Bad Day :(
My trip to Santo Domingo was cancelled for this weekend.
My dinner plans fell through
Good Day :)
I won't miss the Super Ad Party
I don't have to work 70 hours this week getting ready for my trip
Due to a delay leaving work, I missed being a part of a nasty highway accident
Joop sent his feet walking
In reality - it's all good!
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Tide Pools
I was going to post about the ebbs and flows (tides) of thinking about the Camino and my Camino friends. At first, I would described this week as being similar to a rising tide. Everyone seemed to need to bunch up and recall our journeys. Some wanted to know if they got their lessons right. Some just wanted to talk about it again. And with some, we're plotting our reunions. I've even maintained a little correspondence with a daughter of one the hospitalerios whom I've very fond of, that doesn't speak English nor own a computer. His daughter and I seem to have a lot in common. Soon, too, she's coming to the US and I hope I can meet up with her. It would be wonderful to meet his family. He took such good care of me that day in Granon.
Really though, I realized this isn't about tides, it is about TIDE POOLS. Those wonderful little puddles left behind after the tide recedes that are, if you look closely, animated with life. That's what I have here....an active, vibrant and diverse tide pool (community) that has continued after the tide (Camino).
How joyful. How comforting. How sustaining.
Really though, I realized this isn't about tides, it is about TIDE POOLS. Those wonderful little puddles left behind after the tide recedes that are, if you look closely, animated with life. That's what I have here....an active, vibrant and diverse tide pool (community) that has continued after the tide (Camino).
How joyful. How comforting. How sustaining.
Wish List
I miss this in my daily life:
Male voice
Strong arms
Cuddles
Conversation
Partnering
Spooning
I did without it for a long, long time. I had it, then I didn't. I miss it.
Male voice
Strong arms
Cuddles
Conversation
Partnering
Spooning
I did without it for a long, long time. I had it, then I didn't. I miss it.
Some Things Just Aren't Yours To Deal With
A thought seized me yesterday. I inwardly panicked and tried to think of how I could thwart it from possibly happening. I woke up this morning with it on my mind.
And then I was calm.
If "it" is going to happen, it is going to happen. If it does 1) I (hopefully) won't know it, 2) It would have happened anyway, 3) When the day is over and if it did, the only impact it would truly have on me is what I allowed it to, 4) no one is in danger.
So I'll trust that what I believe to be true -will be. It's just one of those things grown ups have to deal with.
And then I was calm.
If "it" is going to happen, it is going to happen. If it does 1) I (hopefully) won't know it, 2) It would have happened anyway, 3) When the day is over and if it did, the only impact it would truly have on me is what I allowed it to, 4) no one is in danger.
So I'll trust that what I believe to be true -will be. It's just one of those things grown ups have to deal with.
Grrrrr!
A co-worker (of sorts) today made a comment and gesture that got the best of me. Some people in the room kind of haha-ed, more "virtually" took out after him and his boss, sitting beside him, shut him down. A few others, not nearby, when I told them what he said/did, where apalled by the incident.
I'm curious as to why it is bothing me. If one of my friends/close co-workers had done it (which they wouldn't), I think I would have thought it was funny. Maybe I've just had my fill of his crap this week in general.
OK - I'm moving on now that I've vented. He isn't significant enough to me to really care one way or another. And I've really had less affect me more. This one just stuck in my craw.
I'm curious as to why it is bothing me. If one of my friends/close co-workers had done it (which they wouldn't), I think I would have thought it was funny. Maybe I've just had my fill of his crap this week in general.
OK - I'm moving on now that I've vented. He isn't significant enough to me to really care one way or another. And I've really had less affect me more. This one just stuck in my craw.
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Flags At Half Mast
Flags are being flown at half mast here in Utah in recognition of President Hinkley's passing. At first I was irritated....the whole separation of church and state thing (it is businesses and not government buildings that I know of). I tried to recall if they flew low for the Pope's death. then I took time to really think about it before I engaged my lips into any nonmeaningful dialog.
Hinkely, the Pope, the Dalai Lama - all really have more influence over more people than the President of the United States or other governments' leaders. These are individuals who lead with heart from the heart and lead by a deep moral code and exemplary (we trust) example.
So I will think of President Hinkley and he how he tried to teach the world his faith and also tolerence of others' faiths. I will extend my Catholic prayersfor my Mormon friends and extended families who are without a familiar leader and hope that President Hinkley's passage is light and safe and joyful and everything he believed it would be. Godspeed.
Hinkely, the Pope, the Dalai Lama - all really have more influence over more people than the President of the United States or other governments' leaders. These are individuals who lead with heart from the heart and lead by a deep moral code and exemplary (we trust) example.
So I will think of President Hinkley and he how he tried to teach the world his faith and also tolerence of others' faiths. I will extend my Catholic prayersfor my Mormon friends and extended families who are without a familiar leader and hope that President Hinkley's passage is light and safe and joyful and everything he believed it would be. Godspeed.
Monday, January 28, 2008
Chaos!!
I LOVE IT when the sales team comes to town! Chaos, chaos, and more chaos. Hugs, hugs, and more hugs and just boundless (sales-guy) energy all around. This week, day and night will just be nuts. Not only do these guys start the food chain for my pay check, they worry and fuss over me.....call me Princess. They are "my guys" and I'm glad they're here.
I've seen Steve's UK bike trip map, German Nutella, Cadbury eggs that aren't considered seasonal from the UK, Gus's latino machismo.
The best part....we actually have coffee in the coffee pot!
I've seen Steve's UK bike trip map, German Nutella, Cadbury eggs that aren't considered seasonal from the UK, Gus's latino machismo.
The best part....we actually have coffee in the coffee pot!
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Need To Get Motivated?!?!
If my perky little posts don't keep your spirits up, open you options, challenge your integrity, challenge you to love, get you dancing in the streets, blah, blah, blah. This surely will:
http://www.businesscreditcards.com/bootstrapper/top-100-motivational-blog-posts-of-all-time/
and if you don't know what you want or what you need or what to do next....it'll help you with that too!
http://www.businesscreditcards.com/bootstrapper/top-100-motivational-blog-posts-of-all-time/
and if you don't know what you want or what you need or what to do next....it'll help you with that too!
Caring For Baby
For those of you who need an owners manual - this is the ultimate guide.
http://www.wackyarchives.com/offbeat/caring-for-a-baby-101.html
http://www.wackyarchives.com/offbeat/caring-for-a-baby-101.html
Responsible
"Modern materialism strips people of the need to feel responsible."
What the BLEEP do we know?
I have stuff - but I try to stay open to others' needs. Sometimes I'm successful, sometimes I fail miserably. I'm glad I try. I wish I did better.
What the BLEEP do we know?
I have stuff - but I try to stay open to others' needs. Sometimes I'm successful, sometimes I fail miserably. I'm glad I try. I wish I did better.
Jammies Day
It's been awhile since I got a jammie day. I almost broke down and got dressed. It was so nice outside I wanted to go for a drive with the top down. I piddled around too long and the chill set in again.I cooked again today - surprise! Today was a "way back" Richard Simmons recipe called Eggplant Roma.
French Onion Soup - sorry for all the popups on the page - the site is hard to navigate. And my favorite cinnamon apples.
I froze a bunch of stuff - my week is going to be busy and we will have a lot of meals catered into the office.
I got some stuff done in the home office too. The closet looks great. The room - SUCKS! It's coming along. There are some boxes full of pictures and such and I need to go through them. Memory lane stroll - so to speak. This may be pleasant, it may not be - I don't know what all I'm going to uncover.
Denise - I found some oldies, but goodies in some of the photos ....I'll bring them when I come. Our kids have sure grown and our eyeglasses have gotten MUCH smaller - LOL.
Giving Me
I'm waiting for Mexico. I haven't heard back from my team leader. I'm anxious to get my plans in place to go.
A personal story.....when I was a pre-teen, I was babysitting a neighbor's child one night. The mother, a very close friend of mine, was a role model for me. The father was a deputy sheriff. They went motorcycle riding outside of town. They came upon some illegal immigrants who were drinking and driving. My friend's husband advised them to stop drinking or stop driving. My friends continued their ride and ended up being chased by the other men. Truck > motorcycle. My friend was killed and her husband, somehow, managed to restrain the men and NOT to shoot them while badly injured himself and watching my friend, his wife, nearly decapitated, die.
