I am madder than a hornet's nest. My little sister is going to regional rock climbing comp this weekend. We have been planning this for months. I even requested this Friday off because it's an eight hour drive. In winter. Through a pass.
Her mom just informed me she thought we were leaving after work. She scheduled their state licensing inspections for Friday. God. I am so mad I can hardly see straight. I hate driving at night. I will be so sleepy by then it will be dangerous! The roads will be so much worse at night. I also have poor night vision. There will also be less traffic on the road if we did get into trouble. Frankly I just want to tell her to take a flying leap and that I am leaving in the morning. If she still wants to come she can drive herself later. What the hell was she thinking? Who the hell leaves for a full day's drive at the end of a work day in the middle of a very rough winter?
I know I've mentioned several times that I took the day off since it's an eight hour drive! She does crap like this all the time. Changes at the last minute and the rest of us just have to do it her way no matter how it inconveniences us. As usual she gets her way. Gack. I need a chill pill. I'm going to bed.
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Going over to the Dark Side
Well, it's finally happened. Ver.i.z.on has the i.Ph.one. And I'm seriously considering buying one. I'm eligible for the new-every-two program in June. I could upgrade now without any fees, and not have to pay full cost. But am thinking of waiting until June. Then applying that $50 credit. Unless they'll give it to me now.
Unfortunately that means I'll have to upgrade to a "real" data plan. So. Do I really want to pay that extra $29/month? Not really.
But I'm tired of carrying a phone and my iPod. Combining it into one would be lovely.
And I've been seduced by A.ppl.e's touch screen. I have yet to try any other maker's version that I like as much.
Ah, well. I'll just enjoy this jaunt to the Dark Side. [g] Who knows? Maybe I'll run into Lu.ke Sk.y.walke.r while I'm there!!!!
Unfortunately that means I'll have to upgrade to a "real" data plan. So. Do I really want to pay that extra $29/month? Not really.
But I'm tired of carrying a phone and my iPod. Combining it into one would be lovely.
And I've been seduced by A.ppl.e's touch screen. I have yet to try any other maker's version that I like as much.
Ah, well. I'll just enjoy this jaunt to the Dark Side. [g] Who knows? Maybe I'll run into Lu.ke Sk.y.walke.r while I'm there!!!!
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Monday, December 20, 2010
'Tis Winter Solstice Eve
It's Winter Solstice tomorrow, and there's a total lunar eclipse tonight, and it's a full moon! It's the first time since 1378 that there will be a lunar eclipse for the Winter Solstice.
I'm thinking of getting up to see it. Shouldn't be too hard. The dogs wake me up between midnight and 4 am every morning anyway. Now if there will only be clear skies tonight!
Maybe that accounts for the Congress repealing DADT. Still can't quite believe they did that; especially with the Reps gaining more "power" come January.
Maybe it was part of a backroom deal to get the '01 and '03 tax cuts and unemployment continued, and that ridiculous payroll tax reduction (what were they thinking?). Not to mention the inheritance tax break. Gimme a break.
warning - political rant ahead
I really do wish someone would stand up and say "Hey. We know it bites big time, but we are going to have to go back to the tax levels before 2001. We know the economy is still fragile. That's why we are going to do this slowly over time."
They could have done that and saved face for all. Except maybe the Reps with the highest earners. But they could have negotiated it to extend the income tax cuts for everyone making less than $500k, instead of $250k, etc. And gradually lowered that to get us back to 2001 tax levels. But nooooo. We have to keep it going, and add stuff to decrease the money coming in even more!
It boggles my mind how they can cut the payroll tax 2% for the next year. Isn't social security hamstrung already? For Pete's Sake.
And this one Rep. I heard on the news. OMG. He brought up the usual talking point that the extension of uneployment benefits should be paid for first (fully funded), but when asked if that should apply to the continuation of the tax cuts, he said "No, it's not the same thing." Really? Then what the hell is it?
You're still reducing money the government has to function. Front end or back end, it is the same thing. And arguably the cuts of '01 and '03 helped place us in the current mess we are in. Reducing income while increasing or maintaining spending never leads to a positive cash flow. I can tell you that from personal experience. And don't give me that "It's not money the govt has anyway". Well, it is money the government used to have, until they gave it away without funding it.
I'm also tired of all the whining that comes when anyone tries to close loopholes for those making millions and so on. Let's face facts. The rich have a lot more opportunity to take advantage of tax shelters and loopholes than the average person. I can't hire Suz.e Or.man or her like to give me tax advice. But the rich can. There are so many ways to set up your money and estate to avoid taxes upon your death. Give me a break. They don't need that inheritance tax exemption for up to $5 million and a reduced rate!!!! They should have kept it at $1m and just reduced the rate to 35%.
I should stop now. I can feel myself tensing up. Which is why I haven't posted for awhile. Too much going on that I'm thinking about but makes me mad. On a local political level as well.
