busters on my goals, but getting a job was HUGE FOR ME. Plus, I'm sorta counting the things I'd starting doing (like blogging three times a week, making honest work of my creative ideas and working away from home) which I've fallen behind on since my gainful employment.

And, also? I'm trying not to be too hard on myself about not being further along.

I've got time, and I think the best thing to do would be to keep my lists on my desktop so I can have constant reminders of what's important to me this year.

Now, let's move on to some cool internet stuff and remember to tell me: How are your 2013 goals progressing so far?

1) I do love me some Tina Belcher.

2) EW.com thinks they've found the 21 most annoying TV characters of all time. Do you agree?

3) RIP Roger Ebert. Here are 20 of his best movie pans.

4) If you like free music, here are the best places to get it online.

5) Finally, if you need to distress this weekend, there are some apps that can help you.

Have a great weekend, everyone!

Music Monday: March, Thanks!

It's hard to believe that a week ago there was over a foot of snow on the ground in Missouri. Well, Spring's a-sprung for now and here's what made me happy in March.

March, Thanks!

1) Thanks to the Sandman for helping me get 12 hours of sleep I didn't know I needed on Friday night.

2) Thanks to my niece for sharing some of her Easter candy with me.

3) Thanks to my sister-in-law for being patient with me and the project I'm working on for her since I got my job.

4) Thanks to my hair for annoying me less as it continues to revert to its natural state.

5) Thanks to Avon for having stylish, and yet fairly cheap shoes.

6) Thanks to the USPS for delivering my first new-job paycheck.

7) Thanks to the creative genius who invented the fantasy genre for keeping my reading life interesting.

8) Thanks to the magic combo of natural peanut butter, honey & cinnamon for being great on toast or animal crackers.

9) Thanks to recyclebank.com for allowing me to subscribe to way too many magazines for totally free.

10) Thanks to turkey cutlets for being an awesome substitute for fried chicken.

Enough about me, let's enjoy some tunes...

Music Monday: Dammit, I Like A Taylor Swift Song!

Dear Taylor Swift,

No. You are NOT ALLOWED to do this. I mean, really. Is it fair that you have every White girl/woman under the age of 35 gripped in the throes of your music and still you want more? NO. This is not OK, Swifty.

But, I'll give you this one song. I will publicly admit that you made a song so damn catchy and, from what I can tell, different from your other stuff, that I was captivated by it and in no way even considered that it COULD be you. This, of course, means I WAS FOOLED BY TAYLOR SWIFT. Damn you, Taylor!

While I am slightly horrified by the fact that I like this song, I'm not going to call it a guilty pleasure, because I don't believe in feeling bad about anything I like that doesn't hurt anyone else. And I suppose I can cop to the fact that liking one of your songs doesn't make me, like, a MONSTER or anything.

Well, at least I'm setting myself apart from 100% of self-employed, mid-western, 38-year-old Black ladies with natural hair who pay no attention to you at all. Bright sides, right?

Sincerely,

I'm Just Embarrassed Enough To Not Sign My Name

Thank God that's over...

Happy Friday: Working For The Weekend! When I Will Also Be Working!

But, don't cry for me, Argentina. I still have one story to write for the new job before Monday, but you know what's cool about having a gig where you write stories and send emails from home? You can literally do it any time of the day or night!

I'm taking a break to eat a super-late lunch and blog, since I haven't done it since Monday...Blog, that is. I've been eating just fine, thank you!

I've also been doing pretty good at the job. I'm getting the hang of procedures and using their online ordering system to gather info for stories. I even got two interview responses this week, which I was told likely wouldn't happen so soon. Score!

I hope you've all had a lovely week, as well. I'll be catching up on your blogs this weekend. Now, let's see what's happening online.


1) 38 fascinating maps that detail everything from what the world's population would look like if it were concentrated in one city, to every country that ever got invaded by England and the US area codes in which the rapper Ludacris claims to have "hoes".

2) If you need a laugh try giphy. Just scroll over your choice to see a variety of animated gifs.

3) Speaking of gifs, this tumblr uses them to tell a comical New York based life story.

4) All you writers out there should find Writing a Scene in 11 Steps and 60 NaNoWriMo tips useful.

5) For everyone with multiple, hard-to-monitor-them-all email addresses, Mailstrom might be the answer for you.

