Author: Jennifer Kuntz

 This is my first filtered post so I’m just testing to make sure it works.  If you want to read what I’ve already written, check out my FanFiction.net page.  Here 
I have a work or two in progress, so watch this space.

I got the message that I don’t post enough, so I am trying to post more often.

I am glad to have the new year underway.  The holidays this year were very low-key for us.  I certainly don’t mind that, but it’s nice to be back in the routine.

On the work front, they FINALLY have fixed (at least temporarily) the catalog at work so I can catalog again.  Somehow everything I did last year got lost, so I have to restore that, but it’s only a matter of restoring the records, not doing the books from scratch again.  I’m looking forward to discovering my office from under all the books that have been stacking up.

On the creative front, I’ve been doing some fiction writing (which explains where my writing energy is going).  It’s all in the giant robot genre, so I’ve been reluctant to talk about it here.  If anyone is interested, say so and I’ll put on a Transformers filter and post some links and work in progress.  I love beta readers.  I also cleared up the sewing room a bit and hope to do some sewing for us before February *crosses fingers*.

On the personal stuff front, I’m feeling the need to get out and exercise again.  It’s tough to get motivated.  My end of the work day coincides with a major energy low for me, sometimes it’s a struggle just getting the car home.  Taking the extra step to get dressed and go to the gym is very daunting.  I know I’ll have more energy once I do it, but it’s REALLY hard to start.  

The relationship is OK.  The holidays are a downer time for the hubby for personal reasons, but I think he’s enjoying his new job.  He’s a little torn right now as one of his duties is subbing for the receptionist when she’s out and she’s out a LOT.  So he’s not doing as much computer-y stuff as he’d like, but it’s more than he was doing and that’s a step forward.

Also, I got my WoW main to 70 and finally got my blasted epic pally mount with help from the excellent Windmaster’s guild.  *whew*.  We’re working on alts and flying mounts for the Outlands as well as getting attuned for the high level instances.  Lots of work.

There, a proper update and all.

 For myself, I’d like to see 2008 be a year of re-focusing on the things i’ve been putting off.
I will invest time and energy into improving my library. 
I will travel to see my family a few times this year. 
I will get back to the gym and outside to exercise. 
I will FINALLY get the house cleaned up.
I will work dilligently on writing and update my journal at least once a week.
I will be more fiscally responsible so I can afford to buy a house.
I will make something from all that fabric I have been saving.
I will be grateful for my friends and the good things in my life.

I’ve been a slacker, and now I’m going to try to be better.  I’ll re-assess this list at intervals and see how I’m doing.

I have been fascinated by the idea of microcredit since I first heard about it a year or two ago.  For those of you who don’t know.  Microcredit institutions make teeny tiny loans to people (mostly women) in developing countries so that they can start or expand a business or make some other life altering change, like buying a vehicle or home.  The person pays back the loan with interest according to their ability to pay.  One of the pioneers of the idea, Muhammad Yunus, the president of Grameen Bank in Bangladesh won the Nobel Peace Prize last year. Article here.

So, I heard about this non-profit on NPR.  It’s called Kiva.  They are set up to let people fund microcredit projects around the world in increments of $25.00.  I signed up and will start putting money into it as soon as my funds move into PayPal (you use PayPal for it, another great idea).  I’m starting out with $50, but if this goes well I’m probably going to add $25.00 or so every pay period.  The loans are interest bearing, so there is a little return on your investment, but no one’s going to get rich doing this.  Anyway, I encourage folks to check it out.  I’ll try to update on my investments if anything interesting happens.  

Hi all, 

Just a quick note to say I’m still alive.  I read and comment, but am having trouble finding my personal life interesting enough to record right now.  Perhaps I’ll have more to say after the crazy holidays are out of the way.

Don’t  you just love the holidays?
Try and spot me in the background!

Made with help from

tiernen

While not being an achievement equal to curing cancer or reaching Mars, I did finally, after more than a year of playing, Get my WoW paladin (main character) to 70 tonight.  In honor of South Park we ground Felboars for the last 3000 XP until the magic number was reached.
I don’t know what I’m going to  do now that the pressure to level has been lifted, oh yeah, I’ll level my alts clean up the house and get writing again.

In any case…WHEW!

 My beloved hubby!

The guy under the Decepticons here!

Has gotten a new job!  Hooray!  He will be doing computer stuff for a company that works with Fort Bragg.  Many thanks and appreciation go out to Darrell for the info about the company that was doing the hiring.  This means he will be happier and awake during the day.  We are delighted!

Yay!

I got home on Saturday night.  Jay was kind enough to pick me up from the airport as Tiernen had to work.  Between the time zone change and daylight savings time starting I got all out of whack, so I slept many hours yesterday.  Now I am back at work and trying to catch up with the stuff I had from my trip.  Otherwise all is well.  Winston cat was particularly lovey over the weekend.  I think it’s the colder weather or maybe he just likes being a butt.  He’s decided that WoW time is also lap time, so he climbs on the back of the chair and insinuates himself under my arms while I’m working.  He’s a big goof.

That’s all for now.

I’m going to start this off by admitting that I don’t particularly like flying.  I don’t mind big airplanes so much, but the little commuter flights are murder on my nerves.  Yes, I know how safe it is and it’s certainly the most convenient way to get from one place to another, but all that being said I’d rather take the train.

However, I have four days to go, be in Chicago, and come home.  This precludes the train as the trip there by rail is a two day odyssey that involves a half-day layover in Washington, DC.  So I’m flying.

Otherwise, I like travelling for work.  It’s a chance to do something different, stay in a hotel for a few nights, and see a new part of the country.  I’ve only been to Chicago once and that was just a quick stop on the way to the airport.  I think we went to a Bennihanas, but don’t quote me on that.  I’m taking my laptop this time around.  I’d like to have it for the work I’ll be doing and also to provide a distraction on the flight.  So I feel like a REAL business traveler.

Anyway, I guess this is my opportunity to wish everyone a Happy Halloween and I’ll see y’all when I get back.   (If for some morbid reason that doesn’t happen, be kind to Tom.)