It's 2 days later and I went back to work this afternoon. I totally didn't want to go, but I had to get back on the proverbial bike again. I was pretty much a nervous wreck. I won't get graphic here. I still have my headache, but it has subsided in intensity somewhat. On the way to work, I had to make a stop at the Police Dept...
What fun. I had the lovely chore of ID'ing the sons of bitches today. Thankfully I only had to look at photos. I freaked at photos. I can't imagine what my reaction would have been had I had to face them. I also had to ID the merchandise and their clothing - also by photographs. The merchandise was blood spattered. DISGUSTING. When it came to the picture of the shirt the one guy was wearing, I lost it. I don't know if I mentioned the shirt before or not. The one that did the actual robbery was wearing a t-shirt with a face on it. His jacket was unzipped and the eye of the face was starring at me the whole time I was "waiting" on him. It freaked me out the whole time he was there and it freaked me out when I saw the photo. I made the detective turn it over right away. I started to shake as soon as I saw it. Then after seeing the photos of the clothes they were wearing and the merchandise, I had to look at the photos of them. It didn't take more then a nano-second to recognize them.
If this goes to trial, and if I have to testify, I am going to have an attack of some sort, will probably vomit and lose other bodily fluids as soon as I see them. The detective told me he didn't think it would come to that, since they were on parole already, they had some of the jewelry on them, they were on a high-speed chase, they evaded a police officer, they caused a car crash, they had criminal tools on them, this was a felony robbery and I am sure they can find more charges to add to the list. I hope they do. They were sent to County Jail and were probably already on the way to state prison when I was at the P.D. Keep praying they are locked up until they are too old to walk any longer.
I also found out an interesting tidbit. The store across the way from us, watches out for us. The guy there noticed the 2 scary men walking back and forth in front of the store. He was watching us from his doorway, phone in hand, so if they actually came in and it looked wrong, he was going to call the police. Well, just before they walked in, his back door buzzer rang with a delivery. He was at his back door when he saw them run past and was able to get a description of the get-away car.
I also learned that the first name of one of the robbers is Uranus. Just proves what an asshole he is.
I hope I can get past all of this. I still have to work there. I am going to try and take next week off. I need to try and get my head together. I have not been able to sleep, so I am soooo tired. I keep seeing that face and the eye starring at me and the shiny thing coming towards me. I keep thinking that if it was a gun, I would have been shot in the back. If I hadn't seen it coming, and ran, I would have been sprayed with glass. I am thankful it wasn't worse. It could have been. But, it was bad enough.
I think I have had enough tsoris. I think it is time that things start working out in my favor. Don't you?
Until next time...goodnight
Friday, March 30, 2007
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
NO HA-HA'S TODAY
I had a HORRIBLE day today, to cap off a pretty crappy week. An even scarier thought it that the week isn't even over yet. What next?
At around 11:30 this morning the men I was waiting on, robbed the store. I was never so scared in my entire life. It was a "smash and grab", where they smashed the case and grabbed the jewelry. Thank god, I or the others were not hurt physically. Emotionally, I am pretty F'D up right now. I had a bad feeling about them, and trusted my instincts. My employee had the same feeling and positioned herself by the phone. As soon as she saw something going down, she called 911.
I was behind the glass case and they were in front of the case, as is usual. I saw one reach in his pocket and pull something out. It was shiny and I thought it was a gun, and I turned and RAN into the back room and slammed the door. I saw Mary Ann was already on the phone calling 9-1-1. In reality it was an awl and they were smashing the case and grabbing the stuff.
I was rather hysterical - shaking and crying. I couldn't stop shaking. I admit, now 8+ hours later, I am still shaky. I feel like I have had the wind knocked out of me.
The Aurora PD was on it really quick and they caught the "suspects". Please pray they plead guilty. The last thing I want to do is testify in a trial and have to look them in the face ever again. They tossed some of the jewelry before getting caught, but they had some on them when caught, they are on video-tape and they left blood on some glass in the case. There were also a lot of people that saw them run out of the store and our UPS driver almost ran them over. Too bad almost only counts in horseshoes.
I am tired. Really, really tired. When does all the insanity end. When do things start to go my way? This has been a crappy year - the fire, Pfaltzgraff, the closing of this store and now this. Anyone wanna take a couple of punches?
Until next time...goodnight
At around 11:30 this morning the men I was waiting on, robbed the store. I was never so scared in my entire life. It was a "smash and grab", where they smashed the case and grabbed the jewelry. Thank god, I or the others were not hurt physically. Emotionally, I am pretty F'D up right now. I had a bad feeling about them, and trusted my instincts. My employee had the same feeling and positioned herself by the phone. As soon as she saw something going down, she called 911.
I was behind the glass case and they were in front of the case, as is usual. I saw one reach in his pocket and pull something out. It was shiny and I thought it was a gun, and I turned and RAN into the back room and slammed the door. I saw Mary Ann was already on the phone calling 9-1-1. In reality it was an awl and they were smashing the case and grabbing the stuff.
I was rather hysterical - shaking and crying. I couldn't stop shaking. I admit, now 8+ hours later, I am still shaky. I feel like I have had the wind knocked out of me.
The Aurora PD was on it really quick and they caught the "suspects". Please pray they plead guilty. The last thing I want to do is testify in a trial and have to look them in the face ever again. They tossed some of the jewelry before getting caught, but they had some on them when caught, they are on video-tape and they left blood on some glass in the case. There were also a lot of people that saw them run out of the store and our UPS driver almost ran them over. Too bad almost only counts in horseshoes.
I am tired. Really, really tired. When does all the insanity end. When do things start to go my way? This has been a crappy year - the fire, Pfaltzgraff, the closing of this store and now this. Anyone wanna take a couple of punches?
Until next time...goodnight
Monday, March 26, 2007
!!!! TIME FOR SOME LAUGHS !!!!!
Thanks to my friend Linda in L.A. I copied these from an email she sent and I laughed until my side hurt!! No offense intended to any of you lawyers out there!!
These quotes are from a book called Disorder in the American Courts, and are things people actually said in court, word for word, taken down and now published by court reporters that had the torment of staying calm while these exchanges were actually taking place.
ATTORNEY: What is your date of birth?
WITNESS: July 18th.
ATTORNEY: What year?
WITNESS: Every year.
ATTORNEY: What gear were you in at the moment of the impact?
WITNESS: Gucci sweats and Reeboks.
ATTORNEY: This myasthenia gravis, does it affect your memory at all?
WITNESS: Yes.
ATTORNEY: And in what ways does it affect your memory?
WITNESS: I forget.
ATTORNEY: You forget? Can you give us an example of something you forgot?
ATTORNEY: How old is your son, the one living with you?
WITNESS: Thirty-eight or thirty-five, I can't remember which.
ATTORNEY: How long has he lived with you?
WITNESS: Forty-five years.
ATTORNEY: What was the first thing your husband said to you that morning?
WITNESS: He said, "Where am I, Cathy?"
ATTORNEY: And why did that upset you?
WITNESS: My name is Susan!
ATTORNEY: Do you know if your daughter has ever been involved in voodoo?
WITNESS: We both do.
ATTORNEY: Voodoo?
WITNESS: We do.
ATTORNEY: You do?
WITNESS: Yes, voodoo.
ATTORNEY: Now doctor, isn't it true that when a person dies in his sleep, he doesn't know about it until the next morning?
WITNESS: Did you actually pass the bar exam?
ATTORNEY: The youngest son, the twenty year old, how old is he?
WITNESS: Uh, he's twenty
ATTORNEY: Were you present when your picture was taken?
WITNESS: Would you repeat the question?
ATTORNEY: So the date of conception (of the baby) was August 8th?
WITNESS: Yes.
ATTORNEY: And what were you doing at that time?
WITNESS: Uh....
ATTORNEY: She had three children, right?
WITNESS: Yes.
ATTORNEY: How many were boys?
WITNESS: None.
ATTORNEY: Were there any girls?
ATTORNEY: How was your first marriage terminated?
WITNESS: By death.
ATTORNEY: And by whose death was terminated?
ATTORNEY: Can you describe the individual?
WITNESS: He was about medium height and had a beard.
ATTORNEY: Was this a male or a female?
ATTORNEY: Is your appearance here this morning pursuant to a deposition notice which I sent to your attorney?
WITNESS: No, this is how I dress when I go to work.
ATTORNEY: Doctor, how many of your autopsies have you performed on dead people? WITNESS: All my autopsies are performed on dead people.
ATTORNEY: ALL your responses MUST be oral, OK? What school did you go to?
WITNESS: Oral.
ATTORNEY: Do you recall the time that you examined the body?
WITNESS: The autopsy started around 8:30 p.m.
ATTORNEY: And Mr. Denton was dead at the time?
WITNESS: No, he was sitting on the table wondering why I was doing an autopsy on him!
ATTORNEY: Are you qualified to give a urine sample?
WITNESS: Huh?
And the best for last...
ATTORNEY: Doctor, before you performed the autopsy, did you check for a pulse?
WITNESS: No.
ATTORNEY: Did you check for blood pressure?
WITNESS: No.
ATTORNEY: Did you check for breathing?
WITNESS: No.
ATTORNEY: So, then it is possible that the patient was alive when you began the autopsy?WITNESS: No.
ATTORNEY: How can you be so sure, Doctor?
WITNESS: Because his brain was sitting on my desk in a jar.
ATTORNEY: But could the patient have still been alive, nevertheless?
WITNESS: Yes, it is possible that he could have been alive and practicing law!
They made me laugh out loud and I hope they made you laugh as well.
Until next time...goodnight!!
These quotes are from a book called Disorder in the American Courts, and are things people actually said in court, word for word, taken down and now published by court reporters that had the torment of staying calm while these exchanges were actually taking place.
ATTORNEY: What is your date of birth?
WITNESS: July 18th.
ATTORNEY: What year?
WITNESS: Every year.
ATTORNEY: What gear were you in at the moment of the impact?
WITNESS: Gucci sweats and Reeboks.
ATTORNEY: This myasthenia gravis, does it affect your memory at all?
WITNESS: Yes.
ATTORNEY: And in what ways does it affect your memory?
WITNESS: I forget.
ATTORNEY: You forget? Can you give us an example of something you forgot?
ATTORNEY: How old is your son, the one living with you?
WITNESS: Thirty-eight or thirty-five, I can't remember which.
ATTORNEY: How long has he lived with you?
WITNESS: Forty-five years.
ATTORNEY: What was the first thing your husband said to you that morning?
WITNESS: He said, "Where am I, Cathy?"
ATTORNEY: And why did that upset you?
WITNESS: My name is Susan!
ATTORNEY: Do you know if your daughter has ever been involved in voodoo?
WITNESS: We both do.
ATTORNEY: Voodoo?
WITNESS: We do.
ATTORNEY: You do?
WITNESS: Yes, voodoo.
ATTORNEY: Now doctor, isn't it true that when a person dies in his sleep, he doesn't know about it until the next morning?
WITNESS: Did you actually pass the bar exam?
ATTORNEY: The youngest son, the twenty year old, how old is he?
WITNESS: Uh, he's twenty
ATTORNEY: Were you present when your picture was taken?
WITNESS: Would you repeat the question?
ATTORNEY: So the date of conception (of the baby) was August 8th?
WITNESS: Yes.
ATTORNEY: And what were you doing at that time?
WITNESS: Uh....
ATTORNEY: She had three children, right?
WITNESS: Yes.
ATTORNEY: How many were boys?
WITNESS: None.
ATTORNEY: Were there any girls?
ATTORNEY: How was your first marriage terminated?
WITNESS: By death.
ATTORNEY: And by whose death was terminated?
ATTORNEY: Can you describe the individual?
WITNESS: He was about medium height and had a beard.
ATTORNEY: Was this a male or a female?
ATTORNEY: Is your appearance here this morning pursuant to a deposition notice which I sent to your attorney?
WITNESS: No, this is how I dress when I go to work.
ATTORNEY: Doctor, how many of your autopsies have you performed on dead people? WITNESS: All my autopsies are performed on dead people.
ATTORNEY: ALL your responses MUST be oral, OK? What school did you go to?
WITNESS: Oral.
ATTORNEY: Do you recall the time that you examined the body?
WITNESS: The autopsy started around 8:30 p.m.
ATTORNEY: And Mr. Denton was dead at the time?
WITNESS: No, he was sitting on the table wondering why I was doing an autopsy on him!
ATTORNEY: Are you qualified to give a urine sample?
WITNESS: Huh?
And the best for last...
ATTORNEY: Doctor, before you performed the autopsy, did you check for a pulse?
WITNESS: No.
ATTORNEY: Did you check for blood pressure?
WITNESS: No.
ATTORNEY: Did you check for breathing?
WITNESS: No.
ATTORNEY: So, then it is possible that the patient was alive when you began the autopsy?WITNESS: No.
ATTORNEY: How can you be so sure, Doctor?
WITNESS: Because his brain was sitting on my desk in a jar.
ATTORNEY: But could the patient have still been alive, nevertheless?
WITNESS: Yes, it is possible that he could have been alive and practicing law!
They made me laugh out loud and I hope they made you laugh as well.
Until next time...goodnight!!
Sunday, March 25, 2007
THE JIG IS UP
You have probably heard the expression "the jig is up". Have you heard the expression "the gig is up?"
Well my friends, my gig is up. I just found out today that I am losing my job. Yep, it's true, I will again be unemployed. I am still kind of in shock, but not totally. The writing has been on the wall and I am not stupid, but, it is still hard to accept and digest. It came so fast - I found out today and liquidation starts tomorrow. I have until the end of July.
Irony is ironic!! I lost my job at Pfaltzgraff the end of July last year. I had lots of plans for this spring / summer. Stuff I didn't do last year because I knew I was losing my job. I guess I have to wait again. I never re-painted after my fire, since I didn't want to use that money in case I didn't find a job. I have been looking at scorch marks for a year. I guess I will have to look at them for another year. I am kind of used to them by now. They are modern art by this point.
Oh well, life goes on. At least I learned some new things and got some new jewels along the way. I am going to try and put a concerted effort into not stressing out too much. I will count on my blog buddies to let me vent when I need to.
Until next time...goodnight!
Well my friends, my gig is up. I just found out today that I am losing my job. Yep, it's true, I will again be unemployed. I am still kind of in shock, but not totally. The writing has been on the wall and I am not stupid, but, it is still hard to accept and digest. It came so fast - I found out today and liquidation starts tomorrow. I have until the end of July.
Irony is ironic!! I lost my job at Pfaltzgraff the end of July last year. I had lots of plans for this spring / summer. Stuff I didn't do last year because I knew I was losing my job. I guess I have to wait again. I never re-painted after my fire, since I didn't want to use that money in case I didn't find a job. I have been looking at scorch marks for a year. I guess I will have to look at them for another year. I am kind of used to them by now. They are modern art by this point.
Oh well, life goes on. At least I learned some new things and got some new jewels along the way. I am going to try and put a concerted effort into not stressing out too much. I will count on my blog buddies to let me vent when I need to.
Until next time...goodnight!
Monday, March 19, 2007
HO HUM
I have been trying to sleep and it has been evading me, so what else is there to do? Blog, of course.
