Persnickety Pfft!

Navy News

2011-03-19T09:49:00.000-04:00

I was so excited to see news and a great article about the ship my son is on.

USS McCampbell Provides Aid to Host Nation

By Ensign Emily McMenamin

Posted: March 17, 2011

PACIFIC OCEAN - USS McCampbell (DDG 85) was among the first U.S. Navy ships to move into position and offer assistance to Japanese citizens March 11, after the nation was struck by an earthquake and tsunami. Within hours of the disaster striking, McCampbell moved northeast along the coast of Japan towards areas that were most affected.
McCampbell patrolled waters off the coast of the Miyagi and Iwate Prefectures north of Sendai conducting search and rescue operations for survivors and stranded vessels. Helicopters attached to the ship also patrolled the shoreline helping provide the Navy with a better grasp of the situation on shore and what aid was immediately needed.
“The aerial view revealed massive destruction in the low-lying areas of the towns surveyed along the coast,” reported Lt. David Farrell.

There were countless Japanese citizens stranded in the area in need of food and shelter. In response to hearing the conditions in which the local population was stranded, the crew expressed a great desire to do more. McCampbell sailors were compelled to help their host nation as much as possible. Not only is Japan an important U.S. ally, but also home for McCampbell and her sailors. Many sailors have extended families that are settled throughout the Japanese islands.

“Japan has been my home for the past ten years. In the face of this disaster, there is nothing else I would rather be doing than aiding in the relief efforts,” said Ensign Brett Bittner.
The crew gave donations from their personal belongings that could be delivered to shore by the aircrew. McCampbell was able to deliver more than 1,500 pounds of much needed clothes, blankets, hygiene items, and food and water.

Additionally, over $8,000 was collected to purchase additional food and supplies from the ship’s store that may be contributed to the relief efforts.
“After identifying safe landing areas, in the areas of greatest need, our helicopter had the privilege of delivering desperately needed supplies to our Japanese friends,” said Lt. Farrell.
These donations were critical in providing immediate aid to victims stranded in areas not yet accessible by vehicle ashore while the larger relief effort was mobilized.

USS McCampbell Commanding Officer, Cmdr. Steven DeMoss, said “I am truly impressed by the generosity and depth of compassion that the crew has shown towards to our host nation of Japan and could not be more proud of their efforts. We will continue to do everything within our capability to help the Japanese overcome this disaster.”

McCampbell is one of seven Arleigh Burke-class destroyers assigned to Destroyer Squadron 15 and is forward-deployed to Yokosuka, Japan. McCampbell will remain on scene, continuing to provide assistance, as part of the overall humanitarian effort being conducted by U.S. 7th Fleet forces.

Japan

2011-03-14T16:29:00.000-04:00

I am being selfish, but I am having a really bad mommy moment.    My son Grayson is deployed out of Yokosuka, Japan.    I know he is safe, the Navy made everyone call their families after the earthquake hit to let us know. Thank you Navy.

I've heard from him via an email and the phone call on Friday, and I can only imagine what they are doing over there. The McCampbell (his ship, a destroyer) was sent to do search and rescue off the coast of Sendai, the area hardest hit.

When the wind changed and they were exposed to "nominal" amounts of radiation, they moved the ship off the southern coast of Hunshu.   I hear they've had after shocks of 5 - 6.   I guess the safest place is to be on the water (so they say)

He said the debris in the water is unbelieveable.   And I can't help but think of the possible bodies they might pull from the sea.   Everybody on ship volunteered for rescue and recovery.   Ever single one of the crew wanted to go where ever help was needed.    I don't know if some went ashore and some stayed on the ship. I assumed that's what he meant. I know Grayson was dissapointed that all he was doing was helping to load helo's with water and food, as much as they could afford to send.   If it was up to the crew, I think they would have given it all.

I love my son and am very proud of what he is doing, even if it's "just" loading helo's with supplies.  They all want to do more.   They want to do anything they can. They all love the Japanese people, country, and culture they have shared.   I told him that just because he wasn't on "the front line" on land helping, that didn't mean he wasn't performing a vital function.   But again, they all want to go. They all want to help.

I am proud of him and the ship he serves on....   but if he glows in the dark when he comes home for Christmas, I am going to be seriously pissed.

Hokay

2011-02-07T21:00:00.002-05:00

HOKAY

All right folks! It's not the end of Ze world. Sooo.... bring on the self motivational tools. Grab a cheerleader or make one yourself.            (high kicks and splits optional)

Let's snap to it
buck up
put on your big girl panties
suck it in
stand up straight
take a deep breath and
slap a smile on your face

It is time to put my hair into Polyanna braids, don my rose colored glasses, sing a few off key bars of "Tomorrow" from Annie, and get to work on being positive.

So I owe the IRS...... Pfffft... Who cares.    It's only a few (cough) thousand dollars.

Better yet, let's look at the bright side to owing IRS shall we?   hmmm.....   errr... good side... ehhhhhh....

OK.... so maybe there is no bright side to owing IRS any amount of money, much less A FEW THOUSAND fucking dollars..... but we shall persist anyway, and find a &(@)$(! silver lining if it kills us... er me.

So ummm yea a bright side....

HOKAY it is not the end of the world.   THINK.

Alrighty then. A bright side is that I had a Roth IRA to rob, the key word of course is HAD.   Past tense.   The IRA is now depleted, gone, kaput, finis.  My re-start of a retirement account gone in an instant. BUT the federal IRS tax can be paid.

:::dusts off hands::::

I also had, again the key word HAD, enough money left in my home equity line of credit to cover the state income tax. Oh sure, the credit line was mainly used to replace car engines blown (read long ago blog entries for all those good times), or in case of emergency... and this qualifies as an emergency.    But (le sigh) it was also an equity line that was slowly, creeping it's way down into a dollar range that didn't make me shiver or cry to see, until today.   But now, the glorious state of GA bill is also paid in full! So what the hell. What's a little more debt? I'll just work til I'm 80. Yea, that's the ticket!

::::dusts off hands again::::

So now I no longer owe the IRS.   YAY me.

In a sense, I just owe myself.... with interest being charged of course. And to save that kind of money again will take me another 8 years or more which won't amount to shit to help me in retirement, but it is official!   I don't owe the government.   YAY me.

Who the F cares that I have no retirement, no safety net, no back up plan, no fail safe, no rainy day fund, AND that I am in debt up to my equity credit limit which is a small fortune in itself!  Not me! Nope, working well into my 80's sounds like a great way to live.

But... and here it comes, GASP... can it be another bright side?!!!

I may be completely broke, alone, in debt and with no retirement at all, and doomed to work into my 80's, I am SOOOOO fortunate as to still be living in my awesome house; my kids and I are healthy; I am gainfully employed again with a nice job, and .. the best part of all....

currently eating chocolate chip cookies backed fresh from the oven.

......it's all in the cookies, you know. Cookies are the bomb.

:::::::::pushes the rose colored glass back on her face:::::::

Hokay....

So see it's not the end of the world ....   This is....

Lessons learned

2011-02-06T20:21:00.000-05:00

Some people just don't learn... or maybe they just don't get it. Case in point, companies advertising during the super bowl.

I mean c'mon people... HOW can your company air boring, dull, even rerun commercials during the super bowl?!   You pay what, $3 million for a 30 second spot?   Some companies just don't learn I suppose, but if you ask me, that's a $3 million dollar financial mistake.

My own financial mistake is much less in total dollar amount, and much more costly in emotional and financial terms.   Maybe I never learn either.

I don't know anymore.    I used to sail through life putting a humorous slant on everything thrown my way.   But lately, things just seem to taking a piece out of me.    I take 2 steps forward and get knocked back 4.

I am running out of time.   Time to make enough money for any type of financial security. Time enough to find a meaningful relationship.   Time to find a life, before it's too late.

So how late is too late?

I guess it depends on what you want out of life.

p.s.   Half time shows are also dumb.

Cranky me is going to go take a shower, wash and roll my hair, and set out a nice outfit for tomorrow in hopes that my outside appearance will help adjust my insides.

Taxing the pony

2011-02-05T22:27:00.001-05:00

Bowling was such great fun.

Back when I was a "lady of leisure" I was on 2 bowling leagues and was really very good.   Well, I wasn't really a lady of leisure, I was a mom of 3 who managed to escape the crazy race of raising 3 boys by bowling twice a week in the mornings for 3 hours... but I was really really good.

I was kind of worried that I was going to throw out my back or fall on my face since it's been at least 10 years since I went bowling.    Nothing like going splat on a bowling lane to perk up a crowd of people.    I managed to stay on my feet, not throw out my back, or fall, and I ended up bowling 1 good game.

But man oh man my fingers were killing me.   House balls suck.   I didn't bring my own, it weighs too much now for me to throw that thing, so with 100 other people that night, did the best I could with a house ball.   Oh, ummm   did I mention I'm competitive?    Yea... if I'm going to do something, I like to do it well.   So anyway... it was fun. The people were friendly as usual, and I managed to bowl well.    All in all a good night.   Damn, I'm so easily amused.

The next event I signed up for is Trivia night again this week. :)

But tomorrow... tomorrow is going to be a BITCH. I am going to have my taxes done and it is scaring and depressing me.  After cashing in my 401k last year, I am going to owe a huge amount in taxes and I'm at a complete loss as to how I am going to pay it.  I am treading water as it is, and adding another payment plan onto my already stretched budget is going to put me under water.

WHY oh why did I lend a certain someone 4k.    Why oh why did I put hardwood floors in my house and have a built in, built in. Why did I fix the A/C?   I could of survived another GA summer without it, right?   Why did I buy a car?   oh.. well the car I had to, 'cause I totaled my other one.   But I did the other things because I was thinking I was going to put my house on the market and it needed the updates to somewhat compete in this awful market.    And after realizing that although this house is way too big for me, and the winter gas bills of $480 (ouch) were killing me, and the rest of the repairs that would need to be done, that selling the house wasn't really going to be that beneficial once all the numbers were run. I would probably end up taking out the same mortgage that I already had, and if you add in the condo fees, the gas bill would pale in comparison over 12 months.  le sigh....

I am so screwed.

On the bright side, the job is going good.   My boss and I are settling into a routine, and I don't feel like I am going to be fired every day.   He has had 9 admins in 12 years, so either he is mellowing, or he likes me.... I hope that both are true.

Can you feel me now?

2011-01-27T19:09:00.000-05:00

Getting old SUCKS.    I hate it.

I wonder how it would be to walk through life as one of the beautiful people.... how would that feel?   We see them day in and day out on tv and in movies.... it almost makes you think that is what the world is made up of.... these incredibly beautiful people with dazzling teeth and bodies...   how fucking depressing.

I am not aging well and every day when I wake up and look in the mirror, it slams into me.

Oh sure, I can take a decent pic, if you have the light just right, and angle my face to the perfect degree, and squint, with a filter on the camera.....

I'm photoshop age. UGH

Trivial things

2011-01-19T19:52:00.000-05:00

Thank goodness for Trivia.

I signed up for an outing again, and went last night to Trivia night at a local restaurant.

As usual, when the clock hit 5pm and it was time to leave work, the boring me started her usual littany... "I'm tired. You don't know anyone that will be there.   Why do you want to go.    You will revert back to your shy, boring self, sit there feeling out of place..."   yadda yadda yadda.

I went anyway.   I'm a sucker for Trivia games. And my head is full of useless information anyway.

And once again, I'm glad I went.   The people are always nice, friendly and inspite of my self perceived lack of social finesse, I managed to smile, engage folk in conversation, share a few laughs and had a good time.

Next up.....

Bowling night.   I'm just a thrill a minute, eh?

A long long vacation

2011-01-10T11:07:00.000-05:00

It's been so long since I've been at work, it will feel like a new job all over again when I go back. It's now Day 11 at home.

I'm not complaining, I could quit working with no problem and would, if it wasn't for that no money thing that happens without employment.

