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.
Friday, January 11, 2008
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!
