Bad Car-ma

Is sleep worse when it eludes you when you're in bed or is it worse when you're forced to give it up for other things? I was up after 5am to take care of the dog, take a shower and get ready for Tawny and Jeff to pick me up at 6:45am. They were kind enough to drop me off at the car shop before they made their way to work with Jeff quizzing me on what possibly could be wrong with the car. I know a great deal of many things, but cars are the least of it.

Explained how my car arrived at the shop to the manager and he warned me it would be $88 to hook up my car for computer diagnostics. Like I had a choice? Then he made conversation as if I was leaving my car to them for the day. I told him that I would wait in the TV room. It was 7am and his "computer guy" doesn't come in until 8am. Okay, whatever. I have my laptop with me so I can surf wirelessly and there is a TV on to keep me amused if needed. Like I said I didn't have a choice. I wanted him to stop chitchatting with me so I could start guzzling down the coffee he had made. Priorities.

The mechanic came round almost a couple of hours later and retrieved me to take me to my car. He was pointing out parts under the hood and explaining things. He might have been speaking Greek: new alternator, serpentine belt replacement and new oxygen sensor. I told him I just wanted to do what was necessary especially the day after Christmas. He said he would see what he could do. I agreed to everything but one item (fuel injection flush) and added an oil change while they were at it. My instincts told me he was being honest so I felt confident in what we agreed to perform on my car. The after Christmas special? Over $700! Holy crap -- I needed a drink and not coffee either unless it was laced with whiskey.

Oh my God. Oh my God. Oh my God. Oh my God. Oh my God. Oh my God. Oh my God. Oh my God. Oh my God. Oh my God. Oh my God.

Called Myrna to have lunch with me across the road from the car shop when my car was all better again. She walked in, took on look at me and said, That bad, huh? Did I mention my lovelies that I left the house with my hair up, no make-up on and no jewelry wearing a t-shirt and some long ancient pants? Very un-AGOL. She kept staring at me as I kept staring at her because I noticed her teeth were whiter. I asked her about it and she said something to which I replied, You're blinding me over here during daylight! She laughed and said, Now you know how I feel when I see you! Um...Hee.

We left the restaurant and she agreed to help me find a new vacuum cleaner since mine was working on my feng shui nerves. Picked one out that turned out to be extra clean-y. Holy dust bunnies, AGOL!

Update: Forgot that I had this on my phone. Made me chuckle in the store.



Anyhoo, made my way back to my aunt's where my cousin Dave's wife Michelle joined us with her brood and her mother for takeout Hooter's Buffalo Wings. My aunt made fried fish and some other Filipino concoction for her and Michelle's Filipino mom. After eating, several of us decided to go for a quick drive by at a certain neighborhood for Christmas lights before I headed home to the elusive thing called sleep...








.

Bad Car-ma

AGOL's Hard Candy Christmas

Today was my day of reckoning with the Yuletide. I made the mistake of allowing myself to feel something at 7am as I gathered last minute items together for transport to my aunt's home. Tears fell for a good while. When I do allow myself to experience feelings, I feel them deeply. My sorrow magnified today of all days. Not the best way to greet Christmas, is it?

Sharing some snapshots from today:

Gifts at my aunt's house: it's a start...


Hiding...like dust bunnies and multiplying!


Two of my favorite people: Uncle Dave and Aunt Maria


We all drove to my cousin Dave's house for a whole fried turkey and rib roast dinner. We opened gifts, ate and drank. Did I mention eating??

Gingerbread house decorated by Kristen and Carter


Kristen and Carter rockin' out to their new game Guitar Hero


If you were hungry at this buffet, you were not here!!


Baby Colton plays it cool with Mommy and Uncle John


My aunt, uncle, Nan, cousin Angie and I left Dave's house and headed home. Nan and Uncle Dave headed home for Nan to get a nap while the rest of us did a drive-by gift exchange at my cousin Ida's house. The twins enjoyed their loot and Will loved his rock and roll themed goodies. We had to leave pretty much as soon as the gifts were open to go back to my aunt's and open our gifts to each other. Neverending...

I kept watching the clock because Cabal had to be taken out and fed. Angie's brother Gary showed up and we opened gifts for about an hour and a half. Good grief! Made my way home, but didn't get too far from my aunt's house. I was on the phone with Tawny when I noticed my engine light and brake light silently screaming red from the dash. Parked the car at the mall and called Angie to pick me up. After the running around to and from my place, to the parking lot and to the car shop where the auto club dropped off my car, it was 11pm. I arranged for Tawny and Jeff to give me a ride before they left for work at 7am.

Having a car problem on Christmas Day is not how I wanted this day to end. I know it could be worse...but it could've been better, too, by not occurring at all. Sigh. Good thing I am off the rest of the week. Read an e-mail that had a nice picture of what Christmas was like in the sender's location. I mentally transported myself there, swimming with the swans in one of Bushy Park's ponds.


.

AGOL's Hard Candy Christmas

Wrapper's Delight

Work was eerily quiet. My boss was generous enough to let us out early at 12pm. Our offices were closing at 3pm. Good thing because I had to hit two stores yet and one was closing at 2pm. Last minute gift hustle. I can't remember if I had the same experience last year.

