A day in the life of a RUCker
The builders have been on their Easter break for two weeks now so the only work that’s been done on the RUC has been done by me. I’ve scrubbed the walls (inside and out ready for painting) and sanded the front door that had six coats of paint over the beautiful oak. In fact, it had so much paint on it that I didn’t realise what intricate beading it had until I got down to the third coat. I sanded the French doors which was easier because they haven’t been painted, and I’ve also started sanding the balustrade for painting. I’ve smashed down the old wall where the wasp lead me to the writing and I’ve started cleaning the ceiling.
I haven’t done any work on my WIPs. My characters keep calling out to me in the middle of the night, but I just roll over, jot down what they say and then drift off to snoredom.
There is a good side and a bad side to all this work I’m doing. On the good side I’ve lost weight and gained some muscle. On the bad side I’ve got a sore back and am usually asleep by 6:30 every night.
You may notice a slight change in me next time you see me
Dianne Gray author 
I’m exhausting just reading all of the work you’ve been doing, Dianne! I’m surprised you’re able to stay awake until 6:30. One day, when all of the work is complete, you’ll be able to put your feet up and just write. 🙂
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I’m sure I will, Jill. In the meantime I’ll just keep building those muscles and getting the place ready for writing. It’s going to be the ideal location (once it’s finished) 😀
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Aww, hope your back feels better soon. Back pain is the worst. I swear by acupuncture and chiropractic care 🙂
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It’s all the bending and then stretching and then twisting and turning – argh! Yes – I think I need a good dose of acupuncture or chiropractic care 😯
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LOL, Dianne!! That is some body you have there. So glad things are going well. You have a lot more energy and stamina than I do!
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I’m looking pretty hot, Maddie! LOL 😀
I think it’s the need to ‘just get it done’ that’s driving me at the moment – ahhhhh, how nice it will be when I can just do something simple, like wash the dishes or sweep the floor!
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I know /exactly/ how you feel. 🙂 Moving is stressful. New domiciles are stressful. Eventually, you’ll be all moved in with much of the work behind you. Won’t that be terrific? In the meantime, the characters can wait their turn. I know mine are being far more patient than I expected.
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It’s great when the characters are patient, Theo. I think by the time I start on them I’ll be well and truly ready to put them through their paces 😉
You know exactly how I’m feeling because of your move. I hope it’s all going well for you 😀
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It’s been one week and things are slowly improving. The bathroom has been re-tiled and today that wile was grouted. The toilet seat, which was gross beyond words, has been replaced. The new kitchen counter got an end piece this morning. Little by little, things are being put in their proper (new) place.
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YAY – it always feels so good when those annoying little things are done 😉
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Wow, do all builders in Australia get two weeks off for Easter?? That’s startling. Good for you for tackling your own projects. However, you have exhuasted me and I must rush to my refrigerator to grab a cold beer and race to the rocker on my front porch to contemplate how tired you are. 🙂
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LOL – thank you! Have a cold one for me 😀
No – not all builders get two weeks off for Easter 😯 – just mine for some reason…
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Hey, the best part of that ‘not computer altered’ pic is your face. Good girl and keep up the hard work 🙂
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LOL! I think I’d need to visit the doc if my body looked like that! 😀
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You’ve been working very hard! And my, you do look somewhat different to the last pic I saw… 😀
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Erm – yes. I hope I don’t get roid rage 😉
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Just think of the rockin’ body you are going to have when it’s all done! 🙂
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Oh yeah – now that’s what I’m talkin’ ’bout, Jackie – lol 😀
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When I moved to Two Rock this house rental had a fireplace that had been painted over, brick? tile? who could tell. With the landlord’s permission I attacked it with a hot air gun (my preference over sanding) and in only a hundred hours or so, I revealed a stunning arts and crafts era tile fireplace, with a neo-gothic knights-in-armor theme. I hurt like hell, but it was sooooo worth it. I’m completely jealous over your project. You’ve inspired me to consider my own life-altering, moving and building options.
