Trapped Kitties

Work on Self Practice Pilates tonight to complete 55 minutes. These Advance moves about kill me. I use my giant balance ball to keep my legs up. Practiced with small Yoga ball and Yoga bricks for modifications of stretches for clients less flexible than me.

Lying in bed, trying to go to sleep. Then hear a loud ruckus in bathroom. Figured it was the cats playing. Then hear door pounding like a trapped animal so drag myself to the bathroom to find the door closed. Tap the door and call out if any human was in there before opening the door. Poor kitties trapped themselves into the bathroom.

Later roommate flips out on me about a new rule they decided to keep the bathroom door closed to keep cats out. I suggested blocking the door with the floor mat to keep it from closing. I don't like the door closed cause we can't tell in the dark house if someone is in there. He wants to argue his way. It's my house and I want the door open. He demanded why I had an attitude, what was my problem. My problem is him. I've supported him fully for 3 years (girlfriend for one and half) and I'm tired of it. It's my house, I'm paying the bills, I will make rules around here. If they don't like, they can leave and said good night. Without a further word, they went downstairs.

I'm an author!

OMG, I'm going to cry. I checked my eBook sales, and I sold books in January. My eBook sold 2 copies, equally $0.61 in royalty revenue to me. But I don't receive any money until the total owed is $5. But I'm so happy I sold books. People are reading my story. I hope they enjoyed it. Hope the next eBook is approved for distribution soon, a hisotrical novel I did a lot of research for. Waiting patiently.

Had my 1st Cardio Pilates Class. Did lots of jumping. I feel it in my legs.

Amusing. Roommate flips out looking at my fridge calendar cause I added an appointment at the exact time as his driving test. I had to explain I added his driving test to my calendar.

Another Workshop

Today's workshop was Keep a Positive Attitude. Most negative workshop discussing programs available for people with barriers of employment like getting a GED. Talked about interviewing and acting happy to be here. Keep trying and don't give up. Writing goals on paper and put up on fridge. You know, depressing workshop. I commented of hoping to get certified as a Pilates instructor for the question: Where you want to be next year? They replied that Hope was the wrong word and I should use goal instead and should plan my goal. No, I hope to pass the certification exam within a year. That can be a goal, but not a guaranteed.

1st Pilates Control and Balance Class

Took a Control and Balance Pilates class today. Worked out my legs. Hard to follow instructions sometimes. What does articulate the leg mean? I Googled, and articulate means-controlled movement in Pilates. Though Google only found articulation of the spine moving the vertebrae as in sitting up or lying down in a controlled manner (moving up vertebrae by vertebrae, not plopping down with a thud). Not sure what they meant by articulate the leg. I found Articulate Ankles and don't understand the explanation.

RIP Robert Carradine

I loved him in Revenge of the Nerds.

Good-bye Olympics

Had a good Pilates class today. Then came home for the Olympics Closing Ceremony. Next one is summer in LA. I wonder if any of athletes will get Visas with Trump. We will find out when World Cup starts if he cancels visas for athletes who dislike him.

Alert Cat

Let the dogs outside. Soon, Goldie is meowing while looking out the window. I pet her, thinking she wants to go outside and spy Rufus sitting by the door to be let in. Let Rufus inside. Goldie meows continuously, and eventually, during one meow, Anna is sitting at the door waiting to be let in. Not all her meows are about her. I let the cats out earlier this morning, and they didn't like it very well.

In yesterday's class session, I learned that the general manager of the Pilates studio is a former substitute teacher who coached track. Her email signature includes "Certified Yoga Instructor," "Kettlebell Lifting Certified," and "Certified Group Fitness Instructor." She is working on becoming a Pilates Instructor Certified, so she is taking classes with the Master Trainer too.

Pilates Teacher Class was better today. Tomorrow another class. Master Trainer from Minnesota is wonderful. A little difficult learning Pilates and learning to teach at the same time, but getting through it.

1st Pilates Studio Class

Had a stressful day. My roommate can't stay out of the bathroom for any extended period of time, so I couldn't get my teeth brushed before leaving for Pilates Teacher Class. Allowed plenty of time. On the way, had to stop for gas, so took away some of my extra time. Then I arrived, and it was the wrong studio. I went to the studio I normally do exercises in when I needed to go to one I have not been to before, which is on the other side of town. Arrived half an hour late. Not a good impression on 1st day of class. Others are covered in stickers, so missed some sort of game. Apologized for being late. Good session learning mat exercises and how to cue others on what to do. I forgot my notebook and don't have the training manual on paper or accessible on my smartphone. Luckily, they provided a goodie bag with a notebook. Have to put the manuals on my Drive from my laptop so can read it from my smartphone for tomorrow. Learned about the Pilates Puff or client toots in class. Leave the studio and pitch-black outside, and an unfamiliar side of town, so I drove in circles trying to figure out how to get home. Got myself oriented, going toward the interstate, so knew to go the opposite direction. Yes, I could have used Google Maps, but that would have taken me to the interstate that I was avoiding because of the ice on the roads. Made it to familiar territory to know how to get home. Made it home and let the dogs out for pee. Feed the dogs, and Rufus started growling at Anna, ready to eat his food. I was in the kitchen feeding the cats their treat of Delectables (they love Delectables). Came back, and Rufus ate his food (why do I have to sit next to him to get him to eat his food?). Everybody was fed, and water bowls were good. I watched my training videos until bedtime. Had a bag of popcorn for a snack. I'm ready to sleep. But on the good side, roommates did clear the driveway and sidewalk while I was gone.