The accused got a slap on the wrist and were sent home. I loathed illegals for many years. I was hurting and angry and felt I had a personal right to stay that way.
Fast forward again to 10 years ago. I joined up with a group from church and went to Tijuana, Mexico to help build houses. I dug foundations, I hauled rocks, made cement. I greased roof tile molds with USED motor oil, I jumped up and down on tools to cut and bend rebar. I rode in the back of a pickup through the sewage laden streams.
We saved our cardboard so the locals could resell the pieces to patch homes, I saw the cisterns, I saw the homes (with happy families) with no bathrooms. We left our used boots at the end of the week so someone would have shoes. Often the homes we were assembling butted up against the shanties. This meant a larger home. The group that we were assisting also took us to the ocean to see the fence that goes out further than the tide. We saw the men and sometimes families waiting on fences, waiting for the sun to set just right so they could try to get into the States to work at jobs we, in general, feel are beneath us: picking fruits and vegetables, cleaning rooms, serving food, etc.
We saw people waiting along the red dusty roads for the public buses to take them to the Sony plant where they earned 25 cents an hour. People often just walked. There were very few cars where we were.
We ate the best simple, homemade food imaginable. We laughed with with children who caught big emerald green bugs and would tie a string to their legs so they would fly in circles. We had a neighborhood fiesta at the end of the week, repleat with a four foot tall pinata.
We shook cockroaches out of our sleeping bags each night before going to bed.
And I played with the children. Loving, laughing, wonderful beings who didn't yet what the word poverty meant. I drank coffee in the morning with the former police chief. He used the same paper cup day after day (we dropped the cups after every drink of water). We visited the orphanage and taught the children how to thumb wrestle.
And then we drove to San Diego, flew home and returned to our bathrooms, our televisions, our clothes, our jobs, our computers, our cars, our windows and our walls. Shame on me for not going back sooner.
I was changed during this trip. My hatred had been turned into understanding. The chase and death of my friend has no right in it whatsover. But by walking in the shoes of those who come here, I saw for myself why they take the risks they do, why their desperation is so intense and why here is so much more appealing than there.
I long to be part of making someone else's life a little better.
Past Posts:
My Good Fortune...
Esperanza
A personal story.....when I was a pre-teen, I was babysitting a neighbor's child one night. The mother, a very close friend of mine, was a role model for me. The father was a deputy sheriff. They went motorcycle riding outside of town. They came upon some illegal immigrants who were drinking and driving. My friend's husband advised them to stop drinking or stop driving. My friends continued their ride and ended up being chased by the other men. Truck > motorcycle. My friend was killed and her husband, somehow, managed to restrain the men and NOT to shoot them while badly injured himself and watching my friend, his wife, nearly decapitated, die.
The accused got a slap on the wrist and were sent home. I loathed illegals for many years. I was hurting and angry and felt I had a personal right to stay that way.
Fast forward again to 10 years ago. I joined up with a group from church and went to Tijuana, Mexico to help build houses. I dug foundations, I hauled rocks, made cement. I greased roof tile molds with USED motor oil, I jumped up and down on tools to cut and bend rebar. I rode in the back of a pickup through the sewage laden streams.
We saved our cardboard so the locals could resell the pieces to patch homes, I saw the cisterns, I saw the homes (with happy families) with no bathrooms. We left our used boots at the end of the week so someone would have shoes. Often the homes we were assembling butted up against the shanties. This meant a larger home. The group that we were assisting also took us to the ocean to see the fence that goes out further than the tide. We saw the men and sometimes families waiting on fences, waiting for the sun to set just right so they could try to get into the States to work at jobs we, in general, feel are beneath us: picking fruits and vegetables, cleaning rooms, serving food, etc.
We saw people waiting along the red dusty roads for the public buses to take them to the Sony plant where they earned 25 cents an hour. People often just walked. There were very few cars where we were.
We ate the best simple, homemade food imaginable. We laughed with with children who caught big emerald green bugs and would tie a string to their legs so they would fly in circles. We had a neighborhood fiesta at the end of the week, repleat with a four foot tall pinata.
We shook cockroaches out of our sleeping bags each night before going to bed.
And I played with the children. Loving, laughing, wonderful beings who didn't yet what the word poverty meant. I drank coffee in the morning with the former police chief. He used the same paper cup day after day (we dropped the cups after every drink of water). We visited the orphanage and taught the children how to thumb wrestle.
And then we drove to San Diego, flew home and returned to our bathrooms, our televisions, our clothes, our jobs, our computers, our cars, our windows and our walls. Shame on me for not going back sooner.
I was changed during this trip. My hatred had been turned into understanding. The chase and death of my friend has no right in it whatsover. But by walking in the shoes of those who come here, I saw for myself why they take the risks they do, why their desperation is so intense and why here is so much more appealing than there.
I long to be part of making someone else's life a little better.
Past Posts:
My Good Fortune...
Esperanza
Weather Break!
I soooooooooooooooooooo needed the weather break we had today. I spent part of the day basking in the sunlight coming in my windows - just like my cats.
I also knew it was time for some EXERCISE! I didn't feel like walking so I volunteered....to shovel my friend's driveway and side walk and deck up in "the hills" This was fabulous. A perfect day to be otuside and moving around.
The driveway was nuthin'; the sidewalk a piece of cake (I widened it); the deck was two feet deep in snow. The deck was great, scoop and then up and over the railing. An hour of shoveling is about 1/3 days worth of calories - I love the opportunity to shovel.
The shoveling though was a deposit towards wine club. What a fun bunch of people. The events are heating up as we head into the primaries. This year is going to be a great, great year. We have Dems; we have Republicans and we have opinions.
I also knew it was time for some EXERCISE! I didn't feel like walking so I volunteered....to shovel my friend's driveway and side walk and deck up in "the hills" This was fabulous. A perfect day to be otuside and moving around.
The driveway was nuthin'; the sidewalk a piece of cake (I widened it); the deck was two feet deep in snow. The deck was great, scoop and then up and over the railing. An hour of shoveling is about 1/3 days worth of calories - I love the opportunity to shovel.
The shoveling though was a deposit towards wine club. What a fun bunch of people. The events are heating up as we head into the primaries. This year is going to be a great, great year. We have Dems; we have Republicans and we have opinions.
Saturday, January 26, 2008
Tax Rebate
I've been watching the tax rebate devlopments. I think I'm "there", finally. By "there", I mean, I'm not greedily awaiting the money to be handed to me. Meaning, I know the government wants me to spend it, but I'm at a point that I might, and I might not. I am at a point that an extra $300, $600, or $900, or whatever I will qualify for, will be gravy.
I will probably spend it - on a trip somewhere. $900 would get me to France and home. And that wouldn't be giving it away outside of the US, as the company I use is based here. Maybe I will save it and give it to a handyman (no, not the free, naked one) I'm sure to need at some point in the future. Maybe I'll save it for the merlot Miata that I'm dreaming of having. Maybe I'll give a chunk away to someone more deserving - I do that sometimes too. Maybe a little bit of all of it.
My point here is that I've been given the grace to realize that I'm in a good place right now and thankful for it. To all the people, opportunities and God-watching-over-me caring that I've been blessed with - thank you.
And thank you to our government for giving this out, as I also remember the days, when this meant a dinner and a movie out, making a credit card payment on time, replacing a car part, clothes for the girls, real Popscicles, etc. I remember the challenges, I remember the breaks.
To anyone reading this that truly understands the last paragraph - plug away, work hard, have faith, it can get better. It just takes time, belief and dedication. You CAN do it.
I will probably spend it - on a trip somewhere. $900 would get me to France and home. And that wouldn't be giving it away outside of the US, as the company I use is based here. Maybe I will save it and give it to a handyman (no, not the free, naked one) I'm sure to need at some point in the future. Maybe I'll save it for the merlot Miata that I'm dreaming of having. Maybe I'll give a chunk away to someone more deserving - I do that sometimes too. Maybe a little bit of all of it.
