Note to QUITBUTS: Quit Flossing

I've mentioned before that I like to make note of clever license plates.

This morning, on my way to work, I came up on a car that had a plate reading QUITBUTS. "How clever," I thought. I had a smile on my face until I pulled along side the car and noticed that the driver was FLOSSING HER TEETH.

I think that's the most outrageous thing I've ever seen. I'm bothered enough by people who talk on their phones, and I know that lots of women try to apply their makeup when they are driving (I even once saw a woman using an eyelash curler), but flossing your teeth? Totally over the top.

So here I am in the office, blogging On Company Time. I'm the only one here - everyone else is at some big meeting at the cross town office. It's going to take some time to adjust going back to work. I'm constantly tired - and I'm not even working full time! Of course, there is a 40 minute commute each way, and traffic (and drivers flossing their teeth) to be dealt with, so that is certainly more stressful than my previous 10 minute stroll to the office.

I know have three potential employers who are officially attending my job fair on Friday. I'm trying to prepare for that too, so that's another reason why I'm feeling tired and stressed - just not enough hours in the day to properly plan a party when you have to work. I did some shopping yesterday and will be making another stop at the grocery store on my way home today, so I should be set with supplies. Now I just need to pull it all together.

I need to find the time to:

1) fix the toilet paper holder in the bathroom (tonight)
2) prepare the hot crab spread/dip (Thurs night)
3) prepare the artichoke dip (Thurs night)
4) marinate the shrimp (tonight or tomorrow night)
5) prepare the scallops wrapped in bacon (Friday morning)
6) print out copies of my resume (tonight?)
7) make a job fair sign to hang out front (tonight?)
8) blow up the balloons (Friday afternoon)
9) mow the lawn (Friday before I take a shower)
10) set up the charcoal grill (Friday before I take a shower)
11) make ice (hell, I can do that in my sleep!)
12) set up the glasses and booze (Friday)

Yeah, I think I have it under control. Except that doesn't account for anything not related to the party like setting up a committee meeting, sending sponsorship letters, and doing more internet research for the doggie bandana company. Last night when I talked to Rich on the phone he told me I think too much and that I needed to just turn off my brain. Wish I could.

Back to work.

Breakfast for Dinner

It's a good thing.

Things I Took For Granted

That there would be some standards for correspondence.
That someone would know how to load letterhead in the printer.
That the printer would have an envelope feeder.

I didn't assume that anyone would know how to do a word merge, and I was perfectly fine doing that myself. Still. Guess that's why they are paying me the big bucks.

It's Something

That's the catch phrase that Rich and I have been trading a lot. As we each go about our job searches, whenever the other has a bit of news to report, the other responds "Hey, it's something."

Today's something is a local businesswoman asking me to send her my resume and writing samples. She has a web production business, but is really trying to ramp up the search engine optimization side of the business, and she needs writers. I had talked to her a few years ago about doing some sales for her, totally freelance. She can't make it to my job fair on Friday, but we'll talk something next week, and maybe between writing and some sales, I can patch together a full-time job.

It's something.

When In Doubt ...

... consult online tech support.

They say that I shouldn't need a driver with Windows XP, but since I wasn't able to connect, I downloaded the most up-to-date driver. So now I can show you the marked improvement in my lawn.

That is, if I can get Blogger image hosting to work. I keep uploading and then the window goes blank and it says "Done" in the bottom left corner, but of course it really isn't done. It's supposed to go to a blue button that says done - it ain't done until you click done.

Sigh. Do you get the feeling I'm not going to be able to get past this? It's sucking my Sunday afternoon and I still have much to do.

In other news, I found this tucked away on the top shelf of my kitchen cabinets. I thought I'd give it a shot, but I could see that the product had clearly started to separate, and I just didn't want to chance it. Besides, I'm not crazy about coffee flavored anything. I like the way it smells, but I don't drink the stuff.

(Photos brought to you by virtue of my sheer brilliance and deducing that the photos had uploaded, I just hadn't been given the html code. I copied code from another previously uploaded photo, edited the .jpg tag number and voila - photos.)

Note to Canon: Your Camera Sucks

I've wasted an hour and a half trying to download pictures from my Canon PowerShot S50.

I knew I shouldn't have ordered it off EBay. Yeah, it was NIB. Probably 'fell of a truck' somewhere. Basically it's been a good camera, but the preview screen blew on me a few months back, and now my computer won't recognize it to download photos. It's a problem I've had intermittantly, but I've restarted my computer three or four times now to no avail.

I wanted to show you the most recent photo of my lawn. What a difference a week (and daily watering) makes! I've got lush new green growth. I even mowed it on Friday before my weekend guests arrived.

Speaking of my weekend guests, we had a great time last night. Steve and Nina were up from Baltimore, and Don and Judy stopped by and I cooked a great Oktoberfest feast featuring beer soaked bratwurst. Rich came over and Susan made an after dinner appearance and we all continued to drink and laugh and I put on an impromptu fashion show.

Holding my own personal job fair was declared "outstanding" and Don and Judy promised they would be back next Friday with a job lead - perhaps even bringing the potential employer with them. I'm starting to think that I just might be on to something. We shall see.

Various

* wrote the preceding post last night but had problems publishing

* worked six hours (!) today, had to deal with traffic, went to a reception at 5:30 and had a meeting at 7:00. Didn't get home until 8:45. Still exhausted.

* The meeting? With those ladies making doggie bandanas. They hired me to do some internet sleuthing - find dog boutiques and other outlets for their product. I know some of you will be interested in hearing more!

* Did I mention my upcoming party? That the theme is 'help me find a job' by bringing leads and contacts? And that I sent invitations to a number of businesses? Yeah, it's fucking brilliant. Can't wait to see how it goes.

Exhausted

This work thing is wearing me out.

Had trouble sleeping last night. Probably because I knew I had to go to work today. And I didn't even work a full day. I went to my pilates class as per usual and reported for work at 11:00. But then I did work straight through until 4:00.

I should get out of the house more often - when I came home today I had four messages. At first I thought I might already be receiving responses to my Job Fair invitations, but it wasn't to be. But one of the messages was a possible job opportunity.

A woman I used to work with has started a business with a friend of hers making (I kid you not) doggie bandanas. They are actually getting enough business that they need someone to manage their database and mine the internet for business. Hey, I can do that. I have a meeting to talk more about it tomorrow night.

It's still just temporary; I doubt I can make a living from these various part-time gigs. Still, it's a start.

It's something.

From The Front Line

Remember Larry? The guy I went to New Orleans with back in June? Well, he's in New Orleans again. He's with the National Guard and he's been sent to help with the recovery efforts. Here are a few photos he shared with me last week:





Things are going well here today. I managed to get through to a few people on the phone regarding a fund raiser I'm co-chairing in February (honest - this is the LAST fund raiser that I'm going to work on!). I'm hopeful that I may have planted the seeds for corporate sponsorships of up to $7,500.

I got the invitations for my job fair out, and I'm working on resume/cover letter for a position at a local college. I start my temporary job tomorrow, and everything is cool with the unenjoyment - er, unemployment - office. I just won't claim benefits the weeks I'm working, and then I can start claiming again once the temporary job has ended.

Rich is coming over for dinner - we're having shrimp scampi, yum!

Isn't It Customary ...

... to ask before you place a political sign in someone's yard?

A friend of mine is the campaign chair for a candidate for city council, and he just drove up in front of my house, got out of his car, and placed a sign in my yard. Without asking.

Granted, I know the candidate - I voted for him last time around and have every intention of voting for him this year. But having the sign placed in my yard without so much as a 'how do you do' just fries my ass.

Various

Gas is now $2.89 $2.85/gallon. And to think I made a point of filling up at $3.25 last Saturday.

Slowly but surely, my lawn is sprouting new grass growth.

Yesterday was Dan's birthday, and we had a nice chat on the phone last night.

I haven't checked my Mega Millions ticket yet, but since I haven't heard that the winning ticket was sold right here in my town, well ...

I caved and turned the air conditioning back on. It was just too humid and sticky.

I got a job! Well, sort of. I'm going to be working on a part-time temporary basis for a school for children with developmental disabilities. It's like a 45 minute commute each way, but at least it's something, and it will extend my unemployment benefits that much longer. I think. Gotta check into that one.

My new favorite product is Garnier Fructis Fiber Gum Putty. It really holds the curl in my hair without making it sticky. And when you go to their web site their ditty plays "woo-hoo!" over and over and over and over again.

Woo-hoo!

Show Me The Love

The Mega Millions jackpot is now $250 million dollars and I got me a ticket.