And I do happen to have lucked into a great job, so I really do have no complaints.

but today is a SNOW DAY! woot.

And tomorrow might be one too. :)

Ahh It's another Year

2011-01-02T23:24:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year to all.

The holidays were very quiet around here but nice.

I got to Skype with the son in Japan, and see him open his present on his Christmas morning, and then got to see him again on Christmas day here in the States. It was really nice to be able to see him and not just talk to him on the phone.

I ended up getting the two sons here beds. Raise your hands if you already knew I was going to break down and figure out a way.. lol

Since you really should pick out your own bed, I took them shopping the day after Christmas to pick one out. Nothing fancy, just mattress and box springs, but when you've been sleeping on a futon or twin bed 1/2 your size, a real bed is pretty special.

New years was even quieter. I stayed at home and spent some quiet thinking time. I don't know why I say quiet time, my life is hardly busy or noisy. Resolutions anyone?

I suppose if I had to make any resolution, it would be to engage life more.

Cheers~!

Christmas 2010

2010-12-06T18:48:00.000-05:00

Once again I face the Christmas "I don't know" gremlins.   Money is a huge disadvantage this year, as was last year and that always makes shopping a huge chore for the holidays. I hate not having a plan.   The guys are no help either.   They can't come up with anything they want for Christmas... unless you count one of the wanting a bed.... which isn't going to happen.

He has a bed, it's just that it's a twin bed he has had since he was a younger (and much shorter) kid.   But damn, beds aren't cheap!   Not gonna happen this year son...

So, I'm planless, again.   Bleh.

Only 2 of the 3 sons will be home this year, and I have yet to find stuff to fill up a box, much less ship a Christmas box to the son stationed in Japan.   If I don't figure out something soon, he will be opening a box sometime in February.

Bleh, bleh bleh.   Bah humbug and all that.

I need a plan!

Turkey Coma, day two

2010-11-26T18:37:00.000-05:00

It was a much quieter Thanksgiving than I care for around here.... but it was nice nonetheless.   I cooked two turkeys, two sweat potatoe souffle, two pans of dressing, mashed potatoes and a new string bean dish and other assorted side items, making sure the son who lives in Athens, Ga had enough leftovers to take home, thus doing my motherly duty of sending him home on a full stomach and with enough food to feed him for a month at least.

I wish I was part of a loud Italian or Greek family.... Where there is alot of screaming and fighting and craziness around the holidays.   Hmmm.... Maybe not, there might not be leftovers.....   Wait, yes.   Definitely yes.   And, I want to host the holidays at my house.  Yep, I do.

I also want to have money so that I can get up at 1am to get to stores to shop for Black Friday.

But I have neither the large family nor the money to engage in Black Friday madness, so instead I will go fix another heaping plate of leftovers and descend blissfully into a turkey coma, phase two.

Accident waiting to happen

2010-11-20T18:59:00.001-05:00

I was tired, but went to BBQ and Whirly ball anyway.

The BBQ was good, but the band (a really good blues band) was too loud to do any chatting with the folks there.   I was tired, it was a long week at work, though I don't know why, nothing unusual went on for the week.

So on to Whirlyball. I opted out of getting into a bumper car and having other people slam into me.   It actually reminded me of the car wreck I had, and I thought... hmmmm..... not sure I am in the mood to relive that, even on a small scale.   I'm just a party pooper I guess.

I watched a few of the games and went home.

But tired or not, I went.... which is a step up from my normal routine of being tired and just going home.

2010-11-13T13:18:00.000-05:00

I have to get better shoes.

Salsa lessons rock!   I enjoyed those moves much more than Samba moves. There were less people this week, but the lessons were still great fun.

After lessons the group went to a trendy sushi restaurant. I don't care for sushi, or spicey foods, but their menu was expansive and delicious.... and the place was 9/10 empty.   You realize how the lifestyle/economy has changed when walk into an awesome restaurant and nobody is in there.

Afterwards the group wanted to go dancing.   The choices everyone offered were crazy. It seems, according to some, The Holiday Inn down the road was the place to go....

O.M.G.   Ok.... What can I say about the H.I.   It is THE place... the place for the over 70 crowd to dance. Seriously.   And no denim is allowed.   It was funny/weird/awful/interesting... a little bit of everything.   Remind me when the wrinkles get too bad, to never, EVER wear pancake makeup.   It was both sad to see older women (and remember I am old!) squeezed into spandex, cake on makeup, and get all dolled up, ignoring the fact time had marched on. But it was also nice to see that life doesn't end at any age, and flirting and dancing at any (chronological) age still happens.   So after the initial "Are you kidding me?!" look I gave to the folks that wanted to go there, I might actually go back with a group one night.  It looked like a nice group that was there and most importantly, least we forget.... older men know how to dance!   Not that blasted rocking back and forth stuff so many call dancing.   Older me, they've got moves!

Unfortunately some of us were wearing jeans, and weren't allowed in, so off we all went in search of dancing.

We arrived at a small bar/restaurant that was what can only be described as, a meat market.   I had forgotten what those felt like. EWWW.    There was live music, which was really good, but when you try to squeeze 200 people in a bar the size of a postage stamp, it becomes unbearable.  None of us were in the mood to play meat market, and dancing was impossible so off we went again.

This time we ended up at a large club that's been in Atl forever.   And there we danced, and danced and danced.

I hobbled in my house at around 3am.   Today there is bowling.... I don't think my feet can take it.

I've not signed up for anything else yet, but I will.   This has been too fun, getting out and meeting some new people!

Happy Hour

2010-11-11T19:05:00.000-05:00

I tried out one of the happy hour gatherings on Wednesday, after work.

On the drive there, I went through my usual spiel in my head...... "This is stupid... why are you doing this?    I'm too tired to go. I won't know anyone. I don't even drink. What the heck will I talk about?   I'm too old to be going to bars.   This is stupid...."       ok I repeated that one.   Normally that one is the one that makes me point the car home.

But instead, I went anyway and actually had a pretty fun time. I guess about 80 people showed up and I met a few more women, all who were really nice and fun to talk to. I didn't really chat up the men.... in fact I kinda carefully avoided making eye contact with most of them. I'm getting out to make friendships, not meet men. Just not interested or motivated .   Besides, if I wanted a guy, I could call up the barely 30 something I was kinda involved with months ago.... Oh, I forgot to mention him didn't I.

.... oh yea, I so robbed that cradle.

Anyway..... tomorrow night is Salsa lesson night.   Should be fun!

Twinkle Toes

2010-11-05T21:37:00.002-04:00

1,2,3    1,2,3,   Samba lessons were tonight. 1,2,3,   1,2,3,   1,2,3.   I can't keep 4/4 time, so imagine me latin dancing... it wasn't pretty.   It sure felt good though to be out and doing something with real folks.

But OOOOOOHHHHHH my achin tootsies.

The teacher was really good. It was basically Samba for dummies. Perfect!

After a long week, and being a slug for a few years, I was exhausted after the hour long class.

....but it seems, I wasn't the only one, the whole class worked up quite a sweat.

I still can't dance, but at least I'm "can't dancing" with real people.

Now home, with a cup of coffee to drink and ymmmmmm warm water to soak my tired feet in... Damn, I'm getting old, but who cares, my feet are thanking me.
and tomorrow.... sleeping in. Happy Saturday!

From the "Too good to pass up" file

2010-11-05T08:55:00.000-04:00

An actual letter from an Austin, Texas woman sent to Proctor and Gamble regarding one of their feminine hygiene products. She really gets rolling after the first paragraph. This was PC Magazine's 2009 "Editors' Choice award-winner" for the best letter sent via e-mail.

Dear Mr. Thatcher,

I have been a loyal user of your 'Always' maxi-pads for over 20 years and I appreciate many of their features. Why, without the LeakGuard Core or Dri-Weave absorbency, I'd probably never go horseback riding or salsa dancing, and I'd certainly steer clear of running up and down the beach in tight, white shorts.

But my favorite feature has to be your revolutionary Flexi-Wings. Kudos on being the only company smart enough to realize how crucial it is that maxi pads be aerodynamic I can't tell you how safe and secure I feel each month knowing there's a little F-16 in my pants.

Have you ever had a menstrual period, Mr. Thatcher? I'm guessing you haven't. Well, my time of the month is starting right now. As I type, I can already feel hormonal forces violently surging through my body. Just a few minutes from now, my body will adjust and I'll be transformed into what my husband likes to call 'an inbred hillbilly with knife skills.'

Isn't the human body amazing?

As Brand Manager in the Feminine-Hygiene Division, you've no doubt seen quite a bit of research on what exactly happens during your customer's monthly visits from 'Aunt Flo'. Therefore, you must know about the bloating, puffiness, and cramping we endure, and about our intense mood swings, crying jags, and out-of-control behavior. You surely realize it's a tough time for most women

The point is, sir, you of all people must realize that America is just crawling with homicidal maniacs in Capri pants... Which brings me to the reason for my letter. Last month, while in the throes of cramping so painful I wanted to reach inside my body and yank out my uterus, I opened an Always maxi-pad, and there, printed on the adhesive backing, were these words: 'Have a Happy Period.'

Are you f------ kidding me? What I mean is, does any part of your tiny middle-manager brain really think happiness - actual smiling, laughing happiness, is possible during a menstrual period? Did anything mentioned above sound the least bit pleasurable? Well, did it, James? FYI, unless you're some kind of sick S&M freak, there will never be anything 'happy' about a day in which you have to jack yourself up on Motrin and Kahlua and lock yourself in your house just so you don't march down to the local Walgreen's armed with a hunting rifle and a sketchy plan to end your life in a blaze of glory.

For the love of God, pull your head out, man! If you have to slap a moronic message on a maxi pad, wouldn't it make more sense to say something that's actually pertinent, like 'Put down the Hammer' or 'Vehicular Manslaughter is Wrong'.

Sir, please inform your Accounting Department that, effective immediately, there will be an $8 drop in monthly profits, for I have chosen to take my maxi-pad business elsewhere. And though I will certainly miss your Flex-Wings, I will not for one minute miss your brand of condescending bull---t. And that's a promise I will keep.

Always,

(removed the name)
Austin, TX

Zombie Attack

2010-11-01T20:20:00.002-04:00

This years' theme for the foyer was spiders. I always like to decorate the foyer so the trick-o-treaters have something fun to look at when they come to call. It looked really good this year, lots of candles, dry ice bubbling and boiling, sending a silky cloud floating out and around the room. I heard lots of "Oh that's cool!" So that always makes all the prep worth it. :)

Son3 (pictured here and named #3 only because of birth order) had a Halloween party here, again. Every year I say, "No more parties here!" and yea well ..... that never happens. I always relent and open the house up to a horde of young adults who's idea of having a party involves little more than drinking until you're senseless. Food? not usually. Music? sometimes. Liquor? just enough to supply a third world country.

But over these many years they know and follow the house rules: You must be 21 to drink. And, If You drink, you find a pillow, a blanket, a piece of floor, couch or spare room and you stay until the morning. You do not drink and drive. End of discussion.

Last night's party was tame compared to some of the previous parties. I only heard the "Zulu warrior" drinking song a few times.... or maybe I managed to sleep through the subsequent never ending rounds. One thing with this group of (son's) friends, they get into the spirit of any holiday. Costumes were mandatory and everyone looked awesome.

The party was scheduled to begin around 9pm, so those who arrived early (and were sober) were given the task of handing out candy. Jared, who is like 6' 5" tall greeted the neighborhood trick-o-treaters and they loved him. I figured the Zombies would probably scare the little ones, so for the early trick-o-treaters I let the Nuns do door duty, since they hadn't had their turn to get Zombified. As the night drew on however, the Zombies took over door duty for the older trick-o-treater kids and the Zombies were a big hit too.

I locked myself in my room at 9:30pm, said a prayer that no candles would set the house on fire, and that no Zombie would create a ruckus loud enough to raise the dead or the cops, and finally fell asleep at 1am. Yea... made for a tough 5am wake up alarm for work this morning.