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I’ve just discovered the hot air gun! How good is it?! It took me four days to get the paint off one side of the door with stripper and one day to get it off the other side with the hot air gun. I’m certainly a fan 😀
Your fireplace sounds absolutely fantastic. It makes you feel so good when you finish a project like that! 😀
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Work – it does a body good!! I bet your using steroids to look that ripped… 😉
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Roid rage coming if the place isn’t finished (or started on) soon, John 😉
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I understand! Go easy on ’em now… 🙂
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LOL!! I need to start sanding doors!! ;0)
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It’s really good for the pecks and abs! lol 😀
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One might say a little too effective!! 😉
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Your characters will have to be patient. After all, their creator needs a roof over her head. First things first. 🙂
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I need the roof (check) and I need doors (not checked) – one day I may have a wall and windows in my bedroom 😀
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You sure are a nut! A well-muscled screwball! I am so glad we “met.” – Barb 🙂
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LOL! I hope this gave you a bit of a giggle today, Barb 😀
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A normal person would be envious of your hot bod, I’m just envious of your timber work! If you can get Arnica & Aspirin rub, or just Arnica it helps muscles cope, and also a hot wheat bag for the really sore spots… and a hot bath and a few glasses of wine when possible 🙂
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Okay – I only saw “a few glasses of wine when possible” in your comment 😀
I’m going to read through it again and write down the other items so I can get them tomorrow – thank you so very much, my dear 😉
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Wow! What a bod!
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I hope they don’t mind me putting it on my passport! lol 😀
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Those sunglasses are definitely working for you. It was a good idea to change brands.
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It’s really helped! They make me looked more tanned 😀
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Funny that a few weeks from now the aches and pain will all be gone but what will remain will be yours forever. Go Get It, Girl!
Eager to hear the next episode.
Cheers,
Peter
A retired photographer looks at life
Life Unscripted on WordPress
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Thanks Peter! The aches and pains will be gone and I’ll be weight-lifting for the Olympics 😀 (and my house will look nice as well) 😉
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Great photo, haha. 🙂 You’re a hard worker, Dianne, and this will pay off for you in so many ways. And even while you’re working you have time to keep a link to your characters. That’s fantastic. Sometimes the physical work can help the mental work as different parts of the brain flex and grow new neurons. 🙂
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Well said, Justin. It’s strange that the more physical work I do the more clearer my mind becomes. I’ve been thinking a lot about writing recently and my characters are really pushing their way to the surface (muscling in on the other work I have to do) 😉
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If only Photoshop could help finish the RUC too! 🙂
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LOL! I wish! 😀
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Looking good, Dianne!
Sounds like you’re enjoying the transformation in the RUC and in you (the RUCker)!
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I should be able to play international footy when I’m finished all this work, Nancy – I’m so glad you think I’m looking good! 😀
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Uhh, I hate to break it to you, Dianne, but all that sanding has given you an extra Y chromosome. I think I see an adam’s apple and something else hiding in those speedos. haha.
The most important lesson I learned from this post is to keep a pad of paper next to my bed to jot down notes in the middle of the night.
Can’t wait to see the photos of that oak door. {{{hugs}}} Kozo
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Noooo, Kozo – you mean to tell me I’m turning into a male??? YIKES, (just checking the speedos now)… hmmmm
I keep a paper and pen next to the bed, I have to otherwise my characters won’t leave me in peace 😉
{{{hugs}}} to you, my dear friend 😀
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Sexy Lady…? You are putting in the hard yards and I am sure it will be stunning. Hope you sitting back now and then with a glass of Sav Blanc just to ‘unwind’ during the body building exercises! xxx
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Strange you say that, Jen. I just took a sip of Sav Blanc. Oh yeah – love it! 😀 *CHEERS*
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LOL, Dianne! You just put my Yogi muscles to shame. You’re effing ripped!
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I’m looking extremely sexy, Britt (if I may say so myself). It’s just trying to get the lace bra over those muscles that’s causing me some issues 😉
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Its good your getting your sleep, it helps with energy levels!
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Heaps of sleep – I really need it because I get up at 4:00 am (that’s probably why I’m so tired now I come to think of it…) 😉
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Wow, Dianne! I think you might just frighten the RUCkers when they get back! 😉
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I’ll be cracking that whip, Denise (they may just run the other way!) 😉
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Damn but you have developed some muscle… want to see you find a bra size to fit those…
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I think I’ll need a “bro” or a “manzeir”! They don’t make lacy ones though, so I may have to go with something made out ballistic nylon to match my new ‘tough’ look 😀
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I admire your work ethic, Dianne, but I have to admit I prefer a much softer look in a woman. Don’t keep your admiring fans too long from another one of your great novels.
