So yesterday my friend Amanda and I stepped out for lunch and on the way back she stopped at one of the vendor to get flowers - they are always the way to go - 1/2 dozon roses for $4 and they last long and look beautiful.
Amanda: Which ones should I get? Which are prettiest?
Me: I don't know, whatever, maybe those pink ones
Amanda: Maybe I should get another bunch and make it an even dozen. What do you think?
(I am a little tired and grouchy - but not my full fledge grouch)
Me: Why are you getting them? Who are they for?
Amanda: Tiffany
Me: Just get six. Why twelve? Six is enough.
Amanda: I think it will look fuller and nicer
Me: Six are fine for her birthday.
Amanda: It's not for her birthday it's because she's been feeling down.
Me: Which Tiffany are we talking about? Our supervisor?
Amanda: No, the other one.
Me: Oh, well then do what you think is best. This other bunch compliments the other bunch best.
So, she buys the dozen roses and we start to walk back to the office.
Me: That is nice of you and since we were talking about flowers... when I was talking with "the girls" about getting her flowers after her grandfather died (which was right before my Aunt died), I said to the girls that I was all for getting Amanda flowers, but that I really did not want them to get me any for my Aunt.
Amanda: Oh (with a quiet look on her face)
Me: Yeah, the last thing that I wanted was flowers after having spent the last two weeks/weekends in houses and funeral homes filled with flowers because a close loved one had died - that flowers only reminded me of death and that the smell of them so soon and close after all that is sorta sickening.
Amanda (gets this look on her face, sort of like shock): Oh, really, I actually bought these for you.
Talk about embarrassing - Open mouth really, really wide and insert foot. I was so embarrassed. I told her that it was a sweet thought and I'm really sorry for saying what I had and that I really appreciated that she had done it.
All that I keep thinking about is the look on her face when she told me she bought them for me and what's funny is later she said that all that she can keep thinking about is the look on my face when she said that. Ah, maybe I should just learn to keep my mouth shut, but who knew? She had said they were for someone else. I'm glad though that we were able to laugh about it all once I was able to get around my size 7 1/2 foot in my mouth :-)
They are very pretty and are opening up wonderfully and look great on my desk. What an awesome addition.
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Another Bad Tuesday in January
This month has not been going all that well. As mentioned in an earlier post Jason's Uncle Aldo passed away on Tuesday, January 15. We had just dealt, that sounds so harsh, so maybe tried to deal with that loss the best we can and had gone back to work on Tuesday, January 22 (after having Monday off to honor Martin Luther King, Jr.) when I get a phone call around 10:00 a.m. from my cousin Carol letting me know that my Aunt Cathy passed away after valiantly trying to fight her way back to health that morning. Aunt Cathy had been in Ohio in October 2007 visiting family. To make a long story short, she was immediately admitted to ICU with septic shock. The family was told at 10:00 pm. on Wed nite, that she would not make it thru the nite. By noon the next day, her kidneys started to function again & was still here!! See directly below for an explanation of Sepsis which causes septic shock.
Sepsis is a life-threatening illness. Your body's response to a bacterial infection usually causes it. Your immune system goes into overdrive, overwhelming normal processes in your blood. The result is that small blood clots form, blocking blood flow to vital organs. This can lead to organ failure. Babies, old people and those with weakened immune systems are most likely to get sepsis. But even healthy people can become deathly ill from it. A quick diagnosis can be crucial, because one third of people who get sepsis die from it.
Sepsis is usually treated in a hospital intensive care unit (ICU). IV antibiotics and fluids may be given to try to knock out the infection and to keep blood pressure from dropping too low. Patients may also need respirators to help them breathe.
She was in the ICU and then a rehabilitation center until December 16 at which time she was brought back to Texas and set up at a rehabilitation center closer to home. She was able to see her newest grandbaby - Avery and celebrate Christmas and New Years with her family. She had ups and downs and was still struggling, but everyone thought she would pull through one more time in Aunt Cathy fashion! But alas, it was not to be... it ended up being just too much and after fighting a good fight decided it was time to go forth and join the Lord. I'm sure that she figured that someone else needed to help my Aunt Mary make sure that my sister Cheryl and my cousin John were behaving themselves :-)
Mom and I flew down to be with family to offer support and comfort and be comforted. My Aunt Cathy will be missed by many, many people - friends and family alike.
Sepsis is a life-threatening illness. Your body's response to a bacterial infection usually causes it. Your immune system goes into overdrive, overwhelming normal processes in your blood. The result is that small blood clots form, blocking blood flow to vital organs. This can lead to organ failure. Babies, old people and those with weakened immune systems are most likely to get sepsis. But even healthy people can become deathly ill from it. A quick diagnosis can be crucial, because one third of people who get sepsis die from it.
Sepsis is usually treated in a hospital intensive care unit (ICU). IV antibiotics and fluids may be given to try to knock out the infection and to keep blood pressure from dropping too low. Patients may also need respirators to help them breathe.
She was in the ICU and then a rehabilitation center until December 16 at which time she was brought back to Texas and set up at a rehabilitation center closer to home. She was able to see her newest grandbaby - Avery and celebrate Christmas and New Years with her family. She had ups and downs and was still struggling, but everyone thought she would pull through one more time in Aunt Cathy fashion! But alas, it was not to be... it ended up being just too much and after fighting a good fight decided it was time to go forth and join the Lord. I'm sure that she figured that someone else needed to help my Aunt Mary make sure that my sister Cheryl and my cousin John were behaving themselves :-)
Mom and I flew down to be with family to offer support and comfort and be comforted. My Aunt Cathy will be missed by many, many people - friends and family alike.
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
I'm thinking I should be worm free for a while
The Worm Lesson
A minister decided that a visual demonstration would add emphasis to his Sunday sermon.Four worms were placed into four separate jars.
The first worm was put into a container of alcohol.The second worm was put into a container of cigarette smoke.The third worm was put into a container of chocolate syrup. The fourth worm was put into a container of good clean soil.