5:30am.... and I hit the snooze button and woke up at 6:30. I'm supposed to leave the house at 6:45 to make it to work by 8am..... so I raced around, threw some clothes on, brushed my teeth, splashed some water on my face and raced downstairs only to find that my car keys are nowhere to be found. ARGH! No that isn't a picture of me in the morning, but it is rather close to how I felt.

Zombie son had forgotten to put the keys back in my purse... GRRRRR. So like a screaming banshee that I can be, I roused the undead in the house, resisted the urge to strangle son3 and called for an all out search for the missing keys. Fortunately the keys were quickly found and I shot out the door. Welcome to Monday!

Zombie son redeemed himself however for the temporary lost key meltdown.   He had made sure my car wasn't blocked in, so at least I didn't have to go back inside and rouse more walking dead to do the great car shuffle.    Hmmm... could son3 actually be learning or was it blind luck? We may never know.

All in all an active weekend, and a nice change.

Next "outing" is this Friday... Samba lessons!     Have I mentioned that I have two left feet?

Baby Steps

2010-11-01T19:05:00.000-04:00

The hike Saturday was really nice. The weather turned out to be perfect too, a nice cool morning warming to the 70's towards noon. The hike took about 2 hours.

I chatted like a magpie, leaving me breathless on the uphill climb. YAY for exercise and company!

There was about 27 in the hiking group, all ages (from 35 and up) and everybody was really nice. Afterwards, about 18 of us went to lunch together. All in all a fun morning.

The colors were beautiful along the river, and we saw one deer, tons of Canadian geese, a few brave souls out in the river fly fishing, and one teeeny tiny snake that still managed to give me cold shivers.   I hate snakes. I should of taken a pic of the teeny thing, but even though it was small, it managed to make all reason leave my body. All I wanted to do was move on! And move on I did, rapido!

Lunch was fun, just sitting talking to people. I probably ramble on and on.... poor tablemates.

Later that evening I went to a Halloween hat party. Once again, the group was really nice. Everybody chatted with everyone.   It was pot luck, which I'm not a big fan of. I always wonder about food made by people I don't know.    I don't know what their kitchens are like, or their cooking habits... ewww...I know, ugly thoughts, but I can't help it.   I brought a cheescake sampler platter, and stuck to muching on the deserts. I figure cookies are a pretty 'safe' bet.   Besides, I was still pretty full from the french dip sandwich I had at lunch.. yummie.

The hat party was OK. It was better than going to one of the big Halloween parties that some of the groups were promoting. I just don't feel comfortable getting dressed in a costume and heading out to a bar setting with a few hundred people that I don't know.   Since I don't drink, I chose the Hat Party that one of the ladies was hostessing. We mostly sat around and just chatted.   They had posted they were into trivia, pictionary, charades and the like, but we never played :(      I love to play games but still, sitting and chatting and eating was nice. Better than sitting home, that's for sure.

Then Sunday, Halloween ... the Zombies came out to play.......

The Bandwagon Rides Again

2010-10-29T09:13:00.000-04:00

I am back on the "I'm going to get a LIFE" Bandwagon, which by the way is parked on the fat ass bumper of the "I am going to lose these 10-20 pounds" bandwagon.   I know, I know.... you've heard this before.   And yes, I've tried various test drives and both bandwagons have ended up on the shoulder of life's highway, tires deflated and parked up on blocks..

So a few months ago, I cranked the ole girl up and said, that's it. I'm going to get out, have some fun, at least go wander through stores and get out of the house.   I am SO going to get a life again..... but I got new hardwood floors instead. Damn Home Depot for putting ideas in my head.  By the way, the floors look gorgeous. Um, wrong turn.

Then last month I jumped on the "I am so going to get a LIFE" bandwagon yet again ...... and I bought a Barnes and Nobel Nook. Going to the bookstore seemed like a good idea at the time.  But alas, sitting home with a Barnes and Nobel bookstore at my fingertips is not conducive to getting a life, no matter how enjoyable reading is.   Um, wrong turn meets detour.

So meet this month's attempt to bring lifes' bandwagon back on the road.

I joined a social group and will be attending a river walk on Saturday with about 40 folk who are also trying to find a life. Later that evening I am attending a Halloween Hat Party and next week I signed up for Samba lessons.

I'll keep you posted on my journey as I go careening down Life's highway and let's see how long it takes before the bumpers fall off, or I run out of gas.

Trick or Treat

2010-10-28T19:05:00.000-04:00

Oy vey!

I've had my good days at work, and my bad days at work... but they haven't fired me yet.

That's saying alot since this company doesn't hesitate to show you the door.   My boss has had 9 admins in 12 years... give or take a few years or some admins that didn't last long enough to send an email that I could find.

All in all, it's a pretty sweet job.... now if I can keep it more than the 1.3 years and beat the odds. lol

But regardless.... YAY for employment!   It sure beats UNemployment.   that was a scarey place, and if anyone reading this is in that place.... my prayers are with you.

I had forgotten how stressful a job change can be. All new faces to learn, procedures, business model, personalities to adjust to, where the lines are drawn and how to jump back when you stray over one. Don't ask, it wasn't pretty.

So... update on the wild bunch.

Son1 is in Japan and doing well. Has his rocky moments too, and those aren't caused by the movement of the ship either.   But all in all, he's hanging in there, and enjoying the hell out of exploring Japan and other countries.

Son2 is still working and ... well I don't know what else.   He's livin the 20 something life... apartment, job, etc.

Son3 is working and still living at home. At least I think he lives at home, his car is in the driveway when I leave for work at 6:45am.

And me... well..... new job, new floors, and new bags under my eyes......

......I'm not aging well.   PFFT!

Life is Good

2010-07-22T19:06:00.000-04:00

Hello my pretties!

The job is still going very well. I couldn't ask for a better boss! I was truely fortunate to have been put in the right place at the right time. I have been there for 2 months now and I think it will be a great fit. Let's hope they make me an offer I will be happy (and afford) to take. Of course, with the unemployment numbers still so high, and jobs still scare, any offer is a good one!

I cashed in the 401K (ouchies) but I bought another Jeep and paid of the charge cards... so I guess it was worth it.

They say you cant' kill a Jeep...

I say mine committed suicide by jumping in front of a big truck.

It's used, but that's the way I like my vehicles... NO PAYMENTS! Woot!

So I'm working, I have a car .... life is definitely better than it was a few months ago.

The Navy boy is out in the Pacific, stationed in Japan and deployed on a Destroyer. I think he's lovin it. I just saw on the Navy's Facebook page that they ported in South Korea.   Haven't heard if he's had a chance to go into port or not.

He loves Japan and the people. I can sense he's already thinking about making Japan home.   I told him that's fine as long as he sends his Momma a plane ticket to visit at least once a year :D

Maybe I should get a passport now, just in case.

I hope everyone is doing great!   Send me links to your pages, or email address so that I can stay in touch.

It is alive~!

2010-05-26T21:39:00.000-04:00

I am now, after 7 months...

EMPLOYED!

I started a temp to perm position. The EA to the President of a lighting technology company. If all goes well, it will result in permanent.

YAY~!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

It was getting scarey there for a long while.

Thank you Lord for carrying me.

Cold

2010-01-26T03:57:00.000-05:00

January is cold. The job market is cold and my outlook isn't much warmer.

I keep trying to imagine what it would (or will) be like to lose my house.   It's a possibility.

The first thing I try to imagine is where would I go?    If you don't have a job and can't make the mortgage, how do you pay for an apartment?    And frankly my mortgage is about the same as an apartment's rent.   Soooo..... hmmm.  The solution......the idea...... It's not sinking in.

And then there's the problem of stuff.   Where does all the stuff go and how does it get there?

A storage warehouse?   hmmmm   payment again.

And the stuff.   All the years of stuff.   The furniture, the knick knacks, the kids stuff, the stuff in the attic, the stuff in the garage, the stuff, stuff, stuff, STUFF.

A garage sale.   Sell the stuff.

It's January. Who goes to garage sales in January.   Everybody's broke anyway.

I need to crash and burn in the summer.

I hear the stories. Jingle mail.   You take the small bit of stuff you can't live without and then you mail the keys to your home to the lender and just walk away.   I know two people in the neighborhood here have done that.

They just left their stuff.

A New Year begins....Taking stock

2009-12-30T22:23:00.003-05:00

2009 found me...

Unemployed
An empty nester
No close friends
Depressed

Yes, things could be much worse.

Here's hoping they're not

Cheers everyone, may the new year bring health, wealth and happiness!

Merry Christmas 2009

2009-12-24T13:24:00.006-05:00

Wow,

Where did the time go? I lost it again! This can't be good, days flying by into years. Nope not good at all. So let's see..... What's been happening since we last 'spoke'....... 2009 in review.

1 son went to college
1 son failed out of college
1 son got a job and travelled the US
1 son got laid off from job
1 son can no longer pay his car payment
1 son had a GF move in while he travelled the US
1 mom didn't like GF that moved in
1 GF got drunk, fell asleep and knocked over a candle
1 room caught fire.
1 son woke up for no reason and smelled smoke, saved brothers gf and house from burning down
1 son no longer has GF mom didn't like
1 son graduated with honors with a degree in International Affairs
1 son cannot find a job, but works in Athens PT at UGA while looking
1 son went back to school and promises not to have another wacko GF and to do better
1 son decided to join the navy
1 mom freaked
1 mom took her son to the recruiting station and waved good bye to her son
1 mom wrote daily letters to her son in boot camp
1 son graduated bootcamp
1 mom and 2 sons went to Chicago and saw her son graduate from bootcamp
1 mom said good bye to her son after ONE hour
1 son was sent to Pensacola for A school
1 mom got laid off
1 mom's computer crashed
1 mom totalled her car and bumped her head and doesn't remember the wreck
1 mom went to the dreaded place called the hospital
1 mom had chest xrays, MRI, Cat Scan, and blood drawn
1 son called his friends who arrive en masse at the hospital
1 mom came home and was "taken care" of by a bevy of 'nurses'
1 mom only remembers the nurses drunken singing Beatles songs while she slept on the couch
1 mom recovered once the nurses left
1 son graduated from A school
1 son now enrolls in C school
1 son informs 1 mom he will be stationed in Japan if all goes well in C School
1 mom is VERY excited for him
1 son did do better and passed his college classes
1 son is still looking for full time job and has applied to international teaching opportunities
1 mom is still looking for a job
1 mom is HAPPY that all 3 sons arrived last night and they are all together this year

Merry Christmas to all and to Anne... I love you for writing and helping me find my way back.

Long Time, No See

2007-12-21T09:49:00.000-05:00

I'm not quite sure where time has gone, nor where I happened to misplace it. I've had time, lots of it, but it slipped unnoticed through my fingers of consciousness, somehow getting lost between unending days of boredom and unending nights of nothingness.

Nothingness. The bane of existence.

I'm not quite sure how I manage to look back over my shoulder at another completed year and not be able to find anything of note between the calendar pages. But I can, and did. I can find some milestones that were passed, but frankly I'd prefer to ignore them and so I did that too.

Life. What an oddity it is. Oh sure, I got up and went to work, paid my bills, complained about things, laughed at things, whined about things; and in the midst of all the mundane I look back and realize that I can say I was content. How very odd. Contentment.

In contentment you understand that life isn't a Hallmark commercial. In contentment you understand that being happy isn't always the gift you receive in life. While wrapped in my own little world, I've decided that contentment is the lack of stress, the lack of drama, the lack of pressure, the lack of sorrow, the lack of strife. This rather sounds like it should be "Happy" instead then, no? No, Because contentment is also the lack of passion, the lack of surprise, the lack of wonder, and last but not least, the lack of love. Without most if not all of those things, happiness is still an elusive commercial.

BUT, for this past year I will gratefully take contentment. Not as a default, but as as a reward. It was a unique, quiet feeling that almost passed without notice. It won't make me raise a toast on New Years with the feeling of 'OMG am I glad this year is over.' I've had a few of those too.