Old timers will recall that if I win, I am willing to share my luck and good fortune with my blogger buddies - IF you show me the love.

Go ahead. Shower me with adoration and adulation. I love this stuff!

Today's Mail

Being unemployed and at home during the day, I look forward to the day's mail. Yesterday I got a few checks that I'd been waiting for, so it was a good day. Today, my mailbox belched up a couple of mixed messages.

Yankee magazine wants me to order my Christmas cards through them, with free imprinting. I think I'll pass.

A charity sent me return address labels along with a request for a contribution. Am I a bad person if I use the labels but don't make a donation?

And the Rick Renner Ministries from Tulsa Oklahoma sent me an envelope with the message "In the heart of the former Atheist Empire, God is working miracles!" emblazoned across the front. I threw it away without even opening it.

In other news, despite my protestations that I wasn't going to kill myself doing yardwork around here because my landlords do not appreciate the time and effort that it takes to keep their property looking this good, I spent three hours in the yard this morning (this is after the 8 1/2 hours I'd already put in since last Thursday) finishing up the resoration process.

See, the thing about people with money? The more money you have, the fewer brains you have.

They didn't notice that somehow the sprinkler system got mucked up, and they were wondering why the grass was burning off in early August. Um, hot humid weather and no rain?

So I've been out there raking up the dead grass, working up the soil, re-raking even more of the dead material, digging deeper to work up the soil, pulling crabgrass and clover, and generally breaking my back with this manual labor. I spread the grass seed today. Let's see what I have in a few weeks.

Thank You, Neil

Found my battery charger - in my overnight bag. I hadn't yet unpacked it, and even though I'd rummaged through it before, it wasn't until I actually took things out that I found that bad boy. Good thing too - I did a quick search this morning to see what it might cost to replace it and it looks like the stupid thing goes for $88 - reconditioned!

I really hate proprietary accessories.

My New Pink Shoes

I may be unemployed, but I needed these pink shoes.

In other news, I can't seem to find the battery charger for my digital camera. I've looked everywhere. Anyone have any suggestions on where else to look?

Quit Yer Bitchin'

Now that I'm paying $3.29 or more for a gallon of gas, I'm nostalgic for these days.

Doritos for Dinner

Yeah, I had a bag of Doritos for dinner last night.

But I don't think that's what gave me the migraine this morning. I think the migraine came from being away over the weekend, coming back, having to mow the lawn, rushing off to a last-minute barbeque, not sleeping Monday night, and then moving all my shit yesterday. And, oh yeah, being unemployed.

My life and my home may be a mess, but I still knew where to find the Imitrex. Good thing I had the prescription refilled before losing my health insurance.

On another note, now that I'm watching the news again, I've noticed that the morning traffic reporter now says "we'll update you again in 30 minutes, or as the situation warrants." Is this a new thing? Is this basic cover your ass reporting?

"Yes, we'll update you every thirty minutes, but if there is breaking news we'll tell you right away because we don't want to be accused of not informing and preparing you in case of an emergency."

Sigh. Life in post 9/11 and Hurricane Katrina society.

Comfortable in My Skin

Ms. A. R. posed a question to me in the comments. She asked why, when I initially started this blog anonymously, did I begin to share its existence with friends and family?

At first, I wasn't going to answer that question. In some respects, the answer to the question is as private as my initial reasons for writing under a pseudonym. But I'm just tired enough (and possibly, drunk enough) to answer that question.

Anonymity gives you flexibility. You don't need to defend your words or your actions. Coming out and stating your thoughts and opinions is an entirely different matter. I've said previously that I admire those who reveal their names and faces - most specifically, John and Jenica. They got balls.

When I first started this blog - not so much in the balls department. I was still trying to figure out who I was, to be comfortable in my skin. I've given my real name, address and phone number to several of my readers. I've sent you postcards. I've been the lucky recipient of several mixed CDs and other gifts and greetings. As this blog has evolved, so have I.

I'm at a place where I'm confident in my talents and abilities. There are still many questions about my future, but I know that ultimately I'll come out of this a better person.

Whoever I am.

I Can't Sleep

As evidenced by the time stamp on this post.

Have been tossing and turning for the last two hours and finally decided to just get up and do something. I have been away since last Thursday and I just got home yesterday afternoon. I feel like I've been disconnected from myself; maybe this will help me bring myself up to date.

The situation in the Gulf Coast has been on my mind a lot, and I shared John's and Matt's blogs with my parents so they could get first hand accounts of what is happening down there. They know that I have a blog, but I've never shared it with them. There is a very good chance that my mother will find this as she goes through John's blogroll.

There's nothing here that I'm ashamed of, and not much that my friends and family don't know. But I have written under a pseudonym for a reason (although I'm not sure I can articulate that reason here and now, especially since I recently let my good friend Susan in on the 'secret') and I hope that when and if my mother does find this blog, that she lets me know. Just tell me that you found it, Mom, and if you do comment, please don't do it anonymously. Sign your comments "Kenna's Mom" okay? If you want, I'll even help you get a gravatar.

On to other news ... my sister has decided to get married in Vegas at the end of October. Remember that white party dress I bought when I was on the west coast? Well, there is a good chance she may borrow that for the ceremony. I'll be there to witness the event - look forward to those photos!

Oh God ... The Prisoners

Have been watching CNN all day. It's unbelieveable. And just now, I saw footage of prisoners that were evacuated from the jail. They are sitting on a ramp with armed guards standing nearby. People have no where to go ... no food ... no water. It's a nightmare.

A blogger I occasionally read (because he is a graduate of the college where I once worked and once upon a time I agreed to beta test some software for him) is Matt Fotter. He lives in the greater New Orleans area and he evacuated to Memphis. He has no idea when or how he'll be able to go home.

One piece of good news - John Strain was able to record an audio post. He is fine, his family is fine, and his house is still standing with only some minor damage from a downed tree in the yard.

And We're Off!

Headed to the Hamptons for the weekend. Will let you know if I spot any celebrities, but chances aren't good since I'll be hanging at a private residence and won't be strolling downtown or any of the late night haunts.

Don't Touch That Dial

There's a change in the air. The nights are cooler and the humidity that hovered for days on end seems to have disappeared. I had to adjust Trucklet's thermostat as I was driving home tonight - I needed heat on my feet. Summer is winding down. Heavy sigh.

Old Friends

Yup, procrastinating again. I really should (I hate that word and the way it makes me feel) be writing up a follow-up note to that potential event sponsor I spoke to yesterday, but I thought I'd weigh in here first.

My old friend Jim called me last night and we met for a drink. We were supposed to have seen each other at an event last Thursday, but things got hectic for him at work and he couldn't get away.

Jim is a good guy, but quite frankly, I think he's an alcoholic. He always drank - a lot. He was such a high functioning alcoholic that when I last saw him about a year ago, I didn't even realize he was drunk at the time. He's cut way back on his drinking in the last year, however, and I think he knows he has a problem. "Yeah, I'm not drinking as much. And I realized that when I do drink, I drink to oblivion." Glad he's cleaned up his act.

I have another set of old friends that I'm preparing to see this weekend. My old college chums. Most of them got married around the same time I did, with the exception of Scott who is (finally!) engaged to be married in January. It's going to be a little strange seeing them all again because they all still married and have two or three kids. It's hard to think of them as responsible adults - these are the people I partied with, the people who lived with me on the third floor, the people who I will always remember as being 19.

I only see them every 4 or 5 years or so, so I'm going to have to squeeze a whole lot of catching up into the weekend. And I guess that starts with doing what needs to be done today. Later.

I Feel Fat

And is it any wonder? I've been sitting on my ass all month! First I was gone on the trip, and of course I used that as an excuse not to exercise - "I'm on vacation!" But I've been back from vacation for a week now, and the eating hasn't stopped. Of course, how could I turn down this Bishoku Moirawasa?

And going to Montreal with Susan didn't help, because with Susan, it's all about the food. She thinks that chocolate is a food group (see below). Of course, she also is extremely disciplined, so she can stop eating. Not me - we bought that box of Godiva chocolates and I could not rest until it was gone. "I could make it last a week," Susan bragged.

Oh yeah? Good for you. Give me that nouget crunch and I'll be happy.

Seriously, we had a nice getaway weekend. That is, until we tried to cross the border back into the good old U.S. of A. Those border patrol people could sure use a few lessons in organzation and crowd control. The lanes were poorly marked, and they had five lanes merging into three and then expanding back out into five again and the lanes curved and you couldn't see what the fuck was going on until it was too late and you were stuck in the goddam middle lane and folks on both sides of you were trying to jockey back and forth and it was just about enough to make you burst a vessle.