Today's Workshop

Today's workshop: How to apply for a state job. Yeah, already have a profile and had 1 interview a couple of years ago for a secretary at Human Services. However, I am required to attend the workshop or risk losing my benefits. I was watching Olympic skating and missed the first hour. It took 20 minutes to log onto the workshop cause unemployment website is slow af. I hope watching 15 minutes of it counts. I made a comment on it, so they can't say I didn't watch it. I hate the unemployment office. They are more concerned with finding excuses to deny benefits than helping people. Maybe they help people with no education, don't know how to write a resume or use a computer, but don't help me at all.

It's done. I received an email that my Square account rate is jumping $30 per month in the next few days, so I deactivated the account. I made a copy of my 2025 Sales for my taxes. I'm sad I put in so many hours making a beautiful website that people could enjoy browsing my items, and so few sales from relatives. Printful account is deleted too. Nobody bought anything from their Quickstore anyway.

OMG. Opened back door for final pee before bed. Left door cracked open so dogs could get back in as I turned off lights and TV. Rufus came inside, saw cats inside, so shut door thinking Anna came inside too. Cats didn't like the wind and snow. Go to bed. Several minutes later hear barking outside. Look around for Anna and find her barking at the back door covered with snow. Open door and get a blanket to warm and dry her off. Gave a good petting and apologized for locking her outside.

Poor Rosie cat

At the vet. Rosie was limping on 3 legs yesterday and in the evening her paw looked swollen so booked appointment today. No resistance into carrier and no meows on the way so I know she is in pain. She getting x-rays of her leg to checks for any breaks from the swelling. She is 8 lbs.

Well, she wouldn't hold still for x-rays so they have to sedate her. Which will take a few hours. I have a job interview at 1:30. I don't even want the job, but stupid unemployment threatens to take away benefits if you turn down anything. I get emails of them contacting employers to see if I really applied.

Good news: Leg is not broken and no surgery is required. Bad News: Toe is fractured to explain the swelling, so Rosie gets pain meds for 2 weeks. And lots of rest. Today she rubbed her head against Rufus, and he replied in kind. So sweet, and I didn't have my smartphone to video it. Yesterday, Anna put her nose on Rosie's head. So sweet. Been trying to keep the dogs distant so she doesn't get knocked over.

Shamrock Shake

OMG, I feel faint. I ordered a Shamrock Shake and actually got one. Been years since I had one from: The machine is broken. And just realized they forgot the cherry. Can't have everything.

Had my last therapy session. Learning Pilates, he had no reason to worry that I would fall backwards to stiff muscles from stress and not exercising. I feel good getting stronger every day, so I hope for the future. Last year, I started seeing him from dizzy spells, thinking my neck was out of place, and his father was busy for over a week (the son joined the practice a year ago). He even asked why I scheduled with him instead of his father. I replied because he was available. My back and neck were out of place, and he noticed my shoulders were as hard as rocks to suggest more visits to loosen my muscles, and physical therapy began. It will save me money on my HSA to stop going so much. I can go back if issues arise.

RIP Jess Jackson

I remember him running for president in 6th grade. I remember hearing on the news him negotiating the release of hostages. I remember hearing a speech where he said "We may not be where we want to be, but we can thank God we are not where we were." He made me proud to be an American. A great inspiration has gone out.

Happy Mardi Gras

I guess this means I should put away my Valentine decorations.

Happy Lunar New Year

Year of the Fire Horse. My Chinese Horoscope I will have a prosperous year. I hope so. It's been a year since my Mom died.

1st full Pilates Class

Had my first full Pilates class on the Reformer and little on the Springboard. Worked the thighs a lot with some arm stretches. Now have to write a worksheet about for my teacher course.

RIP Robert Duvall

RIP Robert Duvall. I loved him as Gus in Lonesome Dove. Remember him in "To Kill a Mockingbird", "The Godfather", "Apocalypse Now", "MASH" the movie, "Newsies", "Something toe Talk About", "Days of Thunder" and "Gods and Generals". A great light has gone out.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Hallelujah! Praise the Lord! I finished my Anatomy Course for my Pilates Instructor Classes. I thought there was a final exam for all the muscles. No, just write the date of completion of the course. Happy Valentine's Day. I'm ready for some chocolate-covered caramels. Dogs and cats got canned tuna for their gift.

