- Eleanor Farjeon
...and an AGOL no empty cup.
Friday, August 31, 2007
Love, No Limits
Love has no uttermost, as the stars have no number and the sea no rest.
- Eleanor Farjeon
...and an AGOL no empty cup.
- Eleanor Farjeon
...and an AGOL no empty cup.
Absent Crickets
The sounds of crickets were absent at work today. One would expect the Friday before a three-day holiday weekend would be quiet enough to make us restless. Today was just not that day.
Morning was a series of e-mails and phone calls among vendors and internal personnel. Gladly welcomed Lisa picking me up for lunch out; unfortunately, we had to go back to work. The afternoon proved more difficult with one vendor's lack of communication. Gosh, I can't even write about it, I was so livid.
Left around 5pm, one hour earlier than my usual. Had an early dinner with Myrna since her husband was working tonight. She also helped me shop for my stepmother's birthday gift. I bought her two stylish and comfortable shirts that she could easily wear with denim or khaki pants. One was in her favorite purple color. I'll give them the AGOL gift wrap treatment and send them out in one parcel tomorrow. It needs to arrive in Chicago no later than Wednesday so I may bite the bullet and send it Express Mail with the holiday weekend. It's called living on the edge - ha!
Hoping to do The Saturday Four tomorrow barring any rain. I believe I am going to walk it by myself; my girlies have out of town plans. Better search for my earphones so I can listen to some music tomorrow. Funnily enough, my absent crickets are outside at the moment and have been at it after the rain tonight. How do I tell them to pipe down so I can sleep later? Anyone speak Cricket?
Morning was a series of e-mails and phone calls among vendors and internal personnel. Gladly welcomed Lisa picking me up for lunch out; unfortunately, we had to go back to work. The afternoon proved more difficult with one vendor's lack of communication. Gosh, I can't even write about it, I was so livid.
Left around 5pm, one hour earlier than my usual. Had an early dinner with Myrna since her husband was working tonight. She also helped me shop for my stepmother's birthday gift. I bought her two stylish and comfortable shirts that she could easily wear with denim or khaki pants. One was in her favorite purple color. I'll give them the AGOL gift wrap treatment and send them out in one parcel tomorrow. It needs to arrive in Chicago no later than Wednesday so I may bite the bullet and send it Express Mail with the holiday weekend. It's called living on the edge - ha!
Hoping to do The Saturday Four tomorrow barring any rain. I believe I am going to walk it by myself; my girlies have out of town plans. Better search for my earphones so I can listen to some music tomorrow. Funnily enough, my absent crickets are outside at the moment and have been at it after the rain tonight. How do I tell them to pipe down so I can sleep later? Anyone speak Cricket?
Thursday, August 30, 2007
Happy Martinis
Traffic was brutal and I couldn't wait to get to work. Bought a bagel with peanut butter at the cafe before going upstairs. Only ate a third of it thanks to busy work.
Bridget and I made a trip to our other building after lunch so we could compare apples to apples with the Accounts Payable department. We left their building more ticked off and called our interim boss when we got back. Received a directive to take care of it at our level and leave management out. So now I have a request to a not-so-favorite man for a web conference. Just bloody lovely.
Felt woozy in the late afternoon since I didn't manage my energy well with my sugar intake. Should have eaten breakfast at 5am and snacked at 9:30am instead of eating a portion of a bagel at 9:30a and then a light lunch.
Seven of us planned to meet for happy hour at the Blue Martini. Most of our group were running late. I couldn't wait to go so I called DJ to see if he was still in the building and it turned out he had been there already for half an hour. Be right there to join you! Arrived around 5:30pm.
I drank Sour Apple Martinis this time around while we unloaded about our day. Soon the rest joined us. It was Jeff, Tawny, Kathy, Jamie and Ant. By 6:30, I was bombed thanks to a light lunch earlier. Tawny had to escort me to the Ladies Room just in case. We ordered some food to counteract the drinks. I had delicious flatbread pizza. Also had a bite of DJ's steak tenderloin that had a nice citrus taste and tried out the spinach dip on the other side of the table. This place had fab drinks and food!
After another two hours of demented teasing and watching an extra happy Kathy do a lap around the bar area missing the bathroom entrance and eventually rescued by Tawny, we prudently made our way to Starbucks across the way for some damn fine coffee. I said as much after the first sip of my Caramel Macchiato. Was careful driving home, but was clearly on the edge of not being safe. Yikes! Will manage my energy better next time.
The orchids were a fancy garnish on our plates. Martini glasses were cleared. This was my empty cola glass in a desperate attempt at instant sobriety.
Waited a long while to update my blog thus avoiding drunk blogging. That is the last thing I need to experience. The martini effects felt great while they lasted though. I'd better take my Pretty Boy Dog out now before heading for the haven of 400-thread count sheets. Mmm...Bedtime.
Bridget and I made a trip to our other building after lunch so we could compare apples to apples with the Accounts Payable department. We left their building more ticked off and called our interim boss when we got back. Received a directive to take care of it at our level and leave management out. So now I have a request to a not-so-favorite man for a web conference. Just bloody lovely.
Felt woozy in the late afternoon since I didn't manage my energy well with my sugar intake. Should have eaten breakfast at 5am and snacked at 9:30am instead of eating a portion of a bagel at 9:30a and then a light lunch.
Seven of us planned to meet for happy hour at the Blue Martini. Most of our group were running late. I couldn't wait to go so I called DJ to see if he was still in the building and it turned out he had been there already for half an hour. Be right there to join you! Arrived around 5:30pm.
I drank Sour Apple Martinis this time around while we unloaded about our day. Soon the rest joined us. It was Jeff, Tawny, Kathy, Jamie and Ant. By 6:30, I was bombed thanks to a light lunch earlier. Tawny had to escort me to the Ladies Room just in case. We ordered some food to counteract the drinks. I had delicious flatbread pizza. Also had a bite of DJ's steak tenderloin that had a nice citrus taste and tried out the spinach dip on the other side of the table. This place had fab drinks and food!
After another two hours of demented teasing and watching an extra happy Kathy do a lap around the bar area missing the bathroom entrance and eventually rescued by Tawny, we prudently made our way to Starbucks across the way for some damn fine coffee. I said as much after the first sip of my Caramel Macchiato. Was careful driving home, but was clearly on the edge of not being safe. Yikes! Will manage my energy better next time.
The orchids were a fancy garnish on our plates. Martini glasses were cleared. This was my empty cola glass in a desperate attempt at instant sobriety.
Waited a long while to update my blog thus avoiding drunk blogging. That is the last thing I need to experience. The martini effects felt great while they lasted though. I'd better take my Pretty Boy Dog out now before heading for the haven of 400-thread count sheets. Mmm...Bedtime.
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
SUPERFINE Brow Liner
It's a little bit of midweek madness in AGOL-land. Accounts Payable is driving Bridget and me to the last edges of our nerves, but we push through it by calling our interim boss and express our concerns. Okay, who am I kidding? We were having a bitch session.
Decided that I needed to visit a Happy Place after a rough morning so I literally dragged a surprisingly upset Tawny out of her office. Her husband was having one of his moments and decided to spread his dark joy. Grrr.
We ran into Sara (the Greek girl) at the elevator. Now Sara and I have a one-upsmanship going and we thrive on the verbal barbs. She's a member of my unofficial club Wild Women Do and They Don't Regret It. As we were all about to get in the elevator, I held the door for her as she got in, blocked the way and announced, I don't think there is enough room in here for all this ego. She was stunned and we all died laughing on the way down.
I was telling Tawny that if Bridget had been there, it would have been too much for the elevator to handle all the egos and God forbid the man who was brave enough to ride the elevator with us. She replied that he would've turned instantly gay from all that fierce estrogen. Some guys come out of the closet; he would have come out of the elevator. Ha!
My chosen Happy Place before having lunch was Sephora where an AGOL can be herself surrounded by cosmetics, perfumery and bath goodies. Needed to buy more moisturizer and a new eyebrow liner. My old one was discontinued so I bought Clinique's Superfine Brow Liner. For some reason, I emphasize the word superfine whenever I think about it.
On the drive home, I turned the radio on low and took the highway following the remnants of rush hour traffic. As I rounded downtown Trampa, the traffic was moving along at 50mph and I kept hearing a strange beep that lasted several moments and I thought it was the music until it became more pronounced. I turned to my left and some guy in his SUV had been trying to get my attention. I smiled and he mimed if he could call me. I said no and he drove off. I then looked in the rearview mirror and noticed the traffic had stacked up behind him in the fast lane. Oh good God.
What would possess a man to hold up highway traffic to get a chick's number? Almost had an accident myself when I had to brake suddenly a minute later. Called Bridget who was still at work and we laughed about it. It must be the hair or I need to lay off the lip gloss. No chance of that happening ever.
I had the intentions to buy my stepmother's gift tonight, but I didn't. Realized it too late as I drove into my apartment complex. Besides, I like living on the edge. It's going to be between me and the post office in the end. Don't worry. It will be done because I am not risking the ire of my ex-military dad. I'd rather go without lip gloss...for a week! Shuddering in Shallowville.
Decided that I needed to visit a Happy Place after a rough morning so I literally dragged a surprisingly upset Tawny out of her office. Her husband was having one of his moments and decided to spread his dark joy. Grrr.
We ran into Sara (the Greek girl) at the elevator. Now Sara and I have a one-upsmanship going and we thrive on the verbal barbs. She's a member of my unofficial club Wild Women Do and They Don't Regret It. As we were all about to get in the elevator, I held the door for her as she got in, blocked the way and announced, I don't think there is enough room in here for all this ego. She was stunned and we all died laughing on the way down.
I was telling Tawny that if Bridget had been there, it would have been too much for the elevator to handle all the egos and God forbid the man who was brave enough to ride the elevator with us. She replied that he would've turned instantly gay from all that fierce estrogen. Some guys come out of the closet; he would have come out of the elevator. Ha!
My chosen Happy Place before having lunch was Sephora where an AGOL can be herself surrounded by cosmetics, perfumery and bath goodies. Needed to buy more moisturizer and a new eyebrow liner. My old one was discontinued so I bought Clinique's Superfine Brow Liner. For some reason, I emphasize the word superfine whenever I think about it.
On the drive home, I turned the radio on low and took the highway following the remnants of rush hour traffic. As I rounded downtown Trampa, the traffic was moving along at 50mph and I kept hearing a strange beep that lasted several moments and I thought it was the music until it became more pronounced. I turned to my left and some guy in his SUV had been trying to get my attention. I smiled and he mimed if he could call me. I said no and he drove off. I then looked in the rearview mirror and noticed the traffic had stacked up behind him in the fast lane. Oh good God.
What would possess a man to hold up highway traffic to get a chick's number? Almost had an accident myself when I had to brake suddenly a minute later. Called Bridget who was still at work and we laughed about it. It must be the hair or I need to lay off the lip gloss. No chance of that happening ever.
I had the intentions to buy my stepmother's gift tonight, but I didn't. Realized it too late as I drove into my apartment complex. Besides, I like living on the edge. It's going to be between me and the post office in the end. Don't worry. It will be done because I am not risking the ire of my ex-military dad. I'd rather go without lip gloss...for a week! Shuddering in Shallowville.
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Red Moon Setting
Startled this morning by the lunar eclipse when I walked my dog. It evoked such a visceral response akin to the first time I saw this moon scene from Time Machine.
Before midnight the moon was in its glory and this morning after 5am it was just a bright smile line with a red shadow cast against the rest of its face. Once I remembered it was the eclipse, I stared at the rare occurrence in wonder. Will the heavens ever give up its full secrets to us mere humans? Are we worthy of its vastness? We are all made of the same stuff as stars. Maybe in the next millennium...
Felt really aged today as I readied for work, but when I looked in the mirror to check, all I saw was a very young looking 36-year old having good face and hair day. Must be my state of mind. It just turned 114.
Roped by my interim boss first thing to take his place in a conference call. Thank God it wasn't as painful as anticipated...The one thing that wasn't anticipated was an IT manager coming to me whining about something he should have been able to solve. I gave him three different viable solutions right off the top of my head. Not one, not two, but three! Manager-0, Lowly Emp-3Am I being too flat? Where is that famous AGOL fizz? Everyone (strangers included) were mysteriously being extra nice to me today. I tried to flash my Chiclets a lot especially to the president of my North American division. Still trying to get that Smile Ambassador gig he doesn't know I have created for myself. So far I have him making a point to say hello to me while everyone else is asking Who's that guy? I think he gets a kick out of me saying I am groovy. Maybe I need to step up my teeth whitening regimen which could take me to the next level of making my mouth a natural light source. Something to ponder certainly.
Supporting "Hot Pocket"
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Monday, August 27, 2007
Misc Monday
Almost didn't hear the my cell phone ring over my morning tunes as I drove to work on the highway. For a switch it was Myrna checking up on me. She was also pleased to announce that she was quitting her job and turning into Susie Homemaker for a while. This would give her time to be at home for the improvements they are making on their property. She also informed me that she will be joining me for The Saturday Four. Yay Myrna!
Walking into work is such drudgery these days. I need a self-attitude adjustment before my new boss starts next week. Need to find my bubbles for being bubbly since I will be training him on our systems and whatnot. That should be a load of fun... I may need more bubbles to make that more convincing.
Tawny was still in Atlanta as part of an extended weekend trip with her sister Shelli. So no talking to Tawny at all during the weekend. I texted her on the way home that I missed her and she texted back that she had stories to tell. Oh goodie! Can't wait to hear about her adventures. I hope they don't annoy me. She will read that and know exactly what I mean.
Got caught in a text messaging triangle with DJ and Jamie. One was being annoying as we made plans for the gang to get together for Happy Hour this week and the other was texting in CB Talk as if we were riding on a truck. And he had the nerve to type the lyrics to Convoy and quickly follow it with another text message saying, Hope that song gets stuck in your head. To which I replied, Thank you, MF. Nothing has changed in 10 years, we all just have more expensive toys to express ourselves now. That's a 10-4, Rubber Duck.
Enjoyed a stuffed pepper tonight for dinner. A gal in the breakroom heated one up for lunch the other day and the aroma was so delicious that I had to have one soon after. Anything that is made with rice has to be good. What does that make me? Extra gooooooood. Shameless.
Walking into work is such drudgery these days. I need a self-attitude adjustment before my new boss starts next week. Need to find my bubbles for being bubbly since I will be training him on our systems and whatnot. That should be a load of fun... I may need more bubbles to make that more convincing.
Tawny was still in Atlanta as part of an extended weekend trip with her sister Shelli. So no talking to Tawny at all during the weekend. I texted her on the way home that I missed her and she texted back that she had stories to tell. Oh goodie! Can't wait to hear about her adventures. I hope they don't annoy me. She will read that and know exactly what I mean.
Got caught in a text messaging triangle with DJ and Jamie. One was being annoying as we made plans for the gang to get together for Happy Hour this week and the other was texting in CB Talk as if we were riding on a truck. And he had the nerve to type the lyrics to Convoy and quickly follow it with another text message saying, Hope that song gets stuck in your head. To which I replied, Thank you, MF. Nothing has changed in 10 years, we all just have more expensive toys to express ourselves now. That's a 10-4, Rubber Duck.