As soon as I started my car in the garage, the radio played Sara Smile by Hall and Oates. It put an instant smile to my face and was a gentle reminder that everything would be okay. No need for panicking. There was truly no need. I was finished with both stores and a third for more wrapping supplies by 3pm. In one store, someone gave me their extra store coupon. What a nice thing!

I had to really wrap (not rap!) though I began to think about the Sugarhill Gang's hit Rapper's Delight. My word association is just crazy. Soon I was both wrapping and rapping.

Sugarhill Gang's Rapper's Delight

Doesn't this just get you going? I can't sing it by myself, but I can sing along with it. For some reason the lyrics just come to me then. Play it again!

There was a mix-up with Tawny on my afternoon visit with Cabal so we could exchange gifts. I ended up having dinner with her whole family like I did on Thanksgiving. It was fun and Cabal certainly enjoyed the attention from everyone. He is just a ho ho ho! Tawny and Jeff liked the old-fashioned pop-corn maker and accessories I got them. They appreciate nostalgia items and have lots of people over to watch movies all the time. It reminded Tawny of the one her mom had when she was a little Tawny.

Cabal received a clear plastic boot filled with one of his favorite treats. I received a generous gift certificate to my favorite bookstore for New Year's Day and a new bundt pan for my rum cake shaped like a Victorian village which will look kewl with a good helping of confectioner's sugar sprinkled all over it. Tawny's mother-in-law gave me a surprise gift of a clear glass vessel (for a votive) with metal filigree on the edges and dainty chains to hang it from the ceiling. It was very sweet and once again unexpected. Am I the luckiest AGOL or what?

Here was a handsome Cabal dressed in his Jingle Tie at Tawny's.


Went home after 9pm to decompress and continue my wrapping. Tomorrow's three-home hustle should be fun...Eek!
.

Wrapper's Delight

A Hustling Ho Ho Ho

(Yes, I am still coughing, but not as bad as previous nights. Thank God.)

My alarm got me up at 5am and it was a slow start beginning with taking Cabal out. Wrapped the girls' presents and was ready when Myrna picked me up a little after 7am. On the way, she presented me with her mother's Christmas gift to me which she had sent from Ohio - a metal crystal encrusted dragonfly pin! As soon as I finished ooh'ing and aah'ing over it, Myrna made me open her mother-in-law's gift to me which was a jade and jade colored-crystal bead necklace with matching earrings she picked up from the gem show. These women were so kind to think of me. Both gifts were very pretty and very unexpected.

Kristey drove up as we arrived ourselves. We were seated immediately and ordered breakfast. Kristey regaled us with her Steamboat Springs ski trip. One of their companions displaying horrible horrible manners and behavior mortifying the rest of the skiers. Do people actually behave that bad? Yes. She finished the story with a funny ending so all was not lost on the long weekend.

We exchanged gifts with me receiving way more than I bargained for. Among the items I received was another dragonfly pin from Myrna which had a Mama Dragonfly and a Baby Dragonfly. Kristey got me a sage blue heart pin from a local Steamboat Springs ceramic artist. I received more stuff but I feel that is really bordering now on bragging if I tell you the rest. I am so blessed.

Pretty dragonflies to keep me company.


Handmade heart pin with friendship poem.


Myrna dropped me off at my aunt's house and stayed for a visit and reacquaint herself with my family. Angie drove us to a few stores around town so we could finish...We didn't. Tomorrow is the absolute last day to shop. It is not quite making me bite my fingernails. I won't -- they are expensive. Ha! We ate a late lunch/early dinner before she Angie came for a short visit. We were grooming my Pretty Boy Dog and taking videos of him just being too cute so she could show her brother later.

Instead of diving into the gift wrapping like I should have, I decided to decompress and veg a bit. It was Sunday after all! Being on the go all weekend without any time to just be would not be good. I had been feeling queasy from lack of sleep mid afternoon. I updated my blog and recounted the things I bought so I wouldn't miss anyone in case I needed to get more gifts after work tomorrow. It will be just a few hours at work! Okay, that is ONE redeeming quality about Christmas: time off.
.

A Hustling Ho Ho Ho

Naughty Double Entendres

Oh my gosh. The coughing has got to stop. Sleep was once again interrupted not only by coughing fits, but two weird text messages I didn't quite hear through the medicinal haze of the cold/flu tablet I took. The reminder beep bothered Cabal who kept waking me up. I was getting frustrated with him, but didn't realize the beeping was occurring until a bit later. Trish from San Francisco (3 hours behind me) was the text messaging culprit.

Was late getting started which meant I was late getting to pick up my cousin Angie at my aunt's house. I had spent some time on the Internet trying to clear my head and wake up. Received a nice note back from Pete. (He is still MEBFKAY, but I am now referring to him by his given name.) It is nice to finally get on an even ground with him after sporadic e-mails back and forth. He's still a good man in my eyes and I still value him. The world is too small and life is too short to waste good connections with good people just because one decides to take a sudden left turn when you thought you were both turning right. You get the idea. It wasn't easy getting to this point, but that's what being a real grown-up is all about...

I arrived at my aunt's where a late breakfast was being served. Delay. Once we finished, my aunt announced that we could stay and sit with Nan while she got dressed and made a trip to the oriental store. Delay. My uncle saved the afternoon when he got home from playing golf. I still had a dozen people to buy for!!