So..... for all of you this holiday season and for the upcoming new year, I wish you all every happiness life can bring you. But if happiness is still a bit out of reach, I wish you the very best contentment that you can find.

~ Sie

Another Monday

2007-05-21T16:59:00.000-04:00

Saturday afternoon after "googleing" pool companies, I finally found one company that actually answered the phone.

I explained that I had just blown up the filter system.

He didn't act surprised. In fact, he told me that he had heard of that happening before.

After I described the damage to him, he let me know real quick that it would have to be replaced 100%. A filter designed to keep air pressure that has blown up and broken can't be fixed. Hey, a person can wish..... but I made arrangements to get on his schedule for Thursday of the week to have it replaced.

I figured I was about the be another $1k in debt and was pleasantly surprised at a $400 estimate, but as it turns out I don't know how much more in debt I am.

Seee..... ummm...

After blowing up the filter I was kinda frantic, depressed, and frantically calling pool companies, and scribbling down names and numbers from recorded messages. I was very happy when Chris answered the phone and I made arrangements to have the filter system replaced.

Even more surprising is that I arrived home from work on Monday to find pool repair people in my backyard replacing the filter. Seems a "pool down" takes priority and they got there as soon as they could.

They were also sub-contractors and as soon as they replaced my old cartridge pool filters with the new sand fitration system, they left.

They left without giving me a bill.

They left without me knowing what company had arranged for them to fix my pool.

They left without giving me an invoice.

All that I have is my original panic note from Saturday ... with a million names, numbers, notes, and with no clue who I owe.

I can't wait to get this collections phone call. oy.

Mother's Day Weekend

2007-05-15T08:28:00.000-04:00

The weekend began great. It's always nice with all the boys home. And things were just humming pachingly along.... and then Saturday hit.

I woke up early and thought I'd do some work on the dPOD (the former damn pool of doom).

We've just 'opened' the pool, which means that the cover came off, new water added and the chemical warfare has now commenced.

Opening the ppol also means that the three large filters must be pulled out and sprayed off a few times a week to help the cleansing process. The filters are about 3 feet high and when wet, weigh a substantial amount. But it needs to be done. And so I did.

I pulled out the first filter and then I pulled out the second filter, and then I pulled out my back out.

*pop* *pop* *pop*.

yea. great. just freakin great.

So I hobbled my old ass back up stairs, took some Motrin, cussed myself for my stupidity and laid down, waiting for a son to wake up and help finish.

A few hours later (they're kids, they sleep til noon) one son wandered downstairs and I enlisted him.

He pulled out the remaining filter, we hosed them down, put them back in the filter housing (it looks like a really big weber grill) and then things went really, really, really bad.

Really.

Bad.

Apparently son didn't tighten the "O" ring enough on the filter housing and when I turned on the pump motor, about 3 seconds later...

KABOOOOOOM!

Yea. Um.. I blew up my pool filter.

broke. kaboom. blew fuckin UP.

Ever try to find a pool repair company on a Saturday?

umm.. yea.

Random Thoughts

2007-04-17T11:42:00.000-04:00

I actually had two random thoughts today. I can't remember the last time my brain actually functioned.

In fact, I used to have daily random thoughts which would translate into... "Oh, I'll blog that."

I used to have an active blog. Now, it seems I'm lucky if I remember I have a blog.

But today, TWO thoughts. Woot.

Random thought #1:

I was driving to work this morning and saw a truck with tire manufacturer names on it.

You know, Kauffman, Goodyear, Atlas. But one company name stood out. Kumho.

Kumho.

A company dealing in rubbers (aka tires) named Kumho. WTF were they thinking?

Imagine answering the phone.
"Kumho."
"Hello, Kumho. How can I help you?"
"Welcome to Kumho. Where service is a pleasure."

le sigh. There's just no good spin to put on that name.

Random thought #2.

My boss sent me an e-mail telling me that I am the "gatekeeper" for information regarding an event our company is participating in.

Great. Just great. A gatekeeper.

My first thought was that I'm the gatekeeper in a company of fence jumpers.

I so wanted to reply that thought, but after 7 years of working for him, I'm still not sure if he has a sense of humor.

Remember When

2007-03-05T15:40:00.000-05:00

Le sigh.... the good ole days.

Remember when I used to post daily?

Remember when I had a life to blog about?

Umm yea. I don't either, it's been that long.

So today's post is about nothing.

k. done.

The jerk

2007-02-07T11:11:00.000-05:00

Remember the movie, "The Jerk", with Steve Martin?

There's an infamous(?) scene in where the phone books come out, and he's jumping around and screaming because his name is in it...

I felt like that this week.

But my excitement was a book. Two books. From Rebecca. :) (see sidebar for her blog)

Now I need to get my lazy butt in gear and return the favor. In the meantime..

The books are here! The books are here!

Yes, I'm easily amused at times.

Ho HO HO

2006-12-21T17:06:00.000-05:00

Is it just me... or are people getting weirder?

I was shopping, as is the unfortunate habit at Christmas time, and was finally at the cash register at Best Buys. I inquired how to purchase a reserve copy of a video game that is due to be released in January. Stores do this, but I've never done it, so I was unsure of the procedure.

The cashier politely responded that yes, they have it, and yes I can reserve it, but I need the box. She then offered to send an employee to go grab one for me while she scans and checks out the purchases I've made. Great! awesome! I think until....

.... the bitch came....

The cashier called over this bitch girl and told her to go grab two copies of the game for me... to which the woman replied, while throwing her hands in the air, "Oh no. She gonna haf to do dat herself. I don't do that. Nuh uh." and then she walked away.

um yea. Did I mention BITCH. Great employees ya got there Best Buys. Real good customer service.

I requested the manager...... Just to complain. I'm sure it made his day.

Then...

To liven up the office, I bought the 5 guys here at the office that were not on vacation, weird holiday hats to wear when we had our company lunch. You know the kind.... fuzzy reindeer antlers, funny elf hats, etc. Just something to make the lunch more fun.

They stared at me like I had grown horns. Well I had, but mine were candy cane striped with little minny mouse bows on them, but still .....they balked at actually wearing them.

I ordered them to put on the hats, or no lunch.

They all traded around until til most were satisfied with their headgear, placed them on their heads and down the elevator and out the building we went.

Somehow, the hats never made it inside the restaurant. Seems the car had eaten them or something.

......but I had a back up plan.

Santa hats. Innocuous red and white santa hats. They all eagerly agreed to wear them. Later I would make them don the more fun hats when we were back in the office and take a pic.... and send it to my boss as a greeting card. lol

I still can't believe they balked at wearing those hats. Who cares if you are wearing an elf on your head.. it's Christmas.. have some fun!

Another, 'huh' moment was while we were at the restaurant having our company lunch.

As we were all laughing over the never ending supply of headgear I seemed to posses, and enjoying our meal, I looked down the table and noticed one of the employees was not eating. I asked what was up and found out his food hadn't arrived. Now guys, I don't know about you.. but if my food hasn't arrived, and everyone else is half way thru theirs, I'd do something about it; OR... if I knew someone's food had not arrived and everyone eleses food had... I'd do something about it.

So I did. I got up, went to the serving area and grabbed the first person I saw, and let her know we were missing a dish. She arrived with it in less than a minute. simple.

The poor guy had sat there doing nothing, and the people around him doing nothing .... I just found that very odd. le sigh. I guess if you're too shy to wear a funny hat, you're too shy to ask about your food.

Oh well... just some "huh"?! moments I thought I'd write down....

and now.... I'm on vacation for TWO WEEKS! YAY! Happy holidays everyone!

Christmas wishes

2006-12-20T09:33:00.000-05:00

Two miscreants have been running wild in my house for the last few weeks. I've been living with "I don't know" and "Nothing".

"IDK" & "N" are turning the season into a seasonal nightmare.

Seriously. A nightmare.

I love Christmas (usually). I love walking downstairs Christmas morning and seeing all the presents under the tree. I love knowing that every child has a special gift under there that they really, really wanted but didn't think he was going to get.

I love watching them eagerly tear thru the paper and gasp or laugh at what they find when it's unwrapped.

and, I love having a secret. A secret is always the last present they open and are taken completely by surprise. Last years secret was the pool table.

This year... I have none of that. No awe, no surprise, no gasps. This year not one son has asked for anything and I haven't bought anything.

Am I going to have to resort to gift cards?!

Oh imagine the fun... walking downstairs to find....

.....envelopes(!) on the floor under the tree. Whoopee!

Last night I asked "Guys, it's 5 DAYS before Christmas, what do you want?"

"I don't know" one says with a shrug. "Nothing." says another.

Five days. There are 5 days left until Christmas morning.

and not one... not one present bought yet.

This is getting serious.

Tis the Season ?!

2006-12-13T16:18:00.000-05:00

Ok.. what IDIOT tries to schedule job interviews with less than 2 weeks before Christmas? ....

...... Apparently one idiot in my company.

Do they not understand that the last two weeks before Christmas are sacred?

I mean c'mon folks. This is the time people run around like maniacs.

We sit in traffic for hours on our lunch break attempting to gain acccess to stores so we can race through searching for those hard to find gifts for people you love (or hate) all the while counting the minutes we are going to be late back to the office.

If we do have any days off before the big "C", we are home untangling Christmas lights, trees, ornaments, children, and THEN sitting in traffic for hours attempting to access a store, ANY store for those yet to be bought gifts.

We do not - N.O.T. - under any circumstance, try to squeeze in something as important as a new job opportunity......

.......Or make me set them up for 4 people! pfft!

My Blind Side

2006-12-05T09:56:00.000-05:00

I've always embraced the "No news is good news" philosophy...

...... along with the "ignorance is bliss" and "why vaccum today when you can have a son vaccum tomorrow" line of thought.

Which is probably why I walked around never noticing alot of things.

1. This hair (on my head) has got to be changed. What woman my age has waist length hair?!
2. My coat is at least 15 years old... and looks it. I really should at least take notice of fashions.
3. The carpet near the baseboards is darker than the rest of the room. I either need to fix vaccum or employ someone that knows how to work the vaccum.
4. Crinkle lines now frame my eyes. And my mouth.
5. Let's not even start on the fact the size 8 jeans can't zip anymore.

Pfft.

I think I'm beginning to see a whole new set of resolutions for the new year.

Two sides of the same story

2006-12-04T10:18:00.000-05:00

What do Books and the Internet have in common? Both generate billions.

Buying books. Reading. Romance novels are a billion dollar industry. Women are usually the ones buying romance novels. These Romance novels usually involves love and sex.

Buying Porn is also a billion dollar industry. Demographics show that men are the main group who is online buying porn. Porn usually involves sex.

So, it stands to reason if you give a woman romance you will get sex, and if you give a man porn, you'll get ... . ... . .. .. ?

err hmmm. Nevermind.

Time

2006-11-28T10:46:00.000-05:00

OMGosh....

........................I still have the Christmas template from last year up on my blog.

I really did mean to change it. Honestly I did.

And, I meant to post more. Honestly I did.

And I would have too, if there had been something to post about.

Maybe that will be my New Years resolution, to post daily (weekly?) in the coming year.

So now we're back to Christmas -insert major groan here- and once again I have No (none, nada, zilch) ideas on what to get the guys for Christmas. I swear one of these days they really will wake up and find nothing but envelopes with $ under the tree because Mom ran out of ideas. In fact this just may be the year. Putting a new engine in their Jeep has already cramped the Christmas budget.... YES another engine in a car was blown. I believe this makes 4 engines that I've put in various vehicles in the last 4 years. yea.... I hate cars.

So christmas... ummm yea.

Least my blog is decorated already.

Seperation Anxiety

2006-09-13T10:27:00.000-04:00

Well he did it. The baby left for college last month. Yes, I know that makes the baby 18 years old, but I'm the mom, he's the baby, need I say more?

