Hello dudes and dudettes.
It is a beautiful day in the neighborhood! I am sitting at a patio table at my favorite hangout, Arabica. There is even an outlet, so I am plugged in! I have a ginormous java juice. I broke out the capris and I am pretending that I am having a great day!!
Actually, I am - - so far.
Went to Weight Watcher's - lost 2.4#. Down 19.6# YIPEE SKIPPEE !!
Sent out 2 resumes. WOO HOO !!
Opened all my emails with attachments and downloads. QUICK CLICK !!
Happy Birthday Fran! You rock Cousin. It is your fault I have a blog!!!!
Now, to some not so happy tunes...
Found out yesterday, by accident, thru an electrician, that the store is closing in June, not July. I will be unemployed and uninsured sooner then later. It is sooo nice of the company I work for, and have slaved for, to be so dishonest and so un-forthcoming (is that a word???).
Friday is the pre-trial of robber #2. Let's all hold hands via cyberspace and pray he pleads guilty, and like robber #1 there is no trial. Don't wanna face him ever again. Ready to hold hands...
Danielle is taking a blog break ;(. I understand, BB, but I will miss your updates (if you are lurking here) and look forward to your return.
Yaakova is not blogging either these days, but, I too understand, so here is a shout out to ya, just in case you check in here.
Cheryl Ann - When in the H.E.L.L. are we ever going to have java together again??? I miss you.
Hi Sara, I see you looking!
Hi Sharon / Joanne!! Can't wait for the art opening / food outing Friday.
Until next time...
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
Saturday, May 19, 2007
A NEW POST!
I have been told to finally update the old blog, so here goes. (just for you, Cher!!)
Still working.
Still looking for a new job.
Still trying to be a Weight Watcher. (TRYING is the operative word there!!)
Got a haircut.
At Arabica - again!!
Robber #1 took a plea bargain and is up the river for a whopping 8 months. At least there is no trial there and I didn't have to testify and see his mug again. Hopefully, the same will happen with Robber #2.
Can't decide who should win American Idol - Blake or Jordin. Love 'em both.
Whose gonna win Dancing With the Stars? Can you say APOLO!!!
What did y'all think of the Grey's finale? Will anyone be back next season???
Do you watch ER? I missed the first 15 minutes and missed what happened to the one doctors legs. Anyone know? Please tell me? I really kind of missed the whole thing, so a synopsis would be lovely.
Found a very VERY cool website (thanks Joni) WWW.Wavelit.com. go to Africam and selecet live stream. It is a watering hole in Africa. Watch indiginous wildlife. It is like being on a safari without having to pay for airfare or getting your passport stamped. I may need a 12 step program for it. I am becoming addicted to it!
I think that is it for now. Gotta go and take one more look at my safari before it gets dark in Africa!!!
Until next time...
Still working.
Still looking for a new job.
Still trying to be a Weight Watcher. (TRYING is the operative word there!!)
Got a haircut.
At Arabica - again!!
Robber #1 took a plea bargain and is up the river for a whopping 8 months. At least there is no trial there and I didn't have to testify and see his mug again. Hopefully, the same will happen with Robber #2.
Can't decide who should win American Idol - Blake or Jordin. Love 'em both.
Whose gonna win Dancing With the Stars? Can you say APOLO!!!
What did y'all think of the Grey's finale? Will anyone be back next season???
Do you watch ER? I missed the first 15 minutes and missed what happened to the one doctors legs. Anyone know? Please tell me? I really kind of missed the whole thing, so a synopsis would be lovely.
Found a very VERY cool website (thanks Joni) WWW.Wavelit.com. go to Africam and selecet live stream. It is a watering hole in Africa. Watch indiginous wildlife. It is like being on a safari without having to pay for airfare or getting your passport stamped. I may need a 12 step program for it. I am becoming addicted to it!
I think that is it for now. Gotta go and take one more look at my safari before it gets dark in Africa!!!
Until next time...
Sunday, April 29, 2007
IN MEMORY...
Leah Marie
20 years young, a whole life ahead
a drunk driver took her away
and on a new path she is being led.
A beautiful child, a lovely young girl
a gorgeous heart - one who would give you the world.
What is the reason, what was the plan
if anyone knows the answer, please share if you can.
Two sorrow filled parents and grief stricken brothers
pain ridden aunts, uncles, cousins, friends and others.
It's only been a day, my dear little Leah
and I miss you so much
You always brought joy, laughter and smiles to my heart
I thank you, for all of the lives you have touched.
Rest in Peace, Leah.
I loved you
and always will.
20 years young, a whole life ahead
a drunk driver took her away
and on a new path she is being led.
A beautiful child, a lovely young girl
a gorgeous heart - one who would give you the world.
What is the reason, what was the plan
if anyone knows the answer, please share if you can.
Two sorrow filled parents and grief stricken brothers
pain ridden aunts, uncles, cousins, friends and others.
It's only been a day, my dear little Leah
and I miss you so much
You always brought joy, laughter and smiles to my heart
I thank you, for all of the lives you have touched.
Rest in Peace, Leah.
I loved you
and always will.
Thursday, April 19, 2007
A NEW DAY??
A new day? Maybe. I just came back from the Psychologist and I am tired. I am tired physically and emotionally. I am tired of living in the shell that passes as Maureen. I want Maureen back, and starting now, I am going to get her back.
I used to laugh all the time, I found the humor in things, I looked forward to the sunshine and the future. The last two - three weeks were 180 degrees opposite of that. I am going to fight my way back.
I am going to stop being angry at the inhumanity and lack of compassion that surrounds us. I am going to say to myself - screw it. I am going to think that I have to heal myself, because I obviously can’t heal anyone else. I don’t have to be pained by it, so I won’t.
Today is the 1st. day of my new self. I am going to take it one step at a time. I may not make great leaps and bounds, but I am going to give it my best efforts - for me.
Thanks for bearing with me thru this very, very...difficult time for me. I do appreciate all the well wishes that some of you have sent. It meant and means a lot.
Until next time...
I used to laugh all the time, I found the humor in things, I looked forward to the sunshine and the future. The last two - three weeks were 180 degrees opposite of that. I am going to fight my way back.
I am going to stop being angry at the inhumanity and lack of compassion that surrounds us. I am going to say to myself - screw it. I am going to think that I have to heal myself, because I obviously can’t heal anyone else. I don’t have to be pained by it, so I won’t.
Today is the 1st. day of my new self. I am going to take it one step at a time. I may not make great leaps and bounds, but I am going to give it my best efforts - for me.
Thanks for bearing with me thru this very, very...difficult time for me. I do appreciate all the well wishes that some of you have sent. It meant and means a lot.
Until next time...
Friday, March 30, 2007
2 DAYS LATER
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
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
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!
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