I can't believe I can't sleep, I am so darn tired. Maybe too tired. I think I may even resort to an Advil PM for some aide. My doctor had prescribed some Ambien CR when my back blew our, but with all the stories in the news, I am afraid to take it. Who knows what moronic things I may end up doing in my sleep!..... I do enough moronic things when I am awake.
I have a lot of things going through my head that are troubling me, maybe that is what is making me so tired and unable to sleep. I wish I could write about all of them here, but I can't. I have to censor myself here. They always say to be careful what goes on your blog, because your employers may find out the truth about you!!! I guess that same philosophy goes for employees!
I am having a hard time being a Weight Watcher. I don't think I am really "off the wagon" but I am having "stick to it" issues. It is not the program itself I have issues with. It is a great program and I am a huge (no pun intended) fan of it. The issue I am wrestling with is my disdain over the fact that I have a food illness. When I eat the foods I like and want, I get fat. I want to be able to eat whatever I want and not get fat. I want to eat whatever I want and not have to worry about getting fat affecting my back. I want to eat whatever I want and not have to worry about the fatness increasing my blood pressure. I am craving things I haven't allowed myself to have in a very, very long time. ONION RINGS...RIBS...FRIED CHICKEN...MAC n CHEESE...HOT FUDGE SUNDAE...CHEESEBURGER ON A REAL BUN...FRIES.
Yes, I can have them, in an appropriate portion and account for it with my points allocation, but I want a bigger portion and not have to think about it or the after-effects. oy
I am also wrestling with myself over a wedding this summer. I know it is a long way off, but it is out of town and I have to think of making arrangements soon. I really want to go. It is going to be in San Fran and it will be a beautiful event. I will get to see my friends again and that is the best part. Being asked to share in the event is very special. I will also get to spend some time with my cousins that live in the Bay area. The problem I am having is the expense involved. The wedding is at the Fairmont hotel. I am looking at $200+ a night times at least 2 nights. Plus the airfare, ground transportation, dress (and acoutrements) and gift. I am looking at over $1000 dollars for what will be a few days. OY. I also have another wedding in Sept., also out of town. I can drive to that one, but there is still hotel, dress (although I plan on wearing the same dress as the other wedding), gas, wedding gift and shower gift. This is going to be close to $400. OY, OY.
In a couple of weeks, is the anniversary of my fire. I am kinda freaking out about that one, too. I don't want to be here on that night. I know that nothing will happen again, but I still have a fear about being here that night. I have a certificate for a night at a hotel and I may use it that night. That is the same week last year that I found out I was losing my job with Pfaltzgraff. It was a wonderful week.
Wasn't this a pleasant blog entry to read? Thanks for letting me vent.
Until next time...goodnight!
I can't believe I can't sleep, I am so darn tired. Maybe too tired. I think I may even resort to an Advil PM for some aide. My doctor had prescribed some Ambien CR when my back blew our, but with all the stories in the news, I am afraid to take it. Who knows what moronic things I may end up doing in my sleep!..... I do enough moronic things when I am awake.
I have a lot of things going through my head that are troubling me, maybe that is what is making me so tired and unable to sleep. I wish I could write about all of them here, but I can't. I have to censor myself here. They always say to be careful what goes on your blog, because your employers may find out the truth about you!!! I guess that same philosophy goes for employees!
I am having a hard time being a Weight Watcher. I don't think I am really "off the wagon" but I am having "stick to it" issues. It is not the program itself I have issues with. It is a great program and I am a huge (no pun intended) fan of it. The issue I am wrestling with is my disdain over the fact that I have a food illness. When I eat the foods I like and want, I get fat. I want to be able to eat whatever I want and not get fat. I want to eat whatever I want and not have to worry about getting fat affecting my back. I want to eat whatever I want and not have to worry about the fatness increasing my blood pressure. I am craving things I haven't allowed myself to have in a very, very long time. ONION RINGS...RIBS...FRIED CHICKEN...MAC n CHEESE...HOT FUDGE SUNDAE...CHEESEBURGER ON A REAL BUN...FRIES.
Yes, I can have them, in an appropriate portion and account for it with my points allocation, but I want a bigger portion and not have to think about it or the after-effects. oy
I am also wrestling with myself over a wedding this summer. I know it is a long way off, but it is out of town and I have to think of making arrangements soon. I really want to go. It is going to be in San Fran and it will be a beautiful event. I will get to see my friends again and that is the best part. Being asked to share in the event is very special. I will also get to spend some time with my cousins that live in the Bay area. The problem I am having is the expense involved. The wedding is at the Fairmont hotel. I am looking at $200+ a night times at least 2 nights. Plus the airfare, ground transportation, dress (and acoutrements) and gift. I am looking at over $1000 dollars for what will be a few days. OY. I also have another wedding in Sept., also out of town. I can drive to that one, but there is still hotel, dress (although I plan on wearing the same dress as the other wedding), gas, wedding gift and shower gift. This is going to be close to $400. OY, OY.
In a couple of weeks, is the anniversary of my fire. I am kinda freaking out about that one, too. I don't want to be here on that night. I know that nothing will happen again, but I still have a fear about being here that night. I have a certificate for a night at a hotel and I may use it that night. That is the same week last year that I found out I was losing my job with Pfaltzgraff. It was a wonderful week.
Wasn't this a pleasant blog entry to read? Thanks for letting me vent.
Until next time...goodnight!
Friday, March 16, 2007
MARCH 17
Wishing all my Irish and wanna-be Irish friends a HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S DAY!
We are all Irish at this time!
If you party - - party safely. Don't drink and drive.
If you pig out on corned beed and cabbage, remember, there is a lot of sodium in corned beef, so drink lots of water before getting on a scale!
Have a fun day (and night).
Until next time...goodnight!
We are all Irish at this time!
If you party - - party safely. Don't drink and drive.
If you pig out on corned beed and cabbage, remember, there is a lot of sodium in corned beef, so drink lots of water before getting on a scale!
Have a fun day (and night).
Until next time...goodnight!
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
HUH??????
HUH? I don't get it. I was a fervent American Idol watcher this season, but I did start again the last couple of weeks. Last week, I think it was, the viewers sent home Sundance and kept Sinjaya (sp?) on. I was confused. Tuesday night, Sinjaya was worse then awful. Brandon was not impressive and he did forget his lyrics, but he has way more talent. Then tonight comes around with the results show and who is left standing???? SINJAYA. Ok, he's a cute kid, in a 70's kind of way. He can probably be good with time and training, but he is wasting the space of someone that is more talented and could possibly actually win the show (even though we know it is going to be Melinda!) My friend Joni must have been right when she said that the 877 number to call in to vote is still free from India!
My favorites so far this year are Melinda, LeKisha, Blake and Chris Sligh.
The other thing that irks me are the judges. They are so frickin contradictory. They always use the same worn out line that they need to "make it their own", yet Tuesday, when Chris and Blake had the songs re-arranged to "make it their own" they were told to leave the songs as the classics they were! What the F is up with that. I am sick of the lines that they use and they need to come up with some new tag lines. And ones that actually make sense.
On a pleasant note, we have had interesting weather the last 2 days. Yesterday it was close to, if not, 70 degrees. It was awesome. We left the doors open at work. I even left and forgot to take my jacket with me! Today it was in the 60's. We started the day with some heavy rains. It ended by noon-ish, then by about 5, it actually got sunny. By 9:30, it started raining, then lightening and then pouring! We are expecting snow by tomorrow or Friday! We are experiencing all 4 seasons in 2 days!! Welcome to Cleveland!
All for now.
Until next time...goodnight!
My favorites so far this year are Melinda, LeKisha, Blake and Chris Sligh.
The other thing that irks me are the judges. They are so frickin contradictory. They always use the same worn out line that they need to "make it their own", yet Tuesday, when Chris and Blake had the songs re-arranged to "make it their own" they were told to leave the songs as the classics they were! What the F is up with that. I am sick of the lines that they use and they need to come up with some new tag lines. And ones that actually make sense.
On a pleasant note, we have had interesting weather the last 2 days. Yesterday it was close to, if not, 70 degrees. It was awesome. We left the doors open at work. I even left and forgot to take my jacket with me! Today it was in the 60's. We started the day with some heavy rains. It ended by noon-ish, then by about 5, it actually got sunny. By 9:30, it started raining, then lightening and then pouring! We are expecting snow by tomorrow or Friday! We are experiencing all 4 seasons in 2 days!! Welcome to Cleveland!
All for now.
Until next time...goodnight!
Sunday, March 11, 2007
DREAMING OF ITALY
I have been obsessing over Italy these last few days. I so want to go back again. Oh, like tomorrow would be soon enough! I always knew I wanted to go again, and I am hoping to go in a year and half from now, but lately, I can't stop thinking about it. Last night, I was bored (as if I couldn't find 18 other things to do) so I started playing on Google. By the way, I think Google is the coolest thing there is! I digress. I started looking at all kind of things relating to Bugnara and Sulmona and the surrounding areas. (I even looked at the surnames of the residents of Bugnara!!)
Sulmona and Bugnara are two of the areas we visited, where Mary's family is from. They are in the L'Aquila area of Italy, in the Abbruzi mountain region. Sulmona is a city and Bugnara is a village. According to the 2000 census, Bugnara has 1200 residents. We stayed in Sulmona. Sulmona is famous for it's Cumbets (candy coated almonds that you may know as jordan almonds) and we got them at the factory. They definitely tasted better then any bag of jordan almonds I ever had. Sulmona also is known for it's goldsmiths. Yes, even then I liked jewelry! If, no WHEN , I go back, I am not going to buy a bunch of junk souveniers, just a whole lot of gold jewelry! The prices are phenomenal. I got some awesome things last time, but not enough! Sulmona also has great Italian donuts!
I also looked up the hotel we stayed at. Now, I use the term hotel very loosely! It was an ancient house turned into a hotel. I think the owner said it was built in the 16th century. Very old and I suppose some would call it quaint. Well my friends, it was confirmed on a website via Google that it was indeed a 1 STAR hotel!! I believe that was a generous rating!
Bugnara is a picturesque village. There is piazza and churches and hills and of course the requisite small town bars! Everyone knows everyone. We were famous in the town - The Americana's. All the elders knew Mary's parents from when they were kids and it was really kind of cool. As we entered the town, a few people saw us and came to see who the strangers were. They, of course, knew Mary's parents and by the time we got up the hill to the "main" streets, everyone knew we were there!!
Bugnara is not spoiled. Sure, the younger generation have the modern conveniences, like cell phones and computers and the internet, but the town itself is not at all spoiled. We walked around and picked figs off the trees. And almonds. There were no pesticides to worry about, since they were just hanging out - growing wild and free.
Mary's Aunt and Uncle are farmers / shepards. Yes, shepards still exist!! Everything that they prepared for us was fresh. I mean FRESH. (I had to laugh, because everywhere we went, they offered us Mayonnaise!) I won't get too graphic and tell you about the roast lamb! The fruits and veggies were right out of the garden. The prosciutto was home made, the cheese was home made as was the olive oil and the wine. WHEN I go back, I want to go up the mountain and see the sheep and watch Mary's cousin make the Pecorino (YUMMO) cheese he makes! And the hospitality was just as un-spoiled. Even though I spoke no Italian and they spoke no English, we had no problem communicating. There was a universal language of smiles, hugs and kisses on both cheeks! Even to this day, the family always asks Mary or her parents how "Marina" is and when I am coming back! Thanks to the World Wide Web (and Google language tools) we can communicate via emails!
Everywhere we went in Italy, we found the people to be very gracious. (except for one bitchy lady on the eurorail from Florence to Rome, and the fake Gladiators that rip you off for photos on the way to the Colessium!) I read some things in travel books that were sort of scary, but we walked everywhere, at all hours of the day and night, and never felt threatened or scared. We asked multitudes of people for directions and they happily obliged. We made "friends" with lots of other American tourists throughout (except Sulmona and Bugnara, since they are not tourist areas) and it was just a pleasant experience all the way around. Even the cab drivers we did use were nice! Not surly, like the New York cabbies I have experienced!
I think I should probably consider going to bed, since it is almost 2 am, but I think I will send an email to Italy! Another time I will tell you about the out-house and other bathroom related stories (they are not gross!) and Venice (not only famous for it's canals and Murano glass, but pesky mosquitos!) and Florence and of course Roma!
ciao for now!
Until next time...goodnight!
Sulmona and Bugnara are two of the areas we visited, where Mary's family is from. They are in the L'Aquila area of Italy, in the Abbruzi mountain region. Sulmona is a city and Bugnara is a village. According to the 2000 census, Bugnara has 1200 residents. We stayed in Sulmona. Sulmona is famous for it's Cumbets (candy coated almonds that you may know as jordan almonds) and we got them at the factory. They definitely tasted better then any bag of jordan almonds I ever had. Sulmona also is known for it's goldsmiths. Yes, even then I liked jewelry! If, no WHEN , I go back, I am not going to buy a bunch of junk souveniers, just a whole lot of gold jewelry! The prices are phenomenal. I got some awesome things last time, but not enough! Sulmona also has great Italian donuts!
I also looked up the hotel we stayed at. Now, I use the term hotel very loosely! It was an ancient house turned into a hotel. I think the owner said it was built in the 16th century. Very old and I suppose some would call it quaint. Well my friends, it was confirmed on a website via Google that it was indeed a 1 STAR hotel!! I believe that was a generous rating!
Bugnara is a picturesque village. There is piazza and churches and hills and of course the requisite small town bars! Everyone knows everyone. We were famous in the town - The Americana's. All the elders knew Mary's parents from when they were kids and it was really kind of cool. As we entered the town, a few people saw us and came to see who the strangers were. They, of course, knew Mary's parents and by the time we got up the hill to the "main" streets, everyone knew we were there!!
Bugnara is not spoiled. Sure, the younger generation have the modern conveniences, like cell phones and computers and the internet, but the town itself is not at all spoiled. We walked around and picked figs off the trees. And almonds. There were no pesticides to worry about, since they were just hanging out - growing wild and free.
Mary's Aunt and Uncle are farmers / shepards. Yes, shepards still exist!! Everything that they prepared for us was fresh. I mean FRESH. (I had to laugh, because everywhere we went, they offered us Mayonnaise!) I won't get too graphic and tell you about the roast lamb! The fruits and veggies were right out of the garden. The prosciutto was home made, the cheese was home made as was the olive oil and the wine. WHEN I go back, I want to go up the mountain and see the sheep and watch Mary's cousin make the Pecorino (YUMMO) cheese he makes! And the hospitality was just as un-spoiled. Even though I spoke no Italian and they spoke no English, we had no problem communicating. There was a universal language of smiles, hugs and kisses on both cheeks! Even to this day, the family always asks Mary or her parents how "Marina" is and when I am coming back! Thanks to the World Wide Web (and Google language tools) we can communicate via emails!
Everywhere we went in Italy, we found the people to be very gracious. (except for one bitchy lady on the eurorail from Florence to Rome, and the fake Gladiators that rip you off for photos on the way to the Colessium!) I read some things in travel books that were sort of scary, but we walked everywhere, at all hours of the day and night, and never felt threatened or scared. We asked multitudes of people for directions and they happily obliged. We made "friends" with lots of other American tourists throughout (except Sulmona and Bugnara, since they are not tourist areas) and it was just a pleasant experience all the way around. Even the cab drivers we did use were nice! Not surly, like the New York cabbies I have experienced!
