Today, in the head of Amanda Rivera

I have tons of ideas rolling around in my head for blog posts, but, well, I just can't get them out of my head an onto the "paper." So, since I don't want my thank you note to be late, I've compiled a list of my random thoughts for today:

• I have had the same song stuck in my head since Monday morning. I kid you not. I hear it all the time and it is driving me crazy (-er).

• Tonight I am making risotto with squash and chorizo for dinner. Yum.

• I really like how my coworker says the word "chorizo." She adds a t between the i an z.
  

• I think my boss thinks I'm preggers. I'm not. (Really, mom. I'm not).

• All my stockings have big holes in the toes, so I've tied the ends into a knot. This is helping expand the longevity of them, but is kind of uncomfortable to walk on.

• I haven't been shopping in 4 months.
  

• I've walked the route between home and work at least 60 times. Yesterday, I got lost.

• Our trash smells really bad. Trash day was this morning. There's no outside dumpster. Bummer.

• I made it 4 months before acquiring a fine at the public library. That's like some kind of record. I should get a medal.
  

• Today, I took the #36 (that's a bus) 4 times. Twice on the eastbound route and twice on the westbound. I saw the same man get on the bus on both of the westbound trips.

• I see the same man every morning at 8:09am in front of St. Bernard's Well as I walk to work each morning. He is walking to work too, but in the opposite direction. He's a very distinguished looking gentleman. I haven't seen him since Christmas. I like to imagine that he is now being driven to work by his Italian chauffer so that he doesn't have to get his Armani shoes mussed in the snow.

• Every single time I call my mom, she asks me what time it is in Edinburgh. I actually think this is very funny, but don't tell her that. (Shoot. I just realized she reads this blog. Drat. My cover is blown).

• My mom also tells me, no matter what time I call, that it's is very late for me to be calling. With the 5 hour time difference, I have never called my parents past 5pm their time. My dad, on the other hand, once called me at 1:00 in the morning, my time.

• I can write all the funny things I want to about my mom and dad because although faithful followers of the blog, they haven't figured out how to post a public comment. So, all my secrets are still safe!

• That song is still going through my head.

• I installed a tracker on this blog so I can see how many "hits" I get. I can also see where people are who are looking at the blog. Probably 80% of the hits come from cities in which I am not aware of knowing anyone. Strange (but, of course, very welcome). Readers, who are you?

• I still haven't taken the Christmas tree down.

• I have ideas for 10 books I'd like to write. 9 of them compose a series of books for children for CBT therapists to use in session. 1 is a book about expatriation. I have a strong suspicion I will never write these. I lack motivation.
  

• I am a bilingual typist. Seriously. When I'm at work, without thinking about it, I write in British English, naturally using the British spelling of words (like behaviour). When I'm at home, I write in American English, naturally using the American spelling (like behavior). I don't even think about it. I think this is a real skill.
  

Thank you and good night.