AGOL Twilight Zone

I almost forgot to bring my lunch today. Thanks to an angelic whisper just at the right time, I went back inside my apartment to quickly bag my leftover container of spaghetti. Being at the mercy of the cafe downstairs wasn't as appetizing as my leftover. Bridget and I are going out to lunch tomorrow and I'd rather funnel my dollars then.

Guess what? We had the opportunity to guess how many pieces of chocolate were in a big pickle jar... I guessed 560 and there were 567! I would've won a premium/reserved parking spot for one month; however, since I had recently joined the committee conducting the contest, I was disqualified. My cousin Angie's response when I told her: LOSER! Sweet girl, ain't she?

Another thing to add to my AGOL Twilight Zone day... I was thinking of something to search online and the words "lucky happenstance" came in my mind. I don’t ever recall putting those two words together or reading them anywhere. On google, this link was listed: Lucky Happenstance. Before I read the whole article, I quickly scanned the copy under the picture as well as the quote below that. How appropriate.

I was having fun today with my intuitive side. It has been quite a while since I've had a whole day of it. When you are more in tuned with the universe, it talks to you and guides you. The sad part is that most people never know what that feels like. It feels like happy.


Rediscovered: Special Vintage Cartoon Panel* from Calvin and Hobbes:


*Angie had a copy of this on her desk almost 20 years ago at her old job in Tampa. I loved it and still occasionally quote it when I'm feeling small in the universe. Now she's in the big leagues of Los Angeles where she may see this in person 24/7...applied to hundreds of celebrities and accompanying egos competing in one city.


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AGOL Twilight Zone

Connections

Yesterday was a dud but the evening got better. I was able to talk to Angie who had a long weekend at Comicon in San Diego. She had shared her pictures earlier today of the celebrities she was able to see and her friends enjoying the venue. Lucky duck!

A call labeled "unknown" came through while Angie and I reconnected. Instinct made me answer it and while I put my cousin on hold. A tentative voice asked if it was Sarah and I said yes. The female voice introduced herself as my new Canadian friend Romy. Wow!

Romy ended up calling me again later after I finished my conversation with Angie. Listening to Romy talk gave me the sense that she was happy and I liked that very much. She speaks as fast as I do which is good. Have you ever spoken to someone who doesn't match your tone and speed in either direction? Yeah, that can be annoying. I was thrilled not to have that issue and I was able to enjoy my surprise phone call...

Tawny also shared pics of her New York vacation last week. Looks like they had a lot of fun -- very much deserved, too! I may need her help in planning a group baby shower for Ant's wife Rebecca. Ant didn't update me on a decision; I'm glad I asked for an update tonight as we walked out of my building. He sat in my cube talking and joking with my friend Sharon and me.

Instant messaged with my friend Rob a little this afternoon. He's been keeping himself busy by working out to get back to his previous level of fitness before his accident and by painting his young daughter's bedroom. A new job may be on the horizon. I'm crossing my fingers for that to happen. He needs to be kept busy with activities or he gets restless.

The main event of today was a group lunch with my department. My director who had been let go earlier this month drove up to see us and to help celebrate the temp's birthday early. What piece of info you didn't receive earlier in my day was that my cohort had sent me a text message before I arrived at work with a description of the outfit the temp was wearing specifically today. Let's just say it was breathtaking... stunning... and eye-popping. Wherever she went, she received attention which I guess was the whole point. Someone needed to explain the difference between positive and negative to her. Couple the look with some conversation laced with pathetically crass personal information and we had a winner! Bridget and I found our own conversation that made us and the rest of the group laugh. I can't share more because I've spent too many lines on this already.

I had some leftover ginger soup for dinner. While eating, I could hear my next door neighbor doing some last minute painting and cleaning of her now vacant apartment. She's the third person I've seen live there. I wonder who Cabal and I will get as new neighbors?


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Connections

Winds of Change

The subject of moving away from Florida is a slow progressing theme for a few of my close friends. Where once this would have triggered my separation anxiety, I now feel peace at the idea. It is not that I want them to move, but more of following something new.

There have been incidents of within the past 10 years that have repeated themselves in the last year and half. I think it is time for the winds of change to scatter us all to the ends of the earth so that we may one day come back and share what we've seen and heard. The description is rather an arcane way of putting it but it is exactly how I feel. In any case, we are in the Internet age where connectivity is abundant so you don't ever feel the deepest sting of missing someone...

With certain events of this year and my crossing a hard moral threshold, I am no longer afraid of many things. My moral crossing was no victory, I didn't win or feel a sheen of triumph. Anything remotely resembling those emotions would have been empty and that of an uncaring person. It would be easy to feel nothing and blame it on a baser nature as I have nothing to lose unlike the other person. That is not what it was about and the explanation is not for this forum.

On the other hand, I will share tonight's AGOL Embarrassing Moment:

OMG...you're going to LOVE this...I cannot believe I am sharing this shame with you..So I received a text message from one of my best friends. I, in turn, text messaged someone...7pm Eastern Standard Time. I got home and investigated further on BBC online...then DIED..DIED...just DIED. I had to follow up the text message with two facebook mails of deepest apologies to MEBFKAY because upon further investigation, it wasn't the Pier where he lives that burned down, but a different Pier in England. My best buddy said they specifically mentioned HIS Pier. Oh gosh...I texted him at midnight his time. He was a good sport and texted me back an hour later at 1am his time. That made me feel worse. Ugh. The universe has a sense of humor.