Repubs here gained advantages in our state legislature riding on the "economic woes" ticket. Their first stated agenda item? Eliminate ab.or.tio.n in this state. For the third session in a row, they're going to try to get a bill passed stating conception begins at birth. Even though the people of this state, by fairly decent margins, have voted no on two constitutional initiatives that tried the same thing. What the hell are they doing? The people of this state have said no twice already. Yet they are going to waste precious time and money on this issue, instead of facing the budget shortfall and economy. I'm going to pull my hair out.
Anyway. It all just drives me crazy. I'm going to stop now and think about the eclipse tonight, Solstice tomorrow, and the 3-day weekend coming up.
I'm thinking of getting up to see it. Shouldn't be too hard. The dogs wake me up between midnight and 4 am every morning anyway. Now if there will only be clear skies tonight!
Maybe that accounts for the Congress repealing DADT. Still can't quite believe they did that; especially with the Reps gaining more "power" come January.
Maybe it was part of a backroom deal to get the '01 and '03 tax cuts and unemployment continued, and that ridiculous payroll tax reduction (what were they thinking?). Not to mention the inheritance tax break. Gimme a break.
warning - political rant ahead
I really do wish someone would stand up and say "Hey. We know it bites big time, but we are going to have to go back to the tax levels before 2001. We know the economy is still fragile. That's why we are going to do this slowly over time."
They could have done that and saved face for all. Except maybe the Reps with the highest earners. But they could have negotiated it to extend the income tax cuts for everyone making less than $500k, instead of $250k, etc. And gradually lowered that to get us back to 2001 tax levels. But nooooo. We have to keep it going, and add stuff to decrease the money coming in even more!
It boggles my mind how they can cut the payroll tax 2% for the next year. Isn't social security hamstrung already? For Pete's Sake.
And this one Rep. I heard on the news. OMG. He brought up the usual talking point that the extension of uneployment benefits should be paid for first (fully funded), but when asked if that should apply to the continuation of the tax cuts, he said "No, it's not the same thing." Really? Then what the hell is it?
You're still reducing money the government has to function. Front end or back end, it is the same thing. And arguably the cuts of '01 and '03 helped place us in the current mess we are in. Reducing income while increasing or maintaining spending never leads to a positive cash flow. I can tell you that from personal experience. And don't give me that "It's not money the govt has anyway". Well, it is money the government used to have, until they gave it away without funding it.
I'm also tired of all the whining that comes when anyone tries to close loopholes for those making millions and so on. Let's face facts. The rich have a lot more opportunity to take advantage of tax shelters and loopholes than the average person. I can't hire Suz.e Or.man or her like to give me tax advice. But the rich can. There are so many ways to set up your money and estate to avoid taxes upon your death. Give me a break. They don't need that inheritance tax exemption for up to $5 million and a reduced rate!!!! They should have kept it at $1m and just reduced the rate to 35%.
I should stop now. I can feel myself tensing up. Which is why I haven't posted for awhile. Too much going on that I'm thinking about but makes me mad. On a local political level as well.
Repubs here gained advantages in our state legislature riding on the "economic woes" ticket. Their first stated agenda item? Eliminate ab.or.tio.n in this state. For the third session in a row, they're going to try to get a bill passed stating conception begins at birth. Even though the people of this state, by fairly decent margins, have voted no on two constitutional initiatives that tried the same thing. What the hell are they doing? The people of this state have said no twice already. Yet they are going to waste precious time and money on this issue, instead of facing the budget shortfall and economy. I'm going to pull my hair out.
Anyway. It all just drives me crazy. I'm going to stop now and think about the eclipse tonight, Solstice tomorrow, and the 3-day weekend coming up.
Saturday, December 18, 2010
DADT Repealed Finally!
It being Saturday I just now got around to checking the headlines. It's about damn time "Don't Ask Don't Tell" was repealed. It actually gives me hope for the future of this country. Now let's see how they implement it.
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Gobble Gobble
It has been awhile, hasn't it? Need to get back to posting here. I've been distracted by Fa.ce.book, but really. I just can't condense my thoughts to the small postings they allow. I like this much better. Whether it's read or not!
Had a successful Turkey day this year. Mom & Dad flew in the Monday before, and left for home yesterday. I think they were secretly a little glad to head out as the weather has been a bit chilly. Below zero, snowy, windy. Not normal Thanksgiving weather. At least, not in the past 10 years I've lived here.
Cooked my first turkey ever, with Mom's expert guidance. Tried a new recipe that left me a bit disappointed. Put an orange, onion, celery, and thyme in the turkey cavity instead of stuffing. We made that separately. Rubbed butter all over turkey, sprinkled with salt & pepper, then roasted in oven bag. It was good, but I was expecting more of an orange flavor. I'm still in search of that recipe my Aunt N cooked one year. She said it was from Em.eril, but when I asked her about it several years later, she didn't remember it. It's the best turkey I've ever had.