My point here is that I've been given the grace to realize that I'm in a good place right now and thankful for it. To all the people, opportunities and God-watching-over-me caring that I've been blessed with - thank you.
And thank you to our government for giving this out, as I also remember the days, when this meant a dinner and a movie out, making a credit card payment on time, replacing a car part, clothes for the girls, real Popscicles, etc. I remember the challenges, I remember the breaks.
To anyone reading this that truly understands the last paragraph - plug away, work hard, have faith, it can get better. It just takes time, belief and dedication. You CAN do it.
Friday, January 25, 2008
The Best!
Didn't I say I had the BEST team in the world? And....they have a sense of humor. One sent this to me today.
Lesson 3:
A sales rep, an administration clerk, and the manager are walking to lunch when they find an antique oil lamp. They rub it and a Genie comes out. The Genie says, 'I'll give each of you just one wish.' 'Me first! Me first!' says the admin clerk. 'I want to be in the Bahamas , driving a speedboat, without a care in the world.' Puff! She's gone. 'Me next! Me next!' says the sales rep. 'I want to be in Hawaii , relaxing on the beach with my personal masseuse, an endless supply of Pina Coladas and the love of my life.' Puff! He's gone. 'OK, you're up,' the Genie says to the manager. The manager says, 'I want those two back in the office after lunch.'
Moral of the story: Always let your boss have the first say.
Lesson 3:
A sales rep, an administration clerk, and the manager are walking to lunch when they find an antique oil lamp. They rub it and a Genie comes out. The Genie says, 'I'll give each of you just one wish.' 'Me first! Me first!' says the admin clerk. 'I want to be in the Bahamas , driving a speedboat, without a care in the world.' Puff! She's gone. 'Me next! Me next!' says the sales rep. 'I want to be in Hawaii , relaxing on the beach with my personal masseuse, an endless supply of Pina Coladas and the love of my life.' Puff! He's gone. 'OK, you're up,' the Genie says to the manager. The manager says, 'I want those two back in the office after lunch.'
Moral of the story: Always let your boss have the first say.
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Anyone We Know?
TAURUS - The Enduring One (April 20 - May 20) Charming but aggressive. Can come off as boring, but they are not. Hard workers. Warm-hearted. Strong, has endurance. Solid beings that are stable and secure in their ways. Not looking for shortcuts. Take pride in their beauty. Patient and reliable. Make great friends and give good advice. Loving and kind. Loves hard - passionate. Express themselves emotionally. Prone to ferocious temper-tantrums. Determined. Indulge themselves often. Very generous.
PM
It looks like soon I'll have an expanded role for one of my clients - as an onsite Project Manager. It's pretty cool - I've loved doing this in the past, I'll still have our normal PM and SweetStuff has tons of PM background. A new "Team Teri" and an opportunity to diversify our company's offering. Plus.....what I do and where I do it - this work is just plain fun!
Hard work? Sure - I still have my job to do in addition to the additional functions. This is what I thrive on and for me it is fun fun fun!
Squeak!
Hard work? Sure - I still have my job to do in addition to the additional functions. This is what I thrive on and for me it is fun fun fun!
Squeak!
Game Off!
I love the game Bejeweled. I have it on my phone. Sometimes I play it just before I go to sleep....instead of reading a book. The other day I found myself the timed version during commericals (I was trying to work). Then while a real show was on.
Time to stop.
Even though I'm giving it maybe 15 minutes or a half hour or an hour of my day, I could be:
1) Doing the work I brought home to do.
2) Enjoying the program I intended to watch.
3) Reading a magazine
4) Reading my books - I have two going and they are very good.
5) Just go to sleep.
Last night I "stepped away from the phone". I got way ahead in my work, watched the show I wanted to watch and only played just before falling asleep. Tonight I'lll make the big break to reading again. It does so much more for me including making me a more interesting person - there's only so much depth that can be discussed with Bejeweled.
Time to stop.
Even though I'm giving it maybe 15 minutes or a half hour or an hour of my day, I could be:
1) Doing the work I brought home to do.
2) Enjoying the program I intended to watch.
3) Reading a magazine
4) Reading my books - I have two going and they are very good.
5) Just go to sleep.
Last night I "stepped away from the phone". I got way ahead in my work, watched the show I wanted to watch and only played just before falling asleep. Tonight I'lll make the big break to reading again. It does so much more for me including making me a more interesting person - there's only so much depth that can be discussed with Bejeweled.
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Let's Try This AGAIN!
OK boys, let's go over this ONE MORE TIME!
Make a date? Keep it.
Plan a time? Be on time.
Can't keep the date? Grovel.
On the date? Be present.
Communicate? Communicate.
Takeaway Notes:
Stating your day was busy and time got away, implies that my day wasn't.
Pretending you didn't screw up, doesn't make it so.
From the "Momma Should Have Told You" file:
There's a time when "suggestive" is good marketing (see Building Relationship Guidelines #10).
There's a time when "crude" is cute and even exciting (see Established Relationship Guidelines #20), but in the ramp-up phase - it's disguisting.
Manners. Respect.
It's that simple.
Make a date? Keep it.
Plan a time? Be on time.
Can't keep the date? Grovel.
On the date? Be present.
Communicate? Communicate.
Takeaway Notes:
Stating your day was busy and time got away, implies that my day wasn't.
Pretending you didn't screw up, doesn't make it so.
From the "Momma Should Have Told You" file:
There's a time when "suggestive" is good marketing (see Building Relationship Guidelines #10).
There's a time when "crude" is cute and even exciting (see Established Relationship Guidelines #20), but in the ramp-up phase - it's disguisting.
Manners. Respect.
It's that simple.
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Blue Hoo Hoo
This has been a good week. I know it's still early. No, not everything has gone as planned, but it is good. My job has taken an interesting twist. It's going to swing me into high gear for a few months. Fun!
Everything seems so OK right now.
Yesterday was known as Blue Monday. A researcher at Cardiff University says the third Monday of January is the most depressing day of the year-- a combination of consumer debt from Christmas shopping, failed New Year's resolutions, and gloomy weather.
I love to be different. Monday was a great day - I made it to work without issue, I have no "consumer debt", paid cash for ALL my Christmas purchases, and my New Year's resolutions continue hold and become habit. As for gloomy weather - I made it to work in the snow and I lived for 13 years in Seattle winter gloomy - this is nuthin'.
And next week our sales team will be in town....that's guaranteed sunshine (and lots of work)!
So here's to wonderful...and a rocking 2008 chuggin' on..
Everything seems so OK right now.
Yesterday was known as Blue Monday. A researcher at Cardiff University says the third Monday of January is the most depressing day of the year-- a combination of consumer debt from Christmas shopping, failed New Year's resolutions, and gloomy weather.
I love to be different. Monday was a great day - I made it to work without issue, I have no "consumer debt", paid cash for ALL my Christmas purchases, and my New Year's resolutions continue hold and become habit. As for gloomy weather - I made it to work in the snow and I lived for 13 years in Seattle winter gloomy - this is nuthin'.
And next week our sales team will be in town....that's guaranteed sunshine (and lots of work)!
So here's to wonderful...and a rocking 2008 chuggin' on..
Does a Momma Proud
My daughter started her new job today. I'm not going into her role or where she's working, but she recevied a highly prestigious opportunity offer today within that organization. She called saying she gets a computer, phone and KEYS!
I remember these milestones in my life. I know how ego-significant they are. But....I did not acquire them in my early 20's.
This is not to be construed as an old bitter woman statement. Quite the opposite. It's a statement of parental pride. And with what her role is going to be - she's going to be changing lives. Our family gene pool has taken one more evolutionary step forward thanks to her.
You go girl!
I remember these milestones in my life. I know how ego-significant they are. But....I did not acquire them in my early 20's.
This is not to be construed as an old bitter woman statement. Quite the opposite. It's a statement of parental pride. And with what her role is going to be - she's going to be changing lives. Our family gene pool has taken one more evolutionary step forward thanks to her.
You go girl!
Sunday, January 20, 2008
The American President
My favorite movie (yes, it has moved in front of When Harry Met Sally) is The American President. I watched it tonight. I don't often laugh out loud when privately watching movie, but this one makes me do it every time.