I spoke to John on his way from Texas back to Louisiana where his job is located and even told him of the mistake this evening. He said I should have a 20-minute delay on my phone in case of knee-jerk reactions like this. Neh. Why ruin a potentially embarrassing moment?

Shame Update: I received another nice reply via facebook on my shameful moment and was let off the hook nicely. Hooray.


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Winds of Change

Rained In

This lazy daisy used the excuse of the outside monsoon to stay in. To help celebrate, I brewed some coffee and used my French press to infuse the coffee goodness into the boiled filtered water. I then sprinkled some shugah and creamah into a mug to melt and to meld with the fresh coffee goodness. Voila! Now I had the purity I call lava lovin'. Drinking one mug of coffee in serene silence, standing in the kitchen, damn near brings a tear to my eye.

Well, an AGOL can't live on lava lovin' alone. My tummy said so. I baked an egg in a ramekin sprayed with non-stick spray. See how nice it came out of the dish? I also used one of my high fiber cardboard tasting muffins. Plain or buttered wouldn't do. I had to spread some lovin' on it called a thin smear of mayonnaise, a sprinkling of onion powder and freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese. The cheese wasn't good enough just melted -- I had to fire up the broiler for some dark golden bubbling.




Damn. I didn't know there were others things you might want pictures of in my mini kitchen. Below is a bottle of cold pressed olive oil. What makes it expensive is the process so it can still be called raw as the heat from pressing is minimized. The brand? Bariani. My health food stores carry this. Once you have tasted this olive oil, you will never buy the ones from the grocery store ever again as they will taste rancid next to this. I've decorated it with an Italian copper Christmas heart ornament.




My Pretty Boy Dog hasn't been on the blog since Christmas, I think. I almost tripped on him numerous times while he sat in that particular spot. My job was to work around him and try not to spill anything as I prepared and cooked some soup infused with ginger for a late lunch. Cabal has always been afraid of storms and he tends to stick to me like glue when he hears the thunder. You can see his uneasiness in this picture. My poor baby!




There wasn't much else I felt like doing today; my creativity was dormant. The coolest thing was after getting ready for bed and tucking myself in bed, I looked up at the ceiling where the projected blue numbers read 11:00pm. It must have been the rain that got me to bed early.


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Rained In

Taller Dome

I wrote this to a friend today:

My mind was focused too much on getting ready for my class which I loved. Every time I go there and walk around the store, I am in heaven. Every aisle...every gadget...every bottled or packaged ingredient makes me smile happily. I really don't feel like that in any other kind of store. Okay, I lied -- I love Sephora, but you get what I mean.

Part two of my knife skills class was this morning. It was a review of last week, a few more techniques and a lesson on mandolines which I appreciated. I have a mandoline but it is not as easy as the OXO version demonstrated today. Our class worked together to make grilled vegetable paninis and an apple slaw with cranberries. I had wine with mine, a nice reward for working in the kitchen for an hour and a half. Sounded good didn't it?

I left with a bag of goodies like a silicone brush, more jalapeno lemongrass dippy thing, a cooking magazine and the salt cellar/salt pig below. Making do with a small ceramic container was over. It was time for a more dignified container which I quickly filled with Kosher salt. Oh! I also bought a mini-loaf of banana bread that had baked in the oven during our class. That was not the cool part -- the owner/chef gave the price to the clerk and left the register for the culinary center to retrieve the choicest loaf with a taller dome shape on top. I was caught off guard with his thoughtfulness. Was it another way the universe giving the message that we're finding the best and giving it to you? I'd like to think so anyway.




While I was in the kitchen taking pics anyway, let me share the idea of Tickling Your Mushrooms. My stepmother told me years ago about tickling your mushrooms which meant using a mushroom brush to clean fresh raw mushrooms. Some people do use a kitchen towel or paper towel to get a job done; however, I am sure it is not as much fun. Dull moments are rare in my kitchen.


One of the stuffed mushrooms I had this evening and views my mushroom tickler. Yes, it makes me giggle and feel naughty, too.


BRILLIANCE...Here was a remarkable human being who left our earthly plane last week but not before he gave us a glimpse of heaven: You will LOVE LOVE LOVE this: The Last Lecture. It is a little over and hour, but you will be riveted. For a reprise and shorter version, please watch Randy Pausch here on Oprah.

Three of the many spokes of wisdom Randy shared were:

1) Brick walls are there for a reason: They let us prove how badly we want things.
2) If we do something which is pioneering, we will get arrows in the back. But at the end of the day, a whole lot of people will have a whole lot of fun.
3) If you live properly, your dreams will come to you.

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Taller Dome

AGOL Pleads Guilty

I've been a bit frazzled. It may be attributable to my boss who has lost sleep due to multiple things that will make you crazy after hearing. AND (big and)...my girly-girls are scattered around the country or dealing with issues. It has been quieter than normal. I don't mind a little buzzing noise, but hearing crickets is not good for Sprinkles.

