I had a fun time last night, getting home around 2:30 because it takes FOREVER for a cab to come in our little town. By then I was probably fine to drive, but I was still glad not to have to. I don't live far enough away for the car to warm up!

Went back over this morning for the traditional Hoppin' John, and mimosas. I planned to take a nap at some point, but the dusty bathroom beckoned and I scrubbed it end to end. Starting off the year with a sparkling bathroom is a good thing, I think. Of course, once I get started it's hard to stop, so I swept and vacuumed the rest of the apartment, and organized my makeup bags & box, consolidating and tossing stuff. Old mascara begone! Now all the stuff I use daily is in one bag, and the rest is organized so I can find it if I want it.

In between, and during, I've been watching a LOST marathon and remembering why I loved that show - it's all about the characters. The island, the weird stuff were all just a delivery system for great characters and interesting storytelling.

Now I've switched over to a Castle marathon, which I love for similar reasons. And Nathan Fillion.

LJ has not allowed me to respond to comments, so please don't think I'm ignoring you if you've left me one!

Here's to a good 2013 for us all. Happy New Year!

ETA: obviously, I wrote this yesterday. LJ has been down since then. Grr argh!

Posted via LiveJournal app for iPad.

blue flowers, originally uploaded by Lizzie~Belle.

It was a little warmer and less windy today, so I took a long walk. It felt good to be outside and moving. These little blue flowers were enjoying the sunshine, too.

I tackled the shelves in the kitchen, taking everything off them and lugging them out to the dumpster. I replaced them with the plastic shelves that used to be in the living room. Still finding piles of stuff I can get rid of; the problem is what to do with it? I'd rather not throw it all in the dumpster, you know? I had a thought about doing a sort of Freecycle at work, but I don't know how it would go over. I work with a lot of nudges. I suppose I could box it all up and donate to Savers again, if all else fails.

steep, originally uploaded by Lizzie~Belle.

Even though today is the coldest day this week, the sun was out so I went for a walk. I went to the library first, exchanging old books for new, then to CVS where I scored some Godiva dark chocolate strawberry truffles at half price. Plus I had a $1 extra bucks coupon, making it extra sweet. Go me.

Yesterday's warmth plus today's cold meant extra icy sidewalks in some places, which wasn't much fun. I am so looking forward to ice-free sidewalks, someday... maybe by April...

( fun things found around town )

journals, originally uploaded by Lizzie~Belle.

One thing I've noticed as I continue my decluttering project is that I tend to buy the same things over and over. Like journals and notebooks; I have so many, and some of them I have never used. Putting a stop to that right now. Why do I do that? Perhaps I thought I would get new ideas if I bought a new notebook.

rosy glow, originally uploaded by Lizzie~Belle.

I didn't have time for anything other than sunset pictures today. 'Twas a lovely sunset, though!

The Tuesday after a long weekend is always hard, and to add insult to injury, there was a sales meeting first thing this morning. At least it was brief.

I stopped at Savers on the way home and dropped off the tag sale leftovers. It felt so good to let it all go. They even took the scanner & printer, which I would have liked to get a few bucks for but didn't want to deal with. It's all going to a good cause: Big Brothers/Big Sisters. My friend Cymbri was a Big Sister when she lived here, and it's a good program.

Now I can put all the clothing back in the car, and take it to Goodwill. And get it out of my living room. *g*

green reflections, originally uploaded by Lizzie~Belle.

What I love about this photo is that you can't tell where the trees end and the reflection begins. This is the view from that little bridge in the woods, heading downstream.

( perfect day )

won't be caged, originally uploaded by Lizzie~Belle.

While the greyness has persisted, at least it's not hot. I went out for a long walk this morning ("You do a lot of walking," my neighbor said) and it was nice to not be dripping with sweat by the time I got back. I found this flower peeking through a bench at Amelia Park, and I like its can-do attitude.

( today's progress )