Enjoyed a stuffed pepper tonight for dinner. A gal in the breakroom heated one up for lunch the other day and the aroma was so delicious that I had to have one soon after. Anything that is made with rice has to be good. What does that make me? Extra gooooooood. Shameless.
Dreamtrap
I have spread my dreams beneath your feet; Tread softly because you tread on my dreams.
W.B. Yeats
I wish the near full moon Cabal and I walked under at 4:43am would have revealed what my dreams are to be. I no longer know them or recognize them. The ripple in the once clear water illuminated by the moon has distorted the images into a grotesque comedy, leaving me with muddied colors.
I've asked for Clarity, but what I get is Uncertainty. More than is necessary, I think.
W.B. Yeats
I wish the near full moon Cabal and I walked under at 4:43am would have revealed what my dreams are to be. I no longer know them or recognize them. The ripple in the once clear water illuminated by the moon has distorted the images into a grotesque comedy, leaving me with muddied colors.
I've asked for Clarity, but what I get is Uncertainty. More than is necessary, I think.
Sunday, August 26, 2007
Saturday, August 25, 2007
Sophocles
"One word frees us of all the weight and pain of life; that word is love."
- Sophocles*
*Sometimes my blond highlights go a little deeper. I saw this quote and read the author's name as So-fo-kels as opposed to So-fo-kleez. I know better. It's okay to admit to missteps, foibles and flaws. My favorite saying lately is that There is Beauty in Truth...I found that out today as I was held captive to two journey blogs so out of my normal realm of reading. Yes, I know all blogs are journeys, but these are truly journeys. It's been about 11 years since I've touched upon the subject. Time passed quickly. We're talking hours and hours. I forgot to eat lunch and (almost) dinner. One tapped into my cerebral side so nicely. It was a lesson on baser nature of survival of the fittest, mostly cerebral fitness. The whys and wherefores. A light bulb moment. Now what? Time to revisit real unread pages that have been waiting patiently in my library, I think. My cerebral side has been a little distracted lately. No haze on my brain today. I love it when it is alert.
- Sophocles*
*Sometimes my blond highlights go a little deeper. I saw this quote and read the author's name as So-fo-kels as opposed to So-fo-kleez. I know better. It's okay to admit to missteps, foibles and flaws. My favorite saying lately is that There is Beauty in Truth...I found that out today as I was held captive to two journey blogs so out of my normal realm of reading. Yes, I know all blogs are journeys, but these are truly journeys. It's been about 11 years since I've touched upon the subject. Time passed quickly. We're talking hours and hours. I forgot to eat lunch and (almost) dinner. One tapped into my cerebral side so nicely. It was a lesson on baser nature of survival of the fittest, mostly cerebral fitness. The whys and wherefores. A light bulb moment. Now what? Time to revisit real unread pages that have been waiting patiently in my library, I think. My cerebral side has been a little distracted lately. No haze on my brain today. I love it when it is alert.
It's Froggy in the Woods
Met Kristey for The Saturday Four at 7:40am; Kim had other plans. She had asked to meet on Sunday instead, but as you know that is my sacred day. The parking lot was packed, but I managed a spot close to the entrance on the way out.
It was hot and sticky as evidenced by the haze and frog/fog in the pics below. The last mile back proved to be cooler than when we set out thanks to the cloudy sky. When I got back to my apartment after two quick errands, it was pure sky blue everywhere with wisps of clouds haphazardly brushed against it.
I had brought my camera with grandeur dreams of taking creative spider and spiderweb shots, but my late model digital camera doesn't zoom that well in certain shots. Must make plans to get a better zooming one so my picture taking limitations do not begin to work my nerve. Meanwhile, relive my morning with me...
One of many spiders suspended in the forest. I'm crushed that it is difficult to see more clearly the spider hanging right below the green branch. Notice the web lightly traced in a halo extension from it. In the background, my Spanish moss hanging like tattered lace on the tree branches.
Fog in the woods at 8:18am.
Leaf's underside. Daring to be different from the rest and showing me some love.
It was hot and sticky as evidenced by the haze and frog/fog in the pics below. The last mile back proved to be cooler than when we set out thanks to the cloudy sky. When I got back to my apartment after two quick errands, it was pure sky blue everywhere with wisps of clouds haphazardly brushed against it.
I had brought my camera with grandeur dreams of taking creative spider and spiderweb shots, but my late model digital camera doesn't zoom that well in certain shots. Must make plans to get a better zooming one so my picture taking limitations do not begin to work my nerve. Meanwhile, relive my morning with me...
One of many spiders suspended in the forest. I'm crushed that it is difficult to see more clearly the spider hanging right below the green branch. Notice the web lightly traced in a halo extension from it. In the background, my Spanish moss hanging like tattered lace on the tree branches.
Fog in the woods at 8:18am.
Leaf's underside. Daring to be different from the rest and showing me some love.
Friday, August 24, 2007
Spaghetti and Gentle Rain. Perfect.
Surprisingly found myself zooming to work at 70mph with traffic until we all hit downtown Trampa. It wasn't too bad there either. Got to work early enough to accompany Bridget downstairs to buy some breakfast or starter fuel.
Was looking forward to having lunch with Tawny, but she had plans to visit her doctor to clear up some prescription issue. IM'ed Lisa to see if she had plans and ended up driving us to Macaroni Grill for some tasty spaghetti with meat sauce. There is nothing like satisfying a craving you've been having for days. It hit the spot just right.
Lisa needed to share some of her life-changing plans she is set to implement after the first of the year so it all worked out. Our waiter, Christian, provided nice eye candy while we dined, but we both felt our ages drooling over this much younger cutie. Sad.
Received an e-mail reminder from my dad in Chicago to me and my-sisters-who-I-don't-talk-to letting us know that my stepmother's upcoming birthday in September will be her 65th. Now the pressure is on to get a very thoughtful gift. I am usually great at thoughtful gifts...but...I am drawing a blank with my stepmother. Some crystal with engraving? Funny "hot senior mama" shirts with a Floridian flavor? Jewelry? That will stump me all weekend.
The pleasure of leaving work later than everyone is that you get to miss the torrential downpours and the effects on traffic. Drove home in light rain. I love the rain. Gentle drops blending with one another in a hypnotic pattern on my windshield during stops. Electric spiderwebs strobed their way across the dark gray sky along the way home. It was very calming and strangely comforting.
Was looking forward to having lunch with Tawny, but she had plans to visit her doctor to clear up some prescription issue. IM'ed Lisa to see if she had plans and ended up driving us to Macaroni Grill for some tasty spaghetti with meat sauce. There is nothing like satisfying a craving you've been having for days. It hit the spot just right.
Lisa needed to share some of her life-changing plans she is set to implement after the first of the year so it all worked out. Our waiter, Christian, provided nice eye candy while we dined, but we both felt our ages drooling over this much younger cutie. Sad.
Received an e-mail reminder from my dad in Chicago to me and my-sisters-who-I-don't-talk-to letting us know that my stepmother's upcoming birthday in September will be her 65th. Now the pressure is on to get a very thoughtful gift. I am usually great at thoughtful gifts...but...I am drawing a blank with my stepmother. Some crystal with engraving? Funny "hot senior mama" shirts with a Floridian flavor? Jewelry? That will stump me all weekend.
The pleasure of leaving work later than everyone is that you get to miss the torrential downpours and the effects on traffic. Drove home in light rain. I love the rain. Gentle drops blending with one another in a hypnotic pattern on my windshield during stops. Electric spiderwebs strobed their way across the dark gray sky along the way home. It was very calming and strangely comforting.
Neato Book Quiz
Eerily accurate...
You're Watership Down
by Richard Adams
Though many think of you as a bit young, even childish, you're actually incredibly deep and complex. You show people the need to rethink their assumptions, and confront them on everything from how they think to where they build their houses. You might be one of the greatest people of all time. You'd be recognized as such if you weren't always talking about talking rabbits.
Take the Book Quiz
at the Blue Pyramid.
Love Quote of the Day
Come dress yourself in love, let the journey begin.
- Francesca da Rimini
*I dressed myself in something alright. Uploaded/updated a couple of videos in July (4th & 10th) postings thanks to new blogger gizmo. They were not part of Project AGOL and didn't want them added on that site. Few of my peeps had wanted to see them so enjoy K, M and J! They were a total scream. Technology rocks.
- Francesca da Rimini
*I dressed myself in something alright. Uploaded/updated a couple of videos in July (4th & 10th) postings thanks to new blogger gizmo. They were not part of Project AGOL and didn't want them added on that site. Few of my peeps had wanted to see them so enjoy K, M and J! They were a total scream. Technology rocks.
Thursday, August 23, 2007
Drink Boba Tea with Big Straws
An indifferent work haze has fallen over me. I continue to work without pausing for meaning in what I am doing. If there is a problem, I fix it. If there is a question, I answer it. If it needs ordering, I buy it. Simple. And numbing.
Surreal conversations are the only things that can make their way through the haze. For example, Bridget was complaining (out of the blue) that her butt eats her underwear. Yeah, I know. Even so far as describing that her boxer shorts become thongs by the end of the day. She skates about 12 miles a few times a week especially when she is at roller derby practice. All this activity has been making her rear end tighter. She joked that it was like a Vertical PacMan. OMG!
She is a beautiful girl with a crazy sense of humor. The other ladies who are intimidated by her are missing out on the fact that she is fabulously demented. When you get her going, she begins to snort while she laughs. I almost died today as she related this very important Bridget Fact on her behind. My guess is she likes to see how I would react and if I will find it hysterical. She is never disappointed.
Two weeks ago, Ant from work talked about Vietnamese food. It stuck on my mind so I IM'ed Kathy to see if she would like to go with me and explore. Her boyfriend Jamie would not have liked it so he would get left at home, Mr. Meat and Potatoes Man that he is.
Kathy picked me up tonight and drove us to our first Vietnamese restaurant. There is another one we would like to try, but I believe we will stick to Saigon Bay for a bit. Most of the menu is more Americanized, but we didn't care. We were learning about new food and compared it to other Asian food.
We shared some veggie spring rolls first. Kathy ordered Lemon Grass Tofu served with rice for her main course. I had something called a Bun Bowl and mine had rice vermicelli noodles, fresh veggies julienned, lemongrass, mint leaves, marinated prawns that were grilled and seasoned pork on barbecue stick served with a side of sauce. Our tastebuds were having a party! All these goodies followed by boba tea (drink mixture with tapioca pearls at the bottom). Not sure where this idea started exactly, but a good number of Asian places have been serving these. Asians love floaty things in their drinks.
Here is Kathy with her banana flavored Boba Tea. She loved this part best.
Notice the ginormous straws so you can suck the tapioca pearls at the bottom. Mine was the right one - pina colada flavor since I didn't get one last night at the bar. These drinks were very happy indeed.
We were very pleased to have gone to this restaurant where the waitstaff didn't work my nerve. They were very polite and let you enjoy your meal. Service was great; we can't wait to go back again and try other dishes.
Kathy dropped me back off, but not before I gave her the ten-cent tour of my apartment showing her some of the new changes. She really liked the new bathroom curtain and ribbons. Will have to take a picture for you later. Much too late in the evening now. Speaking of which, this page has been increasingly blurry. I'd better chase some Z's.
[SIDENOTE: If you like cats, you will like this link my cousin Angie sent me on Ping Pong. I don't know why the last one is in costume. The whole thing is just wrong.]
Surreal conversations are the only things that can make their way through the haze. For example, Bridget was complaining (out of the blue) that her butt eats her underwear. Yeah, I know. Even so far as describing that her boxer shorts become thongs by the end of the day. She skates about 12 miles a few times a week especially when she is at roller derby practice. All this activity has been making her rear end tighter. She joked that it was like a Vertical PacMan. OMG!
She is a beautiful girl with a crazy sense of humor. The other ladies who are intimidated by her are missing out on the fact that she is fabulously demented. When you get her going, she begins to snort while she laughs. I almost died today as she related this very important Bridget Fact on her behind. My guess is she likes to see how I would react and if I will find it hysterical. She is never disappointed.
Two weeks ago, Ant from work talked about Vietnamese food. It stuck on my mind so I IM'ed Kathy to see if she would like to go with me and explore. Her boyfriend Jamie would not have liked it so he would get left at home, Mr. Meat and Potatoes Man that he is.
Kathy picked me up tonight and drove us to our first Vietnamese restaurant. There is another one we would like to try, but I believe we will stick to Saigon Bay for a bit. Most of the menu is more Americanized, but we didn't care. We were learning about new food and compared it to other Asian food.
We shared some veggie spring rolls first. Kathy ordered Lemon Grass Tofu served with rice for her main course. I had something called a Bun Bowl and mine had rice vermicelli noodles, fresh veggies julienned, lemongrass, mint leaves, marinated prawns that were grilled and seasoned pork on barbecue stick served with a side of sauce. Our tastebuds were having a party! All these goodies followed by boba tea (drink mixture with tapioca pearls at the bottom). Not sure where this idea started exactly, but a good number of Asian places have been serving these. Asians love floaty things in their drinks.
Here is Kathy with her banana flavored Boba Tea. She loved this part best.
Notice the ginormous straws so you can suck the tapioca pearls at the bottom. Mine was the right one - pina colada flavor since I didn't get one last night at the bar. These drinks were very happy indeed.
We were very pleased to have gone to this restaurant where the waitstaff didn't work my nerve. They were very polite and let you enjoy your meal. Service was great; we can't wait to go back again and try other dishes.
Kathy dropped me back off, but not before I gave her the ten-cent tour of my apartment showing her some of the new changes. She really liked the new bathroom curtain and ribbons. Will have to take a picture for you later. Much too late in the evening now. Speaking of which, this page has been increasingly blurry. I'd better chase some Z's.
[SIDENOTE: If you like cats, you will like this link my cousin Angie sent me on Ping Pong. I don't know why the last one is in costume. The whole thing is just wrong.]
Diet Dr. Pepper Incident
Discovery Quote
I see this with my aunt and uncle. After 41 years of marriage and another couple years of dating prior, they are still as madly in love with one another. A native island girl who grew up on a farm met a US Midwest suburban boy who grew up never knowing that he would be captivated by someone so unlike him on the other side of the world. They work at it every day; no taking each other for granted. The part I love best about them? That they are still so cute and lovingly goofy.
"The most wonderful of all things in life is the discovery of another human being with whom one's relationship has a growing depth, beauty and joy as the years increase. It is a sort of divine accident, and the most wonderful of all things in life."
- Sir Hugh Walpole
"The most wonderful of all things in life is the discovery of another human being with whom one's relationship has a growing depth, beauty and joy as the years increase. It is a sort of divine accident, and the most wonderful of all things in life."
- Sir Hugh Walpole
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
Dirty Martinis and Me
Drove a different time window this morning and arrived to work in great time. I soon found out that there were no minutes to spare with calls with my interim boss, my workload and annoying conference calls. Ugh.