No nervousness for me this morning as I got dressed for my court date downtown in the traffic division. I did suffer one AGOL Crisis Moment in Shallowville -- my hairdryer* stopped blowing hot air! My hair had to be partially pulled back to be decent with wet hair. My hair is thick and long and it was very humid. There was no chance of a quick dry. My temper was not in check and my aggravation carried over while I drove towards downtown. The universe sent me a funny by having Jailhouse Rock playing while I zoomed on the highway.

I ended up calling Bridget while sitting in the parking garage because I was very early for my 9am court date. We chatted a bit before I made my way around the city blocks. The cops sorted us all out in a cattle call type setting in the courthouse. Why does it seem that the dregs of society congregate here and at the DMV?

Wouldn't you know the judge's last name was Rice? Of course, your AGOL would be judged by Rice. Hee. After going over the expectations via a previously taped introduction by the judge, we met her and watched her take care of old business and make decisions on the extra guests in orange jumpsuits and handcuffs. Luckily, I was the first one after them. Not sure if it was because of the minor infraction or that my last name begins with the letter A. She reduced one citation and added court costs while dismissing the other citation. I agreed and for the record pleaded guilty (instead of no contest). I have until late October to pay $225. Ouch! It was my fault and I have no one to blame but myself. Talk about lessons learned.

Caffeine. I needed some caffeine. My boss and I almost fought over getting to the break room. He arrived at work minutes before me. At some point we made a plan with Bridget to go and eat Thai food (without the temp). It was a deception we carried quietly as we left and re-entered the building, but it was worth not enduring her presence. We had an enjoyable time and were able to be ourselves and relax without any worry about her bring up her temporary status or her upcoming birthday. Sigh.

My buddy Kathy and I didn't go to the wine tasting tonight. Instead I invited her over to my side of town for her choice of Greek or Thai food. She decided on Thai food. As long rice was in my future, I was good. During lunch earlier, I had a delicious piece of grouper fish in chili sauce and for dinner, I opted for green curry chicken. Yum! Kathy wanted some dessert but none appealed to her at the Thai place so we drove to an ice cream joint called Maggie Moo's before making a trip for me to replace my hairdryer. There was no way in hell I was going two days without it. I know...Shallowville!!

*Great thing about blogs...You can confirm that your hairdryer only lasted you a year. I replaced the previous one in August 2007. The new one has a two-year warranty. I bet you I am going to test that...


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AGOL Pleads Guilty

Surrealism on Tuesday

The surrealism lacing today is difficult to explain. I was not going through the day in a fog but I felt a disconnect from it as if I were watching it from outside my body. I was present but I wasn't...I dunno.

My first moment at work was trying to get Bridget to remember a rocker from the Big Hair 80s period. I walked in and said to her Two words: Kip Winger. Bridget replied, Two words: Black Berry. She trumped me because I love geeky things. Her phone finally gave up its ghost yesterday and had to be replaced. The new toy was in red and we ooh'd and aah'd over it before our boss came in and unloaded a bit. He was out of sorts because his 18 year old cat may have to be put down this week and he'd been arguing with his wife. My boss is a very nice man, too nice sometimes. I will leave it at that.

My boss informed me that I would be manning our fort almost by myself today as he had to leave early, Bridget had a dentist appointment and our temp had to leave for an appointment, too. Fine with me. I was leaving earlier than my time to go to Happy Hour with the guys. See how that works out? Ha.

Lunch was with most of my Asian mafia in a companionable tone. We laughed and shared stories about growing up or our first real experiences living in a Caucasian/American world. The cultural differences were a source of fun and embarrassment at our cultural misunderstandings.

Did I mention that my temp was beginning her birthday campaign? Her birthday isn't until two weeks from now. She thinks she is being sly mentioning places to go and her desires for a cake. (Rolling my eyes!) I may have to break down and tell her how tacky it is do the whole campaign thing. Don't you agree? Ticky tacky.

Our financial application upgrade didn't go so smoothly over the weekend. Little problems here and there were surfacing as we worked through it. Last night I had volunteered to assist them in more testing in case they needed it. I am mentioning this more for Tawny who is out of town. She needs to be informed that a certain cocky Norwegian with a ridiculously gargantuan corner office wasn't very happy. How can I tell for sure? I can't. He has one facial expression.

Happy hour was interesting with a little more than a handful of us. Bridget ended up driving her mom to the E/R for pain so we didn't see her after her dental appointment. A very attractive lady in our building agreed to come and join us. She made it a point to discuss it with me. The news of it spread like wildfire and caused some more guys to attend. (Another rolling of my eyes!) I sat next to my gay buddy John where we could cause mischief, Dan sat opposite us and the seat to the left of me kept being occupied by different people in our group. Man! One large martini and your AGOL was in orbit. A bit of food wasn't enough; a venti Caramel Macchiato from Starbucks perked me up during my (thankfully rainless!) drive home. So there.

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Surrealism on Tuesday

Admiring Argentina

Outdoor steam bath...at 6:30am no less! Ugh. Welcome to summer in Florida. It's not yet at its zenith either. We still have to get through August and September...

Before I left for work, I was able to catch an e-mail from my Canadian friend Romy. She did an incredible thing by arranging pictures from her recent Argentinian vacation into a PowerPoint presentation complete with introduction and captions not to mention an overall theme, Argentinian flag and map. It was the most creative photo album I have ever received. (It is usually my job to create them for others.) To be fair, her husband Toby took the gorgeous shots and she supplied the words.

