I had a really nice evening. Larry came over at 6:00; we had dinner reservations at 7:00 and we were back here at the house around 9:00. I gave him the grand tour (even though he was here two weeks ago, he never got off the back porch) and then we sat and talked on the couch. He left around 11:00 and I sent him this email message a short time ago:
Dear Larry,
I know that you don't believe me and we are going to be having this conversation for a long time to come, but I really am an introvert!
But beyond that, I enjoyed spending time with you this evening and I'm disappointed that it will be another two weeks before we get together again. Until then, I'll leave you with this:
1) Does Kenna have a tatoo, and if so, what, and where?
2) Based on the contents of my refrigerator, what kind of person am I?
3) What is the one thing you'd really like to know but were afraid to ask?
That should keep you busy through the weekend ... hope you had a safe trip home.
Kenna
XXOO
In the course of our conversation, I told him that I'm an introvert, and for some strange reason, he doesn't believe me. Larry spent some time in the Air Force and I asked him if he had any tats, and somehow gave him the impression that I had one ... or several. He mentioned one match.com interaction where a woman basically sent him this questionnaire, and one of the questions was to detail the contents of his fridge - thus, question # 2. And, I really wondered - was there some question that was on his mind that he didn't dare ask - yet?
All in all, a great second date. Won't see him again for two weeks because next weekend is my brother's wedding - and even if it weren't too early in the relationship to invite him to come along, I'll be there for an extended weekend so it just wouldn't work out. But there's a chance that we'll do back to back dates on the 29th and 30th. We'll see.
Friday, October 15, 2004
Working On Company Time
Yeah, I know - sucks to be me today.
Have a meeting in NYC on Monday and I'm trying to pull all my shit together so I don't have to come in here over the weekend. And I'd like to try to get out of here on time or a few minutes early if possible so I can go home and make myself bee-yoo-tee-full for my dinner date. So - more later when I have more to tell.
And don't worry - I'll finish the UBND story eventually; I kind of like the idea of feeding it to you in installments - keeps you coming back for more!
P.S. Today is my sister's birthday. Happy Birthday! And Richard's birthday too - Happy Birthday Ricardo!!
Have a meeting in NYC on Monday and I'm trying to pull all my shit together so I don't have to come in here over the weekend. And I'd like to try to get out of here on time or a few minutes early if possible so I can go home and make myself bee-yoo-tee-full for my dinner date. So - more later when I have more to tell.
And don't worry - I'll finish the UBND story eventually; I kind of like the idea of feeding it to you in installments - keeps you coming back for more!
P.S. Today is my sister's birthday. Happy Birthday! And Richard's birthday too - Happy Birthday Ricardo!!
Thursday, October 14, 2004
The Unemployed Boy Next Door
I didn't choose him as a neighbor; he was already there when I moved in.
It was the fall of 2001 and I had just moved into my little rented house and was throwing a (imagine this) party. I was readying for my little shindig, and the unemployed boy next door picked that day to walk on over and introduce himself. So being neighborly and such, I invited him to drop by.
And I haven't been able to get rid of him since.
Oh, he's not a bad person. He's just a little ... odd. As I said to a friend recently, "He's a strange bird, but he's my bird." At first, I knew very little about him, and I think that was by choice, on both our ends. He was somewhat secretive, and having just moved to (among other things) get a little distance from John who was the boy next door in my old apartment, I really wasn't looking to get involved either.
It was a gradual thing, getting to know the unemployed boy next door. The first winter was mild and I was able to handle most of the snow removal myself. I had another party in June 2002 and the boy began to come out of his shell. By winter of 2002, when the snow fell in copious amounts, he began to help in earnest, and while I didn't want to assume that he would bring the snow blower over, I often hoped that he would, because there was an awful lot of snow.
Slowly, he began to tell me more. He's divorced - has been for years. Claims he doesn't even know where his ex wife is or what she's doing. Being newly separated and not yet divorced at this point, I just couldn't imagine that he didn't even know where his ex-wife was. How could you spend so much time with someone and then just lose touch? I suppose it happens ... and I suppose one day it may happen to me too.
Initially, he just simply stated that he didn't work. Over the years he's changed his story slightly to say that he is retired. In his early 40s. My interest was piqued. After all, one of my secret fantasies is to be a kept woman. It would be nice to not have to work, to have a man take care of me. The boy is attractive and fit. Hmmm - what are the possibilities?
Then we went out to dinner. A real date. And my bubble was burst.
{this post in progress - you didn't really think you'd get the whole story in one telling, did you?}
It was the fall of 2001 and I had just moved into my little rented house and was throwing a (imagine this) party. I was readying for my little shindig, and the unemployed boy next door picked that day to walk on over and introduce himself. So being neighborly and such, I invited him to drop by.
And I haven't been able to get rid of him since.
Oh, he's not a bad person. He's just a little ... odd. As I said to a friend recently, "He's a strange bird, but he's my bird." At first, I knew very little about him, and I think that was by choice, on both our ends. He was somewhat secretive, and having just moved to (among other things) get a little distance from John who was the boy next door in my old apartment, I really wasn't looking to get involved either.
It was a gradual thing, getting to know the unemployed boy next door. The first winter was mild and I was able to handle most of the snow removal myself. I had another party in June 2002 and the boy began to come out of his shell. By winter of 2002, when the snow fell in copious amounts, he began to help in earnest, and while I didn't want to assume that he would bring the snow blower over, I often hoped that he would, because there was an awful lot of snow.
Slowly, he began to tell me more. He's divorced - has been for years. Claims he doesn't even know where his ex wife is or what she's doing. Being newly separated and not yet divorced at this point, I just couldn't imagine that he didn't even know where his ex-wife was. How could you spend so much time with someone and then just lose touch? I suppose it happens ... and I suppose one day it may happen to me too.
Initially, he just simply stated that he didn't work. Over the years he's changed his story slightly to say that he is retired. In his early 40s. My interest was piqued. After all, one of my secret fantasies is to be a kept woman. It would be nice to not have to work, to have a man take care of me. The boy is attractive and fit. Hmmm - what are the possibilities?
Then we went out to dinner. A real date. And my bubble was burst.
{this post in progress - you didn't really think you'd get the whole story in one telling, did you?}
Wednesday, October 13, 2004
This Just In ...
... from the unemployed boy next door:
Looks like this is the last nice day for awhile -- how about a sandwich in the park for lunch?
Hmm ... what to do, what to do? I don't have any lunch plans, but I'm not sure I want to chitchat with him in the park. He's curious about my personal life and wants more info, I'll bet you anything. Although there is nothing between us, he likes to know what is going on in other relationships in my life, gets off on it a bit, I think.
Haven't responded yet ... not quite sure what I want to do.
2:00 PM UPDATE: Decided to have lunch with the UBND after all. I had to go home to meet the sprinkler system guy, and took him up on his offer of lunch in the park. We got a sandwich at the deli and sat on a bench in the sun by the duck pond. Actually, very enjoyable. Of course he was looking for more details, but I didn't tell him any more than I wanted him to know.
Looks like this is the last nice day for awhile -- how about a sandwich in the park for lunch?
Hmm ... what to do, what to do? I don't have any lunch plans, but I'm not sure I want to chitchat with him in the park. He's curious about my personal life and wants more info, I'll bet you anything. Although there is nothing between us, he likes to know what is going on in other relationships in my life, gets off on it a bit, I think.
Haven't responded yet ... not quite sure what I want to do.
2:00 PM UPDATE: Decided to have lunch with the UBND after all. I had to go home to meet the sprinkler system guy, and took him up on his offer of lunch in the park. We got a sandwich at the deli and sat on a bench in the sun by the duck pond. Actually, very enjoyable. Of course he was looking for more details, but I didn't tell him any more than I wanted him to know.
Tuesday, October 12, 2004
WTF?
So here I am, trying to watch "Sex and the City" on TBS and they get 10 minutes into the episode, and all of a sudden, "Save The Last Dance" is on. I should have just tuned into "Law & Order: SVU" as originally planned. Or maybe I should just hit the sack ... leave the alarm turned on ... get up at 6:00 a.m. and take a brisk walk.
Yeah, right.
Yeah, right.
The One With The Truth About London
When I visited my brother this weekend, he gave me a copy of the reading he would like me to do at his wedding. As you all know, I have a lovely speaking voice and great presentation skills. But I don't know if I'm going to be able to get through this one.
The reading is totally something out of Friends episode # 162, "The One With The Truth About London." You know the one:
Chandler becomes upset after learning that Monica only came to his room in London looking for Joey on the first night they were together. Joey is ordained as a minister through the Internet so that he can officiate the wedding. Phoebe becomes upset after taking headache medicine. Ross becomes upset after a baby-sitting Rachel teaches Ben how to play pranks.
Joey is working on his sermon and the conversation goes like this:
Joey: "Okay, you guys, I got a little more written. Are you ready? (reading) 'When I think of the love that these two givers and receivers share, I cannot help but envy the lifetime ahead of having and loving and giving and....' And then I can't think of a good word for right here."
Monica: "How about receiving?"
Joey: "Yes!"
and later:
Joey: "Now, now, listen. This is just a first draft, so... (starts to read) 'We are gathered here today on this joyous occasion to celebrate the special love that Monica and Chandler share.' (Monica and Chandler like it so far.) Eh? (He continues reading.) 'It is a love based on giving and receiving. As well as having and sharing. And the love that they give and have is shared and received. And through this having and giving and sharing and receiving, we too can share and love and have and receive.'"
I swear, that's all I could think about when I saw this reading:
Marriage Fulfills the Dreams and Love Two People Share
Everyone searches
for one special person
they can share their lives with;
the other half who makes them whole,
like two notes blending together
to make a beautiful song,
or the colors that complement
each other to form a rainbow.
It is everyone's wish
to have a lifetime of sunny days,
a rainbow after every storm;
a lifetime of loving and living
and growing and giving,
of sharing and caring;
a lifetime of days together,
learning from the bad times
and cherishing the good times.
Marriage is everything your heart desires,
and the strength, courage, and
determination to work for it.
In marriage you take care of each other's heart
and hold on to what you share.
You hold it gently, so it doesn't smother,
and firmly, so it doesn't slip away.
Hold it so that it can grow,
and you can grow together,
and live and laugh and love together always.
- Glenda Willm
I SO hope I don't lose it when I have to say "a lifetime of loving and living and growing and giving, of sharing and caring" because I really do want to do a good job for them. I think I got it out of my system - had a good laugh with my brother and his fiance about it. It's too late to change the reading since it's already been approved by the wedding nazi and my future sister-in-law really isn't prepared to do battle with her again. She already freaked out when it was suggested that the ushers walk down with the ringbearer (because you know, the ushers must already be up front waiting when the ringbearer comes down the aisle!).
I swear - next wedding, it's me, my man and whoever else happens to be on the beach.
The reading is totally something out of Friends episode # 162, "The One With The Truth About London." You know the one:
Chandler becomes upset after learning that Monica only came to his room in London looking for Joey on the first night they were together. Joey is ordained as a minister through the Internet so that he can officiate the wedding. Phoebe becomes upset after taking headache medicine. Ross becomes upset after a baby-sitting Rachel teaches Ben how to play pranks.
Joey is working on his sermon and the conversation goes like this:
Joey: "Okay, you guys, I got a little more written. Are you ready? (reading) 'When I think of the love that these two givers and receivers share, I cannot help but envy the lifetime ahead of having and loving and giving and....' And then I can't think of a good word for right here."
Monica: "How about receiving?"
Joey: "Yes!"
and later:
Joey: "Now, now, listen. This is just a first draft, so... (starts to read) 'We are gathered here today on this joyous occasion to celebrate the special love that Monica and Chandler share.' (Monica and Chandler like it so far.) Eh? (He continues reading.) 'It is a love based on giving and receiving. As well as having and sharing. And the love that they give and have is shared and received. And through this having and giving and sharing and receiving, we too can share and love and have and receive.'"
I swear, that's all I could think about when I saw this reading:
Marriage Fulfills the Dreams and Love Two People Share
Everyone searches
for one special person
they can share their lives with;
the other half who makes them whole,
like two notes blending together
to make a beautiful song,
or the colors that complement
each other to form a rainbow.
It is everyone's wish
to have a lifetime of sunny days,
a rainbow after every storm;
a lifetime of loving and living
and growing and giving,
of sharing and caring;
a lifetime of days together,
learning from the bad times
and cherishing the good times.
Marriage is everything your heart desires,
and the strength, courage, and
determination to work for it.
In marriage you take care of each other's heart
and hold on to what you share.
You hold it gently, so it doesn't smother,
and firmly, so it doesn't slip away.
Hold it so that it can grow,
and you can grow together,
and live and laugh and love together always.
- Glenda Willm
I SO hope I don't lose it when I have to say "a lifetime of loving and living and growing and giving, of sharing and caring" because I really do want to do a good job for them. I think I got it out of my system - had a good laugh with my brother and his fiance about it. It's too late to change the reading since it's already been approved by the wedding nazi and my future sister-in-law really isn't prepared to do battle with her again. She already freaked out when it was suggested that the ushers walk down with the ringbearer (because you know, the ushers must already be up front waiting when the ringbearer comes down the aisle!).
I swear - next wedding, it's me, my man and whoever else happens to be on the beach.
Hmmm...
So I'm sitting here wondering what to do.
Part of me wants to update you on this morning's email exchanges with Larry (I gave myself permission to make contact today after maintaining internet silence all weekend) and part of me doesn't want to share.
I'm b'twixt and b'tween.
See, on the one hand, this is a fun time for me. I haven't had a new man in my life in ... gosh, years. And it's fun to allow yourself to get swept away in the excitement of a new relationship. (Can I even say that it's a relationship? I grabbed his ass and we went out to dinner once.)
On the other hand (careful, I'll be blunt here) - who gives a shit?
It really just comes down to this - what's this blog all about anyway? Why do I write? Why do you read? What are the rules? Do I have any obligations - to myself? To you, the reader? Or is this just a long winded tease ... by thinking out loud like this am I just teasing you by not giving you what you really want to hear - the content of those x-rated emails exchanged On Company Time earlier this morning?
Part of me wants to update you on this morning's email exchanges with Larry (I gave myself permission to make contact today after maintaining internet silence all weekend) and part of me doesn't want to share.
I'm b'twixt and b'tween.
See, on the one hand, this is a fun time for me. I haven't had a new man in my life in ... gosh, years. And it's fun to allow yourself to get swept away in the excitement of a new relationship. (Can I even say that it's a relationship? I grabbed his ass and we went out to dinner once.)
On the other hand (careful, I'll be blunt here) - who gives a shit?
It really just comes down to this - what's this blog all about anyway? Why do I write? Why do you read? What are the rules? Do I have any obligations - to myself? To you, the reader? Or is this just a long winded tease ... by thinking out loud like this am I just teasing you by not giving you what you really want to hear - the content of those x-rated emails exchanged On Company Time earlier this morning?