Well, I was able to buy a couple of presents, but not all. The mall was packed. I was blessed with parking close to an entrance. A large Caramel Macchiato from Starbucks made it into my system. Ooh, coffee. One more major stop before dropping Angie off so I could get ready for Jeff and Tawny's Christmas party. It took me an hour to get home thanks to insane holiday traffic.

I wrapped four presents to bring to the party. Black was the color I dressed in from head to toe and accented with sparkling crystal jewelry. I made a decision to take my time and arrive later. My cold/flu helped make that decision. Apparently, I waited too long. The party started at 7pm and Tawny texted me at 7:40pm to find out if I was coming over (a five minute walk across the complex).

Jeff and Tawny had a nice spread of Christmas decorations, libations and food to counteract the generous libations. Everything was conducive to having a fun holiday party. Saw my best-loved friends and was surrounded in the security of their love. It was a great feeling.

Laughing. I laughed from the time I arrived to the time I left at midnight. Sitting next to me was taking your health into your own hands if you valued breathing normally. John and his life partner Ryan were sitting on one end of the leather sofa. I decided to sit next to them. John laughed at everything I said. Truth be told, I was being a whole lot devilish and full of naughty double entendres. (I was fortunate not to have additional coughing fits. That malady awaits until I am sleeping for some reason.) My naughty notions were repaid when Dan sat next to us and began to lay on me about things in our past. I might have blushed a little and took the teasing like a good AGOL. Several joined in on the fun until I got up to go to the other side of the room. I forgot there were plenty of AGOL stories to tell. Ha!

I left at midnight to walk the dog and to try and get some sleep before the alarm sounded off at 5am. Jeezus.
.

Naughty Double Entendres

Coughing and Counting

Coughing at 3:06am. That's one way to wake up. Managed to get back to sleep after a trip to the bathroom where I had full bodied coughing fits to only wake up about 30 minutes later with more coughing. Almost an hour and a half went by until the alarm sounded. My ribs hurt. By 6:30pm, I felt exhausted.

Work was quiet as several people took the day off to extend their Christmas vacation, but the work was steady. I tried to find my way through the fog in my brain. My boss kept looking at me in askance. He knew I wasn't feeling well and wanted to make sure I was still okay. I stared into space during lunch and was only half interested in my meal.

There were some discussions on varying subjects. It made me want to count my blessings. I ended up sending several notes out to people. Half wishing them a Merry Christmas and half thanking them for what they have contributed in my life or some cool thing they did. It was just something different.

My cousin Angie picked me up for dinner and some shopping. Sadly, our catching up together superceded my extended shopping plans, but we're going to make a good go of it tomorrow instead. I was able to buy two more gifts. Every little bit counts this late in the game. Angie stayed at my apartment a while loving on Cabal. He was in attention heaven...

Oh! I decided that when I hit a certain milestone in my training, I will reward myself with a daring activity. I hope to be skydiving in late spring. There is a place about an hour from where I live that offers skydiving. How cool is that?! An AGOL and a parachute? Yeah, baby!

.........................
MORE Christopher Walken Christmas.
.

Coughing and Counting

Truffled Out

How can it feel like Friday three days in a row? It just messes with your head...

Bridget and I exchanged gifts. She gave me a gift certificate to Sephora (yay!) and I got her this specialized drink container and a raw health bar symbolizing our intent for a healthier new year. We are all Godiva'd out, cookie'd out, luncheon'd out and whatever kinda other goodies you can think of to receive. We are just sick of them. Just as we profess our sickness, someone gives each of us a box of chocolate truffles. Good grief.

I can't wait to shake this cold/flu so I can start training for sprints which are partial triathlons. Baby steps. Can't just work into a full triathlon, you know, at least not with your AGOL's current body. I expressed my frustration to Rob the Trainer and he reminded me that it is about long term (goals) meaning that I am to just relax until I feel better enough to get going again. He is so dedicated. He ran 5 miles in under an hour today during his lunch and he has a spin bike (literally) next to his bed. I told him it was bad feng shui, but he doesn't care. He'd rather be fiendishly fit. Rob is off the next couple of weeks from our work and I am off most of next week so we'll regroup when he gets back.

Around 3:30pm, I received this exceedingly nice note from Tawny who has taken time off for the holidays:

Just saw beautiful dragonfly - reminded me of you - all copper and shimmer.

I joined her family and another from work for dinner at their place. Jeff made calzones for everyone. Yum! It got loud with the discussions and had to be reminded that it was an apartment building...Got to see Tawny's daughter Jessica whom I haven't seen since she graduated from high school about a year and half ago. She's the one who designed my site. You should see her other work. Her dad is so impressed with her progress in her art in college this year. Enjoyed Tawny's pretty tree, too. See...I didn't need to put up a tree. I get to enjoy everyone's.

Got home too late to take cold/flu meds, but I felt good. Possibly energized from all the fun people I just spent time with this evening. The pressure of Christmas shopping is making itself known. Tomorrow night. I will try to get it all done. Okay, mostly done. Wink.
.

Truffled Out

9 Down, 14 More to Go!

Those cold/flu gels from last night did a number on me. I could barely get up. Taking them earlier in the evening would have been smarter. Quickly had coffee and later caffeine pills to perk up. Self-medicating with over-the-counter drugs is always good.