I think I should probably consider going to bed, since it is almost 2 am, but I think I will send an email to Italy! Another time I will tell you about the out-house and other bathroom related stories (they are not gross!) and Venice (not only famous for it's canals and Murano glass, but pesky mosquitos!) and Florence and of course Roma!
ciao for now!
Until next time...goodnight!
Wednesday, March 07, 2007
HA HA HA!!!
Five tips for a woman....
1. It is important that a man helps you around the house and has a job.
2. It is important that a man makes you laugh.
3. It is important to find a man you can count on & doesn't lie to you.
4. It is important that a man loves you and spoils you.
5. It is important that these four men don't know each other.
Foot Note:
One saggy boob said to the other saggy boob:
"If we don't get some support soon, people will think we're nuts."
Thanks to my friend Lindas, in CT. for the above laughs. There is a third laugh, but I am saving it for another post.
Had a delightful lunch yesterday with the cousins and "adopted" cousins Ralph and Janice. We went to Cameron Mitchell's Fish Market. I had the garlic shrimp and a 1/2 of cup of lobster bisque. It was yumm-o! When it came time for dessert, I was so damn good, it shocked even me. There was banana bread pudding and key lime pie floating around and I didn't even have a taste! I did indulge in a cappuccino (they didn't have fat-free milk, but it was still better then the desserts!) and I didn't even feel deprived! You know me and java - can't say no.
Was back to work today. Woke up to a whole bunch of snow and a list of school closings. Is spring ever going to get here? The weatherman has threatened us by saying we may get close to 50 somewhere at the end of the weekend. I think he is a big fat liar!
Cher, how is Amy doing? Have you talked to Abby lately? Off on Monday and Thurs. next week, maybe we can do coffee?
Yaakova, did you get back to Florida ok? How is Nina doing?
Julie, I hope you are feeling better soon. Pink is a pretty color, but not for your eyes!
Danielle, where are you?
Sharon, I am getting to leave at 5 on the 17th, so I can go to Elaine's for St. Paddy's! YAY!
Until next time...goodnight!
1. It is important that a man helps you around the house and has a job.
2. It is important that a man makes you laugh.
3. It is important to find a man you can count on & doesn't lie to you.
4. It is important that a man loves you and spoils you.
5. It is important that these four men don't know each other.
Foot Note:
One saggy boob said to the other saggy boob:
"If we don't get some support soon, people will think we're nuts."
Thanks to my friend Lindas, in CT. for the above laughs. There is a third laugh, but I am saving it for another post.
Had a delightful lunch yesterday with the cousins and "adopted" cousins Ralph and Janice. We went to Cameron Mitchell's Fish Market. I had the garlic shrimp and a 1/2 of cup of lobster bisque. It was yumm-o! When it came time for dessert, I was so damn good, it shocked even me. There was banana bread pudding and key lime pie floating around and I didn't even have a taste! I did indulge in a cappuccino (they didn't have fat-free milk, but it was still better then the desserts!) and I didn't even feel deprived! You know me and java - can't say no.
Was back to work today. Woke up to a whole bunch of snow and a list of school closings. Is spring ever going to get here? The weatherman has threatened us by saying we may get close to 50 somewhere at the end of the weekend. I think he is a big fat liar!
Cher, how is Amy doing? Have you talked to Abby lately? Off on Monday and Thurs. next week, maybe we can do coffee?
Yaakova, did you get back to Florida ok? How is Nina doing?
Julie, I hope you are feeling better soon. Pink is a pretty color, but not for your eyes!
Danielle, where are you?
Sharon, I am getting to leave at 5 on the 17th, so I can go to Elaine's for St. Paddy's! YAY!
Until next time...goodnight!
Sunday, March 04, 2007
ALMOST AWAKE!
ZZZZZZ. I suppose it is time to wake up. I have been back for a couple of days, and even back to work, yet I feel like I have been sleepwalking, sleeptalking, sleepworking, etc... In order to try and overcome the sleepiness, I am playing yuppie and sitting here in the Arabica Coffee house. I have my yuppie props decorating the set - ginormous java juice, lappy and cell phone. The only thing missing is an ashtray, but it is a non-smoking in public state. I think I should move.
How was Chi-town? Thanks for asking. It was a whirlwind. Yes, it was windy and due to that very wind, I returned to the comfort of my home waaaaaay later then expected. More on that later. I will give a BRIEF day - by - day. Aren't you glad you asked?!!!!
TUESDAY - Got up in the middle of the night (5 am) got to the airport, checked in and WAITED. My flight was delayed an hour. We had snow here and in Chicago. Had to be de-iced again on the runway. (Deep sigh) Got to O'Hare. Shlepped to United's terminal, about 1/2 - 3/4 miles to find Linda. Shlepped to the train. Got downtown. Shlepped 6 blocks to the office. Looked like Dorothy after the tornado. Got to the office almost an hour late. OH WELL. After meetings, shlepped 2 1/2 blocks to hotel to check in (6:30 pm Central time). Shlepped 4 blocks to dinner. Shlepped 4 blocks back to hotel. Did I mention I did a boat load of shlepping today? Did I mention it was fricking freezing? Did I mention most of the shlepping included luggage? Did I mention that it was wicked windy? Night-night - 1:15 am (central time)
WEDNESDAY - Get up 6:10 am when Linda's husband called. (growl at this time!!) Meet a bus at the hotel door at 8:30 to go to Kenosha, Wisconsin. Shlepped a block for coffee, since there wasn't going to be any on the bus. Not too bad. After lunch (pizza) we were told to put on our coats, we were going to do a recruiting exercise. We then had to walk around the mall for 1.5 hours. Did I mention it was BITTER COLD and we were not made aware of this in advance. No scarf, no gloves, no hat. What a lovely day. GRRRRRRRR. Leave Kenosha around 6 for a great, no GREAT dinner. They out did themselves on this one. I even ordered a Cosmopolitan! Had a melt in your mouth filet mignon, mashed taters, green beans, broccoli, shrooms, rice, cheesecake, fruit crisp, coffee, wine...oh my god...dinner was decadent. What is Weight Watcher's? I guess all the shlepping and shivering was worth it, since according to my scale, I didn't gain anything!!
THURSDAY - 6:00 wake up call. GRRRRR. Freezing still. Raining / snowing. Shower time. NO HOT WATER. BIGGER GRRRRRR.Called engineering. Reply - "It is really cold outside." DUH. Just when a hot shower would do the trick, I get to take a frezzing shower. I love to shiver in the shower!! Meetings till 2:30 pm. Shlep back to the hotel to claim our luggage. On the way, finally get to shop (actually only look) at the State Street Ultra store. How gorgeous. Change into jeans and sweatshirt and tennis shoes and shlep to the EL and off to O'Hare (in the rain). Arrive at O'Hare at about 5 pm. Shlep (with luggage) to United and say good-bye to Linda and continue on to the Continental terminal. WAIT IN LINE. Guess what? FLIGHT CANCELLED DUE TO WEATHER. no No NO NO. I just wanna go home. They can re-book me on Friday at 3:55 pm. I don't think so. Then I think of Linda, if her flight is cancelled, she will be totally panicked and ready for a straight-jacket. I call her. Her flight is still flying to Cleveland - delayed - but still going. Back to Continental. Wait in line. Ask if I can change to United. They are RUDE, but print off my ticket and send me shlepping back to the United terminal. Get back to United. WAIT IN ANOTHER LINE longer then Pippi's stockings. YIPPEE. I can get on stand-by for Linda's flight, now scheduled for 7:55 pm (it is now almost 7 pm) The ticket agent says I have time to go outside and have a smoke-a-roonie! She is my new best friend in the whole wide world. So, off I shlep to gate C-17, but first I have to go thru security................
....I now have a 1-way ticket....SPECIAL SCREENING!!! I get pulled out of line. The screener chick asks me if I had to wait in a long line. I told her how many different long lines and she goes "Oh, dear lord, you're ok, just go!" So I gather my stuff, put my shoes back on and off to C-17 again. YAY, I am there - but the flight crew isn't. Still not. Still not. Still not. Flight delayed until 9:20 pm for a flight crew to arrive.
FINALLY get to Cleveland at 11:47 EST. BIG SIGH. However, my stand-by luggage is somewhere in baggage and takes its good ol' time getting on the belt. I don't get luggage until , oh around 12:30 am. HOME SWEET HOME. 1 AM.
Was the trip worth it? Yeah, I learned a few new things. I ate some spectacular food, I made some new friends and I passed out a lot of business cards at the airport!
I am glad to be home, and even gladder (that IS a word, because I said so) to be off today, tomorrow and Tuesday!
Cher, I hope Amy is feeling better. Give her a huggy for me.
Sharon, I still have us penned for Tuesday. Talked to Elaine. I told her to bring Anthony along!
Julie, I am glad you are voyeuring here!
Yaakova, just sending you a hello
Danielle, sending you a g'day, too!
Sara, congrats.
Until next time...good afternoon!
How was Chi-town? Thanks for asking. It was a whirlwind. Yes, it was windy and due to that very wind, I returned to the comfort of my home waaaaaay later then expected. More on that later. I will give a BRIEF day - by - day. Aren't you glad you asked?!!!!
TUESDAY - Got up in the middle of the night (5 am) got to the airport, checked in and WAITED. My flight was delayed an hour. We had snow here and in Chicago. Had to be de-iced again on the runway. (Deep sigh) Got to O'Hare. Shlepped to United's terminal, about 1/2 - 3/4 miles to find Linda. Shlepped to the train. Got downtown. Shlepped 6 blocks to the office. Looked like Dorothy after the tornado. Got to the office almost an hour late. OH WELL. After meetings, shlepped 2 1/2 blocks to hotel to check in (6:30 pm Central time). Shlepped 4 blocks to dinner. Shlepped 4 blocks back to hotel. Did I mention I did a boat load of shlepping today? Did I mention it was fricking freezing? Did I mention most of the shlepping included luggage? Did I mention that it was wicked windy? Night-night - 1:15 am (central time)
WEDNESDAY - Get up 6:10 am when Linda's husband called. (growl at this time!!) Meet a bus at the hotel door at 8:30 to go to Kenosha, Wisconsin. Shlepped a block for coffee, since there wasn't going to be any on the bus. Not too bad. After lunch (pizza) we were told to put on our coats, we were going to do a recruiting exercise. We then had to walk around the mall for 1.5 hours. Did I mention it was BITTER COLD and we were not made aware of this in advance. No scarf, no gloves, no hat. What a lovely day. GRRRRRRRR. Leave Kenosha around 6 for a great, no GREAT dinner. They out did themselves on this one. I even ordered a Cosmopolitan! Had a melt in your mouth filet mignon, mashed taters, green beans, broccoli, shrooms, rice, cheesecake, fruit crisp, coffee, wine...oh my god...dinner was decadent. What is Weight Watcher's? I guess all the shlepping and shivering was worth it, since according to my scale, I didn't gain anything!!
THURSDAY - 6:00 wake up call. GRRRRR. Freezing still. Raining / snowing. Shower time. NO HOT WATER. BIGGER GRRRRRR.Called engineering. Reply - "It is really cold outside." DUH. Just when a hot shower would do the trick, I get to take a frezzing shower. I love to shiver in the shower!! Meetings till 2:30 pm. Shlep back to the hotel to claim our luggage. On the way, finally get to shop (actually only look) at the State Street Ultra store. How gorgeous. Change into jeans and sweatshirt and tennis shoes and shlep to the EL and off to O'Hare (in the rain). Arrive at O'Hare at about 5 pm. Shlep (with luggage) to United and say good-bye to Linda and continue on to the Continental terminal. WAIT IN LINE. Guess what? FLIGHT CANCELLED DUE TO WEATHER. no No NO NO. I just wanna go home. They can re-book me on Friday at 3:55 pm. I don't think so. Then I think of Linda, if her flight is cancelled, she will be totally panicked and ready for a straight-jacket. I call her. Her flight is still flying to Cleveland - delayed - but still going. Back to Continental. Wait in line. Ask if I can change to United. They are RUDE, but print off my ticket and send me shlepping back to the United terminal. Get back to United. WAIT IN ANOTHER LINE longer then Pippi's stockings. YIPPEE. I can get on stand-by for Linda's flight, now scheduled for 7:55 pm (it is now almost 7 pm) The ticket agent says I have time to go outside and have a smoke-a-roonie! She is my new best friend in the whole wide world. So, off I shlep to gate C-17, but first I have to go thru security................
....I now have a 1-way ticket....SPECIAL SCREENING!!! I get pulled out of line. The screener chick asks me if I had to wait in a long line. I told her how many different long lines and she goes "Oh, dear lord, you're ok, just go!" So I gather my stuff, put my shoes back on and off to C-17 again. YAY, I am there - but the flight crew isn't. Still not. Still not. Still not. Flight delayed until 9:20 pm for a flight crew to arrive.
FINALLY get to Cleveland at 11:47 EST. BIG SIGH. However, my stand-by luggage is somewhere in baggage and takes its good ol' time getting on the belt. I don't get luggage until , oh around 12:30 am. HOME SWEET HOME. 1 AM.
Was the trip worth it? Yeah, I learned a few new things. I ate some spectacular food, I made some new friends and I passed out a lot of business cards at the airport!
I am glad to be home, and even gladder (that IS a word, because I said so) to be off today, tomorrow and Tuesday!
Cher, I hope Amy is feeling better. Give her a huggy for me.
Sharon, I still have us penned for Tuesday. Talked to Elaine. I told her to bring Anthony along!
Julie, I am glad you are voyeuring here!
Yaakova, just sending you a hello
Danielle, sending you a g'day, too!
Sara, congrats.
Until next time...good afternoon!
Monday, February 26, 2007
LEAVING ON A JET PLANE
Tomorrow I leave for my much awaited training in Chicago. It is going to be a frightfully long day, and I am not eagerly anticipating it. I will have to leave my house before 7 am. If you know me at all, that is the middle of the night for me! Then when I get to Chi-town, we start classes almost immediately. That goes on for the next day and a half. On Thurs., we have classes till mid-day, then off to the airport, where I get to sit and wait until my 8 pm flight. What a thrill. And then back to work on Friday. Phew, I am exhausted already.
Have I packed yet? Three guesses. Nope. I guess it just shows I am not thrilled about the trip. I did however clean my room. I sorted laundry, went to Weight Watcher's (UGLY) and wasted time. Now I am blogging! I have about 5 loads of wash to do, so I think I will head to the laundromat so I can be done in 1.5 hours and not have to run up and down the stairs 10 times and take 5 hours to complete. I suppose it won't take too long to pack, since it is only a short trip and there will only be school and no time for other fun, so limited clothes will be needed.
I guess I should try and get something productive done. I will not be blogging for a few days. I don't think I will take Lappy with me.
Until next time...goodnight!
Have I packed yet? Three guesses. Nope. I guess it just shows I am not thrilled about the trip. I did however clean my room. I sorted laundry, went to Weight Watcher's (UGLY) and wasted time. Now I am blogging! I have about 5 loads of wash to do, so I think I will head to the laundromat so I can be done in 1.5 hours and not have to run up and down the stairs 10 times and take 5 hours to complete. I suppose it won't take too long to pack, since it is only a short trip and there will only be school and no time for other fun, so limited clothes will be needed.