Monday, October 11, 2004
Today's To-Do List
Okay, so I'm making some of this up as I go along so I can feel that sense of accomplishment in checking it off, but still ...
call for dentist appointment
call for doctor's appointment
call for appointment to winterize sprinkler system
clean stains on porch carpet
clean black beverage tubs and cooler
dump out week-old wine that wasn't consumed
go to gym
cook up bacon
thank you note to Nancy
put away martini glasses
empty suitcases 7:08 p.m.
update mailing list for women's group
daydream about Larry; but don't contact him
shower and get dressed
figure out how to get rid of underlining in my hyperlinks
throw away excessive wire hangers (NO WIRE HANGERS!!)
(post in progress ...)
call for doctor's appointment
call for appointment to winterize sprinkler system
clean stains on porch carpet
clean black beverage tubs and cooler
dump out week-old wine that wasn't consumed
go to gym
cook up bacon
thank you note to Nancy
empty suitcases
update mailing list for women's group
throw away excessive wire hangers
(post in progress ...)
What A Difference A Day Makes
So glad I came home yesterday. I pulled out the down comforter last night and put it on my bed. So warm and cozy! I slept great last night. Allowed myself to sleep in and didn't get up until 8:30. Went to the gym and burned my 500 calories and came home and cooked myself a big breakfast. Have a number of things to do today - hopefully will FINALLY finish unpacking so I can feel settled in this house for the next 9 months. Just in time to start pulling out the Christmas decorations ...
Oh, and gas spiked up to $2.14 overnight, but interestingly enough, in the next town over where I go to the gym it's still $2.03 and $2.05. Guess you know where I buy my gas.
Oh, and gas spiked up to $2.14 overnight, but interestingly enough, in the next town over where I go to the gym it's still $2.03 and $2.05. Guess you know where I buy my gas.
Sunday, October 10, 2004
Various
... driving home to visit my family this weekend was like taking a step back in time. It was Friday night and there was a high school football game at the stadium behind my brother's house. Opening day for the movie, "Friday Night Lights" wasn't it? Saturday morning I heard the factory whistle blow at 6:50 a.m. and again at 7:00. The factory doesn't operate anymore, and the whistle ... just for old time's sake, I guess.
... fall foliage report: peak to past peak
... I really hate the dead bugs on the front of my car after I've driven 226 miles
... what compelled my brother to ask "what's wrong with him?" when I told him that Larry was 40 and had never been married? My brother is 34 and is getting married for the second time in a few weeks; the first marriage lasted 18 months. My sister also asked the same question. She's 41 and has never been married either - but she's been with the same guy (now 49) for 20 (yes, that's right - 20!) freakin' years and she doesn't see anything wrong with that
... resisted the urge to call or drive by either the Ex's house or John's house on my way home. I'd be willing to bet that John will call me tomorrow to see if I have the day off and want to get together for "lunch." Anyone want to take that bet?
... did I mention that I had lunch with a very influential woman on Friday and told her I was looking to make a career change? Don't be surprised if there is more to come here.
... I listened to the Potato Month compilation CD on my way back and I think I definitely have to hear more of Rachael Yamagata - Letter Read is my new favorite song
... drove by the Mobil station and gas was $2.03; thought it might be cheaper at the local convenience store - nope, $2.05. Kept going and silly me - ended up paying $2.09 here in town.
... fall foliage report: peak to past peak
... I really hate the dead bugs on the front of my car after I've driven 226 miles
... what compelled my brother to ask "what's wrong with him?" when I told him that Larry was 40 and had never been married? My brother is 34 and is getting married for the second time in a few weeks; the first marriage lasted 18 months. My sister also asked the same question. She's 41 and has never been married either - but she's been with the same guy (now 49) for 20 (yes, that's right - 20!) freakin' years and she doesn't see anything wrong with that
... resisted the urge to call or drive by either the Ex's house or John's house on my way home. I'd be willing to bet that John will call me tomorrow to see if I have the day off and want to get together for "lunch." Anyone want to take that bet?
... did I mention that I had lunch with a very influential woman on Friday and told her I was looking to make a career change? Don't be surprised if there is more to come here.
... I listened to the Potato Month compilation CD on my way back and I think I definitely have to hear more of Rachael Yamagata - Letter Read is my new favorite song
... drove by the Mobil station and gas was $2.03; thought it might be cheaper at the local convenience store - nope, $2.05. Kept going and silly me - ended up paying $2.09 here in town.
Friday, October 08, 2004
$2.01
That's what I paid for gas last night. When did gas start creeping up again? It was spiraling down to $1.85 and all of a sudden (it seems) it's over $2/gallon again. I don't think we'll ever see the days of gas for less than $1/gallon again. Yes, I do remember those days. Even if we were to get back down to $1.20/gallon, that would be amazing. No, I'm afraid these increases are here to stay.
Which totally sucks now that the heating season is well, heating up again.
Slow day here at work. Have been working on my resume all morning because I am having lunch with a woman who is a vice president at a local convenience store chain. Do I want to work for a convenience store chain? Sure, why not? And even if I don't get a job there, this woman is very well connected and I'm sure she'll keep me in mind as she hears about other opportunities. I happen to know that she thinks highly of me - at least she did, I don't know if her impression changed after seeing me in my glory at the party last Saturday!
Big news - (well, big for me) - looks like I didn't scare Larry off. We're going to go out on a second date next week. This bodes well. Most guys don't come back after the initial meeting. I'm just too much woman and most men aren't able to handle a woman with this much personality and spunk. I literally scare them away. Of course, if you're not looking to "handle" your woman, then you just might be the man for me.
I was in a marriage where I tried to suppress my self - it didn't work. Here you go, this is who I am. Either you like me just the way I am, or you keep looking. Does this mean I'm inflexible and rigid when it comes to relationships? Hell, no! It just means I know what I want, I know why I want it, and I'm not afraid to ask for what I want.
Because to tell the truth - Larry didn't ask me out, I asked him out. At least that's what friend Mary told me last night. She said we were sitting and talking about restaurants at the party and when Larry mentioned a restaurant in his town, I asked "So, is that where you're taking me to dinner?" Most men would have run away screaming. He didn't. Way to go, Larry!
Which totally sucks now that the heating season is well, heating up again.
Slow day here at work. Have been working on my resume all morning because I am having lunch with a woman who is a vice president at a local convenience store chain. Do I want to work for a convenience store chain? Sure, why not? And even if I don't get a job there, this woman is very well connected and I'm sure she'll keep me in mind as she hears about other opportunities. I happen to know that she thinks highly of me - at least she did, I don't know if her impression changed after seeing me in my glory at the party last Saturday!
Big news - (well, big for me) - looks like I didn't scare Larry off. We're going to go out on a second date next week. This bodes well. Most guys don't come back after the initial meeting. I'm just too much woman and most men aren't able to handle a woman with this much personality and spunk. I literally scare them away. Of course, if you're not looking to "handle" your woman, then you just might be the man for me.
I was in a marriage where I tried to suppress my self - it didn't work. Here you go, this is who I am. Either you like me just the way I am, or you keep looking. Does this mean I'm inflexible and rigid when it comes to relationships? Hell, no! It just means I know what I want, I know why I want it, and I'm not afraid to ask for what I want.
Because to tell the truth - Larry didn't ask me out, I asked him out. At least that's what friend Mary told me last night. She said we were sitting and talking about restaurants at the party and when Larry mentioned a restaurant in his town, I asked "So, is that where you're taking me to dinner?" Most men would have run away screaming. He didn't. Way to go, Larry!
Wednesday, October 06, 2004
The Big Date
So, I went on my big date with Larry. Not bad!
I was a little hesitant going in, because I really blacked out and I didn't know what I said or did, and Larry didn't realize how little I remembered. It was humorous until he told me about the multiple orgasm conversation.
Somehow the topic of multiple orgasms came up, and apparently I began re-enacting that scene ... you know the one ... from "When Harry Met Sally" Larry thought it was funny. I was mortified. He also said I grabbed his ass, but he didn't mind that. Just wish I could remember.
So he refreshed my memory about the conversation we had already had, and spent two and a half hours getting to know each other over dinner. I think it's safe to say that we will be getting together again.
I was a little hesitant going in, because I really blacked out and I didn't know what I said or did, and Larry didn't realize how little I remembered. It was humorous until he told me about the multiple orgasm conversation.
Somehow the topic of multiple orgasms came up, and apparently I began re-enacting that scene ... you know the one ... from "When Harry Met Sally" Larry thought it was funny. I was mortified. He also said I grabbed his ass, but he didn't mind that. Just wish I could remember.
So he refreshed my memory about the conversation we had already had, and spent two and a half hours getting to know each other over dinner. I think it's safe to say that we will be getting together again.
Word of the Day
Blame It On The Vodka
I just realized what happened Saturday night. It was the Svedka.
Someone told me about this great new vodka, distilled five times and super smooth. What do I know about vodka, but amazingly enough it was also one of the cheapest vodkas in the liquor store. The Cosmopolitan martini I was making was 2 parts vodka to one part mixers, including triple sec which is not non-alcoholic. Super smooth = super potent. I might as well have injected the stuff.
Someone told me about this great new vodka, distilled five times and super smooth. What do I know about vodka, but amazingly enough it was also one of the cheapest vodkas in the liquor store. The Cosmopolitan martini I was making was 2 parts vodka to one part mixers, including triple sec which is not non-alcoholic. Super smooth = super potent. I might as well have injected the stuff.
You Think?
From maps.yahoo.com (emphasis mine):
"When using any driving directions or map, it's a good idea to do a reality check and make sure the road still exists, watch out for construction, and follow all traffic safety precautions. This is only to be used as an aid in planning."
"When using any driving directions or map, it's a good idea to do a reality check and make sure the road still exists, watch out for construction, and follow all traffic safety precautions. This is only to be used as an aid in planning."
Tuesday, October 05, 2004
That's What Friends Are For
I keep my friend Susan around for a good reason. She tells me like it is.
So, at this party the other night I made the mistake of not eating very much during the day and then compounded matters by drinking Cosmopolitan martinis - which quite literally make me crazy. I was totally trashed. I suspected it when I saw the first batch of photos, many of which I simply did not remember posing for, and it was confirmed when I picked up the second batch of photos last night.
Exchanged a series of emails with Susan today:
Me: How drunk was I?
Susan: Quite.
Me: Oh God. Why didn't you say something sooner? Did I do or say anything that will come back to haunt me or was I just very happy and overly affectionate?
Susan: Ha! I thought you knew. No need to worry. You were your usual happy, affectionate self and made sure everyone knew that you loved them. Lots of hugs and kisses and "I love you"s.
Later, a tidbit of a memory came back to me:
Me: I do have one memory of the evening that maybe you can confirm/clarify ... we must have been talking about my breasts, and I might have offered folks a feel? And Melissa took me up on it? Were you there for that?
Susan: Sorry, I missed that one. Doesn't surprise me though. You become very proud of your breasts when you're drunk and share them willingly with anyone who wants to look or touch. Nothing Melissa did that night would surprise me.
So I have 120 photos of the event, and yes, I will get around to posting a few (the boob shot already made its way to Boobiethon 2004) once I can make thumbnails and clear out some space in my directory to upload. But first I have to go to the gym and do penance for all the alcohol I drank and brie I ate (dinner last night and the night before - and I still have one that never made it to the oven).
Tomorrow night I have a dinner date with a man I met at the party (God only knows what we talked about or what I did to encourage him to set up that date!) and on Thursday I have a dinner date with Susan so she can give me the lowdown on her perspective of the evening and I can share the photos with her.
So, at this party the other night I made the mistake of not eating very much during the day and then compounded matters by drinking Cosmopolitan martinis - which quite literally make me crazy. I was totally trashed. I suspected it when I saw the first batch of photos, many of which I simply did not remember posing for, and it was confirmed when I picked up the second batch of photos last night.
Exchanged a series of emails with Susan today:
Me: How drunk was I?
Susan: Quite.
Me: Oh God. Why didn't you say something sooner? Did I do or say anything that will come back to haunt me or was I just very happy and overly affectionate?
Susan: Ha! I thought you knew. No need to worry. You were your usual happy, affectionate self and made sure everyone knew that you loved them. Lots of hugs and kisses and "I love you"s.
Later, a tidbit of a memory came back to me:
Me: I do have one memory of the evening that maybe you can confirm/clarify ... we must have been talking about my breasts, and I might have offered folks a feel? And Melissa took me up on it? Were you there for that?
Susan: Sorry, I missed that one. Doesn't surprise me though. You become very proud of your breasts when you're drunk and share them willingly with anyone who wants to look or touch. Nothing Melissa did that night would surprise me.
So I have 120 photos of the event, and yes, I will get around to posting a few (the boob shot already made its way to Boobiethon 2004) once I can make thumbnails and clear out some space in my directory to upload. But first I have to go to the gym and do penance for all the alcohol I drank and brie I ate (dinner last night and the night before - and I still have one that never made it to the oven).
Tomorrow night I have a dinner date with a man I met at the party (God only knows what we talked about or what I did to encourage him to set up that date!) and on Thursday I have a dinner date with Susan so she can give me the lowdown on her perspective of the evening and I can share the photos with her.
Monday, October 04, 2004
Fabulous!
Yes, it was another fabulous party. Will get around to posting pics at some point; have been busy cleaning the mess, enjoying a fantastic fall afternoon, taking a boob shot of myself for BoobieThon 2004, writing an article about the party for the society pages of the small local paper, disposing of dead mouse #5, eating leftover brie, and stowing away the martini glasses - none of which by the way, broke during the party. Sadly, can't say the same for my oversized pie plate, but on the plus side I did acquire a new glass platter and two serving baskets - Party rule #9: if you don't take it with you and you don't mark it with your name, it's mine.
Saturday, October 02, 2004
Mouse Free?
The traps I set Thursday night are still unsprung and empty. Maybe I just had that family of four and they are now all dead? Let's hope so.
Got up and went to the gym. Sweated off 489 calories. Not quite 500 but close enough. I'll burn the other eleven calories somewhere today. Things are pretty much set for the party - just need to do so picking up and tidying upstairs because I will have at least one overnight guest, and may want to give certain folks the entire grand tour, so best not to have my clothes draped over the chairs and such.
I may need to make another run to the liquor store ... premixed three different martinis last night and am just about out of triple sec, and getting low on the banana liqueur. Plus I need more gin, and while I'm at it, I might as well pick up more vodka. It's not like it will go bad - better to have it and not use it than to run out.
Need to prep my brie and the crab spread dish. Then cut up lemons and limes. Finally, a shower and do my nails. Plenty of time, I think.
Hey, if you're lucky maybe I'll do a drunken audio post during the party!
Got up and went to the gym. Sweated off 489 calories. Not quite 500 but close enough. I'll burn the other eleven calories somewhere today. Things are pretty much set for the party - just need to do so picking up and tidying upstairs because I will have at least one overnight guest, and may want to give certain folks the entire grand tour, so best not to have my clothes draped over the chairs and such.
I may need to make another run to the liquor store ... premixed three different martinis last night and am just about out of triple sec, and getting low on the banana liqueur. Plus I need more gin, and while I'm at it, I might as well pick up more vodka. It's not like it will go bad - better to have it and not use it than to run out.