But I didn't. Of course, after that, I asked Susan to drive. We got home around 4:00 yesterday afternoon. Well, I was home (sort of) but Susan still had another hour's drive to get back to her place. And today I'm just procrastinating, once again.

As evidenced by this post.

Susan Speaks

Hey, everybody. Today's entry comes from me. I don't where the hell Kenna is. She's probably out prancing naked in the fountain in front of our hotel asking passersby to take her picture. What hotel, you ask? Kenna won a weekend for two to Montreal from our local radio station. She originally invited a fella to join her, but he bailed. (You know who you are if you're reading this. Silly boy.) So here we are in Montreal. Today we wandered through Chinatown and Old Montreal, had some great food, and did a little shoppping. I'm sure Kenna will have more to report to you in another entry, whenever she gets back from her latest adventure. Au revoir!

There's Gotta Be A Word For It

What do you call it when you're attracted to and repelled by something at the same time? Because for some strange reason I feel that way about Scott Grimes.

I keep hearing his song "Livin' On The Run" on the radio, and this is after his cover of "Sunset Blvd." I find myself singing along and liking the song, but at the same time I'm thinking, "Scott Grimes? Scott Grimes?"

I really detest his character on "e.r." (yes, I know - it's the character I detest) but at the same time, I remember him being a character on "Party of Five" which was one of my favorite television shows. My Ex used to make fun of me for watching it, but I thought it was a good show.

So I have a love-hate relationship with Scott Grimes. Do I or don't I download the song? I am anxiously awaiting your response - and the ensuing debate about my musical tastes.

Susan Said I Should ...

... post this photo:

As I've mentioned, we're taking a cruise at the end of the year, and I am constantly searching for formal wear. I wanted a white dress, and I found this one at Macy's in Spokane. Only $40! Martha and I had a little fun going out and posing around her neighborhood, and we thought this might be a good shot.

Hey, if it's not fun, why bother?

Good Night, Seattle!

We had such an awesome day. Went to the top of the Space Needle, rode the monorail, strolled through Pike Street Market, wandered through the aquarium and had an amazing lunch and dinner. Here's what we had at Anthony's Pier 66 last night:



Seattle was warm but not hot or humid. Not a cloud in the sky. And completely colorful:

Scenes from Spokane

I really enjoyed spending a few days in Spokane WA. In addition to introducing me to The Derailer, Martha introduced me to the bears around town (but is it art?):



On Friday we took a little side trip to Idaho. I looked down and saw this for r:



And if my sister can't decide where or how to get married, she can always just go to The Hitching Post in Coeur d'Alene:

If It's Saturday ...

... I must be in Seattle.

What a long trip it's been! As you heard in the audiopost, the train ride from LA to Spokane had a few twists and turns. We were dumped off the train in Klamath Falls OR when they realized that the train was already 3 1/2 hours behind schedule and there was no way we would make our Portland connection. So we prepared for seven hours on the bus. And it was all going swimmingly until we blew a tire just outside of Biggs, OR. It just so happens that I took a few photos at the crossroads where we stopped before the tire blew:



It wasn't all bad - the driver immediately called for repairs and put "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" into the video system. As luck would have it, the train out of Portland was late as well (surprise, surprise) and we did make the connection in Pasco WA around 10:00 p.m. Finally arrived at 1:00 a.m. on Weds.

Enjoyed the last two days in eastern Washington and northern Idaho. Have really enjoyed reconnecting with my friend Martha - she introduced me to something called The Derailer - I think it's slang for train wreck, because with seven shots of alcohol, it's bound to knock you on your ass:



Just got back from a nice seafood dinner and we're skimming through all of the pamphlets and brochures trying to decide what we're going to do tomorrow. More stories and photos later; have a good weekend, all.

The One Where The Bus Breaks Down

Planes, Trains, and Automobiles

Baja Cantina

Grilled steak tostada with sour cream and guacamole; one Corona.

“You’re So Cute!”

Uttered to me yesterday by an elderly man in a wheelchair as I strolled through Horton Plaza. It wasn’t the first time an older man in a wheelchair had struck up a conversation with me when I was in San Diego. The day before an amputee chatted with me while I waited for the # 7 bus.

Maybe I can become a pin-up girl for New Mobility or Sports 'N Spokes.

I’m on the train now. No internet access but I’m preparing this post for when I disembark. Here are a few parting shots:

Eh - Fuck It

I was trying to keep to the whole "Unemployment: Day Whatever" theme like I did when I took my unused vacation days back in May and June but you know what? Fuck it.

This is so not about being unemployed.

That is not my focus right now. Right now I am relaxing and just enjoying life. And that's okay. (Bold and italicized to underscore the point to myself.) At some point, probably soon, I will be focused on my employment status, and maybe then I'll pick up the mantra, but for now, I just don't care.

The internal alarm clock had me up at 6:30 again. Looks cloudy and overcast out there today, so I'll need to be especially careful when I go outside - I know that it's days like these that can fry my lily white skin. Which is not so lily white since I've been going to the tanning booth since April, but still.

Okay - off in search of breakfast. More later.

Meeting Maria

P.S. In honor of our meeting (and in part because it was already long overdue) I am pleased to announce that Maria has been promoted. She is now A Perfect Fit!

NEAR-THREATEDED

So I spent my day at the San Diego Zoo and all I could do was obsess about this typo:

Unemployment: Day Twenty-Four

As expected, I'm getting an early start on the day. Despite the time stamp of this post (my laptop is still on east coast time) it is 6:24 a.m. I've been up for almost an hour already. I tried to stay awake as long as possible last night so I could adjust to the time change, but I think it will take me another day or two.

Or maybe tonight will do the trick. I'm sure I'll be out late with my special visitor. More on that later.

Today's agenda ... to the zoo. Sit by the pool. Read. Contemplate life.

I've thought more about the recruiter who called me yesterday. I returned his call and all went well until he asked me how much I was making in my previous job. I said "I'm not supposed to tell you that!" and he was completely flabbergasted. I've always been told, never tell a prospective employer what you were making in a previous position. If you do, you give them leverage. If you were making $10/hour and they were thinking of paying $20/hour, suddenly they realize that they can offer you $12/hour and they'll save money and you'll be happy you got a 20% increase.

So I wouldn't tell him and he seemed very confused about it all. Finally he mentioned a range and I told him that I certainly would fit into that range - the high end of the range. Of course, I was previously making the low end of the range. But he doesn't need to know that. And if he did know that, then when and if an offer was made, you can better believe it would be the low end of the range. Employers want to pay you as little as they can - not what you are worth.

And it got me thinking even more. You know what? I don't want the fucking job in the first place. I don't want to be a fund raiser any more. You couldn't pay me enough to keep doing what I've been doing for the past 20 years. I'm sick and tired of it and I'm not going to do it any more. It's time for a change.

And with that - time to change into my clothes and go out and greet the day.

Unemployment: Day Twenty-Three

Hello from the west coast! I made my escape and not a moment too soon - while I was en route a recruiter called me wanting to talk about a fund raising job. NOOOOOO!!!

Actually, I will take the meeting upon my return. Even if nothing comes of it, the recruiter may have other jobs that might be a better fit.

Okay - I am in the land of sunshine and palm trees. I cannot stay in this hotel room any longer. Out I go - more later.

THIS JUST IN: In honor of my visit, Bai Yun gave birth to a new cub last night. Of course there is no chance of seeing the latest addition to the panda family, but I'm headed to the zoo tomorrow nonetheless. (Yes, in case you haven't figured it out, I'm in San Diego. And the surprises won't stop here - stay tuned; tomorrow I will entertain a special visitor!)

8:46 p.m. The views from the pool deck ...

Snakes

Just blew back into town after a quick trip to see the family. I was barely gone 24 hours, and eight hours of that was spent on the road, driving. Add another eight hours for sleeping and well, like I said, it was a quick trip.

But I needed to put in appearance at my future brother-in-law's surprise birthday party, and I knew that Mom and Dad really wanted to see me before I left for the west coast. They will worry about me while I'm gone.

Had a little excitement as I was walking the dog around the yard this morning. I saw a snake. It didn't move, so I thought/hoped it was dead, but my mom sprayed it with the hose (from a very safe distance of 40 feet or so) and it moved, so she called my dad out to kill it. I said to just let it be - it wasn't that big, and as long as it wasn't a rattlesnake, I wasn't worried. But I'm not the one who goes out there and hangs clothes on the line, sometimes barefoot, so Mom prevailed.