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Awww – thank you so much, Dennis. I should get back to writing soon (once I have a floor on my writer’s nook) and then there’ll be no stopping me 😉
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Well I’m impressed! Muscle and brain power what a combo! Seriously, good for you, I’ll be happy for you when you can actually settle in to a completed (new) home! 🙂
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Muscle and brain power – I’ve got it all, Penny! lol 😉 When the floor is put back in my writer’s nook I’ll just sit there and do what I love to do and I’ll just let someone else finish the rest 😀
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Yes, please, you are a gifted writer,Dianne! Soonest is best for all your fans! (include me in that!) 🙂
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This was a lotta fun and that image…hilarious! I love that you’re working to get the RUC back to a natural look – six layers of paint?! I know that feeling of going to bed early with a very real and physical tiredness…but it’s a very satisfying feeling too, right? So when are those builders of yours back? Monday?
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Yes – they’re back Monday, Harula, so hopefully they’ll put the floor in my writer’s nook so I can sit there and write and not worry about anything else that needs fixing 😀
I’m glad my ‘new look’ image gave you a bit of a giggle! 😉
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hahaha. I bet you sleep like a baby, though 😀
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I certainly do! I have loads of dreams about stories as well which is great 😉
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I’m reading one of yours at the moment (in between my uni reading) and really enjoy your writing style.
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WOW! I’m glad you’re enjoying it – which one is it? 😀
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‘let sleeping gods lie’ 😀
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The picture made me giggle, all your hard work made me ache vicariously through your endeavors! The RUC is going to be one stunning home when you’re done. 😉
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I hope so, Anna 😀 I love taking things back to thier original condition. When I scraped some paint off that front door I just had to get ALL the paint off 😉 I’ve also scraped some of the paint off the interier walls and I’m going to paint them thier original colour which is Spanish cream 😀
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Oh that sounds lovely! I cannot wait for pictures… 🙂
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Lol, I love crude photoshop/MS Paint work, it has a certain charm 🙂 That picture really made me laugh!
Love how you went straight for the guy’s body too, and you’re taking pride in the awesome head towel photo 🙂
There’s something really gratifying about that kind of manual labour, can’t wait to see those doors all sanded down!
All the best Dianne, keep well 🙂
Rohan.
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Thanks Rohan 😉 I’m certainly not known for my artistic MS paint work lol 😀
I just love doing all that manual work and then sitting back with a wine to admire it 😉
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Wow! I have noticed a change in you. What big muscles you have. (All the better to smash you with…said the Big bad Wolf). Oh, and I’m half way through the Everything Theory and really enjoying it. The mystery and suspense is killing me.
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I’m so glad you’re enjoying it Char! I really enjoyed writing it 😀
My muscles are pretty good but I may need some protein shakes before they turn to flab 😉
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Maybe you can turn those new muscles toward your work crew! Two weeks at Easter? Wow. Must be nice. 😛
Someone beat me to a few glasses of wine to help ease the muscles. But if you haven’t had any in a while, maybe it’s time for another dose. 😉
Can’t wait to see photos of the RUC when it’s finished! And, of course, we all want you to get busy working on that next novel. 🙂
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The only good things about all this is that I’ve lost the ‘tummy’ I developed over Christmas, JM 😉 People keep asking me if I’ve gone on a diet – yes, a diet of hard manual labour 😯
Hubby keeps telling me not to go at everything like a ‘bull at a gate’, but someone’s got to do it…
I think the wine at the end of the day is the best thing ever – it tastes so nice (particularly because it’s so dang hot here!) 😀
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You go girl! I’m impressed. That kind of hard-work tired feels good.
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It actually does feel good. We don’t have stairs leading up to the RUC yet, so you have to climb. When I first did it, it nearly killed me, but now I take it on like a mountain goat! lol 😀
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Dianne, you have been working hard! I know it will all pay off when it’s finished! Have you tried Ibuprofen for your sore muscles. Hang in there.
