Rae Roy

Do you ever feel like you're exactly where you're meant to be? It's quite rare for me, but that was Friday. After retrieving my skates from Farrhaven, I spent the night catching up on punk bands. It felt like what I really needed. When I don't suck so much at guitar, I'd like to be in a punk band. I can't do power chords yet, so it'll be a minute... I also played around with learning GIMP. I've been wanting to have skills in this area for a long time, and I'm working toward that. This is the part of the sandwich when I say it was martial arts I've left behind indefinitely. Though I enjoyed swinging my sword the other day, I need time away to focus on the things I'm more passionate about. Thankfully, the community has been accepting of this and that's a weight off my shoulders. I was worried I would lose some friends over it as silly as that may sound. Saturday brought sleeping in, more punk catch up, and working on Sparks. I really need t

I've made a decent amount of progress this weekend. I've noticed that whenever I make use of my planner, I tend to do better on my goals. Part of the problem has been that it would get misplaced during the reno, so it was hard to set shorter term goals. I tend to use Trello for my long-term overarching goals.  I also made a change with my chores. I have a schedule, but I was initially trying to get everything done in a whole room and that wasn't working. Instead, I'm keeping the schedule, but my goal is to do whatever I can in 30 minutes or so. I'm seeing a lot more progress on my declutter this way and it's less stressful. Now it doesn't feel like I have a mountain to climb. And it's motivating me like nothing else has lately in regards to getting caught up around my home. For awhile, I thought about going back to school for a Master's degree, but I've realized that the last decade has been too full for me. I've had little time to relax and

On Wednesday, I got to visit my young buddy and show him a few things in Minecraft. It was so good to see him, his sister, and my close friends in person. Their pug was also quite happy to see me too. I have a Minecraft book to lend him if his friends don't first. He reads now and I love that so much. His little sister reminds me of him at her age as she has trouble sitting still. He's much more patient now and his vocabulary is much more developed. She's a dear too. It was wonderful to have a bit of normalcy and to be able to hug my friends! I spoke with my boss this week as the role I assumed has been too stressful in the wrong way for me, so some changes will be coming eventually. Sometimes one has to admit when something just isn't right for them. On Friday, I went to a vaccinated-only house party with one of my friend groups and had an excellent time. Not only did I get to spend time with dear friends, but I got to try a 70s Gibson Marauder! The night wasn't wi

My weekend was a bit of a rollercoaster. I had a blast watching my friend perform on Friday night at SAW Gallery. Her band, Chautauqua, is fantastic. A small group of us followed the concert up with drinks at Avant Garde, which was great because we couldn't socialize much during the concert.  I felt a little rough the next day, so I took it easy. At one point, I felt like writing, but I couldn't find my notes for the part of the project I'm on right now. Frustrated, I spent time cleaning in my office and eventually remembered where they were. Unfortunately, I was not as far ahead as I thought I was. My notes were more of a list of guidelines and I still have to figure out how to rewrite the section they apply to. At least I know where they are now and I can plug away at it. On Sunday, I did some errands, laundry, and relaxed with TV and video games. Actually, I got a lot of gaming in all weekend and it's been good for my morale. I've been feeling burned out lately.

September always feels like a time of new beginning to me. Perhaps that's due to 22 years of academics? Or maybe it's because the weather cools some and my mind feels clearer at this time of year. It certainly helps me that my seasonal allergies also begin to wane. Also waning, or supposed to be waning, are the number of items that have been in my queue at work. And the bulk of my bathroom reno has also been wrapped up. Whatever the reason, this September is beginning with a return to my writing. One that brings fresh eyes and the learnings of another summer season. In my 40th year, I feel like I know myself more than I ever had previously and there is still much about the world and my place in it to discover. I'm quite excited about it all! My main goals going forward are: 1. Sparks This is rather like, "Finish the thing." I have a plan to follow. I also have a different ending in mind. 2. Guitar After performing some much needed maintenance, my major goal is to