Work was hectic. My boss is off tomorrow, but here Friday and then off for two weeks. Bridget is off Friday and Monday and I am off the rest of next week. We won't all see each other until after the beginning of the year...

Made sure I had some caffeine reinforcements before I left work so I could do some Christmas shopping. Went to one store and came out with several items. Over the past two and half weeks (including tonight), I have purchased for nine individuals. I have 14 more people to buy for. It's tough on a single AGOL's wallet, that's for sure. Would you believe me that my list was shorter this year? The pains of having a large family and a large circle of friends. I give them stuff throughout the year so it doesn't need to be as much pressure as it could be. All I know is that I still have my work cut out for me.

Took the cold/flu gel caps much earlier. I can feel the effects now as I type. Well, my lovelies, I'd better take my dog out now and head for bed. I am hoping the rest will get me on the way to recovery much quicker.
.

9 Down, 14 More to Go!

Early Birds

An alarm ringing at 3:15am is a rude awakening. This is bad, but I slept in my holiday outfit from the night before. It was nice, but not glamorous and wears well. Redid my hair and took the dog out before feeding him half his breakfast. I was going to be gone for a bit.

Who were all these people driving on the interstate at 4am?! Good grief. Arrived in Brandon with my eyes barely open. With both my aunt and uncle awake and my cousin Gary on a club chair waiting to go to the airport, it seemed everything was normal at 4:20am. For some reason when I sat on a stool watching my aunt work in her kitchen, I experienced a tremendous chest pain. I got up and walked, stretched my torso and just forced myself to concentrate on my breathing. The pain went away. Odd.

My uncle drove three of us to a busy airport. I was jonesing for some serious coffee. Where were my buckets of coffee? Angie arrived on time, but her luggage didn't. That happened to her last year, too. I begged for a Venti Caramel Macchiato from Starbucks. We all had some coffee and sat down just talking and me telling dirty jokes. What I loved was that I was able to tell them to my uncle, too. Maybe he was too asleep to censor me? Ha!

My aunt and uncle's ginormous Christmas tree: This is about a 7.5-ft tall tree and at least 4-ft wide. My aunt looks like an elf next to it. I will take a picture of her next to it next time. Hee.


I love watching the lights dance and blink around the tree. Oooh...pretty!


When we got back, Nan was awake and joined us in the sun room to enjoy a traditional breakfast my aunt made called "molly cakes" (essentially fried dough) which we slathered with butter and sugar free syrup. The sausages were good, too. AND THE COFFEE!

The humor and zingers were in full swing. I had accidentally put too much Splenda in my coffee which my uncle noticed and asked me if I was trying to get sweeter. I said yes and he replied, You'd better pour some more. OMG. Angie had gotten up to go inside the house and she yelled something to Gary. Impishly, Gary replied in a loud and horrible rendition of what was supposed to resemble Chinese. Nan was startled and said he had scared her. Gary quick as lightning added, You should see me with an ax. OMFG. We were howling with laughter at 7:30am and had to remember the neighbors were still sleeping in on a Sunday. The sun room is enclosed, but the windows were open to let the cool breeze leftover from the passing storms. My face and sides hurt. I was just glad I didn't choke on any food. Aside from their loving nature, this is the best part of my family: the smartass humor.

Left the gang before around 11am so I could get some sleep. I would miss the visit from my cousin Dave's family which was fine with me. The kids would outsmart me in a heartbeat as tired as I was. They can smell weakness and would take advantage of the fact they are incredibly cute. Little ghouls.

Talked to Tawny on the way home. Her daughter missed a flight from Detroit to Tampa and had some issues getting another flight. She ended up making a flight to Orlando instead. Tawny and Jeff picked up their middle child after midnight. Tawny was happy. Now she won't be able to contain her happiness and will run amok talking about Christmas. Yuk! Expressed my embarrassment to her in what would be construed as the walk of shame from my neighbors. They didn't see me get home late and leave a few hours later in the same clothes, but would see me arriving near noon in the same clothes. Oh, well...

How did I know I was overtired when I got home? I trolled the Internet researching some nutrition supplement and replying to e-mails before finally taking a hot shower and try to catch a nap. I was in sleeping bliss when my phone rang. It was Trish from San Francisco sitting at her favorite deli. We caught up and cackled. The usual. It's been a few hours and I am about to do a two-mile walk. I had an assignment after all.
.

Early Birds

Fun at Sandy & Mark's Party

Woken up from a deep sleep by a call from an agitated Angie letting me know that she missed her flight from L.A. due to traffic and that I didn't have to go to "mom and dad's". It was 1:10am and I had finally gotten to sleep 30 minutes before. I was able to mentally register the message and reset my alarm from 3:15am to 6:30am.

Ended up calling my aunt and uncle's house mid morning trying to find out more, but they didn't have any more information at that time. Soon after Lisa called me while she ran her errands to catch up on stuff. She was very happy in her new home.

Shopped the grocery store quickly for ingredients to make my much anticipated rum cake. It is baked in a bundt shape and the rum sauce drenched on top is made with a generous helping each of butter, granulated sugar, water and rum. Most of the alcohol does get cooked off, but one whiff will let you know it has rum in it. Some recipes call for straight rum being poured over the cake (yuk!), but my recipe has a buttered taste.