At the conclusion of the sermon, the Minister reported the following results:
The first worm in alcohol - Dead.
The second worm in cigarette smoke - Dead
Third worm in chocolate syrup - Dead
Fourth worm in good clean soil - Alive.
So the Minister asked the congregation - 'What can you learn from this demonstration?'
Maxine was sitting in the back, quickly raised her hand and said, 'As long as you drink, smoke and eat chocolate, you won't have worms!'
That pretty much ended the service --
A minister decided that a visual demonstration would add emphasis to his Sunday sermon.Four worms were placed into four separate jars.
The first worm was put into a container of alcohol.The second worm was put into a container of cigarette smoke.The third worm was put into a container of chocolate syrup. The fourth worm was put into a container of good clean soil.
At the conclusion of the sermon, the Minister reported the following results:
The first worm in alcohol - Dead.
The second worm in cigarette smoke - Dead
Third worm in chocolate syrup - Dead
Fourth worm in good clean soil - Alive.
So the Minister asked the congregation - 'What can you learn from this demonstration?'
Maxine was sitting in the back, quickly raised her hand and said, 'As long as you drink, smoke and eat chocolate, you won't have worms!'
That pretty much ended the service --
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Snow - Weather Schooling
It's snowing, it's snowing!!! Probably turning into a wintry mix in some places by now. I was just checking out sites to see what was up. I, of course, went to my old standby weather.com and got some information. I then checked out The Washington Post on line because I was wondering if they had school closings, etc. I happened onto one of their blogs - Capital Weather Gang. It had some very interesting information a radar of the area and people posting what was happening in their area.
as I'm reading the other people's entries, I found out that I should never rely on weather.com or the weatherchannel.com for my information. That they are big and don't cover/update their information enough for us little folk - they are a big place to turn to, though it seems, if I want hurricane information. as one commenter put it:
"your first lesson in weather watching. NEVER consult weather.com or even the Weather Channel unless there is a hurricane threatening your area. They forecast for a huge area and don't update anything because they don't have to because they know that the naive will go to their site."
Also:
"And that is the difference between what you get here at CWG and what you get at your big forecasting outlets. Because we are online, interactive, and to some degree a blog, we can more quickly react and adjust as opposed to the big boys where every change is a lumbering operation. And of course, we should have a new update on the site my mid-afternoon.
Posted by: Jamie Jones, Capital Weather Gang January 17, 2008 12:05 PM "
So, I have now found out I am naive - tsk, tsk. I have learned my lesson and have now bookmarked their site for all future weather questions.
Of course, there was also the usual bantering about how we handle the snow and react to it by a few people comparing our area to the mid-west and New England area. As one responder basically said, yes, it is a big deal - a) we like seeing the snow, we don't get it all that often and b) we get wintry mix - snow, sleet, ice down here whereas they get snow up there and it is a BIG difference to drive in and on snow than it is to drive on ice.
Ok, that's it. Enjoy the Snow/Wintry mix. Use the Capital Weather Gang site/blog to get all your weather information :-)
as I'm reading the other people's entries, I found out that I should never rely on weather.com or the weatherchannel.com for my information. That they are big and don't cover/update their information enough for us little folk - they are a big place to turn to, though it seems, if I want hurricane information. as one commenter put it:
"your first lesson in weather watching. NEVER consult weather.com or even the Weather Channel unless there is a hurricane threatening your area. They forecast for a huge area and don't update anything because they don't have to because they know that the naive will go to their site."
Also:
"And that is the difference between what you get here at CWG and what you get at your big forecasting outlets. Because we are online, interactive, and to some degree a blog, we can more quickly react and adjust as opposed to the big boys where every change is a lumbering operation. And of course, we should have a new update on the site my mid-afternoon.
Posted by: Jamie Jones, Capital Weather Gang January 17, 2008 12:05 PM "
So, I have now found out I am naive - tsk, tsk. I have learned my lesson and have now bookmarked their site for all future weather questions.
Of course, there was also the usual bantering about how we handle the snow and react to it by a few people comparing our area to the mid-west and New England area. As one responder basically said, yes, it is a big deal - a) we like seeing the snow, we don't get it all that often and b) we get wintry mix - snow, sleet, ice down here whereas they get snow up there and it is a BIG difference to drive in and on snow than it is to drive on ice.
Ok, that's it. Enjoy the Snow/Wintry mix. Use the Capital Weather Gang site/blog to get all your weather information :-)
Team Spirit!??
Ok, I understand the football craze, but I'm thinking this guy went just a little out of hand:
A Wisconsin man, upset his seven year old son refused to wear a Packers jersey during the playoff game, taped the jersey onto the child and used tape to restrain him for an hour.
He was arrested for disorderly conduct on Monday after his wife told authorities about the incident. The man says he tied the boy up as a joke and that the boy was laughing then the photos were taken.
"Then he couldn't get out and he got upset and that's it. It lasted a minute," the father said. "I didn't mean no harm, and he knows that, but (because of a restraining order) I haven't been able to tell him that."
This is why I have dogs - I get to dress them in whatever team's jersey I want them to wear and they will like it. (I've even gotten the ok that I am allowed to "dress them up" since it is a sports jersey and not some sissy outfit, which I would never do. They have a Christmas shirt and for really cold weather sweaters.) And, sorry Jason, it definitely will not be a Patriots jersey. I have decided that Kira will be a Steelers fan and Lucie will be a Redskins fan. When they get together with the cousins - Ivan (Redskins fan) and Monti (Steelers fan) they will be able to team up with them and play two-on-two football.
It was quite a season that both of my teams had this year and they only made it as far as the wildcard games, which makes me sad. It makes me sadder still that football season as a whole is drawing to a conclusion. This is why I need, NEED, for one of the last 3 teams remaining either this week or in the Super Bowl, to Beat Down the Patriots. I want the season to end on a happy note. Keeping fingers crossed.
A Wisconsin man, upset his seven year old son refused to wear a Packers jersey during the playoff game, taped the jersey onto the child and used tape to restrain him for an hour.