Bridget and I made each other laugh hysterically during the short lulls. This chick was a total trip. She was supposed to join us for cocktails after work, but I think her boyfriend blues escalated in the afternoon.
Rode with Tawny and Jeff to the Blue Martini bar near work. I had my heart set on having a pina colada, but was gently informed they don't serve frozen drinks. Bummer. Dirty martini coming right up! The drink came garnished with three colossal olives on a mini skewer. I was teased mercilessly during the next couple of hours about how big my olives were.
Our old friend, DJ, met us for drinks, too. We hadn't spent time just the four of us in years. DJ used to be so much more reserved when I met him almost 10 years ago; now he is much easier going. For years, I teased/tortured him about his limited diet. Meat and potatoes man. Well, tonight, he had my jaw dropping especially when he started out telling me he had made risotto. You made whhhaaa?
Words were coming out of his mouth that would normally come from me in our group. For food he mentioned beef wellington and Parmesan encrusted chicken. He then moved onto the upgrades he was making to his current home like pergola, whirlpool tub with aromatherapy, built-in gas grill and slate tiles. He enjoyed amazing me, the little devil.
In case you were thinking it...Yes, DJ and I have tried going out, but we were not clicking as well as being great friends it would seem. We are working again together now; he's a director in the IT group. The last time we got together just he and I, he actually had a spicy Asian dish (not me!) at one of my favorite bistros. I was floored.
Tawny and Jeff joined in the fun with their own martinis (except DJ who drank his requisite Heineken). The bar was playing Latin Jazz and was taken over by a live act singing NeoSoul. I was groovin' it and I was a happy (slightly tipsy) AGOL. Stopped in at Starbucks for coffee on the way home. Also received a cheeky text message from Tawny warning me against drunk dialing, blogging and texting. Oh, please -- the coffee kicked in...eventually.
By the way, Kathy -- girl, your name was prominent in tales/deeds shared tonight. I'll tell you in between bites of Vietnamese food tomorrow night at the restaurant. Get ready to snarf your food. Ha!
AGOL Geeky Alert: What would you print if you had a 3-D Printer? This made my USB port hungry for a new plug-in.
Bridget and I made each other laugh hysterically during the short lulls. This chick was a total trip. She was supposed to join us for cocktails after work, but I think her boyfriend blues escalated in the afternoon.
Rode with Tawny and Jeff to the Blue Martini bar near work. I had my heart set on having a pina colada, but was gently informed they don't serve frozen drinks. Bummer. Dirty martini coming right up! The drink came garnished with three colossal olives on a mini skewer. I was teased mercilessly during the next couple of hours about how big my olives were.
Our old friend, DJ, met us for drinks, too. We hadn't spent time just the four of us in years. DJ used to be so much more reserved when I met him almost 10 years ago; now he is much easier going. For years, I teased/tortured him about his limited diet. Meat and potatoes man. Well, tonight, he had my jaw dropping especially when he started out telling me he had made risotto. You made whhhaaa?
Words were coming out of his mouth that would normally come from me in our group. For food he mentioned beef wellington and Parmesan encrusted chicken. He then moved onto the upgrades he was making to his current home like pergola, whirlpool tub with aromatherapy, built-in gas grill and slate tiles. He enjoyed amazing me, the little devil.
In case you were thinking it...Yes, DJ and I have tried going out, but we were not clicking as well as being great friends it would seem. We are working again together now; he's a director in the IT group. The last time we got together just he and I, he actually had a spicy Asian dish (not me!) at one of my favorite bistros. I was floored.
Tawny and Jeff joined in the fun with their own martinis (except DJ who drank his requisite Heineken). The bar was playing Latin Jazz and was taken over by a live act singing NeoSoul. I was groovin' it and I was a happy (slightly tipsy) AGOL. Stopped in at Starbucks for coffee on the way home. Also received a cheeky text message from Tawny warning me against drunk dialing, blogging and texting. Oh, please -- the coffee kicked in...eventually.
By the way, Kathy -- girl, your name was prominent in tales/deeds shared tonight. I'll tell you in between bites of Vietnamese food tomorrow night at the restaurant. Get ready to snarf your food. Ha!
AGOL Geeky Alert: What would you print if you had a 3-D Printer? This made my USB port hungry for a new plug-in.
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Let's Get Dangerous
Dealing with traffic was my theme today. Going home from work was a challenge and driving from home to my aunt's house was almost as beautiful as my drive home from her house.
Traffic was still ugly all around the heart of Tampa for the funeral procession for a slain officer. I was sidetracked for another 15 minutes going home. Walked Cabal, fed and played with him before leaving. The drive to my aunt's house...Hmm. I think I would have rather spent the time getting root canals with half the Novocaine. Seriously.
Ate dinner with everyone when finally I arrived. All of us had a different food selection for some reason. My aunt was being weird. My selection had dungeness crab, eggplant made the Flip way I like and some other fish stuff I will not explain. All served with rice. That was my bribe for watching Nan while they go out to a church meeting.
Nan was very sprightly. Her mind is not as sharp, but damn can she get around her walker! They've taken most of the rails off her bed, too, so she has more freedom. We watched television and talked a bit. She didn't go to bed early. My dear little q-tip was still awake at 10:30pm when my aunt and uncle got home.
I was a little miffed at the lateness. It can take anywhere from 20-45 minutes to get from her house back to mine depending on traffic. When I am tired, I suffer from night blindness so driving is probably not a good idea. My aunt's house makes me exhausted for some reason.
I called my lifeline (Angie) tonight in Los Angeles to talk to me while I drove home, but let her go a few minutes into it so she could eat her dinner that had just arrived. I broke the rule of not letting go of your lifeline when you really need it.
Made a quick decision and decided to try to get home in 30 minutes which means I drove like a mutha. Didn't even bat an eyelash when the three highway lanes turned to one lane and from speeds of 65mph to 15mph. As soon as it cleared back to three lanes, I kicked it up to 80mph. I had a goal which kept me focused. This was not a great idea I'll admit now that I am home safely.
The way I drove would have made Tawny's husband Jeff sick. He drives very aggressively, but not to the point of not caring like I did even through the regular streets. Surprised I wasn't stopped for speeding several times (or wreckless driving)...Sigh. My angels were working overtime tonight.
Traffic was still ugly all around the heart of Tampa for the funeral procession for a slain officer. I was sidetracked for another 15 minutes going home. Walked Cabal, fed and played with him before leaving. The drive to my aunt's house...Hmm. I think I would have rather spent the time getting root canals with half the Novocaine. Seriously.
Ate dinner with everyone when finally I arrived. All of us had a different food selection for some reason. My aunt was being weird. My selection had dungeness crab, eggplant made the Flip way I like and some other fish stuff I will not explain. All served with rice. That was my bribe for watching Nan while they go out to a church meeting.
Nan was very sprightly. Her mind is not as sharp, but damn can she get around her walker! They've taken most of the rails off her bed, too, so she has more freedom. We watched television and talked a bit. She didn't go to bed early. My dear little q-tip was still awake at 10:30pm when my aunt and uncle got home.
I was a little miffed at the lateness. It can take anywhere from 20-45 minutes to get from her house back to mine depending on traffic. When I am tired, I suffer from night blindness so driving is probably not a good idea. My aunt's house makes me exhausted for some reason.
I called my lifeline (Angie) tonight in Los Angeles to talk to me while I drove home, but let her go a few minutes into it so she could eat her dinner that had just arrived. I broke the rule of not letting go of your lifeline when you really need it.
Made a quick decision and decided to try to get home in 30 minutes which means I drove like a mutha. Didn't even bat an eyelash when the three highway lanes turned to one lane and from speeds of 65mph to 15mph. As soon as it cleared back to three lanes, I kicked it up to 80mph. I had a goal which kept me focused. This was not a great idea I'll admit now that I am home safely.
The way I drove would have made Tawny's husband Jeff sick. He drives very aggressively, but not to the point of not caring like I did even through the regular streets. Surprised I wasn't stopped for speeding several times (or wreckless driving)...Sigh. My angels were working overtime tonight.
No Zen in Traffic
Road rage called my name this morning, but I ignored him. Instead I tried to listen to the radio, but they just depressed me with traffic news. Go figure.
Found out that my new boss starts on September 4th. I read his resume and he reads okay, but I don't feel excitement when I read it. His e-mail ID selection for his resume worries me a bit, too. He should have created a more professional one. Hope all that does not portend things or Bridget and I will not be too happy.
Lunch was perfectly quiet and I reveled in being able to enjoy one of my favorite glossy lollipop reading (Oprah's magazine). I purposely kept my head down so I didn't have to acknowledge anyone, but responded if they specifically addressed me.
Leaving at 3:30p today so I can go home and take care of my Pretty Boy Dog before I head out to Brandon. I thought that my route would be part of the road blocking today for the funeral of a slain officer, but it will be the opposite direction from me.
Hope Nan is ready for me and my shenanigans tonight. She's 92 years young. I may go easy on her while I sit with her for the early evening. My aunt and uncle have a church activity tonight. Better get back to the salt mines!
Found out that my new boss starts on September 4th. I read his resume and he reads okay, but I don't feel excitement when I read it. His e-mail ID selection for his resume worries me a bit, too. He should have created a more professional one. Hope all that does not portend things or Bridget and I will not be too happy.
Lunch was perfectly quiet and I reveled in being able to enjoy one of my favorite glossy lollipop reading (Oprah's magazine). I purposely kept my head down so I didn't have to acknowledge anyone, but responded if they specifically addressed me.
Leaving at 3:30p today so I can go home and take care of my Pretty Boy Dog before I head out to Brandon. I thought that my route would be part of the road blocking today for the funeral of a slain officer, but it will be the opposite direction from me.
Hope Nan is ready for me and my shenanigans tonight. She's 92 years young. I may go easy on her while I sit with her for the early evening. My aunt and uncle have a church activity tonight. Better get back to the salt mines!
Late Love Quote
The joy of late love is like green firewood when set aflame, for the longer the wait in lighting, the greater heat it yields and the longer its force lasts.
Chretien de Troyes*
*I try to find out who the people are whose words fascinate me and this French poet is surprisingly called “the inventor of the modern novel”. Click on his name to read more.
Chretien de Troyes*
*I try to find out who the people are whose words fascinate me and this French poet is surprisingly called “the inventor of the modern novel”. Click on his name to read more.
Monday, August 20, 2007
Not That Innaressin'
My back-up hair dryer stopped working. Normally, this would be an ACM (AGOL Crisis Moment), but not this morning. (Hello Shallowville!) I had already washed my hair last evening and let it air dry. A little bit of curling and a lot of hairspray made me a candidate for the 1970s Show Charlie's Angels. I'd like to say it stayed that way all day, but with this humidity and my hair being thick, it didn't. Received compliments on it all day though. Lisa teased me that I must have had a lot of time this morning. If she only knew it took five minutes.
It was the first day back to school in my county so I left early trying to anticipate the extra traffic and unexpectedly got to work earlier. Quite enjoyed the drive in the cleaner car. Arrived before Bridget.
Poor girl shared her boyfriend blues today. I didn't mention this yesterday, but San Francisco Trish was having them, too. Sent her a text message with encouragement just before her lunchtime. I say throw the lot of them into a cage so they can be poked at with crude sticks or be made to watch chick flicks and have endless discussions on the pros and cons of waxing vs. shaving.
Work was both slow and fast. I am just glad the day was over so I could shop for a new hair dryer under Tawny's careful eye. I gave her a ride to British Jeff's house where she and her husband are still staying while it is still on the market. I asked her if she could come with me to purchase the new hairdryer before taking her.
Haven't had proper time to research, but I knew the features I wanted BESIDES DRYING (for you smarty pants). I can get very particular if you hadn't guessed already. Ended up with something in the middle, not too simple - not to complicated or bulky.
Not much to rave about really. I laughed watching sitcoms for two hours tonight and online earlier I found out what a Ghillie Suit is. I always thought it fell under the heading of camouflage. Maybe I can make one with copy paper, staples, paperclips, clear tape and various orphan computer parts for work tomorrow and see it if works inside.
It was the first day back to school in my county so I left early trying to anticipate the extra traffic and unexpectedly got to work earlier. Quite enjoyed the drive in the cleaner car. Arrived before Bridget.
Poor girl shared her boyfriend blues today. I didn't mention this yesterday, but San Francisco Trish was having them, too. Sent her a text message with encouragement just before her lunchtime. I say throw the lot of them into a cage so they can be poked at with crude sticks or be made to watch chick flicks and have endless discussions on the pros and cons of waxing vs. shaving.
Work was both slow and fast. I am just glad the day was over so I could shop for a new hair dryer under Tawny's careful eye. I gave her a ride to British Jeff's house where she and her husband are still staying while it is still on the market. I asked her if she could come with me to purchase the new hairdryer before taking her.
Haven't had proper time to research, but I knew the features I wanted BESIDES DRYING (for you smarty pants). I can get very particular if you hadn't guessed already. Ended up with something in the middle, not too simple - not to complicated or bulky.
Not much to rave about really. I laughed watching sitcoms for two hours tonight and online earlier I found out what a Ghillie Suit is. I always thought it fell under the heading of camouflage. Maybe I can make one with copy paper, staples, paperclips, clear tape and various orphan computer parts for work tomorrow and see it if works inside.
Sunday, August 19, 2007
No Drab Bird
Woke up alert and became more so thanks to cups of java. Bought some coffee pods again and dusted off my Senseo.
The drive for renewed energy has found me changing things in my surroundings the last two weeks whether it is the new mats for my car and front door to a new theme in my bathroom among many things. Cabal was not immune either. I spent about 30 minutes grooming him carefully during my Sunday morning television news magazine. No AGOL marbles were lost when he refused to cooperate with me during his hair trimming. He loves the brush but doesn't care for the scissors.
Had my nails done in the early afternoon and followed it up by taking the drive-thru car wash. I figured I shouldn't stop there so I used the car vac machine in the complex and then later parked in a shady spot by my apartment so I could detail the inside for 20 minutes and finally throw out those obsolete maps stuffed in both front doors. When it was dark and cooler, I sprayed foam shine onto the tires. Yup. Way into my car today.
With all this activity, I am still not fairing that great on Sundays. Perhaps someone could recommend a good exorcism plan for ridding yourself of Englishmen in your psyche? Okay, only one in particular because I still like a lot of English musicians and actors. Maybe I should take up eating large quantities of Marmite? That vile goo would cure anything that ailed you, but I am too afraid to eat even a teaspoon of it again. I get chills and trigger my gag reflex just thinking about it.
Oh, God. I am not even drunk blogging, but I am admitting that I still miss him and his friggin' Hoobie Hoos (don't ask). I had three different groovy shirts custom-embroidered for him relating to them. Each shirt had a nice graphic design and appropriate text. How many women would get t-shirts made as a response to someone's singing? He took the response incredibly well.
Guess I'm just a different kind of bird; my feathers are not drab that's for sure. Lord knows I've tried for 36+ years to make them drab and blend in the crowd, but the false color just keeps coming off. When they are bright again, I say to myself, Why be boring? Other people have that covered. Then the mad cycle starts again...Sigh. I'd better go beddy-byes now and heat up some warm milk for my new sleeping ritual.