I haven't seen a snake in a long, long time. And I'm not sure I could have killed it myself. Dad pinned it down with the hoe, but he didn't quite finish it off until I brought him the shovel and he was able to thoroughly squash it between the metal blades. I did my part by carrying the shovel across the road and laying it on the shoulder to rot in the blazing sun.

I probably wouldn't have lasted long on the prarie.

I'm getting excited about my trip, although I am feeling angst about all the stuff I haven't done for these stupid fund raisers I agreed to help with. Why didn't I just say no? I think it was because I thought if I wasn't working, I needed to have something to do to keep me busy, and certainly these are the types of things I know how to do.

The only thing I forgot is that I hate doing fund raising.

Screw it. I'm going to do what I can in the next 48 hours and then everyone be damned. I'll be on a plane headed west and I won't be back for nearly two weeks. But don't worry - the laptop is coming with me, as is the digital camera and the cell phone. Oh yes, you're coming with me! It's gonna be great.

Unemployment: Day Twenty

Things are going well. Maybe too well.

Had a call from an acquaintance yesterday who is aware of my employment status. Turns out he has a job available, but it's not really one I want. He's doing a search but is afraid he may not be able to fill it, at least not as quickly as he would like. He asked if I might be interested in doing some consulting/contractual work. I might. We'll talk when I get back from the west coast.

Then I sent in my resume to a local bank. I'm probably overqualified for the job I applied for, but maybe they have something else available.

Went to the Chamber of Commerce mixer last night and saw a guy who has offered to let me edit his organization's newsletter. I've told him yes, but not until September. Just have too many things going on. Ran into a mortgage loan consultant who seemed to think that I could be a good mortgage broker.

What to do ... which direction to turn? It's great knowing that I have so many options. And today I choose to go see an early afternoon matinee of "Must Love Dogs" with my faithful sidekick, Susan. Have a great weekend, all.

Unemployment: Day Eighteen

Now I've seen it all.

Seriously, I love a gimmick. Now, I'm not going to run out to Target and buy their fall line, but I enjoyed the stunt.

Unemployment: Day Sixteen

Okay, so I'm feeling a bit better today.

Had an early meeting and came home and promptly knocked off the four follow-up items on my list. Did a few other things and then went to the gym and worked out for an hour. Am procrastinating for a few minutes here before I try to finally finish the last lingering details related to my position as treasurer for a statewide organization.

I almost don't want to mention it, because I try to keep the really personal details of my life in the infamous other blog, but part of the reason I'm feeling better is because after creating that whiney post yesterday, I spent the afternoon with this man. I've been seeing Rich for about a month now, and I think he likes me, he really likes me. Who knows what will come of it, but for now I'm just going to go with the "it's so great knowing that there is someone who enjoys being with me and who is excited to see me" feeling.

Kinda like having a dog. Except he feeds me and I don't have to take him for a walk or let him out to pee in the middle of the night.

2:14 p.m. NEWSFLASH!

My sister is getting married. Finally. Her significant other actually proposed in February, but she hadn't told anyone about it, and they hadn't made any plans. I guess my brother-in-law to be had had enough, because when they went to Cleveland over the weekend to see the Indians play, he proposed in a big way.

The mascot came with a dozen roses and there was a camera crew there to post it on the jumbotron. He gave her a ring and everything and my brother and sister-in-law were with them to capture the moment. How incredibly romantic.

It should be. He's only had 20 years to plan this.

CouldaShouldaWoulda

I have a bad case of the couldashouldawoulda's.

There are so many things I could be doing. Things I should be doing. Things I would be doing if only I were motivated.

I can't even loaf properly.

I need to do laundry. I should be weeding the garden. I should be writing some overdue thank you notes. I could go to the gym and get in a proper workout. I'd like to copy more of my CD's into my laptop so I can upload to my iPod. I want to upload some flickr photos and update my birthday blog. I was up late last night and I got very little sleep - I really should get some rest.

But there is no rest for the weary. For some reason I'm unable to push all this aside and escape into blissful sleep. Too many thoughts. Too much clutter and confusion. I could be doing some work for the fund raiser I agreed to chair. Or the other fund raiser that I agreed to help with - especially since I have an 8:00 a.m. committee meeting tomorrow. But I can't justify spending the mental energy on that now. Am I already asleep? Is that why this post is coming out all garbled?

Why am I suddenly unable to prioritize? I feel so inadequate. I am unemployed and I have all the time in the world. So why can't I get anything done? Okay, this is just the way it is at this moment. There. I got that off my chest.

But I really hate this feeling, and I hate the way it has come out on my keyboard.

Don't be surprised if this post disappears.

Holy Smoke

I just set off the smoke detector.

All I was doing was toasting a multigrain muffin. It didn't even burn, but because the house is so shut up, the little bit of heat smoke from the toaster oven set off the detector. Nothing like the shrill shriek of a smoke detector to wake you up.

Still enjoying the loafing ... I think. I've had a headache off and on for the last few days. Combination of the heat and humidity and going in and out of air conditioning, I think. Combined with lack of sleep and lack of exercise (haven't been to the gym for a workout in over a week) and my body is just rebeling.

I am trying to take care of myself. I even went to the doctor yesterday and had my blood pressure checked. When I was in South Carolina last week with my parents, we were talking about all our aches and pains as older people are wont to do, and somewhere along the way the blood pressure monitor came out. And I blew 140/100 several times.

But yesterday the doc said it was 116/84 so I'm not going to sweat it. Many of the home units aren't calibrated properly, I'm told. I just don't want to have to go on medication, especially now that I don't have any health coverage.

I've been out to dinner every night since Wednesday. Susan and I had a great meal at a locally renowned restaurant, and I have photos from that evening that I threatened to post, but I think I'll keep them to myself. Then on Thursday it was dinner with some girlfriends from my women's group. One of them just bought a new high priced condo in town, and it was lovely. I can't imagine ever spending that kind of money on a condo, but if you have it and that's how you want to spend it, more power to you. And last night it was dinner with Rich followed by an unplanned boat ride with his friends. Nothing like a clear crisp summer night on the lake to make you think "life is good."

Yes, life is good.

Unemployment: Day Fourteen

Whoops - really lost track of the days there. Forgot that I'm not counting the weekends in my unemployment count. Also didn't count July 4 as that was a holiday. So, I've been unemployed for two weeks now.

I've received my last paycheck, so the panic should set in sometime soon. Especially since I haven't curbed my spending habits. Plane tickets and hotel rooms don't come cheap, but I'm not going to deny myself - I am going to travel this summer. And the travel continues into the fall - Susan and I are taking a cruise after Thanksgiving.

But lest you think I'm developing bad habits, I'll have you know that I just spent the last two hours preparing a cover letter and resume. The good folks at the unemployment office are going to be asking me what I've done to find a new job, and I can now tell them that I have applied for this position. There is another job that I'm going to apply for tomorrow - but for now, to the pool.

It's just too glorious a day to spend inside.

Unemployment: Day Fifteen Thirteen

I'm too busy to blog.

Catching up on chores - just mowed the lawn and spread some miracle grow. Need to to some other cleaning and then it's off to have dinner with Susan. Just wanted to check in and tell you all that I made it safely home from South Carolina. Everyone is safe and intact although I thought Mom and Dad might come to blows somewhere around Harrisburg PA.

Gotta run - will check in again tomorrow or Friday.

Hugs,
Kenna

Unemployment: Day Eight

Finished packing and drove four hours to the old homestead. The thermometer on the bank said it was 100 degrees - and that's without the humidity! Hopped in the pool as soon as I got here, but it felt like bath water. Brother # 1 and his wife and son were here for dinner; Brother # 2 and his wife and dog came by later for a swim. Sister called in her greetings. We leave at 6:00 a.m. tomorrow for South Carolina.

Probably won't be posting, at least not daily. I may write posts and then post them when I get back early next week. Or I could do an audio post or two, hmm? See you when I see you.

Unemployment: Day Seven

Got a lot done yesterday.

Busy day today - up at 6:00 a.m. to do my weeding and I'm headed to my pilates class at 9:00 a.m. Then, lunch at noon to help plan a fund raising event in the fall. Followed by errands - a stop at the travel agency, the flower store, and probably Wal-Mart. I need furnace filters.

I'm getting ready for that big trip to South Carolina with my parents. Have already started packing the car with things I want to be sure not to forget. There are a couple of jobs I saw in the Sunday paper (I knew I shouldn't have looked!) that I should apply for before I head out of town. If for no other reason than to tell the folks at the unemployment office that I applied.

Updated some of my plans for the west coast trip yesterday. My friend Martha is SO excited that I'm going to visit. Man - I'm tired. Feels like I put in a full day already. Later.