I have always wanted to go to Argentina, but I have never had the opportunity so I resorted to begging her for pictures before her trip. What I received today was more than expected. I am sharing just a small part of the whole thing with her permission. Romy's lovely descriptions are in italics:

Their first week was in Mendoza (near the Chilean border) where they toured surrounding mountains and wine estates.

The ruins of a hot spring partially destroyed by a landslide.


One of a few "Sprinkles" shots. The AGOL sphere of influence knows no bounds!: One restaurant had a huge wood burning oven where they prepared all the meat. A specialty dessert was “burnt” fruit also prepared in the oven and topped with vanilla ice cream.


Second Week: View from living room window in their apartment rental in Palermo in Buenos Aires.


A beautiful apartment building.


AGOL Favorite: An angel at Recoleta Cemetery where Argentina’s elite are buried. Eva Peron is buried there but her burial was considered controversial because she was viewed as “common” by the riches.


Colourful fisherman's houses in the working class section of Buenos Aires called Boca where Maradona grew up and where the tango was born.


I made sure to thank her after my second viewing at work. Maybe I've peeked at it more times than I should during the day. I can't help it -- I just love it! Thank you Romy and Toby. xo

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Reality occurred in the very mundane way of things at work in between album viewings. Eh, it was Monday. I drove through monsoons on the way home. At this rate, most everyone will be cutting their lawn twice a week. No drought here... I spent most of my evening talking to my old chum John who was driving from Louisiana to Texas. What do they say about preacher's kids? It is true... Oddly enough as I type, Evita's theme is running through my head. Don't yawn for me Argentina...Ah, right.


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Admiring Argentina

Knife Skills

It was a rare morning of being able to get up on my own time. To be safe, I did set the alarm clock lest I overslept. I enjoyed waking up early, watching my Sunday morning news magazines, and getting ready for my Knife Skills I class at the gourmet food shop.

Most of my class were already seated when I arrived. The ladies attending hogged the perimeter of the main counter while the three men attending crouched around one table. I decided to sit with the men who turned out to be fun and eager to learn today's lesson. I will see two of them next Saturday for part two of the class.

The class began with the chef/owner giving a lecture on knife construction, brands and basic starter sets. We then progressed to actual hands on slicing of onions, carrots and celery for practice. Each of us got to try out different kinds of knives like chef, prep, santoku and ceramic while emulating the techniques demonstrated beforehand by the chef. I strongly urge you to try a ceramic knife if you've never had the pleasure. It is lightweight and extremely sharp. For top brands, you only have to send it in once every five years to the manufacturer for sharpening. There is no real maintenance like honing and sharpening as is with stainless steel or stainless/carbon mix.

During the practice, it became to clear to me that I had a very easy time of doing things. Sometimes I take for granted what I know. I observed people getting frustrated with the techniques and the top quality (and very sharp!) knives. Thank you to my relatives and mother who allowed me to help in the kitchen at a very young age. I would help clean the rice by picking out tiny pebbles or imperfections prior to cooking it as well as taking the strings off the beans, etc. You may recall I made my first pot of rice over the stove at 10 years of age -- no electric appliance there with pre-measured lines.

I stayed quiet during class and gently helped others where I could during our practice and then into our ingredients for a tricolor salsa and then a fruit salsa. Preparing a cantaloupe seemed like such a challenge for a few while I just zipped through. In my mind, I kept wondering if these people had ever cooked as in prepared food from scratch. There were adults in their late 30s and 40s in this class. Maybe our society has come this? We're so used to fast food that when it comes to slow food, we're at a loss.

We received little bowls of each of the salsas with prepared tortilla chips and a glass of wine of our choice. I chose Riesling the last time, too, as I like sweet wines. A bottle (pictured below) made it in my bag along with food grade mineral oil for the wood cutting boards and wood utensils in my kitchen.



Myrna has been missing on my calendar lately. She's been filling in for another accounting position at her law firm. The job wasn't familiar and it was demanding. Her excuse was that she's been in a bad mood. I cajoled her into an early dinner. Afterwards, we stopped at a fish and meat market. I picked up two kinds of large stuffed mushrooms: crab stuffed and chicken Florentine. Mmm, my mouth waters as I think of them on my dinner plate this week.


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Knife Skills

Possible Lightbulb Moment

Exhausted from the past two weeks and most recently from a cold, I guzzled coffee down to jump start my body on the way to see my hairstylist for a late morning appointment. She is always glad to see me as I am normally in a playful mood to make her laugh. I had doubts of my own powers this morning, but it came as soon as walked in.

Michelle: Go change into a gown darling...
AGOL: What you got designer now? Good because you know I am not cheap!

This made her laugh because she wasn't expecting it. My visit went insane from there. I can be quite the showgirl (as opposed to showman) without too much effort. She bragged on me to a lady whose hair was processing as Michelle touched up my roots. I told about the layoffs and the lady mentioned that her husband had gotten laid off. He has an extra hobby that they are trying to launch into a viable income.