The drive for renewed energy has found me changing things in my surroundings the last two weeks whether it is the new mats for my car and front door to a new theme in my bathroom among many things. Cabal was not immune either. I spent about 30 minutes grooming him carefully during my Sunday morning television news magazine. No AGOL marbles were lost when he refused to cooperate with me during his hair trimming. He loves the brush but doesn't care for the scissors.
Had my nails done in the early afternoon and followed it up by taking the drive-thru car wash. I figured I shouldn't stop there so I used the car vac machine in the complex and then later parked in a shady spot by my apartment so I could detail the inside for 20 minutes and finally throw out those obsolete maps stuffed in both front doors. When it was dark and cooler, I sprayed foam shine onto the tires. Yup. Way into my car today.
With all this activity, I am still not fairing that great on Sundays. Perhaps someone could recommend a good exorcism plan for ridding yourself of Englishmen in your psyche? Okay, only one in particular because I still like a lot of English musicians and actors. Maybe I should take up eating large quantities of Marmite? That vile goo would cure anything that ailed you, but I am too afraid to eat even a teaspoon of it again. I get chills and trigger my gag reflex just thinking about it.
Oh, God. I am not even drunk blogging, but I am admitting that I still miss him and his friggin' Hoobie Hoos (don't ask). I had three different groovy shirts custom-embroidered for him relating to them. Each shirt had a nice graphic design and appropriate text. How many women would get t-shirts made as a response to someone's singing? He took the response incredibly well.
Guess I'm just a different kind of bird; my feathers are not drab that's for sure. Lord knows I've tried for 36+ years to make them drab and blend in the crowd, but the false color just keeps coming off. When they are bright again, I say to myself, Why be boring? Other people have that covered. Then the mad cycle starts again...Sigh. I'd better go beddy-byes now and heat up some warm milk for my new sleeping ritual.
Strange Quote
Saturday, August 18, 2007
S is for Shopping
The Saturday Four was with Kristey only. Kim was with her husband helping their daughter this weekend set-up her dorm for her last year at Florida State University. I remembered helping her with her Sweet 16 party which was just yesterday, right?
We took the four-mile walk in a slower pace. The humidity and heat were more bearable this morning. Before I knew it, we were back in the parking lot. Sweet!
Rested up and got ready to have Myrna pick me up for our lunch at Maggiano's in South Tampa. We shared our requisite calamari and Maggiano's Salad. Myrna agreed to try the Chicken and Spinach manicotti which was divine.
Myrna is allergic to garlic and can't take intense amounts of it. (Poor thing!) She takes half an allergy pill just in case the food served has too much of it. It's my job to pick out the food since I know the menu. We finished our meal with Zuccoto balls which are basically chocolate truffles of the chocolate mousse from the Zuccoto cake. It is less commitment on dessert, but enough to take the edge off. Thank goddess she is not allergic to chocolate or we would have to re-evaluate our friendship. She can't be allergic to both garlic and chocolate...
Took the bridge to Clearwater where we renewed our Costco shared membership and shopped. Found a set of reasonable saltmill and peppermill which can be an elusive set because the salt portion is usually a shaker and not a mill. I love Costco.
From there I asked Myrna to drive to the house I used to rent in Clearwater which she thought was cute and it was until my bastard of a landlord fucked things up and I had to move. AGOL Tip: Never, never rent from acquaintances/almost friends. Reasonable rent always means that there are hidden strings attached and they feel free to fuck you over when things break. Aargh.
Our Girlie Day continued to Northwest Tampa for an overdue oil change on Myrna's SUV and shopping while we waited. We made one more stop to a gas station near my apartment. The rain was just beginning to make its presence known and rapidly increased in intensity. We got wet going back inside the SUV but by no means as wet as I got going from the SUV to the apartment to unlock it. I changed shoes to go back and retrieve my goodies, but Myrna had already grabbed the bags and was at my door. I noticed she wasn't as soaked as I was because the rain had already lessened. Hmpf!
By the time I changed clothes and walked Cabal, the sun was shining again and the sky clear enough to see the moon. Steam was emanating off the pavement and the water was drying quickly. Yeah, we have quickie monsoons around here in the summer.
I bought a new elegant fabric shower curtain and liner which meant I had to change the colors of the ribbons on the towels in the bathroom. The room had an ochre theme and now is sage with antique gold and hints of cranberry. If you only knew how much French-wire ribbon (and other spools of fabric ribbon) I have to accomplish this change. Of course I have a wide satin-wired ribbon in antique gold color and an organza ribbon in sage! Doesn't everybody?
We took the four-mile walk in a slower pace. The humidity and heat were more bearable this morning. Before I knew it, we were back in the parking lot. Sweet!
Rested up and got ready to have Myrna pick me up for our lunch at Maggiano's in South Tampa. We shared our requisite calamari and Maggiano's Salad. Myrna agreed to try the Chicken and Spinach manicotti which was divine.
Myrna is allergic to garlic and can't take intense amounts of it. (Poor thing!) She takes half an allergy pill just in case the food served has too much of it. It's my job to pick out the food since I know the menu. We finished our meal with Zuccoto balls which are basically chocolate truffles of the chocolate mousse from the Zuccoto cake. It is less commitment on dessert, but enough to take the edge off. Thank goddess she is not allergic to chocolate or we would have to re-evaluate our friendship. She can't be allergic to both garlic and chocolate...
Took the bridge to Clearwater where we renewed our Costco shared membership and shopped. Found a set of reasonable saltmill and peppermill which can be an elusive set because the salt portion is usually a shaker and not a mill. I love Costco.
From there I asked Myrna to drive to the house I used to rent in Clearwater which she thought was cute and it was until my bastard of a landlord fucked things up and I had to move. AGOL Tip: Never, never rent from acquaintances/almost friends. Reasonable rent always means that there are hidden strings attached and they feel free to fuck you over when things break. Aargh.
Our Girlie Day continued to Northwest Tampa for an overdue oil change on Myrna's SUV and shopping while we waited. We made one more stop to a gas station near my apartment. The rain was just beginning to make its presence known and rapidly increased in intensity. We got wet going back inside the SUV but by no means as wet as I got going from the SUV to the apartment to unlock it. I changed shoes to go back and retrieve my goodies, but Myrna had already grabbed the bags and was at my door. I noticed she wasn't as soaked as I was because the rain had already lessened. Hmpf!
By the time I changed clothes and walked Cabal, the sun was shining again and the sky clear enough to see the moon. Steam was emanating off the pavement and the water was drying quickly. Yeah, we have quickie monsoons around here in the summer.
I bought a new elegant fabric shower curtain and liner which meant I had to change the colors of the ribbons on the towels in the bathroom. The room had an ochre theme and now is sage with antique gold and hints of cranberry. If you only knew how much French-wire ribbon (and other spools of fabric ribbon) I have to accomplish this change. Of course I have a wide satin-wired ribbon in antique gold color and an organza ribbon in sage! Doesn't everybody?
Friday, August 17, 2007
Butterfly Path
Today felt like I was following a butterfly path by flitting from one thing to another. The day had that kind of energy. I enjoyed it because it made the day go faster.
Bridget left early to pick her five-year old son up from the airport. She had been without him for two weeks. The first week she was on her vacation and didn't mind and the second week she was back at home and kept visiting his room. She wanted to bring him back so she could work, but I told her a few days ago that her son needed to reconnect with his mother and work was secondary. My trade off was that she did my filing for me. It is all about helping each other out especially when there is horrible paper filing to be done.
In midstream of my butterfly path, my $1000 printer registered offline and wouldn't print. It is near new. As I tried to figure out the error while instant messaging one of the IT Helpdesk guys, it started blinking an error I couldn't readily fix. I know all the IT peeps and have worked with them which earned me VIP treatment. Soon Tawny's son who works in the IT Desktop group came and investigated the problem.
He went back upstairs with one of the parts and came back with two of the same part (one being mine). It still didn't work. He resorted to "his touch" he calls it. Oh, brother... Well, I have to give it to him. Now I don't have to call on the service contract for it next week.
San Francisco Trisha kept text messaging me while she was visiting the eye doctor. Long story involving despicable eye stuff. I gently reminded her that I was working. Yes, I was!
Stopped on the way home at the store to get mundane items I don't feel like shopping for this weekend. While moving the cart around, I received a picture message from Bridget. She had taken a picture of her son from shoulder up all bundled in his own bed, his blond head partially lost in the pillow. Aaawww. Rest now, sweet boy, for next week you start really exploring your world in Kindergarten.
Enjoyed a nice walk with my Pretty Boy Dog this evening. The grass was cut today around the complex which gave it a neat look. My complex is set like a tropical resort and can be quite beautiful if you take the time to appreciate it as I did this evening. There are mini picturesque moments to admire as you walk around.
I love the Spanish moss draped and hanging on the tree branches. I love trees and the ones we have were preserved when this place was first built about 18 years ago. It gives a feel for Old Florida. There are ponds with gentle fountains in the middle, but really it is the plethora of lush green plants and sprinkling of flowers throughout that really make it. The crickets love them, too. You could hear them singing their praises very loudly tonight.
Bridget left early to pick her five-year old son up from the airport. She had been without him for two weeks. The first week she was on her vacation and didn't mind and the second week she was back at home and kept visiting his room. She wanted to bring him back so she could work, but I told her a few days ago that her son needed to reconnect with his mother and work was secondary. My trade off was that she did my filing for me. It is all about helping each other out especially when there is horrible paper filing to be done.
In midstream of my butterfly path, my $1000 printer registered offline and wouldn't print. It is near new. As I tried to figure out the error while instant messaging one of the IT Helpdesk guys, it started blinking an error I couldn't readily fix. I know all the IT peeps and have worked with them which earned me VIP treatment. Soon Tawny's son who works in the IT Desktop group came and investigated the problem.
He went back upstairs with one of the parts and came back with two of the same part (one being mine). It still didn't work. He resorted to "his touch" he calls it. Oh, brother... Well, I have to give it to him. Now I don't have to call on the service contract for it next week.
San Francisco Trisha kept text messaging me while she was visiting the eye doctor. Long story involving despicable eye stuff. I gently reminded her that I was working. Yes, I was!
Stopped on the way home at the store to get mundane items I don't feel like shopping for this weekend. While moving the cart around, I received a picture message from Bridget. She had taken a picture of her son from shoulder up all bundled in his own bed, his blond head partially lost in the pillow. Aaawww. Rest now, sweet boy, for next week you start really exploring your world in Kindergarten.
Enjoyed a nice walk with my Pretty Boy Dog this evening. The grass was cut today around the complex which gave it a neat look. My complex is set like a tropical resort and can be quite beautiful if you take the time to appreciate it as I did this evening. There are mini picturesque moments to admire as you walk around.
I love the Spanish moss draped and hanging on the tree branches. I love trees and the ones we have were preserved when this place was first built about 18 years ago. It gives a feel for Old Florida. There are ponds with gentle fountains in the middle, but really it is the plethora of lush green plants and sprinkling of flowers throughout that really make it. The crickets love them, too. You could hear them singing their praises very loudly tonight.
Sunshine on My Desk
Had a great start to my day. Driving in was actually meditative. No hint of road rage anywhere. Got to work and saw a clear cello package with a metal bookmark with sun design on my keyboard. Streaming from one end is a yellow ribbon with translucent yellow flower beads and brass sun charms. The quote on the bookmark says:
Those who bring sunshine to the lives of others cannot keep it from themselves.
-- James Barrie
My desk is the magical desk. I often find a little gift near my monitors from different people. Today, my gift was from Tawny. I love it. She's an incredibly thoughtful friend.
Those who bring sunshine to the lives of others cannot keep it from themselves.
-- James Barrie
My desk is the magical desk. I often find a little gift near my monitors from different people. Today, my gift was from Tawny. I love it. She's an incredibly thoughtful friend.
Thursday, August 16, 2007
Penny Nails
By 10:30am, our accounting department had Bridget and me chewing penny nails. They were in rare form today. Our temp was in rare form, too. Just a lovefest over here.
The accounting team and my group work under the same Sr. VP of Finance, but they seem to forget that little detail. It has escalated into an Us v. Them kind of mentality. These people need to grow up. Apparently the move to a new building the past weekend didn't improve their attitude one iota.
Our temp, on the other hand, is categorized as a vendor. She decided to make an appointment with two other vendors. I thought perchance that they had dropped in without an appointment, but when I looked at her make-up application, her hair coiffed (better than most days) and her dress through the window as I passed by, I knew she had made an appointment with them. She is not a formal employee of our company and has no business talking to them as a voice for our company. Sigh.
I didn't want to embarrass her in front of her guests so I let it run its course. She seemed pretty proud of herself and was bragging afterwards. Several minutes into our own conversation, her bubble was burst by yours truly. This whole thing caused quite the stir to be addressed again very soon. When I asked her why she met with them and didn't let us know in advance, she said they wanted to meet her and wanted to know about what she does. Good grief! What is up with people looking for validation in the most odd ways?
The Universe took pity on me in the afternoon and let me find my equilibrium. I was able to maintain it into the evening. I am very grateful that tomorrow is Friday. Of course, some funnyman bastard at work told me in a very excited tone that it was only three more days until Monday. Almost turned into a murderess, but remembered my recent Tao readings from my new sleeping ritual. Just in time.
The accounting team and my group work under the same Sr. VP of Finance, but they seem to forget that little detail. It has escalated into an Us v. Them kind of mentality. These people need to grow up. Apparently the move to a new building the past weekend didn't improve their attitude one iota.
Our temp, on the other hand, is categorized as a vendor. She decided to make an appointment with two other vendors. I thought perchance that they had dropped in without an appointment, but when I looked at her make-up application, her hair coiffed (better than most days) and her dress through the window as I passed by, I knew she had made an appointment with them. She is not a formal employee of our company and has no business talking to them as a voice for our company. Sigh.
I didn't want to embarrass her in front of her guests so I let it run its course. She seemed pretty proud of herself and was bragging afterwards. Several minutes into our own conversation, her bubble was burst by yours truly. This whole thing caused quite the stir to be addressed again very soon. When I asked her why she met with them and didn't let us know in advance, she said they wanted to meet her and wanted to know about what she does. Good grief! What is up with people looking for validation in the most odd ways?
The Universe took pity on me in the afternoon and let me find my equilibrium. I was able to maintain it into the evening. I am very grateful that tomorrow is Friday. Of course, some funnyman bastard at work told me in a very excited tone that it was only three more days until Monday. Almost turned into a murderess, but remembered my recent Tao readings from my new sleeping ritual. Just in time.
Billions and Billions
The Love Quote of the Day on my page comes from Carl Sagan:
For small creatures such as we the vastness is bearable only through love.
- I really love Carl Sagan. The world lost a great man of science when he left us for his beloved stars. Thank God he left us his legacy and television show reruns.
For small creatures such as we the vastness is bearable only through love.
- I really love Carl Sagan. The world lost a great man of science when he left us for his beloved stars. Thank God he left us his legacy and television show reruns.