Anyway. Hosted my little sis' family and a few friends. About 14 of us total. It was fun, and a good day. But exhausting. Shanni stayed the night at the last minute, because we were going shopping in the morning. Hit the stores around 9 or 10 am, which got us past the madness. Except Macy's and Joann Fabrics. But those 2 were bearable. Worst was the cash register line at Joann's. Small store w/only 2 cashiers. But got yarn at half price plus so it was worth it. We were home by 3pm, and I got half my Xmas shopping done. The rest online over the weekend. So just a few little items to finish up and I'm all set.
With Mom & Dad here we managed to finish a few house projects. Nothing major. Dad and I got my adjustable shelves installed upstairs. Love them.Two shelves 6 feet long and 12 inches deep each. Adjustable to whatever height I want. Now to get the books on them and the boxes emptied and papers sorted.
Had a successful Turkey day this year. Mom & Dad flew in the Monday before, and left for home yesterday. I think they were secretly a little glad to head out as the weather has been a bit chilly. Below zero, snowy, windy. Not normal Thanksgiving weather. At least, not in the past 10 years I've lived here.
Cooked my first turkey ever, with Mom's expert guidance. Tried a new recipe that left me a bit disappointed. Put an orange, onion, celery, and thyme in the turkey cavity instead of stuffing. We made that separately. Rubbed butter all over turkey, sprinkled with salt & pepper, then roasted in oven bag. It was good, but I was expecting more of an orange flavor. I'm still in search of that recipe my Aunt N cooked one year. She said it was from Em.eril, but when I asked her about it several years later, she didn't remember it. It's the best turkey I've ever had.
Anyway. Hosted my little sis' family and a few friends. About 14 of us total. It was fun, and a good day. But exhausting. Shanni stayed the night at the last minute, because we were going shopping in the morning. Hit the stores around 9 or 10 am, which got us past the madness. Except Macy's and Joann Fabrics. But those 2 were bearable. Worst was the cash register line at Joann's. Small store w/only 2 cashiers. But got yarn at half price plus so it was worth it. We were home by 3pm, and I got half my Xmas shopping done. The rest online over the weekend. So just a few little items to finish up and I'm all set.
With Mom & Dad here we managed to finish a few house projects. Nothing major. Dad and I got my adjustable shelves installed upstairs. Love them.Two shelves 6 feet long and 12 inches deep each. Adjustable to whatever height I want. Now to get the books on them and the boxes emptied and papers sorted.
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
The Two Rs
Today is all about the Two R's - Ranting and Raving.
What is it with people? Aggghhhh. I could just pull my hair out. My one remaining coworker was out for a week, in last week, and out from noon yesterday to 1:30 today. All on business, but still out of the office. Since our other coworker left over a week ago, I am the one that has been helping train our new admin on the mail & on all sorts of stuff pertaining to her position as assistant to my coworker, and taking all phone calls. All this while helping my boss with this week's governance board meeting, a 2-day in house seminar I put together for a major carrier and partner of ours, helping with accounting functions, and my regular job. Which just so happens to include one of our week long seminars next week, where I have 90+ people attending.
My coworker is pissed because I asked her to take her phone off of mute/do-not-disturb. She has "too much to do" and has "renewals". Tough. S%*@. I told her I'm busy too, and am not going to field her calls for her. I've been taking them for the last 2 weeks. I told her if she didn't want to take her phone off do not disturb, I'd just forward the front desk extension directly to her instead of me, because I'm not going to deal with her cranky clients. (Justifiably cranky because she is never here and never takes phone calls when she is!) Then she could sort through the resulting voice mails. She got all pissy, but took her phone off DND. Hah.
I am just too cranky and tired and over-worked to deal with her you-know-what. It has been an insane 4 months for me at work and I am just out of all patience!!
What is it with people? Aggghhhh. I could just pull my hair out. My one remaining coworker was out for a week, in last week, and out from noon yesterday to 1:30 today. All on business, but still out of the office. Since our other coworker left over a week ago, I am the one that has been helping train our new admin on the mail & on all sorts of stuff pertaining to her position as assistant to my coworker, and taking all phone calls. All this while helping my boss with this week's governance board meeting, a 2-day in house seminar I put together for a major carrier and partner of ours, helping with accounting functions, and my regular job. Which just so happens to include one of our week long seminars next week, where I have 90+ people attending.
My coworker is pissed because I asked her to take her phone off of mute/do-not-disturb. She has "too much to do" and has "renewals". Tough. S%*@. I told her I'm busy too, and am not going to field her calls for her. I've been taking them for the last 2 weeks. I told her if she didn't want to take her phone off do not disturb, I'd just forward the front desk extension directly to her instead of me, because I'm not going to deal with her cranky clients. (Justifiably cranky because she is never here and never takes phone calls when she is!) Then she could sort through the resulting voice mails. She got all pissy, but took her phone off DND. Hah.
I am just too cranky and tired and over-worked to deal with her you-know-what. It has been an insane 4 months for me at work and I am just out of all patience!!
