August 27, 2008
August Has Been Rough
Let's start small and work our way up. Upon visiting the dentist at the begining of the month, I was informed that I must be clenching my jaw as I slept because I am exerting enough pressure to crack my teeth. Cracking teeth at 29. Great. He offeres me a treatment option -- a dental night guard. How sexy. I guess that's better than cracking my teeth.
Then I went in for a scheduled colonoscopy (I will spare you the gorrey details.) The prep was extremely disgusting, don't let Katie Couric try to convince you otherwise. Other than the prep, the proceedure went well. I will need to have another test in a year and probably every few years for the rest of my life. So I have that torture to look forward too.
The same day I endured the colonoscopy I had a horrible gallstone attack! Those paying attention at home will remember that I had kidney stones a few years back that were amazingly painful. The gallstones were less bad, but it still meant a trip with the emergency room (two trips to the hospital in one day!) and a fair amount of pain. How many different kinds of stones can one person have? Wait, don't anwer that.
In a couple weeks I have a consultation with a surgeon to discuss removing the offending gallbladder. Yippee, surgery!
But I am not the only one dealing with health fun this month. My blessed sister-in-law has her second carpal tunnel surgery last week. And in vomitting cat news, our poor Josie is still a shedding allergy ridden mess, just itchy as all get out.
Just when I thought the worst this that could happen to me this month was turning 30...
Quote of the Day:
"Then I win the
I get everything I ever
All the cash
all the fame
and social change."
- Dr. Horrible
July 29, 2008
Wake Up Call
I have learned by watching Deadliest Catch that being shat upon by a seagull while at sea is good luck. So I couldn't help but wonder this morning if being vomited on while in bed, by a house cat is also good luck. Just maybe? It was only my ninja-like reflexes and judicious use of a duvet cover shield that saved me from a disgustingly soiled face.
Poor Josie cat! It was very clear last night that she didn't feel well. She was very itchy, her face looked puffy to me and she wouldn't stop carrying on. Then there was the poop. Poop on the floor. Very uncharacteristic. She also developed a couple crusty bumps under her coat.
Fast forward to this morning, when I found her drinking from a tiny pool of water in the bathtub. I spotted a completely bald spot on her left shoulder which materialized over night. More carrying on and finally the vomit attack. Thank God Flounder was there to help me remove the offending blanket. I really wouldn't have guessed Josie was capable of creating such a large mess. Yucks!
Saint Flounder stayed home today to take the sick kitty to the vet where it was discovered that she has a bacterial infection. Poor Josie! I can't help but think there must have been something we could have done to prevent it. I just hope she is feeling better by the time I get home tonight.
I really don't want to witness a repeat performance.
Quote of the Day:
I'm a great believer in luck, and I find the harder I work, the more I have of it.
-Thomas Jefferson
June 2, 2008
Some Things Do Not Stand The Test Of Time
I have succumed to many technological advances. The first was the cell phone, followed by my laptop, blogging, TiVo, texting and very recently Facebook (if you can call that a technological advance). Just prior to joining Facebook though, I joined Netflix. I joined not because I hate standing in line at Blockbuster or because I almost never see a film in a Theater anymore that Flounder doesn't want to see as well, but because of peer pressure. My new favorite co-worker shares my taste in film but was horrified by some of the films I hadn't seen like The Notebook & Secretary. Once I signed up I found it very easy to fill the queue with films I had alway meant to watch and others I hadn't seen in ages. Last week The Dark Crystal arrived.
Good Lord is that film terrible. I mean really bad. Who knew that people that brought us The Muppets could display such an awful sense of pacing? I was also stunned by how little I cared about the main characters until I realized that they had dead eyes and no personality. I think Fliven migth kill me for this review, but I can't lie to you. I almost fell asleep. Very Sad.
Come to think of it, a couple of the films I got through Netflix have been less than stellar. The Corpse Bride and The Golden Compass were both disappointing. This is of course not the foult of Netflix. I was pleased by The Illusionist (though The Prestige was better) and Across the Universe. What is still waiting to be watched? I have The Departed and Juno at home right now and another film making it's way to me in a couple days. More to come, including Secretary.
Quote of the Day:
It is my belief that whereas the twentieth century has been a century of war and untold suffering, the twenty-first century should be one of peace and dialogue. As the continued advances in information technology make our world a truly global village, I believe there will come a time when war and armed conflict will be considered an outdated and obsolete method of settling differences among nations and communities.
-Dalai Lama
March 10, 2008
List-Making 2008
There are few things in life I enjoy more than torturing myself with thoughts of all the things I wish I did but never get around too. I have made many, many lists in my time. How about one more? Let's go!
I wish I...
finished painting the kitchen, and the bathroom. And the of the bathroom. (my that's a lot of unfinished painting!)
actually quilted now and then. I really do enjoy it. And I make good stuff.
drank more water. But then who doesn't?
didn't loath ironing so much.
kept up on music trends. I feel out of touch.
didn't pay so much attention to celebrity gossip. I might have more time for music trends.
had some really nice shoes. Ones that actually fit. And looked nice.
I challenge you to make your own "I wish I" list. It's very freeing. Really.