It is soooo romantic and funny! The electricity of their relationship is infectious!
It is soooo romantic and funny! The electricity of their relationship is infectious!
IKEA
Nirvana on a Sunday. A trip to IKEA. Sweet Stuff was shopping for some furniture for his 2-1/2 men's bachelor pad. I'm still wondering which character he is. (My vote is Charlie Sheen - minus the silk shirts). He didn't get what he went for.....but he will.
It was a double treat 1) IKEA and 2) shopping with HIM. I vote him the best guy to shop with. Period. Patient, interested, and best of all he always carries the goods out...no matter how much I buy. Wait, back to the IKEA topic.
Here's a little bit of info about how IKEA names their stuff. This information came from an American woman's blog who now lives in Spain. She picked it up from a Spanish newspaper's website. Small world eh?
http://journal.davidbyrne.com/2007/11/11032007-social.html
It was a double treat 1) IKEA and 2) shopping with HIM. I vote him the best guy to shop with. Period. Patient, interested, and best of all he always carries the goods out...no matter how much I buy. Wait, back to the IKEA topic.
Here's a little bit of info about how IKEA names their stuff. This information came from an American woman's blog who now lives in Spain. She picked it up from a Spanish newspaper's website. Small world eh?
http://journal.davidbyrne.com/2007/11/11032007-social.html
In The Pink
I'm here to tell you that beets really do cook up red. Very red. My kitchen looked like a massacre occured, but the Borscht turned out great! What my cookbooks call eight servings, to me, is 16 or more. Imagine the biggest cooking bowl possible and then imagine it full of yummy pink soup.
Saturday, January 19, 2008
Little Black Dress Night
My daughter, grandson and I donned our dress-up duds, I put on the glam coat and headed to Chef's Table for dinner this evening. We were celebrating her new job. We girls did the black dresses, my grandson his suit (he's soooo handsome).
Chef's Table is Utah County's finest dining. I love the food, the food team (Chef Kent is the BEST) and the service is unequaled. The food was magnificent.
My grandson was a riot! He was all Home Alone-like, answering thank you, and yes please and the highlight of the night was when he responded with "of course" to the question of "soup or salad"? He very carefully drank his water, ordered salmon and was thrilled to have ICE CREAM for dessert. Quite the little gentleman he has become. His manners were impeccable: holding the door open, listening to which utensil was to be used, asking for assistance and even opening the car door for me. He's seven!!!
A wonderful night of celebration and food!
Chef's Table is Utah County's finest dining. I love the food, the food team (Chef Kent is the BEST) and the service is unequaled. The food was magnificent.
My grandson was a riot! He was all Home Alone-like, answering thank you, and yes please and the highlight of the night was when he responded with "of course" to the question of "soup or salad"? He very carefully drank his water, ordered salmon and was thrilled to have ICE CREAM for dessert. Quite the little gentleman he has become. His manners were impeccable: holding the door open, listening to which utensil was to be used, asking for assistance and even opening the car door for me. He's seven!!!
A wonderful night of celebration and food!
Best Purchase Of 2007
Outside of my backpack and my airline ticket for France/Spain last year the best purchase I made was for my Cuisinart Food Processor. Thanks to Bed Bath and Beyond's coupon offering, this was well under $100.
I use it ALL the time. ALL the time. I used to think that it would require more clean up than results - WRONG. I'm eating healthier and better (taste) for having it.
Today was homemade hummus. I've done this before with the potato masher. Withe the f.p. I could monitor the taste as I went along, adjusting as needed. The consistency is that of silk. I didn't need to add any oil to make it flavorable and non-chunky.
I made a basic hummus and one with red peppers. I noted how I did it (my own recipe-squeak!). I used jarred peppers because I found them buried in the fridge next to the tahini. Next time I'll roast my own - it is so simple and tastes much nuttier and richer.
Another new for me today - instead of whipping out the pita bread to be my hummus scraper - I used a celery stick. The hummus was so rich, I enjoyed the stick for a change.
I use it ALL the time. ALL the time. I used to think that it would require more clean up than results - WRONG. I'm eating healthier and better (taste) for having it.
Today was homemade hummus. I've done this before with the potato masher. Withe the f.p. I could monitor the taste as I went along, adjusting as needed. The consistency is that of silk. I didn't need to add any oil to make it flavorable and non-chunky.
I made a basic hummus and one with red peppers. I noted how I did it (my own recipe-squeak!). I used jarred peppers because I found them buried in the fridge next to the tahini. Next time I'll roast my own - it is so simple and tastes much nuttier and richer.
Another new for me today - instead of whipping out the pita bread to be my hummus scraper - I used a celery stick. The hummus was so rich, I enjoyed the stick for a change.
Friday, January 18, 2008
Romantic
I have read / seen / recalled some very romantic moments today. It made it kind of a soft day - think of things I want to keep in my life and things I want to hold out for.
1) I grabbed an issue of Cooking Light this evening - inside I found: "Instead of date night at a restaurant, we have Cooking Light night once a week and we try new recipes." Sweet Stuff and I cooked together. I have many, many fond memories of this. We NEVER made dinner without doing it together. We'd sip our preferred drinks, talk, create, talk, and talk some more while eating.
2) I saw a couple in the bookstore piled together in an armchair reading. His arm was wrapped around her up her back and he kept fingering her hair. Soft, sweet, romantic.
3) Sexting. Welcome to text messaging age. Passing love notes has never been so fun!
4) Brut and Old Spice (a private joke). You need a secret decoder ring for this one.
I'll add to this as I recall some more.
1) I grabbed an issue of Cooking Light this evening - inside I found: "Instead of date night at a restaurant, we have Cooking Light night once a week and we try new recipes." Sweet Stuff and I cooked together. I have many, many fond memories of this. We NEVER made dinner without doing it together. We'd sip our preferred drinks, talk, create, talk, and talk some more while eating.
2) I saw a couple in the bookstore piled together in an armchair reading. His arm was wrapped around her up her back and he kept fingering her hair. Soft, sweet, romantic.
3) Sexting. Welcome to text messaging age. Passing love notes has never been so fun!
4) Brut and Old Spice (a private joke). You need a secret decoder ring for this one.
I'll add to this as I recall some more.
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Ahhh Not Just For Me
My daughter just got word she was hired for a job she wanted very badly. The job suits her and lots of people will benefit. I'm glad she's back home and her life is going well.
Consider Carefully Before Upgrading
Dear Tech Support,
Last year I upgraded from Boyfriend 5.0 to Husband 1.0 and noticed a distinct slow down in overall system performance -- particularly in the flower and jewelry applications, which operated flawlessly under Boyfriend 5.0.
In addition, Husband 1.0 uninstalled many other valuable programs, such as Romance 9.5 and Personal Attention 6.5 and then installed undesirable programs such as NFL 5.0, NBA 3.0, and Golf Clubs 4.1.
Conversation 8.0 no longer runs, and Housecleaning 2.6 simply crashes the system. I've tried running Nagging 5.3 to fix these problems, but to no avail.
What can I do?
Signed, Desperate
-------------------------------------
Dear Desperate:
First keep in mind, Boyfriend 5.0 is an Entertainment Package, while Husband 1.0 is an Operating System.
Please enter the command: "I Thought You Loved Me.exe" and try to download Tears 6.2 and don't forget to install the Guilt 3.0 update.
If that application works as designed, Husband 1.0 should then automatically run the applications Jewelry 2.0 and Flowers 3.5.
But remember, overuse of the above application can cause Husband 1.0 to default to Grumpy Silence 2.5, Happy Hour 7.0 or Beer 6.1. Beer 6.1 is a very bad program that will download the Snoring Loudly Beta.
Whatever you do, DO NOT install Mother-in-law 1.0 (it runs a virus in the background that will eventually seize control of all your system resources).
Also, do not attempt to reinstall the Boyfriend 5.0 program. These are unsupported applications and will crash Husband 1.0 .
In summary, Husband 1.0 is a great program, but it does have limited memory and cannot learn new applications quickly. You might consider buying additional software to improve memory and performance. We recommend Food 3.0 and Hot Lingerie 7.7.