He was arrested for disorderly conduct on Monday after his wife told authorities about the incident. The man says he tied the boy up as a joke and that the boy was laughing then the photos were taken.
"Then he couldn't get out and he got upset and that's it. It lasted a minute," the father said. "I didn't mean no harm, and he knows that, but (because of a restraining order) I haven't been able to tell him that."
This is why I have dogs - I get to dress them in whatever team's jersey I want them to wear and they will like it. (I've even gotten the ok that I am allowed to "dress them up" since it is a sports jersey and not some sissy outfit, which I would never do. They have a Christmas shirt and for really cold weather sweaters.) And, sorry Jason, it definitely will not be a Patriots jersey. I have decided that Kira will be a Steelers fan and Lucie will be a Redskins fan. When they get together with the cousins - Ivan (Redskins fan) and Monti (Steelers fan) they will be able to team up with them and play two-on-two football.
It was quite a season that both of my teams had this year and they only made it as far as the wildcard games, which makes me sad. It makes me sadder still that football season as a whole is drawing to a conclusion. This is why I need, NEED, for one of the last 3 teams remaining either this week or in the Super Bowl, to Beat Down the Patriots. I want the season to end on a happy note. Keeping fingers crossed.
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Death and Emotions
Today was not a good day. When we arrived at work this morning, Jason and I found out that his Uncle Aldo had died due to a massive heart attack that morning. Jason went to be with the family and I will be joining them this evening. Aldo was a quiet man, he loved to read and was a big intellect. You could also tell that he loved his family very much. I enjoyed being around him when he was at family functions and getting to speak with him. Aldo, 'si sentirà la tua mancanza'
I called my mother to let her know that I would not be able to make it over to visit this evening and found out at that time that a family friend had also passed away this morning - taken by cancer.
Both were wonderful people and loved very much by their families. Our thoughts and prayers are with them.
I have been in a sad mood all day, quite down, which is to be expected. I even have shed some tears when really thinking about them and their not being around. But all in all I have continued to work and function. If you ask Jason, I'm sure he probably would think that I was even a little cold, except, I think that by now he knows me and how I handle people death and harm. I label it that way, because I am completely different when it comes to handling pet deaths, especially dogs, at which time I am a complete basket case.
When Cheryl, my sister, died, I remember basically letting out one big scream of anguish and a bit of crying, but then pulling myself completely together to console my mom and my sister (my dad holds his emotions close to his chest and doesn't show a lot of them, which is perhaps where I got the way I act). I proceeded to make the necessary phone calls to inform family members and friends of our loss. I helped make arrangements for people to come into town and stay. That very evening, one of my good friends was celebrating her birthday and, without telling her a thing until the very end, I went and I celebrated and sang happy birthday to her - because this is how it should be - she was still alive and her life should be celebrated - it matters and should be celebrated. As the days followed, I continued to be a "great help" and "kept the family together". At the wake, funeral and gathering back at the house I was told I was the perfect hostess, making sure everyone had what they needed and was dealing with things. I returned to work after four or five days, even though I was told it was not necessary - it helped for me to be busy and occupied. I went on with my life - basically blocking out what had happened. The only times I really, really broke down was when I was in my car driving and a particular song came on the radio and then I bawled. I handled it the way I needed to handle it. Years later, talking with my sister, Janine, frankly, she basically told me she thought I was unfeeling and uncaring about the whole ordeal and she couldn't see how I could be that way. She was very affected by my sisters death and emoted more along the lines of my mom. Different ways of handling it. After this talk and many others with her and other members of my family, I have been a bit more able to show and admit my inner feelings, but I am still quite close chested about them.
Now, when my first dog which I owned, not the family dog - Shanna, the most precious and beautiful Rottie around died. I was deeply depressed and sad and it showed. When I had to put her down, I cried and cried. Even now typing this and when I talk about her and her death, I tear up and get choked up emotionally. When I had to move and had to get rid of my cats and was unable to find anyone to take them because of their age (and didn't know about no-kill shelters) and had to give them to the spca, knowing that most likely they would be put to sleep, I cried. All of this in front of others and at different times, not holding back my sadness over the animals.
I bring all this up, because even to this day if I'm watching a TV show or a movie and there is death in it - I react completely different if it's a human or an animal. I don't want the humans to die, but unless there are some extra hormones flying around at that time of the month ;-) I don't usually cry - I might get a little choked up, by not cry, cry. (watch out though at those "times" of the month - I can be a big cry baby and Jason won't let me watch anything which might make me sad - says it hurts him to see me that way and not know exactly what to do) But, if it's an animal, especially a dog, I bawl. We recently went to see the Will Smith flick "I Am Legend" and
= SPOILER ALERT - DO NOT READ THIS IF YOU DON'T KNOW -
in the middle of the movie his dog first goes into this building where it's dark and you know there are bad people and I am having a fit already, I'm saying, no, no, don't let anything happen to the dog, don't let it get hurt, already getting all worked up - Jason's just looking at me knowing that I'm ready to cry (and probably slightly embarrassed) - I'm not even worried about what might happen to Will when he goes in after the dog. they both get out fine. But later on in the movie there is a fight between his dog and these infected dogs - his dog is trying to help protect him - and he gets bit. I know at this point, it's pretty much over and tears start streaming down my face. By the time he gets the dog home and after trying to save him fails and eventually has to kill him, I am almost bawling in the movie theater - I'm sure Jason was looking around to see if anyone one was noticing or their attention being drawn to us because of my sniffles and nose blowing, because I am seriously crying by this time. The movie goes on and I regain my composure and at the end of the movie, Will sacrifices his life for two other characters so that they may survive and bring the vaccine to others and I barely shed a tear - I'm sad, of course, but no, no tears, just that's so sad that he had to die.
So, the question is Am I a cold-hearted *itch or am I just one screwed individual with their emotional priorities completely messed up? I don't know. I do know it's easier to block out all the bad things that happen to my loved ones and put them away in their own little closet not to be visited all that often. Maybe that's why I can get so angry - I really need to learn to show my emotions properly.