Posted by La at 4:47 PM | Comments (1)February 11, 2008
Radio Silence
My, I have been quiet. I basically been ignoring my blog, which seems to be a general trend among my blogging friends. Why so quiet? Nothing much is going on. Also, it is slowly dawning on me that I tend to share too much of the wrong information. Not just on the blog, but in general. I get excited about some new plan or idea and want to share it. But inevitably the plan either changes mid-stream, doesn't pan out or I lose interest. Then I feel dumb for making a grand pronouncment in the first place. Those who have known me a long time have seen many of these boom and bust cycles. Knowing that whatever exciting plan I am hatching now is likely to fail discourages me from sharing it. Because really, who wants to be that vulnerable? I am not sure I do.
Quote of the Day:
The fact is that child rearing is a long, hard job, the rewards are not always immediately obvious, the work is undervalued, and parents are just as human and almost as vulnerable as their children.
-Benjamin Spock, Dr. Spock's Baby and Child Care”, first published in 1945
December 19, 2007
Making A List, Checking It Twice
Turned in my term paper? Check!
Finished my Christmas shopping? Check!
Completed my final exam? Check!
Mailed my Christmas cards? Check!
Check check check!
I have been anticipating this day since I first started spazzing out over this class back in October. The spazzing out is something I really need to examine, but I will save that for another post. To celebrate the completion of all these goals, Flounder and I are going to enjoy the Winter Lights show at our local park, and go home to watch White Christmas (which might be news to Flounder!), my favorite Christmas movie! Bliss.
In a couple of days jords will be coming to see us, and we will meet up with the Storybook parents for a trip into the city for some family-together time. Then we are off to PA for Christmas Eve, and they Christmas Day with Mi Mama, Micah and the crew. I am really looking forward to this time to decompress and hang with loved ones.
And because all this Christmas cheer is just getting to jolly, I have a story of fear for you. Last weekend I went to the optometrist for a check up and to update the glasses I never wear. After the exam the doctor thought that my optic nerve appeared swollen, and refered me to an opotomologist, who can't see me until a week from today. I made a grave error and looked up my symptoms on the interweb. Christ! At worst I am staring down a brain tumor, at best I probably have cranial fluid pressing on my optic nerves which would cause the swelling. Possible testing for these conditions? CT scan, MRI or a SPINAL TAP! Yeah, I think this was stuff I didn't need to know until I was sitting in front of the doctor. So please, work up a good supply of happy thoughts and send the my way at 4:45 next Wednesday. I will need it.
Stupid Interweb.
Quote of the Day:
If you think about disaster, you will get it. Brood about death and you hasten your demise. Think positively and masterfully, with confidence and faith, and life becomes more secure, more fraught with action, richer in achievement and experience.
-Edward Rickenbacker
November 15, 2007
How It Stands At The Moment
Fun with Needles
Flounder's trip to the allergist with Josie yielded a bag full of hypodermic needles and three vials of vacine. Last night was the first time he and I gave Josie the dreaded injection. Amazingly, she only flinched a little, and never stopped purring! This was MUCH easier than giving her liquid meds or pills, though we had finally gotten pretty good at getting the pills in her. You see now why we say we have the greatest cat in the whole wide world?
Test Time
I took my second test for my Politics on Tuesday and I am pretty pleased by how it went. I felt confident while answering the essay questions and was only unsure about one or two of the terms I was asked to define. This success has boosted my confidence and given my pursuits to write the dreaded paper new vigor! Also next week we don't have class, so I can concentrate on my research topic instead of meterial for class.
Shopping Blitz
Yesterday I attacked Amazon.com with my shopping guns blazing. I managed to make 75 percent of my Christmas gift purchases which makes me very happy. This year I am vowing to keep track of all the little purchases I need to make as well (like filling Mom's stocking) so I am not running around last minute. Really I am pleased as punch! Now what am I going to get the in-laws that have everything?
Hunting a Theme Song
After talking to Red about the power of a motivational theme song, I have been scouring my music collection for songs that make me feel good. While that perfect theme song is still out of reach, here is my current playlist:
Chicago by Sufjan Stevens
Flathead by The Fratellis
No Bad News by Patty Griffin
The Underdog by Spoon
Versatile Heart by Linda Thompson (Mother of Teddy, who often tours with Rufus)
California by Rufus Wainwright
Pushover by The Long Winters
Kissing the Lipless by The Shins
and....
Taking Chances by Celine Dion
Before you write me off as officially lame for loving this new Celine Dion song, please give this it a chance, because it's awesomness can't be denied. Somehow Celine has busted out of her trite mold. Trust me it's good. If you listen and don't agree, well we will just have to agree to differ.
Quote of the Day:
"A woodland in full color is awesome as a forest fire, in magnitude at least, but a single tree is like a dancing tongue of flame to warm the heart."
-Hal Borland, Sundial of the Seasons, 1964
November 12, 2007
Professional Help
Sometimes it is hard to admit that you need professional help. I am not usually one who avoids getting medical help. But I wasn't sure what I was going to do when I developed some pinching pain in my lower back. After a stern "don't be a hero" talking to from Flounder, I decided to bite the bullet and go see the Chiropractor. Now, I knew I had nothing to fear, really since Mi Mama, Micah, and Flounder have all seen this chiroprator. I hated taking a day off when I knew we were short-handed at work, though I knew riding the metro for forty minutes to getto the office would have been a special type of hell. So off I went, co-pay in hand to get adjusted. I learned that my hips were out of alignment, causing one of my legs to seem 3/4 of an inch longer than the other. Alarming, no? Yes, but much better than other back-related problems. I will admit that after my appointment, I actually felt worse! But the pain subsided over the weekend, and after my second adjustment this morning, I am feeling much better. Hurrah for voodoo science! A double Hurrah for my medical insurence who is paying for it!