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
Beauty in Your Soul
The sun rises high on the horizon. It's golden rays mirrored on the ocean waves. You can feel the warmth to come and permeate your human veil.
With your eyes closed, you inhale life to strengthen your life force. Your heart has no choice but to keep universal time. Can you feel the hum of your blood winding through capillaries and veins around your body? Each path warmed by the pressure of its journey.
Errant child thoughts pass through your consciousness. You honor all, pleasant and unpleasant, so they can fly away from your mind to make room for the real thoughts that need your attention. Breathe deeply. Exhale slowly and breathe in again.
As the junk mail in your mind is emptied, all that is left is your Essence which you claimed from your Source before your earthly time. The treasure you have been given is the Beauty in Your Soul. It is meant to be shared in big and small deeds...thoughts...wishes...hopes...and dreams. That beauty has a name. It is simply called Love.
The sea is lifted by the wind to make the waves roll and splash noisily on the shore. You open your eyes. The sun's bright light makes the sea foam sparkle like diamonds spilling into the sand. You begin to remember, you remember the warmth of Love.
With your eyes closed, you inhale life to strengthen your life force. Your heart has no choice but to keep universal time. Can you feel the hum of your blood winding through capillaries and veins around your body? Each path warmed by the pressure of its journey.
Errant child thoughts pass through your consciousness. You honor all, pleasant and unpleasant, so they can fly away from your mind to make room for the real thoughts that need your attention. Breathe deeply. Exhale slowly and breathe in again.
As the junk mail in your mind is emptied, all that is left is your Essence which you claimed from your Source before your earthly time. The treasure you have been given is the Beauty in Your Soul. It is meant to be shared in big and small deeds...thoughts...wishes...hopes...and dreams. That beauty has a name. It is simply called Love.
The sea is lifted by the wind to make the waves roll and splash noisily on the shore. You open your eyes. The sun's bright light makes the sea foam sparkle like diamonds spilling into the sand. You begin to remember, you remember the warmth of Love.
True Color
Thanks to Badgerdaddy's blog, I have found my True Color.
ORANGE - You're a bold, confident orange. A warm, powerful colour that indicates a strong, welcoming personality, orange is the mark of people who are social and extroverted by nature.
Vibrant, with an upbeat attitude, you have a bright, inviting demeanour. Energetic and fun-loving, you're a real friend-magnet. Your easy charm and unassuming manner make you the sort of person people want to meet and get to know better.
Well-rounded and fun to be around, you enjoy helping others, so it's no surprise that orange also symbolises attraction. Orange is an extraordinary colour -- for an extraordinary person...
Yep, that's me...especially the well-rounded part. Ha! As a matter of fact, I wore a peachy orange-colored flower on my blouse today.
ORANGE - You're a bold, confident orange. A warm, powerful colour that indicates a strong, welcoming personality, orange is the mark of people who are social and extroverted by nature.
Vibrant, with an upbeat attitude, you have a bright, inviting demeanour. Energetic and fun-loving, you're a real friend-magnet. Your easy charm and unassuming manner make you the sort of person people want to meet and get to know better.
Well-rounded and fun to be around, you enjoy helping others, so it's no surprise that orange also symbolises attraction. Orange is an extraordinary colour -- for an extraordinary person...
Yep, that's me...especially the well-rounded part. Ha! As a matter of fact, I wore a peachy orange-colored flower on my blouse today.
Topsy Turvy Love Quote
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
Hello Vibes
Walked Cabal at 5-ish and on the way back saw a big green bodied dragonfly on the left wall in front of my door. It surprised me because I am used to seeing them during the day only, but it still made me smile. I love it when they visit me like that.
A tired Bridget greeted me at work, but she was nutty fun. Our interim boss informed us that a formal job offer was being made to replace our old boss. Yay!
I don't know what kind of vibes I was giving to the universe today, but I swear it wasn't conscious and I wasn't even flashing my famous pearly whites to the male population. I was invited for drinks after work which I declined and a couple of fun looking guys honked to get my attention on the way home while we were stopped at a traffic light. Those type of "hello vibes" have been shut off for about eight months now.
It is sad to say, but I feel like having a stop sign that says, "Okay, before you advance any further, please read this: The last guy I went out with made me feel comfortable enough to visit him in his own country for two weeks. He also me feel comfortable enough to do some other crazy and wildly fun things. So, Mr. Interested, what are you going to bring to the table?" In any case, I am not interested in putting out any kind of "hello vibes" out right now. Blecchh.
Just couldn't wait to get home and relax. Received a call from Myrna on the way. We're getting together on Saturday to renew our shared Costco membership and eat at my favorite restaurant, Maggiano's. I can't wait to devour some calamari; their squigglies are very delicious.
Now to pray that the inclement weather doesn't make too much noise tonight so that the doggie doesn't force me to get up and stay right next to him. Can't have him interrupting my new sacred sleeping ritual. I told him as much and he gave me this look as if to say: It is all about me, wench. You're on my time now and what I say goes. He is such a slave driver.
A tired Bridget greeted me at work, but she was nutty fun. Our interim boss informed us that a formal job offer was being made to replace our old boss. Yay!
I don't know what kind of vibes I was giving to the universe today, but I swear it wasn't conscious and I wasn't even flashing my famous pearly whites to the male population. I was invited for drinks after work which I declined and a couple of fun looking guys honked to get my attention on the way home while we were stopped at a traffic light. Those type of "hello vibes" have been shut off for about eight months now.
It is sad to say, but I feel like having a stop sign that says, "Okay, before you advance any further, please read this: The last guy I went out with made me feel comfortable enough to visit him in his own country for two weeks. He also me feel comfortable enough to do some other crazy and wildly fun things. So, Mr. Interested, what are you going to bring to the table?" In any case, I am not interested in putting out any kind of "hello vibes" out right now. Blecchh.
Just couldn't wait to get home and relax. Received a call from Myrna on the way. We're getting together on Saturday to renew our shared Costco membership and eat at my favorite restaurant, Maggiano's. I can't wait to devour some calamari; their squigglies are very delicious.
Now to pray that the inclement weather doesn't make too much noise tonight so that the doggie doesn't force me to get up and stay right next to him. Can't have him interrupting my new sacred sleeping ritual. I told him as much and he gave me this look as if to say: It is all about me, wench. You're on my time now and what I say goes. He is such a slave driver.
Blaspheming Elvis
Okay, my new sleeping ritual worked until a couple of hours into it. Methinks it is the spicy food eaten at 9-ish... Continuing again tonight.
Last night, I saw a television advertisement that started off great. The setting was in a barn and a bunch of guys in their 40s and 50s with instruments jamming to an Elvis tune. The guys were having a great time and I was enjoying it, too....UNTIL the chorus words were freakin' Viva Viagra! What the hell??!!! What a way to ruin a great song.
The 30th anniversary date of Elvis Presley's death is upon us. He is still The King!
Last night, I saw a television advertisement that started off great. The setting was in a barn and a bunch of guys in their 40s and 50s with instruments jamming to an Elvis tune. The guys were having a great time and I was enjoying it, too....UNTIL the chorus words were freakin' Viva Viagra! What the hell??!!! What a way to ruin a great song.
The 30th anniversary date of Elvis Presley's death is upon us. He is still The King!
Monday, August 13, 2007
Storms and Sauces
Became very excited to show off my new porcelain dragonfly pin, but realized minutes into wearing it different ways that I didn't preplan for it. Ugh. It didn't look right hanging from my gold chain and the ribbon I picked out was too wide for the neckline of the blouse, etc. etc. I will have to design and make a proper ribbon necklace which means I have to get my jewelry making supplies out. Hmpf!
Work vibes were not good. Found myself grinding my teeth all day which brought on a headache later. Changed my left monitor's (I use two at work) brightness to be..ehm..brighter. Never realized it was dimmer than the other until I moved a window from one to the next that had very bright colors. Weird. On a good note, Bridget was back from her vacation which means I am less stressed, I think.
Properly went grocery shopping after work. Every time I opened a cupboard, moths flew out. It was time for more treats for me and my Pretty Boy Dog. My car trunk and a portion of my backseat were filled with goodie bags. By the time I got out, there were dark clouds fast advancing across the sky. Large droplets of rain began to fall when I got in the car. It became a race to get home.
The drive home took about 15 minutes and I figured I had about another 10 to get everything from the trunk to inside my apartment. I hustled and took three trips with plastic bag laden arms plus one additional trip for my laptop and handbag. It was still a little light when I arrived, but the storm clouds turned the sky into instant nighttime. Thunder and lightning were everywhere. Had enough time to spare for Cabal to take a quick wee before all hell broke loose.
Generally, I like to make my own sauces, but tonight I decided to try these Iron Chef Sauces and Glazes. I tried Orange Sauce Glaze with Ginger, General Tso's, and Sesame Garlic. These sauces are not cheap, but they are worth every penny. My favorite being the Sesame Garlic that I can use for stir-fries, dips for chicken tenders or in place of mayonnaise/mustard in tortilla wraps or thinned with water for an Asian salad dressing. My taste buds were very happy-happy.
It dawned on me last evening that I need to treat my bedtime with more reverence. My new bedtime ritual of treating it as sacred time began by turning off the television to achieve silence. I warmed some milk and sprinkled it with cinnamon and sipped its comfort before reading some pages from Lao-tzu's Tao Te Ching. I slept well last night so will try the new ritual again in a few minutes. Mmm...
Work vibes were not good. Found myself grinding my teeth all day which brought on a headache later. Changed my left monitor's (I use two at work) brightness to be..ehm..brighter. Never realized it was dimmer than the other until I moved a window from one to the next that had very bright colors. Weird. On a good note, Bridget was back from her vacation which means I am less stressed, I think.
Properly went grocery shopping after work. Every time I opened a cupboard, moths flew out. It was time for more treats for me and my Pretty Boy Dog. My car trunk and a portion of my backseat were filled with goodie bags. By the time I got out, there were dark clouds fast advancing across the sky. Large droplets of rain began to fall when I got in the car. It became a race to get home.
The drive home took about 15 minutes and I figured I had about another 10 to get everything from the trunk to inside my apartment. I hustled and took three trips with plastic bag laden arms plus one additional trip for my laptop and handbag. It was still a little light when I arrived, but the storm clouds turned the sky into instant nighttime. Thunder and lightning were everywhere. Had enough time to spare for Cabal to take a quick wee before all hell broke loose.
Generally, I like to make my own sauces, but tonight I decided to try these Iron Chef Sauces and Glazes. I tried Orange Sauce Glaze with Ginger, General Tso's, and Sesame Garlic. These sauces are not cheap, but they are worth every penny. My favorite being the Sesame Garlic that I can use for stir-fries, dips for chicken tenders or in place of mayonnaise/mustard in tortilla wraps or thinned with water for an Asian salad dressing. My taste buds were very happy-happy.
It dawned on me last evening that I need to treat my bedtime with more reverence. My new bedtime ritual of treating it as sacred time began by turning off the television to achieve silence. I warmed some milk and sprinkled it with cinnamon and sipped its comfort before reading some pages from Lao-tzu's Tao Te Ching. I slept well last night so will try the new ritual again in a few minutes. Mmm...
Sunday, August 12, 2007
Cranky AGOL Gets Her Rain
Woke up tired and cranky from strange dreams. Kept the blinds closed from the mocking sun shining brightly throughout the day. Couldn't hide the whole time thanks to Cabal. We walked around a few times taking in the scorching heat that was like a well placed magnifying glass on each pore.
Received a call from Kathy who helped me tweak some aesthetic items on my blog (IE darker text on posts and other font color changes). The changes I really wanted to make weren't possible today. I was able to add a picture of my favorite accessory on the right margin, appropriately below the Love Quote of the Day. Just felt the need.
I called San Francisco Trish to continue our conversation from last evening. She and her boyfriend are thinking of moving in together sometime soon. Trish wants me to come and visit them once they are settled in. Would have to make a two-step trip with the other stop in Los Angeles to visit my cousin Angie. Eh. A thought for the back of my head as I consider things.
The weather finally matched my mood around 7pm. Maybe I should have taken a nap instead of doing chores and watching the boob tube to improve it? A deluge with continuous loud thunder came for a visit. The dog was not amused and kept trying to jump in my lap. Finally had to concede and read at the dining room table so he could hide under the table. Sigh.
The picture below does not do it justice, but I totally dig how the water droplets on the bottom left are in a state of suspension.
If you could see my uncharacteristic crappy typing right now, you'd order me to take a sleep aid and make a quick date with Mr. Sandman. Ooooooooorrrr I could always take the more fun route and do straight vodka shots and take up drunk blogging. I am quite the fun drunk, but certain conditions have to be present before that level is met. It's in the AGOL Handbook.
Received a call from Kathy who helped me tweak some aesthetic items on my blog (IE darker text on posts and other font color changes). The changes I really wanted to make weren't possible today. I was able to add a picture of my favorite accessory on the right margin, appropriately below the Love Quote of the Day. Just felt the need.
I called San Francisco Trish to continue our conversation from last evening. She and her boyfriend are thinking of moving in together sometime soon. Trish wants me to come and visit them once they are settled in. Would have to make a two-step trip with the other stop in Los Angeles to visit my cousin Angie. Eh. A thought for the back of my head as I consider things.
The weather finally matched my mood around 7pm. Maybe I should have taken a nap instead of doing chores and watching the boob tube to improve it? A deluge with continuous loud thunder came for a visit. The dog was not amused and kept trying to jump in my lap. Finally had to concede and read at the dining room table so he could hide under the table. Sigh.
The picture below does not do it justice, but I totally dig how the water droplets on the bottom left are in a state of suspension.
If you could see my uncharacteristic crappy typing right now, you'd order me to take a sleep aid and make a quick date with Mr. Sandman. Ooooooooorrrr I could always take the more fun route and do straight vodka shots and take up drunk blogging. I am quite the fun drunk, but certain conditions have to be present before that level is met. It's in the AGOL Handbook.
Saturday, August 11, 2007
Steamy Art
Tawny and Jeff kidnapped me for a late afternoon jaunt to downtown St. Petersburg for some art therapy. We stopped first at St. Petersburg Clay Factory so Jeff could buy some clear glaze and other stuff for his kiln. My sidekick and I explored all the clay goodies on display for purchase by the artists who rent studio space there.
From the clay place, we flitted in and out of art boutiques and furniture shops marvelling at the unique offerings and also getting some inspiration for our own art.
Dinner became an Italian theme when the place Jeff had picked out was closed and was not staying open for the Downtown Art Walk tonight. The atmosphere was relaxing and became more so after the glass of tasty Shiraz I imbibed. We all agreed it was the most relaxing spot we have been in all week. The food was prepared well and the Italian music piped throughout was not intrusive during the meal. Finished with some coffee to perk me up for the art walk.
Rain drizzled for a bit and we played peek-a-boo with it under the awnings. We had our umbrellas in case it down poured. The rain produced steam from hitting the hot pavement. We were unnecessarily perspiring from the humidity and our clothes became uncomfortable which didn't dampen our fun at all.