For the most part helping people and giving ideas are a natural part of me. She described their business and when she contacts me, I will provide a link to her husband's uniquely handcrafted recycled glass art. Anyhoo ...before I knew it I was giving her some simple and free or low cost marketing ideas and online links. I explained about blogs and cross-referencing multiple sites. She became really excited. Right before she left, I gave her one more idea. Where do I get that? I said that she'd have to e-mail me from my blog... In the back of my mind, I had a lightbulb moment. What if I could parlay this into a side gig? I am a compendium of online knowledge and I am too creative for my own good with enough smarts to generate ideas. WOW! (KH, if you're reading this...I have more ideas already!)

My attention was diverted back to Michelle. We caught up on each others lives in detail and soon she was washing my hair of the colorant she had applied 30 minutes before. The devilish side of me was in full force as she began to cut my hair. I began to tell her about a recent sex partner and how he was good enough to trim his nether regions which is a requirement for me. Why? As much as I love giving a man special attention, I don't relish doing double duty of flossing my teeth at the same time. I know dental hygiene is important, but damn. OMG -- Michelle had never heard of such a thing. She died laughing and had to step away. Very quickly she was snorting and screaming laughing. She had to sit down. I have gotten her laughing pretty hard but never to this degree. Good thing it was just as two in the salon at that particular moment. There's more, but I can't share online to protect that person.

Oh gosh...Michelle would get herself under control and then burst out in the middle of styling my hair. She worried that she would lose control during a formal dinner outing that evening and during an intimate moment with her boyfriend who did take her hint/advice of doing the same thing before they ever became intimate... A long-time female client of hers walked in and she made me explain to her what made her laugh so much. I asked the lady if it was okay to explain since it was sexual in nature. You have to get an idea of people's comfort level first and permission before telling certain jokes, you know. I then explained it in such a manner that was innuendo instead of the crude way Michelle and I were discussing it. The woman was well in her 40s but she still had the grace to blush. I guess Michelle and I are a little too comfortable with the subject. It was a good diversion for all and sent Michelle into more gales of laughter.

With my hair a brilliant fire in the sun, I drove to get some dog food/treats for Cabal and sundry items for me. After I had been home a while, there was a commotion outside my apartment door. It was my neighbor moving out. She and her girlfriend had broken up months before. Unable to break the expensive lease, she's been toughing it out to keep living here. She was leaving after two years. This was sad because my upstairs neighbor was moving out, too, after five years. The upstairs gal was frustrated at getting things remedied within her apartment. Of course, she isn't assertive like me when it comes to such things. Where she is passive, I require a status report and call regularly. Hey, I am paying for that service. I have since had a wall in the bathroom replaced and received a new dishwasher. Still...I've been here for a little over three years. Maybe I should move, too? It is too expensive and too much an undertaking with all my stuff.

The evening had me puttering around my apartment while thinking of the marketing moment earlier. I see many artists and when I see them, my mind is already generating ideas for them on who they can get maximum exposure... I guess I am still working on that part of finding my bliss. The idea that you enjoy doing something so much, you would do it for free. My dilemma? I have too many things I would do for free. Um..no...not that unique flossing bit...not commercially anyway. Wink.

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Possible Lightbulb Moment

Happy Friday Anyway

Bitchy greeted me at work. It would seem that Bridget's disgruntled feelings at home had bled into her gripes at work. She was being rather petulant and complained about being bored at work and not liking some of the work she was doing. This was said after she had just finished enumerating her displeasure with her live-in boyfriend and the fact she missed her son who was visiting his father in another state. Incensed, I carefully chose my words and delivered them looking her in the eye: I wouldn't say those words too loud in light of the fact that almost 300 people were just let go. If you want to say those words, you'd better have a back-up plan already. I think she felt a bit shamed, but being stubborn she held her ground. Whatever.

On the other hand, my boss was glad to see me and stopped by my desk to go over things. The temp was chatty to me, too. She was left yesterday with only Bridget who had no kindness for her. She was trying to engage me in a longer conversation, but my cold wasn't allowing me patience. Damn -- my sides hurt from coughing and sneezing yesterday.

One of the gal's husband in my Asian mafia picked us up for lunch at the Korean restaurant. We met a Vietnamese couple there; I'd met the wife before. Bridget was the only non-Asian at the table. It would be her first foray into Korean cuisine. Through her association with me, she has expanded her Asian palate from Chinese Takeout. She always welcomes new experiences... During the lunch, they determined I looked Chinese, but in the end decided that I just looked exotic since they felt I didn't look half Filipino. This stuff cracks me up.

Our boss dismissed our group earlier than normal because our financial software was being upgraded over the weekend. I stayed anyway because I arrive later and I did have things to keep me occupied. Compared to my normal schedule, I left almost two hours earlier.

Sidestepping rush hour traffic was great. I used my stealth (ha!) driving skills to drive side streets to get through downtown Tampa and pick up the toll road. I was on my way to my aunt and uncle's house. My cousin's kiddies Kristen and Carter were staying the night with their grandparents. When I arrived, the group were playing Wii and Wii Fit that my aunt and uncle had bought. These toys were a testament of them being young at heart even in their 60s.

Kristen surprised me during my visit. I was teasing her younger brother with an activity that I specifically do with them, but hadn't done in a very long time. She asked why I hadn't done that at their home the last time I saw them. My response was that I didn't want to embarrass them in front of their friends. Kristen reminded me that activity was expected of me regardless of their friends being present. I guess I have been kind of standoffish with them and not intentionally. Through extra hugs, kisses and positive reinforcement, I reassured them of how much I love them. Normally, I am very affectionate and easy in giving it. I guess I have been missing giving it to them.