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I haven’t tried any painkillers yet, Amy – but they’re in the cupboard in case of emergencies 😉 However, I have gone through a lot of band-aids 😦 splinters and cuts (I haven’t been as clumsy as usual, but clumsy none-the-less) 😉
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OMW Diane.. Hope you don’t get as muscled as that!! It is rewarding doing manual labour sometimes!!
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It really is rewarding, Lisa. I just have to know when to take a break (once I get into it I just tend to keep going!) 😯
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I’m not surprised your characters have been calling out to you. I always find that kind of mindless, repetitive manual labour to be really inspiring. I hope your back feels better soon, though. 🙂
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Thanks, Janna 😉 I’m (trying to) take a bit of a break from the manual labour today but I keep thinking I should head over and do some more sanding lol 😀 Instead I’m doing some banking and filing (boring, but long overdue!) 😀
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Looking good, Dianne! 😀
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Thanks, Letizia! I’m feeling a lot better today 😉
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Wooohooo … errr…hunky(?) Dianne?
And if that is what going sanding crazy does for you … *runs to the store to buy sand paper a plenty and decides to place them in strategic peoples mail box* … errr…. when someone gets hunky they also lose their shirts too correct? *smirkles*
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LOL! You’re a classic, Katie 😀 Get to it now and go buy that sandpaper! 😉
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hahaha! Love the muscle photo…but prefer the real Diane! Manual labor is food for the soul…and considering all the work you do…physical, mental, and spiritual…I’d say yours is well fed!
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LOL! Thank you so much, Bev 😀 It’s amazing how clear minded I’ve become since I started all this manual labour 😉
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Ha! If you look like that now, you might need some new clothes.
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Who needs clothes with a body like this, Jen – LOL 😀
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Ewwwwe. Too funny.
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😀
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OK, that’s it; I’m done with the diet and in the market for a century old Rugby Club House.
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LOL! It’s great exercise! 😀
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You need a little escapism after a day like that! Here’s to the finished project.
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Absolutely, Jo 😀 I’ve had a couple of days off and I’ll be getting back into it today!
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Hahah! That’s a big change. That’s great that your characters are calling out to you – I’m sure they’ll have lots to say once you can sit down again – or can you sit down with all those muscles in the way?
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LOL! I don’t know how anyone could do anything will all those muscles popping out all over the place 😀
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Holy crud – you look….beautiful darling! That is a fantastic photo and I am really lucky I didn’t spray tea all over my monitor 🙂
Ugh, sanding. That is not a favorite of mine, hope you are wearing gloves! But it would make it a whole lot more exiting to find beading as you get closer to the wood. You are like an archeologist or a psychologist peeling away the layers…
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Thank you, darling – I’m looking quite spectacular! LOL 😀 One of my favourite things is peeling away layers (don’t take that to mean I’m some kind of serial killer or anything!) 😀
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haha, that is interesting that your brain took you in that direction…hmmm, very interesting indeed (do you hear the poorly done Dr. Ruth accent?)
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LOL! I can! 😉
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That work sounds ideal for body building, pity it hurt your back. You certainly need lots of rest, your characters will have to wait:-)
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Sometimes I wish my characters could just pitch in and help (now that would be interesting) 😀
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What a lot of work you’ve done, Dianne. I’m really impressed with your stunning physique! It must be so rewarding to see the results of all your efforts though. I’m glad to see that you’ve been wearing that towel to protect your hair from all the dust. 😀
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LOL – maybe I should wrap the towel around my face as well 😉 I’m so glad you’re impressed with the ‘new me’! 😀
I’ve taken two days off and will be back into it again today (I don’t want those muscles to turn to jelly) 😉
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Physical work is fabulous exercise for the brain. That towel appears to be holding all the excess gray matter you’ve been developing. And your body’s looking pretty good, too. 🙂
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LOL – thank you, Jilanne – I think I look kind of smart these days! 😉 I’ve actually been thinking more clearly after doing all this physical work so there’s got to be something to it 😀
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hahaha That was a quick change. Now I’m afraid to start doing some of the painting we have around here. I mean, am I going to …. It seems like you got a little more than you bargained for in the muscle department. I’m not crazy about flab, but how can I say this gently without hurting your feelings? I really liked your old look better on you! At least you still have your head on straight! Now, back to my flabby tummy. Sit – ups 1, ugh, 2, ugh, 3, uuuuuugh, 4 flop. BTW sit-ups are great for the back. Almost as good as acupuncture. 🙂 Good luck with all your remodeling (even your own – if that’s really the look you are going for!) 😀
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LOL! Is my head crooked? Do’h! As you can see I’m not nearly as proficient at altering photos as some other very clever bloggers (no naming names here) 😉 I just did it in Paint and that was hard enough for me! Next time I feel like changing my ‘look’ I might get you to do it 😯
I’m feeling more ‘myself’ since I posted this and I think I’m back to normal now (tummy flab and all) lol 😀
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I wasn’t thinking about your head – that part I like! It was the sex change that you had so suddenly. You must have had a gigantic blast of Paintshop hormones! 🙂 That’s still one of my favorite head shots ever – of anyone! LOL I love it! 🙂
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That picture is too much! I think I’ll show it to my husband as Exhibit A in the argument of why I shouldn’t help him too much with the tree trimming and landscape thinning 🙂
Sounds like things are moving along at your place. Imagine how much faster it will go when the paid workers get back from holiday.