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Math in the Real World
My worst classes in school were math. I hated it, struggled with it, never saw the point. Really, I'm only half-joking when I say I did okay in math until we hit fractions. And percentages. I still shiver internally a little when I see that percentage symbol or have to figure out a percentage. (At least now I can use my cell phone when at the store and people think I'm just texting, not trying to figure out if that discount is really worth it.)
I'm sure in my day I complained bitterly about math having no use in my daily life. Well, I learned an object lesson today that it does. And I'm glad I muddled through somehow.
I finally got Lo.we.s to give me a final quote on the windows I want replaced on the house. I've decided to do all five. Well, the whole thing has been going on since the beginning of September. They keep losing my paperwork, and then never got back to me with the final price of the labor. I went to the department manager and told him since it was apparent they didn't want my business, I was just going to go somewhere else. That got them moving. Hah.
So today at lunch I went in to get the final estimate and place the order on the windows. Well, because they took so long to get back to me, the 15% sale on the Pe.l.la windows was long over. Luckily I had a printed estimate with the sale price. They honored it because they never called me back with the final cost so I could place the order.
All we were waiting on was the contractors charge for finishing out the window install. He hadn't submitted it because I wasn't sure how many windows I was going to replace. They charge $139 to install the actual window, then it's so much per linear foot to finish it out. (FYI, this does not mean the square footage). Their installation price is $139 per window. So really, it should have just been a few hundred dollars more, right? Wrong. More like $800!
I'm sure in my day I complained bitterly about math having no use in my daily life. Well, I learned an object lesson today that it does. And I'm glad I muddled through somehow.
I finally got Lo.we.s to give me a final quote on the windows I want replaced on the house. I've decided to do all five. Well, the whole thing has been going on since the beginning of September. They keep losing my paperwork, and then never got back to me with the final price of the labor. I went to the department manager and told him since it was apparent they didn't want my business, I was just going to go somewhere else. That got them moving. Hah.
So today at lunch I went in to get the final estimate and place the order on the windows. Well, because they took so long to get back to me, the 15% sale on the Pe.l.la windows was long over. Luckily I had a printed estimate with the sale price. They honored it because they never called me back with the final cost so I could place the order.
All we were waiting on was the contractors charge for finishing out the window install. He hadn't submitted it because I wasn't sure how many windows I was going to replace. They charge $139 to install the actual window, then it's so much per linear foot to finish it out. (FYI, this does not mean the square footage). Their installation price is $139 per window. So really, it should have just been a few hundred dollars more, right? Wrong. More like $800!
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Thinking Too Hard
A few weeks ago while on the road for work, I stumbled across a new show on TLC. I'd seen previews for it, but hadn't particularly decided to watch or not to watch. I had some time to kill before taking our national faculty out for dinner, and seeing as how the hotel cable channel lineup was limited, I decided to watch. And have been watching ever since.
It's called Sis.ter W.i.ves, and follows a polygamist family in Utah. Up until now, I had assumed that all FLDS believers lived on compounds and kept out of the mainstream. You know, those weirdos that marry 12 year olds, and subjugate the women. Well, you know what they say about "assume". It makes an "a$$" of "u" and "me". I know better.
But anyway. This family is really interesting. It's one husband and three "wives", and among them they have 13 children. From teenagers to a newborn. (OMG! Can you imagine the chaos?) They all live in the same "house" but have separate apartments. So it's more like a three-plex. The husband is about to marry a fourth wife (at the instigation of the first).
It's called Sis.ter W.i.ves, and follows a polygamist family in Utah. Up until now, I had assumed that all FLDS believers lived on compounds and kept out of the mainstream. You know, those weirdos that marry 12 year olds, and subjugate the women. Well, you know what they say about "assume". It makes an "a$$" of "u" and "me". I know better.
But anyway. This family is really interesting. It's one husband and three "wives", and among them they have 13 children. From teenagers to a newborn. (OMG! Can you imagine the chaos?) They all live in the same "house" but have separate apartments. So it's more like a three-plex. The husband is about to marry a fourth wife (at the instigation of the first).
Friday, October 8, 2010
Bits N Pieces
Exercise Status: 30 minutes Zum.ba, 20 minutes TreadmillOkay, it's official. I make lousy coffee. If you're ever at my house & want coffee, I advise you to make it yourself or go out and buy it. Ughh. I bought a mocha on the way in to work today. McD's, which isn't the best, but it's cheaper. And right now they're playing mono.pol.y, so...I was going to buy anyway from one of the coffee shacks, so why not get McD's and play the game? Anyway. It isn't the best, but I finished it fast, and wanted more. So I poured a cup of the stuff I made this morning, and it's awful. I think I need to take some lessons.
Had a good evening yesterday. On the way to the gym I managed to talk to my sister's oldest, G. On the way home from the gym I got to talk to all 3 of my brother's kids. Only niece I didn't get to talk to was the one year old because, well, she's one. But I heard her babbling in the background. I had a lot of fun. And am thrilled my nephew N even talked to me a bit. He usually doesn't.
