August | 2013 | BulgingButtons

August 20, 2013
by BulgingButtons 10 Comments

Daily Prompt: The Full Moon

Otherwise known as, “Boy, that’s pretty, and by the way, what the hell has happened to me?”

The moon was high in the sky, lighting up my dinky backyard far better than the lone candle and bedroom windows could have. It was nearing midnight and I was in the yard in a swimsuit, rather than in bed in pajamas. What was I thinking? It wasn’t a weekend, and my alarm was set, as it always is during the week, for 5:25 am. Hell hour. I shudder just thinking about it. Every morning it’s the same. I’m sleeping peacefully when all of a sudden this happy little electronic chirping drills its way into my slumbering skull. It feels like I’ve been asleep for about three minutes when it happens, and I wish it would stop. Oh, how I wish it would stop.

Because of this hellish wake-up time, I am usually pretty beat by ten or ten thirty at night. Well, the full moon night was slightly different. Sure, I was tired, but I was also restless. I had some energy that needed to be spent, or I would toss and turn all night. I decided to take advantage of the warm evening and hit the pool. I changed, grabbed my towel, and headed out back.

It didn’t occur to me right away, but eventually I noticed that the night was really pretty. The moon’s glow lit the yard in a most flattering light, and I felt energized as I entered the water. It was glorious, not too hot, not too cold. At that moment the moon took over. Instead of my usual thirty minutes of water exercise, I decided to set a distance goal. My moon addled brain decided to do one hundred walking laps of the pool. Across and back, one. Across and back, two. I really started to get into a groove. I loved it. I was focused and working and had no trouble tracking my progress. With each footfall I mentally said the lap I was on. “Eighty-six, eighty-six, eighty-six, eighty-six…” Crazy? Maybe, but it kept me moving.

It took me a long time. Longer than thirty minutes. Funny thing, though, I loved it. Who was this late night full moon exerciser? I don’t know, but I’m hopeful that it won’t take another full moon until I meet her again.

http://dailypost.wordpress.com/2013/08/20/daily-prompt-nighttime/

August 19, 2013
by BulgingButtons 3 Comments

Going Global!

Ok, I confess, I’m getting slightly obsessive about this blogging thing. I find it really relaxing and a fantastic way to sort out what I’m thinking about in a semi-productive way. It’s great writing practice, excellent free “therapy,” and a way to connect with people who share my interests and opinions (or don’t, and that’s interesting too). The thing is, I’m starting to get an itch for world domination.

Maybe that didn’t come out quite right. Domination is such a strong word. But really, I want my blog read in every continent on earth. I realize that I don’t have much of a chance in Antarctica, but the populated continents are fair game. So far I’m in North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia (Kiwi’s, how do I include you? What continent are you on? Is there an updated term for the Australian continent? I’m so lost on this point.).

C’mon Africa and South America, help a blogger out! Just stop by. You don’t even have to like anything you read, or follow the blog, or comment. I would dearly love it if you would (that goes for everyone, not just Africans and South Americans), but it isn’t necessary. Just give me a chance at international glory, is that too much to ask?

August 18, 2013
by BulgingButtons 7 Comments

Daily Prompt: Procrastination

Oh daily prompt, you have struck a chord. So, you want to talk about procrastination. Yep, I know all about it. In fact, I’m using this daily prompt as a wonderful way to engage in it right now. You see, I have a bag full of papers that need to be checked, and a lesson that needs to be polished, and one or two other things to do (ha, more like one or two hundred) but here I am.

I don’t know why I procrastinate. It’s not like the things I have to do get any easier or more enjoyable if I put them off. In fact, often the opposite is true. Sometimes I end up hurting myself with this bad habit. Library fines, anyone? I have owed books, phone calls, birthday cards, thank you notes, movies, and countless other things over the years. Sometimes deadlines pass and opportunities are lost. Really, it’s a sad situation.

And then there’s the financial cost. I’ve come to the conclusion that there’s no excuse for paying late fees. Ever. At least not when you have a decent job and a steady income and money in the bank. I have all of those things. Yet, at various points in my life, I have paid late fees. For what? For the privilege of paying a day or two later than the date stamped on the bill? Believe me, the thrill wasn’t worth the 35 or 50 bucks. It’s outrageous. Ridiculous. Absurd.

No more. I pay all my bills on time and take care of business right away. Do I still procrastinate about putting the dishes in the dishwasher or folding the laundry? Sure. Sometimes. But as I’m getting older, I’m getting better. I figure the older I get the less time I have to waste, and procrastinating just isn’t that much fun. Now I’m going to click on publish and go do my work.