Drove home with Angie in my ear and me giving her the lowdown of my visit at her parent's. Cabal and a mountain of laundry were waiting for me. It was a happy ending to nervy week. I have an appointment to get my hair cut and colored tomorrow. Woohoo! I also remembered to register for two cooking skills classes, one for Sunday and one for next Saturday. Next month, I will only have time to be a volunteer as an assistant instead of paying to attend. I can't wait!
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Happy Friday Anyway

Sneezing Sucks

My memories of yesterday were of a few people whining to me and me being foggy in the brain. It wasn't exciting. If you're still interested in me waxing ad nauseum about those things let me know...

I sent a work e-mail to my boss and Bridget to let them know that I was using today as a sick day. The funny thing was that it started as a planned sick day for something in the morning. Fate provided me with coughing and lots of fucking annoying sneezing the rest of the day. I really despise sneezing. So after every sneeze or series of sneezing, I would yelp goddammit. It's not polite nor ladylike but I don't care. It is bloody annoying.

Frequent naps in the afternoon stole my day. I managed to make myself lunch and dinner as well as take care of the dog. His day doesn't stop because I am sick... Of course.

Tawny called me to come over so I could see her before she goes to New York with her husband to visit our old friends. I showed up with my hair unstyled, no make-up, no jewelry, wearing a t-shirt and jeans with flip flops on my feet. Damn, you know I was sick to be this dowdy. She was folding laundry while I sneezed in singles, doubles and up to quadruples. She responded by laughing because it is rare for me to be under the weather and the frequency of my sneezes were astounding. Sigh.

While starting this post, Tawny called to stop over and drop off keys to her apartment so I could let her kids in if they need to and to water her plants. If she's reading this...I am also going to do some shopping. I hope you took inventory! Heehee. We each have items we like in each other's apartment and we tease about shopping for things.

I am going to redress my bed now so I can sleep snug as bug in a rug. Hopefully, I will sleep snug after a couple of cold tablets. Did I mention that sneezing sucks?
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Sneezing Sucks

Wash Away Rain

My bed greeted me at 1am...The dog and the storm woke me an hour later...Not sure how much time passed with me trying to negotiate with my dog and assure him the storm wasn't going to get him...I fell back to sleep...He cried louder a little after 5am...We walked soon after.

A light drizzle followed me from my apartment to the gasoline station where I paid $4.04 a gallon. Good goddess that is really high for regular grade! The rain and accompanying traffic mixed together nicely on the highway after.

Work was filled with chatter today. We even celebrated July birthdays with cake! The sweetness was soothing to the bitter sting of the recent layoffs. Enjoying some cake and laughter among ourselves was a good group activity for our floor.

Oh -- Tawny's father-in-law made it through surgery and only had to have 4 heart valves replaced. Thank God that part is over. We can just see how he fares for the next week before they allow him to come home for the rest of his recovery.

I left late and a deluge ensued outside. Lovely bumper to bumper traffic to revel in. The skies were a scary iron gray and the rain falling in torrents. Loud upbeat music was the only thing that can get me through this kind of weather condition. Worked like a charm! Evening was quiet except towards the end. Tab was IM'g me, the dog wanted me to walk him and my old friend John was texting me to talk all at the same time. That's me living la vida loca again.
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Wash Away Rain

Running Down the List

There was a time where I could appreciate quiet starts to work. It would be hard pressed to welcome quiet in these economic climes influencing employment decisions. People who were getting back from vacation were coming back to losing their jobs or individuals who were spared last week were being walked out today. I just didn't understand and I don't think I want to understand. What will be, will be.

Tawny and Jeff held an early morning vigil at the hospital where Jeff's father was poised to have heart surgery. Five valves need to be replaced. They would have been replaced had it not been for another emergency that bumped his operation tomorrow. I haven't talked about this but this may be the fifth or sixth postponement of the surgery due to one thing or another.

My friend Kristey is having a biopsy done on her breast this week. She seems quite calm. Her husband Danny has taken time off to care for her. In true Kristey fashion, she's been taunting him about it and reminding him that he has to do everything for her...as she does most things for him everyday. She runs a tight ship at home.

You remember my favorite q-tip? Well, Nan, had to go to the hospital a couple of weeks ago for breathing difficulty. She will be moved from the rehabilitation wing of the hospital to the long term care. My aunt and uncle have conceded that it is too much for them to care for Nan now that she is unable to do many things. Aunt Maria was devastated and has felt that she had failed her mother-in-law because she cannot care for her, but she needs a reminding of the enormous amount of love she has shown her already. When you're in your mid to late 60's, you need to take care of yourself, too. Running yourself ragged does no one any good.

This post is not all glum, but just more of a reality listing of the people around me. As a named Asian Goddess of Love, it is my duty to also tell things that may not always be pleasant. When we experience the things that are less than loving, we receive the opportunities to grow love out of those times. Love is sweeter. Love is treasured. Love is more abundant.