I've had the recipe since 1992 from a guy named Rick whom I worked with at Saks Fifth Avenue in Chicago. After it has had time to absorb the extra liquid on the plate, a generous sprinkling of powdered sugar is added. I tend to add more during Christmas for a heavy snow effect. Since it will be served at someone else's home, I pre-sliced the cake before the powdered sugar step which makes serving a snap.

Picked up Kathy and headed for Sandy and Mark's Annual Christmas party. (They live just a few miles from my aunt and uncle.) We've been going for about nine years. I took a lot of pics than I ever have at their party to show the things Kathy and I always search for when we visit at Christmas. It brings comfort somehow. They always go all out. The whole house is decorated down to the last details of having their comforter on their bed have a Christmas theme and swapping their everyday dishes with Christmas ones during the season.

Out poolside bar with Sandy and Kathy


My own handmade ornaments she received from my ornament exchange parties from previous years were hung on their second tree outside by the bar:

Felt fabric Santa underwear that contained bracelets with jingle bells for the gals to wear.


One of the many designs of origami boxes I've made.


Their indoor tree with and without a flash!


Every year their piano is decorated this way. The giant Santa on the left sings and dances.


Sandy wraps all of her art and photos, too!


Kathy enjoying the rum cake I baked.


Our hosts: Sandy and Mark, the nicest people you will ever meet!


Clearly Mark and Kathy are not believing the story Sandy is telling.


A very exhausted Perkins rests from running around dozens of guests.


I enjoyed myself at the party and felt my Christmas freakishness only a few times. By the time I dropped Kathy home and I got back to my own home, it was 11:35pm. Only have a few hours to sleep and drive to my aunt and uncle's to accompany my uncle to the airport. Buckets of coffee will be in my future.
.

Fun at Sandy & Mark's Party

I'm Thinking Triathlon

Hearing the sounds of a two-man jazz band as my entourage and I entered the large training room cast a different vibe on our Christmas luncheon entirely. They had two laptops set-up, a keyboard, a trumpet, a soprano saxophone and various other percussion instruments behind their mics. We sang Christmas songs and standards while we followed the amusement park-like line weaving around the room to the buffet. It is only during these times you find out how many people are on both the 3rd and 4th floors we occupy.

The food wasn't bad, but I barely noticed it because we were having so much fun at my table. Michelle, Jeff and Tawny, my boss and Lisa were joking around. AND THEN...the sounds that make the right women get their groove on...the sounds of the Lou Rawls song, You'll Never Find Another Love Like Mine. The singer in the jazz duo did a good job, but Tawny and I were singing at the table and a few other ladies who were still in line. It was great! My boss was laughing and Jeff seemed embarrassed. This type of music is not his cup of tea. Definitely a tough time getting back to work and staying focused.

There is this saying by Louis Pasteur that I have always loved, Chance favors the prepared mind. Another variation includes, Luck is opportunity meeting preparation. I think today is that day. This particular subject has been on my mind for a few years now and I never knew quite how to go about it until today: competing in a triathlon. It is a steep goal considering my lack of any kind of respectable fitness level and current weight. Every time I have seen the license plate frames with SWIM BIKE RUN, I have felt an automatic respect for the driver and wondered if I could really do it...the discipline, I mean.

An interesting man at work trains and competes in triathlons. He's got pictures and videos to prove it, too! He just signed up for the Florida 70.3 which will be at Disney and he can make it a family thing with his wife and daughter. The man owns (I think) three bikes for different terrains. Now that is dedication. We got to talking and he's sent me links for something to think about. He's going to come up with an AGOL project plan for a fall '08 competition. (A man with a well-thought out plan and mapped? Really? Seriously!?) I am to research this bike shop up the road from me when I am ready and my first physical assignment is to walk two miles this weekend sometime. I've done the Saturday Four for a few months so this is doable. Even if I don't make it to the triathlon, there are other smaller running competitions before that I can try which is great. Maybe Kathy and I can start entering together, too? She is a fitness freakazoid.

Does the above sound a bit wild? It is! Why be boring? Other people have that covered. I am excited at the prospect of challenging my mind and body. Not only will I get fit, I will get to buy cool new gear! Please -- you knew Shallowville had to be represented there somewhere. Don't worry, I will be toning down or foregoing the whole make-up thing (OMG!!) during training. My friend is serious about his sport, but luckily he has a great sense of humor. I'm appreciative in his generosity to want to help me. Besides, he will earn major karma points for transforming a tub of lard into something more pleasant....kinda like tofu shaped into a turkey shape for tofurkey. Ha! I'll keep you posted on the AGOL's progress.

Have to get to bed early (good luck, Sarah) so I can wake-up at 3:30am to drive to my aunt's in Brandon and accompany my uncle to pick up my cousin Angie who is taking the red-eye from Los Angeles. I guess I have too many visions of sugarplums dancing in my head to sleep early. I couldn't be bothered with dinner so that could be right.
.

I'm Thinking Triathlon

Christopher Walken's Christmas

WHAT A SCREAM!! Saw this on one of the dozens of blogs I read. OMG - This is hysterical and perfectly fits my Seasonal Mood.