I guess I should try and get something productive done. I will not be blogging for a few days. I don't think I will take Lappy with me.
Until next time...goodnight!
Friday, February 23, 2007
DIAMONDS R A GIRLS BEST FRIEND?
I couldn't wait anymore. In the midst of our very busy day (do you detect my note of sarcasm here?)I called the Diamond Council Of America. I PASSED my final exam. I am a Certified Diamontologist. Whoop-de-doo. That and a $1.39 will get me a cup of coffee at my corner donut shop! Actually, for my efforts and as a congratulations, I am supposed to get a $50 gift card from my company. That and a whole bunch of my own money will get me something at my store! In about 8 - 12 weeks, a lovely placque will be sent to the store. The placque, however, does not belong to me. Should I leave, the hunk of wood stays! But the certification is still mine, for all eternity. I want to take my pin (if I ever get it), my loupe and my wallet and go to the diamond district in NYC and get me something dazzling. That is not a statement of sarcasm, but one of fiction!
Have I mentioned lately my mixed emotions over this laptop I bought? I have become a total bed potato! I lay in bed and play on it. I forget to go to sleep,I forget to clean, I forget to make cards, sometimes I even forget to eat (not complaining there). My typing is getting better, though!
Sara, my friend told me tonight that she read somewhere that they are killing off another character on Grey's, but she didn't know who. Bummer dudette. Who do you think it is? I would guess it is Callie, then George would leave, since I read somewhere he wants out. All supposition here.
YAAKOVA, WHERE R U? You haven't updated your blog in FOREVER, nor have you been here. You are making me worry about you again. Please leave a comment somewhere letting me (and Bagel) know you are o.k. I miss you.
Danielle, where have you been, too? I miss your wit and humor. How are the girls?
The 25th is my cousin Kathy's birthday. HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Kathy!
I just got home from work, and of course, computing (and blogging) was my first order of business! Now I must get something to nosh on (Weight Watcher's appropriate, of course).
Until next time...goodnight!
Have I mentioned lately my mixed emotions over this laptop I bought? I have become a total bed potato! I lay in bed and play on it. I forget to go to sleep,I forget to clean, I forget to make cards, sometimes I even forget to eat (not complaining there). My typing is getting better, though!
Sara, my friend told me tonight that she read somewhere that they are killing off another character on Grey's, but she didn't know who. Bummer dudette. Who do you think it is? I would guess it is Callie, then George would leave, since I read somewhere he wants out. All supposition here.
YAAKOVA, WHERE R U? You haven't updated your blog in FOREVER, nor have you been here. You are making me worry about you again. Please leave a comment somewhere letting me (and Bagel) know you are o.k. I miss you.
Danielle, where have you been, too? I miss your wit and humor. How are the girls?
The 25th is my cousin Kathy's birthday. HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Kathy!
I just got home from work, and of course, computing (and blogging) was my first order of business! Now I must get something to nosh on (Weight Watcher's appropriate, of course).
Until next time...goodnight!
Thursday, February 22, 2007
SHADES OF GREY
The trilogy came to an end tonight on Grey's Anatomy. It was a pretty good run, if I must say so myself. Since this is my blog, I CAN say so myself!
It was somewhat predictable and Meredith didn't die. Of course she couldn't, since the show is named after her character. I was kind of surprised that her mom died, since that provided some good storylines.
There were some highlights, like seeing the softer side of Christina Yang. But the best parts were the "heaven" scenes. Yep, there was the paramedic that got blown up last season AND Denny! Denny is still a hunka-hunka sexyliscious dude. It was nice to see him walking around. It gave a new meaning to the phrase "dead man walking". In the after-life, he still loves Izzie. AWWWW.
It was a bit hokie that after being clinically dead for so long, Mer woke up, with no apparent brain damage or other signs of any physical damage. She was able to speak pretty well right away. I stumble on words after a nap! I guess that is what makes this a work of fiction, not TLC's Real Stories of the ER!
Didn't catch any scenes for next week, but I won't be able to watch anyhow since I will get home to late from Chi-town to watch.
I broke down and started to watch American Idol. From what I saw, the girls are far better then the boys this year. lakisha is the one to watch.
We are back to winter here, after a short respite and spring-like teaser. We are having an Arctic Blast. High winds, cold and snow. It sux.
Anyone have a guess who is Anna Nicole's baby daddy?! That poor little girl. Stuck in the middle of such a horrible and bizarre situation. Someone needs to force a paternity test and get her to the right person, once and for all. What a legacy she has to live with. It would be quite a turn if ANS had frozen Marshall's sperm and she is the sole heir to his millions! What a battle that would cause. Is it me, or does everyone think Howard K. Stern is a whack job?
I guess that is it for tonight.
Until next time...goodnight!
It was somewhat predictable and Meredith didn't die. Of course she couldn't, since the show is named after her character. I was kind of surprised that her mom died, since that provided some good storylines.
There were some highlights, like seeing the softer side of Christina Yang. But the best parts were the "heaven" scenes. Yep, there was the paramedic that got blown up last season AND Denny! Denny is still a hunka-hunka sexyliscious dude. It was nice to see him walking around. It gave a new meaning to the phrase "dead man walking". In the after-life, he still loves Izzie. AWWWW.
It was a bit hokie that after being clinically dead for so long, Mer woke up, with no apparent brain damage or other signs of any physical damage. She was able to speak pretty well right away. I stumble on words after a nap! I guess that is what makes this a work of fiction, not TLC's Real Stories of the ER!
Didn't catch any scenes for next week, but I won't be able to watch anyhow since I will get home to late from Chi-town to watch.
I broke down and started to watch American Idol. From what I saw, the girls are far better then the boys this year. lakisha is the one to watch.
We are back to winter here, after a short respite and spring-like teaser. We are having an Arctic Blast. High winds, cold and snow. It sux.
Anyone have a guess who is Anna Nicole's baby daddy?! That poor little girl. Stuck in the middle of such a horrible and bizarre situation. Someone needs to force a paternity test and get her to the right person, once and for all. What a legacy she has to live with. It would be quite a turn if ANS had frozen Marshall's sperm and she is the sole heir to his millions! What a battle that would cause. Is it me, or does everyone think Howard K. Stern is a whack job?
I guess that is it for tonight.
Until next time...goodnight!
Monday, February 19, 2007
THIS AND THAT
Random thoughts.
Grey's Anatomy has been really good these last few weeks. I can't believe that they will kill off Meredith, since the show is named after her. Maybe she will arise from the dead as a new and improved Mer or maybe she will stay dead, but a long lost sibling will appear from out of the blue. That would not be a good thing. I think she should decide she doesn't want to be dead, and spring back to life. Maybe she could be physically and mentally compromised (temporarily) and we can see a new side of McDreamy. Her dad could become a regular on the show, too. He can finally be there to take care of her. Christina can finally let some of her guard down and nurture her and we can see a softer Yang and Burke will finally really get her.
ER is still good. I hope Abby and Luka get married. They deserve a happy ending. I bet that Nela and the one doctor finally get together (I can't remember his name, but he has been hot for her since last year) and then he leaves her, since I read he got his own show coming out either as a mid-season or for next year.
Haven't really gotten into American Idol this year. Trying not to become an addict again this year as I was in the past 5 years. Wish me luck on that front! I bought the Chris Daughtry cd and it is awesome. He should have gone further then he did, but it seems to have not hurt his career.
Why is it we take the most important things for granted? Last week my Aunt Faye passed away. I am ashamed to say that I had not seen her in too many years. I have only one Aunt left. My Aunt Rose that lives in Milwaukee. She is probably over 100 and I haven't seen her in probably 30 years. I would imagine she has no clue who I am. Both of these Aunts were married to my dad's brothers. I am, and have always been, very close to my family on my mom's side, but I have not had that same relationship with the family on my Dad's side. Maybe because my dad died when I was so young and my mom was always close to her sisters, that it was natural that we all stayed so close. I have said it before, but my cousins are like sisters to me, and we are not only cousins, but friends. It is certainly special. Anyhow, when I found out about my Aunt Faye, I went to this website called Legacy.com and they publish obits and corresponding guest books. I signed the guest book. Lo and behold, my cousin Julie emailed me. I have not seen Julie in a billion years and sadly, I wouldn't be able to pick her out of a line-up. However, Aunt Faye (Julie's Grandma) always told me we could pass for sisters. So, we have been emailing back and forth and learning about each other. It is really cool. I saw her mom once when I lived in L.A and she did as well, and spoke to her once in New Mexico, but that was many years ago. I digress. Julie's emails are very enlightening regarding family. They are non-judgemental, as family should be. They are supportive as family should be, regardless of the fact that the family members hadn't been in contact for most of their lives.
So, now I have a new mission. I want to contact all my extended family members and at least say hello to them, and find out what is going on with them. Maybe even organize some sort of really big family reunion or at the least a family on-line chat. I have to figure this out and see where I can take this.
Winter sux. The cold and snow finally seems to be diminishing. Now I have to deal with the constant THUD of icicles falling around me. I hope there are no flooding issues when all this infernal snow melts. We are supposed to hit the high 40's later this week.
As much as I LOVE this lappy, I HATE this lappy! I lay in bed and compute for way too long. I should be doing other things, but this is wayyy too easy. If only I had a microwave, fridge, coffee maker and port-a-potty in my room, I would never have to leave it! I should be thankful I don't have any of the above mentioned items in my room, at least I get some exercise going downstairs to feed my piehole! I also make sure to use the downstairs loo, so I have to walk the steps!
I am off for 2 days in a row and I intend for them to be glorious. I am taking myself on a coffee date tomorrow morning. I am going to go to Weight Watcher's in the morning instead of at night, then I am going to sit at Arabica and drink a GINORMOUS coffee.I may have a bagel, since I would have already weighed in!! I am going to take my lappy with me, so I can look like a yuppy and they are wi-fi'd! I know that term!
Well, it is 2 am and I should go to bed, so I can get up early for my solo coffee date and weigh in.
Until next time...goodnight!
Grey's Anatomy has been really good these last few weeks. I can't believe that they will kill off Meredith, since the show is named after her. Maybe she will arise from the dead as a new and improved Mer or maybe she will stay dead, but a long lost sibling will appear from out of the blue. That would not be a good thing. I think she should decide she doesn't want to be dead, and spring back to life. Maybe she could be physically and mentally compromised (temporarily) and we can see a new side of McDreamy. Her dad could become a regular on the show, too. He can finally be there to take care of her. Christina can finally let some of her guard down and nurture her and we can see a softer Yang and Burke will finally really get her.
ER is still good. I hope Abby and Luka get married. They deserve a happy ending. I bet that Nela and the one doctor finally get together (I can't remember his name, but he has been hot for her since last year) and then he leaves her, since I read he got his own show coming out either as a mid-season or for next year.
Haven't really gotten into American Idol this year. Trying not to become an addict again this year as I was in the past 5 years. Wish me luck on that front! I bought the Chris Daughtry cd and it is awesome. He should have gone further then he did, but it seems to have not hurt his career.
Why is it we take the most important things for granted? Last week my Aunt Faye passed away. I am ashamed to say that I had not seen her in too many years. I have only one Aunt left. My Aunt Rose that lives in Milwaukee. She is probably over 100 and I haven't seen her in probably 30 years. I would imagine she has no clue who I am. Both of these Aunts were married to my dad's brothers. I am, and have always been, very close to my family on my mom's side, but I have not had that same relationship with the family on my Dad's side. Maybe because my dad died when I was so young and my mom was always close to her sisters, that it was natural that we all stayed so close. I have said it before, but my cousins are like sisters to me, and we are not only cousins, but friends. It is certainly special. Anyhow, when I found out about my Aunt Faye, I went to this website called Legacy.com and they publish obits and corresponding guest books. I signed the guest book. Lo and behold, my cousin Julie emailed me. I have not seen Julie in a billion years and sadly, I wouldn't be able to pick her out of a line-up. However, Aunt Faye (Julie's Grandma) always told me we could pass for sisters. So, we have been emailing back and forth and learning about each other. It is really cool. I saw her mom once when I lived in L.A and she did as well, and spoke to her once in New Mexico, but that was many years ago. I digress. Julie's emails are very enlightening regarding family. They are non-judgemental, as family should be. They are supportive as family should be, regardless of the fact that the family members hadn't been in contact for most of their lives.
So, now I have a new mission. I want to contact all my extended family members and at least say hello to them, and find out what is going on with them. Maybe even organize some sort of really big family reunion or at the least a family on-line chat. I have to figure this out and see where I can take this.
Winter sux. The cold and snow finally seems to be diminishing. Now I have to deal with the constant THUD of icicles falling around me. I hope there are no flooding issues when all this infernal snow melts. We are supposed to hit the high 40's later this week.
As much as I LOVE this lappy, I HATE this lappy! I lay in bed and compute for way too long. I should be doing other things, but this is wayyy too easy. If only I had a microwave, fridge, coffee maker and port-a-potty in my room, I would never have to leave it! I should be thankful I don't have any of the above mentioned items in my room, at least I get some exercise going downstairs to feed my piehole! I also make sure to use the downstairs loo, so I have to walk the steps!
I am off for 2 days in a row and I intend for them to be glorious. I am taking myself on a coffee date tomorrow morning. I am going to go to Weight Watcher's in the morning instead of at night, then I am going to sit at Arabica and drink a GINORMOUS coffee.I may have a bagel, since I would have already weighed in!! I am going to take my lappy with me, so I can look like a yuppy and they are wi-fi'd! I know that term!
Well, it is 2 am and I should go to bed, so I can get up early for my solo coffee date and weigh in.
Until next time...goodnight!
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
CHANGE IS THE ONLY THING THAT STAYS THE SAME!
They say the there are only a few things in life that are certain - death and taxes. There is definitely a third - - change. I am not so sure that I like change. Most times it is good, but I guess getting to the final outcome of the change is what is hard. I don't neccessarily like boring stagnation either. I suppose it is just my nature to complain!!!
So, what is changing?
Blogging is changing. I tried to simply log in to do a post and I had to go through the process of creating a Google account! What was wrong with the old way? It worked fine for me. Nature of change - ok.
Work is changing. I loved my job in the beginning. It is not anything like it was presented to me in the interviews. I am not enamoured with it. There is a lot that I can say about it, but I really have to hold back, since one of my employees reads this blog and it would not very professional to go into to much detail here for that reason. Nature of change - NOT ok.
On a positive note, I completed my studies for my Diamontology certificate and mailed it today. As long as I passed, I am a Certified Diamontologist! Nature of change - GOOD.
I am still following my Weight Watcher's plan. However, due to the great blizzard of 2007, this week, I was not able to go to my weigh - in or meeting yet. Maybe I can go tomorrow or Saturday. As of last week, my total loss to date was 14.4 pounds. I hope to continue on the 2 pound per week losses. But, that generally changes as well as you get further into the program. Nature of change - VERY GOOD!
I was supposed to have the day off today. Due to the storm, I had to go in for a few hours. Nature of change - SUX.
I imagine I am just in an ever changing mood tonight. Maybe it is a stormy mood to match the stormy weather. Hopefully, that will change, too.