I wasn't the only one seeking help from a professional today. This morning Flounder took Josie (the greatest cat in the whole wide world) to the allergist. For Reals. We have been in and out of the vets office for a few months now dealing with her excessive itching, bacterial infection and occassional cold. After being advised by our primary vet to see the allergist more than once, we finally caved. It turns out that our poor Kitty has multiple allergies to irratants such as dust, spores and pollen. But it's super allergist to the rescue with a vacine that will cure all of her woes. Unfortunatly will need to deliver this vacine to her via hypodermic needle. Injections everyother day for a few weeks, and then once a month for the rest of her life. All I can say is this stuff better really work, or we will all be pissed! Josie most of all. Here's hoping!
November 6, 2007
B Is For Blustery
I would call today a classic late Autumn day. It rained in the early morning, leaving the ground wet and soaked leaves sticking to every surface in sight. The temp will over in the 50s all day and a light wind is whipping around the streets blowing hair, scarfs and skirts around. Days like this make me think of A Wrinkle in Time and the Hundred Acre Wood. It would be a perfect day to play hookie. Unfortunately, we are short handed here in the office and I have class tonight, so I can't stay home in my jammies. Oh, how I wish I was!
Flounder is headed out of town today for a few days. He is traveling for work, and will be back on Thursday which isn't so bad. Generally when Flounder is gone I eat way too much Mac and Cheese, watch movies he doesn't want to see and sleep with the cat cuddled up next to me. This time around I will be spending my time in class and studying, so no movies. I am sure I will find some time to cuddle with the cat and eat pasta. Because that's how I roll.
I am still living with a large amount of anxiety about all the topics I have already outlined for you so I won't go through it again. Although all this worry has pointed out an underlying issue I have -- self confidence. At my core I don't think I can handle it all the things life throws at me, even though I have proven that I can't. I just don't trust myself to achieve my goals. It's not a wonder I don't set more goals for myself.
Quote of the Day:
I've missed more than 9000 shots in my career. I've lost almost 300 games. 26 times, I've been trusted to take the game winning shot and missed. I've failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed.
-Michael Jordan
October 1, 2007
Down The Rabbit Hole
Going to work this morning was a bit sureal. As I rode past my regular stop, of the past 5 years I felt excited and a little disoriented. Who knew I would be so jazzed about moving into a new office building? Well, it is a bit more than that. It's new desk, in a new work space, in a new building, in a new neighborhood. So a whole lotta new.
Once I arrived and found my way to previously mentioned new desk I was over the moon. Our building is beautiful! I didn't even realize how shabby the old place had become until I toured the new one. There is no comparison. My rapture was near complete until I stepped in a hole in the floor and twisted ankle as I took a spill. That's right, there is a perfectly round hole drilled in the concrete of the floor. This hole was the size of a coffee can. The carpet covering the hole was cut into flaps so that I could pull them back and peer in the void, but the pattern of the carpet obscured the scores in the carpet. I know that there was a real rush to get the building done, and some of the other levels aren't quite done, but this is pretty ridiculous.
On the upside, if I need to put in a workman's comp claim my boss and the the OMP were with me when I took the tumble. At least I have witnesses. Also my boss knows of my tendency to to turn my ankle so with some quick (and steady) icing, I should be just fine tomorrow. So ends my first day in the new building.
Quote of the Day:
Alice was beginning to get very tired of sitting by her sister on the bank, and of having nothing to do: once or twice she had peeped into the book her sister was reading, but it had no pictures or conversations in it, "and what is the use of a book" thought Alice, "without pictures or conversations?"
-Lewis Carroll, Alice's Adventures In Wonderland [1865], Chapter I
September 13, 2007
"You're Behind!"
Today and yesterday have been absolutely spectacular. Really perfect examples of what an early autumn day can be. I can't go outside without smiling on day like this. And frankly I need the sunshine.
Over the past week I have started to hear that insidious little voice in the back of my head telling me "You're behind!" I think the sense of anxiety I am feeling is heavily influenced by my environment. As you know, our household has been turned upside-down by remodeling over the last several months. This means far too many things aren't in their place and there are a TON of details (from tiny to large) that I need to finish before the new spaces are complete. At the same time we are in the middle of packing up our office at work in preparation for our move at the end of the month. It's a nightmare. We are shorthanded and I am surrounded by stacks of paper and giant blue crates. I would really love to have one place in my life, just one room that isn't cluttered or currently in chaos. Perhaps then I could think straight.
Meanwhile there have been plenty of other goings on as well! We discovered last Friday that poor Josie has bacterial infection, so now we have to force antibiotics into her twice a day along with her allergy medication. She has also taken with trying to escape out the front door at every opportunity. I am not sure what she is so interested in out there, but she wants OUT! Because of this new desire to escape, we have had Josie "chipped". Our cat is now marked as ours. Please, no one call PETA.