.

Christopher Walken's Christmas

Holiday Nails? Not!

Depression and the AGOL don't go well together. For some unexplained reason, I was a little under the emotional weather. Must be the Season getting to me...

Had my nails done to cheer me up and in case I do get my Atlanta plane ticket this week. My nail lady asked me about getting "holiday nails". Um...How do I explain to her that in IT, they wouldn't like that especially since I am interviewing. Maybe after? It's bad enough they will be meeting with someone unlike the women in their group, a glam girl. They might think that I would choose hardware based on Cuteness Rating and Ooh, it comes with accessories that you can add on! You know... I need to be taken seriously. I can't help I am a secret geekess underneath all the lip gloss.

Myrna called me to meet her for an early dinner at our usual place. She cheered me up so much; she had me laughing so hard, I was in tears at the table. Afterwards, I bought some stuff from the country store for Lisa including an ornament with a section big enough to write on with permanent marker. I scripted "Beginnings 2007" on it for her and her kiddies. We ended up calling her to check on a used futon from the yard sale the other day for Myrna and me about the nice 7-ft Christmas tree the lady had out. Lisa began to get excited about me putting a tree up for Christmas and I had to squelch her enthusiasm. Still no tree plans in AGOL Land this year. Maybe for next year...when my mood is better.

Called Kathy later who was busy squeezing a whole bunch of oranges she bought from a road side vendor. She loves that kind of stuff. On a different note, received a late text from Tawny that both her in-laws fell while they were all at the botanical gardens admiring the Christmas lights. I won't go into it, but it didn't sound good. Poor Tawny. There is always something unusual going on in her world. The woman could use a break -- not like this though. Tomorrow is another day.
.

Holiday Nails? Not!

Sorry, Santa...

One of my friends left me a not so nice message (she was trying to be funny but went over the line) somewhere commenting on a Christmas photo. She irked me so much I left her message with this signature:

- Christmas Haters Anonymous (Founder & Club President)
"12-Step Programs are for Sissies - One Step: Fuck Y'All"

I thought it was cleverly hilarious! Sorry, Santa...
.

Sorry, Santa...

Playing Santa

Shopping cart in hand, I walked towards Dan in the store where he was waiting for me a little after 9am. After our good mornings, I told him two things: 1) How shamed I feel that my words from nine years ago has brought us here and 2) How proud I was of him and have never been more proud of him until that moment. Dan never forgets anything and I know he values me and what I think. After telling him how I felt, I didn't wait to see the look on his face for fear of my eyes filling with tears. I think he was feeling it, too, and knows me enough to switch gears and start joking with me. Great friends pay attention.

Dan kept teasing me that all we had were girls to buy for and accused me doing it on purpose so we didn't have to buy boy stuff. After looking at the shopping list, five girls (16 yrs, two 11 yrs, 10 yrs and 1 yr) were indeed girly with the exception of one who wanted more masculine toys. I actually would love to buy boy stuff, but other people in our company beat us to the angel tree last week.

I outlined a plan of buying one or two articles of clothing and getting two or more of the other stuff. For example, one girl received an outfit and her CD player, a CD and some nice brand batteries for her new CD player. I let Dan choose the higher ticket items or gave him choices. Wouldn't let him skimp on the batteries though so he picked ones with an oversleeves of pink for supporting breast cancer. I made sure we bought batteries for all the toys that needed them. We even bought a girl a set of gold earrings and a bracelet. It wasn't about having set limit on each child, but a nice set of gifts.

Then there was gift wrapping. We have to bring the gifts unwrapped, but I wanted to make sure that they got gift wrapping, boxes, ribbon and a roll of tape for each child. The baby toy set we got requires an extra roll so she got two for her toy, clothes, shoes, etc. Dan did an AGOL No-No by picking out drab rolls of gift wrapping. Christmas is supposed to be magical so we need wrapping paper that has foil or Mylar. Shiny for magic. You should have seen the look on this man's face when I explained my reasoning. I am used to seeing the look for years because I try to stun him at every turn. He picked a really pretty one out and a matching metallic ribbon while I put the rest I had already gathered in the cart. Poor thing.

We're not done shopping yet even after going to another store. Dan assured me we had time and he would complete the rest this next week when I began to get concerned about not having everything. We will give the ones we have already completed on Monday and meet again to combine his additions to mine since I am sorting and putting everything together. It will be several bills well spent.

It was lunchtime and I asked him to meet me at this Italian place up the road. We scarfed our breakfast/lunch combo of pizza and stromboli while we discussed our shopping expedition and my interview. He was happy for me and gave me encouragement. It was about 12:30pm when we parted ways. He, to finish remodeling his bathroom with upgrades and me, to resting from an exhaustive week. For a few hours, I was able to suspend my feelings on Christmas. It was heaven.
.

Playing Santa

Interview with an AGOL

Fog greeted me at 4:30 this morning when I walked my dog. I haven't been listening to the news at night for the weather forecast so the mist came as a surprise...

Arrived at work earlier to get breakfast downstairs to eat at my desk while I reviewed information for my second interview. Boss was surprised to see me upon his arrival and Bridget, too. He allowed me out of vendor a meeting this morning so I could have my second interview. I'm lucky he's generous.