Anyway... oh boy.... was that rough. We arrived at the school for orientation and the begining of their Frog week, and are immediately split up into separate groups. parents you go here, students you go here. Fine, no problem. When we meet back up five (5!) hours later, we are told that we have 15 minutes to say bye to each other. Seems the students are going to the dining hall for dinner and we (the parents) are going home.

Oh, and did I happen to mention you can't see your child for a week after you leave? And you can't call your child for a week? And they an't call you? Or e-mail you?

Umm.. did I happen to mention this is a military college.....

Ummm yea.

I knew when I saw his face that there was going to be trouble. Pissed would be a gross understatement. Faced with 50 pages of regulations of things they could NOT do, and another 50 pages of things they WOULD do, son decided that college ROTC was not the way he wanted to go. He was going to come home that day and transfer to commuter status. That meant living at home and driving to college daily without the ROTC status.

Umm no.

So.... one of the many stressed out moms walked to her car crying, leaving behind an equally stressed out kid behind. For a week. Without anyway to call and say "I love you. Hang in there."

ummm yea. It wasn't a pretty sight.

Frog week was hell week. For both of us.

Remember

2006-09-11T11:26:00.000-04:00

.... I remember being in the office and setting the tv up to find out what the hell was going on. I remember hearing Beth frantically dialing her best friend that worked in the North Tower. I remember the sound of her phone echoing throught the office as she frantically pushed the re-dial button over and over and over again. I remember the sound of the call just ringing. I remember her screaming "oh God, NO" as the tower fell.... and the echo of that unanswered phone.

I remember wanting to go and get my kids and hold them.

I remember trying to locate all "my office guys" who were out of town and making sure none were in the air that morning.

I remember crying for all the people whose lives were lost, and crying for the people whose lives would be forever changed.

I remember wondering if 'he' worked in the trade center.
.

Be Careful What You Ask For

2006-07-31T10:53:00.000-04:00

I was whining the other day that I had nothing to think about or focus on. For a long time I had the pool of doom that commanded my attention. Once it was done, I briefly thought about landscaping, but decided I didn't want to go into debt again, so I dismissed those thoughts.

Sure I could think about how dirty the house is and what I could clean, but geesh.... that's even more depressing than not having anything to think about.

I refuse to think about my baby leaving for college. Hey, Denial works for me. I figure this plan will continue working for a few more days until I have to start writing checks and shopping for college supplies. College and ROTC isn't cheap. So, thinking about money issues.... well, I'll pass on that too.

Dates... hmm... Seems I get asked out by men that I find no initial attraction for. Who wants to think about boring dates? Ugh. pass.

So, as I said, I found myself with nothing to think about. Looking into the future wasn't a very fun place to go meandering.

And then.....

IT happened.

Something to think about. To focus on. To keep my mind busy and active.

Our office is moving. And I'm in charge of everything. Uh yeah. Everything from finding suitable/affordable new offices, to getting quotes for movers, to moving, to arranging the shift of phones, network, licenses, to ... well.... EVERYDAMNTHING....

AND... I have 2 months to accomplish this.

OMG, one day I will learn to keep my mouth shut ... ya think?!

Italy

2006-07-25T11:09:00.000-04:00

I want to go to Italy.

I don't travel per se.... but for Italy, I'd hop a plane in an Italian minute.

By chance I saw an article about a travel agency that specialized in "ChickTrips." Trips for women with other women... a girls weekend of sorts stretched into 7 days. A girls week in Italy. Now THAT sounds like fun.

You stay in a villa, and a few delightful extras are included in the trip such as art lessons with an artist there, balloon trips, bicycle trips, etc.

I can't get it out of my mind...

Italy anyone?

Where in the World Is Sie

2006-07-11T12:43:00.000-04:00

So ummm... what's new? Not a darn thing really.

Son #1 started college today at a local technical school. He's majoring in computer science. Very happy to have him back in school !!!!!!!!

Son #2 went to South America for a 7 week college trip. He's down there working in the clinics and hospitals, getting a feel for the medical major he's chosen. We'll see if he still wants to be a doctor after this.

His trip has gone smoothly with one small terrifying side note: On Sunday night, the house he was staying at was robbed while he was the only one there. He was in the shower when he heard someone ransacking the place. He got dressed, grabbed a pair of scissors that were in the bathroom, and made his way out the house and to a neighboring house for help. He had hidden all his papers in different places, so fortunately his passport was not stolen, but his bank card, drivers license and one of my charge cards was, so I spent time cancelling all those while battling the urge to call the airlines, hop a plane to Salta, South America and go hug my kid.

Son #3 was accepted to a few colleges and chose his favorite, North GA Military College. He will leave this fall. It's close to home, but he will be living on campus. My baby is leaving. I'm happy for him, but in denial that he will be gone soon. He's going to major in international affairs. Look out Blackwater here he comes.

And me. I've been......

a slug. :)

Transfer

2006-05-02T12:20:00.000-04:00

If anyone is receiving a ton of alerts, it's because i'm transferring over more old entries from the previous journal. I'm finally at August of 2005...

Oh yea.. I'm right on top of things.

I'm so Booooooring

2006-05-02T10:00:00.000-04:00

I didn't do it!

Sorry...knee jerk reaction left over from who knows what.

So. Ok. What's been going on you ask? Not a damn thing. So I guess I really didn't do it afterall.

Another car bit the dust. uh yea. hmmm.

The termite man came by and wants $800 to treat the house. uh yea. hmmm.

High winds came and finally managed to do what 3 hurricanes couldn't.... destroyed my gazebo. Le sigh.

The pool boy (and yes he was everything a pool boy should be) came by and cleaned up the *formerly called Pool of Doom*. The kids were beginning to ask if we had a coy pond in the back yard instead of a swimming pool. Scarey. But it's all clean and bascially ready. We're just waiting on the weather to cooperate now.

I'm still living on the computer, just in a different fantasy world - WoW - rather than AOL.

*Adopted* son moved out and I told another *adopted* son in a loud and *ahem* stern voice (and I quote) "Do not spend another night in this house without paying rent."

He showed up with rent money a week later and moved in.

I need a cookie.

or two.

2 pics

2006-03-22T15:41:00.000-05:00

It was pretty there in the Rio Grande Plantatation in Puerto Rico.

The 'resort' is situated next to the rain forest and is more suited to people that want to relax and just spend time doing much of nothing. And that's just the way I like my vacations.

Time Flies

2006-03-16T08:07:00.000-05:00

It's that time of year again. Time for The Annual Company Meeting held every year in San Juan.

I'll have you know that I'm getting quite good at this flying thing.

Well I'm good if you consider that "good" means I can make through the airport, check bags, pass security and onto the plane without breaking out into hives, a cold sweat, or tears.

Remember when flight attendants used to be pretty? Or at least pleasant? Not any more. There used to be weight restrictions too for the personnel.... seems like that's been scrapped too.

The Delta flight attendants on both trips all looked rode hard and put away wet... with attitudes to match.

One FA, when asked by a fellow passenger what snacks they had, replied "honey, I'm worn out from telling, that's why I had her announce it again." I wanted to lean over and tell her, "Biotch, that's your job. You are there in part to serve your customers. It's not our fault you took a flying waitress position. And yes, I know the whole plane was told 50 times already what there was to eat.... but get over it, suck it up and do this part your job." Needless to say, they don't make flying more tolerable.

Aside from the flying thing, the trip was great. I'll post some pics soon.

Basically we ate, played pool, swam, ate some more, relaxed, ate some more, drank, ate even more, got a raise, and came home. In my case, I came home sick and now am spending two more days out of the office.

Damn I love my job.

Holy WoW. It's Valentines Day

2006-02-14T18:27:00.000-05:00

There's a quiet drug store near my office and often, if I need something on my way home, I'll stop in there. It's never busy, the front parking spaces are always empty, it's quick , fast and easy.

Except for today. It was packed. As I sat waiting for a car to pull out I just had to laugh at the men coming and going from the drug store. Men. Men with candy. Men with cards. Men with red stuff poking out of bags. Not a woman in sight...except me.

Usually I buy the kids a little something - a stuff animal with candy - or something like that for Valentines day. This year, I decided not to. I figured they were too old and not really into that kinda thing. Obviously I wasn't thinking. BAD mommy.

You can't imagine my surprise when son #1 called and asked how late I would be at the office because he was coming by on his way to work to bring me a Valentines Day present.

My first reaction was "HUH?" "OMG how sweet."

My second reaction was "Oh shit. I better get something for them." .... which is how I came to be the one woman in a crowd of men schnarfing up last minute V-day gifts.

But we need to back up a little.

Over the Christmas holidays the kids finally talked me into trying WoW. It's an online game that's played with people from all over the world. You create characters, fight, go on quests, that's the premise in a very simplified nutshell. I've avoided looking at the game for almost a year. I am a game addict. I am also a video game addict. I love the things. LOVE them. I knew if I got hooked on this one, that's all I would want to do. And for the record, I was right. I'm hooked. I love it. I'm also having the best fun playing it and getting to know lot of new people on line through it. Anyway.....

My character is a Tauren. It's a race of people. Well a race of cows really. I know. I see you shaking your head at me. I coulda picked the undead or a druid, or .. well anyway ... Son #1 & Son #3 talked me into being a Tauren. I'm a cow. I also love my cow and all her cow friends.

And this Valentines Day, Son #1 went to Build A Bear workshop and made me a Tauren and he named her after my character. He also recorded a little saying you hear when you squeeze her 'hand.'

She says.... "I'm SO going to drop some totems on your ass."

And that people, is love.

True love.

Gift Giving

2006-02-14T11:36:00.000-05:00

For those of you living in a cave in Un'Goro crater and may not know it, today is Valentines Day.

It's a day of love and romance. Did you hear that? Love. Romance.

R-o-m-a-n-c-e. not s-e-x.

After looking over some fellow bloggers entries, I think there's a bit of confusion out there. So Guys..... men in particular....here's the difference.

Romance is sending flowers.

Sex is buying holiday decorated condoms.

Romance is dining out.

Sex is buying her lingerie that climbs up her ass.

Romance is knowing her perfume and giving her a bottle of it because it reminds you of her.

Sex is booking a hotel room for you two under the guise of "so she can have a night away from the kids."

And for the ladies - Valentines ideas for him.

Anything.

Followed by sex.

Anything. Sneezing even. then sex.

(inside joke to follow)

And, for those special people that live in my imaginary world (don't ask)...

Romance is epic gear.....

(snicker)

Tagged.

2006-02-06T09:43:00.000-05:00

Digger tagged me.

As close as I can tell, I'm supposed to list things that I could "put up with" about someone if the major things were in line. Things I didn't like, but weren't deal breakers in a relationship...

Frankly, if the major things were in line, I'd put up with a lot. I'm easy.

I'd put up with him balding. I'd also put up with a mustache and beard, I guess.

I'd put up with him not being a hard body.

I'd overlook that he was only 5' 11". maybe.

I'd ignore the fact he didn't clean, cook or have any mechanical skills IF he had the resources to pay to get the jobs done.

See. Told ya. I'm easy.

Another Day another Dollar

2006-01-31T10:03:00.000-05:00

Well.

I'm $1,864.59 poorer this week.

How about you?

Empty Nest

2006-01-24T11:42:00.000-05:00

I've either failed miserably as a parent OR; I've made "home" such a wonderful place to grow up and be that they don't want to leave. I'm not sure which it is.

My youngest child is a senior in high school this year and just received his first college acceptance yesterday.

He read it to me and then we both just looked at each other. We both knew what that letter meant. It meant that he would be leaving.

This is my baby. My baby will be leaving.

He and I have been very close 'partners in crime' for 18 years. With this child in particular, there have been many adventures shared, tough times weathered and special, wonderful times. We are more than parent child. We are friends.

Yes, he has a million friends. He also has a very active social life and plenty of interests that he pursues without me. This is not a Mama's boy. But still, neither of us are thrilled he is leaving.