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Please show this to your husband, Janna and tell him he’ll end up in an arm wrestle with you if he continues to make you do all this physical work 😉
Things at the RUC should start moving at a faster pace now (notice I used the word ‘should’) 😯
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I’m worn out reading that, and thinking of opening a sandpaper shop next door to you. Getting into ‘Wolf Pear’ and have stopped eating tomatoes 😦
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LOL! I LOVE tomatoes (though I never realised how poisonous the stems were until I started researching them for this book!) 😉
One of my sons ex-girlfriends was allergic to tomatoes and now I know why.
Please open a sandpaper shop next door, I’m tired of driving into the city to buy the stuff 😯
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What is it with characters coming to life when you’re trying to get some kip? Not sure about the new look by the way, perhaps you could try natural supplements for your future sanding workouts? No ‘roid rage!
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LOL – I’ve been trying to avoid the ‘roid rage 😯
The characters must think I’m vulnerable when I’m sleeping – damn it! 😀
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That is hilarious. I remember that hat–it’s the only thing that gave the pic away.
Who takes two weeks off at Easter!!
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LOL! I love that towel head hat and I’m sure it’s going to haunt me for a long time.
The builders are back on the job now 😉
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You sure have changed… Wow! 😆
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Pretty awesome body body! – lol 😉
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Physical work is supposedly great for the muse. Too bad you’re too tired to do much about it! 🙂
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I’m thinking that once the physical work is over the muse will attack with gusto! (I hope) 😀
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Oh Dianne, I can always count on you for a good laugh. Loved the picture!
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Thank you so much, my dear. I always love a bit of a giggle (which I did AFTER this was all over) LOL 😉
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I can’t believe that picture!! Actually, it doesn’t appeal – too ripped, sort of ripped UP.
You make me laugh – thank you! 🙂
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Thanks, Noeleen (it’s 5:00 am here and I think I may have called you Darleen in my last comment – so sorry, I haven’t had a coffee yet!) 😉
The picture kind if reflects how I feel at the moment (ripped UP) LOL 😀
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Dianne,
I don’t know when and/or why it happened but somehow my incoming blog posts got thrown into ‘spam’ – so you’re likely going to see a lot of tweets showing up from this point up to current day, May 8. (Just discovered this afternoon – was wondering why I had not been receiving from you and others some posts I normally get!! Tough thing to happen to a guy that’s already handicapped in this digital world!! Just wanted you to know I still luv ya!
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Don’t worry, Billy Ray – this happens to me as well and I find all kinds of post from regular bloggers in my spam. I guess it must just pick up keywords (or something). Best of luck going through them! 😀
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It’s kinda weird though how we react to hard physical work, when used mostly to intellectual efforts… April was really a difficult month for me — and i was looking at myself as from aside, i am so unused to hard physical stuff (weight lifting doesn’t count), but i liked it, i think it’s good from time to time to make some switches… (it’s only that i don’t really feel when i should stop, so often end up exhausted and injured, but never mind, that shall pass too ;))
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I find the more physical work I do, the healthier I feel, Lena. But I have trouble stopping as well. I really hope May will be a much better month for you 😀
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