Hmmmm.. Well, thanks, this felt better getting it off my chest - even if it doesn't make sense to anyone else - it has once again helped me.
To all those lost and loved!
I called my mother to let her know that I would not be able to make it over to visit this evening and found out at that time that a family friend had also passed away this morning - taken by cancer.
Both were wonderful people and loved very much by their families. Our thoughts and prayers are with them.
I have been in a sad mood all day, quite down, which is to be expected. I even have shed some tears when really thinking about them and their not being around. But all in all I have continued to work and function. If you ask Jason, I'm sure he probably would think that I was even a little cold, except, I think that by now he knows me and how I handle people death and harm. I label it that way, because I am completely different when it comes to handling pet deaths, especially dogs, at which time I am a complete basket case.
When Cheryl, my sister, died, I remember basically letting out one big scream of anguish and a bit of crying, but then pulling myself completely together to console my mom and my sister (my dad holds his emotions close to his chest and doesn't show a lot of them, which is perhaps where I got the way I act). I proceeded to make the necessary phone calls to inform family members and friends of our loss. I helped make arrangements for people to come into town and stay. That very evening, one of my good friends was celebrating her birthday and, without telling her a thing until the very end, I went and I celebrated and sang happy birthday to her - because this is how it should be - she was still alive and her life should be celebrated - it matters and should be celebrated. As the days followed, I continued to be a "great help" and "kept the family together". At the wake, funeral and gathering back at the house I was told I was the perfect hostess, making sure everyone had what they needed and was dealing with things. I returned to work after four or five days, even though I was told it was not necessary - it helped for me to be busy and occupied. I went on with my life - basically blocking out what had happened. The only times I really, really broke down was when I was in my car driving and a particular song came on the radio and then I bawled. I handled it the way I needed to handle it. Years later, talking with my sister, Janine, frankly, she basically told me she thought I was unfeeling and uncaring about the whole ordeal and she couldn't see how I could be that way. She was very affected by my sisters death and emoted more along the lines of my mom. Different ways of handling it. After this talk and many others with her and other members of my family, I have been a bit more able to show and admit my inner feelings, but I am still quite close chested about them.
Now, when my first dog which I owned, not the family dog - Shanna, the most precious and beautiful Rottie around died. I was deeply depressed and sad and it showed. When I had to put her down, I cried and cried. Even now typing this and when I talk about her and her death, I tear up and get choked up emotionally. When I had to move and had to get rid of my cats and was unable to find anyone to take them because of their age (and didn't know about no-kill shelters) and had to give them to the spca, knowing that most likely they would be put to sleep, I cried. All of this in front of others and at different times, not holding back my sadness over the animals.
I bring all this up, because even to this day if I'm watching a TV show or a movie and there is death in it - I react completely different if it's a human or an animal. I don't want the humans to die, but unless there are some extra hormones flying around at that time of the month ;-) I don't usually cry - I might get a little choked up, by not cry, cry. (watch out though at those "times" of the month - I can be a big cry baby and Jason won't let me watch anything which might make me sad - says it hurts him to see me that way and not know exactly what to do) But, if it's an animal, especially a dog, I bawl. We recently went to see the Will Smith flick "I Am Legend" and
= SPOILER ALERT - DO NOT READ THIS IF YOU DON'T KNOW -
in the middle of the movie his dog first goes into this building where it's dark and you know there are bad people and I am having a fit already, I'm saying, no, no, don't let anything happen to the dog, don't let it get hurt, already getting all worked up - Jason's just looking at me knowing that I'm ready to cry (and probably slightly embarrassed) - I'm not even worried about what might happen to Will when he goes in after the dog. they both get out fine. But later on in the movie there is a fight between his dog and these infected dogs - his dog is trying to help protect him - and he gets bit. I know at this point, it's pretty much over and tears start streaming down my face. By the time he gets the dog home and after trying to save him fails and eventually has to kill him, I am almost bawling in the movie theater - I'm sure Jason was looking around to see if anyone one was noticing or their attention being drawn to us because of my sniffles and nose blowing, because I am seriously crying by this time. The movie goes on and I regain my composure and at the end of the movie, Will sacrifices his life for two other characters so that they may survive and bring the vaccine to others and I barely shed a tear - I'm sad, of course, but no, no tears, just that's so sad that he had to die.
So, the question is Am I a cold-hearted *itch or am I just one screwed individual with their emotional priorities completely messed up? I don't know. I do know it's easier to block out all the bad things that happen to my loved ones and put them away in their own little closet not to be visited all that often. Maybe that's why I can get so angry - I really need to learn to show my emotions properly.
Hmmmm.. Well, thanks, this felt better getting it off my chest - even if it doesn't make sense to anyone else - it has once again helped me.
To all those lost and loved!
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
Just When You Thought The Day Couldn't Get Worse
I was going to use Washington Jen's titling format this morning, but then so many things ran together it would be one long equation by the time I got done with it: PMS + Nasty Morning Person + Person Quitting Smoking + Crazy Driver + Joe Gibbs Retires = Pretty Crappy Morning (the traits in red all apply to same person).
This morning just wasn't a pleasant one. I mean, let's face it, those who know me really well already are aware that I can be a slightly *itchy person and that my way is always or usually the best way in my opinion - top that off with a dose of PMS and cross me wrong it COULD get ugly.
I know that I should be very understanding of the fact that my husband is trying his hardest to make his life healthier by quitting smoking (not to mention the MD no smoking in public areas law going into effect in February) and seriously, I'm trying to be supportive, once again, we all know that this is a bit hard for me - so the below is a very self-centered, one-sided view of our morning. Because he's trying to quit, he's been a bit cranky lately - in the morning, in the afternoon, in the evening, etc.