I did have two bright spots in during my day. The first is that I received a note from my new friend in Canada that she and her husband got back from a wonderful Argentinian trip. I was giddy to get her note which brightened my morning and brought me big smiles. She's going to send me pics later that I've been salivating to see. I've never been to that country and would enjoy it from her view. She's quite the world traveller!

The other was a funny thing at lunch. I was an Asian mafia of one today; my girls were too busy to join me. Just as well for the solitary moments gave me time to write in my notebook. One of the ladies in the office came in and asked me what I had been scribbling furiously. My response, I am building my empire. I was working out something for my future cooking videos that will help illustrate something I want to include in them...

Another blog may be on the way just for cooking. I already have the address reserved in Blogger...I teased you about this in April, but I bought SarahSprinkles.com and four other domain extensions different from .com with SarahSprinkles as the sitename.

All these are parts of the bigger picture I am slowly coloring in. We can all look forward to more within the next 6-8 months. Some of my dollars may be going to the same talent that designed this blog. I already have an idea for a logo, but will have her render a few different versions. In the same vein of the sci-fi and fantasy movies I love, I say to you Some people dream of having empires, I build them. (Erm...well..I have recently started building them. Ha!) That about covers the list for today.
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Running Down the List

Reunion Grill

Missed me? I missed ME, too!

Oh, gosh, my lovelies...I am not in the mind to rehash the rest of the previous week in detail. It was fast and furious. We are all still feeling a great unease at work so it is difficult to relax and collect my thoughts properly.

I remember feeling like I had a hangover on Wednesday morning only without consuming any alcohol the evening before. Lunch with my Asian mafia was the only thing I remember getting through the workday. We laughed too much. We laughed again on Thursday during lunch out at Matoi Sushi where of two Sharon's military friends met us gals. We temporarily disbanded on Friday, but I still had lunch out with the Korean gal.

Tawny was supposed to call me Friday night to get together this weekend. She didn't call on Saturday or today for that matter. I got my nails done and did some grocery shopping on Saturday while the rain precluded me from walking with Kristey this morning.

My afternoon was enlivened by an invite to an old co-worker's barbecue a couple of days before. Michael and his wife were renting a house in the area for vacation time. They brought a cat and their three German Shepherds from Miami. He offered to take care of the rest of the meal by grilling chicken, etc. if the guests would bring side items. I shied away from doing anything elaborate and made that Jalapeno Lemongrass dip from the gourmet store. It was to accompany chopped veggies and some large round sesame crackers. Everyone loved it.

I hadn't seen Michael for at least five years. The most recent pics we've seen of each other were our facebook profiles. He has not changed which cheered the rest of us. Dan was there but left to meet his old girlfriend for dinner. Kathy and her boyfriend were there as were Ant and his very pregnant wife...Tawny and Jeff received a same day invitation. I didn't want to say anything to them in case their feelings be hurt for not being in the original invite. They made it to the party with Margarita drink mixers.

It was about 2pm when I arrived and it was 8:30pm when I left. There is something to be said about being in the company of good, long-time friends and the familiarity it brings not to mention comfort. I think we all needed it. Wish for a better week full of hope and positive progress.

Yes, I realize I am ever the optimist.
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Reunion Grill

I Survived

There was no Mr. Roarke (TV's Fantasy Island) greeting me and my fellow coworkers with "Smiles Everyone" this morning. It was very silent like that angelic space between the moment we breathe in air and then exhale it.

I arrived early which surprised some people who saw me already milling about. My girlies were happy to see me back. Bridget's babysitters reported that she was on good behavior during the week and didn't give in to urges to annihilate or maim her offenders. That was good. My company was also having a layoff today. That was bad.

As the carnage mounted to get close to that 300 mark or 20% of employees, the rest of us walked around in shock and in fear of being the next victim of the scythe swinging neck-high. Tears were left by the fallen as their chairs cooled quickly from them vacating their posts. It didn't matter whether you liked or disliked the individual, someone losing their livelihood is never funny.

Bridget and I caught up in each other's lives during the day to try and get through the ordeal. While she spoke, I looked around and noticed someone had left a very pretty white silk flower lei by the entrance to my cube. It was mixed in with the ones already there. That was sweet...We had a lively lunch in the break room with my Asian mafia which resulted in someone shutting the door on us. We were laughing too hard and finding humor in the ridiculous. It was a brief respite against the gravity run amok outside the doors. The rest of the workday was followed up with mini speeches from a vice president and then a senior vice president. The icing on the day was the deluge outside. Sixty percent precipitation my ass.

I may have arrived early but I could not leave early thanks to heavy traffic and the rain. Jeffrey, Tawny's son, was in our building collecting the PCs of the fallen for security reasons. While (not so) happy hour was somewhere waiting with my friends, Jeffrey and I shared a long conversation at my desk. On the way out while walking in the corridor snaking towards the garage, I looked up and saw something startling. It was a dragonfly hanging upside down on the ceiling tile. Quickly before I lost my resolve, I snapped the pic below.



The drive home was occupied with maneuvering through the rain and me calling to update my friends on my situation. I was tired and exhausted. I had spent 10 days decompressing during my vacation at home and receiving revelations about myself only to come back and be at high stress the first day back. I am not really complaining -- I am trying to count my blessings because that is what is important. Tomorrow will be a slightly weird day on our road to understanding and healing. It will be difficult, but like the dragonfly above sometimes we have to hang on in the most unlikely spots.