Until next time...goodnight!
So, what is changing?
Blogging is changing. I tried to simply log in to do a post and I had to go through the process of creating a Google account! What was wrong with the old way? It worked fine for me. Nature of change - ok.
Work is changing. I loved my job in the beginning. It is not anything like it was presented to me in the interviews. I am not enamoured with it. There is a lot that I can say about it, but I really have to hold back, since one of my employees reads this blog and it would not very professional to go into to much detail here for that reason. Nature of change - NOT ok.
On a positive note, I completed my studies for my Diamontology certificate and mailed it today. As long as I passed, I am a Certified Diamontologist! Nature of change - GOOD.
I am still following my Weight Watcher's plan. However, due to the great blizzard of 2007, this week, I was not able to go to my weigh - in or meeting yet. Maybe I can go tomorrow or Saturday. As of last week, my total loss to date was 14.4 pounds. I hope to continue on the 2 pound per week losses. But, that generally changes as well as you get further into the program. Nature of change - VERY GOOD!
I was supposed to have the day off today. Due to the storm, I had to go in for a few hours. Nature of change - SUX.
I imagine I am just in an ever changing mood tonight. Maybe it is a stormy mood to match the stormy weather. Hopefully, that will change, too.
Until next time...goodnight!
Wednesday, February 07, 2007
ME AGAIN!
Imagine this, I am posting again! I love being part of the 21st century. I am laying in bed and playing on the computer. Maybe I will even trade in my clunky old cell phone I have had for like 6 years and get a modern new fangled one! I am becoming so cosmopolitan. I had 2 days off in a row and it was great! Yesterday (Tuesday) I set some stuff up on the new toy. Then I went to my Weight Watcher's meeting. I lost another 2.2 pounds, so I am down 14.4 pounds. I ran into someone there that I used to know about 10 years ago. That was kind of cool. Today I got my haircut, ran a bunch of errands and went to the laundromat. At 9:30 tonight I decided to make stuffed green peppers. I used extra lean ground turkey. I will let you know tomorrow how they turned out. I never made them before and I didn't think it would take that long to cook!! Tomorrow I have a 12 hour day, so I should be asleep, since it is already almost 1:30 am. We seem to be having a heat wave going on here on the Northcoast. It made it into double digits today - the teens! It might even make it to 20 on Saturday. I guess that is it for now. Until next time...goodnight!
Monday, February 05, 2007
GUESS WHO IS BACK???
Hello my blogger friends, if I still have any of you left! I had encountered a fork in the road on my path to Blogsville, but I have found my way again! On my way home from work tonight, I went to Staples and impulsively bought a new computer. I bought a new laptop. It is taking some getting used to, but, the first thing I did was install my internet connection and here I am! I am sitting on my couch (nothing unusual about that!) watching tv, and BLOGGING. WOO HOO!
I have really missed you guys.
I hope I can finally get to catch up with Baleboosteh. I couldn't even open up your blog from my old lap top. Danielle, how is Amber doing? And Ruby and Jade? have you had any rain?
Yaakova, I have been able to read yours, but commenting has been futile. How is little Shayna? Is Monaco doing better? I want to hear all about your Italian feast. I hope business is picking up for you a bit.
Cher, I haven't been on your blog, but it has been better seeing you instead! Maybe we can continue our coffee tradition next week. It is fun having Abby join us, too. Maybe we can get Diane next time.
Sharon, you don't have a blog, so I don't have to feel guilty about not reading yours! I do miss seeing you, though. I hope we will be able to get the cousins together for your birthday.
I have been up to about the same old stuff, just on a different day. Aside from my new computer, not much else is happening. I have been sticking to my Weight Watcher's program. On my last weigh in (last Tuesday, during a blizzard) I was down 12.2 pounds. I am hoping for another 2 pounds down tomorrow night. Dropped a size in pants. YAHOO!!!!!!!!
The weather here has gone from the sublime to the rediculous. We had been having an incedible winter - mild, virtually no snow, and even downright warm. Then BAM, winter has hit with a vengancee. It is like 5 degrees and way below zero with the wind chill factor. We have had a ton of snow, prior to this arctic cold spell. It is hard to get warm, even with the heat cranked up. as I sit here and type, I have on two pair of wool socks, wool slacks, a turtleneck, a turtleneck sweater AND a polar tek fleece jacket on. The heat is also on 70 and I am comfortable!
Work is work. It has been extremely slow, except for this past weekend. It was actually kind of fun! If it would stay this way, it would be cool, but the days are soooo long when nobody comes in. I did finish all of my chapters towards my Diamontology certificate. I am waiting for them to send me the final exam, then within a couple of weeks after that, I will have my certificate. (as long as I pass!)
I have to go to Chicago again in a couple of weeks. I am FINALLY going to be trained. 5 months after being hired. Go figure.
Well my friends, I guess that is it for now. I will be able to do more regular updates and not have to do these ginormous posts anymore!
Until next time...goodnight!
I have really missed you guys.
I hope I can finally get to catch up with Baleboosteh. I couldn't even open up your blog from my old lap top. Danielle, how is Amber doing? And Ruby and Jade? have you had any rain?
Yaakova, I have been able to read yours, but commenting has been futile. How is little Shayna? Is Monaco doing better? I want to hear all about your Italian feast. I hope business is picking up for you a bit.
Cher, I haven't been on your blog, but it has been better seeing you instead! Maybe we can continue our coffee tradition next week. It is fun having Abby join us, too. Maybe we can get Diane next time.
Sharon, you don't have a blog, so I don't have to feel guilty about not reading yours! I do miss seeing you, though. I hope we will be able to get the cousins together for your birthday.
I have been up to about the same old stuff, just on a different day. Aside from my new computer, not much else is happening. I have been sticking to my Weight Watcher's program. On my last weigh in (last Tuesday, during a blizzard) I was down 12.2 pounds. I am hoping for another 2 pounds down tomorrow night. Dropped a size in pants. YAHOO!!!!!!!!
The weather here has gone from the sublime to the rediculous. We had been having an incedible winter - mild, virtually no snow, and even downright warm. Then BAM, winter has hit with a vengancee. It is like 5 degrees and way below zero with the wind chill factor. We have had a ton of snow, prior to this arctic cold spell. It is hard to get warm, even with the heat cranked up. as I sit here and type, I have on two pair of wool socks, wool slacks, a turtleneck, a turtleneck sweater AND a polar tek fleece jacket on. The heat is also on 70 and I am comfortable!
Work is work. It has been extremely slow, except for this past weekend. It was actually kind of fun! If it would stay this way, it would be cool, but the days are soooo long when nobody comes in. I did finish all of my chapters towards my Diamontology certificate. I am waiting for them to send me the final exam, then within a couple of weeks after that, I will have my certificate. (as long as I pass!)
I have to go to Chicago again in a couple of weeks. I am FINALLY going to be trained. 5 months after being hired. Go figure.
Well my friends, I guess that is it for now. I will be able to do more regular updates and not have to do these ginormous posts anymore!
Until next time...goodnight!
Tuesday, December 19, 2006
BAH HUMBUG!!
Guess who's back in the blogoshpere! I have been working a bazillion hours and my trusty (yes, you do detect a note of sarcasm here) computer at home is retired. My back-up laptop only does so much, and posting on the blog doesn't seem to be in it's job description, so, here I am on my one day off at the library. I checked one of my email accounts and I had 213 pieces of junk mail in it!
Before I continue on, a little bit of business to take care of...
Yaakova - how are you doing? Did you have an uneventful flight to the V.I's? How did Truffle behave on the plane? Please entertain us with a recap of the things you carried on with you! How happy was Mom to have her Truffle home?
Danielle - How is Amber? I trust her surgery went well. Please say it did. Give the girls a hug. Were you able to celebrate Hanukkah at all yet?
Cheryl Ann - Thanks for having coffee this morning. I needed it! No, I NEEDED it! It is always fun getting together. I am so glad you are having a relaxed holiday season. Can't wait for our next ginormous cups in 2007.
Sharon - Hope you all had fun in Dayton. Sunday night was yet again a great Hanukkah party. The kids are a blast. I LOVE my oinking, light-up piggy. oink, oink!!
Eleanor - I finally mailed out the package today, priority mail, so it should get there before Hanukkah is over! Typical of me. Didn't make the card I had designed in my head, but you will get it next year!
I am not going to bitch and moan. Afterall, it is the holiday seasoon. I am just going to wish everyone a
HAPPY HANUKKAH
MERRY CHRISTMAS
GOOD KWANZA
HAPPY FESTIVUS
HAPPY NEW YEAR
HAPPY WAHTEVER YOU CELEBRATE.
May 2007 bring all of us peace, good health, joy, laughter, happiness, prosperity, realization of our dreams, good friends and the wisdom to recognize all the wonderful things we do have in our lives already.
Until next time...good afternoon!!!
Before I continue on, a little bit of business to take care of...
Yaakova - how are you doing? Did you have an uneventful flight to the V.I's? How did Truffle behave on the plane? Please entertain us with a recap of the things you carried on with you! How happy was Mom to have her Truffle home?
Danielle - How is Amber? I trust her surgery went well. Please say it did. Give the girls a hug. Were you able to celebrate Hanukkah at all yet?
Cheryl Ann - Thanks for having coffee this morning. I needed it! No, I NEEDED it! It is always fun getting together. I am so glad you are having a relaxed holiday season. Can't wait for our next ginormous cups in 2007.
Sharon - Hope you all had fun in Dayton. Sunday night was yet again a great Hanukkah party. The kids are a blast. I LOVE my oinking, light-up piggy. oink, oink!!
Eleanor - I finally mailed out the package today, priority mail, so it should get there before Hanukkah is over! Typical of me. Didn't make the card I had designed in my head, but you will get it next year!
I am not going to bitch and moan. Afterall, it is the holiday seasoon. I am just going to wish everyone a
HAPPY HANUKKAH
MERRY CHRISTMAS
GOOD KWANZA
HAPPY FESTIVUS
HAPPY NEW YEAR
HAPPY WAHTEVER YOU CELEBRATE.
May 2007 bring all of us peace, good health, joy, laughter, happiness, prosperity, realization of our dreams, good friends and the wisdom to recognize all the wonderful things we do have in our lives already.
Until next time...good afternoon!!!
Wednesday, November 29, 2006
'TIS THE SEASON...
Well folks, the season is in full swing and I can feel it in every bone and muscle! I am working too many hours and unfortunately, the days seem to drag on and on. Today was my only day off and I wasted most of it napping and hibernating.
I hope you all had a nice Thanksgiving. I had a great time at my cousins Don and Sandy's house. As expected the food was abundant and delicious. The weather was glorious, so the drive was pleasant, unlike some past years. I was supposed to take rolls. Par for my course, I timed it perfectly. I bought cookie cutters and cut out the rolls in fall shapes. I guess by pressing the dough down to cut it out, I lost too much fat out of the rolls and they stuck to the cookie sheet. I couldn't get them off! In the 11th hour I had to go to the grocery store and scramble to find rolls to take. That was not an easy task, on Thanksgiving day. I finally found rolls in the deli dept. All was saved. They weren't customized, but they were rolls.
Cher, I did you have an awesome time in Jersey? I want to hear all about it and also about your date with the Who. I saw the photo you posted. COOL!
Y, I am sorry that your friend was a goober to you. That was uncalled for, being a friend, after all you did and being a holiday on top of it. At least you whupped her in Pictionary!
Sharon, screw work! I scheduled myself to leave at 3:30 on the 17th so I CAN come to Hanukkah! Just pray we don't have a blizzard or something. See you then.
BB, if you are still checking in, are you off to Sydney soon? I will be keeping Amber in my prayers that everything goes well
I guess that is it for now.
Until next time...goodnight!
I hope you all had a nice Thanksgiving. I had a great time at my cousins Don and Sandy's house. As expected the food was abundant and delicious. The weather was glorious, so the drive was pleasant, unlike some past years. I was supposed to take rolls. Par for my course, I timed it perfectly. I bought cookie cutters and cut out the rolls in fall shapes. I guess by pressing the dough down to cut it out, I lost too much fat out of the rolls and they stuck to the cookie sheet. I couldn't get them off! In the 11th hour I had to go to the grocery store and scramble to find rolls to take. That was not an easy task, on Thanksgiving day. I finally found rolls in the deli dept. All was saved. They weren't customized, but they were rolls.
Cher, I did you have an awesome time in Jersey? I want to hear all about it and also about your date with the Who. I saw the photo you posted. COOL!
Y, I am sorry that your friend was a goober to you. That was uncalled for, being a friend, after all you did and being a holiday on top of it. At least you whupped her in Pictionary!
Sharon, screw work! I scheduled myself to leave at 3:30 on the 17th so I CAN come to Hanukkah! Just pray we don't have a blizzard or something. See you then.
BB, if you are still checking in, are you off to Sydney soon? I will be keeping Amber in my prayers that everything goes well
I guess that is it for now.
Until next time...goodnight!
Sunday, November 19, 2006
HAPPY THANKSGIVING
I would like to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving. I hope you are able to spend a lovely day with loved ones, eating until you have to unbuckle your belts, and sharing old and new memories together.
Gobble Gobble Gobble!
Until next time...goodnight!
Gobble Gobble Gobble!
Until next time...goodnight!
Wednesday, November 15, 2006
Saturday, November 11, 2006
I ADMIT I AM SPOILED!
I haven't posted in a long time because my computer is on strike. I am currently using a laptop that is actually older then the desktop computer! It is quite prehistoric as computers go. It has AOL 4.0 on it! I can not open many things and I have a hard time doing many other things with it. I can not print anything, either. I realize how spoiled I have become. I complained about my computer, and now I am using something less sophisticated and I see how good I actually did have it. The nice thing about the laptop is that I am lounging on the couch, watching TV as I post this!
I guess life is a trade-off!
I have been reading some blogs while I was on typing hiatus, and Yaakova, what's going on with you?
Cher, your photos are awesome.
BB, I haven't been to your blog in a while, and I apologize. I will try and catch up on your site as soon as I can.
I will try and do an actual post soon, but this is it for now!
Until next time...goodnight!
I guess life is a trade-off!
I have been reading some blogs while I was on typing hiatus, and Yaakova, what's going on with you?
Cher, your photos are awesome.
BB, I haven't been to your blog in a while, and I apologize. I will try and catch up on your site as soon as I can.
I will try and do an actual post soon, but this is it for now!
Until next time...goodnight!
Tuesday, October 31, 2006
L.A CONFIDENTIAL!
I can't believe that THE Bar Mitzvah is now just a memory. After looking forward to it for so long, it has come and gone. It was very sad getting on the plane yesterday. It was a whirlwind of events that led up to it and now it is just a memory. A beautiful memory, but a memory that I will hold near and dear forever. Since it is my blog, I can take all the liberties I want and if that bores you, oh well!!!!!