My contribution to supporting the local artists was buying the porcelain dragonfly encircled in gold glaze below at one of the galleries. The artist was on hand to talk to visitors. She was very nice and made me feel really good about buying her art. It can be used like a pendant or as a pin. I will most likely use it as a pendant using satin ribbon or a gold chain.
We stopped at a few more galleries and let the creative vibes spin its magic on us. On the way home, we listened to recordings by British comedian Eddie Izzard and Scottish comedian Bill Connolly. It was interrupted momentarily by a call from San Francisco Trish who was checking up on me to make sure I was okay. She is so sweet.
Jeff honored my earlier request by stopping at my favorite bookseller so I could buy a new book by Dr. Wayne Dyer. I also bought a children's book that would be contributed to the Ronald McDonald House. My supportive moves today were satisfying my Spreading The Love needs.
An evening filled with beautiful art, loving for the world and good friends...What could be better?
From the clay place, we flitted in and out of art boutiques and furniture shops marvelling at the unique offerings and also getting some inspiration for our own art.
Dinner became an Italian theme when the place Jeff had picked out was closed and was not staying open for the Downtown Art Walk tonight. The atmosphere was relaxing and became more so after the glass of tasty Shiraz I imbibed. We all agreed it was the most relaxing spot we have been in all week. The food was prepared well and the Italian music piped throughout was not intrusive during the meal. Finished with some coffee to perk me up for the art walk.
Rain drizzled for a bit and we played peek-a-boo with it under the awnings. We had our umbrellas in case it down poured. The rain produced steam from hitting the hot pavement. We were unnecessarily perspiring from the humidity and our clothes became uncomfortable which didn't dampen our fun at all.
My contribution to supporting the local artists was buying the porcelain dragonfly encircled in gold glaze below at one of the galleries. The artist was on hand to talk to visitors. She was very nice and made me feel really good about buying her art. It can be used like a pendant or as a pin. I will most likely use it as a pendant using satin ribbon or a gold chain.
We stopped at a few more galleries and let the creative vibes spin its magic on us. On the way home, we listened to recordings by British comedian Eddie Izzard and Scottish comedian Bill Connolly. It was interrupted momentarily by a call from San Francisco Trish who was checking up on me to make sure I was okay. She is so sweet.
Jeff honored my earlier request by stopping at my favorite bookseller so I could buy a new book by Dr. Wayne Dyer. I also bought a children's book that would be contributed to the Ronald McDonald House. My supportive moves today were satisfying my Spreading The Love needs.
An evening filled with beautiful art, loving for the world and good friends...What could be better?
Saturday Morning Wisdom
Being a poor sleeper and moving through the process, the weekends present an emotional challenge and I cannot expect to change my feelings overnight. I work and stay up late on Friday and Saturday evenings until I am queasy from lack of sleep to exhaust myself so that I don't wake up alert, but ready enough to tackle the day until I can mentally prepare myself. A poor way to cope, but it is a method for the time being.
While the dawn said goodbye to the sun, I worked more on my special project that even now I am beginning to question its formation. I forge ahead not quite knowing if it is right. Its completion will speak to me of its fate...
I welcomed The Saturday Four this morning with Kim and Kristey. Kim had asked if we were going to do two miles and I said no and that we would do the whole four miles regardless of the heat and humidity. I needed the release of energy and the time to commune with the forest. Their healing energy was welcomed.
Bought breakfast, got some cash from the ATM and filled up my gas tank. All this done with dissipating exhaustion with my cotton clothes drenched in perspiration. Home to Cabal watching me through the vertical blinds in front of the sliding glass doors. My warden had been waiting for his playtime. I walked with him first before complying.
I watched something on television this morning that reminded me of a quote from Bruce Lee:
“Empty your mind, be formless, shapeless - like water. Now you put water into a cup, it becomes the cup, you put water into a bottle, it becomes the bottle, you put it in a teapot, it becomes the teapot. Now water can flow or it can crash. Be water, my friend.”
Water flows and transforms itself to accommodate what it encounters. Water is soft and allows for things. There is much strength in less resistance. I am trying to be more like water and work around and under the wall I am up against. That wall being me.
While the dawn said goodbye to the sun, I worked more on my special project that even now I am beginning to question its formation. I forge ahead not quite knowing if it is right. Its completion will speak to me of its fate...
I welcomed The Saturday Four this morning with Kim and Kristey. Kim had asked if we were going to do two miles and I said no and that we would do the whole four miles regardless of the heat and humidity. I needed the release of energy and the time to commune with the forest. Their healing energy was welcomed.
Bought breakfast, got some cash from the ATM and filled up my gas tank. All this done with dissipating exhaustion with my cotton clothes drenched in perspiration. Home to Cabal watching me through the vertical blinds in front of the sliding glass doors. My warden had been waiting for his playtime. I walked with him first before complying.
I watched something on television this morning that reminded me of a quote from Bruce Lee:
“Empty your mind, be formless, shapeless - like water. Now you put water into a cup, it becomes the cup, you put water into a bottle, it becomes the bottle, you put it in a teapot, it becomes the teapot. Now water can flow or it can crash. Be water, my friend.”
Water flows and transforms itself to accommodate what it encounters. Water is soft and allows for things. There is much strength in less resistance. I am trying to be more like water and work around and under the wall I am up against. That wall being me.
Friday, August 10, 2007
The Conga and a Reassessment
Blessed Friday, how I've longed for you...Maybe not that much, but I do welcome you. I was not sure how much work I would get finished today because a portion of my area is packing their belongings to move to the other corporate tower about a quarter mile down the road. All that erratic energy was not conducive to a happy workflow.
Lunchtime found us doing the conga (not literally) down to the cafe to get lunch and bring it back up to our breakroom. It was Tawny, Lisa and me starting the line. How much more fun would it had been had we actually danced the conga. We may have to find out later. I am curious enough to find out.
While I processed the strangest orders for equipment and mystery vendors, the back of my mind was going through a reassessment. I realized that Christmas is only four months away. Where has the time gone?
I am not giving the HOE (Handmade Ornament Exchange) party this year in November. I've already thrown away my six-foot artificial tree to possibly make room for a new one. I'll just have one Christmas gathering this year instead of two last year, if that. My heart is just not in it at the moment.
If we were to take today, August 10th and go back to the same date in 2006 what would our answers be to the following questions?
If I were to take the same day of the 10th and remember back to December 10th, I would say that a single step that evening (in retrospect) changed my life. God's loving touch on my life that day cannot be stopped and is infinite. It has been life giving and life enhancing. It is a spiralling effect...Do I continue to climb up the spiral or slide down it after encountering a recent misstep? God's loving touch is a living force that moves through you and you are the instrument by which it lives. My answer is breathe and climb..and breathe again.
The drive home took an extra 30-minutes thanks to the traffic to get into the football stadium. The Tampa Bay Bucanneers were playing their first pre-season game. Tawny was with me as I gave her another ride home. We took an alternate route which is usually faster, but not this evening. We resigned ourselves to it.
Spent the rest of the evening trying to regain some peace from the day. Looking forward to tomorrow morning with Kimmee and Kristey.
Lunchtime found us doing the conga (not literally) down to the cafe to get lunch and bring it back up to our breakroom. It was Tawny, Lisa and me starting the line. How much more fun would it had been had we actually danced the conga. We may have to find out later. I am curious enough to find out.
While I processed the strangest orders for equipment and mystery vendors, the back of my mind was going through a reassessment. I realized that Christmas is only four months away. Where has the time gone?
I am not giving the HOE (Handmade Ornament Exchange) party this year in November. I've already thrown away my six-foot artificial tree to possibly make room for a new one. I'll just have one Christmas gathering this year instead of two last year, if that. My heart is just not in it at the moment.
If we were to take today, August 10th and go back to the same date in 2006 what would our answers be to the following questions?
- ...What were you doing a year ago?
...What was your mental state?
...What goals did you have for yourself?
...What have you done in the last year?
...Was it life giving and life enhancing?
...Did you contribute to the world or someone's world?
...If yes, how did you do it?
...If no, how can you create the conditions to make it happen?
...Did your goals stay the same during the year?
If I were to take the same day of the 10th and remember back to December 10th, I would say that a single step that evening (in retrospect) changed my life. God's loving touch on my life that day cannot be stopped and is infinite. It has been life giving and life enhancing. It is a spiralling effect...Do I continue to climb up the spiral or slide down it after encountering a recent misstep? God's loving touch is a living force that moves through you and you are the instrument by which it lives. My answer is breathe and climb..and breathe again.The drive home took an extra 30-minutes thanks to the traffic to get into the football stadium. The Tampa Bay Bucanneers were playing their first pre-season game. Tawny was with me as I gave her another ride home. We took an alternate route which is usually faster, but not this evening. We resigned ourselves to it.
Spent the rest of the evening trying to regain some peace from the day. Looking forward to tomorrow morning with Kimmee and Kristey.
Thursday, August 09, 2007
Pesky Vendor
There is no rest for the wicked, er...AGOL. My interim boss had my undivided attention before I had my tea and coffee. Yes, I am a two-fisted drinker. I think he likes the fact I am effervescent and smiley with a can do attitude which was partially forced this morning from lack of valuable morning liquids.
May the purchasing gods save me from pesky vendors! The cute bastard from yesterday has now been demoted to just plain bastard. Little does he know that pushing me does not work, quite the opposite effect. He should have recognized by my overly polite tone that I was not happy and calling me right before lunch, too! It is all about attitude and delivery.
Yeah, he delivered again all right, an e-mail around 3-ish to me and everyone trying to get status. I am sure he liked my reply. Hee. I also called him at 5pm, as promised from earlier phone call, to apprise him of the situation. Why be a pain to your potential client when you're waiting for the ink to be on the contract? I really hate it when vendors behave stupidly as they are salivating for your business. I don't care if they are considered the hotshot of their company. Just makes them ugly to me...
Lunch was fun with the gals. It only got weird at the end when my temp decided that she needed to research getting a Facebook account after three of us discussed having an account. Sigh.
Spent the afternoon yawning. I fell asleep early last night but became wide awake around 2:30am and then forced myself to fall asleep again. It was not restful. Sleep deprivation caught up with me. All the extra coffee I drank in the afternoon just made me do the fast Asian walk down the long hallway several times.
Here's pics of our famous Florida Liquid Sunshine as Tawny and I made it out of building. Very wet and very sunny at the same time.
Gave Tawny a ride home again. I was a zombie on the way. Normally, I am more engaging in a conversation. Tawny doesn't need me to amuse her and I was happy listening while she talked.
The maid had the night off again because she was zombie. She watched The Idiot Box instead and now she is updating her blog before meeting Mr. Sandman for an early date. Let's hope he keeps her out all night. Wink.
May the purchasing gods save me from pesky vendors! The cute bastard from yesterday has now been demoted to just plain bastard. Little does he know that pushing me does not work, quite the opposite effect. He should have recognized by my overly polite tone that I was not happy and calling me right before lunch, too! It is all about attitude and delivery.
Yeah, he delivered again all right, an e-mail around 3-ish to me and everyone trying to get status. I am sure he liked my reply. Hee. I also called him at 5pm, as promised from earlier phone call, to apprise him of the situation. Why be a pain to your potential client when you're waiting for the ink to be on the contract? I really hate it when vendors behave stupidly as they are salivating for your business. I don't care if they are considered the hotshot of their company. Just makes them ugly to me...
Lunch was fun with the gals. It only got weird at the end when my temp decided that she needed to research getting a Facebook account after three of us discussed having an account. Sigh.
Spent the afternoon yawning. I fell asleep early last night but became wide awake around 2:30am and then forced myself to fall asleep again. It was not restful. Sleep deprivation caught up with me. All the extra coffee I drank in the afternoon just made me do the fast Asian walk down the long hallway several times.
Here's pics of our famous Florida Liquid Sunshine as Tawny and I made it out of building. Very wet and very sunny at the same time.
Gave Tawny a ride home again. I was a zombie on the way. Normally, I am more engaging in a conversation. Tawny doesn't need me to amuse her and I was happy listening while she talked.
The maid had the night off again because she was zombie. She watched The Idiot Box instead and now she is updating her blog before meeting Mr. Sandman for an early date. Let's hope he keeps her out all night. Wink.
Roam If You Want To
I listen to satellite radio online while I work. I just happened to listen to the new wave section and Roam from the B-52's came on. God bless America, I love that song! It takes me back to being 18 years old moving from Wyoming to Orlando, Florida. For some reason, the song fills me with all kinds of groovylicious vibes and sunshine. Maybe because it gives permission to be free.
Roam if you want to roam around the world
Roam if you want to without wings without wheels
Roam if you want to roam around the world
Roam if you want to without anything but the love we feel
Roam if you want to roam around the world
Roam if you want to without wings without wheels
Roam if you want to roam around the world
Roam if you want to without anything but the love we feel
New Airplane Rules
Received a recent listing of new rules from my corporate travel provider regarding the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) on allowing breast milk on airplanes:
Q. Why is breast milk not a threat?
A. Breast milk is a medical necessity and it is being classified as such. It must be declared at the checkpoint.
Q. How do you ensure liquid explosives disguised as breast milk or medications are not brought through the checkpoint?
A. Since September 2006, certain liquid medications have been permitted at the checkpoint as long as they are declared to security officers and are subject to additional screening.
Q. Do passengers carrying breast milk need to taste it to prove it is not a liquid explosive?
A. No. We will not ask a traveler to taste breast milk.
...Well, I'm glad we have that cleared up.
Q. Why is breast milk not a threat?
A. Breast milk is a medical necessity and it is being classified as such. It must be declared at the checkpoint.
Q. How do you ensure liquid explosives disguised as breast milk or medications are not brought through the checkpoint?
A. Since September 2006, certain liquid medications have been permitted at the checkpoint as long as they are declared to security officers and are subject to additional screening.
Q. Do passengers carrying breast milk need to taste it to prove it is not a liquid explosive?
A. No. We will not ask a traveler to taste breast milk.
...Well, I'm glad we have that cleared up.
Wednesday, August 08, 2007
Nose to the Grindstone
Another day of working my nose to the grindstone. If you know me, you know that I have a small pert nose. I could very well turn into an AGOL rendition of the Sphinx by week's end. Maybe I should have saved some shekels for a nose job to get a nice Roman-like nose, more feminine of course to avoid such a hazard.
Had one vendor today who was obviously putting the screws to my group to sign a contract for the equipment being installed in multiple locations across the country. The cute bastard was e-mailing everyone one in my department and then some on the guise of "I don't want you to take the chance of losing the equipment that is earmarked for you". Yeah, whatever. There is only so much I can push on the legal department and my interim boss doesn't come back to the office until tomorrow. Still, the cute bastard managed to find his way to my desk thanks to someone in HR who is wanting one of his equipment and is getting a separate contract. She dropped him off at my desk to take care of so she could go back to her little world. Grrr.
The day was a Goldilocks kind of day, not too fast and not too slow. I found myself getting up more often to walk to Tawny's side of the floor, but she had her office door closed for conference calls. She needs to get her priorities straight: best friend vs conference calls. Ha!
