It must be a sign

I could have sworn I saved a copy of my "book" on my flash drive.

Apparently not.

With the laptop entirely dead, there is no way for me to retrieve a copy.

I guess that means I start from scratch.

It was probably for the best.

Olfactory Overload

I've heard people say that certain songs can trigger emotions and memories in a person. I know that is true because it does happen to me, on occasion. What I experience more, though, is scents doing the same thing. Just one whiff of a random smell can send me reeling. It makes me remember.

Things I want to remember.

Things I shouldn't want to remember.

Things I just shouldn't remember.

For instance, last night I stepped outside to take some movies back to the video store. There was something in the air last night that took me back to West Branch. I had to stop for a moment and just close my eyes. When I opened them again and looked up at the stars, I might as well have been there.

A few months ago, I was suddenly taken to a street in Mytilini. I don't remember where I was or even what the scent was, but it was there.

I have to avoid going out after a summer rain. As much as I love the scent, it takes me to a place I shouldn't go, not because of a bad memory, but because of a good one. One of the ones I shouldn't have. Losing myself in it is never a good thing.

Then again, sometimes it is nice to have something in yourself that you don't share with anyone. It's mine and mine alone.

It is just me?

Oh boy

I think I may have found the dress.

I didn't expect to find it so soon. I didn't expect to find it where I found it.

I think I didn't expect that any would look even remotely nice on me.

I need to boost my self esteem...

Vacation

So, Florida was a blast. Here are highlights:

Outlet shopping.

Feeding the dolphins at Sea World.

Cocoa Beach. The sand was brutally hot, but we had some good food at the Sand Bar just off of it. Plus, bodysurfing and Ron Jon!

Flea market "adventure" with the Knights. It didn't last long.

Motion simulators and I do NOT agree.

Catch Phrase: "This is a tasty treat that sometimes has a vegetable in it." - Jon Van Oss. (The answer was cornbread)

Sam's finger dancing.

Barging in on "teen night" at the condo complex. More finger dancing.

Busch Gardens was alright, even if I didn't feel well enough for rides. However, if you are going to have sections of a park based on different parts of the world, please have authentic food.

Friday with Holly.

Hollywood Studios was fun. The new Toy Story ride is a LOT of fun. I was scared of the Tower of Terror, but it was fun too. The Aerosmith coaster was worth it. Ian was an extra in the Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular.

Epcot rocks my world. Enjoyed all of the pavilions. Wish I had more money to spend on souvenirs. Got to have pictures taken with Donald Duck.

Got Engaged! Ian did well. :)

Early flight home, but then we had the weekend to recuperate.

Can I go back on vacation now?

Stagnance

I want to be inspired but can't find the words.

Destressing

Sometimes I forget how much I enjoyed living alone. No TV on all the time, music playing in the background, curling up with a book wherever and whenever I like. Napping when I choose. Cleaning in the middle of the night.

It's peaceful and liberating.

Not that I don't love having Ian with me. I also can't imagine life any way other than it has been the past five years. Well, okay, I can, but I can't picture going back and changing anything. It's just nice to have one of these nights/weekends once in awhile to unwind and pick everything up.

Or is this a nightmare?

I need to stop letting my daydreaming get the best of me.