Need to prep my brie and the crab spread dish. Then cut up lemons and limes. Finally, a shower and do my nails. Plenty of time, I think.
Hey, if you're lucky maybe I'll do a drunken audio post during the party!
Thursday, September 30, 2004
HA! I Win
You know that mouse? He's dead.
Turns out this is the mouse that made off with a trap about a week ago. I had set the trap and it just ... disappeared. I figured that I'd caught part of a mouse and he'd limped off dragging the trap behind. Turns out, I was right.
When I folded up the throw rug around the bucket and flipped it over I heard the thunk of a dead mouse. Upon closer inspection (a few drinks and the unemployed boy next door standing by my side made me bold) we discovered that wee mouse was missing a front leg. When I find that missing trap, I'll find the leg.
Apparently Mr. Mouse has been dying a slow death for the past week. But he decided to stick it to me and made sure I was aware of his suffering. Tough shit. I set two more traps. Details in the morning.
Turns out this is the mouse that made off with a trap about a week ago. I had set the trap and it just ... disappeared. I figured that I'd caught part of a mouse and he'd limped off dragging the trap behind. Turns out, I was right.
When I folded up the throw rug around the bucket and flipped it over I heard the thunk of a dead mouse. Upon closer inspection (a few drinks and the unemployed boy next door standing by my side made me bold) we discovered that wee mouse was missing a front leg. When I find that missing trap, I'll find the leg.
Apparently Mr. Mouse has been dying a slow death for the past week. But he decided to stick it to me and made sure I was aware of his suffering. Tough shit. I set two more traps. Details in the morning.
Grrr ...
Today sucks.
First the mouse in the house. Then I was late for my morning appointment. Then it was raining as I left my luncheon, and I didn't have an umbrella. And what the hell was in that rain? The self tanner I'd put on this morning (in anticipation of the party on Saturday) was bleeding into my white panty hose. Come on, plain old water shouldn't make that run, should it?
I'm not going back into the office. Screw it. I'm in a pissy mood and I don't need to share it with anyone. I want to bask in this negativity all by myself.
Still not a peep from you know who. Not an email. Not a voice mail message. Nothing. Thanks for all your good advice. Makes me wish I'd been sharing some of the details all along instead of pumping it into that infamous 'other blog' since May.
I'm going to pick up a few things around here, maybe check on that mouse and then go to the gym where I'll sweat off some of this anger and frustration. Channel myself in a positive way. I check in with y'all later.
First the mouse in the house. Then I was late for my morning appointment. Then it was raining as I left my luncheon, and I didn't have an umbrella. And what the hell was in that rain? The self tanner I'd put on this morning (in anticipation of the party on Saturday) was bleeding into my white panty hose. Come on, plain old water shouldn't make that run, should it?
I'm not going back into the office. Screw it. I'm in a pissy mood and I don't need to share it with anyone. I want to bask in this negativity all by myself.
Still not a peep from you know who. Not an email. Not a voice mail message. Nothing. Thanks for all your good advice. Makes me wish I'd been sharing some of the details all along instead of pumping it into that infamous 'other blog' since May.
I'm going to pick up a few things around here, maybe check on that mouse and then go to the gym where I'll sweat off some of this anger and frustration. Channel myself in a positive way. I check in with y'all later.
This Is War
I went down to the laundry room this morning to grab a pair of panty hose off the drying rack. As I rounded the corner my sharp eyes spotted something on the rug. It was a mouse.
I turned the light on and it didn't move. I observed it from a distance and it still didn't move. It appeared to have its head buried in a fluff of lint. I slowly moved toward the mouse, just hoping it was dead and I would deal with it later. It stirred. I swore.
I went to the porch and got a bucket. The mouse was still in the same spot, in something of a stupor. I put the bucket over the mouse, grabbed my panty hose, and ran. I'll deal with it later.
I was okay with mice running around the old part of the basement, the place I only visit occasionally. But here, in my laundry room - out in the open in broad daylight ?
This is war.
I turned the light on and it didn't move. I observed it from a distance and it still didn't move. It appeared to have its head buried in a fluff of lint. I slowly moved toward the mouse, just hoping it was dead and I would deal with it later. It stirred. I swore.
I went to the porch and got a bucket. The mouse was still in the same spot, in something of a stupor. I put the bucket over the mouse, grabbed my panty hose, and ran. I'll deal with it later.
I was okay with mice running around the old part of the basement, the place I only visit occasionally. But here, in my laundry room - out in the open in broad daylight ?
This is war.
Wednesday, September 29, 2004
Stubborn. Obstinate. Contradictory. Ornery.
Good words, all. Makes me think of Amanda's MWOTD.
But actually, these are the words I would use to describe myself today.
You see, a certain friend who shall remain nameless but whose identity you can guess if you've been reading this since the beginning has been incommunicado for the last few days, and it's pissing me off (ornery).
And so I'm returning the favor (stubborn, obstinate), even though it's killing me. Childish? Perhaps. Necessary? Probably.
See, the person I'm referring to is a married man. Someone who I care for very deeply, but who doesn't care for me with the same depth of feeling. He's in the process of trying to negotiate a separation agreement with his wife, and it's been a long, difficult process. She told him a year ago that she wanted a separation, but she expected him to move out. He tried to work on the relationship (that one last desperate, futile effort) and then when he finally said, enough's enough, I want out, she did a 360.
What? You want to divorce me? Oh, boo-hoo! I'm not ready to be divorced. Now give me half of everything including your future earnings.
So, you see, it's been a difficult road. But I thought they were coming to the end of the line, and that maybe we could start to socialize with each other outside of the work day. That was my hope, and it was dashed when he told me that he couldn't come to the party on Saturday. I understand, but you know what? I'm disappointed.
And if this were a real relationship, I should be able to tell him that. But no, I'm like most other women out there - I'm thinking about his feelings and making excuses for him like "He's got so much going on, he doesn't need me giving him a guilt trip about not coming to the party."
As much as I tell myself I'm not waiting around for him, I am (contradictory). Every time I see the new mail icon flash on my desktop I wonder if it's from him. He sent a video file around to several folks at the end of the day yesterday and I didn't acknowledge it. I heard nothing from him last night and nothing today (here I go rationalizing things for him again - I know he told me that he has to be careful about sending email from home; he told his wife that he didn't have email access so he can't let her catch him sending email because she wants to look at his mail file).
You know, I just wish I knew what was going on. Wednesdays are their couples therapy/divorce mediation days, and I'd like to know if any progress has been made. There's a part of me that says it's none of my business and a part of me (contradictory) that says, yes, it is my business and he made it my business when he asked for my advice and when he copied me on the draft of his separation agreement and when he over the course of the last three years has asked me to lunch on a weekly basis and when he confessed to me that yes, he is indeed having a long-distance love affair. Yes, like it or not, I'm part of his marriage.
I'm just at the point where I feel like I've given so much more than I've received from this relationship. And yet I don't want to let it go (stubborn). I've invested too much - too much time and energy and emotion.
I've often said that the one thing I wished I'd learned earlier in life was how to let go. How do you let go of a relationship that isn't working for you anymore? It took me five years to leave my marriage. Maybe I should cut my losses on this one before I get in any deeper than I already am. It's just so damn hard, because it's a basic human need - to be needed. And I'd like to think he needs me.
But maybe the better question is - do I need him?
But actually, these are the words I would use to describe myself today.
You see, a certain friend who shall remain nameless but whose identity you can guess if you've been reading this since the beginning has been incommunicado for the last few days, and it's pissing me off (ornery).
And so I'm returning the favor (stubborn, obstinate), even though it's killing me. Childish? Perhaps. Necessary? Probably.
See, the person I'm referring to is a married man. Someone who I care for very deeply, but who doesn't care for me with the same depth of feeling. He's in the process of trying to negotiate a separation agreement with his wife, and it's been a long, difficult process. She told him a year ago that she wanted a separation, but she expected him to move out. He tried to work on the relationship (that one last desperate, futile effort) and then when he finally said, enough's enough, I want out, she did a 360.
What? You want to divorce me? Oh, boo-hoo! I'm not ready to be divorced. Now give me half of everything including your future earnings.
So, you see, it's been a difficult road. But I thought they were coming to the end of the line, and that maybe we could start to socialize with each other outside of the work day. That was my hope, and it was dashed when he told me that he couldn't come to the party on Saturday. I understand, but you know what? I'm disappointed.
And if this were a real relationship, I should be able to tell him that. But no, I'm like most other women out there - I'm thinking about his feelings and making excuses for him like "He's got so much going on, he doesn't need me giving him a guilt trip about not coming to the party."
As much as I tell myself I'm not waiting around for him, I am (contradictory). Every time I see the new mail icon flash on my desktop I wonder if it's from him. He sent a video file around to several folks at the end of the day yesterday and I didn't acknowledge it. I heard nothing from him last night and nothing today (here I go rationalizing things for him again - I know he told me that he has to be careful about sending email from home; he told his wife that he didn't have email access so he can't let her catch him sending email because she wants to look at his mail file).
You know, I just wish I knew what was going on. Wednesdays are their couples therapy/divorce mediation days, and I'd like to know if any progress has been made. There's a part of me that says it's none of my business and a part of me (contradictory) that says, yes, it is my business and he made it my business when he asked for my advice and when he copied me on the draft of his separation agreement and when he over the course of the last three years has asked me to lunch on a weekly basis and when he confessed to me that yes, he is indeed having a long-distance love affair. Yes, like it or not, I'm part of his marriage.
I'm just at the point where I feel like I've given so much more than I've received from this relationship. And yet I don't want to let it go (stubborn). I've invested too much - too much time and energy and emotion.
I've often said that the one thing I wished I'd learned earlier in life was how to let go. How do you let go of a relationship that isn't working for you anymore? It took me five years to leave my marriage. Maybe I should cut my losses on this one before I get in any deeper than I already am. It's just so damn hard, because it's a basic human need - to be needed. And I'd like to think he needs me.
But maybe the better question is - do I need him?
Public Service Announcement
Attention K-Mart Shoppers:
The name of the popular HBO series is
"Sex And The City"
NOT
"Sex In The City"
Thank you for your attention.
We now return to our regularly scheduled program.
The name of the popular HBO series is
"Sex And The City"
NOT
"Sex In The City"
Thank you for your attention.
We now return to our regularly scheduled program.
Tuesday, September 28, 2004
When To Pay Full Price
Was in the dollar store tonight (got six red wine glasses, three plastic pitchers for pre-mixing martinis and my favorite toothpaste, Aim) and while it is the best dollar store ever, there was at least one item which shouldn't be sold at a bargain price.
Would you trust a dollar store pregnancy test?
Would you trust a dollar store pregnancy test?
Neither Wind, Nor Rain ...
Mail carrier Terry Handy makes his rounds Monday in San Marco, using trash bags for boots.
- JON M. FLETCHER/The Times-Union
Horror of Horrors!
I'm actually working on company time.
And in other news ...
... haven't caught any mice in the glue traps; need to bait?
... I drank my dinner last night
... my sister called on Saturday and I haven't gotten back to her
... it's raining again
... my post counter is stuck at 474
... only 4 days until my martini party!
... I'm bummed that Michelle can't make it to the party
... Michael is bringing a guest; his estranged wife???
... I'm pissed that Phil isn't coming to the party
... I'm totally excited that Erik is coming (and bringing two male friends - fresh meat!)
... I don't think Conan O'Brian is funny and I predict that he will totally flop on "The Tonight Show"
... I don't actually watch any of those late night shows
... The trainer at the gym says I need to burn 500 calories every time I work out in order to lose any weight
... I'm just killing time here waiting to see if Phil wants to go to lunch
...
...
...
... I think I've wasted enough time waiting for Phil
And in other news ...
... haven't caught any mice in the glue traps; need to bait?
... I drank my dinner last night
... my sister called on Saturday and I haven't gotten back to her
... it's raining again
... my post counter is stuck at 474
... only 4 days until my martini party!
... I'm bummed that Michelle can't make it to the party
... Michael is bringing a guest; his estranged wife???
... I'm pissed that Phil isn't coming to the party
... I'm totally excited that Erik is coming (and bringing two male friends - fresh meat!)
... I don't think Conan O'Brian is funny and I predict that he will totally flop on "The Tonight Show"
... I don't actually watch any of those late night shows
... The trainer at the gym says I need to burn 500 calories every time I work out in order to lose any weight
... I'm just killing time here waiting to see if Phil wants to go to lunch
...
...
...
... I think I've wasted enough time waiting for Phil
Monday, September 27, 2004
one-upmanship
Michael saw Richard's response and upped the ante with this:
"One martini is all right. Two are too many, and three are not enough."
- James Thurber
"One martini is all right. Two are too many, and three are not enough."
- James Thurber
Richard Rocks
In responding to my party invitation, Richard wrote:
"When I have one martini, I feel bigger, wiser, taller. When I have the second, I feel superlative. When I have more, there's no holding me."
- William Faulkner
"When I have one martini, I feel bigger, wiser, taller. When I have the second, I feel superlative. When I have more, there's no holding me."
- William Faulkner
Living In A Fantasy World
Reality bites. I much prefer my fantasy world.
The one where the man I love would notice that I look especially ravishing today and say, "Mmmm, you look especially ravishing today." And then he ravishes me.
The one where I don't have to work for a living.
The one where it's easy to lose that extra ten pounds.
The one where it's 70 degrees and sunny all the time.
The one where I'm not disappointed in myself, my life.
The one where my friends don't have to worry about their health.
The one where I know what I want to do with my life.
The one where I make money by sitting here in front of the keyboard pounding out my thoughts and introspections.
Yeah, well, reality check girlfriend. Actually, I'm not that depressed.
Because the sun is shining and it will be close to 70 degrees today.
Because I live in a cute little cottage and I can walk to work.
Because I have fantastic friends who support me even when I make stupid decisions.
Because I have parents who love me and who have been married for over 40 years.
Because I have money in the bank and I don't need to worry about where my next meal is coming from.
Okay, so the complaint list is longer than the thankful list, but hey, it's a start.
The one where the man I love would notice that I look especially ravishing today and say, "Mmmm, you look especially ravishing today." And then he ravishes me.
The one where I don't have to work for a living.
The one where it's easy to lose that extra ten pounds.
The one where it's 70 degrees and sunny all the time.
The one where I'm not disappointed in myself, my life.
The one where my friends don't have to worry about their health.
The one where I know what I want to do with my life.
The one where I make money by sitting here in front of the keyboard pounding out my thoughts and introspections.
Yeah, well, reality check girlfriend. Actually, I'm not that depressed.
Because the sun is shining and it will be close to 70 degrees today.
Because I live in a cute little cottage and I can walk to work.
Because I have fantastic friends who support me even when I make stupid decisions.
Because I have parents who love me and who have been married for over 40 years.
Because I have money in the bank and I don't need to worry about where my next meal is coming from.
Okay, so the complaint list is longer than the thankful list, but hey, it's a start.