My Dad's Old Sweater

As I'm cleaning my closets and sorting out my life, I've come across a number of articles about which I've needed to make some hard decisions. One of those items is my dad's old sweater.

I co-opted it sometime in high school. I'm not sure if it really was a letterman's sweater or not, and I'm pretty sure my dad was never much of an athlete and he certainly didn't have any letters to hang on it, but I always thought of it as a such, and I liked wearing it around.

Of course it was too big for me, but back then, oversized was cool. I took the sweater with me to college and would pull it on in the dorm when it was chilly. The sweater graduated from college with me, minus at least one button. It stayed with me as I got my first job and after I got married. Somewhere along the way I purchased a newer, more appropriate sweater, but I still kept this one.

I kept it through my job change in 1999 and my separation in 2000. The sweater made its way into my office where it hung on the back of my door, and sometimes I would pull it on in the winter rather than turn on the heat.

All of the buttons are gone now. The sweater is pilled and bedraggled. It was one of the last things I took from my office before I left for good on June 30. And now, as I clean my closets and try to make sense of the disorder in my life, I have to decide the fate of my father's sweater.

I want to keep it. It's like a security blanket now, and just looking at it reminds me of the many years we spent together. I don't know how I can just throw it in the garbage. And if I don't keep it, that is what I must do - throw it in the garbage. It's not something I can donate or give away. It's not just old, tired, dirty and worn - it's mine and it's filled with memories that I don't want to share with anyone else.

I just came back from a visit with my parents. Even though he just turned 61, my father is getting older now, and in some ways I fear that the end may be near. His father died in his early sixties and his uncle died at 54. I know it sounds fatalistic, but my father may not have too many years left. So how can I throw out his sweater?

When I left my parents the other day, I hugged my dad and told him I'd be back next week. I can still feel the tight bear hug he gave me, and the scratch of his beard on my cheek. And I will be back next week, and I'm going to be driving with my parents to South Carolina to visit my father's cousins - cousins he never really knew. I am going to be spending some good old fashioned quality time with mom and dad.

And the memory of that will last longer than the sweater.

Unemployment: Day Four

Spent most of yesterday on the road. Came home by way of the outlets and bought myself the cutest little skirt for $12.50. Got suckered into a matching cami which I thought was only $10 but that was only if I bought two for $20. Paid $16 for it which was too much, but it totally goes with the skirt and is an awesome color so ...

Got some unemployment paperwork in the mail today. Because I worked for an educational institution, there may be some delay while they assure themselves that I won't be returning to work in September. Trust me, I won't. At least not there. Promptly filled out the questionnaire and sent it back.

Have been doing a whole lotta nothing today - I've actually been busy and on the go since 8:00 a.m. but I'm not sure I have much to show for it. It's been overcast and gloomy all day, so it's a good day to be inside cleaning closets which is what I was doing before I took a break to write this post.

I just suddenly realized that I'm hungry - I never had lunch. Those four strawberry margarita bon-bons don't count. Okay - back to the cleaning and organizing. Hope you're having a great day too!

Unemployment: Day Two

All hell is gonna break loose.

It is 7:21 a.m. and my mother is asleep on the swing out by the pool. Her deaf puppy is tearing up a potted plant. Boy, is she gonna yell when she sees that.

I don't know where my father is - his truck is gone. He's upset because someone (me) left the pool gate open last night and the cat escaped.

I think I'm in trouble.

3:22 p.m. All's Well That Ends Well

The cat came home and Mom never made a peep about the dirt strewn across the pool deck. She's getting soft in her old age. Or as I like to kid her, she loves the pets more than she loves me.

Have been making travel plans today. I'm going to the west coast in August to visit some friends (old and new) and to see places I've never seen. When I told my sister where I was going, she asked who I knew out there and when I told her no one, she was incredulous. I'm not worried - I don't have any problems being with myself.

Just came back from a walk. It was raining this morning and even though it's hot and sticky out there, I wanted to stretch my legs. It's interesting being in the house where I grew up. I remember when we first moved here, we were the second house on the right side of the road. Now there are half a dozen homes before you round the curve and see the old homestead.

I remember riding my bike up and down the road, and in the summer when it got hot, the tar on the road would bubble up and we'd pop it with our bare feet. And the house at the end of the road where I used to babysit for $5/day with the weeping willow tree in the back yard - the weeping willow is no more.

It's a very rural area, so there are no sidewalks, and not really even much of a shoulder to walk on. Dogs would bark and half heartedly get up to chase me, but then they would sit back down and pant quietly. The corn is waist high, and I caught a big whiff of cow manure as I walked past one of the few functioning farms left on the road. I passed by the barn where once upon a time there had been a milk vending machine. I remember occasionally riding my bike to get a half gallon of milk from that machine.

I wonder how people make a living around here. Somehow, they manage. I noted the changes, but mostly I marveled at how much things have remained the same.

Out of Whack

My whole system is out of whack.

Blame it on the alcohol.

Ever since that wicked hangover in February, my tolerance for alcohol has been unpredictable. I can't drink nearly as much as I used to, and now when I overindulge I get the biggest goddamn hangovers. Yeah, I know. You gotta stop drinking.

But how could I not have a drink or two yesterday? I got up early, walked downtown for breakfast, went to the post office and the farmer's market, took care of a few things in the yard, and then went to the lake with Rich. Where we sat in the sun and drank for about six hours. By the time dinner was served, I wasn't hungry but I managed to eat some salmon, pork, sausage, pasta and bread. What a feast!

Then we went out on the boat to watch the fireworks from the water, and the headache started to set in. Rich was great - we just snuggled into our corner and kept each other warm. When we got back on shore, I made the mistake (?) of taking some ibuprofen, and sure enough, half an hour later, just a mile and a half from home, I had to ask Rich to pull over.

There's absolutely nothing sexy about puking on the side of the road.

But Rich was a trooper. Actually, I think he was just glad that I didn't puke in the car. Apparently he had a date do that to him about a year ago. He brought me home, literally tucked me into bed, and then he went home.

I may have to keep this one around for a while.

Unemployment: Day One

It's official. I am now unemployed.

Tried signing up for the dole this morning, but if I apply today, my claim is retroactive to June 27. I have to wait until Independence Day to file my claim. How poetic.

Haven't posted the last two days because I was kidnapped Wednesday afternoon. I had planned on having dinner with Susan after getting my hair done, but she had to cancel so I ended up stopping by to see my occasional love interest, George. We drank some wine and then went out to dinner. And then he tied me up and kept me captive Wednesday night. I tried to escape yesterday, but he wouldn't let me go. He forced me to run errands with him and then he served me more wine and took me out to dinner. And then he tied me up again and kept me for another night.

He let me go this morning, but only after I helped him Swiffer up the sawdust in his house.

On Vacation: Day Forty-One

Even though it doesn't seem it, just the very fact that I'm not posting until early evening tells you that I've had a very busy day.

I'm getting good at the loafing.

Slept in, had to rush a little to get to my 9:00 a.m. pilates class. Spent some quality time with my nearly naked self in the tanning booth. Met up with someone from my women's group out by the lake to check out a garden that will be on our upcoming tour in early July. Took the long way home. Arrived to find a message from Rich - did I want to get a late lunch? Of course. Late lunch followed by stroll down main street and the trying on of a cute dress that I don't need but that's okay because it didn't fit anyway. Did some laundry. Have been picking up and putting down papers for hours now ... still not sure I've made any progress in that regard. Pulled out the laptop to create this post and realized it was a perfect time to call Dan. So I did.

And that brings you up to date on day forty-one of my vacation.

I Hate It When That Happens

So remember yesterday when I was excited about finding a $2 lottery ticket? Well, today I found a $10 coupon. That I should have had with me last week when I bought those new running shoes. Because I could have used it and saved $10. So now I just feel like I'm $8 in the hole.

Let's Give It A Whirl

Saw on the dashboard that now you can supposedly insert an image with ease. Let's see ... I'm going to try to insert a photo of me with the snarky journalist that my housemate Phil took. Good Golly Miss Molly - it works.

I'm not sure what we were laughing and talking about. Every time I sat down and tried to join the conversation that he was leading, I got bored. I mean, who cares if Tom Cruise is gay or not? So what if he was an extra in "War of the Worlds?" But he came and had a good time, and I might get my picture in the paper again so all's well that ends well, innit?

On Vacation: Day Forty

Maybe that's the way it was supposed to be.

I was disappointed that Larry didn't show up at the party, and concerned when he didn't answer my calls. I still haven't heard from him, but I'm sure there's a reasonable explanation and I'm not going to hold it against him or punish him in any way. After all, this is a man who was brave enough and bold enough to let me go to New Orleans with him after knowing him for just a few days.