With my corporate logo stamped notebook, pages of printed info and my cell phone, I sat in my car and waited for the call. Using my car as a private office was much easier and was able to focus more. The phone rang and I began to detail what I had learned since my first interview on servers and related architecture. Almost gave myself a headache trying to make the technical terms flow easily from my mouth. She was more impressed with me and my gumption, as she calls it. She like that I used my resources to learn in an efficient and unique way. The subject of relocation came up, but I tried to get a compromise of splitting my time between here and Atlanta, Georgia. I still have another set of interviews with two other people prior to my being flown for the final interview with the Big Kahuna (CIO). So far, so good. Wish me luck on the next set!

Remember my buddy Dan and the angel tree from yesterday? He's done very well for himself and today he finally showed me his most recent acquisition (about three years ago). It is a special edition Dodge Viper. It was previously owned and to date has less than 7000 miles on the odometer. The guy who sold it to him didn't realize what a collector's item he had because Dan got it for a very reasonable price. Bridget and I ogled it for several minutes and almost died of sexiness when we sat in it. I was on driver's side and she was on the passenger side...Bridget needs to see his 1969 Chevelle Super Sport, too. That is a beautiful car.

Vroom! Vroom!


This special ACR (American Car Racing) edition has leveler tubes installed next to the headlights for perfect balancing. Can you believe this?


Dan and I will be meeting up tomorrow at 9am to buy five different girls of ages from 1 to 16 most of their wish list. He's a brave soul to take me shopping. This should be a fun activity and for a moment make me forget how much I despise the holiday. Yep, we'd better go early.

Worked late and called Myrna on the way home. Teased her about missing out on Myrna Minutes because her mother had been visiting for two weeks. She picked me up later for dinner. I was so tired and tried to perk up with four cups of coffee during our meal. Nope. I was asleep soon after I got home. Sad.
.

Interview with an AGOL

Necessary Evils and Darling Angels

Necessary evils. That's what some vendors are to me. My nemesis vendor from September met me and my boss at our other building down the road. Luckily for all, he brought two smart reinforcements. The meeting went well and I had new eye candy during the meeting. I know - it is shameless, but he was about 6'3", early 40's, professional, had this sexy deep voice, charisma, held eye contact and knew his stuff well. Can't tell you how that combo is rare...but I digress.

Met my second homework buddy in one of the conference rooms where we spent the next hour and a half discussing server architecture. It wasn't as painful as I thought it would be. I was very thankful for the lesson and he was impressed by my booking a conference room so he could explain things on the whiteboard and by the kinds of questions I was asking. I only hope it pays off.

My long-time friend Dan stopped by my desk and asked, Play Santa? Huh? He then explained about the Angel Tree in the reception area. Oh, yeah - now I remember! Our company is participating in buying gifts on behalf of the Safe Child Coalition for children in the state foster care system. A tree is decorated with stars bearing the child's name, age and their Christmas wish list.

Let me backtrack about nine Christmases where Dan and I worked together in a different company...Back then I had a serious chip on my shoulder and I was very broke that season while Dan waited until he had 6-8 live paychecks before depositing them into the bank. He was a different man at the time and less aware and took pride in his not having to work paycheck to paycheck. I was angry, resentful and gave him a tongue-lashing about generosity. I told him that if I had his fluidity, I would take every goddamn angel off the lobby tree and buy all the kids gifts so they could have a good Christmas. It was not nice, but he needed a dose of reality. Poor Dan, I've been his second conscience for about 10 years.

You remembered that? I asked. Yes, he replied. Why? He gestured to his heart and said, Because it got me right here. Oh, God. I felt shamed by my temper nine years ago. Before I could digest it, he wanted to make arrangements to get several stars and for me to help him shop, but he would pay for everything. How could I say no? I told him we would firm up plans tomorrow for this Saturday.

Meanwhile, the rest of the afternoon was bust because our financial application was down for a few hours. I left early to meet Kristey after work at the mall. When I got home, I was so tired but felt the pressure to study for my morning interview before calling an early evening. Whatever it takes, I guess..
.

Necessary Evils and Darling Angels

Moonfluenced

Black Friday...? There was nothing important enough for me to be out in some of the stores that were open at 4am. Unless they were giving away doorbuster deals for free, there was no way in hell I was shopping at any time today. Besides you all know that I don't care and I really (gasp!) hate Christmas. I usually force myself to have a Christmas list by now and I don't.

Without planning and giving any parties this year, Christmas is just another day on the calendar. I might as well convert to Judaism which I could stomach a lot more these days. Maybe I should...I did make my Christmas card list, but I am not making my artsy Christmas cards. Like I've told you, my heart isn't in many things at the moment. I've learned to shut up and keep my humbugs to myself. Other people do enjoy Christmas!

Having this time off has me slowly going back to my hermit habits. Ha, that's funny. It is too easy to do. I know it is only temporary because the universe is a sadist and wants me out in it. Just when I get comfortable cocooning myself, it will force me to be sociable like a quick rip of a band-aid. A bit dramatic, but spot on the description.

Invited Lisa for a late lunch tomorrow as a response to her myspace note to me. She is still leaving her husband and needs some time away from him and kiddies for an afternoon spell. I think I am firing up my panini maker. I will be going to the grocery store after I check on Kathy's cats again early tomorrow.