Good Luck, Tech Support
Last year I upgraded from Boyfriend 5.0 to Husband 1.0 and noticed a distinct slow down in overall system performance -- particularly in the flower and jewelry applications, which operated flawlessly under Boyfriend 5.0.
In addition, Husband 1.0 uninstalled many other valuable programs, such as Romance 9.5 and Personal Attention 6.5 and then installed undesirable programs such as NFL 5.0, NBA 3.0, and Golf Clubs 4.1.
Conversation 8.0 no longer runs, and Housecleaning 2.6 simply crashes the system. I've tried running Nagging 5.3 to fix these problems, but to no avail.
What can I do?
Signed, Desperate
-------------------------------------
Dear Desperate:
First keep in mind, Boyfriend 5.0 is an Entertainment Package, while Husband 1.0 is an Operating System.
Please enter the command: "I Thought You Loved Me.exe" and try to download Tears 6.2 and don't forget to install the Guilt 3.0 update.
If that application works as designed, Husband 1.0 should then automatically run the applications Jewelry 2.0 and Flowers 3.5.
But remember, overuse of the above application can cause Husband 1.0 to default to Grumpy Silence 2.5, Happy Hour 7.0 or Beer 6.1. Beer 6.1 is a very bad program that will download the Snoring Loudly Beta.
Whatever you do, DO NOT install Mother-in-law 1.0 (it runs a virus in the background that will eventually seize control of all your system resources).
Also, do not attempt to reinstall the Boyfriend 5.0 program. These are unsupported applications and will crash Husband 1.0 .
In summary, Husband 1.0 is a great program, but it does have limited memory and cannot learn new applications quickly. You might consider buying additional software to improve memory and performance. We recommend Food 3.0 and Hot Lingerie 7.7.
Good Luck, Tech Support
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Ahhh
Today has been a phenomenal day! Down a size in my britches, finished my project for work, realized that I'm invisible when it comes to how much I facilitate getting done at work, got tons of lovin from my grandson and got a very, very nice surprise phone call.
Yes, yes, it was a great day - beginning to end!
Yes, yes, it was a great day - beginning to end!
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Indian Food
I love Indian Food. I still remember the first time I had it. Lamb Vindaloo. I love Chicken Korma too. My favorite place to eat it is India Oven in Las Vegas. And for dessert Kheer.
Tonight I learned to make Kheer - even pulled it off with skim milk. I got to use some of the saffron I brought back from Spain too. Thick, creamy, sweet.
I didn't do the whole meal, but I think starting with dessert is a good way to look at life in general.
Tonight I learned to make Kheer - even pulled it off with skim milk. I got to use some of the saffron I brought back from Spain too. Thick, creamy, sweet.
I didn't do the whole meal, but I think starting with dessert is a good way to look at life in general.
Sunday, January 13, 2008
New Love
I have a new love. We met in the bookstore last night.
Vegetable Love by Barbara Kafka
Dressings, soups, sides, mains, desserts....all from fresh vegetables. Often I have some veggies that just need a dish to be in.
And...a reference guide for buying, storing, and basic cooking.
I'm sure that somewhere down the line, jealousy will flare when I flirt with chocolate again, but until then we'll spend morning, noon and night in amore. And if I'm smart, I'll never, really stray.
Vegetable Love by Barbara Kafka
Dressings, soups, sides, mains, desserts....all from fresh vegetables. Often I have some veggies that just need a dish to be in.
And...a reference guide for buying, storing, and basic cooking.
I'm sure that somewhere down the line, jealousy will flare when I flirt with chocolate again, but until then we'll spend morning, noon and night in amore. And if I'm smart, I'll never, really stray.
An Ending To An Era
I remember when Windows first came out. Living in Seattle when the Redmond Microsoft campus opened. I remember when Bill Gates married Melinda. I remember wanting to work for the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. And now the time has come for change.
5 Year Plan
I made my 5 year plan yesterday. Nice thing is sometimes I hit it, sometimes I come to realize it really isn't what I wanted and sometimes someone just comes along and makes it all so irrelevant. So....that said - let's see what comes of it. Any way it goes will be an interesting journey.
Sunday Breakfast
I love Sunday mornings. Post Secrets, languidly drinking my coffee at home, sometimes meeting the girls for coffee, perusing my cookbooks for ideas or creating grocery lists. Typically Sunday is my day. Sometimes solo, sometimes with friends, sometimes with my kidlet. Sundays, right now are my favorite day of the week.
This morning I was super hungry. I got creative. I have some sausages that are very flavorful and very lean. I wanted an egg. I used some of the veggies and made a most flavorful, unique omelet. I'm full and contented.
I'm also watching Last Tango In Paris. Ahhh, I see why it was so very, very controversial in 1972.
This morning I was super hungry. I got creative. I have some sausages that are very flavorful and very lean. I wanted an egg. I used some of the veggies and made a most flavorful, unique omelet. I'm full and contented.
I'm also watching Last Tango In Paris. Ahhh, I see why it was so very, very controversial in 1972.
Saturday, January 12, 2008
Opening Your Children's Eyes
My daughter sent me a really gross cartoon of a wrinkled, elderly couple riding a Harley naked. The woman was on the man's shoulders with her obviously saggy breasts blowing behind her.
I replied to the email like this. That's disguisting. LOL. I thought I destroyed all the pictures of (name removed) Harley Dude and me!
Her response was that she was more than LOLing. I then introduced her to ROTFLMAO....another new one for her.
And next time he's on line, I'll share...he'll be ROTFLHAO too!
I replied to the email like this. That's disguisting. LOL. I thought I destroyed all the pictures of (name removed) Harley Dude and me!
Her response was that she was more than LOLing. I then introduced her to ROTFLMAO....another new one for her.
And next time he's on line, I'll share...he'll be ROTFLHAO too!
Provoking Thought
Today Louise and I saw Vertical Hour in SLC. We've also seen The Foreigner and Doubt this season. After the play, over cheese and crackers at my house, we discussed today's show. My daughter joined us and asked how it was.
It was weird to explain that none of what we've seen this year has been "entertaining". Each one has been an display of nuances, sociology, politics and performance that have evoked thought, discussion and sometimes simple puzzlement as to what exactly the writer or director wanted to impart to us. It has been almos like reading a classic.
My world has been expanded!
It was weird to explain that none of what we've seen this year has been "entertaining". Each one has been an display of nuances, sociology, politics and performance that have evoked thought, discussion and sometimes simple puzzlement as to what exactly the writer or director wanted to impart to us. It has been almos like reading a classic.
My world has been expanded!
Friday, January 11, 2008
Christmas in January
Our missing Christmas friend gathered us all up tonight for Sushi. He scheduled it a little over a week ago and we've eagerly been waiting for today to arrive. I think I heard it discussed a dozen times today.
We all sat for nearly three hours eating Sushi, chatting and laughing. Sometimes we all worked on one conversation. Sometimes there were two or three going on simultaneously. It was SO MUCH FUN!
Beforehand I had a few minutes to shop. Riverwoods is so much fun....Bath and Body Works (smells yummy) and Victoria's Secret. I ran out of time or I would have dropped into Williams Sonoma and Borders.
OK, we forgive you for missing the main event and thank you loads for pulling us all together this evening.
We all sat for nearly three hours eating Sushi, chatting and laughing. Sometimes we all worked on one conversation. Sometimes there were two or three going on simultaneously. It was SO MUCH FUN!
Beforehand I had a few minutes to shop. Riverwoods is so much fun....Bath and Body Works (smells yummy) and Victoria's Secret. I ran out of time or I would have dropped into Williams Sonoma and Borders.
OK, we forgive you for missing the main event and thank you loads for pulling us all together this evening.
I Think I'm On To Something
I learned something very interesting today. Survey Says: 75% of the men I've loved, have fallen out of helicopters. Yes, fallen out. ('Splains some things too!)
I heard the most hilarious (sorry SweetStuff) story today. I'll laugh about this one for a long, long time. Note for future FlyBoy procedures: close the other door - you can catch 'em better that way.