Besides, if Larry had been at the party, I probably wouldn't have heard from Rich.

I actually met Rich at my February party, and I saw him and a couple of his friends when I was out at the lake on Friday and invited them to the party on Saturday. Rich was the only one who showed up. And then he called me yesterday and invited me to go boating with him and his friends. I said yes.

It was the best day ever.

I used to hang out on the lake when I was married, but after my husband and I separated he got the boat ... the house ... and the cat. I always follow that statement by saying that I miss the cat. But without realizing it, I missed the boat too. It was so hot, humid and sticky yesterday, and as Susan, Michelle and I were sitting on the porch, I said that it was a day when you just want to be out on the lake on a boat. And I wished out loud that that was what I could do.

I can't believe that my wishes keep coming true.

Good Thing I Checked

I'm cleaning out my bedroom in anticipation of my impending annual move, and I came across some lottery tickets. I was pretty sure I hadn't hit the jackpot, but thought I'd check the numbers anyway. Good thing I did - I had one ticket on which I'd picked the megaball which means it's worth $2.

Hey, it's better than a kick in the ass. Maybe I'll hang onto it and give it to Dan Tobin as a tip if I ever make it to LA.

Red Hot!

The theme of the party was "Red Hot!" and I asked my guests to wear red. Early in the evening I posed with a few of my girlfriends:



Okay - it is now 1:40 a.m. More photos later.

On Vacation: Day Thirty-Nine

Time for a man rant.

Okay, as much as I appreciate the fact that the UBND tried to help by mowing my lawn, I see clumps of grass out there today. Meaning I need to rake. Meaning he did not save me time. He cost me time. And it's not just him.

Phil sees me raking and says "Oh, I'm glad it's not just me." Meaning he left clumps when he mowed too. But he also commented that he thought there was a 20" blade on a 21" lawn mower. So if you know that, why don't you compensate by overlapping your rows, hmm?

I have never had a clumping problem. I have a teeny, tiny yard. In fifteen minutes I can mow it twice (with overlapping rows) and I've never had to rake. Sure, it takes me longer than the five minutes that it takes men to do it, but ultimately it takes less time because I don't need to rake!

Men.

In case I had forgotten why I prefer being single ... now I remember.

On Vacation: Day Thirty-Eight

So much to do. So little time.

I'm having a party on Saturday, and there's still much to be done:

1) mow the lawn (thanks to the UBND!)
2) set up the canopy
3) buy beer, water and soda at beverage store
4) pull out recipes and make shopping list for BJ's and grocery store
5) actually go to BJ's and grocery store
6) change sheets in guest room
7) hose off front porch
8) make more ice
9) finish moving mulch
10) hose off and put away tarp (thanks again to the UBND - and his lady friend)
11) hose off porch windows and sidewalk
12) wash/set out martini glasses
13) print out martini recipe on clear labels for postcards

Actually, as far as prep work goes, it's not too bad. And I do have two and a half days to do it. Of course, once I get the groceries, most of Saturday will be dedicated to food prep. And I plan on going to the Chamber mixer tonight. And tomorrow is the annual day at the lake. Eh, I'll manage.

It's supposed to get up to 94 degrees on Saturday, so I'm trying to make sure I have lots of non-alcoholic beverages on hand. I think I'll get some popsicles - will make for great candids ... me and all my girlfriends in our little red dresses sucking on cherry popsicles so our tongues will be bright red too ... your heart skipped a beat just imagining that didn't it?

Wait until I post the photos.

On Vacation: Day Thirty-Seven

I'm starting to feel better. Throat not quite as scratchy; glands not as swollen. But my feet are killing me. Was wearing red pumps without stockings yesterday and developed a HUGE blister on one foot. Changed shoes for the party I went to in the evening, but they weren't much better. It was a long, full day.

Not quite sure what to do with myself today. I don't have any obligations or commitments. Wait - shoot. Cynthia will be stopping by around 11:30. She's into yet another business venture and she wants me to try some new skin-care/cosmetics line. Ugh. But other than that, the day is mine. I'd say I was going to get out there and do yard work, but it's unexpectedly overcast. Not a problem - plenty of picking up and cleaning to do here in the house.

I've just about run out of people to send postcards to, but I think I will drop one in the mail to Amanda today. She didn't ask for one, but since we did a package exchange last fall (the "National Potato Month" compilation is one of my favorites, Amanda!) I have her address. I only recently saw that she has paused her blogging activity. I imagine that one day it will happen to me too ... life will get in the way of my little online fantasy world.

But not until September.

11:49 a.m. I impress myself. Just looked up Amanda's address. On my iPod. I finally was able to download my Palm contacts into the iPod - once I downloaded and installed the PalmPod freeware. I had tried just exporting the vcards as per the iPod instructions, but I kept getting only the first record. After trolling through the iPodlounge, found a note saying "oh yeah - you need to edit out blank lines in order to download all your contacts." Couldn't figure out/didn't want to fart around with that, so I went to Palm instead. After a little searching there, found a note from this guy who created the PalmPod program (with the helpful note that I should first update my Palm software) and in short order - I had my contacts in my iPod. Sweet.

On Vacation: Day Thirty-Six

It's going to be a long day.

Pilates at 9:00, exit interview at work at 11:00, informational interview at 3:00, shopping, and then a summer solstice party. So before I throw myself into it, let me introduce you to today's lucky postcard recipient, Meaghan.

I haven't been reading Meaghan long, or even often, but I like her. She's pure. From what I've seen, Meaghan blogs for herself. It doesn't matter how many posts she makes or how many comments she gets. She doesn't feel the need to reciprolink. She posts when she has something to say. And when that happens, it's usually sharp, witty and/or insightful. So, here's to you, Meaghan! Hope you enjoy the postcard.

On Vacation: Day Thirty-Five

Per doctor's orders, I'm blogging from the backyard.

Had a meeting with my new friend Natalie, who happens to be a physician. She could see how utterly exhausted I was, and she insisted that I go outside and enjoy the sunlight this afternoon. How could I say no?

I am totally wiped out. I seem to have caught some type of summer cold virus. The glands they are a-swollen and it hurts to swallow. I didn't get much sleep last night and I'm dragging. I still have mulch to be moved, but you know what? It will be there tomorrow. Or the next day.

Of course, try as I might, I can't seem to catch a nap. It's too hot to actually fall asleep in the sun. I guess I'll have to wait for yoga to catch some zzzz's. And hope that I can get a good night's sleep tonight, because I've got a full day tomorrow. Pilates class followed by exit interview at work followed by an hour or two of paperwork in the office followed by an informational interview followed by some shopping followed by a Summer Soltice party. Long, full day.

About the only thing I did accomplish today was dropping a postcard in the mail to Dan Tobin. I don't remember how I found most of the blogs I link to, but I remember finding Dan through Brian. Of course, what really intrigued me about Dan was his other blog. Being the mistress of the other blog myself, I was enthralled and captivated by the Master of Movement. And we both started our other blogs in May 2004, so I feel a sort of special kinship with Dan because of that.

I only have one complaint - while I like the fact that Dan's posts are short, so I can read them quickly, there's so damn many of them that ultimately they add up to a long post, so really, what's the difference?

Just a thought in my sleep deprived, sun baked (I see we have that in common too!), semi-employed stupor.

Ruminations

All in all, today wasn't a bad day. I was feeling a little low yesterday - after all the excitement and activity in my life the last few weeks, suddenly I was alone and had no one to play with! And I've got swollen glands and a scratchy throat, so that didn't help.

But overall, you know what? Life is good. Had a quick visit from my friend Lynn earlier today. She's trying to take care of her mother who has just been diagnosed with dementia. And trying to stay on top of her full-time job. And planning for her son's wedding in early August. She's got a lot going on.

And here I am, just puttering in the yard - that's my biggest worry right now. Yes, life is good. More tomorrow - and the sending of the postcards continues. Dan's on deck.

On Vacation: Day Thirty-Four

It's a little late in the day, but I'm back and ready to blog.

Spent the last few days at a conference in Cooperstown, NY - home of the Baseball Hall of Fame, the Farmer's Museum, and the Fenimore Art Museum. A totally cute little town.

I was enjoying my last hurrah as treasurer of a state-wide organization - perhaps a little too much. I overindulged in vodka cranberry tonics and made the mistake of mixing them with white wine. And chasing it down with brie and pretzels. Oh yeah. I got trashed. Again.