So after he read the letter, I mustered up some excitement for him. He just smiled slightly and said he was thinking about doing his core classes here at the local college before transferring out to a 4 year college in about a year or so.

I'm not sure I am going to let him do that. As much as I will miss him - and critically so - I will tell him the same thing I told his brothers. You need to go away to school. It will be the best years of your life. And there will always be summers and holidays to come back home.

The moment you have kids, you are preparing them to grow up and leave you. Hopefully teaching them the skills to make it in their own life. It seems like such a far away event.

le sigh. It isn't.

The Trials of Driving

2006-01-17T12:15:00.000-05:00

Let me tell you about Knoxville.

It SUCKS. Well, the DOT/roads do at least. The road atlas says one thing and little ole Knoxville has decided that No, No we won't mark the roads so that people where know where the hell they are going. let's cost them an extra hour of drive time just for fun.

Hehehe bite me Knoxville. I'm now immune to your wily ways.

And then there was the mobile home. The mobile home that was traveling down the highway. Which was all well and good until the roof shingles started flying off onto my Jeep.

le sigh.

I couldn't tell if the imprint left was dirt or if I was now the owner of a 12" x 12" roof shingle etched windshield. I debated a few seconds before I told my son who was driving at the time, to catch up to the pace truck. We did and I got a phone number off the truck. I called and explained they just damaged my windshield.

The man who answered my call was named Cowboy and he asked if I was in 'the black Jeep.' I guess he must have seen me having a hissy fit in the Jeep as we passed him.

So the three of us - mobile home included - all pulled over to the side of the highway to have a little pow-wow. Cowboy hopped down out of his mobile home pullin truck and took a look at my windshield and told me to call Joe. Joe would take care of me. I called Joe.

It seems Joe is going to take care of me.

I wonder if he's tall? err.. anyway..

Unless you count the nauseating aroma of pulp mills or dead skunk as problems, the rest of the trip was uneventful until we got to Palmyra. To get to Palmyra, you have to go through Hershey, PA.

As in chocolate Hershey.

OMG. A town that smells like chocolate. le sigh. Isn't life just wonderful sometimes?

No life run by no brain

2006-01-12T10:51:00.000-05:00

Sometime tonight or early tomorrow morning, my son and I will be driving to Palmyra, PA.

PA as in PENNSYLFRICKENVANIA.

I live in GA...... and we're DRIVING.

Driving.

Driving.

What was I thinking?

No Life

2006-01-08T23:20:00.000-05:00

I believe I've made the statement before that I have no life to speak of.

For the past two weeks, I've proved it.

I did nothing.

I didn't go anywhere, see anyone, talk to anyone (cept the kids and the gazillion kids that came over during the holidays.)

I stayed in sweat pants and t-shirt. I didn't put on shoes once. I didn't shave my legs. I might have slept. Maybe. I forgot to eat. I lived on coffee. I got my days and nights confused. I played pool. Watched some tv, played WoW. Let the cat out... and generally I obtained the goal of taking sloth into a world that is to be envied.

And now, it ends.

I bet I'm late to work on Monday.

New Years Looms Large

2005-12-30T11:28:00.000-05:00

Well folks, it's that time of year again. The time we make resolutions that usually last for about 12 hours. We've all been there. We've all sworn to lose weight, join a gym, quit smoking, stop doing somethingoranother or, start doing somethingoranother.

We turn around and realize that another year has passed. If we're fortunate, we look back and say "Damn, I did it. I accomplished it."

Or more often the case, we look back and think, "What a fucking waste this year was."

So here it is again. Dec 31st looming large. Time to for us to set new expectations in our lives. Expectations that in just one day we can change something in our life we're not happy with.

And if truth be known... we can. It's just that sometimes 1 year is not enough time to achieve it.

I've long grown past the 'party in a bar' New Years celebration. For the last few years I've stayed at home, barely caring to watch the ball drop in Times Square, but still I resolved to do a few things. In years past I've resolved to get out of a nothingness of a marriage, get a financial hold on my life, buy a house. All of them took more than one year to do. But this year, I look back and find them all done. Frankly, it's rather surreal.

It's also a time to look back and say thanks for the things that did go right during the year. What I thank God most for, is the continued good health of me and my kids.

But, I have one last resolution left. One last thing I want to accomplish. And this one is huge. This one is scary. This one would change me almost more than all the others. And I don't know if I'm brave enough to do it. It's something I wish for everyday. I battle every day over it. Every.single.day. But having it done, would make me so very happy.

It'll be interesting to look back a year from now, and see if I had the guts to go through with it.

Oy

2005-12-28T03:16:00.000-05:00

Just when I was going to learn to keep my opinions to myself...

You Have Your PhD in Men

You understand men almost better than anyone.
You accept that guys are very different, and you read signals well.
Work what you know about men, and your relationships will be blissful.

How Well Do You Understand Men?

Weird Habits Tagged.

2005-12-26T16:16:00.000-05:00

You've been tagged (by Pretty Peanut)! Here are the rules; the first player of this game starts with the topic. Five weird habits of yourself and people who get tagged need to write an entry about their five weird habits as well as state this rule clearly. In the end, you need to choose the next five people to be tagged and link to their web journals. Don’t forget to leave a comment in their blog or journal that says “You are tagged” (assuming they take comments) and tell them to read yours.

5 weird habits. hmm.

Hmmm.

I have quirks. Do they count?

1. I luv coffee. I am not human until I get my coffee. I.really.love.my.coffee. My ex used to wake me up by poking me. You know, that kind of poking. He's lucky I didn't un-attached it from his body kind of poking. He learned to wake me up with coffee. It's still attached. All because of coffee. He's the only person I know that might love coffee more than I do.

2. I have an extreme weakness for tall men. This is measured in direct contrast to my complete oblivion to short men. Tall men send instant visions of sex to my brain. Instant.

3. I'm a fixer. If there's a problem. I will come up with a solution. This comes in handy in times of a crises. But, if people tell me their problems, I will then offer up a solution and actually expect them to do it. I need to stop issuing advice to people that really don't want it and won't follow it, and learn that sometimes it's just enough to listen and nod.

4. I like sitting on the bathroom vanity and soaking my feet. I will fix a cup of coffee, grab a book and sit there for an hour with my feet in the sink, soaking in the warm water.

5. I have to touch stuff when I'm shopping/browsing whether I buy it or not. It just begs to be touched, fondled, held.

Tagged:

Gail

Becky

Bedazzled

Kath

Nirvana

2005-12-26T14:48:00.000-05:00

It's done, over, finis. I didn't go into debt over Christmas and I'm not broke. It's my own Christmas miracle.

But it gets better.

I'm on vacation for 2 weeks. From both jobs.

Pass the sweats and call me lazy.

I'm about to take 'sloth' to a whole new level.

Christmas?! I Own Your Butt.

2005-12-24T11:18:00.000-05:00

OMG. I am so excited.

I've been seriously plagued by the "I don't know fairies" this year. Annoying little fockers. That's what happens when you have teenagers who aren't the 'gimme gimme' kind of kids. They've been poor. Real poor. But at this time in our lives we're not rich, but we're not poor either. Thank you God.

I tried to eliminate the "I don't know faries" by offering to take the kids on their first plane trip. My boys are 20, 20 and 18 and have never been on a plane. So, I suggested instead of buying a crapload of 'stuff', that we get up Christmas morning and go to the airport and go have an adventure.

We could set a budget, google cheap last minute fares to anywhere, pick a destination that was in our budget and go have an adventure. We could fly to Washington DC for lunch then come back home. Fares were less than $200 round trip. Christmas fun for 4 people costing under $1,000. Not only doable, but a damn fun idea. Or so I thought.

2 sons said "Sure!" They were game.

But alas, boys will be little boys... and one lone voice said, "But will there be presents under the tree Christmas morning? I like the way we always have Christmas. We have our traditions." le sigh. What to do when you have a child that's still a kid at heart? You go shopping and buy crap.

And then 2 days ago, their Dad stepped up. Last year he gave them I.O.U.'s. This year he gave them each $300 to shop and ME money too. But by that time, I had already spent part of my budget buying presents. Now, with the extra cash we could now swing the trip, but talk about excess! No. I decided I it was financially smarter to continue with the usual presents idea and now I would still have money left over in the bank after Christmas. Wow. Wouldn't that be novel.

But that meant I was back to battling the "I don't know fairies."

Yesterday the words "Creative Zen" (better than iPods the kids say) were heard. Do you know how hard it is to find one of those this year? I found 3. Woohoo! They cost more than the friggen plane idea. 80% of the budget on one gift for each child.

And then, while whining about the "I don't know fairies" to a guy at work, a fantastic present fell into my lap.

I mentioned I saw pool tables for sale under $500 at Sports Authority but they were sold out.

He mentioned he had a regulation pool table in perfect condition sitting in his basement that he wanted gone.

I'm taking it off his hands for $50.

Oh yeaaaa! Take that you blasted "I don't know fairies." I own your asses now.

Shopping Smart

2005-12-23T23:04:00.000-05:00

Why did I not think of this before?

Delegate.

I have 3 elves with cars. Delegate.the.shopping.Duh.

To All

2005-12-23T08:52:00.000-05:00

Wishing Everyone a Very Merry Christmas. And a Persnickety New Year.

Oh Chit.

2005-12-23T07:45:00.000-05:00

OMG. There are 2 - -TWO(!) shopping days left. TWO.

After work yesterday, I grabbed the nearest son (aka helper elf#1) and took off shopping. I was actually armed with ideas. Ideas people. Ideas!

We hit the Dollar Store so helper elf#1 could get his tradition out of the way and then it was on to the store. There were no crowds and plenty of stuff on the shelves. We started wandering.

"Oh look" said helper elf, "gloves. I sure need some gloves."

Into the basket they went. "Pretend you didn't see that" I said. "Merry Christmas."

"Oh look!" said helper elf, "A suede comforter. You know brother C wants a comforter. Boy, I sure would like a new comforter like this too."

Into the basket 2 comforters went. "Pretend you didn't see that" I said. "Merry Christmas."

And so it went.

Today I'm grabbing helper elf #2.

Hey, no system is perfect. And a mom's gotta do, what a mom's gotta do.

Pfft.

2005-12-22T16:48:00.000-05:00

The other day someone asked me, "So does your blog have a point?"

uh.....No.

No it doesn't.

But thanks ever so much for asking.

A Plan is born

2005-12-21T23:43:00.000-05:00

To date or not to date, and why? That's the question I'm pondering tonight.The only answer I can come up with is 'because I'm bored. ' But when it comes right down to it, I'm really too lazy to put the time and effort into dating.

And before I get started, this isn't a question about sex. I can find that anywhere. It's about a r.e.l.a.t.i.o.n.s.h.i.p. and I don't think I want one of those. Do I? I can't decide. Le sigh.

Tonight the answer is no. I don't. I mean why should I? I've already been married. I have my own house. I support myself. I have total control over the remote, the bathrooms and closets. What more could a girl ask for? It's Nirvana.

I read many 'single women' blogs. Women who all sound to be looking for Mr. Right. Many of these women are in their late 20's, professionals, humorous as hell, but rather desperately seeking the husband of their dreams to father their not yet to-be-born children.

I have children. It's incentive not to get married.

But then I was watching TV and saw a commercial for E-Harmony. So I went to check out the site. (Boredom manifests itself in strange ways.)

Damn, these people are way too freaking serious. After about the 3rd page of answering questions, I quit. Anybody that fills out all that paperwork is looking for marriage. I mean what kind of guy would fill out a mega questionnaire like that? Girls? Yes. We take quizzes in magazines. Answer a 40 page questionnaire? No problem. Guys? Well, I'm thinking, not so much.

And just watch those E-Harmony commercials. The couples are so sweet, in love, yadda yadda...but look closer. Those women have death grips on the guy. There isn't a one that isn't latched onto his arm or super glued their hands together. Scary.

I think what I really need to find is a small circle of single girl friends...