Flounder and I marked our 4 year dating anniversary on Tuesday. Four years together and we still like each other! Amazing! That very same night we had a plumbing emergency that turned out to be nothing -- though we now have a hole in our dining room ceiling as a memento. Also this week we Finally has our Focus repaired. This car has been taunting us with overheating problems for over a year! Every time we would take it in to a shop we were told that they couldn't duplicate the problem. Cripes! It took way too long and more money that we wanted to spend but we were able to find a dealership that not only isolated the problem, but also fixed it. It does feel good to know that on a warm day both of our cars will now start.
My final piece of news is that my American Government class started this week. I have a feeling that this professor is going to give me a eal run for my money. I am not going to be able to coast in anyway this time around. Cross your fingers for me. I don't want to crash and burn!
Quote of the Day:
"A life lived in chaos is an impossibility..."
Madeleine L'Engle (1918 -2007) RIP
August 24, 2007
If I Weren't Already Married...
I would marry my new counters. I love them like none other.
Seriously.
Posted by La at 10:01 AM | Comments (0)August 16, 2007
Stuff Of Summer
Last week was hot and I was bothered. It seemed like everyother person on the street was a little more rude, short tempered and unkind. In turn I became grumpy and started to lose a little of my faith in human kind. Then last night I say a light at the end of the tunnel. While walking to the Metro afterwork I dropped my office passcard and Metro smartcard on the street. I didn't realize it until I was already in the station and turned around to backtrack. A woman sweeping up in the area I though I dropped my card said she saw a woman pick up something that could have been my cards, but didn't see which way she went. So I headed back to the station in defeat. Although I usually find Metro employees to be surley and useless I decided to ask if they had received my cards. It was a Metro Miracle! The lady from the street turned in my cards! The Metro employee was nice and helpful, returning my cards and asking my to sign for them. At the end of the day all I lost was 10 minutes!
What else is going on?
Flounder and I are trying to plan a trip to see Jords in Wisconsin, but the airlines aren't playing along. I just didn't realize that a fare could shoot up a couple hundered dollars in a matter of hours. Hmmm...maybe in the Fall...
I have signed up for PolySci 101 this fall, so Mr. BA, Mrs. WAS and Ms. Merryment should consider themselves on notice -- I will be calling you!
Our new counters and sink will be installed a week from today -- which should make the kitchen totally usable a week from tomorrow! Viva la Dishawasher! How excited am I about our new over the stove microwave? Very, of course! I am really hoping to have the painting and such done by the end of the month.
This kitchen remodel has turn our house upsidedown (I like to pretend that our home isn't usually a mess...) and there is stuff just everywhere and it's starting to drag me down. I didn't realize how depressing it can be to live in chaotic surrounds. I need to get on that...
Even though I am excited about our office move and checking out a new neighborhood, I am already starting to miss our current 'hood. Dupont Circle is just so cozy! Sadness.
And Finally...
Signe just to me a huge secret that she isn't going to share with anyone else. :)
Posted by La at 11:51 AM | Comments (0)July 25, 2007
No Spoilers Here
There is an upside to the suffering that accompanies the sinus infection and bronchial inflamation that JUST WON'T DIE! I have finished Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. I am eager to discuss it, but won't do that here -- I would hate to add to all the spoilers already ruling the internet (ahem, wikipedia!). I will vent my feelings and opinions Saturday night with a group of friends who have also finished the book. I can't wait.
As I mentioned a few days ago, our kitchen cabinets are coming down. The process is starting today and Beau is working against a deadline to get the cabinets down. The new cabinets will be delivered next Tuesday. The clock is ticking! I will net be pleased if our home is taken over by boxes of cabinets for more than a few days.I was pretty amazed how much out kitchen cabinets contained. I have weeded out 2 bags of stuff to give away and I am sure there will be much more to come. I did take "before" photos so I will have to share those along with the "after" photos in the coming weeks.
Also it is time to get the paint brushes out. In addition to needing to paint both of the bathrooms as well as the kitchen when it's done, we will also need to stain the new bannister that Beau has installed. Anyone have a deft painting wrist and some spare time?
Quote of the Day:
Well done is better than well said.
-Benjamin Franklin
July 20, 2007
Not A Good Way To Start
I have worked in downtown DC for 9 years and counting. I have learned to head the little warning signs that tip me off that my day may not go as smoothly as I would like. Little things like a low iPod battery, a missing shoe or traffic backup can really throw off my morning. Once in the office I dread seeing the blinking voice mail light on my phone. That's rarely a good sign.
Lately though it's been the Metro trains that have been giving me pause. Several days in a row now that Silver Spring train on the Red line has been speeding through the Medical Center station without stopping. The lights are on. The train is in service and passangers are riding but apparently it just isn't going to stop. Why, oh why? This disruption means that the regular trains are more crowded and frankly unpleasent. It may not be a bad omen for the day, but it is an irritation in the middle of my commute.
I have scoured the WMATA website to no avail. I can't find any reason for this new train pattern, but I really hope this is a short term change. If this station-skipping practice continues into the fall the Metro authorities will be feeling my wrath.