This morning was a bad one, because we, of course, got up late. I say we, because if I don't make the move or force him to make the move out of bed it doesn't happen for him for a while. He is not a mover and shaker in the morning - he wants to sleep in no matter what. So, we're running late already, I'm getting dressed, letting the dogs out, making sure our pants that we are wearing for the day are wrinkle free, folding clothes, letting the dogs back in, getting dressed myself and locking up the dogs in their "house area", making sure they have food, water and play toys, warming up the car, waiting for the hubby. Now, what has he been doing in this same time period - trying to wake up, showering and dressing. So, of course, it's getting tight for us to make the train and he already starts spewing about how now we are going to have to drive in especially because we are so late - like it's just my fault - and since I'm having knee problems that I'm not going to be able to run for the train, since I already have problems running for the train anyways. I, of course, in my grown-up manner, yell right back that it's not just my fault and why can't we try to make the train and since I'm driving, I proceed to go to the train station. When we get there, it is pretty apparent that we are not going to make the train, so, of course, I've made us even later because of my insistence on trying for the train - I'm just the devil by now. He insists on driving and proceeds to tear out of the parking lot and down the road all the way to work. He is weaving in and out of traffic and, in my opinion, gets to close to the cars in front of him - I'm scared for my life, but I'm not allowed to react in anyway - though a sigh or a small screech does come out of my mouth - and then I get yelled at.
By this time, I'm seething, myself because, he very rarely is in this type of mood, it's generally my mood NOT his and I don't like being upstaged, so, I, of course, have to give it back as good as I get or just resort to my ultimate in silent treatment with the evil glinty eyes - oh, yes, I've go that look down pat - I've had years of practice on my family, friends and co-workers. By the time he drops me off at the metro I'm steaming.
I finally make into work to hear the lovely news that Joe Gibbs has decided to retire. I know that there are people out there that probably think this is a good thing, but I think that especially with the last four games played that maybe finally the team was getting things together and he definitely deserves credit for the fact that in the past years that he has been back and coaching that, while he hasn't made it to the Super Bowl, he has gotten the team to work together enough in order to make it to the playoffs twice. Which is definitely better than other coaches have done. So, what happens next year for the Redskins, once again we start all over again, getting to learn a new coach, blah, blah, blah. I hope that for the sake of the team that the next one can really pull it off.
Ok, now most of the above probably isn't even running together smoothly, but I feel better and, guess what, that's the purpose of this blog at least for this day - is my getting to get it out of my system and feeling a bit better.
The hubby and I have already talked and things are fine between us, as they usually are and will continue to be - it's just been a rough morning. I have to say I was seriously tempted to light up a cigarette in the car and stick it in his damn mouth and tell him to just inhale! But, I will be supportive and I will try my hardest to reign in my *itchy tendencies - be a grown up - and relinquish my rights as the *itch in the family, but only just for this time while he quits and gets healthy and then I definitely want my title back. I worked hard for it and established it from Day One!
I do LOVE YOU! **Just informed the hubby about this post - so, will sparks begin to fly again? Probably - He hates when I do this**
This morning just wasn't a pleasant one. I mean, let's face it, those who know me really well already are aware that I can be a slightly *itchy person and that my way is always or usually the best way in my opinion - top that off with a dose of PMS and cross me wrong it COULD get ugly.
I know that I should be very understanding of the fact that my husband is trying his hardest to make his life healthier by quitting smoking (not to mention the MD no smoking in public areas law going into effect in February) and seriously, I'm trying to be supportive, once again, we all know that this is a bit hard for me - so the below is a very self-centered, one-sided view of our morning. Because he's trying to quit, he's been a bit cranky lately - in the morning, in the afternoon, in the evening, etc.
This morning was a bad one, because we, of course, got up late. I say we, because if I don't make the move or force him to make the move out of bed it doesn't happen for him for a while. He is not a mover and shaker in the morning - he wants to sleep in no matter what. So, we're running late already, I'm getting dressed, letting the dogs out, making sure our pants that we are wearing for the day are wrinkle free, folding clothes, letting the dogs back in, getting dressed myself and locking up the dogs in their "house area", making sure they have food, water and play toys, warming up the car, waiting for the hubby. Now, what has he been doing in this same time period - trying to wake up, showering and dressing. So, of course, it's getting tight for us to make the train and he already starts spewing about how now we are going to have to drive in especially because we are so late - like it's just my fault - and since I'm having knee problems that I'm not going to be able to run for the train, since I already have problems running for the train anyways. I, of course, in my grown-up manner, yell right back that it's not just my fault and why can't we try to make the train and since I'm driving, I proceed to go to the train station. When we get there, it is pretty apparent that we are not going to make the train, so, of course, I've made us even later because of my insistence on trying for the train - I'm just the devil by now. He insists on driving and proceeds to tear out of the parking lot and down the road all the way to work. He is weaving in and out of traffic and, in my opinion, gets to close to the cars in front of him - I'm scared for my life, but I'm not allowed to react in anyway - though a sigh or a small screech does come out of my mouth - and then I get yelled at.
By this time, I'm seething, myself because, he very rarely is in this type of mood, it's generally my mood NOT his and I don't like being upstaged, so, I, of course, have to give it back as good as I get or just resort to my ultimate in silent treatment with the evil glinty eyes - oh, yes, I've go that look down pat - I've had years of practice on my family, friends and co-workers. By the time he drops me off at the metro I'm steaming.
I finally make into work to hear the lovely news that Joe Gibbs has decided to retire. I know that there are people out there that probably think this is a good thing, but I think that especially with the last four games played that maybe finally the team was getting things together and he definitely deserves credit for the fact that in the past years that he has been back and coaching that, while he hasn't made it to the Super Bowl, he has gotten the team to work together enough in order to make it to the playoffs twice. Which is definitely better than other coaches have done. So, what happens next year for the Redskins, once again we start all over again, getting to learn a new coach, blah, blah, blah. I hope that for the sake of the team that the next one can really pull it off.
Ok, now most of the above probably isn't even running together smoothly, but I feel better and, guess what, that's the purpose of this blog at least for this day - is my getting to get it out of my system and feeling a bit better.