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A very special Thank You to all who wished me well. Your well wishes helped me get through.

Hugs,
Sprinkles xx
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I Survived

Redundancies?

Rumor has it that we have redundancies (layoffs) today. Just saw one go. Wish me luck.

PS I was going to update bloggie from the last few days, but that will have to wait until the coast is clear..whatever that is.

XXOO,
Sprinkles

Redundancies?

Meeting of the Minds

Drat! I was missing a tool I needed for a design today. Apparently it wasn't important enough to go out and get at that particular moment. Maybe tomorrow.

I called Tawny later in the afternoon and got invited for an evening in the Latin District next to downtown Tampa. It has a portion that is trying to be like the French Quarter in New Orleans, but fails to meet the mark. I've been to New Orleans and it is no New Orleans. Ours is in the middle of getting too modernized while suffering from an identity crisis. Soon it will have an IKEA in its midst. (I love love love IKEA!)

We picked up our friend and coworker John first before heading to Rosemary's condo. I forgot Rosemary's English hubby was recently retired so when I saw him I was surprised. He has taken to gardening in their patio and he is looking forward to setting up his own smoothie and juice bar in the building they are all trying to secure.

I loved hearing about their ideas and plans. My part is a supporting one in that I cannot necessarily donate money for start up costs, but later I will rent a space in the building to display/sell what art I come up with in the next several months. Why not? I will also donate a week of my vacation time to help clear it up and get it ready. More on this as it develops. The possibilities for this space are incredible and it is definitely community centric, but most of all, it is a very positive thing for the area. It's time for the sublime!

After talking things over and drinking some very delicious wine while eating some snacks, we decided to walk around the area. An international bazaar was moving and had their stuff on sale. We all got something. I bought a big tassel thing to hang somewhere and three sequined bracelets in red, black and purplish pink. Tawny's husband Jeff bought me a fabric wastebasket in light pink with varying colors of dragonflies embroidered on it. It was a nice souvenir for the evening as he says. Tawny took home too many things to mention. Ha. John bought a ton of glycerin soap. Rosemary received a free wizard/magician marionette from the owner for all her help in promoting him during the walking tours she conducts for the city.

By the time we drove home, I was quite tired. It was worth the outing with a group of incredibly talented and creative people. Sometimes I tend to underestimate my own creativity until I find things in my (newly named!) Imagination Room from months even years previous of prototype designs mashed in sketch books. I found some recently colored in pastels which threw me for a loop. You just never know...


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Meeting of the Minds

Driver's License Renewal

Man, does it pay to make an online appointment for your driver's license renewal! I didn't have to stand in line with the common people and wait eons for someone to say "next person in Line --". I don't know why it is but going to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) just puts you in a space with what seems like the dregs of society. This is not just MY (snobby) observation. Believe me -- my opinion on this has many subscribers! Being present for a renewal or other in person thing for your license is to be avoided at all costs.

And then...I drove a few miles to get a $3 reprint of my vehicle registration from the tax collector's office. The cop who stopped me last week never returned my voicemail nor mailed the one he forgot to give me. Signing in, sitting, having my number called and having my reprint took no more than five minutes! Now in my mind, my reprint would resemble what my original was printed in. No, it was just an 8"x11" piece of paper from the laser jet. I resisted the urge to ask the lady to shake the toner in her printer so I could get another much darker reprint. Sigh.

I desperately needed some retail therapy after those trips. I drove to the local art supplies store near the university where I bought stuff for my projects. I cleaned more than worked on my projects. Tawny stopped in the evening to show me her own experimentation with the epoxy resin. Her brief visit turned into a longer one as we caught up on each other. So much stuff gets clogged in the pipeline when you don't get a chance to catch up on each other...

It was just a ho-hum day filled with "must do's" but it sure beats having to go into work. Staycation rocks!


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Driver's License Renewal

Lunch with a Green Iguana

Are you one of those people who can't get away from work in one form or another during vacation? I guess I am one of those people. Driving to work for lunch was strictly voluntary, but I didn't want to miss out on lunch with my director and the rest of my group to celebrate his birthday.

My boss and director decided to go to one of the several locations of The Green Iguana. This bar and grill is a Tampa institution. I can remember almost 20 years ago only having one in South Tampa before it grew to its multiple locations. It is a very fun place to party at night, but certainly a great casual atmosphere for lunch. No, I didn't take pics for you this time around. I decided on Fish Tacos and they were delish!

Saving the best news for last...I'd been refreshing the homepage of the gourmet shop for the August calendar all day yesterday and early this morning. My purpose was to view the cooking class offerings early that I want to volunteer as an assistant and let the coordinator know. It was just minutes from the previous refresh when KA-BLAM! the new calendar was posted. Thanks to my demon-fast typing fingers, I crafted my e-mail to the coordinator in no time. I told him I would be happy with one. Within minutes, I received an e-mail informing me that I was signed up for four. Woohoo! Was I being greedy? Was I getting special treatment? It didn't matter. Later in the day, I saw an e-mail about others having to wait for a reply from him and he apologizing for the confusion with the new calendar system. See...obsessiveness does pay off!

Spent the evening cleaning. I can't think with clutter and try to create art at the same time. Yes, I know, I am stalling.


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Lunch with a Green Iguana