Mishegas Monday

I always channel Nana when feeling overwhelmed and uncertain.

I thought I’d update everybody, hopefully without too much kvetching.

I am very grateful to have several projects going on. Business has been slow for months now. The problem with this current batch of projects is that every one of them is screwed up in some way – the respondents interviewed weren’t of the best quality (my polite way of saying ‘morons with opinions’) or the questionnaire design was faulty (‘morons seeking opinions’) or the data was late getting to me and so my time is being cut.

This is the new order of business for freelancers everywhere. The work is awful, the deadlines are impossible, the clients are horrid since they are usually juniors with little training – most qualified mid to upper level analysts have been laid off – and the pressure to be fast and cheap is immense.

So we work harder for less – and we’re grateful.

I am especially grateful since I can’t work either of my 2 part-time jobs because of my ankle injury.

Add to that the fact that I need to spend hours on the phone with doctors and the insurance company. As of November 1 I had to change my coverage from a group policy to an individual policy. $260 more a month for less coverage and rules that make your head spin. All the arrangements for physical therapy and orthopedic consults that were put in place just 18 days ago are out the window. Somehow the insurance company thinks it will be cost effective to start from scratch.

OK – I promised I would keep the kvetching to a minimum. I’m just sharing LOL

I didn’t get to Wordzzle this Saturday and I don’t have a POW offering this month. There is just too much noise in my head to be creative.

Please go by JEFF’S and check out all the Portrait of Words stories – I know I will.

In the interest of being upbeat and positive I’d like to acknowledge some awards I received the past few weeks and I’d like to pass them on. Since I don’t do this when I receive the awards my list may be a bit lengthy but hey – new blogs to check out so be nice.

From my wonderful friend LISA – I received this friendship gift. I call it the ‘blogging brings us closer’ award.

To translate the gift from Portuguese to English, it means: "This blog invests and believes, the proximity" [meaning, that blogging makes us "close" - being close through proxy]. "They all are charmed with the blogs, where in the majority of its aims are to show the marvels and to do friendship; there are persons who are not interested when we give them a prize and then they help to cut these bows; do we want that they are cut or that they propagate?"

I am going to pass the Blogging Brings Us Closer Award on to:

PAGAN – she inspires me as a writer, a photographer, an activist and a Mom.

CUNNING RUNT
– oh man his photos are sublime and as he shares his stories of his daughters I find myself feeling I know him a little bit more and a little bit better. He has a peaceful voice that I have come to value.

TRAVIS – talk about peaceful voices!! I often stop myself and say – “how would Travis respond”. And his Dancing With the Stars updates are fabulous.

ROB – I have enjoyed Rob’s blog for awhile now but ever since his comments on Election Day I have felt a kinship with him. He is a thoughtful, intelligent blogger who I often want to hug.

MAITHRI – and speaking of hugs. Maithri is a gentle soul who touches the world with his words and deeds.

The next award comes from JACKIE in Glasgow. I found her during my quest for all things Craig Ferguson. I was Googling Craig’s home city and found her wonderful photos. Each day Jackie posts a fantastic shot from Glasgow. She also leaves me the most supportive and complimentary comments – I appreciate her talent and friendship.

I am passing the Photo Buddy award on to:

MARY – the hostess with the mostest. Her Ruby Tuesday and Sepia Scenes projects have encouraged me to be a better photographer. Mary also has a voice that always inspires and informs.

LISA – I copied her idea for a separate Photo Blog and she never complained LOL. She always visits my photos and always has something kind to say.

ASKEW – we met through one of the photo projects but we visit each other all the time now. I look forward to her funny and supportive comments.

DARYL – She makes me feel less homesick for Manhattan and she has become a good friend.

CG – I love to worry with her and for her. She was one of my very first blog buddies.

PINK DOGWOOD – she has 2 wonderful blogs. Her words are inspiring and her photos are bliss. And she always leaves kind and encouraging comments.

LINDA – I really want to go photo hunting with this lady. She roams around cemeteries at night and scans the skies. She is a photographic adventurer and a really good person.

TERRY – is a very new friend. We met through Ruby Tuesday. She made me the wonderful photo collage I posted a few days ago.

OY! Are ya still with me? I hate doing links.

This ‘Marie Antoinette’ award comes from my pal JOOD. She thinks I speak the truth and that I ‘get it’. The feeling is mutual.


Marie is going to just one person. RAVEN

Throughout the Presidential campaign Raven was the most passionate, educated, informed, reasonable voice on the Internet tubes. Even when she thought she was ranting Raven always did her homework and was always kind and respectful to those who disagreed with her. I have more love and respect for Raven than I can truly describe without becoming a sentimental cow.

And last – Yeah I know you hate me by now.

Thank you to MARY for giving all the Ruby Tuesday posters the Fall Décor Award.



I don't know how much I'll be posting here this week but I will be posting lots of photos over on the Photo Blog - just click on the camera on the sidebar. I can't bring myself to do one more link. All I can see now is '<' and 'a' and 'href' and lots of little "'s

OY!