THURSDAY, 10/26 I left Chicago. Getting out of the hotel and to the airport was not an easy task. The hotel was supposed to have all of our luggage waiting for us at a luggage hold area. There were 150 of us leaving at the same time and we were to leave our baggage in the rooms and they would gather it while we were in our meetings. We got downstairs at about 2:45 and guess what? I (and about 25 others) had no luggage! Of course I started to panick. I had to catch the 5:30 flight out of Midway. It was raining and the Orange line was not working. I would have had to take the Red a few stops and transfer to the Orange to the Airport. OY (The reason the Orange El wasn't working was due to a fire in the Loop area. The fire started on Tuesday as we were arriving. We were kicked off the El and 5 of us decided we could walk to the hotel. Yeah right! We walked and shlepped our suitcases for 45 minutes through the streets of downtown Chicago. I needed 3 Advil as soon as I checked in.)Finally, around 3:30 another Manager and I got our bags. We decided to take a cab to the airport. I made sure there was a later flight that was open in case we didn't get there in time. As we were waiting for a cab, a limo driver approached and said he could get us to Midway in plenty of time! This dude became my hero of the day. He zigged and zagged and we made it in under 30 minutes! We beat the others that left by cab a half hour before us!! YAY!
The plane left about 40 minutes late, but still managed to arrive at LAX on time. As I got to the luggage claim, there he was - - BEN! All 5'10" of smiles from ear to ear. I couldn't get over how tall he got. He was here in April and he got a couple of inches taller since then. We finally got home about 9:30 ish and I got to see Shoosher! That is my nickname for Josh. He is 16 and a half and such a nice young man. He was doing homework so he couldn't come to the airport. He takes 3 A.P classes and he showed me his homework. OMG, I am way older then him and I couldn't do that stuff! Time for bed, it has been a long day. Oh yeah, we did have to play with the slingshot monkeys I brought the boys! And we also had to watch the dog go nutso over the said monkeys!!
FRIDAY 10/27 - Ben wanted me to go with him to be dropped off at school, so I got up at 7 to take him to school. Then Eleanor and I went out for breakfast. We went to the remodeled Topanga Plaza and rode the Carousel! We shopped and at noon we picked Ben up from school. He got to play hooky a half day in order to get ready for his big event. We hung out in the afternoon. In the evening there was a lovely dinner for family at Maggiano's. Chuck's brother, sister-in-law, nephew, niece, her fiance, Gramma Gloria, Elliot and Todd Carb were all at dinner. It goes without saying the food was superb. There was a cake for Ben. It was so fun to see Ron, Sheryl, Erika and Jeremy (Chuck's family) again. I hadn't seen them in 2.5 years since I was at their house in Sacramento for a surprise for Chuck's 50th birthday. It felt like we hadn't missed a day. His family is very warm and inviting. I always felt like part of the family, ever since Eleanor had started dating Chuck so many years ago. I also got to sit next to Todd Carb at dinner, so that was like icing on the cake. Todd is my hero in life. I will forever be grateful to Todd, as will so many people and he is so humble. We talked about that and he knows what he does, but he just does it because he does. What a mensch and all around great guy. Off to temple.
SATURDAY 10/28 - Oops, that damn breaks! We go to temple early, before everyone else. I see Ben walk up to the bimah. Boo-hoo'ing commences. I go outside for air. Eleanor asks if I want to hear her speech and like an idiot I say ok. Boo-hoo'ing continues and services are still half an hour away! I go outside for air! Finally services begin and we take our seats. I have a major wad of tissues handy, and they do not go un-used! I am teary eyed most of the time. When Ben gives his speech, I really lose it. Then I have to say an Aliyah with Todd Carb. I was really nervous. I don't speak Hebrew (even though I gave the same one 3 years ago for Josh) and I have the worst voice in the universe, but Todd was nice and loud! Guess what? I cried when I kissed Ben! I get to return to my seat, and couldn't find my wad of tissues! Eleanor was using it!!!!Then comes the major bawl-fest. Eleanor gave her speech. Oh my g-d. I was like a blubbering fool. The mentioning of the shooting just sent the whole congregation into a tearfilled stupor. She was crying and Ben was saying don't cry mom. We all made it through. Kinehora. Finally, after many more beautiful moments it was over and off to the luncheon. Then home before the party.
PARTY TIME - WOWWWWWW. What a party. The room was fabulous. Ben wanted a dog theme. He had as his mitzvah Pups for Peace (www.pupsforpeace.com) an organization that trains dogs to sniff for bombs in Israel. The centerpieces were a different dog. Each one was airbrushed and set on a pillow with bowls and bones and surrounded by wheatgrass. It was really cool. There was an hor's dourves hour with the most incredible food. Sushi, a mushroom station, brisket, potato knishes, hot dogs, fruit, stuffed cabbages, bastillas, teriyaki skewers and of course booze! I had a chance to catch up with friends I hadn't seen in years. How fun. Our friend Allan was there. He couldn't attend Josh's because he had litterally run into a tree and was hospitalized. Thank g-d he has recovered and is walking and was able to attend. The last time I saw him was in the hospital and in a wheelchair. I had emailed him a week before and told him to stay away from all tree's! I caught up with Gary and Claudia, friends from here that live there, that I haven't seen in 3 years. They brought 2 of the kids - Brandon and Gabriela. My how they have changed in 3 years. We are always in touch, but it is not the same. There was a friend Steve, that I hadn't seen in 12 years, since I left California and he hasn't changed a bit! I also got to officially meet Dr. Clarence Sutton. Ben's trauma surgeon. There began the tears for the evening! It was kind of funny, because I was with Todd at the time and both were som humble and basically giving each other the credit and denying their own part! What great men. During the cocktail hour, there was a guy that was taking pictures then morphing them like caricatures onto mousepads. I got a really cute picture of me with Josh and Ben. A great souvnier! On to dinner. Yes, there is more food! We proceeded to the main room. But we can't eat just yet. We have to cry some more first! Time for the Video Montage of Ben. There was plenty to ooh and aah over, but just as much to bawl about. We laughed at years 1 - 5 and cried at 5 and 6 then we laughed some more. Eleanor had to embarass me and put in a couple of pictures we took last April when they were here! That's ok. Time to eat. Salad, prime rib (or salmon or chicken)taters and veggies, more booze. I discovered Cosmopolitans. I also discovered I liked them! Then there was the kids scavanger hunt. I happened to be sitting at the head table, right at the dance floor, where the kids were for the hunt. So, I was chosen to be picked on by Ben's friend Dylan for items for the hunt. Took my napkin, took my driver's license (to which he was excited to see I was from Cleveland as is his dad) and then he wanted my watch. Of course we couldn't get it off my wrist so he dragged me onto the floor, onto his little 13 year old lap on top of some other little 13 year old girl!!!!!!! The next item was a business a jacket, but I wasn't wearing one, so by the time he got one, he was out. Next came a business card, but I didn't have any in my evening bag, so that kid that asked for one was out. Next came a ladies shoe. I had turned around to try and take a bite of my prime rib and the next thing I know, some kid is taking my shoe off! Then he says, ma'am, amy I help you put it back on? He put my shoe back on!!! Enough laughter, time to cry again. It is candle lighting time. I was candle #4. Ben said beautiful things and something like "even though you live in Cleveland and I live in L.A, I love you more then words can say" He read it to the music of Queen's "You're My Best Friend" I lost it. Todd was next and then the doctors (and Todd again) and so on. It was a beautiful ceremony. Time for more funand the Vienese table (major desserts) and the tears are done for tonight! Promise.
SUNDAY 10/29 - Wake up early again. Oh man am I tired. Eleanor and Chuck are hosting a brunch for family and near family. It was very lovely. Eleanor has always been like my sister. We have been best friends for 36 years. Chuck is like my brother and his family has always treated me like part of the family as my family has considered them as family. I stayed with his brother's family when I surprised Chuck a couple years ago for his 50th. It was nice just hanging with them for the morning. His nephew wants to go to med school and is applying to O.U and that would be very cool if he indeed came to Ohio for school. Poor Eleanor was exhausted and by the time everyone left, she couldn't even hold herself up. We watched the video montage again (no, I didn't cry this time) and she took a nap. Chuck and I cleaned up and I just hung out with Chuck and the boys. We went for a ride and had some dinner. I went with Ben to Best Buy. He HAD to spend some of his Bar Mitzvah money! When we got back, El was feeling better, so we sat around. We watched Josh's video montage from 3 years ago. We laughed and made stupid Star Trek jokes! We were just a bunch of overtired goofs! Time to pack and go to sleep.
MONDAY 10/30 -Got up early so I could see Ben before he left for school. I missed Shoosher, since he leaves at 6:15. It was hard saying goodbye to Ben. El and I had coffee while Chuck took Ben to school. Then it was off to the airport. Guess what? We cried at the Airport! It is always hard leaving. By the time I got home Ben had called and left a message! So did El! But, I had called them already from LAX before I even left, then from Chicago and again when I got in my car!
TUESFAY 10/31 - Back to work and reality!
There you have it. TMI? Too bad! It's my blog!
Until next time...goodnight!
THURSDAY, 10/26 I left Chicago. Getting out of the hotel and to the airport was not an easy task. The hotel was supposed to have all of our luggage waiting for us at a luggage hold area. There were 150 of us leaving at the same time and we were to leave our baggage in the rooms and they would gather it while we were in our meetings. We got downstairs at about 2:45 and guess what? I (and about 25 others) had no luggage! Of course I started to panick. I had to catch the 5:30 flight out of Midway. It was raining and the Orange line was not working. I would have had to take the Red a few stops and transfer to the Orange to the Airport. OY (The reason the Orange El wasn't working was due to a fire in the Loop area. The fire started on Tuesday as we were arriving. We were kicked off the El and 5 of us decided we could walk to the hotel. Yeah right! We walked and shlepped our suitcases for 45 minutes through the streets of downtown Chicago. I needed 3 Advil as soon as I checked in.)Finally, around 3:30 another Manager and I got our bags. We decided to take a cab to the airport. I made sure there was a later flight that was open in case we didn't get there in time. As we were waiting for a cab, a limo driver approached and said he could get us to Midway in plenty of time! This dude became my hero of the day. He zigged and zagged and we made it in under 30 minutes! We beat the others that left by cab a half hour before us!! YAY!
The plane left about 40 minutes late, but still managed to arrive at LAX on time. As I got to the luggage claim, there he was - - BEN! All 5'10" of smiles from ear to ear. I couldn't get over how tall he got. He was here in April and he got a couple of inches taller since then. We finally got home about 9:30 ish and I got to see Shoosher! That is my nickname for Josh. He is 16 and a half and such a nice young man. He was doing homework so he couldn't come to the airport. He takes 3 A.P classes and he showed me his homework. OMG, I am way older then him and I couldn't do that stuff! Time for bed, it has been a long day. Oh yeah, we did have to play with the slingshot monkeys I brought the boys! And we also had to watch the dog go nutso over the said monkeys!!
FRIDAY 10/27 - Ben wanted me to go with him to be dropped off at school, so I got up at 7 to take him to school. Then Eleanor and I went out for breakfast. We went to the remodeled Topanga Plaza and rode the Carousel! We shopped and at noon we picked Ben up from school. He got to play hooky a half day in order to get ready for his big event. We hung out in the afternoon. In the evening there was a lovely dinner for family at Maggiano's. Chuck's brother, sister-in-law, nephew, niece, her fiance, Gramma Gloria, Elliot and Todd Carb were all at dinner. It goes without saying the food was superb. There was a cake for Ben. It was so fun to see Ron, Sheryl, Erika and Jeremy (Chuck's family) again. I hadn't seen them in 2.5 years since I was at their house in Sacramento for a surprise for Chuck's 50th birthday. It felt like we hadn't missed a day. His family is very warm and inviting. I always felt like part of the family, ever since Eleanor had started dating Chuck so many years ago. I also got to sit next to Todd Carb at dinner, so that was like icing on the cake. Todd is my hero in life. I will forever be grateful to Todd, as will so many people and he is so humble. We talked about that and he knows what he does, but he just does it because he does. What a mensch and all around great guy. Off to temple.
SATURDAY 10/28 - Oops, that damn breaks! We go to temple early, before everyone else. I see Ben walk up to the bimah. Boo-hoo'ing commences. I go outside for air. Eleanor asks if I want to hear her speech and like an idiot I say ok. Boo-hoo'ing continues and services are still half an hour away! I go outside for air! Finally services begin and we take our seats. I have a major wad of tissues handy, and they do not go un-used! I am teary eyed most of the time. When Ben gives his speech, I really lose it. Then I have to say an Aliyah with Todd Carb. I was really nervous. I don't speak Hebrew (even though I gave the same one 3 years ago for Josh) and I have the worst voice in the universe, but Todd was nice and loud! Guess what? I cried when I kissed Ben! I get to return to my seat, and couldn't find my wad of tissues! Eleanor was using it!!!!Then comes the major bawl-fest. Eleanor gave her speech. Oh my g-d. I was like a blubbering fool. The mentioning of the shooting just sent the whole congregation into a tearfilled stupor. She was crying and Ben was saying don't cry mom. We all made it through. Kinehora. Finally, after many more beautiful moments it was over and off to the luncheon. Then home before the party.
PARTY TIME - WOWWWWWW. What a party. The room was fabulous. Ben wanted a dog theme. He had as his mitzvah Pups for Peace (www.pupsforpeace.com) an organization that trains dogs to sniff for bombs in Israel. The centerpieces were a different dog. Each one was airbrushed and set on a pillow with bowls and bones and surrounded by wheatgrass. It was really cool. There was an hor's dourves hour with the most incredible food. Sushi, a mushroom station, brisket, potato knishes, hot dogs, fruit, stuffed cabbages, bastillas, teriyaki skewers and of course booze! I had a chance to catch up with friends I hadn't seen in years. How fun. Our friend Allan was there. He couldn't attend Josh's because he had litterally run into a tree and was hospitalized. Thank g-d he has recovered and is walking and was able to attend. The last time I saw him was in the hospital and in a wheelchair. I had emailed him a week before and told him to stay away from all tree's! I caught up with Gary and Claudia, friends from here that live there, that I haven't seen in 3 years. They brought 2 of the kids - Brandon and Gabriela. My how they have changed in 3 years. We are always in touch, but it is not the same. There was a friend Steve, that I hadn't seen in 12 years, since I left California and he hasn't changed a bit! I also got to officially meet Dr. Clarence Sutton. Ben's trauma surgeon. There began the tears for the evening! It was kind of funny, because I was with Todd at the time and both were som humble and basically giving each other the credit and denying their own part! What great men. During the cocktail hour, there was a guy that was taking pictures then morphing them like caricatures onto mousepads. I got a really cute picture of me with Josh and Ben. A great souvnier! On to dinner. Yes, there is more food! We proceeded to the main room. But we can't eat just yet. We have to cry some more first! Time for the Video Montage of Ben. There was plenty to ooh and aah over, but just as much to bawl about. We laughed at years 1 - 5 and cried at 5 and 6 then we laughed some more. Eleanor had to embarass me and put in a couple of pictures we took last April when they were here! That's ok. Time to eat. Salad, prime rib (or salmon or chicken)taters and veggies, more booze. I discovered Cosmopolitans. I also discovered I liked them! Then there was the kids scavanger hunt. I happened to be sitting at the head table, right at the dance floor, where the kids were for the hunt. So, I was chosen to be picked on by Ben's friend Dylan for items for the hunt. Took my napkin, took my driver's license (to which he was excited to see I was from Cleveland as is his dad) and then he wanted my watch. Of course we couldn't get it off my wrist so he dragged me onto the floor, onto his little 13 year old lap on top of some other little 13 year old girl!!!!!!! The next item was a business a jacket, but I wasn't wearing one, so by the time he got one, he was out. Next came a business card, but I didn't have any in my evening bag, so that kid that asked for one was out. Next came a ladies shoe. I had turned around to try and take a bite of my prime rib and the next thing I know, some kid is taking my shoe off! Then he says, ma'am, amy I help you put it back on? He put my shoe back on!!! Enough laughter, time to cry again. It is candle lighting time. I was candle #4. Ben said beautiful things and something like "even though you live in Cleveland and I live in L.A, I love you more then words can say" He read it to the music of Queen's "You're My Best Friend" I lost it. Todd was next and then the doctors (and Todd again) and so on. It was a beautiful ceremony. Time for more funand the Vienese table (major desserts) and the tears are done for tonight! Promise.