Finally got my nails done as much as I talked about them earlier in the week. I didn't get my regular lady. She referred me to this older Vietnamese man who I surmised might be in his 60s. Never can tell age well with us Asians. He reminds me of an aging Casanova for some reason; must be his vibe. Anyhoo, goddamn did he do excellent work! My nails are even more gorgeous than the last guy who did them. It is the guys. Maybe they feel they have to prove more...

I've been wanting to go to the IKEA that just opened in Orlando and was hoping to go with Tawny. I'd been asking her and I thought she had plans to go to Atlanta this weekend. She texted me tonight to go tomorrow morning, but I have already made plans with Lisa. I just want more wooden hangers. The quality is phenomenal for the price. Quite obsessional about them actually. Of course, now I've discovered they have darker stained ones -- that would mean a whole hanger revamp. My OCD kicks in with trying to make sure all my hangers are wooden and match. This full moon is making me go into lunacy. That is the reason, right?
.

Moonfluenced

Santa's a Little Early

Fifteen precious minutes were robbed from me this morning by my dog. I was experiencing a good night's rest and he wanted me up before 5am. Yes, master. Cool breezes and maple leaves swirled everywhere at dark o'clock...Ichabod Crane anywhere?

I was reminded it was the end of the month in the Finance Department thanks to dozens of e-mails and phone calls having us verify items we've purchased. Why do I forget about the end of month pain when I am a part of the same department? Must be a subconscious thing. I had to restrain Bridget and remind her to go to her happy place when her frustrations escalated with people in the other building.

Drove Tawny, Jeff and me to the mall for lunch and for me to stop at the wireless provider to upgrade my wireless card before it stops working...in a couple of days. Imagine my surprise walking around outside and inside and saw that Christmas' horrible presence was everywhere. Call me Scroogette. I don't bloody care; I was sickened. They didn't even wait until after Halloween! To top it off, this wireless provider branch was an authorized dealer, but didn't provide those upgrades. Grrr...

Soon Santa will be sitting in front of the giant snowglobe...




Tried to get to another official wireless provider branch to upgrade my card on the way home and they looked at me like I was on crack when I told them what I needed. They referred me to a website. Good grief! I will have to attempt to install the upgrade myself tomorrow morning and let our telecom peep know if it is not successful. I may have to get a new card and wait for a couple of days. We'll see.

I am not as zen-like as yesterday, but trying with my jasmine tea right now. Tomorrow should be fun with people encouraged to dress up at work for Halloween. No, I am not dressing up, but I will play photog. Wait until the video with Bridget tomorrow and a pic of my boss in his costume. We will all have a great time ghoulishly looking at that posting! Heh-heh.
.

Santa's a Little Early

Girlie Day with Home Decor

Tawny and Jeff were at my complex at 10am viewing apartments with their needs. They were looking at the bigger 2 bedroom/2 bathroom offerings. Their stay at British Jeff's house is almost over. There are two people interested in buying his home and Tawny/Jeff would no longer be renting it to help out British Jeff who now lives back in Liverpool. They wanted something on the first floor for their aging relatives to manage easier when they came to visit. Of course, Tawny was also thinking about Cabal and how at his age he will not be able to maneuver the stairs as easy. Damn dog even gets consideration when it comes to choosing a new home other than his. So spoiled and His Prettiness knows it, too!

I passed Tawny and Jeff in the car on my way out to Dunkin Donuts to get donuts and ginormous cups of iced coffee for us, including Myrna who was coming at 10:30am. Soon we were all in my apartment getting jacked up on caffeine and sugar. Jeff left us girls to enjoy our breakfast and to start our Girlie Day.

Myrna and I received our invite from Juleen's annual open house to buy Christmas and Autumn home decor items at a discount. By the time we arrived before noon, most of the premium and popular items had been scavenged clean.

This woman's two-story home was crammed with items throughout all the rooms including the bedrooms and laundry room. Pretty packages wrapped in cello wrap everywhere. I went last year and bought a pumpkin soup tureen and two candle sticks, etc. It was a madhouse with over a dozen women milling about like ants at any time trying not to bump each other and the displayed items. Next year, we are asking for an advance preview so we'll get more choices. We were able to ask her for something I wanted and didn't see displayed hidden in her secret stash. It pays to know the hostess. We didn't do any real damage this year. I bought mostly jar candles smelling of autumn spices and homey christmas scents.

A few hours later, Myrna drove us back to my apartment. Tawny stayed for about 20 minutes before going home while Myrna and I enjoyed a late lunch/early dinner at Cracker Barrel. After dinner, we got to see more Christmas and Autumn items for sale at this country store. No more stuff made it home with the exception of one thing. I bought a popular northern candle maker's gel car refresher in a scent reminiscent of home (so it says) and its directions for use had this:

Remove the gel car refresher from bag. Hang freely using the attached string. As fragrance is drawn from the gel, you will notice some shrinkage and pulling away from the plastic holder. This is normal and is an indication that it is time to replace your gel car refresher.

Did you notice anything peculiar with those directions? Me neither. Wink.

My Girlie Day ended at 5pm. Tomorrow will be an AGOL Day when I go to get my nails done and a spa pedicure.

Girlie Day with Home Decor