Me, Scrabble and the I-Phone

For never was a tale of more groan… than this of me, Scrabble and the I-Phone

I love Scrabble. And I always thought it loved me back. But I now realize that it has been cheating on me, and seems to have fallen in love with the I-Phone – leaving me alone and despaired.

I do not have an I-Phone, I have a Blackberry. It seems so many people on this planet have followed the I-Phone phenomenon. And all of those people can play Scrabble with each other every hour of every day. It’s just not fair.

But then I realize being able to access the wonderful game of Scrabble at all times can also lead to problems. Scrabble has some serious personality flaws. It can be obsessive and never lets you put it down. It quickly tells you that you are wrong if you make a simple spelling error. And it always keeps score and tells you when someone else is better. Ugh. Who needs that?!?

I guess maybe it’s better this way. Or at least I’m going to keep telling myself that, while I remain jealous and excluded.

Woe is me.

Engine-uity – Update #1

Well, the engine is nearly out of the car. There are just a handful of connections still to separate it from the car. Seems the only trouble they have really had so far is loosening bolts that have been secure for over 13 years. Some bolts don’t cooperate like they should. But Weasel and Grapo worked very hard and made some significant progress.

The engine hoist arrives today, the new engine arrives tomorrow… hopefully everything will be done by this weekend. It can’t come soon enough for me. I want to park in the garage again!

Because it’s really all about me.

Engine-uity

Weasel’s latest car, a 1997 Mazda Miata – his third car this year, by the way – now has engine trouble. We got it for cheap, so I can’t complaint too much.

He has been working with Hubs and Grapo and has changed the water pump and timing belt, installed a new radiator, etc. Turns out, the thing now needs a new engine, which could cost upwards of $3,000! Ugh!

Well, Weasel surprised me and actually wanted the challenge of installing the engine himself. Now you have to understand a little about Weasel. He doesn’t ask for much. He doesn’t do much. He pretty much just tries to disappear under the radar, and is generally successful at it. So for him to even ask for this… well, it was HUGE!

How could I not give him the chance? He is a very smart, mechanically-minded guy. I made sure he had plenty of resources to reference during this entire task. And all I could think of was the pure sense of accomplishment he would feel if that new engine started when he turned the key. I can’t even think about if it doesn’t start!

So I bought a replacement engine for $800. Already, this path is saving me money! Weasel is going to do this installation primarily on his own, with Hubs and Grapo available if he gets stuck.

Cross your fingers that he has the diligence and perseverance to complete this daunting task. Like Hubs said, it’s like throwing him in the deep end of the pool after he learned how to put his flippers on. But if he is successful, it would surely increase his confidence exponentially!

I know you can do it, Weasel. I mean, really? How hard could it be?

Famous last words, eh? I’ll keep you posted!

The Biggest Loser

Anyone watch The Biggest Loser?  Well, I’m hooked.  I have watched it year after year.  Some of these stories are so inspiring.  And the weight these people lose is remarkable.   I don’t think I’m necessarily in the same game as these people.  I figure I only need to lose about fifty pounds.  Yes, that’s all.  One large Costco-sized bag of dog food. 

However, I still imagine myself on there losing dozens of pounds each week.  I can see myself running miles on those treadmills and lifting heavy weights.  I can see myself transforming quickly from overweight-huffing-up-the-stairs person to fit-and-can-run-a-marathon goddess.  Of course, this is all in my mind.   The reality of my participation consists of sitting comfortably on the couch watching them sweat.

I think I eat right and have actually lost some weight just by watching what I eat.  I don’t really keep track of my calories, but I do tend to read labels from time to time.  And it’s appalling how many calories are in stuff.  If you don’t already read the labels, just start.  You’ll be shocked!

I still hope that one day I’ll get off my butt and actually lose the weight and become this fit, athletic person.   So it seems I have two options:  gain a bunch more weight, try out for The Biggest Loser, hope I get selected to participate, lose all of the weight, all while not being booted off the show… OR… I could just do it on my own.

Life is hard enough without trying to make it more difficult.  I guess I should do it the easy way.

Reinspired

Lately, I haven’t felt much like blogging.  (I hope somebody noticed).  It’s so difficult to think of something cute or amusing to write about when you feel like you life is in the crapper.  Money is tight, kids are driving me crazy (some more than others) and work is hectic.  The only thing funny in my life right now is the fact that I’m not in a straight-jacket. 

Last night, however, I had a revelation.  I went to a blogger gathering in Austin to visit a notable blogger, Bossy, who is touring the U.S.  I wasn’t terribly familiar with her blog – who has time to read blogs – but went with a friend who actually follows Bossy.  I was a little reluctant at first, but I am SOOO glad I went.

After a particularly hard day, I didn’t care so much about the gathering as I cared about the presence of alcohol and my dear friend.  That was what I really needed.  But it turns out I met some of the most inspiring women in Austin.  All of them were in various stages of blogging.  We talked about that for a little bit and I learned a lot.

However, the best part of the night was just all of the BS’ing and laughing with these ladies I had never met before.  It was remarkable how comfortable I was with these total strangers.  It was the most fun I have had in a long time. 

It makes me realize how therapeutic socializing can be.  And it made me want to get back in the saddle on this blog.  I also came to the realization that it’s not so much about people reading what I put out there, it’s more about just putting it out there. 

So, to all of you ladies that I met last night (especially Jami)… thank you.  It feels good to actually be back with the living.  I hope you missed me.