Fluff

Not much time or energy to write lately. Too much to do at work, and a plethora of social things that I really don't want to turn down, even though I need the time for things like sleep, grocery shopping and more sleep. So, more random things that need to be vacuumed out of my head:

SOTU taxpayer funded campaign speech SOTU - I don't care. Really. Tired of hearing about how "everybody gets a fair shot". News flash, Mr. President: life is not fair. No amount of government wealth distribution and legislation will make it so.

Choppers - Several helicopters flew over our complex early today, very low and very fast. My first thought was that there was a serious accident and Flight for Life had been called out. My guess was close. The helicopters from four EMS services will be landing downtown today. The convention center where they are scheduled to land is about six city blocks from here. One hopes they successfully avoid all power lines and adjacent buildings, as if they don't, there will be no one to call for emergency evacuation.

Wishful thinking - This morning I dutifully made the rounds, emptying wastebaskets and gathering up the never-ending unpacking detritus in preparation for Garbage Day. It wasn't until I got in the car (with two bags of garbage secure in the trunk to be dropped off at our communal collection point) that I realized that today is not, in fact, Garbage Day. Today is Wednesday, not Thursday.

Intercultural fun - I finally connected with the young Chinese student who is my current year International Friendship Program match. She is joining the Crazy Canasta Chicks this Friday. What could be more American than a card party with much laughter and snacks?

Time to pay get a refund from the piper - Did my taxes Saturday. Being able to itemize made a heckuva difference in the amount of dosh the government owes back to me. Now the internal debate begins: do I change my exemptions in order to lower the refund and increase my monthly take home, or do I leave it, given that the current political climate is one in which any or all of the deductions that generate the refund could be wiped out with one flourish of the president's pen?

Redecorating - Lord willing, the refund will primarily go towards redecorating the sewing room. If I ever finish unpacking the boxes in there, that is. New flooring, new curtains, fresh paint and a sleeper chair are on the list. A coupon arrived in the mail from Joann Fabric yesterday - one that gets me an additional 20% off regular or sale prices. Decorator curtain fabric is pricey, and that coupon will help greatly. Now, I need to settle on a paint color so I can go get the curtain fabric while the coupon is valid.