And inbetween all that I managed to survive Zu.mba. Well, 30 minutes of it. Then I escaped and did another 20 minutes on the treadmill.
Now I just need to get my sister, brother and sister-in-law on the phone! :) Not adding my parents to that list, because I talk to them weekly. It's the others that are hit and miss!
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Pumpkins Growing in Trees? It must be Global Warming. ;)
Check out the bottom right corner.
At least they don't have to worry about the bottoms flattening out and getting mushy!
Wonder how big they can grow before they'll drop?
I found another story about one that grew up into an apple tree and was sprouting next to apples. What a hoot. You could even see them in the pictures.
I want one of these. Of course, I'd actually have to have a tree in my yard. Which I don't. Bummer.
Side note: This reminds me of the PS2 game I have for "The Nigh.tm.are Bef.ore Xmas". In particular, the spot in the game where you have to get to the giant tree and use the branches to get to the top and collect all the items in it. I swear they're pumpkins or something. I should get that out this weekend. Seems like a good time of year for this game. ;)
Ahh, Autumn. What a glorious time of year!
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Halloween Howlings
This has to be one of my most favorite months of the year. Halloween is, hands down, the funnest, least stressful holiday for me. What's not to like? It's all about fun and food and dressing up.
And October feels like such a powerful month. Especially here, where the air is rich with the changing season. There's a feeling of power in the air, of change, of expectation...It lends itself to a magical spooky holiday so well.
It's funny that I do love Halloween so much, considering I really do not like to be scared. As little sis' older sibling found out when she scared me a few years back and I nearly clocked her. Actually, I think they have all figured that out. The hard way. [g]
Several years back (okay, over a decade ago!) I went to Ha.llow.een Hor.ro.r Nig.hts with a friend of mine. Talk about stressful. For those of you not from the central Flor.ida area, it's a special event Uni.ver.sal Studios theme park does at night during the month of October. When I went, they had mist/fog machines, haunted houses galore and I don't know what else. I pretty much went through the haunted houses clutching my friend in front of me for guidance as I buried my face in her back. You want scary, go there. OMG do they know how to do scary. (And this year is special - it's the 20th year they've been doing this!)
All the employees wore costumes too. And some of them just wandered around the park. You'd be standing there and some monster or ghoul or axe murderer would walk up behind you. When not burying my face in my friend's back, I walked in circles. Seriously. With each step I would spin as I moved. So no-one could creep up on me. Ackkk.
But when all is said and done, I did have fun that night. Especially once we realized some of the regular rides were open and there were no lines. Although I'm not sure my friend N did! She probably had no clue what a chicken I am until that night. LOL.
This year should be less fear-filled. No big plans. Shanni is old enough I doubt we'll trick or treat. She's probably going to a party with friends now that she's in high school. So I have no costume picked out. And I won't be buying candy since there aren't a lot of kids in my area. Maybe I'll have a party for us "adults" at my house. Without scary movies. Or I'll never get to sleep. ;)
And October feels like such a powerful month. Especially here, where the air is rich with the changing season. There's a feeling of power in the air, of change, of expectation...It lends itself to a magical spooky holiday so well.
It's funny that I do love Halloween so much, considering I really do not like to be scared. As little sis' older sibling found out when she scared me a few years back and I nearly clocked her. Actually, I think they have all figured that out. The hard way. [g]
Several years back (okay, over a decade ago!) I went to Ha.llow.een Hor.ro.r Nig.hts with a friend of mine. Talk about stressful. For those of you not from the central Flor.ida area, it's a special event Uni.ver.sal Studios theme park does at night during the month of October. When I went, they had mist/fog machines, haunted houses galore and I don't know what else. I pretty much went through the haunted houses clutching my friend in front of me for guidance as I buried my face in her back. You want scary, go there. OMG do they know how to do scary. (And this year is special - it's the 20th year they've been doing this!)
All the employees wore costumes too. And some of them just wandered around the park. You'd be standing there and some monster or ghoul or axe murderer would walk up behind you. When not burying my face in my friend's back, I walked in circles. Seriously. With each step I would spin as I moved. So no-one could creep up on me. Ackkk.
But when all is said and done, I did have fun that night. Especially once we realized some of the regular rides were open and there were no lines. Although I'm not sure my friend N did! She probably had no clue what a chicken I am until that night. LOL.
This year should be less fear-filled. No big plans. Shanni is old enough I doubt we'll trick or treat. She's probably going to a party with friends now that she's in high school. So I have no costume picked out. And I won't be buying candy since there aren't a lot of kids in my area. Maybe I'll have a party for us "adults" at my house. Without scary movies. Or I'll never get to sleep. ;)
Monday, September 27, 2010
Reaping the Whirlwind
What a month. What a summer. Where in the heck did it go? Because it is officially fall now. Sheesh. I had a wonderful time in SF with my sister the last week. Of the 10 days gone, I had to give 2.5 to a work conference (which paid for my ticket out there!!!). That was additionally beneficial because I WON AN IP.AD.