Posted by La at 10:46 AM | Comments (0)July 11, 2007
R&R
We are back from vacation and we had a smashing time. I can't remember the last time I slept so much. 8-10 hours of sleep each night. Heaven! But our trip was far from all sleeping -- though it was mostly restful.
Since Flounder had never before visited the Delaware/Maryland shore, so the first day I gave him the Grand Tour. We drove north and started the tour in Lewes, DE.
It's a darling little town and we especially enjoyed learning about the local history at the Zwaanendael Museum. The museum building is modeled after the City Hall in Hoorn, the Netherlands.
We checked out the beach town of Bethany, then continued down the costal highway to Fenwick Island, DE. I have spent many a long weekend in Fenwick Island with Ms. PNB so I knew well that there was one thing I needed to introduce to Flounder -- Fisher's Caramel Popcorn. Along side the popcorn stand loomed Viking Mini-Golf. Flounder was intrigued, so we played a round. I have driven by this mini-golf course many time, but never stopped to play. It was hokie and the theme was not all together complete, but it was an easy course and we enjoyed ourselves.
Check out the size of tree stump shaped troll hovel. It makes Flounder look like a bug.
Also impressive is the two headed smoke spewing dragon guarding it's eggs by a water fall.
Before we left the course Flounder had to take a email break using his new iPhone. Doesn't he look happy?
We ended up enjoying dinner at Tequila Mockingbird and driving through Ocean City before returning to the condo. This is the best documented day of our trip.
Later in the week we picked up a delightful kite a the Kite Loft. I am not sure which Flounder enjoyed more, the new iPhone or the new kite. Let's call it a draw.
Quote of the Day:
"Throw your dreams into space like a kite, and you do not know what it will bring back, a new life, a new friend, a new love, a new country."
-Anais Nin
June 29, 2007
iPhone Coming To An iHome Near Me
Right now Flounder is sitting on line outside our local AT&T store. We are already AT&T customers so we are very familiar with this shop. Flounder is currently #6 in line, which good since he only arrived there about an hour ago. All the same he has 6 hours to wait until they repoen the doors at 6:00 pm. I think you can guess how excited he is. Yes, very. He will probably be dead to me tonight, totally absorbed in his new toy. That's OK really, as long as he also helps me pack.
Back at the house Beau is working at our house right now, yanking out my old sink and vanity, and if I am very lucky, replacing my floor tonight. Rich's bathroom isn't quite done (we are waiting for one more medicine cabinet, once we have it both cabinets will get hung and the lighting will be swapped out too, and the TP holder needs to be moved) but I really feel like we are making good progress. Especially since we will be on vacation starting tomorrow, I am expecting extreme changes when we get home. Maybe even totally complete bathrooms! A girl can dream.
Regardless of what happens while we are gone, I am very pleased to be hitting the road for vacation tomorrow. I can't wait to share Thrasher's fries, Dolle's salt water taffy, and Fisher's caramel popcorn. It's not all about the food though. The Rehoboth board walk and sunny shore are also on our agenda. Here we come!
Quote of the Day:
"The whole secret of life is to be interested in one thing profoundly and in a thousand things well."
-Horace Walpole
June 28, 2007
Pros and Cons
There are many good reasons to have friends do work for you. Knowing that the person mucking around in your walls and hanging around your house while you are gone is trust-worthy. Having confidence that the friend is doing their best work, because they like you, and know they will still have to look you in the eye when the work is done. Also knowing that the friend values your happiness and will make needed changes with out too much fuss.
There are also some real reasons to pause before taking the leap of working with friends. You will have to deal with money -- and sometimes money and friends don't mix. You will both have to remain professional when managing the project, and maintain the same expectation you would of a stranger. Keep in mind that your friend has a working style that you may not be aware of. Will he/she take time off without notifying you? What kind of hours do they keep? Do they estimate time accurately? Neat? Messy? Make sure you know what to expect and those expectations meet your own.
So far, I would say that having a friend do our bathroom and kitchen remodeling has been the right choice for us, and a learning experience. I have had to take care to always praise the work that has been done before asking for modifications or asking critical questions. I have also had to accept that as a self employed person, our friend has to gauge for himself the days when it doesn't make sense to work for 2 hours, when he could work for 6 the next day. Honestly, I don't always agree with those judgment calls, but in this area working with a stranger and working a friend is just the same. You won't always agree, but you have to remain professional, and try to communicate clearly...
Here ends the diatribe. When I started this entry I didn't expect it to become a little rant -- oh well! There you go!
Quote of the Day:
Hard work never killed anybody, but why take a chance?
Edgar Bergen
June 17, 2007
A Cough And A Kitty
Last week Flounder was sick - coughing with a sore throat. He seemed to get better, and headed off to San Francisco this week. Then I got sick. After a few days of coughing and a sore throat I went to the doctor. Turns out that like Mr. BA I have bronchitis. I am glad I went to the doctor because Flounder is now back home and still coughing after two weeks, while I am starting to heal (though still coughing myself). We sound like a TB ward.
While Flounder was gone Mi Mama took good care of me, and a certain black kitty was my close companion.