The hubby and I have already talked and things are fine between us, as they usually are and will continue to be - it's just been a rough morning. I have to say I was seriously tempted to light up a cigarette in the car and stick it in his damn mouth and tell him to just inhale! But, I will be supportive and I will try my hardest to reign in my *itchy tendencies - be a grown up - and relinquish my rights as the *itch in the family, but only just for this time while he quits and gets healthy and then I definitely want my title back. I worked hard for it and established it from Day One!
I do LOVE YOU! **Just informed the hubby about this post - so, will sparks begin to fly again? Probably - He hates when I do this**
Monday, January 7, 2008
Saturday, January 5, 2008 - Katies B-day and the worst day in Wild Card History
Saturday was a good day in that it was cousin Katie's Birthday and the party was a great time. Her boyfriend Pat lives in this new condo building in Rockville and it ROCKS! Jason and I are saying we need to sell both our places and buy there :-) The place is near two metro stops, right near a shopping center, has its own theater room, roof top party room with beautiful view and pool.
The party itself was attended by a great group of people and we had a blast seeing everyone and watching the wild card games as well. The only bummer of the evening - the outcome of the games - sad, sad, sad. What's up with the Skin's losing in the playoff to the Seahawks - 2nd time this has happened - not liking it, not liking it! But, I'm glad that each of my teams were there at least. The Redskins came back from a lot this year and, yes, it would have been nice if they had been able to go all the way to the BIG SHOW and Win it for Sean Taylor, but that was not in the cards.
Now, I'm not sure exactly what I'm going to do. At this point, I know I'm going to be cheering like crazy for the Jaguar's next week and hope that they take down the sillie Patriots! But what if this doesn't happen, what if it comes down to the Patriots and Cowboys - Nooo, can't happen, must also cheer loudly for Giants next week. [Note to self - if both these new teams I'm cheering for lose - switch to P & C fan for the rest of the playoffs- this should effectively eliminate them :-)]
Saturday - Jan 5, 2008
Seattle 35, Washington 14
Jacksonville 31, Pittsburgh 29
The party itself was attended by a great group of people and we had a blast seeing everyone and watching the wild card games as well. The only bummer of the evening - the outcome of the games - sad, sad, sad. What's up with the Skin's losing in the playoff to the Seahawks - 2nd time this has happened - not liking it, not liking it! But, I'm glad that each of my teams were there at least. The Redskins came back from a lot this year and, yes, it would have been nice if they had been able to go all the way to the BIG SHOW and Win it for Sean Taylor, but that was not in the cards.
Now, I'm not sure exactly what I'm going to do. At this point, I know I'm going to be cheering like crazy for the Jaguar's next week and hope that they take down the sillie Patriots! But what if this doesn't happen, what if it comes down to the Patriots and Cowboys - Nooo, can't happen, must also cheer loudly for Giants next week. [Note to self - if both these new teams I'm cheering for lose - switch to P & C fan for the rest of the playoffs- this should effectively eliminate them :-)]
Saturday - Jan 5, 2008
Seattle 35, Washington 14
Jacksonville 31, Pittsburgh 29
Cost of a Book
I recently picked up the first book in a series called the Chintz 'n China Mysteries - "Emerald O'Brien owns a teashop, reads tarot cards, communicates with the other side and, on occasion, is called on by the living - and the dead - to solve a mystery." There are about 5 books in the series. I've since found out that it has come to an end as the author had decided to focus her work on different books which she prefers to write.
Anyways, I started looking for the second book in the series, first through the library (no luck there) and then on-line with B&N and Amazon. It is called Legend of the Jade Dragon. Unfortunately, it is out of print and I'm guessing that that is why when I found it on line it cost about $24 for USED copy of it - or - if I wanted a new one it would be about $74. WHAT?? I mean, please, this is just a paperback and the author's own website says that the series didn't attract a large enough audience to go on.
I think that it's highway robbery that the people who own these books are asking a price like that. It could be because I feel happy when I'm able to pass along my books to others who might get enjoyment out of them and I don't charge them. To me this just points out how greedy some people are and how there are too many people who will try and make money no matter what. I am also not big into the yard sale/garage sale thing. I'm oh so much more apt to want to box it up and donate it - which I guess does help me since I can write it off on my taxes, but at the same time, I'd just as soon pass it along for free if someone were interested in reading the books I had. They have this neat thing at our office where people can drop off the books they have read and anyone can come along and pick one up - like a little free library. I need to remember to pack up all my books and bring them in.
Ok, this was just a quick post to point out the ridiculousness of the situation. I'm just going to skip that book and move on to book 3 though at this point, I'm even wondering if it's worth it to continued since I know that the series will end and there probably isn't even an ending feeling to it - probably it's left hanging, because the author originally planned on writing more - I hope not. I don't like things not wrapped up for me. Hated the ending of Sopranos!!!
Anyways, I started looking for the second book in the series, first through the library (no luck there) and then on-line with B&N and Amazon. It is called Legend of the Jade Dragon. Unfortunately, it is out of print and I'm guessing that that is why when I found it on line it cost about $24 for USED copy of it - or - if I wanted a new one it would be about $74. WHAT?? I mean, please, this is just a paperback and the author's own website says that the series didn't attract a large enough audience to go on.
I think that it's highway robbery that the people who own these books are asking a price like that. It could be because I feel happy when I'm able to pass along my books to others who might get enjoyment out of them and I don't charge them. To me this just points out how greedy some people are and how there are too many people who will try and make money no matter what. I am also not big into the yard sale/garage sale thing. I'm oh so much more apt to want to box it up and donate it - which I guess does help me since I can write it off on my taxes, but at the same time, I'd just as soon pass it along for free if someone were interested in reading the books I had. They have this neat thing at our office where people can drop off the books they have read and anyone can come along and pick one up - like a little free library. I need to remember to pack up all my books and bring them in.
Ok, this was just a quick post to point out the ridiculousness of the situation. I'm just going to skip that book and move on to book 3 though at this point, I'm even wondering if it's worth it to continued since I know that the series will end and there probably isn't even an ending feeling to it - probably it's left hanging, because the author originally planned on writing more - I hope not. I don't like things not wrapped up for me. Hated the ending of Sopranos!!!
