October in my teeny tiny corner of the world

Today is October 3rd. For a Saturday, it's typical. Don has guard drill, Briana is sleeping, and I am planning a day that would otherwise be wasted on tv. I'll be turning over some of those freshly fallen new leaves out there.

First, I want to keep up with my chores. I have been very lazy this summer - - only doing what was critical. I have way less time now with school and all.

Second, and I have already begun this one - - I will keep up with grading papers. I have about 160 students this year - - all demanding and worried about grades and such. The pile on my desk can grow exponentially in a day.

Third, I want to lose some weight. I only want to lose about 5 pounds or so in my core. I am not sure how to do that since I am well beyond the notion that I will ever keep up with exercise. I know that for a fact. SO, the question is - - how do I lose my belly without crunches, running, lifting, bending, or anything else that requires exertion? Drink mega-green tea? Meditate on it? Pray for it? You see my quandary?

Fourth, I'd want to start some new quilting projects. I am finishing up one for Mom right now. I won't be posting a pic anytime soon because it is a Christmas present, so stay tuned until closer to December. I also have one for Stuart and Tammy planned out. In addition to that I have a felt penny rug I am putting together for me. That one has been a work in progress for about two years - - it is EXTREMELY tedious. Also, I need to assemble a huge one that I started for Scott and Vicki. The problem is that I started it before I got my new machine so the technique is not going to be the same. I truly doubt that it will make a difference, but it will bother me.

Now, for the last leaf - - Don and I are attempting to pay off all debt. So far we are doing well. I have paid off Davis-Greenlawn. The ING loan will be paid off this week. We have two other debts only - - Don's truck and this house.

All this is in order to buy a boat and/or a vacation/retirement house in Eastern Oregon. We have found some interesting areas that are really attractive and would meet our needs and desires. Please understand that the places we are looking at are not fancy log cabins or wonderful lakeside property - - we want to go rustic in the literal since of the word. Rocks, wood piles, windmills, wildlife. If you were to ever visit us, expect open air and dinner cooked over a fire. Bring your own sleeping bag and water. You might even have to shoot your breakfast!

Anywho, time is ticking into the future. I think I'll get started on laundry or grading or some other teeny tiny step on those amazing falling leaves.