While I was layed up Mi Mama painted her living space in the basement a delightful shade of blue called Galactica, which is a beautiful sort of satin ribbon blue. Also Flounders new shower is (slowly) coming together and I am in love with the while subway tile we chose. Our new doors also came in this weekend. I can't wait to have them installed this week. We have really been missing our storm door (that was taken down when the work to the door frame was being done) and the new door is way better.
Despite the coughing, I am going to go make an appearance at Dad's today in honor of Father's Day. I think I will let Flounder off the Dad visiting hook. Boy is he a lucky kid.
Quote of the Day:
"You need only reflect that one of the best ways to get yourself a reputation as a dangerous citizen these days is to go about repeating the very phrases which our founding fathers used in the struggle for independence."
-Charles Austin Beard
June 8, 2007
Scorcher
My! Wednesday and Thursday were just bad days. 48 hours of bad. I am happy to report that I seem to have broken my luckless cycle and today has turned out just fine -- a bit boring, but fine. It's also proven to be a real scorcher. Very hot for June and I am not enjoying it. It's days like this that I don't mind working in an interior workroom which is windowless, but also not subject to climate influences. But take one step outside and it's hot, sweaty and damned unpleasent. Oh, how I envy you in Vancouver Ms. WAS!
On the upside -- Beau has torn out Flounder's shower, which is a great sign of remodeling progress. We were sure to take "before" photos which I will share when the project is complete. Flounder is headed off to San Fran again this Sunday, so I have created my "while Flounder is gone" list. As per usual it is an extensive list, but I will just do my best and leave the rest. I have also made some great progress on my current quilt project and I expect to have it finished Saturday evening. This makes me happy!
Wish me continued good luck and lots of energy to tackle my To Do list!
Quote of the day:
The fragrance always stays in the hand that gives the rose.
-Hada Bejar
May 23, 2007
Cat Fancy
A Quick Update:
* Micah turned 22 last Friday which makes me feel old. I am a proud sister. He is making his way in the world on his own terms.
* Waiting for the HOA to approve our proposed replacement entry and storm doors is highly painful. Thank God this is the last of our planned home improvments that we need to have approved.
* This coming weekend will mark our first wedding anniversery! We have planned a little over night getaway and strangly a WHOLE LOTTA time with the Storybook family. Odd but true.
* Last Thursday Flounder and I had dinner with the Bio-Dad, His Wife, My Grandmother, My Strange Uncle and his even Stranger Old Lady Companion. Despite the presence of Uncle Strange and his SOLC we managed to have a nice time! This was quite the coup! We were even invited Bio-Dad and His Wife to visit them in Florida and who knows I might even go. Or just sit avoid them for another year. It could really go wither way.
On the the important stuff: Last night was the two hour Series Finale of Veronica Mars. I am so bummed. The episode(s) raised more questions than it answered and was clearly not meant to be a series ending stroyline. That said it was like old home week with all of the characters they managed to cram in. The highlight for me was Logan beating the crap out of everyone (sorry Piz!) which always puts a smile on my face. So goodbye sweet show! I was good while it lasted. I really need to learn to love a show that last more that 3 seasons.
In geeky internet news, yesterday Slate brought the lolcat phenomenon to my attention. Damn you Slate! I could look at lolcats for HOURS and nearly did last night. Check out their article.
This is an lolcat I gacked from icanhascheezburger
Quote of the Day:
Your vision will become clear only when you can look into your own heart. Who looks outside, dreams; who looks inside, awakes.
Carl Gustav Jung
May 14, 2007
Pretty Great
I had a terrific weekend. It was comprised of equal parts industry, relaxation and family-time. We celebrated the Mom-ness of my M-i-L Saturday night at a local seafood restaurant, where everyone enjoyed themselves. Sunday night was Mi Mama's turn at my house with a little cook out complete with every type of side dish a Mother could want. I went a little nutty I guess. Both Mothers felt appriciated and loved and that's the point after all.
On Saturday I learned that I recieved an A in my Sociology class, which means my term paper must have passed muster. I was very pleased. It was also a little reminder that it's good to set high standards for yourself, but you need to cut yourself some slack now and then too!
Everything else is coming along nicely. Next week is my last quilting class in this series and I am feeling good about my progess. I am not sure what I am going to with this first quilt, I guess we will see. The work on the house is also coming along nicely as well. The financing should come through this week sometime which is very exciting. We can start laying plans for the work we need to do on the interiors! Also this week, it looks like Flounder and I may be having dinner with my Bio-Dad who is come town. I am chosing not to think about that one just yet. I am enjoying the "everything is pretty great" feeling to start fretting just now.
Quote of the Day:
A true man never frets about his place in the world, but just slides into it by the gravitation of his nature, and swings there as easily as a star.
Edward Chapin
May 7, 2007
Coming Together
Lo and behold, it's all coming together!
Flounder and I had a little meeting with Mi Mama and Beau on Saturday regarding our home renovations. Up until now all agreements, pricing and requests have been transmitted verbally which we all knew was a mistake. But now, oh what a difference! We have written estimates and agreed upon pricing. Business is business and I firmly believe that the best way to do business with friends and family is to do it by the book. Cutting corners on things like documentation is just a mistake. Happily not one we are going to make.
The quilting class I attended on Saturday was a lot of fun and made me even more eager to finish my paper so that I can get some serious quilting time in. Next week we are going to start pieceing together our blocks. I have quite a few blocks I need to complete. Come Wednesday I will have a chance to focus on it. I can't wait!