Thursday, December 27, 2007
Wow, What a Month - December
I know, I know it's been way, way to long since I've written. Not even sure if I still have any readers.
The month of December was one busy, busy month as always. The first weekend Jason and I were still sick with colds but managed to head out to Irish Channel in Crofton for Karaoke on Saturday night. We, of course, did not sing and I can't say much for some of the people who decided to sing. The place might be, ok, definitely is a bit more upscale than Jim's Hide-away in Odenton, but the talent is a little lower on the scale. Ok, ok, and I actually do believe this, I have to give props to the people who did get up because I definitely would not be doing it myself and it does provide me with lots of entertainment - so, props to the people who sang even if poorly. On Sunday I went to a Tastefully Simple party and stocked up on a bunch of goodness - I am in love with the bacon, bacon and the cheese ball it can make - not to mention the chocolate ugly cake mix - yummy goodness.
Then a week of work....
The second weekend had us boarding up the pups and heading into DC for Jason's office holiday party. They held their party at the City Club located in the Columbia Square building. It was very, very nice. They had a buffet set up with carving stations for prime rib, salmon and turkey and numerous additions for them. The dance floor was hopping to the beat of the DJ they had spinning. Oh, yes and the most important thing - Open Bar!!! This was the first time I had met Jason's co-workers and I truly enjoyed it. He seems to have found a great place to work and with a great bunch of people - Way to Go!
We headed out of that party after about 3 1/2 hours and caught a cab over to Jen's house for her Christmas party in Rosslyn. Where we continued to party and drink (wonderful hostessing job!!) into the wee hours of the morning topping off the night with a game of Cranium - don't exactly remember who won - I'm thinking my team, but I could be wrong - feeling pretty good by that time :) [Must remember to post a link to pictures - or they are on my facebook page] And then a cab ride back to our hotel in DC - The Jury's - to pass out.
and another week of work.... Oh and what a week this was - I had my review on Thursday and let me tell you - it wasn't the nicest review I've ever gotten. Let's just put it this way - I have known that I was targeted by the new manager almost from when she started as not being someone whom she would want in her department - or that she would want the responsibility for. (background: I had been promoted the beginning of the year to a position which would entail mentoring and teaching by the manager in order to get me up to speed in the position fully. The manager at that time then switched departments and we hired a new manager "NM"). NM was not - in my opinion - willing or didn't make an effort to mentor/teach me. I began to seriously dislike my work and I'm sure that I did not accomplish some things as fast as I should or actually could have because of this reason. Mid-year I was seriously thinking about returning to being a legal secretary and after the review at the end of the year, it was decided more for me, but also by me to do so. (I do admit I am much happier than I have been with work in the past 11 months). I love working at my place of employemnt and am happy to continue to be a part of making it run smoothly and efficiently :-) - enough about that - blah, blah, blah
The third weekend had us once again boarding up the pups and heading into the city for my work holiday party. This year's extravaganza was held at the Corcoran Gallery. Once again another very, very nice party. Jason and I arrived at the party I would say a little after it started and meet up with our friends. Debbie and her date were there first and had gotten us a table to hang out at - low and behold, who would have the nerve to sit down at the table with her knowing she was one of my good friends and I would be more than likely sitting with her, but the NM who just stabbed me (dramatic, huh). Another couple then came along and took two other seats at the table - actually sitting in the chair where Debbie's date had his jacket - they had both gone up to the bar to get drinks and bring us back to that table... When we noticed this we decided not to sit there any more and to gather their stuff in order to find a table which would hopefully accommodate our group. I did say "Happy Holidays" to the NM, but I cannot say what my facial expression was - I've been told it was a little chilly - I've actually heard that I can look quite like an absolute *itch even - opps - ha.
Ok, enough - I swear I'm over it!! Anyways, we had a wonderful array of food to choose from and drinks to drink (loved the peppermint martini which was the drink of the night!). We danced to some great music and all and all had a really wonderful time before heading out to our next party of the evening.
The next party was the annual Lisa and Ken (J's cousins) Christmas Party. It is always a great time. Wonderful to see all the cousins and other friends. Playing some cards, drinking Indian Blanket Juice (deadly) and shooting Jell-O shots (made by yours truly - so potent). Must say don't remember a lot towards the end of the evening - very sad - the last thing I remember is we were playing A**hole and I was President, I think for the third time in a row and that was all she wrote - I was done - Jason says he doesn't think it was a graceful exit for me either - Sorry to all who had to witness it - we caught a cab to the Sheraton National where we were staying (another nice room) and that's where I remember a little regurgitation going on and passing out in the bed until the morning. Children - do not do this - it is not a good thing!!
Then more work - making transition to new position - moving desk - setting up shop and meeting attorneys I would be floating for - very, very nice people. Going out with the "gang" to Eddies for $1 beer night and Karaoke - fun, fun, fun!!!
The weekend of Christmas was upon us - this entailed another night out with local friends on Friday to celebrate the holidays and then a bunch of mad dash shopping for gifts and food as we were hosting my family over for Christmas Day. Christmas Day went well and I believe that a good time was had by all - what more could be wanted than presents - ham, turkey, pasta and sauce, sausage bread, mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese, brown and serve rolls, asparagus, corn, pie and cake!!!
more work - well very slow days at the office - relaxing and catching up on things - nice!!
Last weekend - aiming for New Year's Eve. Bruce came up to hang out and after a few games on the PS3 we all headed out to Jim's for a little Karaoking. Bruce and Jason sang their soul man duet, sillie girls spilt a little bit of beer on Jason while they were dancing - had to give them a little bit of a talking to about the merits of apologizing - daggers being sent to them afterwards - rearing for a fight - HAHA and then back home sleep for me and more PS3 for the guys.
New Year's Eve was a quite occasion, but nice for Jason, Lucie, Kira and I. We rented movies and toasted the new year together in anticipation of our next year together as a family!