Can't you see me now - "So, tell me about your experience with helicopters. Uh huh. But, have you fallen out of one?"
And presented totally out of context, a chorus from Mr. Manilow: Cause feeling pain's a hard way to know you're still alive, but someday someone will make you glad you survived. (And that would be ME!)
And the other 25% you ask? Sometimes I just wanted to push him out of one.
I heard the most hilarious (sorry SweetStuff) story today. I'll laugh about this one for a long, long time. Note for future FlyBoy procedures: close the other door - you can catch 'em better that way.
Can't you see me now - "So, tell me about your experience with helicopters. Uh huh. But, have you fallen out of one?"
And presented totally out of context, a chorus from Mr. Manilow: Cause feeling pain's a hard way to know you're still alive, but someday someone will make you glad you survived. (And that would be ME!)
And the other 25% you ask? Sometimes I just wanted to push him out of one.
Wednesday, January 09, 2008
Cold Night, Happy Tummy, Bizzy Brain
Before it slicked up again tonight I decided to put my marathon shoveling to good use. I took a run to the grocery store. I was sure I was going to be a candidate for scurvy if I didn't get some fresh foods into my house. (This is what happens to me when I stop eating chocolate.)
After whipping up the breakfast bars I mentioned before (homemade almond butter), my mind started toying with other flavor combinations. That one called for bananas. Tonight I did a peach/vanilla. It needs some work - the vanilla played too major a role. I also did an apple one. Now that one, (still baking) has some potential. I was planning on using apple sauce, but forgot and peeled apples. I think I nailed it though. Even if I don't hit these right on - it's a good start. All the things in them are good and good for me, so leaning a little one way or the other on a flavor won't sideline me.
I baked a spaghetti squash tonight too. Finishing that off for leftovers is like getting a can of silly string. You can't help but have fun with it.
I finished up my Valentine gifts the other day. Nice to have that done. All are wrapped too. The Christams tree is down, decorations almost all put away.
I'm having a little struggle. I've been following the blogs of two American women who have relocated to Spain. One has opened an alburgue, the other, I'm not sure yet. One comes from the same field of work that I'm (peripherally) in. Both are former Camino walkers. I could understand my thoughts if it were October and I still had dust on my boots. This is January and the yearn has not subsided.
I had two great things happen today. I had a long call with a customer and I LOVE working directly with customers. The other was this evening. My grandson told me I was beautiful and CUTE! I complimented him on how well he's been listening and going to take his bath and going to bed without cajoling. He hugged me and told me I was good too - I cleaned up the mess I made in the kitchen without being told to do so.
After whipping up the breakfast bars I mentioned before (homemade almond butter), my mind started toying with other flavor combinations. That one called for bananas. Tonight I did a peach/vanilla. It needs some work - the vanilla played too major a role. I also did an apple one. Now that one, (still baking) has some potential. I was planning on using apple sauce, but forgot and peeled apples. I think I nailed it though. Even if I don't hit these right on - it's a good start. All the things in them are good and good for me, so leaning a little one way or the other on a flavor won't sideline me.
I baked a spaghetti squash tonight too. Finishing that off for leftovers is like getting a can of silly string. You can't help but have fun with it.
I finished up my Valentine gifts the other day. Nice to have that done. All are wrapped too. The Christams tree is down, decorations almost all put away.
I'm having a little struggle. I've been following the blogs of two American women who have relocated to Spain. One has opened an alburgue, the other, I'm not sure yet. One comes from the same field of work that I'm (peripherally) in. Both are former Camino walkers. I could understand my thoughts if it were October and I still had dust on my boots. This is January and the yearn has not subsided.
I had two great things happen today. I had a long call with a customer and I LOVE working directly with customers. The other was this evening. My grandson told me I was beautiful and CUTE! I complimented him on how well he's been listening and going to take his bath and going to bed without cajoling. He hugged me and told me I was good too - I cleaned up the mess I made in the kitchen without being told to do so.
Ahhh The Support
I telecommuted today. Colleague comments regarding my choice:
"You’ll WALK across Spain, but not drive in a little snow—where is your sense of adventure ;-)?" Retort: I'd be happy to walk it!
"Ahhh no guts no glory! A little snow never hurt anyone!" Private retort: Butthead.
"I feel bad. It’s only supposed to get up to 74 degrees today here in VA Beach."
At least my cats appreciate my choice.
Noon report: My driveway is clear and the roads have been plowed. I can see Timpanogos and there's a hint of blue sky. I'd say all told that I got 10-12" of snow. My piles to each side of the driveway, including the street, are up to my waist. I figure one more round of shoveling after the plows go by again and push my piles around, and I'll be good.
The best part....I shoveled a 1000 calories of fat off my butt today too!
"You’ll WALK across Spain, but not drive in a little snow—where is your sense of adventure ;-)?" Retort: I'd be happy to walk it!
"Ahhh no guts no glory! A little snow never hurt anyone!" Private retort: Butthead.
"I feel bad. It’s only supposed to get up to 74 degrees today here in VA Beach."
At least my cats appreciate my choice.
Noon report: My driveway is clear and the roads have been plowed. I can see Timpanogos and there's a hint of blue sky. I'd say all told that I got 10-12" of snow. My piles to each side of the driveway, including the street, are up to my waist. I figure one more round of shoveling after the plows go by again and push my piles around, and I'll be good.
The best part....I shoveled a 1000 calories of fat off my butt today too!
That's Dedication
My neighbors are getting new furniture today. Challenge: My area got 6-8 inches of snow overnight and we haven't been plowed yet. Problem: RC Willey truck stuck on street (watching them slide backwards was nailbiting). Solution: Send strong men.Tuesday, January 08, 2008
Haven't Done That In Awhile
I watched the evening news. It's time to step into the politics and starting forming my opinions. Within my group of friends we are pretty equally divided between the blues and the reds. It's going to be a wild ride - we're getting more vocal by the day.
Now back to my chores.
Now back to my chores.
Automagically
One of my co-workers caught a flaw in a program today and the response from my guy was that the list should be refreshing Automagically.
I think this is the best newest word of the year!!
I think this is the best newest word of the year!!
Monday, January 07, 2008
Sunday, January 06, 2008
Cooking It Up Again
I found another recipe tonight and went at it. It called for natural peanut butter, which I didn't have. I did have almonds. Voila' almond butter. Voila' Yum!
Nick-my-food-can't-touch can't wait for it to cool!
Nick-my-food-can't-touch can't wait for it to cool!
Wipe Out
I don't know whether to call this post Wipe Out or Ass Over Tea Kettle.
My sledding slopes are crap despite all this snow. Just after yesterday's snow subsided some teens came with snowboards and shovels and made themselves a trail. There isn't much snow and what is there, iced over. And...in the bowl is a huge iced puddle. The bowl has always been what slowed us to a stop.
So today I think I feel the need for speed.
The first run, I dig my hand into the trail to stop before the pudde and found myself stopped but with my feet over my head. The second run, better more of the same and managed to miss the boy-made ice mogul, pounded my butt on an ice something and then thumped my head on the ground. The third run went fine (of course there was a third run - you think I'm going to let that itty bitty park defeat me?). Now I'll go take some ibuprophen. OUCH!
My sledding slopes are crap despite all this snow. Just after yesterday's snow subsided some teens came with snowboards and shovels and made themselves a trail. There isn't much snow and what is there, iced over. And...in the bowl is a huge iced puddle. The bowl has always been what slowed us to a stop.
So today I think I feel the need for speed.
The first run, I dig my hand into the trail to stop before the pudde and found myself stopped but with my feet over my head. The second run, better more of the same and managed to miss the boy-made ice mogul, pounded my butt on an ice something and then thumped my head on the ground. The third run went fine (of course there was a third run - you think I'm going to let that itty bitty park defeat me?). Now I'll go take some ibuprophen. OUCH!
I Can Do Anything
I didn't realize that 1998 was such a pivotal year. But everytime I see/say the the "8", things start rolling around in my head. I'm blogging it to get the ahhh /cranky out once and for all. One thing can't be changed and the other, while sentimental, is old news and laurel-ized and is in need of a new mouse trap.