Working on my income tax forms

Sigh. Doing my taxes and discovered on my W-2 that the bozos who fired me neglected to pay state income tax. Which means I get to pay it all now. Lucky me. I still have to figure out my business sales and expenses. I can donate to my HSA and IRA for further deductions. Will see if I owe or get any refund. Wish me luck.

Physical Therapy Today

Had physical therapy today. We are reaching an exit point where we stop having sessions. Heartbreaking I know when seeing him since last summer to loosen up my tight muscles. I am preparing my body for Pilates teacher classes. I am lifting weights, bought new equipment for mat exercises, and with nicer weather start walking the dogs again. He recommended protein drinks to help my stronger muscles and pay attention to nutrition. Went to the grocery store to buy a bunch of fruit and a 12 pack of protein drinks. I need to lay off the snacks, but pop with caffeine I am reluctant to completely give up. He said to eat a carbohydrate before exercise so I don't get dizzy and hydrate while exercing. He can tell I am doing my homework exercises cause my hip muscles were loosening up. Good, I need lose muscles to stretch.

Today's workshop was about LinkedIn. Some employers refuse to hire people who don't have a LinkedIn account. I have an account, I just don't really use it. I did update it when lost my job. They suggested a profile photo that is professional. Employers remember people better if they view a photo. Yeah, but that invites discrimination before the interview.

Another Career Counselor Phone Call

Received an email from the career counselor I have to speak to on the phone today. I have to forward an email from a company I applied to last week. And it must be one declared on my weekly claim I completed on Sunday. OK so had to search through a week's worth of deleted emails to obtain my proof that I am applying for jobs. Seriously. I will be happy when unemployment expires so I stop jumping through hoops like a circus poodle 🐩. Half-way through my Anatomy course and took my Introduction to Pilates. Teacher said Advanced Classes do the same moves, just with weights. They say to do 10 classes before asking to move to the next level. I can do this.

OK. Career counselor replied to my email that they received my proof of job application. They called. 15 minutes late, but they called. We are good fulfilling requirements. Must have been distracted.

Today's workshop was about loans, types of loans, how they affect credit scores that employers look at, and staying away from predatory loans. Fun. People take out predatory loans like payday cash advances and car title loans when they have no other choice.

1st Pilates Class

Had my 1st Pilates Introduction Class. A little stiff and sore from Friday exercises. Rested Saturday. My muscles started shaking after 30 minutes so I think I overdid it. Worked on ny Anatomy class learning about shoulder and knee muscles. Half way through the course. Next time I go I should stretch out before I leave since they go straight to work at the class.

Meeting with Career Counselor

Met with career counselor at the unemployment office. She suggested I could be a Pilates in senior living places or be an Activities Director for a nursing home. Have to get my certification first. I have options if the gym doing the classes doesn't want me (The class has 13 students). Gyms are popping up everywhere so I have hope.

Exercised today for an hour. Learned to eat before exercise cause I started getting dizzy. 45 minutes in and lifting barbells, my muscles started shaking. Started stretching to finish the hour of exercise. Googled and apparently my muscles were overworked. Have to rest tomorrow.

I Didn't Do That

OMG, I went outside to push the garbage bin to the end of the driveway. Rufus sneaked out with me. But, then, Anna pushed Rosie, ready to jump outside when I came back in, away from the door so Rufus and I could come inside without Rosie escaping. I never trained her to do that. I just put my foot in the open gap to stop her from escaping. But Rufus coming in, I couldn't do that.

Today's Workshop was Negotiating Job Offers to get a better deal. Right. I tried that a few times and didn't get the job.

Missed 1st Pilates Class

Missed my 1st Pilates class. Google maps took me all over a mall to land me at a sporting goods store. I even asked a clerk and they said it was across the street at the traffic light. No, it is not. Forced to return home disappointed and email the general manager where their gym is. Have to book another class and try to find it again.

PS. I heard back from the studio and they explained the location so hopefully I can find it. It's a block north where Google sent me. Sigh.

Ebook rejected for distribution because NCX is not formatted right. Redid it. Googled how to do it. Resubmitted it. Hopefully this one is approved.

Happy Groundhog Day

Today's workshop was about ageism and how to be appear like young people. Get social media accounts that employers want to research and find an excuse not to hire you, change your email to icloud or Gmail so not to appear old with an MSN or Hotmail account, and of course get a LinkedIn account as a requirement to getting hired (but watch out for job scams on LinkedIn). Learned nothing new.

Looking for the Cat

Both dogs and Goldie came inside from the yard. Saw Rosie come inside, but I was unsure if she went back out into the yard or still inside. Searched all over and finally found her in the tree outside. Waited and eventually she came to the door squeaking like a mouse. All babies inside now.

Sad day

Sad day. One of my brother's church friends he had brunch with has died last week. He was in hospice for months. He came to church during Christmas. Before hospice he sat with us at brunch. Mostly blind and had hearing aids. He remembered I was my brother's sister, but not my name. He enjoyed crepes. Read his obituary. He fought in the Korean War, was an overseas missionary, and came home to the states to be a band teacher. Had no idea I sat next to such an important person.