Yes, you read that right! One of the conference vendors donated a 32GB WiFi iPa.d. Not 3G capable, but who cares? No 3G phone service where I live anyway! So it's basically a larger iP.od touch, but oh, so much cooler! Also at the conference I got to meet up with Janet W for dinner. That was a lot of fun! She even brought me some books! Whoo-hoo!
I can't believe how much my nieces have grown! Especially G, the oldest. What a young lady she is. It's wonderful! We had so much fun playing, even if I had a few headaches while I was there. She was extremely understanding. She is a really good kid. Especially with her 1 year old sister. Very patient, and more gentle/tolerant than you might expect a 7 year old to be!
S, my 1 yo niece, is hilarious. Shy at first, but once she warmed up to me it was great. She walks holding on to just one of your fingers. Actually, it's not really a walk, more like a full-speed-ahead charge! When you give her that finger to hold onto you'd better be ready to move! She's chattering up a storm, and is a great eater. Particularly loves bananas. Her favorite person is her big sister G. Wants to have and do everything her big sister does. It's so cute. Gonna be interesting when she gets a little older. [g]
I even got to spend some one-on-one time with my sister, which was fabulous. Those moments are too few and far between. She is such a good mom, both kids are wonderful. She is also amazingly patient, although she doesn't think so!!!!
My bil was on work travel the last half of the week, and we couldn't have timed our flights any better. His flight had landed at the same terminal I was leaving from right before my sis was dropping me off. He walked up just as I was starting the goodbyes. Which was fortuitous because I hate saying goodbye in the first place, and saying goodbye to niece G is much worse! She was just starting the "I don't want Tia to go" and the "Why does Tia have to go" bit when she spotted her daddy walking up. :) A great distraction!!!
(Please pardon the exclamation points. I blame it on excessive tiredness and coffee)
Yes, you read that right! One of the conference vendors donated a 32GB WiFi iPa.d. Not 3G capable, but who cares? No 3G phone service where I live anyway! So it's basically a larger iP.od touch, but oh, so much cooler! Also at the conference I got to meet up with Janet W for dinner. That was a lot of fun! She even brought me some books! Whoo-hoo!
I can't believe how much my nieces have grown! Especially G, the oldest. What a young lady she is. It's wonderful! We had so much fun playing, even if I had a few headaches while I was there. She was extremely understanding. She is a really good kid. Especially with her 1 year old sister. Very patient, and more gentle/tolerant than you might expect a 7 year old to be!
S, my 1 yo niece, is hilarious. Shy at first, but once she warmed up to me it was great. She walks holding on to just one of your fingers. Actually, it's not really a walk, more like a full-speed-ahead charge! When you give her that finger to hold onto you'd better be ready to move! She's chattering up a storm, and is a great eater. Particularly loves bananas. Her favorite person is her big sister G. Wants to have and do everything her big sister does. It's so cute. Gonna be interesting when she gets a little older. [g]
I even got to spend some one-on-one time with my sister, which was fabulous. Those moments are too few and far between. She is such a good mom, both kids are wonderful. She is also amazingly patient, although she doesn't think so!!!!
My bil was on work travel the last half of the week, and we couldn't have timed our flights any better. His flight had landed at the same terminal I was leaving from right before my sis was dropping me off. He walked up just as I was starting the goodbyes. Which was fortuitous because I hate saying goodbye in the first place, and saying goodbye to niece G is much worse! She was just starting the "I don't want Tia to go" and the "Why does Tia have to go" bit when she spotted her daddy walking up. :) A great distraction!!!
(Please pardon the exclamation points. I blame it on excessive tiredness and coffee)
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Other People's Words
Found an interesting link on BBC today, about the difference between religious tolerance and freedom that I think is worth sharing:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-11200987
From there I found another link about the meaning of the word "liberal" that I thought fun. And confusing in a light-hearted sort of way.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-10658070
Just some things I'm thinking about lately. Especially the first one. It amazes me how people can believe in religious freedom so fervently, yet show very little tolerance. For me, they should be one and the same. I've been reading up on Is.la.m, and am finding (duh!) that the basic beliefs are extremely similar to Chri.sti.ani.ty (gasp!), J.ud.ais.m, and other religions. If people would just take the time to shut their mouths and use their brains to learn about what they don't know, instead of blindly following the loudest pack leader...
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-11200987
From there I found another link about the meaning of the word "liberal" that I thought fun. And confusing in a light-hearted sort of way.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-10658070
Just some things I'm thinking about lately. Especially the first one. It amazes me how people can believe in religious freedom so fervently, yet show very little tolerance. For me, they should be one and the same. I've been reading up on Is.la.m, and am finding (duh!) that the basic beliefs are extremely similar to Chri.sti.ani.ty (gasp!), J.ud.ais.m, and other religions. If people would just take the time to shut their mouths and use their brains to learn about what they don't know, instead of blindly following the loudest pack leader...