The two things stand out and collide on the same day. It's hard to state which has had the most impact on me. Let's start with 5am in the morning.
Robert decided to take me up on my ultimatum of getting our finances solvent again or facing divorce, by moving out. He chose, despite my pleading to pick "any other day", to leave on the day of my first ever and very important speech/presentation. (And he diligently packed on my birthday a few days before - barbing me with the fact had I not done this "to him" I would have gotten his surprise of a trip to San Francisco.) He was later surprised when I filed for divorce and more surprised that I did not withdraw it. So at 5am, I watchecd the tail lights of his pickup and rental trailer head down the steet. I never saw him again.
Later in the morning, despite him leaving, I gave the "Bunny Slipper Buying" presentation at the PN-ANCAM conference, where I implored the member's papers to consider getting their Classified Ads on the World Wide Web or be left behind in the mad rush for advertising dollars (now even Google does word ads on the Web and I host them). I pulled it off without a flaw. My publisher preceeded my speech and stayed through it. Looking up and seeing him smiling and nodding was nerve wracking and encouraging. Most of my consituents refused to leave for a break and my time was extended to discuss the topic.
This was the day that I learned I could do anything. (Mom helped up to then :-) I learned that no matter what, I could go on.....today would continue, tomorrow would come, and despite it all, I would get through it....scathed and all.
Hello 2008 - goodbye 1998!
The two things stand out and collide on the same day. It's hard to state which has had the most impact on me. Let's start with 5am in the morning.
Robert decided to take me up on my ultimatum of getting our finances solvent again or facing divorce, by moving out. He chose, despite my pleading to pick "any other day", to leave on the day of my first ever and very important speech/presentation. (And he diligently packed on my birthday a few days before - barbing me with the fact had I not done this "to him" I would have gotten his surprise of a trip to San Francisco.) He was later surprised when I filed for divorce and more surprised that I did not withdraw it. So at 5am, I watchecd the tail lights of his pickup and rental trailer head down the steet. I never saw him again.
Later in the morning, despite him leaving, I gave the "Bunny Slipper Buying" presentation at the PN-ANCAM conference, where I implored the member's papers to consider getting their Classified Ads on the World Wide Web or be left behind in the mad rush for advertising dollars (now even Google does word ads on the Web and I host them). I pulled it off without a flaw. My publisher preceeded my speech and stayed through it. Looking up and seeing him smiling and nodding was nerve wracking and encouraging. Most of my consituents refused to leave for a break and my time was extended to discuss the topic.
This was the day that I learned I could do anything. (Mom helped up to then :-) I learned that no matter what, I could go on.....today would continue, tomorrow would come, and despite it all, I would get through it....scathed and all.
Hello 2008 - goodbye 1998!
Saturday, January 05, 2008
Saturday
Today started out with rain and turned into a beautiful snow - lots of it. Fortunately, I shoveled twice, once in the middle - it was very wet. And I walked three miles. As for the rest of my to-do list today - it was upstaged by being very worked-out and sleepy.
I let the tired rule and took on to my somewhat usual Sunday actions - cooking. I made a pork tenderloin with a gingery-soy marinade/glaze, garlic mashed potatoes and glazed carrots. Also tried out a new ginger carrot soup recipe - this is waiting to cool and puree. All are fresh, tasty and best of all - healthy. I went over my calorie "allotment today, by 100 cal., BUT exceeded my normal activity by 600. I think the math is still in my favor.
My kitchen looks like Robert was here cooking - there isn't an inch of counterspace not occupied by a used utensil. But....unlike him, I clean up after myself.
Follow-up. Not single thing NOT clean :) My house smells like cinnamon, cardomom and sugar. :)
Bon Appetit!
I let the tired rule and took on to my somewhat usual Sunday actions - cooking. I made a pork tenderloin with a gingery-soy marinade/glaze, garlic mashed potatoes and glazed carrots. Also tried out a new ginger carrot soup recipe - this is waiting to cool and puree. All are fresh, tasty and best of all - healthy. I went over my calorie "allotment today, by 100 cal., BUT exceeded my normal activity by 600. I think the math is still in my favor.
My kitchen looks like Robert was here cooking - there isn't an inch of counterspace not occupied by a used utensil. But....unlike him, I clean up after myself.
Follow-up. Not single thing NOT clean :) My house smells like cinnamon, cardomom and sugar. :)
Bon Appetit!
Friday, January 04, 2008
Irks Me To No End
Arrggghh! Nothing drives me battier than people assuming what I'm thinking or what I'm doing and then apprising me of my thoughts and my activities.
The usage of YOU is a very delicate path to tread. I learned this after many, many battles with my first husband. We you'd each other to death. You can be accusatory and can become a missile launcher with practice. And personally, for me, it is one of those BUTTONS.
And then there's ASSUME. We all know it makes an ASS of U and ME.
Want to know what I'm thinking or how or what I've been doing? Ask me.
The usage of YOU is a very delicate path to tread. I learned this after many, many battles with my first husband. We you'd each other to death. You can be accusatory and can become a missile launcher with practice. And personally, for me, it is one of those BUTTONS.
And then there's ASSUME. We all know it makes an ASS of U and ME.
Want to know what I'm thinking or how or what I've been doing? Ask me.
Thursday, January 03, 2008
Out Of The Mouths of Babes
As you can see, I've been a blogging fool tonight in between my technical tasking. I've got the chat on and up pops the "frequent" proposition...."Are you into younger guys?". History: I have a great set of friends where he is 38 and she's 50-something. So I don't just go hysterical on these guys.
Me: How old?
Boy: 21
Me: LOL - you're younger than my youngest
etc., etc., (I'll spare you the details here).
Me: Well, I'm not the fantasy dream girl you're looking for, but good luck with that.
Boy: thanks, hope she's half as hot as you
Made my day!
Me: How old?
Boy: 21
Me: LOL - you're younger than my youngest
etc., etc., (I'll spare you the details here).
Me: Well, I'm not the fantasy dream girl you're looking for, but good luck with that.
Boy: thanks, hope she's half as hot as you
Made my day!
Feliz Año
How much fun! A new year and a whole new way of greeting it! Jorge sent me this little greeting today. Everyone has said "hello" recently (some requiring translating).
This morning Joop sent me a beautiful picture of a Santiago cross that a friend brought to him. He's meeting with Harald in a week or so and Siggy after that. Joop feels that we will never meet again. I feel otherwise. This planet, as a result of my trip, has shrunk. Anything is possible. I feel absolutely confident we will exchange hugs and boisterous greetings - either in Holland (KLM) or here. He has offered lodging to anyone I know traveling his way.
Marlena and Denise have written too. I'm overdue on emails to Juergen, Klaus and Dominique.
Now that my harddrive will support my picture work, I'll work on getting my pictures done and my site completed. It's time to "go back" even if it is just in memory. Letting them know how much they have enriched my life will add some additional joy into the weekend.
Such joy you've all given to me!
This morning Joop sent me a beautiful picture of a Santiago cross that a friend brought to him. He's meeting with Harald in a week or so and Siggy after that. Joop feels that we will never meet again. I feel otherwise. This planet, as a result of my trip, has shrunk. Anything is possible. I feel absolutely confident we will exchange hugs and boisterous greetings - either in Holland (KLM) or here. He has offered lodging to anyone I know traveling his way.
Marlena and Denise have written too. I'm overdue on emails to Juergen, Klaus and Dominique.
Now that my harddrive will support my picture work, I'll work on getting my pictures done and my site completed. It's time to "go back" even if it is just in memory. Letting them know how much they have enriched my life will add some additional joy into the weekend.
Such joy you've all given to me!
Finally!
Thank God for technology and a wonderful clerk at Target, named Alex!
Target advertised 500 gig external harddrives for sale for a pittance just after Thanksgiving. Not getting to sleep in much, I missed out on grabbing one on Black Friday. Thanks to Alex and a just-before-Christmas shipment, I was able to get my shiny new baby. (He actually held some back for me while I was at the emergency room with my friend). With less than 2 gig of space left on this antique, (sorry), I was never sure whether my RAM or disk space was nearly on death's door. My RAM is OK and now my disk space is fit for the traveler that I am and the iPOD freak that I've become. I might even venture into my genealogy research again - now that I can work from something other than a rewritable (risky) CD.
