Experiments, Initiatives, and Science.

While I haven't compiled a list of formal goals for 2010 (because the moment I write them down, they're toast), I have a few "efforts" that left the starting line on January 1, and so far, so good.

First of all, I'm doing the Creative Every Day Challenge, and I'm enjoying it.  Sometimes the desperation of having done something pushes me into experimenting with things I always wanted to try.  Like the object to the left, for example.  When Hubby asked me what it was, I explained it was "a bottlecap I whacked with a rubber mallet, then used as a frame for a small doodle I drew on a dictionary page covered in a thick layer of Diamond Glaze."  (To which Hubby replied, "Uhhh... huh.")  But in actuality, it's best described as an art experiment.  I had an idea and I tried it out.  And while it might not be exactly what I was hoping for, it's one step closer to what I was trying for in the first place.  So hey. :)

I'm also trying to stay on the Ten Minute Rughooking wagon, and although I didn't hook yesterday, I'm allowed one day off a week.  I'm not in love with my current project yet, so it's slow going.  Hopefully it will get better.  I'm working on Friday, so it looks like I won't be able to hang out with my rughooking group at the arts centre, but on the plus side, I did find an ideal place to park today for the next time I go.  (It's the little things, dontcha know.)

Since it's the first week of the new year and everyone else on the planet is on a diet, I might as well mention that I'm leaning in that direction, too.  I'm not fully there yet, because I'm using up the stuff in the house first, but as of the next grocery day, I'm going back on the wagon.  I've been charting my weight every day since January 1 (and have gained two pounds in trying to use up stuff, of course).  If you look at the Lighter Life section, you'll see I've updated the charts there, too.  I really wanted to take part in an X-Weighted event this coming weekend, but I have to work, and at this point, getting my finances straightened out (another item on my to-do list) takes precedence.

Now on to the highlight of my day!  My astronomy course started today, and I'm so excited!  Although I think I'm officially now the slightly awkward combo of "teacher's pet" along with "annoying mature student in the front row," it's all good.  (By the way -- for once, it wasn't my fault! :))  I learned stuff about one of Saturn's moons - Titan - today!  (That's Titan over to the right.)

There was also a funny moment in class when the prof, referencing a quotation by a famous physicist, said, "Now I know you don't know this guy personally, but ..."   I couldn't keep myself from grinning, because the famous physicist was the keynote speaker at the astronomy conference in Ottawa -- I'd actually sat across the table from him, conversing about anything and everything, at a rather intimate dinner gathering for about three hours.

The fact that my course has the word "Physics" in the title frightens me (after all, the last time I took a course called that, I made the stellar mark of 4% on the midterm -- and I'd answered every question!).  But the full title is "Physics for Non-Scientists/Astronomy," and that makes me feel better.  Coming on the heels of the chemistry course, the science-y part of my brain isn't as rusty as it once was, and I can manipulate formulae like nobody's business these days.  And the textbook is very non-threatening, too.  (Little cartoon mice all over the place.)  The only problem with the course?  I don't fit in the archaic chair-and- armrest/desk combos.  First I'm too heavy for a Soyuz capsule, and now this.  I think the Universe is trying to tell me something. ;)

Okay, time to go do some hooking and some writing and to find a magnet to glue to the back of my bottle cap (so it can be added to the Prototype Gallery on the side of my filing cabinet).

Live long and prosper, everyone!

PS -- Did you notice that I've blogged every day so far this year?  Another 2010 initiative!