Happy New Year to all and hope it's a great 2008! WOW, could you imagine if I did one of those letters in the Christmas card - yikes.
The month of December was one busy, busy month as always. The first weekend Jason and I were still sick with colds but managed to head out to Irish Channel in Crofton for Karaoke on Saturday night. We, of course, did not sing and I can't say much for some of the people who decided to sing. The place might be, ok, definitely is a bit more upscale than Jim's Hide-away in Odenton, but the talent is a little lower on the scale. Ok, ok, and I actually do believe this, I have to give props to the people who did get up because I definitely would not be doing it myself and it does provide me with lots of entertainment - so, props to the people who sang even if poorly. On Sunday I went to a Tastefully Simple party and stocked up on a bunch of goodness - I am in love with the bacon, bacon and the cheese ball it can make - not to mention the chocolate ugly cake mix - yummy goodness.
Then a week of work....
The second weekend had us boarding up the pups and heading into DC for Jason's office holiday party. They held their party at the City Club located in the Columbia Square building. It was very, very nice. They had a buffet set up with carving stations for prime rib, salmon and turkey and numerous additions for them. The dance floor was hopping to the beat of the DJ they had spinning. Oh, yes and the most important thing - Open Bar!!! This was the first time I had met Jason's co-workers and I truly enjoyed it. He seems to have found a great place to work and with a great bunch of people - Way to Go!
We headed out of that party after about 3 1/2 hours and caught a cab over to Jen's house for her Christmas party in Rosslyn. Where we continued to party and drink (wonderful hostessing job!!) into the wee hours of the morning topping off the night with a game of Cranium - don't exactly remember who won - I'm thinking my team, but I could be wrong - feeling pretty good by that time :) [Must remember to post a link to pictures - or they are on my facebook page] And then a cab ride back to our hotel in DC - The Jury's - to pass out.
and another week of work.... Oh and what a week this was - I had my review on Thursday and let me tell you - it wasn't the nicest review I've ever gotten. Let's just put it this way - I have known that I was targeted by the new manager almost from when she started as not being someone whom she would want in her department - or that she would want the responsibility for. (background: I had been promoted the beginning of the year to a position which would entail mentoring and teaching by the manager in order to get me up to speed in the position fully. The manager at that time then switched departments and we hired a new manager "NM"). NM was not - in my opinion - willing or didn't make an effort to mentor/teach me. I began to seriously dislike my work and I'm sure that I did not accomplish some things as fast as I should or actually could have because of this reason. Mid-year I was seriously thinking about returning to being a legal secretary and after the review at the end of the year, it was decided more for me, but also by me to do so. (I do admit I am much happier than I have been with work in the past 11 months). I love working at my place of employemnt and am happy to continue to be a part of making it run smoothly and efficiently :-) - enough about that - blah, blah, blah
The third weekend had us once again boarding up the pups and heading into the city for my work holiday party. This year's extravaganza was held at the Corcoran Gallery. Once again another very, very nice party. Jason and I arrived at the party I would say a little after it started and meet up with our friends. Debbie and her date were there first and had gotten us a table to hang out at - low and behold, who would have the nerve to sit down at the table with her knowing she was one of my good friends and I would be more than likely sitting with her, but the NM who just stabbed me (dramatic, huh). Another couple then came along and took two other seats at the table - actually sitting in the chair where Debbie's date had his jacket - they had both gone up to the bar to get drinks and bring us back to that table... When we noticed this we decided not to sit there any more and to gather their stuff in order to find a table which would hopefully accommodate our group. I did say "Happy Holidays" to the NM, but I cannot say what my facial expression was - I've been told it was a little chilly - I've actually heard that I can look quite like an absolute *itch even - opps - ha.
Ok, enough - I swear I'm over it!! Anyways, we had a wonderful array of food to choose from and drinks to drink (loved the peppermint martini which was the drink of the night!). We danced to some great music and all and all had a really wonderful time before heading out to our next party of the evening.
The next party was the annual Lisa and Ken (J's cousins) Christmas Party. It is always a great time. Wonderful to see all the cousins and other friends. Playing some cards, drinking Indian Blanket Juice (deadly) and shooting Jell-O shots (made by yours truly - so potent). Must say don't remember a lot towards the end of the evening - very sad - the last thing I remember is we were playing A**hole and I was President, I think for the third time in a row and that was all she wrote - I was done - Jason says he doesn't think it was a graceful exit for me either - Sorry to all who had to witness it - we caught a cab to the Sheraton National where we were staying (another nice room) and that's where I remember a little regurgitation going on and passing out in the bed until the morning. Children - do not do this - it is not a good thing!!
Then more work - making transition to new position - moving desk - setting up shop and meeting attorneys I would be floating for - very, very nice people. Going out with the "gang" to Eddies for $1 beer night and Karaoke - fun, fun, fun!!!
The weekend of Christmas was upon us - this entailed another night out with local friends on Friday to celebrate the holidays and then a bunch of mad dash shopping for gifts and food as we were hosting my family over for Christmas Day. Christmas Day went well and I believe that a good time was had by all - what more could be wanted than presents - ham, turkey, pasta and sauce, sausage bread, mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese, brown and serve rolls, asparagus, corn, pie and cake!!!
more work - well very slow days at the office - relaxing and catching up on things - nice!!
Last weekend - aiming for New Year's Eve. Bruce came up to hang out and after a few games on the PS3 we all headed out to Jim's for a little Karaoking. Bruce and Jason sang their soul man duet, sillie girls spilt a little bit of beer on Jason while they were dancing - had to give them a little bit of a talking to about the merits of apologizing - daggers being sent to them afterwards - rearing for a fight - HAHA and then back home sleep for me and more PS3 for the guys.
New Year's Eve was a quite occasion, but nice for Jason, Lucie, Kira and I. We rented movies and toasted the new year together in anticipation of our next year together as a family!
Happy New Year to all and hope it's a great 2008! WOW, could you imagine if I did one of those letters in the Christmas card - yikes.
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