Saturday, September 25, 2004
Indulge
I'm indulging myself.
Taste testing the Blue Moon martini. Eh. Guess I'm not much of a gin drinker. But I didn't let that stop me from finishing it.
Watching old episodes of 7th Heaven.
Maybe I'll get around to showering. Or doing laundry. Or doing my filing. Or maybe I'll just sit here and get silly drunk.
Taste testing the Blue Moon martini. Eh. Guess I'm not much of a gin drinker. But I didn't let that stop me from finishing it.
Watching old episodes of 7th Heaven.
Maybe I'll get around to showering. Or doing laundry. Or doing my filing. Or maybe I'll just sit here and get silly drunk.
Thursday, September 23, 2004
Sometimes You Just Need A Good Cry
It's been building all afternoon. I'm not sure why. But it just spilled over.
I needed to cry. I've just had it with everything. My job. My personal life (or lack thereof). The distance between me and my family. I'm blubbering like an idiot, like a pre-pubescent teen right now. It's giving me a headache.
I don't know where I'm headed and that scares me. I mean, come on, the only thing I have to look forward to is this freakin' party next weekend. How lame is that? Maybe it's the alcohol. I finished off the last of the cosmo martinis earlier tonight.
I was at the gym earlier tonight and I just wanted to stay on the machine and go and go until I couldn't go any more but I didn't even have the energy for that. I don't know what the fuck I'm doing, where I'm going. I almost dropped in on the Ex earlier tonight. I just needed a shoulder to cry on - but I didn't. I knew that the comfort I needed wouldn't be found there.
I've got to pull it up from somewhere deep inside. I know that I have good friends who I can lean on, but I still need to muster the strength from within. Okay, I'm starting to feel better now. I really need to stop drinking during the week - the Cosmos make me crazy. Good to know before the party next week.
Where is that goddamn fairy godmother when you need her?
I needed to cry. I've just had it with everything. My job. My personal life (or lack thereof). The distance between me and my family. I'm blubbering like an idiot, like a pre-pubescent teen right now. It's giving me a headache.
I don't know where I'm headed and that scares me. I mean, come on, the only thing I have to look forward to is this freakin' party next weekend. How lame is that? Maybe it's the alcohol. I finished off the last of the cosmo martinis earlier tonight.
I was at the gym earlier tonight and I just wanted to stay on the machine and go and go until I couldn't go any more but I didn't even have the energy for that. I don't know what the fuck I'm doing, where I'm going. I almost dropped in on the Ex earlier tonight. I just needed a shoulder to cry on - but I didn't. I knew that the comfort I needed wouldn't be found there.
I've got to pull it up from somewhere deep inside. I know that I have good friends who I can lean on, but I still need to muster the strength from within. Okay, I'm starting to feel better now. I really need to stop drinking during the week - the Cosmos make me crazy. Good to know before the party next week.
Where is that goddamn fairy godmother when you need her?
Picture Perfect
Today is just a picture perfect day. It's nearly 70 degrees, the sun is shining and it's just beautiful. What I wouldn't give to have weather like this year round! There is a possibility that I may take a really long lunch and go for a drive with the top down ...
4:15 pm Alas, the ride with the top down did not materialize.
4:15 pm Alas, the ride with the top down did not materialize.
Wednesday, September 22, 2004
Update
Kenna: 3
Mouse: 3
Mr. Mouse got bold and came out during the daytime to finish up that half glob of peanut butter and he got caught. I didn't want to look, but I did. His eyes were open and had a surprised and sad expression. The peanut butter clump was hanging out of his mouth. Into the garbage he went - trap and all. I stopped at Home Depot on the way home and picked up glue traps and four new snap traps. I fully expect to fill them all.
Mouse: 3
Mr. Mouse got bold and came out during the daytime to finish up that half glob of peanut butter and he got caught. I didn't want to look, but I did. His eyes were open and had a surprised and sad expression. The peanut butter clump was hanging out of his mouth. Into the garbage he went - trap and all. I stopped at Home Depot on the way home and picked up glue traps and four new snap traps. I fully expect to fill them all.
The Score
Kenna: 2
Mouse: 3 or 4
Trap #1 was unsprung and the peanut butter was half eaten. Trap #2 was nowhere to be found. It must have sprung and caught part of the mouse and s/he limped off with the trap still attached. I didn't have time to start moving boxes to look for it. And if it was still alive ... leaving it there all day ... well, let's hope it's not alive when I search the basement tonight.
Phil recommends buying a bunch of these cheapo traps and just throwing them away mouse and all instead of removing and rebaiting. Sounds like a plan to me.
In other news ... did I tell you that yesterday the director of HR stopped in for "two seconds" and offered to assist me in my job search? After all, that is his job and he wanted to offer me his 25 years of expertise. Is it just me, or was this a not-so-subtle kick in the ass? "Let me help you find a new job so we can move on ..."
I understand the perspective, but let's call a spade a spade, okay? Don't come to me with an offer of assistance - if you want me to leave sooner rather than later, fine, but what's in it for me? Offer me a buyout, and I'm gone.
And to make matters worse, my ally in the HR office, the one person who I do trust to tell it to me like it is, just got a new job (with a $12,000 increase!!) - and I served as a reference for him. He says he'll keep his eyes open for me, and since he'll be working for central administration rather than here on one of the campuses, at least I can still keep in touch and he can tell me when they are trying to blow smoke up my ass.
Mouse: 3 or 4
Trap #1 was unsprung and the peanut butter was half eaten. Trap #2 was nowhere to be found. It must have sprung and caught part of the mouse and s/he limped off with the trap still attached. I didn't have time to start moving boxes to look for it. And if it was still alive ... leaving it there all day ... well, let's hope it's not alive when I search the basement tonight.
Phil recommends buying a bunch of these cheapo traps and just throwing them away mouse and all instead of removing and rebaiting. Sounds like a plan to me.
In other news ... did I tell you that yesterday the director of HR stopped in for "two seconds" and offered to assist me in my job search? After all, that is his job and he wanted to offer me his 25 years of expertise. Is it just me, or was this a not-so-subtle kick in the ass? "Let me help you find a new job so we can move on ..."
I understand the perspective, but let's call a spade a spade, okay? Don't come to me with an offer of assistance - if you want me to leave sooner rather than later, fine, but what's in it for me? Offer me a buyout, and I'm gone.
And to make matters worse, my ally in the HR office, the one person who I do trust to tell it to me like it is, just got a new job (with a $12,000 increase!!) - and I served as a reference for him. He says he'll keep his eyes open for me, and since he'll be working for central administration rather than here on one of the campuses, at least I can still keep in touch and he can tell me when they are trying to blow smoke up my ass.
Tuesday, September 21, 2004
The Score
Kenna: 2
Mouse: 2
One dead mouse trap #1. Trap #2 was empty, sprung, and about 2 1/2 feet away from where I placed it. I'm wondering if I caught part of a mouse (tail? paw?) and he dragged it to where he was able to escape. Ugh - now I have to empty and rebait.
How many mice can there possibly be?
Mouse: 2
One dead mouse trap #1. Trap #2 was empty, sprung, and about 2 1/2 feet away from where I placed it. I'm wondering if I caught part of a mouse (tail? paw?) and he dragged it to where he was able to escape. Ugh - now I have to empty and rebait.
How many mice can there possibly be?
Monday, September 20, 2004
Kenna: 1 Mouse: 1
Frilly is not the only one.
I've got a mouse in my house. Well, one less mouse.
Over the summer during my absence, my landlord moved a few of my things into the basement, including my buckwheat hull wrap. When I moved back in and found my basket of stuff, the wrap was mysteriously empty. Great eats for mice, no?
So last night the unemployed boy next door helped me set two traps in the bowels of the basement. This morning, the one baited with cheese was there, unsprung, and the cheese was missing. Mouse: 1
The other trap, which had been baited with peanut butter was sprung, and the lifeless mouse was attached. Kenna: 1
Where there is one, there is another. I'm setting the traps again tonight and this time it's peanut butter all the way, baby!
I've got a mouse in my house. Well, one less mouse.
Over the summer during my absence, my landlord moved a few of my things into the basement, including my buckwheat hull wrap. When I moved back in and found my basket of stuff, the wrap was mysteriously empty. Great eats for mice, no?
So last night the unemployed boy next door helped me set two traps in the bowels of the basement. This morning, the one baited with cheese was there, unsprung, and the cheese was missing. Mouse: 1
The other trap, which had been baited with peanut butter was sprung, and the lifeless mouse was attached. Kenna: 1
Where there is one, there is another. I'm setting the traps again tonight and this time it's peanut butter all the way, baby!
Sunday, September 19, 2004
Potent
Just had a cosmopolitan. It's a type of martini. Being the conscientious hostess that I am, I've taken it upon myself to taste test each and every martini that I plan on serving at the party. I only had one and my lips are numb.
Next up: the Blue Moon.
Next up: the Blue Moon.
Another 'Hallmark Holiday'
Sunday, September 19 marks the beginning of National Singles Week. So come on, show me some love.
Saturday, September 18, 2004
Friday, September 17, 2004
Thursday, September 16, 2004
OOTO
Yeah, I was out of the office today. So I'm posting on personal time.
I'm going to be traveling tomorrow and I was debating about taking my laptop with me. The hotel has free internet connection, but you know what? I'm going to be on the road for five hours, show up at an event and make nice, and then be in the hotel room for an hour or two tops before I go to bed, so why bother lugging the laptop? Think I'll do an audiopost instead.
It's always nice to have something to look forward to, yes?
I'm going to be traveling tomorrow and I was debating about taking my laptop with me. The hotel has free internet connection, but you know what? I'm going to be on the road for five hours, show up at an event and make nice, and then be in the hotel room for an hour or two tops before I go to bed, so why bother lugging the laptop? Think I'll do an audiopost instead.
It's always nice to have something to look forward to, yes?
Wednesday, September 15, 2004
Hypnotic
The sound of my tires humming on the pavement and my turn signal click-clacking as I coast up the long cloverleaf exit ramp.
I Know There's A Name For It
I can't put my finger on it ... it's a syndrome ... or something.
Why is it that the more determined to leave my job I am, the better I seem to be doing my job, and thus I start wondering if it's such a bad gig after all?
It's just weird. I've really started to turn up the heat in terms of talking openly and honestly to people I know about my job situation. I had a conversation with my boss on Monday, and he said he didn't have a problem with my talking to others here at work, or in the community. And he reiterated for me why my contract isn't being renewed, so I have a better sense of why I'm leaving (voluntarily or not). And now ... now I seem to be really cooking here. I'm actually getting things done and feeling good about being productive.
Maybe this just means that the end is near - things are coming together for me and change is in the air.
Why is it that the more determined to leave my job I am, the better I seem to be doing my job, and thus I start wondering if it's such a bad gig after all?
It's just weird. I've really started to turn up the heat in terms of talking openly and honestly to people I know about my job situation. I had a conversation with my boss on Monday, and he said he didn't have a problem with my talking to others here at work, or in the community. And he reiterated for me why my contract isn't being renewed, so I have a better sense of why I'm leaving (voluntarily or not). And now ... now I seem to be really cooking here. I'm actually getting things done and feeling good about being productive.
Maybe this just means that the end is near - things are coming together for me and change is in the air.
Tuesday, September 14, 2004
Working (!) On Blogging Time
Would have posted sooner, but work got in the way! Had an hour long (!) staff meeting and then I was pressed into putting together some information for an attorney and trying to figure out how to tell a board member that the photos he sent us for publicity purposes were awful.
Have a business related (sort-of) lunch that I need to prep for now. It's an old(er) retired faculty member who has hit on me in the past. I was very direct and told him that while I enjoyed having lunch with him from time to time, I was not interested in pursuing a relationship. He took it pretty well. I've heard that the hinted at separation from his wife has taken place, so I'm prepared for him to make another pass at me. All I'm interested in is letting him know my job situation and asking him to let me know if he hears of a position for which I might be suited.
But I do look awfully cute in my black short sleeved turtleneck sweater and black/white checked skirt that falls just above the knee ...
Have a business related (sort-of) lunch that I need to prep for now. It's an old(er) retired faculty member who has hit on me in the past. I was very direct and told him that while I enjoyed having lunch with him from time to time, I was not interested in pursuing a relationship. He took it pretty well. I've heard that the hinted at separation from his wife has taken place, so I'm prepared for him to make another pass at me. All I'm interested in is letting him know my job situation and asking him to let me know if he hears of a position for which I might be suited.
But I do look awfully cute in my black short sleeved turtleneck sweater and black/white checked skirt that falls just above the knee ...
Monday, September 13, 2004
Eerie
Know how I prepared my will over the weekend? My mom emailed me this morning and said:
"Dad and I lost our hairdresser yesterday. She died after a car accident early Friday. She was only 45. We both feel bad as we considered her a friend as well as hairdresser. We are hoping Doreen will be able to pick us up if the shop can survive. Tammy was the owner so that raises a lot of questions for all the gals who work there. Tammy gave her heart and soul to establishing a successful business."
Let's hope Tammy had a will so that her family and friends know what her intentions were with respect to the business, among other things.
"Dad and I lost our hairdresser yesterday. She died after a car accident early Friday. She was only 45. We both feel bad as we considered her a friend as well as hairdresser. We are hoping Doreen will be able to pick us up if the shop can survive. Tammy was the owner so that raises a lot of questions for all the gals who work there. Tammy gave her heart and soul to establishing a successful business."
Let's hope Tammy had a will so that her family and friends know what her intentions were with respect to the business, among other things.
So Sayeth Zach Braff
"A great sad song to listen to over and over when you're in the sad song on repeat mood is: Rachael Yamagata, "The Reason Why". Please buy it on iTunes and don't steal it. Not for any other reason than if you're reading this I like you and I don't want your Karma to get all fucked up because you stole a song from a struggling artist."
Sunday, September 12, 2004
Serious Business
I just purchased a will from LegalZoom.com - something I've been meaning to do for over a year now. So easy and yet so difficult.
Saturday, September 11, 2004
1,095 Days Later
It dawned on me as I was driving back from Lowe's this morning ... I heard this mix on the radio, and there was a voice over of James Earl Jones and patriotic music. I realized that today is September 11, 2004. Three years since 9/11. I'm not very patriotic, but I felt chills running through my body, and a few tears welling up.
Not only was it three years ago, it was three years ago to the minute. It was 8:55 a.m. on my clock - roughly around the time that the first plane hit the first tower, yes? And do you know where I was 1,095 days ago today?
Lying on a table, getting ready to give blood for a regularly scheduled blood drive. The rest of the day was a blur. Time stood still and people were glued to the television set. People started showing up to give blood, and we tried to accomodate everyone, but the Red Cross staff was only prepared for a certain number of donors.
By noon, the governor had sent all state employees home, but I stuck around trying to help the Red Cross staff finish the blood drive. And I really didn't want to go home alone. I had actually just moved into this house, and I didn't know my neighbors yet. Looking back, I'm glad I didn't spend the day in front of the television, watching the news coverage. I was a little immune to the shock that everyone else was feeling.