And a pool boy like the Christmas Santa. I mean, he comes to the house weekly, doesn't take up closet space, I don't have to feed him..........Yep, I think that he would do quite nicely. Quite nicely indeed.

Now, where to find one. That is the real question.

Amazon.com

2005-12-20T11:11:00.000-05:00

Dear Ms. K:

Thank you for the e-mail and order.

Your
shipment was returned to us yesterday,
due to a mis-sort by the carrier.

***A replacement shipment containing the
undamaged items is already
on its way to
you.***

Some of the items on your order,

Miniatures Pack [Qty. 2]

were in damaged condition in the
returned
package. We placed an order for brand new
replacements for
you,
and the replacements
are currently on back-order with the
publisher.

Do you wish to keep these items on back-order,
cancel the
order and
receive a refund, or cancel
the back-order and order other
items?

Please let us know.

Please let us know if there is
anything else
we
can do for you.

Thank you for your business!

fuckity-fuck.fuck.

Scrooge

2005-12-20T07:32:00.000-05:00

I'm so done with wandering through stores aimlessly. Next time I go shopping I better damn well buy something.

So far Christmas is stacking up like this:

Son #3, the 18 year old. Shooting boots and a new glove bought a week ago. He wore them last weekend at a competition but at a price tag of $200 I'm making him wrap them and put them under the tree.

Son #2, the 20 year old. I ordered some stuff from Amazon.com. It hasn't arrived yet. It's just stuff. It's Wednesday. Christmas is Sunday. I need this stuff. Then I need to find more stuff.

Son #3, the 20 year old college kid. His hard drive is going on his lap top. He ordered it and it will arrive.... sometime.

I'm out of ideas. I'm lacking inspiration. I'm on a strict budget.

I'm so scrooged.

Clueless

2005-12-19T00:37:00.000-05:00

Today I was.....

...... asked out by an ok (yawn) guy.

.......and was asked to pencil in phone sex on my calendar for Christmas Eve by another.

Is this an improvement?

I can't tell if things are looking up or not.

Report cards

2005-12-18T02:16:00.000-05:00

I'd like to report that I went out this weekend.

I'd like to also report that I started my Christmas shopping, or that I finished my Christmas shopping, bought groceries, cleaned the house, decorated, cooked, got organized, sent out Christmas cards, wrapped packages, did laundry, caught up on some reading, put the lights up on the outside of the house....

But I didn't.

I'm not quite sure what I did this weekend.... but I know it wasn't any of that.

Christmas Shit

2005-12-17T14:32:00.000-05:00

Well, the Christmas shit is up. Such a cheery sentiment isn't it.

This was the first year I groaned opening up all 12 HUGE storage bins slammed full with decorations. I keep yelling, "Why do we have all this stuff!" Nobody answered.

Now that the house is decorated, all I do is look around and keep thinking about having to pack it all away. Groan again.

Why then, when I'm in stores do I go "Oh how cute!" and think "I want that" when I see another christmas decoration.

The kids are seemingly blase about Christmas. They don't know what they want. Which is great. Just fuckin great. Shopping is always soooo much fun. Who doesn't like to elbow through crowds, spending a boatload of money on nothing.

Gratuitous semi naked pic

2005-12-15T08:38:00.000-05:00

Yes, I think I definitely could be a Christmas Ho.

Ho.Ho.

Caption Contest

2005-12-13T10:29:00.000-05:00

Ok guys... get me in the Christmas spirit and write me a caption for what is obviously going to be another 'Maxine Christmas' around my house.
I'll send the best caption winner something in the mail.

Of course it might be just a card..... but hey, it's something, and it's mail.

Oh, and I'd uh, need your address... so if you want something GREAT (like a card or something in the mail) e-mail me your address...

... or if you're shy, afraid I might stalk you, or live in a box and are draining free internet off someone else, don't send it. Just play.

So write a caption, send me your address and hope for the best.

C'mon, you know you wanna. Besides, I have a tongue that's bored, and stamps just waiting to be licked.

A Christmas Whine

2005-12-11T18:05:00.000-05:00

I always have these great ideas that I want to do at Christmas.

Plans full of fun things I'd like to do with the kids. Gift ideas that I'd like to buy and send to friends far away. Cookies I'd like to bake for us to enjoy when sitting around the fire in the evenings, looking at the Christmas tree and listening to Christmas music. Taking the kids to see the Nutcracker. Taking the kids to see the lights, somewhere. Anywhere. Shopping all dressed up with my kids, then having lunch or dinner out afterwards.

Who am I kidding?

There are 24 14 (Holy night Kath!) days until Christmas. I will be working most of those days. I don't even have the decorations up from the store room, much less a tree up. I have no idea what my budget will be for Christmas so shopping has to wait. I don't have the friends addresses. My kids are boys....Teenage boys that would rather muck out the pool than go shopping to the mall with Mom. They still don't know what they want for Christmas.

They would however be more than happy to eat any cookies that were here.

Damnit, I want a Hallmark card kind of holiday, just once.... And I don't mean a Maxine Shoebox card either.

Happy Friday!

2005-12-09T10:00:00.000-05:00

Good morning Boss #2,

I'm still at home working with Boss #1, Delta and our travel agency trying to get him (boss #1) out of Bangor, Maine instead of Boston.

Seems the airlines figured both cities start with "B" and maybe no one would notice if they re-routed him there. He noticed.

I would have been on time to the office except I can't e-mail, make calls, and google flights while driving.....

I'm just not that talented.

~Sie

With e-mails like this, I sometimes wonder why they haven't fired me yet.

Random Thoughts

2005-12-09T08:23:00.000-05:00

Long distance dating is not dating.

It's a lay over.

Time

2005-12-07T15:22:00.000-05:00

It's odd how time gets away from you.

I recently passed another year anniversary of my divorce.

Anniversary of a divorce. What a rather oxy moronic title that is.

I don't have regrets about divorcing him. I regret that my marriage didn't last. I don't miss him. I miss having someone wonderful in my life.

Relationships. Why are they so damn hard?

At what age do you pack away the ideas; the desire for romance; the lust for passion; the wishes of love; the thought of finding someone; and thoughts of marriage.

How old is too old?

Just some cold wintry thoughts inside that seem to mirror the weather outside.

I really do need to move to a warmer climate.

Mission Accomplished

2005-12-06T23:09:00.000-05:00

And to think I actually put my face on this blog.

Shopping

2005-12-06T07:58:00.000-05:00

Well now....

The clutch on Son #3's Jeep went out.

And insurance on Son #2's car will be close to $900.

That kinda wraps up Christmas now, doesn't it?

Ho.ho.damnit.ho.

My Next Mission

2005-12-05T22:19:00.000-05:00

Oh and Gail.........

Game on.....
(snicker)

All That's Missing Is A Cat

2005-12-05T22:15:00.000-05:00

If I had a sex life, I'd blog about it.

If I had a dating life, I'd blog about it.

I don't. So suffer with me... won't you?

After my nap on Sunday....I got my lethargic butt busy and cleaned. I cleaned the silverware drawer. I cleaned the sink. I cleaned the stove. I cleaned the kitchen floor.

I can feel the envy.

I did not however, clean my closet... yet.

Lethargy

2005-12-04T10:39:00.000-05:00

I'm in a serious rut. However, the rut isn't really the problem. It's the attitude that goes with it.

I'm just so damn lethargic. Too lethargic to even try and climb out of the rut I find myself in. It just seems easier to lay here at the bottom and look up, rather than muck around to find things to build a ladder and climb out.

I thought about posting pictures of my closet, thinking perhaps public humiliation would be the catalyst needed to clean it. I'm too tired to go and find the camera.

3 weeks until Christmas. Just the thought of pulling out all the decorations is enough to send me back to bed.

I can't even muster up the interest to go shopping for the kids. When I ask what they want for Christmas, I'm getting their standard answer of "I don't know." Wandering through crowds and stores looking for "I don't know" is frustrating and expensive. More so when I don't know what my budget is yet.

This weekend and the next two will be spent traveling 5 hours to and from Ft. Benning for shooting competitions with my youngest. It makes even me more tired just thinking about it.
Now that I've depressed everyone, I think I will go back to bed. Maybe I will wake up with some energy.

One can only hope.

Paths

2005-12-01T20:40:00.000-05:00

I've noticed.... if you take it day-by-day, one step at a time and keep concentrating, you will tackle problems as they cross your path.

But, sooner or later, you're gonna have to take a break and look up.

Which of course means you run the risk of standing there saying..... "Where the hell am I? "

One can only hope it's a nice spot for a picnic.

So.....

2005-11-28T08:57:00.000-05:00

It's my birthday.

woop woop.

Don't PFFT me!

2005-11-27T15:41:00.000-05:00

Ok.. I changed the URL... again.

I'm sorry if anyone got lost. I've been sending out change notices and (raising hand in oath) I promise to stay put this time.

NO! I really do.

Really.

Blogging Thru the Neighborhood

2005-11-26T23:46:00.000-05:00

I was out-and-about link hopping on blogs and came across a couple of men with Blogs.

One guy had 112 links on his sidebar. Every single one was about sex. (You can tell they are sexual by the titles like: "My life as a call girl," and "I'm a lusty wife," and similar titles.

Another guy had 102 links on his sidebar. They were all sexual too.

100 sexual links. Oddly enough... or perhaps not oddly enough.... the men were unhappy with their (married) sex life.

Make of that what you will.

Danger Cook

2005-11-25T12:17:00.000-05:00

I am not sure how it happened and neither is my sis and her family. They remarked at how weird it is that they came to my house for Thanksgiving. I mean c'mon, after all the thanking is said, Thanksgiving is all about the food right? And food and my house? Well, normally the two have nothing in common.

Would you go to a house where cooking skills are (at best) labeled 'dubious?' Not me. I'd plead a case of Bird Flu and stay home.

And yet they arrived anyway, ready to eat. le sigh... Such is trust. and... such is pressure!

I decided to cook two birds instead of one. Which to me only means twice the chance of disaster. I know..... I'm a risk taker.

So, with 9 people eating, that also meant two pans of cornbread dressing (from scratch); two pans of Sweet Potato Souffle (from scratch); one large offering of mash potatos (from real potatos); String bean casserole (that I can't stand); a ham; deviled eggs; pumpkin bread; pies; biscuits; mushroom gravy; giblet gravy; ... the element of danger increased 10 fold.

And then the chance of danger doubled. Again.

Seems niece and her race car driver boyfriend are vegetarians. OMG. That meant no eating turkey. No eating ham. No eating dressing cause it has turkey stock in it. No eating beans, unless they pick out the pieces of ham. Oy.

Dinner now had the real chance of being awarded the biggest yuk in family history. And remembering my mother's cooking, that would be one hell of an award to win.

But look! People with forks, travelling to mouths. And no one running from the table. Plates were cleaned, and 2nds were dished out. SECONDS people!

I so kicked Thanksgiving ass!

A Cornucopia of Wishes

2005-11-24T09:00:00.000-05:00

May you and your family be blessed with a cornucopia of blessings today and always.

I want...

2005-11-23T10:21:00.000-05:00

I'm in that mood again. The 'I want' mood.

It starts out simple enough as a daydream. You know the "wouldn't it be nice to....". Then it morphs into "hmmm, I wonder if...." and before you know it I've developed some scathingly brilliant idea that I'm going to do "IT!"

The dPOD (darlin Pool of Doom once known as the damn Pool of Doom) started out like that. Nevermind I didn't actually own my house at the time, I wanted a pool. All that cart-before-the-horse way of thinking seems to work for me since I ended up being able to buy the house and have a pool built last year.

And now it's a beach house or condo I want. It's what I've always wanted. The thought is in the severe daydreaming stage now. I recognize all the signs. Thinking about the beach. Thinking of ways I could afford it. Thinking of days spent wandering along the waters edge looking for sharks teeth, or painting out by the ocean. Thinking how nice it would be to spend my vacation time there. Retiring there one day and having the kids or future grandkids (eek!) spend summers there with me. le sigh.