Whoa. That's all for me. I need to rest up and goof off this weekend. It's nice to have something to step away from on weekends, right?

Music Monday: All Entertainment All The Time!

via this and this

So, did anyone watch the Oscars last night? I thought MacFarlane did a pretty good job balancing snark with a proper reverence for the event. Of course it was too long; it always is. The only way to get the thing down to a reasonable length is to cut out awards that (I know this sounds harsh) non-industry people simply don't care about or even understand. Honestly? This is the first whole Oscar show I've watched in maybe 18 years. And, with all the live-blogging and tweeting going on, it was kinda fun to be a part of that.

If you want to have some fun with Oscar recapping, head over to Mashable for GIFs, awesome Jennifer Lawrence awkwardness (the second video is THE BEST) and a bit of nominee nostalgia.

Now, let's get to some muuuuuuuussssiiiiiic!









What did you think of the Oscars?

Happy Friday: Jobbing!

...

So, yesterday was good. HUBS got a snow day at work, and I...

I GOT A FREAKIN' JOB, YOU GUYS!!

I know! I originally applied to this company late last summer, but kept in touch with the hiring manager. She called me yesterday and simply offered me another position. YES!

HUBS and I are cautiously optimistic, since I have been semi-burned before with freelancing, but this will be very good for my self-esteem. I'll be interviewing, writing and still working from home on a part-time basis.

Also, this means that I've been able to cross three things off my professional goal list just this week. I'm making money from writing again, I tried a podcast and I began to make honest work of one of my screenplay ideas this week by actually sitting my ass down and writing the damn thing.

I'M MAKING PROGRESS!

And progress deserves a reward, so let's see what's new!

1) I think I'm finally starting to get the hang of reading faster, thanks to Bill Cosby.

2) How did I just find out about The Fluffington Post? How!?!?

3) Ever wonder how companies like Evernote, Instagram and Twitter make money? Here you go...

4) Daria Morgendorffer has a point.

5) I might be obsessed with funny/cute animal pics.

Happy weekend, everyone!

Happy Friday: 7 Things I'm Bad At That Don't Matter

...

I had a semi-crappy week. As such, I need to remind myself that I'm not actually bad at everything, it just seems that way sometimes. Also, not all of the things I'm bad at are life-destroying. Here's my list of stuff I suck at that doesn't matter in the grand scheme of things.

7 Things I'm Bad At That Don't Matter

1) Brushing my teeth. Of course I'm good at brushing my teeth, technically. I'm just really, really messy at it. The toothpaste foam that forms dribbles down my chin and usually lands on my shirt. I often walk around while I brush and frequently find dried toothpaste spray around the house on mirrors, TVs, counters, tables, walls...You get it. Messy!

2) Reading books/magazines. I subscribe to seven magazines. Most of them sit in un-presentable stacks around the house for WAY longer than a month. I also have a book buying sickness, which I think I've finally kicked, but it's lead me to having a house filled with tomes I've owned for a few years but haven't even cracked the spines on.

3) Checking emails. I have three email accounts: one for family/friends and serious personal business, one for applying for jobs and one for entering contests and other crap. I can go a few days without checking any of them. Then I end up with 700 unread emails and freak the fuck out, do better for a bit and then fall behind again. Oh, well. No one's dying from this one.

4) Skipping dessert. Only happens if I'm sick or so full I might get sick if I inhale one more might. As far as vices go? Not horrible.

5) Waking up early. I fucking hate it. End. Of. Story.

6) Fixing my hair. I have no appreciable skills in this area. I would much rather wear a scarf or hat all day, every day. So, I frequently do.

7) Drinking hooch. One drink and I'm done. And it better basically taste like Kool-Aid, or I'm out. I didn't even start to get a taste for sugary, pansy-assed mixed drinks until about 12 years after I turned 21. I've never been drunk and likely never will be. I can go for several months without having any kind of booze, and I'm totally OK with that.

There's my list. Now? Internet!

1) X-Men Muppets? Yes!

2) Age, dammit! AGE!

3) People who do amazing things only have one different trait from those who don't. Simple as that.

4) Caffrey the cat only has two legs. I love him.

5) This is just fun. Also, it involves cats, so, you know, there's my wheelhouse!

That's all for me. Let me know, what are you bad at that doesn't matter?