A lot has happened in the last three years. Most importantly - life has gone on. I can't do anything to change what happened that day, I can only look forward and focus on what is to come.
Not only was it three years ago, it was three years ago to the minute. It was 8:55 a.m. on my clock - roughly around the time that the first plane hit the first tower, yes? And do you know where I was 1,095 days ago today?
Lying on a table, getting ready to give blood for a regularly scheduled blood drive. The rest of the day was a blur. Time stood still and people were glued to the television set. People started showing up to give blood, and we tried to accomodate everyone, but the Red Cross staff was only prepared for a certain number of donors.
By noon, the governor had sent all state employees home, but I stuck around trying to help the Red Cross staff finish the blood drive. And I really didn't want to go home alone. I had actually just moved into this house, and I didn't know my neighbors yet. Looking back, I'm glad I didn't spend the day in front of the television, watching the news coverage. I was a little immune to the shock that everyone else was feeling.
A lot has happened in the last three years. Most importantly - life has gone on. I can't do anything to change what happened that day, I can only look forward and focus on what is to come.
Friday, September 10, 2004
Lest You Think I Was Working ...
No, I haven't actually gotten much work done today. Have been sluggish ever since I had that beer with lunch. Am going to have some hair of the dog and go out for a beer after work too. And then dinner with the unemployed boy next door. Let's see ... he volunteers at the food pantry on Fridays ... wonder what overstocked item he brought home with him today?
I just scheduled a massage for the 20th. I haven't had one in ages and I really need it. Probably more pent up stress than I realize. And I plan on doing a lot of yard work this weekend and will follow it with a 10 hour round trip drive next weekend, so I will really need it.
And Barrie, I haven't forgotten about the promised audio post.
I just scheduled a massage for the 20th. I haven't had one in ages and I really need it. Probably more pent up stress than I realize. And I plan on doing a lot of yard work this weekend and will follow it with a 10 hour round trip drive next weekend, so I will really need it.
And Barrie, I haven't forgotten about the promised audio post.
Thursday, September 09, 2004
Oops!
I just went back to the deli and paid for lunch.
It's this small lunch counter, and as I waited to place my order, all of a sudden a line developed so one of the owners stepped out front and took my order. The girl at the counter was busy taking the orders of folks behind me, so I sat down. They brought me my lunch, I ate it and left.
Just realized a few minutes ago that I hadn't paid for it. So I walked back and did so. Counter girl was very surprised, but I knew I couldn't stiff the check. I go there at least once a week if not twice. Plus it gave me a chance to walk outside where the rain has stopped. Now it's like a sauna out there. Guaranteed - it will rain again before the end of the day.
It's this small lunch counter, and as I waited to place my order, all of a sudden a line developed so one of the owners stepped out front and took my order. The girl at the counter was busy taking the orders of folks behind me, so I sat down. They brought me my lunch, I ate it and left.
Just realized a few minutes ago that I hadn't paid for it. So I walked back and did so. Counter girl was very surprised, but I knew I couldn't stiff the check. I go there at least once a week if not twice. Plus it gave me a chance to walk outside where the rain has stopped. Now it's like a sauna out there. Guaranteed - it will rain again before the end of the day.
Spotted Plates
More in my sporadic series of personalized license plates:
USAUNITD
I'm not very patriotic, but I liked this one. It would be great if we could pull together as a united nation and do the right thing.
O2BNMAUI
I've seen this one around town before and followed it home last night. I mean, I didn't follow the owner to his/her home, I just followed it until I turned off onto my street. And yes, I would much prefer to be in Maui today because - you guessed it - it's raining again. But I suppose it could be worse - I could live in Florida (which normally would be considered a good thing, but what with Charley and Frances and Ivan, not so much).
USAUNITD
I'm not very patriotic, but I liked this one. It would be great if we could pull together as a united nation and do the right thing.
O2BNMAUI
I've seen this one around town before and followed it home last night. I mean, I didn't follow the owner to his/her home, I just followed it until I turned off onto my street. And yes, I would much prefer to be in Maui today because - you guessed it - it's raining again. But I suppose it could be worse - I could live in Florida (which normally would be considered a good thing, but what with Charley and Frances and Ivan, not so much).
Wednesday, September 08, 2004
Well, It's About Time!
Been waiting all damn day for Blogger to come back up and start answering when I call.
Just came back from a ... what shall I call it? A pre-interview? A practice interview? Just met with the HR director at a local advertising agency. They are actually a fairly big firm (113 employees) for this area, and they specialize in medical/pharmaceutical work. I certainly don't have the brains or savoir faire for that, but I could play a role in project management or administrative support. No positions that are suited for me now, but she'll hold on to my resume. At least I put myself out there.
In other news, there is no other news.
Just came back from a ... what shall I call it? A pre-interview? A practice interview? Just met with the HR director at a local advertising agency. They are actually a fairly big firm (113 employees) for this area, and they specialize in medical/pharmaceutical work. I certainly don't have the brains or savoir faire for that, but I could play a role in project management or administrative support. No positions that are suited for me now, but she'll hold on to my resume. At least I put myself out there.
In other news, there is no other news.
Tuesday, September 07, 2004
What the ... ???
In the past 24 hours I have gotten over 100 hits from people looking for information on the Duggar family. Including one from the Washington Post and the United States Postal Service.
Folks, I don't have much information. What I've got can be found here and here.
(30 seconds later after I googled "duggar family" myself) Ah, now I get it. There was a story about them on the Discovery Health Channel last night.
Folks, I don't have much information. What I've got can be found here and here.
(30 seconds later after I googled "duggar family" myself) Ah, now I get it. There was a story about them on the Discovery Health Channel last night.
Weekend Wrap-Up
I mentioned how tired I was after catering on Sat night, but I didn't mention the Friday and Sunday parties, so here goes.
Friday I was invited to a "Married With Singles" mixer and I went even though I knew that the only person I would know was Ken and that we were not interested in each other whatsoever. Turns out I knew one of the couples there, and I chatted with another guy who might be a good contact person as I try to find a new job. I also met Doug, and we are going out to dinner next week to get better acquainted. Some of the other singles took it upon themselves to take names and email addresses, and I just got an email asking whether I might be interested in getting together as a group in early October. Turns out they are looking at the date that I plan on having my party, so I invited them all to come. What the hell - the more the merrier. And it's not like I haven't invited strangers to my party before!
On Sunday I slept in a little and then went to Wal-Mart and bought 20 bags of mulch and 200 pounds of top soil. Yes, now that I'm back in the house I've got to pay attention to the yard work. As I was heading home I saw my friend Richard on the road and I was surprised because I thought he had planned on being out of town this weekend. So I called and invited him to come with Susan and I to the BBQ at Mary's place. I left a message saying I wouldn't accept any excuses, but I thought he would blow me off nonetheless. Imagine my surprise when he showed up! Had a lovely evening taste testing martinis and was home in bed by 10:30 or so.
I didn't think the martinis had affected me, but I was a little fuzzy on Monday morning. I dragged myself out of bed and to the gym. Felt marginally better afterwards. The plan was to do some yard work, but I really didn't feel like it and then John called and asked me to lunch. I've been avoiding him for months, and so I relented. We had a nice lunch, and then I spent the next two hours explaining to him that although he thinks I'm the right woman for him, he's not the right man for me. I think he understands, but it's just easier if I don't see him because every time I let him back into my life, he keeps asking for more.
So. Back on company time. Did a few things this morning. Now I'm just wasting time until my lunch date shows up. I could use a nap.
Friday I was invited to a "Married With Singles" mixer and I went even though I knew that the only person I would know was Ken and that we were not interested in each other whatsoever. Turns out I knew one of the couples there, and I chatted with another guy who might be a good contact person as I try to find a new job. I also met Doug, and we are going out to dinner next week to get better acquainted. Some of the other singles took it upon themselves to take names and email addresses, and I just got an email asking whether I might be interested in getting together as a group in early October. Turns out they are looking at the date that I plan on having my party, so I invited them all to come. What the hell - the more the merrier. And it's not like I haven't invited strangers to my party before!
On Sunday I slept in a little and then went to Wal-Mart and bought 20 bags of mulch and 200 pounds of top soil. Yes, now that I'm back in the house I've got to pay attention to the yard work. As I was heading home I saw my friend Richard on the road and I was surprised because I thought he had planned on being out of town this weekend. So I called and invited him to come with Susan and I to the BBQ at Mary's place. I left a message saying I wouldn't accept any excuses, but I thought he would blow me off nonetheless. Imagine my surprise when he showed up! Had a lovely evening taste testing martinis and was home in bed by 10:30 or so.
I didn't think the martinis had affected me, but I was a little fuzzy on Monday morning. I dragged myself out of bed and to the gym. Felt marginally better afterwards. The plan was to do some yard work, but I really didn't feel like it and then John called and asked me to lunch. I've been avoiding him for months, and so I relented. We had a nice lunch, and then I spent the next two hours explaining to him that although he thinks I'm the right woman for him, he's not the right man for me. I think he understands, but it's just easier if I don't see him because every time I let him back into my life, he keeps asking for more.
So. Back on company time. Did a few things this morning. Now I'm just wasting time until my lunch date shows up. I could use a nap.
Sunday, September 05, 2004
What Is In My Vitamin?
So I went to the local GNC yesterday to stock up on supplies during Gold Card member week when I get a 20% discount. I needed a multi-vitamin and the clerk sold me this MegaWoman vitamin, said it was the best thing since sliced bread.
Except it turned my urine neon yellow. What the hell is in this stuff?
Except it turned my urine neon yellow. What the hell is in this stuff?
I Ache All Over
Catering is exhausting!
I helped a friend cater a party last night and I am whipped. Actually, if I think about it, I put in a full day's work - starting at 5:00 p.m. Preparing mushroom caps, taking the crudite and dip down the long stone path to the party tent, circulating with hot and cold hors d'oeuvres, constantly refreshing the chips and crackers, and passing out napkins.
The food was fabulous but the most popular item? The pizza bagels and cocktail weenies that were intended for the kids. There were some pretty damn big kids swarming all over me when I tried to set that basket down on the kids table. Setting the food out was a mistake, but that's what our hostess told us to do even after we told her that the adults were finding frozen pigs in a blanket more tasty than shrimp, brie and pesto filled mushrooms, goat cheese filled eggplant, crab cakes (made by grandma with her secret recipe), chicken satay and bruschetta.
Yes, the frozen pigs in a blanket were irresistable.
I helped a friend cater a party last night and I am whipped. Actually, if I think about it, I put in a full day's work - starting at 5:00 p.m. Preparing mushroom caps, taking the crudite and dip down the long stone path to the party tent, circulating with hot and cold hors d'oeuvres, constantly refreshing the chips and crackers, and passing out napkins.
The food was fabulous but the most popular item? The pizza bagels and cocktail weenies that were intended for the kids. There were some pretty damn big kids swarming all over me when I tried to set that basket down on the kids table. Setting the food out was a mistake, but that's what our hostess told us to do even after we told her that the adults were finding frozen pigs in a blanket more tasty than shrimp, brie and pesto filled mushrooms, goat cheese filled eggplant, crab cakes (made by grandma with her secret recipe), chicken satay and bruschetta.
Yes, the frozen pigs in a blanket were irresistable.
Friday, September 03, 2004
Hallmark Holidays
I have a Hallmark card box in which I store generic cards (mostly purchased from Current) for all occasions. As I went to pull out a birthday card this morning, I actually read the divider card for September.
Did you know that September is National Potato Month? The good folks at Hallmark recommend creating a recipe circle with your friends:
Write your favorite potato recipe on a card and pass it to your friend, she adds her favorite spuds dish and passes it on until it's full. Make copies of the finished piece and give everyone a copy.
Gee, thanks. What would I do without that little gem of an idea? But wait, there's more:
Unique Days and Ways to Make Others Smile
Wife Appreciation Day - third Saturday in September
Slip a note in your husband's favorite book reminding him of this unique day.
[NOTE: no hints for husbands here; the hint is for the wife to remind her husband so he can go out and buy (natch) a Hallmark card]
And here's one for Amanda:
National Good Neighbor Day - fourth Sunday in September
Place a card with a complimentary note inside your neighbor's mailbox.
[NOTE: I may be wrong, but isn't it a federal crime for anyone except the postman to place anything except mail that has been handled by the USPS in a mailbox?]
Don't get me wrong - Hallmark is a great company and they have the best selection of free e-cards out there; I use them all the time. Just got a chuckle out of these sexist hints and tips.
Did you know that September is National Potato Month? The good folks at Hallmark recommend creating a recipe circle with your friends:
Write your favorite potato recipe on a card and pass it to your friend, she adds her favorite spuds dish and passes it on until it's full. Make copies of the finished piece and give everyone a copy.
Gee, thanks. What would I do without that little gem of an idea? But wait, there's more:
Unique Days and Ways to Make Others Smile
Wife Appreciation Day - third Saturday in September
Slip a note in your husband's favorite book reminding him of this unique day.
[NOTE: no hints for husbands here; the hint is for the wife to remind her husband so he can go out and buy (natch) a Hallmark card]
And here's one for Amanda:
National Good Neighbor Day - fourth Sunday in September
Place a card with a complimentary note inside your neighbor's mailbox.
[NOTE: I may be wrong, but isn't it a federal crime for anyone except the postman to place anything except mail that has been handled by the USPS in a mailbox?]
Don't get me wrong - Hallmark is a great company and they have the best selection of free e-cards out there; I use them all the time. Just got a chuckle out of these sexist hints and tips.
Thursday, September 02, 2004
Party, Party, Party!
Just got a last minute invite to a singles mingle tomorrow night.
Am going to a party Saturday night (okay, I'm working it as a server, but still).
Have been invited to cocktail party/BBQ at my friend Mary's on Sunday.
Party! Party! Party!
It must be the martini glasses.
Am going to a party Saturday night (okay, I'm working it as a server, but still).
Have been invited to cocktail party/BBQ at my friend Mary's on Sunday.
Party! Party! Party!
It must be the martini glasses.
Those Were The Days
Found via the Next Blog button ... makes you just giddy when compared to today's prices.
Accounting For My Time
Had an informational interview with an old acquaintance this morning. Basically, he tried to scare me away from ever wanting to work at an ad agency.
"Everyone thinks it's glamorous and fun - that working here is one big brainstorming session where we toss around wild ideas like beach balls. It's a lot of hard work and long hours. And being an account exec, I have to account for my time in 15 minute increments."
Can you imagine if they actually asked me to be accountable here? Maybe I should try it sometime just to see what a 'typical' day is like.
"Everyone thinks it's glamorous and fun - that working here is one big brainstorming session where we toss around wild ideas like beach balls. It's a lot of hard work and long hours. And being an account exec, I have to account for my time in 15 minute increments."
Can you imagine if they actually asked me to be accountable here? Maybe I should try it sometime just to see what a 'typical' day is like.
Wednesday, September 01, 2004
Back in Business
I did it - I'm home!