Nevermind that half the time I wonder how I manage to afford the gas, power, food, mortgage, insurance, car, phone, cell phone, cable, kids, internet and all the other miscellaneous bills that come in each and every month. It really makes no sense that as a single mom I can do that even with 2 jobs .... but still....

Now, I want a house at the beach. Maybe in 10 years I will read this entry from that house... who knows, stranger things have happened.

Food Talk

2005-11-22T10:27:00.000-05:00

It's that time of year again. My annual foray into cooking. I manage, much to the delight of my family, not to cook 360 days of the year. I will occasionally fix soup. To say that cooking is so not my forte is an understatement. They learned this early on and normally they let me off the hook.

But they put their collective feet down at Thanksgiving. "You will cook." they demand. And not only am I forced to cook but I have to fix the dishes that have become a tradition in their lives. Nevermind that the dishes are those that their 'born to cook southern Grandmother' makes ... and that I am the daughter of a transplanted yankee, who's idea of a tasty dinner was to toss a chicken in a pan, turn on the oven, open a box of frozen peas into boiling water and call it tasty... Bless her heart.

Nope. It doesn't matter that I did not descend from a great cooking family. Their father did, and therefore they got recipes for me from their southern Grandmother.

Recipes? Oh please. The woman never wrote, much less read a recipe in her life. She cooks by sight and sound. "You know those sweet potatoes just don't sound right, " she said one year. They sounded fine to me, mute.... but then I never had a close rapport with veggies, so what did I know. Over the years I've used the same recipes and added my own touches when I could. Some instructions that originally read "add brown sugar til they look right," have been replaced by the instructions "add 2 cups." It's helped. Trust me.

This year not only will I have to struggle through the old southern recipes again for the kids, but my sister and her family of 4 will be having Thanksgiving dinner with us too. That means double everything. Hmmm, I wonder... if I double the amounts listed on the recipes will the sweet potatoes talk louder? Or better yet, maybe they'll talk and give me hints on how to make the dressing.

So yes, I will cook again this year as ordered and heaven help any of them that don't sit down at the dinner table, fill their plates, eat til they fall out of their chairs, and then climb back up and ask for more.

Thanksgiving is in 2 days. I guess I should buy a turkey or two soon.

My family is so gonna owe me.

Idle Hands Are The HTML Devil's Workshop

2005-11-21T23:32:00.000-05:00

Hello. My name is Sie and I'm an HTML addict.

I also don't know what the fuck I am doing. (I'm not on AOL therefore I can say the "F" word.)

I just spent 5 hours screwing with the template.

I still can't get the comment on the archive pages to show up in a different font. However, I did add a new border.... tho don't ask me how.

I have way too much time on my hands. I think I need a man. Or a life. Or both.

Ya think?!

Sundays... So much better than Mondays

2005-11-20T16:34:00.000-05:00

It's wonderfully cold and cloudy today...

Just what a Sunday needs.

I can lay abed without the guilt.

Oh sure, the kitchen probably needs cleaning; but I managed to walk through it with blinders on the way to get my coffee, so it's all good.

I love cloudy Sundays. I can be lazy without the guilt.

Yep, lazy seems to be my forte.

But Baby it's cold outside

2005-11-17T09:02:00.000-05:00

It's 27 degrees here this morning.

And where the hell are my winter clothes? I must have some somewhere.

I mean, I got up and went to work last winter and the winter before, and I know I wore something....

I know this because naked is really NOT a good look on me.

I'm home!

2005-11-15T23:04:00.000-05:00

Welcome to my new secondary home. I am going to painstakingly move 1 year of journaling here. So bear with me. There won't be any new posts for a while until I am finished.

Good thing I use Photobucket to store my pictures.

I understand that you can list your journals with BlogLines and get updates on new entries. And you can sign up with http://www.changenotes.com/tell.php that will e-mail you alerts daily on the blogs you set up to watch. That way you don't miss your favorite authors. A big thank you to Kraztweety2 for this new info.

Now.... To learn some fancy (or any) HTML language and decorate the Summer home I have here...

Save Me

2005-11-14T03:17:00.000-05:00

Well the twins did it, the little ba**ards. Nevermind that it would drop kick their mother further into old age. They went ahead and did it anyway.

They turned 20 on Saturday. I mean how rude. 20 years old! Now when I meet some guy that smiles at me and then says he's 28... all I can think about is OMG my kids are his age, and that I have shoes older than they are... Kinda ruins the whole fantasy thing I could have going.

Now I have to find a 30 something. No wait... I can't do that either. My best friend has a son who is 32 and came to give me a quote for some stairs off my deck.... I've known him since he was a kid, he's still a kid! Let's just say I was having to chant his moms name in my head to keep myself on track.

When he left, I did however call her and asked 'when the hell did your son turn hunky. ' She laughed (fortunately really good friends can do that) and said it hit her the same way the other day.... AND that he was now dating her hairdresser who was 41. Hey... I'm not that far away from 41....

Naw.. she'd kill me. So.. 20 somethings are out... 30 somethings are out... which leaves 40 somethings.... And 40 somethings are generally looking for 20 somethings.... of which I am not. But if I were 20 something, I'd want a 30 something.... and we already know how well that goes over...

Where was I... normally I have a point, but I lost it.

Damn kids, I think they've shoved me into celebate senility.

I Love Dust

2005-11-06T20:42:00.000-05:00

Last year I posted pictures of my tea pot collection.

I still enjoy collecting them and they're still all over my house. Although now I only buy the teapots that I find are really different or insanely cute.

But now, I've given into another weakness. Plates.... as in dishes plates .

I've always ooh and ahhed over some of the cutest sets in stores, but took a deep breath and passed them by. I mean really; how many sets of dishes does one person need? Buying a service 0f 8 everytime I see a set I like would just be, well stupid. And expensive. Not to mention I quit throwing things a long time ago.... And then... I got those plate racks from Freecycle. A perfect excuse to go plate shopping.

And look! There are still two spaces still open. I think another addiction has been acquired. How many plates and plate racks are allowed before it becomes weird, or tacky?

Hopefully I'll stop before my house ends up looking like a thrift store.

Or then again....maybe not.

I Spy.. EEK A Mouse

2005-11-05T21:45:00.000-05:00

Seems I have a little mouse reading my journal.

Yep, college boy has been checking up on mom through her journal. Oh boy. I figure I have a few choices.... I'd could go private; quit writing; start a new journal with a new name and tell them I don't have one;

OR.....

I could start talking about sex and wait to hear about how he ran screaming from the dorm room holding his eyes, stumbling blind and incoherent into the arms of therapy. Hmmm... Decisions. Decisions.

Party Pagan

2005-11-01T19:14:00.000-05:00

This year my neighbors put on an even bigger haunted house. Now you know why it costs me $60 in candy.Of course I could close my door and turn off the lights like some of our other neighbors do....but what fun is that?!

So I just hit the grocery store early, stock up on candy and wait for the crowds to appear. And they do. For 3 hours straight.Tell me those Mormons don't know how to party pagan!

The Flicker of Tomorrow

2005-10-31T20:08:00.000-05:00

Saturday night brought with it a fire that burned warmly; casting a soft glow across the carpet. The soft aroma of coffee was wafting in from the kitchen just beyond the couch where I lay. The TV volume turned low while it's glow competed against the light from the lap top. I snuggled down into the couch. I was alone. The house was quiet. Each child gone for the weekend. The phone would remain silent as it always did. There would be no calls. There never were. Tonight would be no different. I wonder if this is how my future feels.

The Faces Of Halloween

2005-10-30T19:31:00.000-05:00

If you were wondering where all your trick-or-treaters were this year....

They came to MY house.

This year I bought $60 dollars worth of candy. No way I was going to run out this year. My kids are too old to go candy collecting, so there would be no bags to steal from this time. I was determined to be prepared.

I mean could you say 'sorry no candy' to any of these faces?

The treat was - they got candy. The trick was - I got a picture and they walked around with flashbulb eyes for a while... hehehe.

And yes, I took pictures of almost every single one of the kids that came to my door (around 200).

My evil plan left me exhausted.

But as you can see, the kids loved having their picture taken.

Cold Mondays

2005-10-24T20:10:00.000-04:00

43 degrees.

Where the hell are my sweaters.

These can't be my pants. Who the hell switched my pants with some anorexic biotch's pants.

Do I own anything other than sandals? I know I did last year. Where the hell are my closed toe shoes?

8:55. I'm supposed to be at work at 9:00.

I would have been on time if "somebody" had some decent clothes to wear.

I guess I could wear one of my long skirts. But that requires boots. Is it cold enough for boots?I need to go shopping. I hate shopping.

That's it. I'm calling in sick.

No I'm not. I'll wear jeans. No, I can't breath in those jeans. I wonder how they'd feel if I showed up in sweatpants.

!#%^^*+! sFreakin Monday.

Such are the Monday morning thoughts of a woman who needs to lose 10 lbs

Judi's Art Essay Contest

2005-10-22T20:13:00.000-04:00

Church was over later than usual that Sunday morning. My (then) husband and I, along with hundreds of others spilled out of the main Sanctuary and started down the walkways and large expanse of lawn that led to the parking lots and annexes below. We were trying to make our way in the crowd to the Children’s Church building and collect our sons from their class. We picked up our guys and started making our way back down along the large church campus while being jostled occasionally by people anxious to collect to their kids and get to their cars too.

As we were walking, I noticed off to the right and across the open grass, a young girl about 10 years old with a younger boy. They were standing very close together holding hands.

I slowed down and kept glancing over at them constantly. I noticed there were no adults standing near them and something just seemed very odd. This was an extremely large church congregation; a few hundred people at least, all who were milling around everywhere. There were people making their way down the sloping hill passing all around the kids down to the parking lots and yet these two children seemed to be alone, standing in a clearing of sorts. “A clearing of souls,” I remember thinking when I saw them.

As we got a bit closer, I thought perhaps the young boy was crying. And then I heard his sister. She was sobbing.

Sobbing.

I hesitated for a minute wondering what was wrong and also if I should get involved. Before my mind could answer, I realized I had broken off from my husband and kids and was cutting across down the hill, my high heels sinking in the ground, as I made my way around other people to the kids. I knelt down in the grass in front of them and asked the little girl what was wrong. I remember her brother’s eyes were so very, very sad.

While crying she told me that when their (children’s) church was over they came out, there was nobody around and she thought her Mom had left them and then all of a sudden there were people everywhere and she was afraid. I told her that ‘big peoples church’ just now got out a bit late, and that I was sure her mom was still here and we would go find their Mom.Just as I stood up and took their hands, Mom appeared. I briefly explained what had happened and she hugged her children promising that she would never, ever leave them or lose them, and next time to stay in class. She thanked me and I watched as they drifted happily off into the crowd, down the hill.

My husband and kids came up and he asked me what that was all about. Why I took off across the grass. Did I know those kids?

I explained what happened. Nothing spectacular. They were just lost was all. But he found it very odd. ”I didn’t see the kids until you went over to them. How did you notice the kids with all these people?” he asked. “How did you hear her crying? And how did the mom find them in the crowd when she didn’t know they weren’t in Children’s Church?” I couldn’t answer. “So in other words,” he continued… “In all the time it took for us to get out of church and get the boys, those two kids are standing out there crying and not one person stopped before you did?” When he said all that, it did seem rather odd. But, I was left with that feeling you have when you do something really good.I had pretty much forgotten about the incident until last night when I read Jeroldssis, author of “It’s All About Me I Think.” And the wonderful entry she recently wrote.

So here’s my secret thought for Judi’s Art essay.

I sometimes think that angels walk among us; yet often go unnoticed. Their wings are concealed, draped in inconvenience.

A gentle whisper of conscious that we often turn away from. You can tell who they are if you help one. Their eyes are full of pain that only the heavenly that are returned to being earthbound know.

I believe they are testing mankind. And so often we fail. But sometimes, if we’re very, very lucky, we listen with our hearts and succeed.