SUNDAY 10/29 - Wake up early again. Oh man am I tired. Eleanor and Chuck are hosting a brunch for family and near family. It was very lovely. Eleanor has always been like my sister. We have been best friends for 36 years. Chuck is like my brother and his family has always treated me like part of the family as my family has considered them as family. I stayed with his brother's family when I surprised Chuck a couple years ago for his 50th. It was nice just hanging with them for the morning. His nephew wants to go to med school and is applying to O.U and that would be very cool if he indeed came to Ohio for school. Poor Eleanor was exhausted and by the time everyone left, she couldn't even hold herself up. We watched the video montage again (no, I didn't cry this time) and she took a nap. Chuck and I cleaned up and I just hung out with Chuck and the boys. We went for a ride and had some dinner. I went with Ben to Best Buy. He HAD to spend some of his Bar Mitzvah money! When we got back, El was feeling better, so we sat around. We watched Josh's video montage from 3 years ago. We laughed and made stupid Star Trek jokes! We were just a bunch of overtired goofs! Time to pack and go to sleep.
MONDAY 10/30 -Got up early so I could see Ben before he left for school. I missed Shoosher, since he leaves at 6:15. It was hard saying goodbye to Ben. El and I had coffee while Chuck took Ben to school. Then it was off to the airport. Guess what? We cried at the Airport! It is always hard leaving. By the time I got home Ben had called and left a message! So did El! But, I had called them already from LAX before I even left, then from Chicago and again when I got in my car!
TUESFAY 10/31 - Back to work and reality!
There you have it. TMI? Too bad! It's my blog!
Until next time...goodnight!
Monday, October 23, 2006
READY, SET, GO
It is almost time to go. I am almost ready, and instead of finishing up, here I am blogging! Talk about priorities!
I still have the final packing to do, a pair of pants to hem and the legs to give a good shave! I also need to run the dishwasher and clean out my car. And of course Monday night is trash night. OY.
I don't know for sure if I will be able to catch the blog scene while I am gone, but I will surely try. I may stop home tomorrow before I head to the airport for one final look-see, if I leave in enough time. I have to go to work for a couple of hours in the morning, but I may just go straight to the airport from work.
I am kind of nervous about the meetings. My boss called today and said everyone in corporate wants to meet me. I need to know all my numbers inside and out, and frankly, numbers flee my head in stressful situations. I can know a entire catagory of 8 digit sku numbers by heart, but as soon as my boss would ask for one, it is like - DUH! We got a hand written note from the president of the company last week congratulating us on September results, so that was really appreciated and I know he will want to talk to me. OY! I am also tentative about the days of meetings. Being a retailer, I am not used to sitting for hours and hours on end. And my end hurts after sitting so long, since I hurt my back. Oh well, I guess after all the bitching I do about standing for 12 hours, I shouldn't complain about that!
Then comes Thursday! YAY! Off to L.A for the big event. I am so totally excited for that. I can't wait to see some friends I haven't seen in way too long. Of course it is all about Ben, but there are extra benefits as well! One big benny is going to be the weather! In case you are wondering, it is freezing here! Snowing, raining, windy and brrrrrrrrr, cold. It is actually supposed to be warmer in Chicago! And way warmer in L.A. Packed me some shorts!
Well my friends, I better get going and finish my tasks.
A couple of personal notes -
Sharon & Joanne - hope you had fun in Michigan & Canada. I will try and call you before I leave.
Yaakova - I am glad you are back and all is well. I read your blog and things sound really good.
Cher - When I get home, I NEED some coffee! Are you up for it? How about a week from Thursday?
Until next time...goodnight!
I still have the final packing to do, a pair of pants to hem and the legs to give a good shave! I also need to run the dishwasher and clean out my car. And of course Monday night is trash night. OY.
I don't know for sure if I will be able to catch the blog scene while I am gone, but I will surely try. I may stop home tomorrow before I head to the airport for one final look-see, if I leave in enough time. I have to go to work for a couple of hours in the morning, but I may just go straight to the airport from work.
I am kind of nervous about the meetings. My boss called today and said everyone in corporate wants to meet me. I need to know all my numbers inside and out, and frankly, numbers flee my head in stressful situations. I can know a entire catagory of 8 digit sku numbers by heart, but as soon as my boss would ask for one, it is like - DUH! We got a hand written note from the president of the company last week congratulating us on September results, so that was really appreciated and I know he will want to talk to me. OY! I am also tentative about the days of meetings. Being a retailer, I am not used to sitting for hours and hours on end. And my end hurts after sitting so long, since I hurt my back. Oh well, I guess after all the bitching I do about standing for 12 hours, I shouldn't complain about that!
Then comes Thursday! YAY! Off to L.A for the big event. I am so totally excited for that. I can't wait to see some friends I haven't seen in way too long. Of course it is all about Ben, but there are extra benefits as well! One big benny is going to be the weather! In case you are wondering, it is freezing here! Snowing, raining, windy and brrrrrrrrr, cold. It is actually supposed to be warmer in Chicago! And way warmer in L.A. Packed me some shorts!
Well my friends, I better get going and finish my tasks.
A couple of personal notes -
Sharon & Joanne - hope you had fun in Michigan & Canada. I will try and call you before I leave.
Yaakova - I am glad you are back and all is well. I read your blog and things sound really good.
Cher - When I get home, I NEED some coffee! Are you up for it? How about a week from Thursday?
Until next time...goodnight!
Sunday, October 22, 2006
YAAKOVA, WHERE R U?
Yaakova, I am getting worried about you. You haven't been here or Danielle's blog or even your own in a long time. Please try and leave even a short comment to let me know you are ok.
I will be checking in looking for you, so please try and comment.
Your blog friend has a wild imagination, so put my imagination to rest!
Did you run off with the gardener?
Until next time...goodnight!
I will be checking in looking for you, so please try and comment.
Your blog friend has a wild imagination, so put my imagination to rest!
Did you run off with the gardener?
Until next time...goodnight!
Thursday, October 19, 2006
ONE WEEK AND COUNTING!
It is now Thursday, at about 11:10 pm and one week from now I will be getting my luggage from the carousel at LAX! After all the anticipation and planning (13 years worth!!!!) Ben's Bar Mitzvah is right around the corner (even though that corner is about 3000 miles away!) I am so excited. I know it is going to be an emotional weekend, and tiring, but all in a good way. I better be sure to pack lots of tissues.
Speaking of packing, we got an email at work today with some reminders for our meeting next week. Some things not to forget to pack. ( We have our fall kick off meeting in Chicago Tues - Thurs and I fly to L.A from Chicago) When I read the list, I didn't know if it was a joke or what.
We were reminded to bring ID, for the airport, heavy coat and gloves (it is pretty cold in Chi-town and some managers are coming from warm climates - I not being one of them!), spending money and some other items. The kicker was they listed clothes and shoes!!!!! Like we would forget to pack clothes and shoes!! How stupid do they think we are. They trust us to run their stores, trust us with hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of jewelry, yet they don't trust us to pack clothes! Ya, like I contemplated wearing the same clothes for the entire trip or better yet just going naked to the meetings! I'm sure!
It is late and I better think about hitting the hay for tonight. I have a 12 hour day tomorrow.
Until next time...goodnight!
Speaking of packing, we got an email at work today with some reminders for our meeting next week. Some things not to forget to pack. ( We have our fall kick off meeting in Chicago Tues - Thurs and I fly to L.A from Chicago) When I read the list, I didn't know if it was a joke or what.
We were reminded to bring ID, for the airport, heavy coat and gloves (it is pretty cold in Chi-town and some managers are coming from warm climates - I not being one of them!), spending money and some other items. The kicker was they listed clothes and shoes!!!!! Like we would forget to pack clothes and shoes!! How stupid do they think we are. They trust us to run their stores, trust us with hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of jewelry, yet they don't trust us to pack clothes! Ya, like I contemplated wearing the same clothes for the entire trip or better yet just going naked to the meetings! I'm sure!
It is late and I better think about hitting the hay for tonight. I have a 12 hour day tomorrow.
Until next time...goodnight!
Monday, October 16, 2006
OCTOBER 16,19??
Today is my ?th or ?nd birthday! I pretty much did nothing so far. I think I got sick from freezing my tush off at the clam bake on Saturday, so I tried to nap a bit. I did manage to have a veggie burger and some of the Birthday cake they had for me at the clam bake. I am going to head over to the laundry mat and then meet some friends for dinner. At least part of the day will be fun.
Thanks to all of you that called and emailed and wrote on Fran's blog! I enjoyed that.
Until next time...goodnight!
Thanks to all of you that called and emailed and wrote on Fran's blog! I enjoyed that.
Until next time...goodnight!
Friday, October 13, 2006
FRIDAY THE 13TH!
Today is Friday the 13th, and it wasn't a scary day at all.
I had a fun lunch with my cousins. I didn't have the Lobster Ravioli, but I had the Farfale w/ Chicken, Asparagus and Sundried Tomatoes in a Parmesan Broth. It was yummo and the left overs were just as good for dinner! We always have fun together when we are out and today was no exception. As I have said before, my cousins are more like sisters and friends then cousins. Many times, another cousin Sandy joins us, but she is in Milwaukee visiting her son, daughter-in-law and grandson (and dogs!!), so we will be forced to schedule another "girls luncheon" again!
I also decided that the dress I previously purchased for the Bar Mitzvah isn't going to cut it, so I went on a power shopping trip and found a really pretty dress. It is not a long dress, but it is fancy enough. With the right jewels, it will be great! I know where to find those! Elaine is altering it for me P.D.Q! I can wear the shoes I already had, so that is a plus.
I found out that our great day yesterday was indeed a GREAT day. We placed 4th in the entire company! WOO HOO YIPPEE! We were number 1 in the region and Anrea was the number 4 highest seller in the company! We were also #1 in pct. to goal for the region for the month as of yesterday. It may have changed by today, but it is still damn good.
BTW, to those of you in sunshine states, we had our first snow yesterday! BAH HUMBUG. It is frickin-frackin cold now. I am going to a clam bake (I HATE clams!!) tomorrow night and I am going to freeze my tushie off. At least it is padded well! I plan to wear many layers. So many I may end up like the little brother in the Christmas Story that was so bundled he couldn't get up when he fell!
Well, I am going to get my loads of clothes together for tomorrow.
Until next time...goodnight!
I had a fun lunch with my cousins. I didn't have the Lobster Ravioli, but I had the Farfale w/ Chicken, Asparagus and Sundried Tomatoes in a Parmesan Broth. It was yummo and the left overs were just as good for dinner! We always have fun together when we are out and today was no exception. As I have said before, my cousins are more like sisters and friends then cousins. Many times, another cousin Sandy joins us, but she is in Milwaukee visiting her son, daughter-in-law and grandson (and dogs!!), so we will be forced to schedule another "girls luncheon" again!
I also decided that the dress I previously purchased for the Bar Mitzvah isn't going to cut it, so I went on a power shopping trip and found a really pretty dress. It is not a long dress, but it is fancy enough. With the right jewels, it will be great! I know where to find those! Elaine is altering it for me P.D.Q! I can wear the shoes I already had, so that is a plus.
I found out that our great day yesterday was indeed a GREAT day. We placed 4th in the entire company! WOO HOO YIPPEE! We were number 1 in the region and Anrea was the number 4 highest seller in the company! We were also #1 in pct. to goal for the region for the month as of yesterday. It may have changed by today, but it is still damn good.
BTW, to those of you in sunshine states, we had our first snow yesterday! BAH HUMBUG. It is frickin-frackin cold now. I am going to a clam bake (I HATE clams!!) tomorrow night and I am going to freeze my tushie off. At least it is padded well! I plan to wear many layers. So many I may end up like the little brother in the Christmas Story that was so bundled he couldn't get up when he fell!
Well, I am going to get my loads of clothes together for tomorrow.
Until next time...goodnight!
Thursday, October 12, 2006
WHAT A DAY!
Today was an interesting day. I worked a 12 hour shift, and it really wasn't too bad. I had a lot to keep me busy. I did some reading for my Diamontology certification, so I had a chance to sit a spell. Sara and I read to each other!! We also had a record setting day. YAY! To put the icing on the cake, my boss came in and got to celebrate the great day with us. DOUBLE YAY!
So, I had been on the phone talking to a co-hort from another store. I got off the phone and was leaning on the counter (quite professional!!!!!!!!) when all of a sudden the overhead light fixture fell apart and came crashing down at me. It missed my head my inches! I freaked out. At first I thought my co-worker was throwing stuff at me, silly girl she is. After I got over the shock of it, I looked down at the counter and GROSS ME OUT, a gaggle of dead flies had been calling the light fixture their final resting place and now they were laying all over the counter. GROSS. I am going to wear a helmet to work soon! I swear there are some disgusting creatures lurking in that building. If only they would buy jewelry, it wouldn't be so bad!
I am off tomorrow (Friday) and that is a TRIPLE YAY! I am going to lunch with my cousins Elaine, Sharon and Joanne. We are going to Maggiano's Italian. I am hoping to try the Lobster Ravioli. Sounds yummo.
Until next time...goodnight!
So, I had been on the phone talking to a co-hort from another store. I got off the phone and was leaning on the counter (quite professional!!!!!!!!) when all of a sudden the overhead light fixture fell apart and came crashing down at me. It missed my head my inches! I freaked out. At first I thought my co-worker was throwing stuff at me, silly girl she is. After I got over the shock of it, I looked down at the counter and GROSS ME OUT, a gaggle of dead flies had been calling the light fixture their final resting place and now they were laying all over the counter. GROSS. I am going to wear a helmet to work soon! I swear there are some disgusting creatures lurking in that building. If only they would buy jewelry, it wouldn't be so bad!
I am off tomorrow (Friday) and that is a TRIPLE YAY! I am going to lunch with my cousins Elaine, Sharon and Joanne. We are going to Maggiano's Italian. I am hoping to try the Lobster Ravioli. Sounds yummo.
Until next time...goodnight!