Most importantly I spent several hours this weekend on my paper. Now don't get excited readers, this paper is not complete. But I am getting close and my stress level undercontrol. Perhaps it's because Ms. Merryment has yet again saved both my sanity and my grade by lending her critical eye to my work. To you Ms. Merryment I give a hardy and public thank you!
In other positive news, my dear Sister-in-law Jords, is beaming with pleasure over her new home. Thanks to Mother and Father-in-law, nearly every room has a fresh coat of paint and Jords didn't have to take any time off while workman laid floor and made modification to her domicile. Flounder and I are looking forward to going to visit her this summer and I can't wait to bask in the beauty!
Similarly happy, Micah just bought a new car! It's a white hot little Firebird and he is prouder than a new Papa. And who do you think was the first person to ride in it with him? That would be me! What a good brother! And with a birthday just around the corner, he is just over the moon, and he deserves it!
Now it's back to the grind for me!
Quote of the Day:
Always do right. This will gratify some people and astonish the rest.
Mark Twain
April 26, 2007
Tiptoe Through The Tulips
Despite the amazingly weedy nature of our flowerbeds, we do have a few stellar blooms to show for our efforts last Fall. We are about to start some work on the front of the house, and I am afraid our flowers will be worse for wear by the end. Enjoy them while they last.
Some Delightful Daffodils
Terrific Pink Tulips
A Little of This and a Little of That!
Quote of the Day:
Isn't it enough to see that a garden is beautiful without having to believe that there are fairies at the bottom of it too?
Douglas Adams
April 24, 2007
On Task
I am not a natural multi-tasker.
As I have mentioned in recent posts, I have more balls in play than I am really comfortable with. I am working for May 9th friends. May 9th or bust!
In order to move a few of my personal/home related projects forward, I am taking a personal day tomorrow. I will have a few visitors like the bird-removal man (oh, how those little birdies love to live in our powder room vent!), the carpet cleaning folks and the Contractor. This is contractor #2 for anyone keeping score at home. While these fine professionals work, I will be alternately working on my quilting class homework, & working on my paper. And between visits I will run errands, all the while pining for my Dear Red who leave for Europe tomorrow.
I anticipate ending the day tomorrow with the glow of self-satisfaction that only a very productive day can bring.
Quote of the Day:
Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work.
Thomas A. Edison (1847 - 1931)
April 18, 2007
Still Standing
I have been working in my new capacity for a couple of weeks now, and I am proud to say that I have yet to fall on my face. My superior in this department has been doing her job (and doing it well) for such a long time that she appears to have a psychic mind-meld with the professionals we support. While I don't expect to ever develop the same mental link, and I don't feel even remotely comfortable in this position yet, I can see how this role may be a good place to be. Not a ringing endorsment, but I am trying to be realistic. Keep your fingers crossed.
Outside of the office I have thrown a few to many balls in the air for my liking. The fact finding and budgeting for our proposed home renovations are going well. Sociology Class if fine -- though I absolutly MUST start my paper this weekend, even if it kills me. Quilting class is a lot of fun, but I guess I didn't see the quilting homework coming when I signed up. Seriously! I am trying to squeeze in a much time Red before she flees the country (again!). I don't have time to do quilting homework! At least not if I expect to keep up my T.V. watching routine.
What am I, Superwoman?
Quote of the Day:
I can't complain, but sometimes I still do.
Joe Walsh
April 5, 2007
"Nobody Bothers Me!"
Do you remember Jhoon Rhee self defense? The two little kids who announce "Nobody bothers me!", "Nobody bothers me either!" accompanied by a wink? Twice in so many days I have been reminded of this amazing local commercial from my childhood. First Ellen Degeneres featured it on her show's web video segment and now the Express has featured the commercial both on it's webpage and in the paper today (page 32)*.
But I bring you the commerical hosted on YouTube. Nobody bothers me! Enjoy my friends!
Quote of the Day:
Humor is just another defense against the universe.
Mel Brooks
*Note one of my favorite bloggers El Guapo in DC is also featured on page 32 today.
Posted by La at 8:37 AM | Comments (1)February 21, 2007
"It's Nothing"
Good News! Mi Mama's surgery is moving forward. It seems that the CT scan showed that the X-Ray images were incorrect. I haven't gotten the full story but the long and short of it is there is nothing to worry about about there will be surgery tomorrow.
This is a real load off. Now we can focus on the task at hand.
In totally unrelated news:
* Flounder and I have a houseguest this week. Flounder's best friend who have seen since our wedding (in blogland we call her Yess ) in May. Not only do we get her wonderful company, but she also loves to cook and we can expect to be well fed. That's the kind of houseguest you always welcome back.
* I have to start researching the subject of my term paper for Sociology. I am thinking of writing about the Shakers. All I really know about them is that I like their furniture, they didn't have sex and they no-sexed their way into non-existance. This is a good starting point right?
* Josie-cat is going bald. Just a little. It seems she really DOES need that very expensive low-allergen food. Only the best for our cat.
Quote of the Day:
I am still determined to be cheerful and happy, in whatever situation I may be; for I have also learned from experience that the greater part of our happiness or misery depends upon our dispositions, and not upon our circumstances.