My fridge and freezer are empty of foodstuffs I could use to make quick dinner. Would have had German hotdogs, but you know what happened to the buns on Saturday afternoon thanks to the Pretty Boy Dog.
Gave Myrna a call to help out. She picked me up for dinner and we had a rousing time catching up. Her toy puppies are turning out to capture much of her attention and time with their training. She and her husband are having the carpeting pulled up in their home and have wood laminate floors installed which would make it easier not to mention they would hear the puppies. These dogs with their dark coloring are so small that sometimes they blend in with the navy carpet and get stepped on. Eek! Her husband says I didn't know we bought parrots, because the puppies seem to hang out on each of Myrna's shoulders when she is sleeping or sitting on the sofa.
She dropped me off almost three hours later to PBD who wanted to get his playtime in. I fell asleep soon after thanks to the food coma from dinner. No chores tonight. This Filipina maid had the night off.
Had one vendor today who was obviously putting the screws to my group to sign a contract for the equipment being installed in multiple locations across the country. The cute bastard was e-mailing everyone one in my department and then some on the guise of "I don't want you to take the chance of losing the equipment that is earmarked for you". Yeah, whatever. There is only so much I can push on the legal department and my interim boss doesn't come back to the office until tomorrow. Still, the cute bastard managed to find his way to my desk thanks to someone in HR who is wanting one of his equipment and is getting a separate contract. She dropped him off at my desk to take care of so she could go back to her little world. Grrr.
The day was a Goldilocks kind of day, not too fast and not too slow. I found myself getting up more often to walk to Tawny's side of the floor, but she had her office door closed for conference calls. She needs to get her priorities straight: best friend vs conference calls. Ha!
My fridge and freezer are empty of foodstuffs I could use to make quick dinner. Would have had German hotdogs, but you know what happened to the buns on Saturday afternoon thanks to the Pretty Boy Dog.
Gave Myrna a call to help out. She picked me up for dinner and we had a rousing time catching up. Her toy puppies are turning out to capture much of her attention and time with their training. She and her husband are having the carpeting pulled up in their home and have wood laminate floors installed which would make it easier not to mention they would hear the puppies. These dogs with their dark coloring are so small that sometimes they blend in with the navy carpet and get stepped on. Eek! Her husband says I didn't know we bought parrots, because the puppies seem to hang out on each of Myrna's shoulders when she is sleeping or sitting on the sofa.
She dropped me off almost three hours later to PBD who wanted to get his playtime in. I fell asleep soon after thanks to the food coma from dinner. No chores tonight. This Filipina maid had the night off.
Tuesday, August 07, 2007
Dammit Janet
Ever feel the need for some serious kind of crazy?
Yeah, I know you do. It starts out as a niggling feeling you can't describe. You ignore it. Work some more. A tickling feeling in the back of your neck keeps trying to get your attention. It feels so real you swat at it. Finally, you get up, get coffee and make chatty talk with people in the hallway you don't care deeply about. Back at your keyboard and monitor, you reestablish order. That only lasts for a bit because crazy has taken over. You just gotta, mama. With your hands on your hips...
No, I didn't do it in the aisle, but I did in my mind. Professional decorum will let you keep your job in the corporate world. The craziest thing I did today was smile a lot to the CEO of our North American Branch and even flirt a little when he asked me how I was doing. I said my normal groovy. I took it easy on the old guy, I didn't say groovylicious. I couldn't lie. He seems like an adorably sweet man. Little does he know I am campaigning to be the Smile Ambassador for our company. There is no such thing in our company, but it could happen.
Oh gosh. I was buried deep in my own work and doing a part of my ex-boss' job. E-mails and phone calls came in faster than I could research and answer, but I didn't do too shabby. It's like everyone woke up and remembered they needed contracts executed and resent.
Gave Tawny a ride home. Uncharacteristically, I stopped and bought pizza to-go for dinner. Too tired and too much of I don't give a flying fudgicle attitude to be bothered with healthy and nutritious. Also, poured in brain candy by watching America's Got Talent. Ooh, it's getting good.
The Singing Bee just started and I have some chores like washing the floors and washing the rugs to get done. You know, I didn't sign up for menial work at home. At my job that's different story, it was in Section 10.7.5.3b1 of my application.
Yeah, I know you do. It starts out as a niggling feeling you can't describe. You ignore it. Work some more. A tickling feeling in the back of your neck keeps trying to get your attention. It feels so real you swat at it. Finally, you get up, get coffee and make chatty talk with people in the hallway you don't care deeply about. Back at your keyboard and monitor, you reestablish order. That only lasts for a bit because crazy has taken over. You just gotta, mama. With your hands on your hips...
No, I didn't do it in the aisle, but I did in my mind. Professional decorum will let you keep your job in the corporate world. The craziest thing I did today was smile a lot to the CEO of our North American Branch and even flirt a little when he asked me how I was doing. I said my normal groovy. I took it easy on the old guy, I didn't say groovylicious. I couldn't lie. He seems like an adorably sweet man. Little does he know I am campaigning to be the Smile Ambassador for our company. There is no such thing in our company, but it could happen.
Oh gosh. I was buried deep in my own work and doing a part of my ex-boss' job. E-mails and phone calls came in faster than I could research and answer, but I didn't do too shabby. It's like everyone woke up and remembered they needed contracts executed and resent.
Gave Tawny a ride home. Uncharacteristically, I stopped and bought pizza to-go for dinner. Too tired and too much of I don't give a flying fudgicle attitude to be bothered with healthy and nutritious. Also, poured in brain candy by watching America's Got Talent. Ooh, it's getting good.
The Singing Bee just started and I have some chores like washing the floors and washing the rugs to get done. You know, I didn't sign up for menial work at home. At my job that's different story, it was in Section 10.7.5.3b1 of my application.
In Case You Forgot
...that all we really need to know in life comes from The Matrix Trilogy:
"Love is a word, what matters is the connection that word implies." The Matrix Revolutions
"We are all here to do what we are all here to do..." The Matrix Reloaded
"You have to let it all go, Neo. Fear, doubt, and disbelief. Free your mind. " The Matrix
"Love is a word, what matters is the connection that word implies." The Matrix Revolutions
"We are all here to do what we are all here to do..." The Matrix Reloaded
"You have to let it all go, Neo. Fear, doubt, and disbelief. Free your mind. " The Matrix
Dirty Story
Monday, August 06, 2007
Whistle While You Work
QUOTE OF THE DAY
"I don't mind coming to work,
But that eight hour wait to go home is a bitch."
Why isn't it as much fun when you check e-mail at work as it is at home? When I docked my laptop to connect to the network, my work e-mail began to populate with dozens of unread e-mail, mostly notifications of system alerts. I could tell it was going to be a long a day and it was. The hours ticked by slowly.
Had leftover goodies from the christening for lunch and there was only one freakshow at lunch, Tawny. She had read yesterday's post with the pics of Baby Colton and decided that she had a project for me...to have a baby. Has she lost her mind?! At the rate I'm going, the stork will be asking me to help pass the babies out while he's on a beak break. She wants to be around another baby. Her eldest son just turned 21, her daughter is 18 and the youngest turned 18 a couple of weeks ago. I'll blame her momentary lapse to low sugar.
My ex-boss called me this afternoon from his new job. They eased him in last week and are now inviting him to everything. I teased him by asking what kind of perks the company offered. Did they have ice cream breaks at 3pm? Did they have happy hour at 5pm? He said there were no ice cream breaks, but he wasn't invited to share any cocktails yet. I said that he didn't know the secret handshake yet like they have at the lodge. He countered that he had seen antlers going around the corners. He is a quick wit and I miss him already. He's also a great guy and a great family man.
Caught up with Jill while on my drive home. She had a rough weekend all around. Work was difficult because she has a steep learning curve which makes her nervous and her daughter was making things difficult when they were out with her mother. Her daughter will also be voluntarily moving from home into a youth ranch to keep her on the straight and narrow in a week. Poor thing.
The bright spot is that Jill has a new man in her life who truly appreciates her and the careful attention she gives. He invited her tonight for dinner and a swim in his pool. I am very pleased for her. That is one woman deserves many breaks.
I was grateful to be home in the evening, but I had a lot of restless energy. I decided to funnel it into replacing the front door mat with a new one followed by sweeping the porch and carefully placing my new plants around the perimeter before I watered them. The humidity was still a killer around 8pm which made me perspire more than necessary. How ladylike.
The display hutch behind my dining table was cleaned and I edited the amount of pictures I had on display. Relatives give you new ones without frames and you place them among the others to enjoy promising yourself to get frames for them. The space is breathing much easier now and the glass shelves are sparkling.
Enjoyed some sitcoms and an ep of CSI: Miami and now I am getting cleaned up myself and to a snuggly bed. I can't think about the busy day waiting for me tomorrow. I'll count sheep instead starting now...1...2...
"I don't mind coming to work,
But that eight hour wait to go home is a bitch."
Why isn't it as much fun when you check e-mail at work as it is at home? When I docked my laptop to connect to the network, my work e-mail began to populate with dozens of unread e-mail, mostly notifications of system alerts. I could tell it was going to be a long a day and it was. The hours ticked by slowly.
Had leftover goodies from the christening for lunch and there was only one freakshow at lunch, Tawny. She had read yesterday's post with the pics of Baby Colton and decided that she had a project for me...to have a baby. Has she lost her mind?! At the rate I'm going, the stork will be asking me to help pass the babies out while he's on a beak break. She wants to be around another baby. Her eldest son just turned 21, her daughter is 18 and the youngest turned 18 a couple of weeks ago. I'll blame her momentary lapse to low sugar.
My ex-boss called me this afternoon from his new job. They eased him in last week and are now inviting him to everything. I teased him by asking what kind of perks the company offered. Did they have ice cream breaks at 3pm? Did they have happy hour at 5pm? He said there were no ice cream breaks, but he wasn't invited to share any cocktails yet. I said that he didn't know the secret handshake yet like they have at the lodge. He countered that he had seen antlers going around the corners. He is a quick wit and I miss him already. He's also a great guy and a great family man.
Caught up with Jill while on my drive home. She had a rough weekend all around. Work was difficult because she has a steep learning curve which makes her nervous and her daughter was making things difficult when they were out with her mother. Her daughter will also be voluntarily moving from home into a youth ranch to keep her on the straight and narrow in a week. Poor thing.
The bright spot is that Jill has a new man in her life who truly appreciates her and the careful attention she gives. He invited her tonight for dinner and a swim in his pool. I am very pleased for her. That is one woman deserves many breaks.
I was grateful to be home in the evening, but I had a lot of restless energy. I decided to funnel it into replacing the front door mat with a new one followed by sweeping the porch and carefully placing my new plants around the perimeter before I watered them. The humidity was still a killer around 8pm which made me perspire more than necessary. How ladylike.
The display hutch behind my dining table was cleaned and I edited the amount of pictures I had on display. Relatives give you new ones without frames and you place them among the others to enjoy promising yourself to get frames for them. The space is breathing much easier now and the glass shelves are sparkling.
Enjoyed some sitcoms and an ep of CSI: Miami and now I am getting cleaned up myself and to a snuggly bed. I can't think about the busy day waiting for me tomorrow. I'll count sheep instead starting now...1...2...
Sunday, August 05, 2007
Colton's Christening
Slept in fantastically late this morning. Well, okay...after I got up and walked Cabal at 5am. It wasn't until almost 9am that I saw daylight for the first time. Watched my morning Sunday news magazine on television soon after while eating breakfast. The morning was beautiful.
I began a controversial personal project before noon and it has nothing to do with Project AGOL. Not sure if it will see the light of day. Discussed it with my closest friends and my cousin Angie. They were split on their opinions. Not sure about it myself, but not enough to stop. I will continue with it until it is completed and then have a tequila night to discuss it more properly with the gals. That might be a few weeks or less.
Got lost in Ybor City trying to find the catholic church called Our Lady of Perpetual Help. Obviously, I was in need of perpetual help when I was driving around aimlessly for about 15 minutes which made me late for the christening. One way streets and streets changing names made it more interesting. We all made our way for a late lunch at my cousin's home afterwards.
Baby Colton after he got home from church.
Good Lord, that is a big cake!
Stick barbecue, a Filipino staple at gatherings.
Baby Colton talking to me while I held him.
Once we were settled into my cousin's home, I really enjoyed spending time with my family with the noise of five rambunctious kids all under 10 running amok. The food was filling and the companionship extra comforting.
I remembered to ask my cousin Dave's mother-in-law where she got her pearls restrung. I am longing to wear mine again soon. Now I have a name of a trusted jeweler near their home. It is on the other side of the city for me, but it will give me an excuse to visit my cousin and his family.
Drove home and made calls to my cousin Angie to give her the 411 on the christening and checked up on my friend Nikki. She had left work early Friday to go to the doctor's. Home to an energetic dog and later received a call from Kathy. Worked more on my new project after while listening to detective shows on tv. Trying not to think about the super busy week I will be having at work. Maybe I need a bite of that piece of cake I took home...
I began a controversial personal project before noon and it has nothing to do with Project AGOL. Not sure if it will see the light of day. Discussed it with my closest friends and my cousin Angie. They were split on their opinions. Not sure about it myself, but not enough to stop. I will continue with it until it is completed and then have a tequila night to discuss it more properly with the gals. That might be a few weeks or less.
Got lost in Ybor City trying to find the catholic church called Our Lady of Perpetual Help. Obviously, I was in need of perpetual help when I was driving around aimlessly for about 15 minutes which made me late for the christening. One way streets and streets changing names made it more interesting. We all made our way for a late lunch at my cousin's home afterwards.
Baby Colton after he got home from church.
Good Lord, that is a big cake!
Stick barbecue, a Filipino staple at gatherings.
Baby Colton talking to me while I held him.
Once we were settled into my cousin's home, I really enjoyed spending time with my family with the noise of five rambunctious kids all under 10 running amok. The food was filling and the companionship extra comforting.
I remembered to ask my cousin Dave's mother-in-law where she got her pearls restrung. I am longing to wear mine again soon. Now I have a name of a trusted jeweler near their home. It is on the other side of the city for me, but it will give me an excuse to visit my cousin and his family.
Drove home and made calls to my cousin Angie to give her the 411 on the christening and checked up on my friend Nikki. She had left work early Friday to go to the doctor's. Home to an energetic dog and later received a call from Kathy. Worked more on my new project after while listening to detective shows on tv. Trying not to think about the super busy week I will be having at work. Maybe I need a bite of that piece of cake I took home...
Saturday, August 04, 2007
Bella Come Un Fiore
A trip to the home improvement store this afternoon cheered me up immensely and yielded beauties for my enclosed porch. My once green thumb had turned to black the last couple of years and now I mean to redeem myself. My few surviving plants deserve their life no thanks to me.
Here is the new lot I chose this afternoon which is a mix of flowering plants with a colorful croton and two areca palms. Unfortunately, I couldn't choose plants with round leaves according to my feng shui bagua (map). It's okay to laugh if you don't believe in it. I bet you have your toilet lid* open all the time, huh? Thought so. Tsk. Tsk. Tsk.
Gerbera daisy, you're so passionate.