My friend Michelle was with me, and she has decided that I'm lactose intolerant. At least, that's what she told everyone who wondered where I was yesterday. I spent the day in bed, rising occasionally to hurl bile from the bottom of my stomach. I threw up for the last time around 4:30 p.m. Michelle came to my rescue with a banana. When I was able to keep that down for more than an hour, I managed to go down for the cocktail reception - at which I did NOT consume any cocktails. I skipped dinner - didn't want to risk a sudden dash for the ladies room.

After a good night's sleep, I was feeling much better today. Managed a healthy breakfast, lunch and dinner. I'm going to try to get my life back on track tomorrow by going to the gym.

Glad you all had a chance to meet Susan. Like I said, not sure how often she'll be stopping by, but you can be sure that she'll leave pithy comments when she does.

I got two more takers on the postcard offer - for all you Johnny Come Latelys, here's the deal. I buy postcards wherever I go and I never actually send them. The thought is that I will put them in a scrapbook to document my travels. But I haven't cracked open a scrapbook in a decade. So I'm sending these postcards to my blogger friends.

Interestingly enough, when I toured the art museum earlier today, there was a display there noting that postcards originated in Europe but that by 1905 they had been popularized here in the United States. So, in a sense, it's the 100th anniversary of the postcard. Totally fitting that I am celebrating in this way! Celebrate with me -send your snail mail address to kennafearing [at] gmail [dot] com and I'll send you a postcard - I actually picked up a dozen more today!

Michelle actually had a good idea - I'm having a party next Saturday, and I'm going to jot the recipe for my special martini on the postcards and hand them out as a party favor. So hopefully the postcards will be gone by the end of the month. I hope so.

Okay - enough for now. We'll see how the weekend goes and whether or not I have anything interesting to post. If not, look for an update on Day Thirty-Five.

On Vacation: Day Thirty-Two

Happy Birthday, Susan!

As a very special birthday gift, I have finally given my dearest friend and most faithful sidekick, Susan, access to this blog. It's up to her to decide what to do with it - whether to read regularly, comment or not. There's really nothing here that she doesn't know about (and many things that she does know about do not appear here - let's keep it that way, hmm?) and since I've slowly been coming out of the closet by showing The Face, I figured "what the hell?"

And in other news ... I just found a May 24 reimbursement check for $315.90 in my bag as I was packing. Methinks I should deposit that puppy, along with Phil's rent check. Might help when my credit card bill arrives ... I've been buying plane tickets, expensive dinners, jewelry ... it's not going to be cheap.

Off to C-town for a conference; no blogging for the next few days.

On Vacation: Day Thirty-One

A somewhat productive day.

Went to the gym for my pilates class and 12 minutes of tanning. Did some laundry. Went to the office to run some reports that I need for my conference tomorrow. Came home and met the carpenter so he could repair my bathroom ceiling. Went out to run some errands. Sent in the payment for my speeding ticket (which, by the way, I was able to have reduced to a non-moving violation - yeah!) and mailed a long overdue package to John.

I also mailed a postcard to Ed. If you've been enjoying my vacation stories, then you'll love his travelogue, Tales from the South Pacific. In case you haven't been to Ed's site before, he often comments on pop-culture. Whenever I missed an episode of American Idol, I would just pop over to Ed's site for his commentary and review.

I don't know how much longer I can beg and cajole you for your addresses here ... I may just have to start sending these postcards to my actual family and friends!

8:30 p.m. This just in ... no wonder I couldn't connect with Audioblogger last week. They changed the freakin' number and didn't tell me. Hop on over to AAPATT for some fresh Kenna!

On Vacation: Day Thirty

Wow. A whole solid month.

Got a rock solid ten hours of sleep last night. Had a meeting and made a few phone calls this morning. Was just getting ready to go out and run a few errands and maybe grab some lunch at Taco Bell when Phil called. He was at Taco Bell. Did I want anything for lunch?

I live a charmed life.

Had lunch and then went to a local establishment where I knew I could find a carpenter. I have a small hole in my downstairs bathroom ceiling that needs to be fixed. Found my carpenter and brought him back to the house. He'll be there at 2:00 tomorrow to make things right.

Came into the office and have been putzing around here ever since. At least it's air conditioned. It's been hot, sticky and muggy every day. Getting ready to go to yoga, but first ...

... Brian.

You know I know where you live. You didn't ask for a postcard, but you are going to get one. I suppose the fact that you added me to your Flickr contact list should tell me that you haven't forgotten about me completely.

What can I say about The Hair? Poet, photographer, man of mystery. Not sure how I stumbled into your lair, but you've had me ensnared ever since. You are prolific in your posts, and consistent in your content. And humble. Why did you not scream and shout about your birthday? I let the world know that my birthday was on May 9 (by the way, still waiting for the package ...) and my friends even created a separate birthday blog for me.

So, if for no other reason than the fact that I missed your birthday, today's postcard is for you. And if he sends me his address, tomorrow I shall send a postcard to Ed.

That's all I have time for - off to yoga, also known as my late afternoon nap.

On Vacation: Day Twenty-Nine

It just keeps getting better.

But before I launch into stories and show you a few photos, I must first take care of today's postcard. Dan, this one is for you. I think I found you on the "Next Blog" button and boy, am I glad I did. I just loved the title of your blog, the fact that you are a writer, and you are cute as a button to boot! We've been on the same wavelength since day one. How cool is that? I'm so sorry I missed your call on Wednesday - I'm still confused by that time zone thing. My phone said the call was received at 6:22 p.m. and I looked at the clock in the room and it was 6:25 p.m. and so I thought I had just missed you. Of course, you had called an hour earlier - my phone is set to Eastern time, and I was in the Central time zone with you so ... anyway. Can't wait for the day when we're not only in the same time zone but in the same town!

So Dan gets today's postcard. And it may be the last one I send unless you folks start sending me your address. Frilly? r? Amanda? Deb? Brian? Can't believe my regulars have deserted me on this one. Was it something I said? And what about you, Zulu? Ed? Dan Tobin? SJ? Good grief, do I have to pray to Blog Jesus?

So. My trip. With Larry. A guy I met on June 1. Flew to New Orleans on June 6 to spend a few days with him while he was at a conference. Could have been a disaster. Instead, was an amazing adventure. No, I don't think Larry is the love of my life. He's just a great guy who shares many of the same perspectives I do. Someone who is divorced and 40 and not ready to settle down again. Someone with whom I immediately felt comfortable - and he felt the same way too. Here are a few photos:



I'm too tired to create hyperlinks for these - if you want to see larger views then go to my flickr page. The reason I'm tired is that my trip back did not go as smoothly as my trip down. You know how everything seems to be falling into place for me? Well, I was wondering when things would start going wrong, and it was at 4:30 yesterday afternoon. My connecting flight from Dulles was cancelled. I stood in line for two and a half hours to get rebooked on a later flight - to Boston. Yes, Boston. Not Hartford, from whence I'd flown. I met up with a businessman who was renting a car to drive back to Hartford.

The flight to Boston was delayed. Left DC at midnight, got into Boston at 1:30 a.m. I slept a little on the flight, but not enough. Was able to sleep some on the drive to Hartford, but not much. When we got to the Hartford airport at 4:30 a.m. I decided to just take a nap. Pulled into a hotel parking lot and slept for an hour before attempting the remainder of my 2 1/2 hour drive back home. Got in around 8:30 this morning and thought I could go to sleep. Guess again. And I'm supposed to get in the car and drive 4 hours to visit my family for the weekend. Luckily, I have a co-pilot and unbeknownst to her, she'll be doing all the driving this afternoon!

So I thought my luck had run out. But it didn't. Because I got a call from my local radio station this morning. I won a weekend getaway to Montreal. I kid you not.

Who wants to come with?

On Vacation: Day Twenty-Eight

I'm so bummed - I have to return to upstate New York today. I've been having such a great time here in New Orleans! I promise lots of photos when I return.

I already dropped Sue's postcard in the mail. Let's see ... I've sent postcards to Louisiana, England, Massachusetts, Kentucky, New York, California and now ... Iowa. I've never been to Iowa, but my friend Mary grew up there, and that's where Sue lives. Sue reads my blog pretty regularly, and I really like her a lot. Mostly because she put me in the "faithful reads and talented authors" category - right up there with Wil Wheaton and Dooce and Tequila Mockingbird. Woo-hoo! And I haven't even let Sue read my society columns yet.

Well - gotta catch the shuttle to the airport. I'd give you a hint about who is going to receive tomorrow's postcard, but I haven't been able to check my email, so it's going to be a surprise.

Thanks again to Jenica for faithfully publishing these posts in my absence.

