February 2, 2007
My Name Is Santiago. What's Yours?
On the way to the Metro this morning, a gentleman who introduced himself as "Santiago" politely asked me "If I give you my phone number, will you let me take you to dinner sometime?" This marks the first time a stranger has come on to me since I became a married woman. It was frankly a relief to be able to thank the man and inform him that I am married. He courteously backed off, returning to his watching friend. I would probably have been more entertained by the whole encounter but I am moody today and not entertained by much of anything.
I have PMS. The kind of PMS that found me under a blanket on the couch last night wanting nothing for dinner but milk and buttery toast. The kind that had me tearing up while listening to the radio this morning. The kind that ensures it will be a rocky, roller coaster of a day.
At times like this I think first of my poor Flounder and how he will have to put up with me. Poor Man.
Quote of the Day
"Any intelligent fool can make things bigger, more complex, and more violent. It takes a touch of genius -- and a lot of courage -- to move in the opposite direction."
E. F. Schumacher
January 11, 2007
Comfort
Where do you go when you need comfort? My cat seeks out warm soft places, especially those that are adjacent to her people when she is looking for comfort. For Flounder cuddly blankets and a plate of rice noodles are his choice. Red goes straight for jammies and her Friends DVDs.
Some themes are universal -- hugs, warmth and food are a few. Lately I have sought comfort in sound. Not music as you might expect, but spoken word -- audio books to be exact. To be even more specific, I listen Jonathan Stange and Mr. Norrell read by Simon Prebble. I love Simon Prebble. I know nothing at all about him except the sound of his voice. He has a lovely British accent that is more flexible then any other voice I have ever heard. I have listened to JSaM.N at least 5 times. This is pretty impressive considering how very long it is -- so long it's broken into 4 sections to be digestable by the iPod. That doesn't even count the number of times I have listened to a random 15 minutes while falling asleep. I am happy to say that I am not yet dependant upon to iPod and Simon Prebble to fall asleep at night. But let's face it, it's only a matter of time.
I think we could all use a little extra comfort about now. I don't think I know a single person who doesn't struggle a little in January. Most people are either trying to change their lives or habits, a little depressed by the weather, or A LOT depressed by the weather. Pick your poison.
Personally, I was thrown off balance by the unnaturally warm 70 degrees we experienced last Saturday. So, it seems, were the flower bulbs. There are some very lovely snowdrops in full bloom in the corner garden I pass on the way to the office each day. Poor confused flowers. And poor confused people. Now it is hella cold.
Welcome Winter, we haven't missed thee. So I say a little prayer of thanks for all of the jammies, rice noodles and Simon Prebble recordings in the world for making us a little more comfortable.
Quote of the Day
Every man, wherever he goes, is encompassed by a cloud of comforting convictions, which move with him like flies on a summer day.
-Bertrand Russell
December 7, 2006
Sick House
I have been sick for weeks on end. And it's getting really truly old. Poor Flounder is also ill. Though I am pretty sure our illnesses are independant of each other. Really he just needed some serious rest and I think he will be back on his feet tomorrow.
Unfortunatly my sinus problems have finally started to affect my brain. My mental abilities are totally impared. Which does not bode well for the final push on my class project. I am livin' for Tuesday! I can't wait to wake up Tuesday morning and KNOW that I don't have any more class work to do and I can concentrate on what's really important -- CHRISTMAS!
You might be wondering how I felt about the whole NaBloPoMo failure. Well, It was a very hard to blog everyday, and I don't anticipate attempting it again. It was a real bummer when I missed an entry and decided not to post-date. I did my best.
Quote of the Day:
To look almost pretty is an acquisition of higher delight to a girl who has been looking plain for the first fifteen years of her life than a beauty from her cradle can ever receive.
Jane Austen
September 15, 2006
First Of Many
Tomorrow Flounder's parents are coming over for a visit and a meal. This is my first opporunity to cook for them, and I admit I am a little nervous. It's not like I am making Thanksgiving or anything, just a nice lunch, but still. I have picked a menu filled with easy favorites that can be preped ahead of time and won't have me tied to the stove. Not a huge event, but another little marriage milestone. This visit will also mark the Storybook Parents first opportunity to meet our little feline Josie. Lord please don't let her go into heat again between now and their arrival!
Quote of the Day:
“It is more fun to talk with someone who doesn't use long, difficult words but rather short, easy words like "What about lunch?"”
-Winnie the Pooh
August 7, 2006
When It Rains...
Flounder and I recenty visited a financial advisor. We walked away invigorated by the money we found in our budget to start a serious savings plan. Just as we started to think of ways to track our spending and streamline our use of money, the proverbial sh*t hit the fan.
First Flounders car needed repairs (it was leaking water into the car) and then a week later my car needed repairs (replaced oil gasket and stablizer bar that keeps the muffler attached to the car). Unexpected costs, but no biggie.
Then we adopt an adorable cat -- who knew taking in a cat who needed a home would be so costly? Let's call this an early birthday gift.
And then we discover that HOA mandated repairs to our chimey will cost $700 (cash only of course) and finally the last straw, our refrigerator is on the fritz! Our ice is now water and the milk is slowly warming. We can't get anyone to come out and look at it until Wednesday. Minimum cost? $100. Max? New Fridge.
Oy vey! Did I mention that Flounder needs new tires and my car will need new brakes in the next few months? Tuition for my fall class will be due in a week or so. Looks like it's pouring.
Don't worry we won't be asking for personal loans anytime soon -- we can handle all that comes our way, but did it really have to come all at once? Seriously?
Quote of the Day:
"The buck stops with the guy who signs the checks."
-Rupert Murdoch
August 2, 2006
The Queen Is In Residence
We have our cat. Her name is Josie and she is very quickly becoming the queen of our little castle. We have been advised by the cat rescue organization that our new companion would feel more secure if we kept her confined to one room for a few days while she gets used to her new home. Great idea right? Not for our feline. We let her do a little exploring outside of her designated room and now she is very indignant that she doesn't have the run of the house. Once the lovely men working on our new shed and back steps have completed their mission she will be free to move as she choses, but since they need access to the inside of the house she will have to stay put for the moment.
I can't wait to see what she does when I let her roam free this evening. Needless to say, her every-move is a delight. I have become a cat lover but I sware I won't succumb to the itching desire to don knitware featuring cat themed appliques.
Quote of the Day:
No one can have experienced to the fullest the true sense of achievement
and satisfaction who have never pursued and successfully caught his tail.
- Rosalind Welcher
July 28, 2006
You Can Call Me Mrs. T
It's official! Today I turned in my old social security card, along with my old name. In two weeks I will receive my new card, get my drivers license and I will be ready to roll! Most importantly, I will be able to change my name at work. With my new SS card I can finally be allowed change my name at work. Since my office is the one place were people are most likely to address me by my last name, making the change there will help to speed the adjustment.
In other news, Flounder and I was seriously looking into getting a cat. There is a one in particular, a petite black cat living with a foster family in out town. We are looking forward to meeting her tomorrow.
Quote of the Day:
Cats are a mysterious kind of folk. There is more passing in their minds than we are aware of." - Sir Walter Scott