You give me sunshine, Golden Trumpet.
Viva Mexican Heather! You will be the easiest to care.
Croton, your colors are rich as Croesus.
Never met you before today. I forgot your name already.
Made one more stop to pick up a few foodstuffs one of them being a package of hotdog buns. Imagine my horror when I saw the torn empty package on my living room floor with no crumby evidence left while I brought in the last of my new plants. Cabal was skulking around the coffee table with guilty eyes that were trying to avoid my surprised ones. I made it worse by exclaiming his name. I petted his head much later as a forgiveness and gave him only half his dinner while I made mine.
My new plants will have to repotted very soon. I'll have get out my empty containers from the storage closet before I buy new ones and more new plants. I can't wait to get my hands in the soil. It is a very cathartic and grounding experience.
..................
*AGOL Tip: In feng shui, whomever leaves the toilet lid up when not in use also lets their good chi (energy) or good wealth escape through flushing. Keep more luck in your life by keeping the toilet seat down when you're not on it.
Here is the new lot I chose this afternoon which is a mix of flowering plants with a colorful croton and two areca palms. Unfortunately, I couldn't choose plants with round leaves according to my feng shui bagua (map). It's okay to laugh if you don't believe in it. I bet you have your toilet lid* open all the time, huh? Thought so. Tsk. Tsk. Tsk.
Gerbera daisy, you're so passionate.
You give me sunshine, Golden Trumpet.
Viva Mexican Heather! You will be the easiest to care.
Croton, your colors are rich as Croesus.
Never met you before today. I forgot your name already.
Made one more stop to pick up a few foodstuffs one of them being a package of hotdog buns. Imagine my horror when I saw the torn empty package on my living room floor with no crumby evidence left while I brought in the last of my new plants. Cabal was skulking around the coffee table with guilty eyes that were trying to avoid my surprised ones. I made it worse by exclaiming his name. I petted his head much later as a forgiveness and gave him only half his dinner while I made mine.
My new plants will have to repotted very soon. I'll have get out my empty containers from the storage closet before I buy new ones and more new plants. I can't wait to get my hands in the soil. It is a very cathartic and grounding experience.
..................
*AGOL Tip: In feng shui, whomever leaves the toilet lid up when not in use also lets their good chi (energy) or good wealth escape through flushing. Keep more luck in your life by keeping the toilet seat down when you're not on it.
Ain't No Sunshine
Headlight connector thing did not get switched this morning so I will have to make some kind of arrangement during the week. It drives me crazy when you're motivated to do something and the other half of the universe is not. My motivation for something like this has a very small window. Grrr.
The sound of machines cutting the grass around the complex broke through my zenlike morning. It continued for over an hour. The grass was too wet yesterday morning to be able to cut it properly.
I very much missed doing The Saturday Four this morning with Kimmee. We're definitely on for next Saturday.
My weekends better shape up soon or I will be a puddle of sadness. It is difficult when you've kept a certain schedule for so long and have to get used to something else. What really makes it difficult is that two weekends ago I was walking along following a path and all of a sudden the floor wasn't there on the way. It was that abrupt. No arguments. No mildly heated discussions if you wanted to stretch it to any kind of conflict that would lead up to such a thing.
I wish MEBFKAY would've talked to me more about how he felt and he's the kind of man who can, more so than the rest of his sex. His reasoning still doesn't jive with me and doesn't ring true. I know it is not me and it is his unhappiness within himself that has been driving (and stalling) things in his life. This is something he's been struggling with internally. It would be foolish of anyone to think you can workout that kind of thing for a person, but I know I was willing to do anything to help work through it by providing caring and support with some humour along the way.
I thought we were doing and thinking positive things to make things happen and expanding things in each of our lives. The one thing he really wanted lately, it was so close he could taste its sweetness of possibility, was postponed. I felt his frustration and disappointment, but it wasn't taken away, just postponed.
Honey, I wish you wouldn't have left me standing here with a bag full of gifts to give you. My (spiritual) arms are painfully heavy with them. I try to lessen the burden by shedding tears, but they just keep getting heavier. I cannot feel anger or hatred towards you. At this time, it is impossible. I am not sure if those would help if I could feel them...Would you please tell the dragonflies and send them to lift the burden?
The sound of machines cutting the grass around the complex broke through my zenlike morning. It continued for over an hour. The grass was too wet yesterday morning to be able to cut it properly.
I very much missed doing The Saturday Four this morning with Kimmee. We're definitely on for next Saturday.
My weekends better shape up soon or I will be a puddle of sadness. It is difficult when you've kept a certain schedule for so long and have to get used to something else. What really makes it difficult is that two weekends ago I was walking along following a path and all of a sudden the floor wasn't there on the way. It was that abrupt. No arguments. No mildly heated discussions if you wanted to stretch it to any kind of conflict that would lead up to such a thing.
I wish MEBFKAY would've talked to me more about how he felt and he's the kind of man who can, more so than the rest of his sex. His reasoning still doesn't jive with me and doesn't ring true. I know it is not me and it is his unhappiness within himself that has been driving (and stalling) things in his life. This is something he's been struggling with internally. It would be foolish of anyone to think you can workout that kind of thing for a person, but I know I was willing to do anything to help work through it by providing caring and support with some humour along the way.
I thought we were doing and thinking positive things to make things happen and expanding things in each of our lives. The one thing he really wanted lately, it was so close he could taste its sweetness of possibility, was postponed. I felt his frustration and disappointment, but it wasn't taken away, just postponed.
Honey, I wish you wouldn't have left me standing here with a bag full of gifts to give you. My (spiritual) arms are painfully heavy with them. I try to lessen the burden by shedding tears, but they just keep getting heavier. I cannot feel anger or hatred towards you. At this time, it is impossible. I am not sure if those would help if I could feel them...Would you please tell the dragonflies and send them to lift the burden?
Friday, August 03, 2007
Friday Fringe
After the rubberized excitement of the morning, the rest of the day was in slow motion. I couldn't wait to go home.
Had an enjoyable lunch with Tawny and Jeff at Macaroni Grill. Received an invite for cake at temp's desk when we got back. Her cubicle mates bought her one with an actual "Happy Birthday" on it. Received a somewhat disapproving look from one of her cubie friends as if to say, we should have done more for her. Whatever, heifer. We made some effort and gave her something really cute yesterday. I don't even do cakes at work with Tawny and I've known her almost 10 years!
Tawny sent me this bittersweet news regarding our friend British Jeff. The thing about him is he is like a bad penny, he keeps returning. I joke, but I really hope everything works out for him. Meanwhile, his close friends here are helping him sell his home and his car in Trampa. The silver lining in his world is that his sons are happier. It is important to raise happy children wherever it takes you back. Besides, Jeff is getting proper pints now.
Not sure if the car appointment is going to work out tomorrow. Found out that the part had not been ordered as I requested earlier in the day. Will call in the morning to see if it can be ordered and installed tomorrow.
Received a call from my cousin Dave reminding me of the christening for Baby Colton on Sunday which I forgot about. My family is not always as organized and as formal about these things as I would like them to be. I try not to get frustrated, but I still end up grinding my teeth until I arrive at the event. You can only love your family no matter how freakish they get.
Hustled through a load of work in the afternoon before logging off earlier than usual. I was very tired and read to unwind. Looking forward to buying plants this weekend. Fell asleep after my dinner and was woken up by a call from Trisha in San Francisco. It was great to hear from her and catch up. She was on her way to see her boyfriend's band perform.
On to beddy byes now. Not doing The Saturday Four tomorrow in case the car shop can get the part for me. Nites.
Had an enjoyable lunch with Tawny and Jeff at Macaroni Grill. Received an invite for cake at temp's desk when we got back. Her cubicle mates bought her one with an actual "Happy Birthday" on it. Received a somewhat disapproving look from one of her cubie friends as if to say, we should have done more for her. Whatever, heifer. We made some effort and gave her something really cute yesterday. I don't even do cakes at work with Tawny and I've known her almost 10 years!
Tawny sent me this bittersweet news regarding our friend British Jeff. The thing about him is he is like a bad penny, he keeps returning. I joke, but I really hope everything works out for him. Meanwhile, his close friends here are helping him sell his home and his car in Trampa. The silver lining in his world is that his sons are happier. It is important to raise happy children wherever it takes you back. Besides, Jeff is getting proper pints now.
Not sure if the car appointment is going to work out tomorrow. Found out that the part had not been ordered as I requested earlier in the day. Will call in the morning to see if it can be ordered and installed tomorrow.
Received a call from my cousin Dave reminding me of the christening for Baby Colton on Sunday which I forgot about. My family is not always as organized and as formal about these things as I would like them to be. I try not to get frustrated, but I still end up grinding my teeth until I arrive at the event. You can only love your family no matter how freakish they get.
Hustled through a load of work in the afternoon before logging off earlier than usual. I was very tired and read to unwind. Looking forward to buying plants this weekend. Fell asleep after my dinner and was woken up by a call from Trisha in San Francisco. It was great to hear from her and catch up. She was on her way to see her boyfriend's band perform.
On to beddy byes now. Not doing The Saturday Four tomorrow in case the car shop can get the part for me. Nites.
Enigmatic Emblem
"Love is the emblem of eternity: it confounds all notion of time: effaces all memory of a beginning, all fear of an end."
Germaine De Stael
Germaine De Stael
Rubber Essence
With laptop on my lap, I am logged into work while at the tire shop; however, I am slowly being poisoned by the noxious fumes of rubber thanks to the tires displayed in the lobby. I am getting a headache and feeling queasy. Haven't had breakfast yet either.
The motor club took their sweet time getting there (over an hour!), but the gentleman who changed the flat to the spare was nice. I think he was a retired military man. It is easy to spot them anywhere just by watching their behavior. You can't train the younger mechanics out of the box in that kind of behavior of being thorough, courteous, and respectful of you and your things.
Okay...if I post an update later, you know I have sufficiently survived my tire shop visit. What is up with my theme lately of air and not being able to breathe? Someone clue me in or give me a zen-type of answer preferably before I experience death by rubber essence.
Updated: I survived! Wood screw no longer harming my tire. Breakfast satisfying from drive-thru McDonald's. I am no longer breathing rubber fumes..until tomorrow morning when I go back for them to replace a connector on one of my headlights. My nose is more sensitive than most so this rubber smell just nauseates me. I have that gas mask somewhere...
The motor club took their sweet time getting there (over an hour!), but the gentleman who changed the flat to the spare was nice. I think he was a retired military man. It is easy to spot them anywhere just by watching their behavior. You can't train the younger mechanics out of the box in that kind of behavior of being thorough, courteous, and respectful of you and your things.
Okay...if I post an update later, you know I have sufficiently survived my tire shop visit. What is up with my theme lately of air and not being able to breathe? Someone clue me in or give me a zen-type of answer preferably before I experience death by rubber essence.
Updated: I survived! Wood screw no longer harming my tire. Breakfast satisfying from drive-thru McDonald's. I am no longer breathing rubber fumes..until tomorrow morning when I go back for them to replace a connector on one of my headlights. My nose is more sensitive than most so this rubber smell just nauseates me. I have that gas mask somewhere...
Flattened Before Five
I can't believe it. One of my brand new tires has a flat. Walked Cabal about an hour ago and noticed my car leaning on one side. Just bloody lovely.
Have already logged into work and sent e-mail to several people letting them know. I'll be calling the motor club (AAA) to come and change out the tire for the spare so I can drive to get the tire fixed. I abhor these kinds of things.
Better get a move on if I want to get it all sorted in a timely manner. Is it too early to have a shot of tequila? Yes? Oh, okay. Happy Hour is at 5pm not 5am. How silly of me.
Have already logged into work and sent e-mail to several people letting them know. I'll be calling the motor club (AAA) to come and change out the tire for the spare so I can drive to get the tire fixed. I abhor these kinds of things.
Better get a move on if I want to get it all sorted in a timely manner. Is it too early to have a shot of tequila? Yes? Oh, okay. Happy Hour is at 5pm not 5am. How silly of me.
Thursday, August 02, 2007
Something in the Air
Big topic of the day was The Rain! We live in a tropical state and rain does fall here, people. Duh!
It slowly dawned on me that I am about to be busier without Bridget in the office starting tomorrow to the following week. That ought to be fun. Not. She's leaving me all alone to deal with the temp! Might have to get Tawny involved to deflect energy vampire.
A rare bout of cabin fever struck me around 2-ish. IM'ed Tawny to walk around the building to get some fresh outside air. Under the covered walkway, we were safe from the gentle rain falling. I can't believe I was begging for air this afternoon. Haven't felt like climbing walls in a long time. I couldn't breathe for some reason and needed the space. Very odd...
One of the nicest IT guys I know, Vic, helped me out by working my helpdesk ticket quickly. He provided me with a DVD of the personal folder from my boss' computer which has e-mails with large contract file attachments. He also downloaded it on my Inbox for easier access.
My desk area is rather crowded not only with my fun AGOL-y desk stuff but with files and a large network printer. Inspired by Vic's presence, I expressed my need to re-feng shui my desk. He knows me and just laughs. Before I knew it, he was rearranging my area by moving my printer and all the cords from one end to the other. When he was finished, I felt like I could breathe again. Called Tawny to come over and check it out just to make sure I wasn't being too nutty. The new more open configuration was a hit!
On the way out this evening, I ended up in the same elevator as my SVP who chatted away to me. I provided short, but encouraging answers all the way to the garage. I have never formally met her. She'll have to figure it out later. I have issues with executives not getting to know their people.
Spent a quiet evening like the rain still softly falling outside. Can't wait for the busy day tomorrow so I can zoom to the weekend.
It slowly dawned on me that I am about to be busier without Bridget in the office starting tomorrow to the following week. That ought to be fun. Not. She's leaving me all alone to deal with the temp! Might have to get Tawny involved to deflect energy vampire.
A rare bout of cabin fever struck me around 2-ish. IM'ed Tawny to walk around the building to get some fresh outside air. Under the covered walkway, we were safe from the gentle rain falling. I can't believe I was begging for air this afternoon. Haven't felt like climbing walls in a long time. I couldn't breathe for some reason and needed the space. Very odd...
One of the nicest IT guys I know, Vic, helped me out by working my helpdesk ticket quickly. He provided me with a DVD of the personal folder from my boss' computer which has e-mails with large contract file attachments. He also downloaded it on my Inbox for easier access.
My desk area is rather crowded not only with my fun AGOL-y desk stuff but with files and a large network printer. Inspired by Vic's presence, I expressed my need to re-feng shui my desk. He knows me and just laughs. Before I knew it, he was rearranging my area by moving my printer and all the cords from one end to the other. When he was finished, I felt like I could breathe again. Called Tawny to come over and check it out just to make sure I wasn't being too nutty. The new more open configuration was a hit!
On the way out this evening, I ended up in the same elevator as my SVP who chatted away to me. I provided short, but encouraging answers all the way to the garage. I have never formally met her. She'll have to figure it out later. I have issues with executives not getting to know their people.
Spent a quiet evening like the rain still softly falling outside. Can't wait for the busy day tomorrow so I can zoom to the weekend.
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