Wednesday, October 11, 2006
STAY STRONG NYC
What sad day for the city of New York. I watched the TV with a sick lump in my throat as the images of another high-rise engulfed with flames aired this afternoon, the result of a plane crashing into it. I worried, as I am sure the rest of the world did, that this was yet another act of terrorism. For a moment I was relieved that it was not. Then back to the pain I felt for the victims of this horrible accident. Cory Lidel (sp?), a New York Yankee pitcher died a tragic death by plane crash, like another famed Yankee, Thurman Munson. My sympathy goes out to his family and also to the family of his co-pilot, also reportedly killed in the crash. By the last account I heard, there were no victims in the building or on the street. What a miracle that is. Such a gargantuan accident, in such a highly populated area, and no other fatalities is truely a miracle. I hope the injuries incurred by the firefighters and others are not life-threatening and they have a full and speedy recovery.
I can not imagine the emotional injuries incurred by the residents of NYC over this event. I for one, have no intention of ever living in a high-rise, nor do I ever intend to work in one. I wasn't thrilled with that idea prior to 9/11 and certainly not since then, Milan in 2002 or today.
I heart NY and I will be back to assist your economy! Stay strong and the fighter you are.
I will keep you NYC, and your amazingly resilient populace, in my thoughts and prayers.
Until next time...goodnight.
I can not imagine the emotional injuries incurred by the residents of NYC over this event. I for one, have no intention of ever living in a high-rise, nor do I ever intend to work in one. I wasn't thrilled with that idea prior to 9/11 and certainly not since then, Milan in 2002 or today.
I heart NY and I will be back to assist your economy! Stay strong and the fighter you are.
I will keep you NYC, and your amazingly resilient populace, in my thoughts and prayers.
Until next time...goodnight.
THIS IS A TEST!
This is a test! I tried to check the old blog this morning and it was blank! Arrrgh!
Tuesday, October 10, 2006
WED. OCT. 11, 2006
Eleanor, in the whole wide world you're my bestest friend.
On our friendship and sisterhood, we can always depend.
Since you live so very, very far away,
I am sending you BIRTHDAY greetings on my blog today.
We have known each other since junior high school,
and in front of each other we don't have to be afraid to act the fool!
We sang the songs of Journey and Barry White,
and we are even close enough to get into, then out of, a fight.
Together we have laughed and cried and laughed some more,
our friendship is the greatest of treasures, one that I adore.
I hope your BIRTHDAY is a cut above,
filled with joy and laughter and TONS OF LOVE!
Happy Birthday Smell - A - Nor!!
LOVE YA, GURL-FREYND!
See you in 2 weeks!
On our friendship and sisterhood, we can always depend.
Since you live so very, very far away,
I am sending you BIRTHDAY greetings on my blog today.
We have known each other since junior high school,
and in front of each other we don't have to be afraid to act the fool!
We sang the songs of Journey and Barry White,
and we are even close enough to get into, then out of, a fight.
Together we have laughed and cried and laughed some more,
our friendship is the greatest of treasures, one that I adore.
I hope your BIRTHDAY is a cut above,
filled with joy and laughter and TONS OF LOVE!
Happy Birthday Smell - A - Nor!!
LOVE YA, GURL-FREYND!
See you in 2 weeks!
Monday, October 09, 2006
APOLOGIES
Hi all. Sorry I was such a bummer. This too shall pass.
Thanks for all of your well wishes and supportive comments.
Until next time...goodnight.
Thanks for all of your well wishes and supportive comments.
Until next time...goodnight.
Sunday, October 08, 2006
B^*#@ and MOAN
I am having a hard night tonight. I am again having second thoughts about this job. Things are going good at the store. Sales are doing well and I like my staff, but I do not have enough of a staff. I am working 6 days a week and I am having a hard time keeping up this pace. I am scheduled something like 54 hours next week, 7 straight days, and I am ready to cry thinking about it. This afternoon I started to get the pain back in my leg (one of the herniated discs in my back is sitting on a nerve that runs down my leg, the sciatic, and the pain is concentrated in my lower leg) and I am getting scared that the pain epidurals may be wearing off. I am hoping it is just an errant pain and I took Advils, but the standing for as long as 12 hours a day doesn't help. If I need another round I am screwed, since my insurance doesn't kick in until Jan. 1st and they cost $1,600 each. My nightly pain medication costs $177 a month without insurance. Luckily the pharmacy matches Costco prices at $134.50. No more diamonds for me for a long while!
I am also getting nervous about the plane rides I have coming up. I have not been on a plane since I had the epidurals or the since my discs herniated, so I am fearful of the pressure changes on the plane.
I really thought that my year was turning around, but it seems not to be. Maybe I am just PMS'ing or just overly tired. Sleep seems to be evading me and I wish I had my mommy!
I think I need a good cry, so I shall have a go at that now.
Until next time...goodnight.
I am also getting nervous about the plane rides I have coming up. I have not been on a plane since I had the epidurals or the since my discs herniated, so I am fearful of the pressure changes on the plane.
I really thought that my year was turning around, but it seems not to be. Maybe I am just PMS'ing or just overly tired. Sleep seems to be evading me and I wish I had my mommy!
I think I need a good cry, so I shall have a go at that now.
Until next time...goodnight.
Thursday, October 05, 2006
Happy 13th!
By my watch, it is midnight (at least in my time zone!) and officially the 6th of October. HAPPY BIRTHDAY Benjamin!!!!! I can't get over the fact you are a teenager now! I love you tons and tons and tons! I hope your birthday is AWESOME and FUN. Since I can't be there, have a 2nd slice of cake for Auntie Womie! I will see you on the 26th!
Hugs and kisses. ;) I love you Boo Boo.
Hugs and kisses. ;) I love you Boo Boo.
Wednesday, October 04, 2006
RANDOM THOUGHTS
I have tomorrow (actually today already) off. I am going to sleep until I get up. No alarm clocks and hopefully, no phone calls either! I have some errands to run, but mostly the day is mine.
I have to make the much dreaded trip to the DMV, time to renew my registration. It really isn't too bad, since the one by me is usually pretty quick and the people are always pleasant and move quickly. At least I don't have to renew my license so I don't have to fret over getting photographed!
I am thinking of looking for another dress for the Bar Mitzvah. I bought one and I had big dreams of losing a few pounds. Yeah right. It is so tight that it is not very comfy. It is also rather short for the shoes I have, so that is another issue by itself.
I want to go to my paper store. I need just the right card stock to make the card I have in my brain for Ben's Bar Mitzvah. I seem to talk about that a lot. It is a very special and momentous occassion. Those of you who know me, know why. Those of you who don't, well, for now I will suffice it to say that Ben is a miracle. He, and his family, have overcome the most unbelievable event in a childs life. In anyones life. It is rather ironic that this birthday celebration holds such roots in Judiasm, and it was the fact that Ben is Jewish that the horrible day and succession of events took place.
Three weeks from this past Tuesday, I have to go to Chicago for our Manager's Fall kick-off meeting. I am excited to meet my co-horts from across the nation. I am also a bit nervous. I will also meet all of the "suits" in the company! In the past, I have been the seasoned and "go to" manager, now I am the new kid on the block. It is kind of hard to get accustomed to. I leave from the meetings and fly right out to L.A for the big event!
I need a haircut and a dye job! My hairdresser left and I am such a baby about trying new ones. I have been trimming it myself, and doing a pretty good job, if I must say so myself! But I really need a professional to do me up. I have quite a collection of colors at this moment and grey is not one I am all that fond of. I need help here!
I am toying with the idea of getting acrylics again. I hate what they end up doing to my nails, but I am having an awful time with them lately. Chipping and splitting. Such monumental decisions I have to make!
I am shocked that Jerry Springer is still on Dancing With the Stars! I don't usually get a chance to watch, but, I can only imagine he couldn't be that great a dancer. However, he does seem to dance around the misfits on his show!
The leaves are changing colors. Fall is actually here on the North Coast. That can only mean winter is just around the bend. Bah - humbug.
What is wrong with this world? Congressmen sending such disgusting emails to young boys, then claiming addiction to try and get out of it. Sounds like a Mel Gibson move to me, but even worse because he is an elected official. One that the people chose to represent them. Some representation.
My heart aches for the Amish families in PA. What a heinous act of violence and cowardice that shmuck pulled on hapless, defenseless little girls. How sick is this world getting?
Where has Eugene been for so long? He hasn't been on his blog since 9-9.
I miss B.B's updates. I hope her trip to Sidney is going well. Stay strong and brave, Amber.
Cher, you are due to update your blog, too! Abby came by on Tuesday. We need a coffee klutch together! Patty Potato-Cake stopped in today, but I was on a conference call and couldn't talk to her. Miss you!
I am done!
Until next time...goodnight!
I have to make the much dreaded trip to the DMV, time to renew my registration. It really isn't too bad, since the one by me is usually pretty quick and the people are always pleasant and move quickly. At least I don't have to renew my license so I don't have to fret over getting photographed!
I am thinking of looking for another dress for the Bar Mitzvah. I bought one and I had big dreams of losing a few pounds. Yeah right. It is so tight that it is not very comfy. It is also rather short for the shoes I have, so that is another issue by itself.
I want to go to my paper store. I need just the right card stock to make the card I have in my brain for Ben's Bar Mitzvah. I seem to talk about that a lot. It is a very special and momentous occassion. Those of you who know me, know why. Those of you who don't, well, for now I will suffice it to say that Ben is a miracle. He, and his family, have overcome the most unbelievable event in a childs life. In anyones life. It is rather ironic that this birthday celebration holds such roots in Judiasm, and it was the fact that Ben is Jewish that the horrible day and succession of events took place.
Three weeks from this past Tuesday, I have to go to Chicago for our Manager's Fall kick-off meeting. I am excited to meet my co-horts from across the nation. I am also a bit nervous. I will also meet all of the "suits" in the company! In the past, I have been the seasoned and "go to" manager, now I am the new kid on the block. It is kind of hard to get accustomed to. I leave from the meetings and fly right out to L.A for the big event!
I need a haircut and a dye job! My hairdresser left and I am such a baby about trying new ones. I have been trimming it myself, and doing a pretty good job, if I must say so myself! But I really need a professional to do me up. I have quite a collection of colors at this moment and grey is not one I am all that fond of. I need help here!
I am toying with the idea of getting acrylics again. I hate what they end up doing to my nails, but I am having an awful time with them lately. Chipping and splitting. Such monumental decisions I have to make!
I am shocked that Jerry Springer is still on Dancing With the Stars! I don't usually get a chance to watch, but, I can only imagine he couldn't be that great a dancer. However, he does seem to dance around the misfits on his show!
The leaves are changing colors. Fall is actually here on the North Coast. That can only mean winter is just around the bend. Bah - humbug.
What is wrong with this world? Congressmen sending such disgusting emails to young boys, then claiming addiction to try and get out of it. Sounds like a Mel Gibson move to me, but even worse because he is an elected official. One that the people chose to represent them. Some representation.
My heart aches for the Amish families in PA. What a heinous act of violence and cowardice that shmuck pulled on hapless, defenseless little girls. How sick is this world getting?
Where has Eugene been for so long? He hasn't been on his blog since 9-9.
I miss B.B's updates. I hope her trip to Sidney is going well. Stay strong and brave, Amber.
Cher, you are due to update your blog, too! Abby came by on Tuesday. We need a coffee klutch together! Patty Potato-Cake stopped in today, but I was on a conference call and couldn't talk to her. Miss you!
I am done!
Until next time...goodnight!
Tuesday, October 03, 2006
GROSS-OCITY!
Houston, we have a problem. There is a problem in the store with creepy crawlies. I am not a fan of bugs and there are some disgusting creatures in the shopping center where we are. We have to leave our doors open, so that doesn't help. We get spiders the size of bison and tonight we had 2 of the most ginormous mosquitos I have ever seen. Of course we have no bug spray, so I drown anything I see with Glade! Every morning we go on a safari to get the dead mosquitos and flies out of the showcases. Yellow jackets buzz around our heads and in the showcases. I imagine after we have a frost, the problem will subside until next year, but until then it is gross. I want to run out screaming when I see the spiders, but I have to be the leader and I have to be the brave soul that hunts them down. ICK.
When I managed the Pfaltzgraff store, we had an even worse problem, since we were closer to some woods. We had snakes in the store twice, frogs, spiders the size of Montana, geese flew in and left calling cards (poop!!) and a bird that landed in a pot! And the day I saw a mouse in the backroom, I called in back-up since I refused to enter the backroom after that!
Maybe tomorrow I will wear a pith helmet to work! Oh yeah, another thing I have to buy!!!!
Until next time...goodnight!
When I managed the Pfaltzgraff store, we had an even worse problem, since we were closer to some woods. We had snakes in the store twice, frogs, spiders the size of Montana, geese flew in and left calling cards (poop!!) and a bird that landed in a pot! And the day I saw a mouse in the backroom, I called in back-up since I refused to enter the backroom after that!
Maybe tomorrow I will wear a pith helmet to work! Oh yeah, another thing I have to buy!!!!
Until next time...goodnight!
Sunday, October 01, 2006
PHEW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Phew, it's over. Man that was exhausting. So I guess you are waiting for the results, huh? I had to wait until the last second, so you will have to as well! Tee Hee Hee.
In case you were also wondering, my brother didn't actually make it into town this weekend. I am hoping to get out there in January. I am supposed to get some comp time then, so I can escape for a few days and hang out with him. It would have been a very short visit if he had actually come in, basically for a few hours.
So, did we make our goal? Good question. I did buy a lovely white gold and diamond necklace from the clearance counter and a really pretty white gold and diamond XOX tennis bracelet, also on sale. I needed them to complete my white gold and diamond collection. I LOVE diamonds. Have I ever mentioned that before?
This morning when I got into work and pulled up figures, two stores came up from behind and were neck and neck with us. The dreaded Michigan store and an Indiana store. Indiana had actually pulled 1 point ahead of us, leaving me and Michigan tied in second. BOO HOO.
The weather was gorgeous today. Sunny and realtively warm. I dressed to warm for work, but usually it is frezzing in the store.
OK, I will end the suspense. We made it! We made it with $10 to spare!!!! YAHOO! YIPEE! WOO HOO! It is such a great way to close out the first month we had together in the store. The staff is pumped and I am so happy for them. They deserved to see this happen for them. They had a hard summer and I am happy to support them and guide them and mentor them in any way I can.
On to next month! OY
Until next time...goodnight!
In case you were also wondering, my brother didn't actually make it into town this weekend. I am hoping to get out there in January. I am supposed to get some comp time then, so I can escape for a few days and hang out with him. It would have been a very short visit if he had actually come in, basically for a few hours.
So, did we make our goal? Good question. I did buy a lovely white gold and diamond necklace from the clearance counter and a really pretty white gold and diamond XOX tennis bracelet, also on sale. I needed them to complete my white gold and diamond collection. I LOVE diamonds. Have I ever mentioned that before?
This morning when I got into work and pulled up figures, two stores came up from behind and were neck and neck with us. The dreaded Michigan store and an Indiana store. Indiana had actually pulled 1 point ahead of us, leaving me and Michigan tied in second. BOO HOO.
The weather was gorgeous today. Sunny and realtively warm. I dressed to warm for work, but usually it is frezzing in the store.
OK, I will end the suspense. We made it! We made it with $10 to spare!!!! YAHOO! YIPEE! WOO HOO! It is such a great way to close out the first month we had together in the store. The staff is pumped and I am so happy for them. They deserved to see this happen for them. They had a hard summer and I am happy to support them and guide them and mentor them in any way I can.
On to next month! OY
Until next time...goodnight!
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