Upgrading to IE7 as I type.
And who, but my children would declare at Christmas: "Thanks for the Memory Mom!!"
Target advertised 500 gig external harddrives for sale for a pittance just after Thanksgiving. Not getting to sleep in much, I missed out on grabbing one on Black Friday. Thanks to Alex and a just-before-Christmas shipment, I was able to get my shiny new baby. (He actually held some back for me while I was at the emergency room with my friend). With less than 2 gig of space left on this antique, (sorry), I was never sure whether my RAM or disk space was nearly on death's door. My RAM is OK and now my disk space is fit for the traveler that I am and the iPOD freak that I've become. I might even venture into my genealogy research again - now that I can work from something other than a rewritable (risky) CD.
Upgrading to IE7 as I type.
And who, but my children would declare at Christmas: "Thanks for the Memory Mom!!"
My Responsibility
I've figured it out. I can solve the world's problems.
My responsibility at my job is to do it. My responsibility in a relationship is to love. My responsibility in a friendship is to do the things friends do. My responsiblity in a race is to run. Etc.
For if I hate, there is hatred. If I don't train, I can't run. Apathy fosters apathy. Etc., etc.
I will be responsible for my responsibilities (and it will take work, and time, and practice and sweat, and tears) and if you do the same, great things will happen.
The game can't be played without a full deck of cards. It's that simple.
My responsibility at my job is to do it. My responsibility in a relationship is to love. My responsibility in a friendship is to do the things friends do. My responsiblity in a race is to run. Etc.
For if I hate, there is hatred. If I don't train, I can't run. Apathy fosters apathy. Etc., etc.
I will be responsible for my responsibilities (and it will take work, and time, and practice and sweat, and tears) and if you do the same, great things will happen.
The game can't be played without a full deck of cards. It's that simple.
Wednesday, January 02, 2008
Another Set of Projects
The craft closet has been a storage hut for the last two years. When my daughter moved out, I said I was going to get it set up nicely (half the shelves are still empty!). It got pushed down on my to-do list....one of those "out of sight, out of mind" things.
I started hauling things out of boxes tonight and out of the closet into the office. That will motivate me to get it done. I hate junk in my work space. I'm sorting and tossing and organizing.
I got more done than I planned tonight as SweetStuff was supposed to bring my kitchen table back and didn't. (BUTTHEAD).
My other project, ME, is going well. I found a GREAT site to track calories and exercise. There are two additional features on this site that are going to DRIVE me to success (there's a reason I sold advertising for so long and so well). One is each day it rates your nutrition (caloric and food intake). The first day I got a B-, the last few A's. I want to be valedictorian of weight loss.
The other feature is based on what I want to lose and how much I ate and/or worked out. It is a target date of when my goal should be achieved. Eat more the date extends. Work out less and the date moves to the right. Eat well, work out, the dates moves in. YES!!! Here date, date, date. Come this way. Come to mama.
If I'd only I'd stopped eating like I was walking 30 miles a day when I got back from Spain, I wouldn't be having to deal with this right now.
Mexico will REQUIRE my strength so the added bonus of working out in preparation is dangling in front of me (and moving that date to the left). I know what those buckets of cement and rocks weigh and how many I've got to haul. I know the effort it takes to bend rebar and lift cement roof tiles above my head. And....after all these years, I'll get my little brass angels.
I started hauling things out of boxes tonight and out of the closet into the office. That will motivate me to get it done. I hate junk in my work space. I'm sorting and tossing and organizing.
I got more done than I planned tonight as SweetStuff was supposed to bring my kitchen table back and didn't. (BUTTHEAD).
My other project, ME, is going well. I found a GREAT site to track calories and exercise. There are two additional features on this site that are going to DRIVE me to success (there's a reason I sold advertising for so long and so well). One is each day it rates your nutrition (caloric and food intake). The first day I got a B-, the last few A's. I want to be valedictorian of weight loss.
The other feature is based on what I want to lose and how much I ate and/or worked out. It is a target date of when my goal should be achieved. Eat more the date extends. Work out less and the date moves to the right. Eat well, work out, the dates moves in. YES!!! Here date, date, date. Come this way. Come to mama.
If I'd only I'd stopped eating like I was walking 30 miles a day when I got back from Spain, I wouldn't be having to deal with this right now.
Mexico will REQUIRE my strength so the added bonus of working out in preparation is dangling in front of me (and moving that date to the left). I know what those buckets of cement and rocks weigh and how many I've got to haul. I know the effort it takes to bend rebar and lift cement roof tiles above my head. And....after all these years, I'll get my little brass angels.
Integrity
"Integrity simply means not violating one's own identity." - Erich Fromm
IN BRIEF: Complete honesty, uprightness.
The integrity word has been rattling around in my head for a few days. I can't put my finger on why. I ran a scan of me and my and it came up clean meaning something is out there that I need to pay attention to. Knowing me and my as I do, I'm sure it will crystalize at some point. In the mean time, I'll give the niggle the room it needs to do its work.
IN BRIEF: Complete honesty, uprightness.
The integrity word has been rattling around in my head for a few days. I can't put my finger on why. I ran a scan of me and my and it came up clean meaning something is out there that I need to pay attention to. Knowing me and my as I do, I'm sure it will crystalize at some point. In the mean time, I'll give the niggle the room it needs to do its work.
Attitude Determines Altitude
I've had this sign on my office door for months. It fell down over the holiday. That's OK - time to fine another motto to post.
My team, and I mean TEAM, is fabulous. They have soared this last year and have taken on the challenges I have tossed their way. I'm so appreciative of their creativity and attititudes. Their integrity is solid. They have truly made it possible for me to love my job and want to come to work.
They are a class act.
My team, and I mean TEAM, is fabulous. They have soared this last year and have taken on the challenges I have tossed their way. I'm so appreciative of their creativity and attititudes. Their integrity is solid. They have truly made it possible for me to love my job and want to come to work.
They are a class act.
Tuesday, January 01, 2008
Tater Time
Once one becomes famous (I'm taking 20 minutes this time), people just want to ride your coat-tails. Such is the story of Tater.
Tater is a much sought after bachelor ad executive, whom after this post, will probably be inundated with fan mail and propositions. He's so special, in fact, his social security number carries 10 digits instead of the normal nine.
I'm choosing not to disclose the other juicy details I have been entrusted with. And the details of my finder's fee will remain confidential.
Tater is a much sought after bachelor ad executive, whom after this post, will probably be inundated with fan mail and propositions. He's so special, in fact, his social security number carries 10 digits instead of the normal nine.
I'm choosing not to disclose the other juicy details I have been entrusted with. And the details of my finder's fee will remain confidential.
Electric
I had a nice time last night. A very small group of friends gathered. At midnight, I took a few calls, made a couple and exchanged a few IM's, tipped the champagne glass a couple of times and called it a night.
Today I have felt absolutely electric. I felt more alive and expectant (as in wonderment not PG) than I have in months. I have worked very hard to be who I am today and today I feel that I don't have to work so hard any more. I'm essentially there.
This year feels good. And this year, already different than last, doesn't have a person, place or thing defining it. Hmmm - that leaves infinite possibilities, doesn't it?
Today I have felt absolutely electric. I felt more alive and expectant (as in wonderment not PG) than I have in months. I have worked very hard to be who I am today and today I feel that I don't have to work so hard any more. I'm essentially there.
This year feels good. And this year, already different than last, doesn't have a person, place or thing defining it. Hmmm - that leaves infinite possibilities, doesn't it?
15 More Minutes of Fame
Way back when, justly shortly after Gore invented the Internet, I had a web page for my prairie dog, Ronnie Dog. My 15 minutes of fame, OK 30, was when National Geographic and the Smithsonian Magazine featured links to it.
Gossamer now has its 15 minutes. Nearly a decade later I'm back in the limelight. This time with WSJ.com (Wall Street Journal). My tongue-in-cheek commentary on the new lithium battery and airplane guidelines went national. Check it out.
Just remember gentle readers - tongue-in-cheek. Parody. Laugh!
Happy New Year!