Wasn't sure whether or not I would spend the night here, but how could I not? I've got the whole house AND my wireless internet connection. Just updated the dates/times on my audio posts. Without sound at work, I assumed that I just had a duplicate post, but now I realize that my lost post was indeed found three days later. Whatever.
The unemployed boy next door welcomed me home with a bottle of wine. I've unpacked three out of four of the tubs of clothes and will get to the last one shortly. I'm so excited to be back in the house!
Wasn't sure whether or not I would spend the night here, but how could I not? I've got the whole house AND my wireless internet connection. Just updated the dates/times on my audio posts. Without sound at work, I assumed that I just had a duplicate post, but now I realize that my lost post was indeed found three days later. Whatever.
The unemployed boy next door welcomed me home with a bottle of wine. I've unpacked three out of four of the tubs of clothes and will get to the last one shortly. I'm so excited to be back in the house!
One And A Half Loads Of Crap ...
... have been moved. One full load out of the apartment and into the house. Another load out of the apartment and into Trucklet during my lunch hour (thus the half). I am so hoping I can get this done in three loads. Who knows - I might be sleeping (and blogging!) in my own bed tonight!
In other news, I have an informational interview tomorrow. Really, it's just an old friend doing me a favor by letting me drop by his office. Still. You never know. Even if his company doesn't have a position for me, he may know someone who knows someone who is looking for someone with my skills and talents.
If nothing else, I could become a professional party planner. I've got the martini glasses.
In other news, I have an informational interview tomorrow. Really, it's just an old friend doing me a favor by letting me drop by his office. Still. You never know. Even if his company doesn't have a position for me, he may know someone who knows someone who is looking for someone with my skills and talents.
If nothing else, I could become a professional party planner. I've got the martini glasses.
Tuesday, August 31, 2004
Garden State of Mind
I saw Garden State the other night.
I'd heard some buzz about it, and tried to catch it when I was on vacation. Since then I've stumbled upon Zach Braff's Garden State blog and now I'm hooked. I've never been much of a Scrubs fan - I just didn't watch it regularly enough and (apparently because it is a smart comedy) there were some things I didn't "get" so I never really connected with the show. But I got Garden State.
This is not a feel good movie folks. It's not a comedy. It's not a love story. It's drama. It's real life. I think it's a good flick and I think you should catch it if you can.
I'd heard some buzz about it, and tried to catch it when I was on vacation. Since then I've stumbled upon Zach Braff's Garden State blog and now I'm hooked. I've never been much of a Scrubs fan - I just didn't watch it regularly enough and (apparently because it is a smart comedy) there were some things I didn't "get" so I never really connected with the show. But I got Garden State.
This is not a feel good movie folks. It's not a comedy. It's not a love story. It's drama. It's real life. I think it's a good flick and I think you should catch it if you can.
Monday, August 30, 2004
Saturday, August 28, 2004
Home Alone
I am home alone in the house I grew up in.
My parents have gone to a surprise birthday party. It's hot and humid outside, so I'm sitting indoors in the air conditioning instead of out by the pool. I bought some tan in a can, so why suffer and subject myself to possible skin cancer later on?
It's odd being here. In some ways it's comforting, but in other ways, totally disconcerting. Take the pool for example. My folks put it in 20 years ago. Twenty years! The concrete sidewalk around it has settled and I'm constantly stubbing my toe. They had to put in a new liner a few years back. On the one hand, it's the pool I remember. On the other hand, it's totally foreign to me.
My dad was watching CNN Headline News and there was a blurb about preparing for terrorist attacks in rural areas. This after reading in the local paper that the state police have been inspecting all trucks along the highway for the past few weeks, because the road eventually leads to NYC, and the republican convention is taking place next week. We are several hundred miles from NYC, but you've got to stop the terrorists when they least expect it. My dad asked me where I thought the terrorists would strike first. I told him I didn't think they would.
Naive? Maybe. I just can't be bothered to get worked up about it. My parents came of age during the Vietnam war. I remember them being really spooked during the Iran hostage crisis in 1979. And upset during the Gulf War in the early 1990s. And I'm not. I grew up in the age of high tech war. All I know is what I see on television. I've never really confronted having people I know and love go to war and die.
We were in the pool last night and I was teasing my five year old nephew. He doesn't know how to swim but he's tall enough to walk in the shallow end. I was keeping his floating bar bells just out of reach. He got excited and slipped and went underwater. I froze for a split second and the reached down and scooped him out. He wasn't hurt but he did swallow a bit of water.
At first he didn't even know how to react. Initially he laughed, but then he started crying. Amazingly enough, he got back in the water although by that time he was shivering and shaking all over. I apologized to him later and he told me "I'm just a little kid." That got to me. Not having kids of my own, I'm not around them very often, and maybe I did have unrealistic expectations of him. Maybe I was being too hard on him. It's hard to know.
My parents have gone to a surprise birthday party. It's hot and humid outside, so I'm sitting indoors in the air conditioning instead of out by the pool. I bought some tan in a can, so why suffer and subject myself to possible skin cancer later on?
It's odd being here. In some ways it's comforting, but in other ways, totally disconcerting. Take the pool for example. My folks put it in 20 years ago. Twenty years! The concrete sidewalk around it has settled and I'm constantly stubbing my toe. They had to put in a new liner a few years back. On the one hand, it's the pool I remember. On the other hand, it's totally foreign to me.
My dad was watching CNN Headline News and there was a blurb about preparing for terrorist attacks in rural areas. This after reading in the local paper that the state police have been inspecting all trucks along the highway for the past few weeks, because the road eventually leads to NYC, and the republican convention is taking place next week. We are several hundred miles from NYC, but you've got to stop the terrorists when they least expect it. My dad asked me where I thought the terrorists would strike first. I told him I didn't think they would.
Naive? Maybe. I just can't be bothered to get worked up about it. My parents came of age during the Vietnam war. I remember them being really spooked during the Iran hostage crisis in 1979. And upset during the Gulf War in the early 1990s. And I'm not. I grew up in the age of high tech war. All I know is what I see on television. I've never really confronted having people I know and love go to war and die.
We were in the pool last night and I was teasing my five year old nephew. He doesn't know how to swim but he's tall enough to walk in the shallow end. I was keeping his floating bar bells just out of reach. He got excited and slipped and went underwater. I froze for a split second and the reached down and scooped him out. He wasn't hurt but he did swallow a bit of water.
At first he didn't even know how to react. Initially he laughed, but then he started crying. Amazingly enough, he got back in the water although by that time he was shivering and shaking all over. I apologized to him later and he told me "I'm just a little kid." That got to me. Not having kids of my own, I'm not around them very often, and maybe I did have unrealistic expectations of him. Maybe I was being too hard on him. It's hard to know.
Friday, August 27, 2004
Audio Post Lost In Space Again
Okay, I'm totally not going to make any more audio posts from my cheapo pre-paid cell phone anymore. They always seem to get lost in space.
Last night I made an audio post at 1:40 a.m. Yes, that's a.m. I actually had slept fairly well Weds night thanks to the tea and honey and lemon and general care and concern (sometimes it pays to go diva once in a while) and yesterday I took the day off to attend a social event with the unemployed boy next door. I told him that I was feeling stuffy in the head and he gave me sudafed. And three hours later, he gave me another one. I thought "hey, it's been three hours, what can it hurt?"
Except now I'm starting to think he had given me what was supposed to be a 12 hour dose, and I took two of them within three hours. Went to bed at 10:30 and initially fell asleep but then I was awake at 11:15 ... and midnight ... and 1:00 ... and at 1:20 I got up. I just couldn't seem to go to sleep. I thought maybe it was the diet coke I'd had around 8:00, but looking back now, it must have been the sudafed. Made the audio post which is now lost in space and turned the television on with timer set to go off one hour later. Rifled through my stuff and found a few sleeping pills and took them. I remember being awake at 2:40 when the television turned itself off and then...nothing.
I woke up at 9:00 when I heard doors opening and closing downstairs. Good thing the plan was to take today off too, because otherwise I would have been seriously late for work! Took off on another weekend adventure with Trucklet and I do have internet access, so although I'd love to regale you with an audio post, you'll just have to make do with text posts for the next fews days.
Last night I made an audio post at 1:40 a.m. Yes, that's a.m. I actually had slept fairly well Weds night thanks to the tea and honey and lemon and general care and concern (sometimes it pays to go diva once in a while) and yesterday I took the day off to attend a social event with the unemployed boy next door. I told him that I was feeling stuffy in the head and he gave me sudafed. And three hours later, he gave me another one. I thought "hey, it's been three hours, what can it hurt?"
Except now I'm starting to think he had given me what was supposed to be a 12 hour dose, and I took two of them within three hours. Went to bed at 10:30 and initially fell asleep but then I was awake at 11:15 ... and midnight ... and 1:00 ... and at 1:20 I got up. I just couldn't seem to go to sleep. I thought maybe it was the diet coke I'd had around 8:00, but looking back now, it must have been the sudafed. Made the audio post which is now lost in space and turned the television on with timer set to go off one hour later. Rifled through my stuff and found a few sleeping pills and took them. I remember being awake at 2:40 when the television turned itself off and then...nothing.
I woke up at 9:00 when I heard doors opening and closing downstairs. Good thing the plan was to take today off too, because otherwise I would have been seriously late for work! Took off on another weekend adventure with Trucklet and I do have internet access, so although I'd love to regale you with an audio post, you'll just have to make do with text posts for the next fews days.
Wednesday, August 25, 2004
Um, Brian?
I think I'm coming down with your cold. I'm already sitting down so hurry up and put the kettle on, please.
The Vacation: Part IV - The BAY-BEE !!
So I told you the basics of what I did during my vacation, but I TOTALLY skipped over the group dynamics of it all. Here goes.
The whole idea of going to Martha's Vineyard on vacation wasn't mine or Susan's. We were invited by our friend Mary to fill a room in a rented house.
The Castaways
Couple # 1: our friend Mary, her husband Peter and 12 year old son Zach (3 people)
Couple # 2: their friends, let's call them Tom and Tina (2 people)
Couple # 3: Peter's ex-girlfriend Sylvia, her husband Steve and 8 year old daughter Stephanie (3 people - and their dog)
Couple # 4: Tom and Tina's friends, let's call them Mickey and Minnie, and their two daughters Molly (age 8) and Mia (nearly 1) (4 people)
The Interlopers: the final room was filled by two different sets of people, a family of four for the first two nights and a couple of two the last three nights. No significant interactions with them so this is all you shall hear about them.
So, for a day or two, there were as many as 18 people in this house. Six bedrooms, two kitchens, three bathrooms, two outdoor showers and a pool. The true core consists of Couples # 1 and # 2 - they've been vacationing together like this for 13 years. Couple #4 has been along for the ride for the past three years, and the rest of us knew either Couple #1 or Couple #2. Got that straight?
Okay. So. Basically I would say that everyone got along really well with one exception which I'll detail here.
Poor Minnie. You know, she just gave birth a year ago. And her BAY-BEE is so precious! Can you believe how beautiful this child is? Yes, it was one of those - the Mom from hell. She was so concerned about the rest of us being quite when her BAY-BEE was sleeping, but whose voice did I hear after I'd gone to bed at night?
Maybe I shouldn't go into all the details because it's just too easy. It's too easy to pick on this woman. She got pregnant as a teenager and her mother sued her for custody of her first child. She later married and had her second child, the eight year old daughter (who, by the way, seemed to be a perfectly lovely child when I tucked her into bed five out of the seven nights we were there) but you would think that she'd never given birth before - that her life did not start until she bore this infant not quite one year ago. At one point I mused - "should we read anything into the fact that she named this child Mia?" Might as well have officially named her Mini-Me.
I suppose it's classic - the woman just turned 37 years old and she's competing with/living through her children. Maybe if she would stop drinking so damn much tequila she'd be able to see straight. She really didn't do much to contribute around the household, and we were constantly stepping over her/her family's clutter.
Toward the end of the week she started putting on a big show of "helping" and on the final night, as we were all enjoying our farewell lobster dinner, she proclaimed that it would be wonderful if we were to take our lobster scraps and make lobster bisque. And then we could all take some bisque home with us and continue to relish our vacation! Wouldn't that be a great idea? Who's with me? I can't wait to do this for all of you wonderful people.
Sylvia managed to squeak out a positive affirmation and the rest of us just tried to ignore the nonsense. So around the table Minnie went, collecting all of our lobster carcasses. The pot was put on to boil, and the leftover corn was shaved from the cob to go into the soup, and Minnie promised she'd get up early in the morning to go to the store to get the cream and won't it be wonderful?
Susan and I snuck away to our room to do some packing and Susan said "There's no way we're ever going to see any lobster bisque unless Sylvia steps in and takes over. And I hope she doesn't." Barely an hour later as we were crashing on the sofa and the rest of the gang was starting a game of Scrabble it happened.
"I'm not sure I'm going to be able to finish the bisque."
No one acknowledges the uncharacteristically soft statement.
In a slightly louder voice: "Would anyone be upset if I didn't make the lobster bisque?"
Susan is trying desperately to catch my eye. I was zoning off somewhere and just gave her this "over my head" sign to signal that I'd missed what was happening.
"I'm so tired. I don't think I'll be able to finish the bisque. I'm sorry."
At which point Tina, the one who has known Minnie the longest and who took care of Molly when Minnie was giving birth to the BAY-BEE Mia spoke up and said, "I never thought you were going to do it in the first place."
And then later as Susan and I were heading up to bed we had to pass Minnie on the deck. Her eyes were bloodshot and she gave us a heavy sigh as she puffed on her cigarette. "I'm sorry we won't have the bisque, but I'm just so tired."
Yes, so are we. Tired of your trying to be the center of attention, whether it's through your BAY-BEE or your loud voice or your wearing of hip huggers that showed way more hip than we ever wanted to see. Yes, it's easy to pick on Minnie. So on the way home we tried to think of one redeeming quality, because you have to find something nice to say about someone, don't you? And then we came up with it.
Minnie never made us suffer through the changing of the diaper.
Not once did we see her change the BAY-BEE's diaper. Not once did we see or smell a dirty diaper in the trash. Not once did she lay her BAY-BEE down on the dining room table and change her diaper.
Yes, we did indeed find something positive to say about dear Minnie.
The whole idea of going to Martha's Vineyard on vacation wasn't mine or Susan's. We were invited by our friend Mary to fill a room in a rented house.
The Castaways
Couple # 1: our friend Mary, her husband Peter and 12 year old son Zach (3 people)
Couple # 2: their friends, let's call them Tom and Tina (2 people)
Couple # 3: Peter's ex-girlfriend Sylvia, her husband Steve and 8 year old daughter Stephanie (3 people - and their dog)
Couple # 4: Tom and Tina's friends, let's call them Mickey and Minnie, and their two daughters Molly (age 8) and Mia (nearly 1) (4 people)
The Interlopers: the final room was filled by two different sets of people, a family of four for the first two nights and a couple of two the last three nights. No significant interactions with them so this is all you shall hear about them.