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
When Your Feet Hurt, It's Hard to Sleep
Apparently two days of painting makes my feet hurt really, really badly. And just as apparently, I have a hard time falling asleep and staying asleep when my feet do hurt this bad. I'm sitting down right now and they hurt without any pressure on them. Yikes.
Shani, her mom (M), and her sister-in-law (A) came over Sunday and yesterday to help me paint the laundry room and kitchen. Oh, what a chore. But it really needed doing. I had taken Friday off, and really wanted to start that day and go through Sunday. I knew it was a big job. But I couldn't convince the others. Mostly M.
Shani, her mom (M), and her sister-in-law (A) came over Sunday and yesterday to help me paint the laundry room and kitchen. Oh, what a chore. But it really needed doing. I had taken Friday off, and really wanted to start that day and go through Sunday. I knew it was a big job. But I couldn't convince the others. Mostly M.
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Traveling Tales
Finally, finally made the drive over to Pburg that I've been wanting to do for a long time.
Last weekend was the weekend I was supposed to go to K with my little sister and her family. I even had Friday off. Except we just couldn't see paying the high prices to stay two nights up there. It's prime tourist season, so...
We decided instead to head over to DL to see the old territory prison and museum. It's about an hour or so to get there, and is a nice drive. They were having a free-admission day, so it seemed a good day to go. Shani was doing some volunteer work earlier on Saturday, so we didn't leave until about 2pm. Which was plenty of time to get there and see the prison and the attached car museum, as well as the toy/doll museum across the street.
The prison was suitably creepy, having been built in the 1800's and subsequently added on to. The car museum was suitably cool. They literally started with the horse and buggy and moved up to the present day. Well, up to the 80's, I think. I had no idea it was so big. Every time I turned a corner, there was another room! They had some pretty nifty cars.
I must admit, I have never been all that into cars. But I was wandering through the room with the cars from the 50s-70s, and came upon the original Mustang. Now that is a very nice car. But it was the one just down from it that made my hear skip a beat when I saw it. Seriously. I have never reacted to a car like that. It wasn't even an original, but a replica Shelby Cobra. Blue and white just like the one in the picture I linked to.
Last weekend was the weekend I was supposed to go to K with my little sister and her family. I even had Friday off. Except we just couldn't see paying the high prices to stay two nights up there. It's prime tourist season, so...
We decided instead to head over to DL to see the old territory prison and museum. It's about an hour or so to get there, and is a nice drive. They were having a free-admission day, so it seemed a good day to go. Shani was doing some volunteer work earlier on Saturday, so we didn't leave until about 2pm. Which was plenty of time to get there and see the prison and the attached car museum, as well as the toy/doll museum across the street.
The prison was suitably creepy, having been built in the 1800's and subsequently added on to. The car museum was suitably cool. They literally started with the horse and buggy and moved up to the present day. Well, up to the 80's, I think. I had no idea it was so big. Every time I turned a corner, there was another room! They had some pretty nifty cars.
I must admit, I have never been all that into cars. But I was wandering through the room with the cars from the 50s-70s, and came upon the original Mustang. Now that is a very nice car. But it was the one just down from it that made my hear skip a beat when I saw it. Seriously. I have never reacted to a car like that. It wasn't even an original, but a replica Shelby Cobra. Blue and white just like the one in the picture I linked to.
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Runaway, Tattletale
So I was sitting here last night, half-heartedly reading a book after catching the end of a truly disturbing documentary on the Green channel. (More about that later.) We're going through a cold front, so I'd had the back door closed all evening. I'd just openened it maybe 10 minutes prior, and the dogs were outside. Leia has this habit of running back inside like she's being chased, making a circuit of the living room, and then going back out. It's as if she's checking on me or letting me know she's still around.
Anyway. She ran back inside after being out only a few minutes, stopped just in front of the sofa, stared at me, then ran off. Except she came back within seconds and stared at me again. It really was as if she wanted me to follow her. So I did. She was soooo excited I was following her she twirled in place a few times. Then alternately led/followed me outside.
I called for Max because he is usually the one that sticks close, and Leia's behavior made me a little nervous. She was definitely acting like something was wrong out there. No Max. I called again. And then heard a little jingle from a dog collar, and saw a tiny shape running up to the fence...on the neighbor's side.
The front gate had gotten unlatched somehow (it's been a bit breezy shall we say?) and he went exploring. Leia apparently didn't like this. I've been practicing training them to stay in the yard when the gate is opened. I guess it's taking with her. (Too bad she doesn't understand this includes going under the fence!) She came to get me because Max had gotten out of the yard. Who knew?
When I brought Max back in the house and put him down, she jumped all over him, sniffing him, etc, making sure he was okay. LOL. Too funny. I still can't believe she tattled on him. :)
Anyway. She ran back inside after being out only a few minutes, stopped just in front of the sofa, stared at me, then ran off. Except she came back within seconds and stared at me again. It really was as if she wanted me to follow her. So I did. She was soooo excited I was following her she twirled in place a few times. Then alternately led/followed me outside.