On Vacation: Day Twenty-Seven

What day is it? Wednesday? Where am I? Oh yeah - New Orleans. Man is it hot!

Not much time, so this will be a quick post. Today I'm mailing a postcard to Maria. Not quite sure how Maria and I connected. I almost think I got lucky on that "next blog" button. One of the things I really like blogging is learning more about other places. Maria lives in Tijuana (right?) and she helped me when I couldn't figure out how to get a gravatar. I really love it when bloggers help each other out. I haven't been that good about keeping up with reading other blogs faithfully since I went on vacation (I wasn't kidding about the fact that I did most of my blogging On Company Time) and Maria really does deserve a promotion. I started her out in "The Fitting Room" but she really deserves to be in "My Seasonal Closet."

So once I get back and have some free time (!) consider it done. And then we'll work on how we can rendezvous in San Diego when I make my trip down the west coast later this summer. But please, whatever you do, don't make me drink tequila!

I'll be heading back tomorrow, but not before I drop Sue's postcard in the mail. Catch you later!

On Vacation: Day Twenty-Six

Hello, everyone - greetings from New Orleans! Wow - I'm actually on vacation. Not sure what I'm going to do today. My companion is attending a conference, so he's in meetings all day. I can feel free to roam about the city ... let's see, which mailbox shall I use to send this lovely postcard to Jenica?

Despite the appearance of this post, I want to confess that I did not take my laptop with me to New Orleans. Instead, I prepared drafts in advance and I've asked Jenica to post for me each day. As I mentioned last week, John Strain was one of the first blogs I found when I started this thing about a year and a half ago. Jenica was the second. I was amazed at how prolific she was - so many posts on so many different topics. And she's smart - like blow me away smart. Like John, I was impressed with the fact that Jenica used her real name. And she lives and works in a tiny college town not too far away from me, and I felt like we had a lot in common. If I'd ever had a little sister, I would want it to be someone like Jenica.

So when it came time to entrust these important blog posts to someone, I thought of her. Thanks so much - Jenica. I owe you one. Hey - want to come to my party on June 25? Your Evite has already been sent. I hope you come - I know that I would enjoy meeting you and Drew.

That's all for today - be sure to tune in tomorrow when I tell you all about Maria.

On Vacation: Day Twenty-Five

I worked hard over the weekend and the mulch tally is up to 56 - I loaded and unloaded 56 freakin' wheelbarrows full of mulch. I gotta tell you though - the yard is looking great. I'd take photos and post them, but I've got to pack and get on the road. Did I tell you that I'm flying to New Orleans today?

Before I leave, though, I'll be sure to mail today's postcard to Barrie. I remember becoming aware of Barrie last summer, probably via Brian or Amanda (neither of whom, by the way, has requested a postcard - was it something I said?). Barrie was running this blog contest and I nominated runswithscissors as best blog, and he won! Barrie has a crush on The Voice (and really, can you blame her?) and I happen to think she's cute as a button too. I know that Barrie struggles with what to say on her blog sometimes, and she worries about what others think. Here's my unsolicited advice - Barrie, it's your blog. Say what you want to say. Don't worry whether or not others agree or disagree. We all write for different reasons. Just say what you have to say.

Well, I'm off ... and I'm taking three postcards with me. Jenica will be the featured blogger tomorrow, which is totally appropriate because she's blog sitting for me while I'm gone. I've already told her to expect a New Orleans postmark.

And as for the rest of you ... I still have a crapload of postcards. In fact, I found more:



Email me your address, and I'll send you one of these fine postcards. Even if you think I already have your address, send it to me anyway. Believe me, you don't want to miss out on one of these special limited edition postcards!

Reunions

Apparently it's reunion weekend here in my little part of the world.

The college where I used to work is having reunion this weekend, so I went up to campus to crash the luncheon (Barbara invited me to when she was here for breakfast yesterday). I ran into some alumni I remembered from my years there, and you know, it was a really nice feeling to have them stop me to say hello. Almost makes me wish I'd never left that institution. Almost.

Then I drove over to the high school where some (natch) high school friends were playing in a lacrosse tournament. Keep in mind - I didn't go to school around here; they were in town for this weekend tournament. I'll be heading home next weekend and will see them again for the 22nd annual Wiffleball Tournament. It really is pretty incredible - they have been having a wiffleball tournament in their back yard for 22 years.

So it's a scorcher out there today - 85 degrees. That's okay, it's just good practice for the weather in that distant city I'll be headed to on Monday. I suppose I can let the cat out of the bag ... I'm going to New Orleans! I've always wanted to go and when I met Larry (keep in mind this is a new Larry - not either one of the two Larrys I've mentioned previously) and he told me that he was going there for a conference next week, I simply said "Can I come with you?" He was a little stunned, because after all, we literally had just met for the first time on Wednesday, but he was already under my spell and he couldn't say no to me.

I'm flying down on Monday, getting in late, and will be there all day on Tuesday and Wednesday. Of course I've already emailed John and asked him for his list of must-sees and things to do. Larry will be busy in sessions all day, but we'll have time in the evening to go out and explore.

Is it impulsive? Yes. A little dangerous? Absolutely. Completely exciting? You bet!

Don't worry - I'll still stay on schedule with the sending of the postcards, and you'll know I wasn't making it up when you see that New Orleans postmark. I'll also keep up with the posting here even though I'm not taking my laptop with me. I've engaged a top-notch consultant to assist me during my absence. I'll introduce you to her on Tuesday (which also just so happens to be her day for the receipt of a postcard).

Have I told you lately how good life is?

On Vacation: Day Twenty-Four

Having moved another 11 wheelbarrows full of mulch yesterday, I decided to give myself the day off. No gym. No yard work. Instead, I strolled to the pastry shop and got several sticky buns and scones and hosted my friend Barbara for a late breakfast. And now I'm getting ready to walk downtown to meet my friends Lorrie and Laurie (I'm not making this up!) for lunch. Life in a small town. I love it.

But the main thing I wanted to tell you is that I mailed a postcard to Nita today. Nita is one rocking chick. I love the potty mouth on that woman. Even though we've never met (who knows, that might change someday soon!) I know that Nita and I have a lot in common. We're roughly the same age. We're smart, sassy and sexy. We don't take shit from anyone, dammit. About the only difference I can see is that Nita is a dog person. Me, not so much. I would rather curl up with a kitty-cat, thank you very much. (Which is why Jenica and Frilly are two of my favs - but you'll hear more about them later.)

Of course, my absolute favorite animal lover is Barrie. You'll get yours on Monday, dear. Okay - off to meet the girls. Ah, the life of leisure!

On Vacation: Day Twenty-Three

How did I ever find time to work?

Up early, to the gym and then the tanning booth. Took Trucklet to the car wash because she was covered in pollen and tree sap. Then to the post office, again, because I needed a special stamp to mail today's postcard to Bushra. I have to admit, I don't read Bushra's blog on a regular basis (that's why she's in My Seasonal Closet). But I'm impressed that she has her own domain name and that she hosts her own blog. I also love her photos. Add in the fact that she's a member of Team Brian and well ... the girl is just too cool.

Bushra - today it's all about you, girlfriend. Enjoy it, because tomorrow, it's all about Nita.

Moved another 9 loads of mulch today. I'm up to 33 loads. And it looks like there's still another 33 loads in the pile. Help! I had to come in for a late lunch and to cool off. It's finally warm and sunny and nealy 80 degrees today. So I really shouldn't have been out there working in the middle of the day, but since when do I do the logical thing?

Now don't lecture me, but I'm about to do something wild and crazy. I'm going to get on a plane and go to a distant city with a man that I met yesterday. We've been corresponding for several weeks and we met for the first time last night. He had mentioned that he was going to this city for a conference, and it's a city I've never been to, and I really want to go, so I just asked if I could tag along and he said yes and I came home and booked my ticket and I fly out on Monday.

Don't tell my mom, 'k?

On Vacation: Day Twenty-Two

Thanks to those of you who have requested postcards. The distribution begins today, and the very first person to receive a postcard from me will be .... (drumroll, please) ..... John Strain!

It's appropriate in many ways. John was one of the first people I discovered when I started blogging about a year and half ago. He was very good natured when I made a post in response to seeing his right breast. I respect and admire the fact that he is who he is - John Strain. He posts openly and honestly about life in general, and his life in particular. On more than one occasion, his posts have given me pause. And that's a good thing.

So here's a shout out to John!

If you want a postcard from me, just email me your name and address and I'll add you to the list. I'm still cleaning and I found another shitload of postcards, so there's plenty to go around!

On deck for tomorrow - Bushra.