So, for a day or two, there were as many as 18 people in this house. Six bedrooms, two kitchens, three bathrooms, two outdoor showers and a pool. The true core consists of Couples # 1 and # 2 - they've been vacationing together like this for 13 years. Couple #4 has been along for the ride for the past three years, and the rest of us knew either Couple #1 or Couple #2. Got that straight?
Okay. So. Basically I would say that everyone got along really well with one exception which I'll detail here.
[POSSIBLE SPOILER]
There is a good chance that Couple # 4 may get voted off the island.
Poor Minnie. You know, she just gave birth a year ago. And her BAY-BEE is so precious! Can you believe how beautiful this child is? Yes, it was one of those - the Mom from hell. She was so concerned about the rest of us being quite when her BAY-BEE was sleeping, but whose voice did I hear after I'd gone to bed at night?
Maybe I shouldn't go into all the details because it's just too easy. It's too easy to pick on this woman. She got pregnant as a teenager and her mother sued her for custody of her first child. She later married and had her second child, the eight year old daughter (who, by the way, seemed to be a perfectly lovely child when I tucked her into bed five out of the seven nights we were there) but you would think that she'd never given birth before - that her life did not start until she bore this infant not quite one year ago. At one point I mused - "should we read anything into the fact that she named this child Mia?" Might as well have officially named her Mini-Me.
I suppose it's classic - the woman just turned 37 years old and she's competing with/living through her children. Maybe if she would stop drinking so damn much tequila she'd be able to see straight. She really didn't do much to contribute around the household, and we were constantly stepping over her/her family's clutter.
Toward the end of the week she started putting on a big show of "helping" and on the final night, as we were all enjoying our farewell lobster dinner, she proclaimed that it would be wonderful if we were to take our lobster scraps and make lobster bisque. And then we could all take some bisque home with us and continue to relish our vacation! Wouldn't that be a great idea? Who's with me? I can't wait to do this for all of you wonderful people.
Sylvia managed to squeak out a positive affirmation and the rest of us just tried to ignore the nonsense. So around the table Minnie went, collecting all of our lobster carcasses. The pot was put on to boil, and the leftover corn was shaved from the cob to go into the soup, and Minnie promised she'd get up early in the morning to go to the store to get the cream and won't it be wonderful?
Susan and I snuck away to our room to do some packing and Susan said "There's no way we're ever going to see any lobster bisque unless Sylvia steps in and takes over. And I hope she doesn't." Barely an hour later as we were crashing on the sofa and the rest of the gang was starting a game of Scrabble it happened.
"I'm not sure I'm going to be able to finish the bisque."
No one acknowledges the uncharacteristically soft statement.
In a slightly louder voice: "Would anyone be upset if I didn't make the lobster bisque?"
Susan is trying desperately to catch my eye. I was zoning off somewhere and just gave her this "over my head" sign to signal that I'd missed what was happening.
"I'm so tired. I don't think I'll be able to finish the bisque. I'm sorry."
At which point Tina, the one who has known Minnie the longest and who took care of Molly when Minnie was giving birth to the BAY-BEE Mia spoke up and said, "I never thought you were going to do it in the first place."
And then later as Susan and I were heading up to bed we had to pass Minnie on the deck. Her eyes were bloodshot and she gave us a heavy sigh as she puffed on her cigarette. "I'm sorry we won't have the bisque, but I'm just so tired."
Yes, so are we. Tired of your trying to be the center of attention, whether it's through your BAY-BEE or your loud voice or your wearing of hip huggers that showed way more hip than we ever wanted to see. Yes, it's easy to pick on Minnie. So on the way home we tried to think of one redeeming quality, because you have to find something nice to say about someone, don't you? And then we came up with it.
Minnie never made us suffer through the changing of the diaper.
Not once did we see her change the BAY-BEE's diaper. Not once did we see or smell a dirty diaper in the trash. Not once did she lay her BAY-BEE down on the dining room table and change her diaper.
Yes, we did indeed find something positive to say about dear Minnie.
Next!
Noticed a few strange referral links lately, and I think I figured it out. It's the "Next Blog" button. People are pushing it and occasionally ending up here. Welcome strangers! Next time, stay awhile, leave a comment. We're all friends here.
Tuesday, August 24, 2004
The Vacation: Part III
Now, where was I? Oh yes, we were up to Thursday.
Lazed around most of the day nursing my headache. Friday dawned much as the day before - overcast and gloomy. But on that day's itinerary was a visit with my friend Barbara, so I put on the new dress and off we went.
Barbara hired me for my first job out of college back in 1987. It seemed like we worked together for YEARS, but looking back, it was only five or six years. Barbara was separated when I met her, and in 1993 (1994?) she took a vacation to Martha's Vineyard with a friend of hers. On the ferry on the way over, they spotted a man with his dog and a cooler of beer. Barbara asked for a beer. A year or so later, he asked her to marry him. And the rest, they say, is history.
Yes, it's true - she met him on the ferry and within a year she had finalized her divorce, quit her job, moved, married, and had a new job more fabulous than the one she left. And now, they've been married for nearly ten years and then have two adorable children, a 4 year old and a two year old. Of course, I'm sure there have been bumps along the way (like the miscarriage with twins) but it does have the makings of "fairy tale" written all over it. Now they split their time between NJ and the summer cottage on the vineyard. Barbara recently quit her job so she could be a stay-at-home Mom. Of course, she has a live-in nanny for those times when she wants to go out to lunch with her girlfriends. Yes, life is rough.
But it was a fun visit with Barbara. We did some shopping and I got not one but TWO Brighton belts. I'm not much of a label hound, but my friend Sandie is totally into Brighton leathers so she'll appreciate my purchase. How could I not - they were 50% off so I got two for the price of one. And I needed a new belt. And a spare. Mary got the belt I really wanted - reversible black and red - but they didn't have it in my size.
So, what did we do for dinner Friday night ... I forget. Saturday was more of the same. I took a walk to the general store (2 miles roundtrip) which was when I made that audio post. We all enjoyed lobster for our farewell dinner (remind me to tell you about the lobster bisque in my next post) and then it was Sunday and we bolted out of there to catch our 10:45 a.m. ferry. Spent the better part of the day driving back but made it safe and sound.
And now - I'm off to a networking thing. Coming tomorrow - The Vacation: Part IV - The BAY-BEE !!
Lazed around most of the day nursing my headache. Friday dawned much as the day before - overcast and gloomy. But on that day's itinerary was a visit with my friend Barbara, so I put on the new dress and off we went.
Barbara hired me for my first job out of college back in 1987. It seemed like we worked together for YEARS, but looking back, it was only five or six years. Barbara was separated when I met her, and in 1993 (1994?) she took a vacation to Martha's Vineyard with a friend of hers. On the ferry on the way over, they spotted a man with his dog and a cooler of beer. Barbara asked for a beer. A year or so later, he asked her to marry him. And the rest, they say, is history.
Yes, it's true - she met him on the ferry and within a year she had finalized her divorce, quit her job, moved, married, and had a new job more fabulous than the one she left. And now, they've been married for nearly ten years and then have two adorable children, a 4 year old and a two year old. Of course, I'm sure there have been bumps along the way (like the miscarriage with twins) but it does have the makings of "fairy tale" written all over it. Now they split their time between NJ and the summer cottage on the vineyard. Barbara recently quit her job so she could be a stay-at-home Mom. Of course, she has a live-in nanny for those times when she wants to go out to lunch with her girlfriends. Yes, life is rough.
But it was a fun visit with Barbara. We did some shopping and I got not one but TWO Brighton belts. I'm not much of a label hound, but my friend Sandie is totally into Brighton leathers so she'll appreciate my purchase. How could I not - they were 50% off so I got two for the price of one. And I needed a new belt. And a spare. Mary got the belt I really wanted - reversible black and red - but they didn't have it in my size.
So, what did we do for dinner Friday night ... I forget. Saturday was more of the same. I took a walk to the general store (2 miles roundtrip) which was when I made that audio post. We all enjoyed lobster for our farewell dinner (remind me to tell you about the lobster bisque in my next post) and then it was Sunday and we bolted out of there to catch our 10:45 a.m. ferry. Spent the better part of the day driving back but made it safe and sound.
And now - I'm off to a networking thing. Coming tomorrow - The Vacation: Part IV - The BAY-BEE !!
Monday, August 23, 2004
The Vacation: Part II
I hate to say it, but I think you may have already heard about the best part of the vacation.
Sunday morning we wake up in the hotel and it is POURING. Buckets and buckets of rain. We drive to Woods Hole to catch the ferry and arrive way ahead of schedule because we were the only flipping fools on the road. So we actually managed to catch an earlier ferry. Got to the island and believe it or not, the rain was beginning to subside. Hooked up with our friends and drove to the other harbor to catch the third arrival before doing a scenic drive to delay our arrival at lunch. Met up with the rest of the crew at a restaurant for lunch, and by the time we emerged ... could it be? The sun was shining!
Susan and I took our time walking around town and had the world's best ice cream before strolling back to our car and trying to follow the directions in reverse and upside down. Made one wrong turn and traveled down a country road (who am I kidding - they are all country roads!) before turning around and making our second attempt. Found the house no problem and unloaded Trucklet.
Dashed off to the grocery store just before it closed and $150 later we had hot dogs and hamburgers and potato salad and cole slaw and mustard and catsup and some paper goods and not much else. Boy are things expensive on the island! And the prices are fixed too - no matter where you go on Martha's Vineyard (or Nantucket for that matter) the prices are the same. Lobster roll? That will be $13.95. Six rolls of cheapo scratchy one-ply toilet paper? $6.99, please.
But damn if they weren't the best burgers we'd ever had.
Just when we thought the week was off to a good start after all, Monday morning brought rain. And it rained all day long. No matter. We broke out the "Sopranos" jigsaw puzzle and put in that old stand-by for the kids, "Ferris Bueller" Bueller? Bueller? Anyone? I actually napped a little and then picked up a really bad book. Unfortunately for me, I read the whole absurd thing. Bird children. Little boys and girls with wings. Yeah, right.
On Tuesday we day tripped over to Nantucket. Susan and I had promised to take Mary's husband since he'd lived in Massachusetts all his life and had never been. Nice way to spend what was basically a blah day, weatherwise. When we got back, we ditched the husband and hooked up with Mary for apps and drinks, some shopping, and more apps and drinks. A lovely day.
By Wednesday, the sun was out more than it was in and there was a mad dash to the beach. Except for me and Susan. We stayed home by the pool. By ourselves. And loved every minute of the solitude. People went different ways that evening and there were only five adults and one child in the house for dinner. We had awesome steak and swordfish. I'd been drinking rum and coke most of the afternoon, and Mary introduced me to Limoncella. You might as well have injected it straight into my veins. 32% alcohol. And a glass of wine. Or two? And an accidental sip of tequila. I thought I was fine, but by 3:30 a.m. I was wide awake and the hangover had begun. Susan encouraged me to drink water. I did. And then five minutes later I promptly threw up. I cannot tell you the last time I puked. (I know it's a harsh word, but there is nothing delicate about regurgitation.)
Thursday was overcast in the morning so we went to a craft fair and then dropped Mary at the beach to join the rest of the crowd. Dipped my toe in the surf so I could say that I did, and then off to lunch where Susan had the best fish sandwich of her life. I had a very bland cheese quesidilla which suited my stomach just fine, thank you very much.
[more to come; it's 5:40 and I really should go to the gym]
Sunday morning we wake up in the hotel and it is POURING. Buckets and buckets of rain. We drive to Woods Hole to catch the ferry and arrive way ahead of schedule because we were the only flipping fools on the road. So we actually managed to catch an earlier ferry. Got to the island and believe it or not, the rain was beginning to subside. Hooked up with our friends and drove to the other harbor to catch the third arrival before doing a scenic drive to delay our arrival at lunch. Met up with the rest of the crew at a restaurant for lunch, and by the time we emerged ... could it be? The sun was shining!
Susan and I took our time walking around town and had the world's best ice cream before strolling back to our car and trying to follow the directions in reverse and upside down. Made one wrong turn and traveled down a country road (who am I kidding - they are all country roads!) before turning around and making our second attempt. Found the house no problem and unloaded Trucklet.
Dashed off to the grocery store just before it closed and $150 later we had hot dogs and hamburgers and potato salad and cole slaw and mustard and catsup and some paper goods and not much else. Boy are things expensive on the island! And the prices are fixed too - no matter where you go on Martha's Vineyard (or Nantucket for that matter) the prices are the same. Lobster roll? That will be $13.95. Six rolls of cheapo scratchy one-ply toilet paper? $6.99, please.
But damn if they weren't the best burgers we'd ever had.
Just when we thought the week was off to a good start after all, Monday morning brought rain. And it rained all day long. No matter. We broke out the "Sopranos" jigsaw puzzle and put in that old stand-by for the kids, "Ferris Bueller" Bueller? Bueller? Anyone? I actually napped a little and then picked up a really bad book. Unfortunately for me, I read the whole absurd thing. Bird children. Little boys and girls with wings. Yeah, right.
On Tuesday we day tripped over to Nantucket. Susan and I had promised to take Mary's husband since he'd lived in Massachusetts all his life and had never been. Nice way to spend what was basically a blah day, weatherwise. When we got back, we ditched the husband and hooked up with Mary for apps and drinks, some shopping, and more apps and drinks. A lovely day.
By Wednesday, the sun was out more than it was in and there was a mad dash to the beach. Except for me and Susan. We stayed home by the pool. By ourselves. And loved every minute of the solitude. People went different ways that evening and there were only five adults and one child in the house for dinner. We had awesome steak and swordfish. I'd been drinking rum and coke most of the afternoon, and Mary introduced me to Limoncella. You might as well have injected it straight into my veins. 32% alcohol. And a glass of wine. Or two? And an accidental sip of tequila. I thought I was fine, but by 3:30 a.m. I was wide awake and the hangover had begun. Susan encouraged me to drink water. I did. And then five minutes later I promptly threw up. I cannot tell you the last time I puked. (I know it's a harsh word, but there is nothing delicate about regurgitation.)
Thursday was overcast in the morning so we went to a craft fair and then dropped Mary at the beach to join the rest of the crowd. Dipped my toe in the surf so I could say that I did, and then off to lunch where Susan had the best fish sandwich of her life. I had a very bland cheese quesidilla which suited my stomach just fine, thank you very much.
[more to come; it's 5:40 and I really should go to the gym]
The Vacation: Part I
So I was determined to have a good time on vacation, rain and floods and hurricanes be damned. It started out innocently enough. I picked up Susan and we started on our way. Less than an hour into our trip we saw it high on a hilltop - the outlet center. We had to stop. Neither one of us was looking for anything in particular, but you know that's when you find it.
Scored in the L'Eggs/Haines/Bali/Jockey store - picked up two camisoles for $1.99 and two t-shirts for $4.99. Normally I would never buy a plain t-shirt, but these were good quality shirts and I liked the colors. And for $4.99 - well, I would have bought more if they had them in my size.
On the road again, and we haven't yet had lunch so we snack on some plumcots and wasabi pea snack mix as we make our way across the great state of Massachusetts. You know what they call Massachusetts drivers, don't you? Massholes. Just so you know.