I called for Max because he is usually the one that sticks close, and Leia's behavior made me a little nervous. She was definitely acting like something was wrong out there. No Max. I called again. And then heard a little jingle from a dog collar, and saw a tiny shape running up to the fence...on the neighbor's side.
The front gate had gotten unlatched somehow (it's been a bit breezy shall we say?) and he went exploring. Leia apparently didn't like this. I've been practicing training them to stay in the yard when the gate is opened. I guess it's taking with her. (Too bad she doesn't understand this includes going under the fence!) She came to get me because Max had gotten out of the yard. Who knew?
When I brought Max back in the house and put him down, she jumped all over him, sniffing him, etc, making sure he was okay. LOL. Too funny. I still can't believe she tattled on him. :)
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
It's A Conspiracy
Sitrep: Perfect Cardio 1 - warmup, abs, stretches (~20min)Stopped at Wallyworld last night to pick up some freezer bags, and lo and behold, they've moved the pasta and tomato sauce aisle front and center. [Sob]
The main aisle on the grocery side entrance runs straight to the back of the store, with the groceries on the right, clothes and rest of the store on the left. The recent reorganization puts all the pasta and pasta sauces right along this aisle. The whole length of the grocery section.
OMG. What am I going to do? It was so much easier to avoid when it was an aisle I could skip. Out of sight, out of mind, you know? I have no impulse control. No will power. Not when it comes to tomato sauce. Now I have to pass it to get to anything in the grocery section.
I should sue. ;)
Friday, July 23, 2010
Almost a month already?
I can't believe it's been almost a month since my last post. Things have obviously been crazy busy here. We held our annual convention for work last week. It was a great success, but the weeks leading up to it were insane. I hate having the convention so close to a major holiday. Getting off early on a Friday and having a Monday off should be fun, not stress-inducing!
The 4th of July weekend was fun. On Saturday I cleaned like a madwoman, including renting one of those steam cleaners for my sofa. Little Sis' family came over to watch the fireworks, and we barbecued. Actually, I think it was the first barbecue of the season. That's how late summer has come to us! We had a lot of fun, especially Shanni's SIL. We introduced her to Sin.gs.tar for the PS2. I had no idea she loves karaoke so much.
Anyway. Fireworks were spectacular. No fires set by any neighbors, no runaway dogs...I was in bed by midnight and sleeping. A first for the 4th since moving into my house. It made me miss Scully, though. She hated fireworks and would bark all night long. Max and Leia aren't fazed in the least by the noise. A blessing!
That week a virus got let loose on our network (thankfully only affecting my laptop meaning I downloaded it! oops!) but it was a nightmare to clean up. Took three different antivirus/spam programs. The following weekend Shanni and I went rafting on the Missouri with a neighbor of mine. But that's a story best left to its own post.
Then the convention, which meant a week out of town working 15 hour days. Ughh. Last weekend I was pretty much a slug. Went on a puppy hunt (for someone else!) that Saturday, and mowed and grocery shopped on Sunday. This week has been all about playing catch-up both at home and at work!
The 4th of July weekend was fun. On Saturday I cleaned like a madwoman, including renting one of those steam cleaners for my sofa. Little Sis' family came over to watch the fireworks, and we barbecued. Actually, I think it was the first barbecue of the season. That's how late summer has come to us! We had a lot of fun, especially Shanni's SIL. We introduced her to Sin.gs.tar for the PS2. I had no idea she loves karaoke so much.
Anyway. Fireworks were spectacular. No fires set by any neighbors, no runaway dogs...I was in bed by midnight and sleeping. A first for the 4th since moving into my house. It made me miss Scully, though. She hated fireworks and would bark all night long. Max and Leia aren't fazed in the least by the noise. A blessing!
That week a virus got let loose on our network (thankfully only affecting my laptop meaning I downloaded it! oops!) but it was a nightmare to clean up. Took three different antivirus/spam programs. The following weekend Shanni and I went rafting on the Missouri with a neighbor of mine. But that's a story best left to its own post.
Then the convention, which meant a week out of town working 15 hour days. Ughh. Last weekend I was pretty much a slug. Went on a puppy hunt (for someone else!) that Saturday, and mowed and grocery shopped on Sunday. This week has been all about playing catch-up both at home and at work!
Monday, June 28, 2010
Awesome Weekend
Sitrep: Gaining weight and not happy about it! But do you think I can make myself exercise? Nope.Do you ever have one of those weekends where everything just seems to fall together? I just did. And it was wonderful.
Saturday I had a "free" day. Slept in, then headed down to the bookstore. Then I hit the used bookstore, then the independent bookstore downtown, and the library. After that I went home and read the whole afternoon. It was a beautiful day, sunshiny and breezy, temps in the 80's.
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