Do dum de dum

(the title is currently being hummed along to the tune of 'Autumn Leaves' -- not because they're actually beginning to fall, but because there's a bit of an autumnal crispness to the air that cheers me)

Fact:  rice cakes come in approximately 143 different varieties and flavors.  Some are actually pretty tasty, unlike the kefir drink I had for breakfast.  Blech!

Coincidentally after I blogged about SWCV yesterday, I received a survey email from them this morning asking how the show was.  I always assume that when places take the time to send a survey requesting feedback they actually want both the good and the bad, rather than just empty platitudes.  I'm hoping that's a correct assumption, since I always try to provide balanced feedback. 

Loving the weather -- its condusive to long walks, and head-clearing.  Dog is loving the weather + walk combination too.

Two substantial vacations coming up in the next few months.  I'm an overplanner, so vacations tend to stress me, right up until the point that I get on a plane.  Lists, spreadsheets, schedules and sleepless nights all overtake my sanity.  I can be an infuriating person with whom to travel -- I recognize this, and I also recognize that it drives the Guy apeshit.  I'm trying really hard to just go with it for the rest of the year, lest I actually compell him to jump overboard.   My goal is to make a packing list for each trip, and then just pack.  No analysis or hourly vacation schedules.  I will print all my travel confirmations, stuff them in a folder, and go. 

Panic!

So the Guy and I have decided that walking is more active than sitting around watching TV (duh, right?), but not high impact enough to frighten us.  Between a nice walking tour, erranding, and just general wandering, my math says we did > 7 miles this weekend.  Since our campaign of Less Moronic Eating (I should trademark that) and more walking began 2 weeks ago, he's finding himself between belt holes and I'm smaller in some noticeable areas. 

It's not a lot, but its a start.  To remind myself as much as you, here are some of the goals:

• No more needing to take a moment to hope the furniture doesn't collapse when we sit
• Fewer dirty looks in the airport
• Stop dreaming about joining a costuming organization, and be able to actually do it
• Less pain in the knees, ankles, back, hips...pretty much everywhere
• Buy cute clothes
• Burn it up in the boudoir

In non-unfatgetting news, we both miss being at Star Wars Celebration V.   It was a giant nerdapalooza where we really felt at home surrounded by like minded geeks.  From the panels, to wandering the con floor, seeing Stormtroopers on I-Drive, and lying on the ground at Disney's Hollywood Studios wartching the brilliant fireworks display set to some of John Williams' finest, there wasn't a moment that wasn't fun.  Hell, even standing in line was fun.  If I tried really hard, I could maybe come up with a handful of complaints, but the awesomeness far outweighed whatever small things I could come up with.  Congratulations to LucasFilm and ReedPop for putting on an excellent show.  We were particularly impressed by the volunteer staff (seriously fantastic, especially in the Jedi lounge -- where do you find these folks?) and the ability of the coordinator types to react and adapt to things going awry, and to implement measures to make sure they didn't happen again. 

Finally working my way through Dragon Age Origins.  So far so good, although my "the fewer buttons the better" approach is making my journey a little more difficult than it needs to be.  Looking forward to Fallout New Vegas next month, and mildly curious about DCUO after that.  It's been some time since the Guy and I have played something together, and I'm losing hope of getting into the SW:TOR beta.

That's it for now -- are these things supposed to have some sort of closing salutation?

Ohai

Stock-taking is dangerous, because ultimately you come to stunning realizations, like "Oh shit -- I'm almost 40, and I'm fat".  Both of them sort of crept up on me -- I mean, I was aware of the years and the pounds piling on, but not to what (great) extent. 

I can't do anything about my age, but I'm committed to being less of a giant fatass.  The thing is, I have a pretty decent situation.  I've got a Guy who adores me and would cross hot coals to stroke my hair on a bad day.  A Dog who despite his advanced years and overwhelming goofiness thinks we're the bees knees. A Place, which fits Guy, Dog, and I comfortably.  A Job which does all the things a job is supposed to do.  But if I don't do something to address the fatassery, I'm not going to be around for very long to enjoy all of them.

So here's the dealy -- I'm going to write about stuff.  Some of it will be related to my effort to be less Jabba T. Hutt and more Joan Holloway.  Some of it will be random musings, complaints, and general bullshit.  You may find it comical, poignant, boring, inspiring, or hackneyed depending on the day.  What you will always find it me being is honest, direct, and polite.  I humbly ask that you be the same in response.