Got off the Mass Pike and started heading down I-495. Food was in order. Pulled off and had our choice of Chili's vs. Outback. Outback won. Had a very late lunch/early dinner and then on the road again. Actually, we went across the street first to see if we could catch a movie, but nothing to our liking. We had been talking about "Garden State" but of course, not on the menu at Regal Cinemas. On the road again.
Checked into the hotel and we were offered two rooms with king sized beds instead of the one room we had booked with two double beds. The clerk on duty was concerned that they would have some families checking in who would want the room with two doubles. Fine by us. By the way - movie theatre nearby? The desk clerk was very friendly and gave us excellent directions to the shopping mall where they had - you guessed it - Regal Cinemas with exactly the same movies that we chose not to see an hour or two earlier.
But all was not lost. We wandered around the mall and found a dress sale at Filene's. We both must have tried on at least a dozen dresses. At that point, we were shopping for sport. But like I said earlier, it's usually when you aren't looking that you find something.
I found two amazing dresses. One I call the "stepford wives" dress. It's very form fitting and has this piping which is reminiscent of a house wife's dress. When I plucked it off the rack, Susan made a face but said "try it on, you never know." Well, it fit like a glove. The other dress - I knew it was familiar but it's just now that I know why. Think "Pretty Woman" and the polo match scene. Julia Roberts is wearing a brown dress with white polka dots. That's the dress I bought - but red, not brown.
And the best part? Two dresses. 50% off. Plus another 20% with the coupon that we didn't have but which the clerk gave to us anyway. Less than $40. Sweet. I'm going stop referring to the citizens of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts as Massholes.
Scored in the L'Eggs/Haines/Bali/Jockey store - picked up two camisoles for $1.99 and two t-shirts for $4.99. Normally I would never buy a plain t-shirt, but these were good quality shirts and I liked the colors. And for $4.99 - well, I would have bought more if they had them in my size.
On the road again, and we haven't yet had lunch so we snack on some plumcots and wasabi pea snack mix as we make our way across the great state of Massachusetts. You know what they call Massachusetts drivers, don't you? Massholes. Just so you know.
Got off the Mass Pike and started heading down I-495. Food was in order. Pulled off and had our choice of Chili's vs. Outback. Outback won. Had a very late lunch/early dinner and then on the road again. Actually, we went across the street first to see if we could catch a movie, but nothing to our liking. We had been talking about "Garden State" but of course, not on the menu at Regal Cinemas. On the road again.
Checked into the hotel and we were offered two rooms with king sized beds instead of the one room we had booked with two double beds. The clerk on duty was concerned that they would have some families checking in who would want the room with two doubles. Fine by us. By the way - movie theatre nearby? The desk clerk was very friendly and gave us excellent directions to the shopping mall where they had - you guessed it - Regal Cinemas with exactly the same movies that we chose not to see an hour or two earlier.
But all was not lost. We wandered around the mall and found a dress sale at Filene's. We both must have tried on at least a dozen dresses. At that point, we were shopping for sport. But like I said earlier, it's usually when you aren't looking that you find something.
I found two amazing dresses. One I call the "stepford wives" dress. It's very form fitting and has this piping which is reminiscent of a house wife's dress. When I plucked it off the rack, Susan made a face but said "try it on, you never know." Well, it fit like a glove. The other dress - I knew it was familiar but it's just now that I know why. Think "Pretty Woman" and the polo match scene. Julia Roberts is wearing a brown dress with white polka dots. That's the dress I bought - but red, not brown.
And the best part? Two dresses. 50% off. Plus another 20% with the coupon that we didn't have but which the clerk gave to us anyway. Less than $40. Sweet. I'm going stop referring to the citizens of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts as Massholes.
My New Favorite Song
It's "Love Song For No One" by John Mayer. I love the chorus:
I'm tired of being alone
So hurry up and get here
So tired of being alone
So hurry up and get here
I love it when I hear a song that just captures my feelings and mood.
I'm tired of being alone
So hurry up and get here
So tired of being alone
So hurry up and get here
I love it when I hear a song that just captures my feelings and mood.
Back On Company Time
I'm back in the office - just in time for what looks to be the best week of weather for the entire summer. Ugh. Can't complain too much - I had a wonderful vacation last week and I'm actually taking Thurs and Fri off this week.
I see that the audio post I made last Tuesday never found its way to my blog ... cell phone service was very spotty on the island so I guess I shouldn't be surprised.
Got back just in time to catch a call from my friend Vicki and enjoyed dinner (and several glasses of wine) with her and two of her friends last night. Sure beat take-out from across the street. And then when I got back to the apartment, I saw that the Ex had called. Just to say hello because he hadn't heard from me in a while. How nice.
I should get down to work here, but the only thing I'm working on is this mini hangover...
I see that the audio post I made last Tuesday never found its way to my blog ... cell phone service was very spotty on the island so I guess I shouldn't be surprised.
Got back just in time to catch a call from my friend Vicki and enjoyed dinner (and several glasses of wine) with her and two of her friends last night. Sure beat take-out from across the street. And then when I got back to the apartment, I saw that the Ex had called. Just to say hello because he hadn't heard from me in a while. How nice.
I should get down to work here, but the only thing I'm working on is this mini hangover...
Saturday, August 21, 2004
Friday, August 13, 2004
Floating Away
You know that rain I mentioned? Well, the water is rising and I fear I may float away. The waves will likely carry me far, far away. It may take seven days and seven nights before I can find my way back home. Thanks to Al Roker and Weather Pixies everywhere, I did have fair warning and my bags are packed. As soon as I finish this post I'll unplug the computer and move everything to higher ground. I should be able to make audio posts which will keep you apprised of my situation. Stay warm and dry, and keep the kettle on for me, will you?
Thursday, August 12, 2004
If I Had A Weather Pixie ...
... I wouldn't have to tell you that it is raining. Again. Or rather, still. This does not bode well for the upcoming vacation. But fear not - I have resolved that I am going to enjoy this vacation no matter what the weather is like. I have books I can read, board games to play, and fascinating and interesting friends who won't let me drink alone.
And if you want a postcard - just email me your address.
And if you want a postcard - just email me your address.
Wednesday, August 11, 2004
Burned Again
I submitted a FABULOUS audio post last night upon my return. And it's just. Gone. Not there. And I have a staff meeting in 17 minutes and I'm not sure when/if I'll have a chance to re-post. One of those things - it was so good that trying to replicate it might not even be worth the effort. One of those "you had to be there" moments. Oh well.
UPDATE: My long-lost post has mysteriously appeared after all - see below.
UPDATE: My long-lost post has mysteriously appeared after all - see below.
Tuesday, August 10, 2004
Sunday, August 08, 2004
Too Good To Be True
I should have known there would be a catch.
So there I am, totally awake and alive and greeting the dawn of a new day. I had plenty of time and I was in no hurry. I cruised along and without even planning it I realized that I would be passing by the outlet center around 9:00. A perfect one hour diversion. I could spend an hour shopping, drive to my uncle's place, visit with him for an hour, and then continue on to the family reunion.
Except the outlets don't open until 10:00.
What?!? It's Saturday in August - why is this place not opening until 10:00? So, I did a brisk 7/10 mile walk around the perimeter and then decided to do another audio post. I called. No answer, no busy signal -- just dead air. I look at my phone. Full strength, full battery. I dial again. Nothing. Well, the third time is the charm, right? Wrong. Three strikes and you're out.
At that point I really felt like just driving through the middle of that flock of seagulls that were congregated in the middle of the parking lot, but I didn't want Trucklet to get shat upon, and I'd already murdered a yellow chickadee that was trying to get away from an oncoming tractor trailer.
So I managed to kill half an hour, got back on the road, visited with my uncle and went to the reunion. More later.
So there I am, totally awake and alive and greeting the dawn of a new day. I had plenty of time and I was in no hurry. I cruised along and without even planning it I realized that I would be passing by the outlet center around 9:00. A perfect one hour diversion. I could spend an hour shopping, drive to my uncle's place, visit with him for an hour, and then continue on to the family reunion.
Except the outlets don't open until 10:00.
What?!? It's Saturday in August - why is this place not opening until 10:00? So, I did a brisk 7/10 mile walk around the perimeter and then decided to do another audio post. I called. No answer, no busy signal -- just dead air. I look at my phone. Full strength, full battery. I dial again. Nothing. Well, the third time is the charm, right? Wrong. Three strikes and you're out.
At that point I really felt like just driving through the middle of that flock of seagulls that were congregated in the middle of the parking lot, but I didn't want Trucklet to get shat upon, and I'd already murdered a yellow chickadee that was trying to get away from an oncoming tractor trailer.
So I managed to kill half an hour, got back on the road, visited with my uncle and went to the reunion. More later.
Saturday, August 07, 2004
Friday, August 06, 2004
Get 'Em While They're Hot
Shares in "Fear Not" that is.
Suddenly, I'm a hot commodity over at blogshares.com. My stock is trading at $52.28 - up from a low of $0.33 yesterday. You get $500 to use just for registering. Go ahead, invest in me. I'm rated as "a growing blog" and the stock has room to grow, so buy and hold.
Suddenly, I'm a hot commodity over at blogshares.com. My stock is trading at $52.28 - up from a low of $0.33 yesterday. You get $500 to use just for registering. Go ahead, invest in me. I'm rated as "a growing blog" and the stock has room to grow, so buy and hold.
Much To Do
It's pretty much under control, but I have a lot to do before I leave the office today. I'm going to be taking my Trucklet on a little vacation this weekend.
First, a four hour drive to the middle of nowhere to reune with the family. Then an hour long jaunt to get to my brother's house where I will then spend the remainder of the weekend.
On Monday, Trucklet and I will get back on the road and head to the right of the middle of nowhere for a meeting and then spend the night before returning to our home base on Tuesday afternoon.
I hadn't planned on going away this weekend, but I think it will do me good. I've been distracted most of this week, and maybe a little space and time away from the source of my worries will help me refocus. The source of my worries, you ask? A number of issues - my job situation, my living situation, my personal relationships (or lack thereof). I'm doing better today than I was earlier in the week thanks to that late night on Wednesday and a brief visit with "SusieWithATwist" last night. And the heartfelt and genuine concern of a certain friend who shall remain anonymous. You know who you are. Thank you.
First, a four hour drive to the middle of nowhere to reune with the family. Then an hour long jaunt to get to my brother's house where I will then spend the remainder of the weekend.
On Monday, Trucklet and I will get back on the road and head to the right of the middle of nowhere for a meeting and then spend the night before returning to our home base on Tuesday afternoon.
I hadn't planned on going away this weekend, but I think it will do me good. I've been distracted most of this week, and maybe a little space and time away from the source of my worries will help me refocus. The source of my worries, you ask? A number of issues - my job situation, my living situation, my personal relationships (or lack thereof). I'm doing better today than I was earlier in the week thanks to that late night on Wednesday and a brief visit with "SusieWithATwist" last night. And the heartfelt and genuine concern of a certain friend who shall remain anonymous. You know who you are. Thank you.
Why Would You Want To Wallpaper Your Mercedes?
The longer I blog, the stranger the search terms get. Here's one from yesterday:
2005 white Mercedes Benz G500 wallpaper
I had no idea why this blog would come up in response to a google search for those words, but it did:
Fear Not: On Company Time... Legs are totally white, except for that big ole bruise on my right thigh. ... Mercedes-Benz G500. ... starting Fri 04/02/2004 and will not return until Fri 09/02/2005. ...
Must be a compilation of several posts. Giggle. Snort. Funny.
2005 white Mercedes Benz G500 wallpaper
I had no idea why this blog would come up in response to a google search for those words, but it did:
Fear Not: On Company Time... Legs are totally white, except for that big ole bruise on my right thigh. ... Mercedes-Benz G500. ... starting Fri 04/02/2004 and will not return until Fri 09/02/2005. ...
Must be a compilation of several posts. Giggle. Snort. Funny.
Thursday, August 05, 2004
Hitting the Bottle Early
Uh-oh. It's only 9:30 and I'm already hitting the bottle. Really needed a caffeine jolt this morning, so I had to get an ice cold diet Pepsi from the vending machine. Was out/up late last night. It wasn't a pretty picture.
Wednesday, August 04, 2004
Do I Look Like A Local?
Apparently so, because I've been stopped by tourists three times today asking for directions.
Tuesday, August 03, 2004
Random
The height of laziness: utilizing the interoffice mail system to send something to the finance office on the third floor. The mail staff will pick up this envelope from the first floor, take it back to the mail sorting room which is located across town, sort it, and bring it back and deliver it to Audrey in accounting tomorrow. Wouldn't it have been easier to just walk it up to the third floor? You could even take the elevator!
Stall tales: How do you know when you've been here too long? When you feel comfortable enough to carry on conversations with your co-workers whilst one or both of you are in the bathroom stall.
Stall tales: How do you know when you've been here too long? When you feel comfortable enough to carry on conversations with your co-workers whilst one or both of you are in the bathroom stall.
Wilde About Oscar
"The truth is rarely pure and never simple."
- Oscar Wilde, The Importance of Being Earnest, 1895, Act I
- Oscar Wilde, The Importance of Being Earnest, 1895, Act I
Monday, August 02, 2004
From The Desk of Kenna Fearing
We are experiencing technical difficulties with this post; please stand by.
I'm ^Not A Google-Whack!
If you enter these terms into Google, the only result you get is my blog:
+password +"read his email" +"sent flowers"
Nifty keen.
UPDATE: Okay, so I looked up the definition of googlewhacking and it turns out I'm not all that.
(from http://www.googlewhack.com/)
This distraction crossed my desk, so I coined a richly meaningful name: Googlewhacking.
Your goal: find that elusive query (two words - no quote marks) with a single, solitary result!
+password +"read his email" +"sent flowers"
Nifty keen.
UPDATE: Okay, so I looked up the definition of googlewhacking and it turns out I'm not all that.
(from http://www.googlewhack.com/)
This distraction crossed my desk, so I coined a richly meaningful name: Googlewhacking.
Your goal: find that elusive query (two words - no quote marks) with a single, solitary result!
Wonderful Weekend
Despite the fact that it was hot and humid and rained at times, it was a wonderful weekend. I didn't do much except eat and drink and party. And go to the gym. And fight off a migraine. But good all around.
I thought about audioblogging over the weekend but I was going from one thing to the next and really didn't have a lot of unscheduled time. I'm very flattered by all of your positive feedback regarding my vocal skills, and I'm all a-flutter to think that some of you have fallen in love with my voice. Of course, now I feel just a little tiny bit of pressure, thinking that all of my audio posts have to be fabulous.
No news on the 'possum front - will keep you posted.
I thought about audioblogging over the weekend but I was going from one thing to the next and really didn't have a lot of unscheduled time. I'm very flattered by all of your positive feedback regarding my vocal skills, and I'm all a-flutter to think that some of you have fallen in love with my voice. Of course, now I feel just a little tiny bit of pressure, thinking that all of my audio posts have to be fabulous.
No news on the 'possum front - will keep you posted.
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