Martha Washington (1732 - 1802)
February 12, 2007
My, July Is Shaping Up Nicely!
Although the 5th Harry Potter film and 7th (and final) book, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows are both hitting the streets this coming July, they are not the only genre-bending entertainment that will be available.
On July 23rd, our good friend Jasper Fforde is finally bringing us another crack-like hit of the adventures of Thursday Next. As much as I have enjoyed the two books he has written in his Nursery Crime series, it will be really good to have Thursday back. So put in for some vacation time, Kids. You are going to need some time off.
Quote of the Day:
Growth purely for its own sake is the philosophy of cancer.
-Jasper Fforde, Lost in a Good Book
February 7, 2007
Project Boob Tube
Flounder and I have embarked on an intreptid experiment this week. As of last night, we have given up TV for a week.
Why?
Because I watch a LOT of TV. This means a spend a lot of time sitting on the couch. I started to wonder, if I didn't get sucked into the TV each evening, how would I spend my time? Would I still be on the couch? Would the laptop take the TVs place? Would I do more house work? Read more? Do my homework sooner? Work on projects? I thought the question was worth investigating.
The Rules
Prohibited: Any sort of programing that is consummed via the television set.
Allowed: Video content shown on the web or saved on our computers or iPods. DVDs are fair game but only when viewed on something other than a TV. Radio and recorded music is totally within bounds. Movies in theater are fair game. The internet in all it's glory is also allowed. The TiVo will capture the shows we are missing to be viewed later as needed.
Day 1
Last night on the way home from work, Flounder and I agreed to give up TV for a week. I suggested the scheme, and was surprised how quickly he agreed. Since he was so onboard we decided to start right away. I think it is fair to say that the clock started at 6:00 Tuesday the 6th.
Despite the fact that Veroncia Mars is on Tuesday nights, going with out TV for the evening wasn't hard. I was in class from 7:00 pm - 9:40 pm, so I was pretty distracted for the majority ofthe evening. Upon arriving home I was surprised how quiet the house was before I realized that the TV was off. I chatted with Flounder, checked my email and the news headlines on the laptop and turned in. Not hard at all.
Day 2 (Morning)
We will often get through the morning with out turning on the television. This morning I did have to stop myself from turning on the TV. I can forget things pretty quickly, and our new project is no exception. Once I remembered and moved on with my morning I didn't miss the TV, though I did take note that the red TiVo light was on -- Buffy was being recorded.
Quote of the Day:
I think that parents only get so offended by television because they rely on it as a babysitter and the sole educator of their kids.
Trey Parker and Matt Stone, South Park, Death, 1997
January 16, 2007
The Fit Is Go
In an unexpected move this weekend Flounder and I bought a car. It's the first new car for both of us. We purchased a Honda Fit, which is a shockingly roomie and versatile sub-compact -- like a clown car, but cute and black. Why this car? Because it is safe, well made, cost effectice, fuel efficent and Flounder fell in love. Oh, yeah and Mr. BA's little brother workes at the dealership. We seriously didn't choose the dealership because of BA's Bro, it is also very close to our home, but the magic Bro worked didn't hurt.
Ah, the new car smell! Mr. BA asked in a comment today if the new car has brought me comfort. The answer is yes! I no longer have to drive my old Saturn with the blown airbags and ageing brakes. Flounder is passing his Ford Focus on to me (the Fit will be the commuter car) and it is far comfier than my old Chase (that's the Saturn's name).
Quote of the Day
"And Man created the plastic bag and the tin and aluminum can and the cellophane wrapper and the paper plate, and this was good because Man could then take his automobile and buy all his food in one place and He could save that which was good to eat in the refrigerator and throw away that which had no further use. And soon the earth was covered with plastic bags and aluminum cans and paper plates and disposable bottles and there was nowhere to sit down or walk, and Man shook his head and cried: "Look at this Godawful mess." "
-Art Buchwald, 1970
December 31, 2006
Josie Got Her Ball Back
Josie our cat has a little cloth soccer ball that she hearts in a big way. In the past only rolled up paper balls would do, but these days she is cloth all the way. She loves this thing so much that she will carry it around the house in her mouth and will intentionally wedge the ball in tough corners, just to have the pleasure of rescuing it. She is a funny cat.
Not so funny in the middle the night. Over the last few nights Josie has seemingly lost her ball in our bedroom. So despondent is she, that she will wail out in the night until Flounder either finds the ball for her or he kicks her out of the room. I usually just mumble something about "stupid cat" or "idiot ball" and roll over to sleep again. It's become part of our routine -- like brushing our teeth, or driving to work. Personally I liked the old routine, where our cat would come and sleep with us now and again throughout the night. Much more restful.
Short of setting up a ball-rejecting forcefield or taking the ball away at night (Gasp! Flounder the Marshmallow would never allow it) I think we are in for the long haul of nightly disturbance.
Quote of the Day:
“I want to die in my sleep like my grandfather... Not screaming and yelling like the passengers in his car.”
-Will Shriner
December 18, 2006
All Wrapped Up
I am not quite sure how it happened, but it seems I spent all of Saturday wrapping gifts. I know this can not be, I am not that wealthy, nor so generous, but all the same where did Saturday go? I vaguely recall going to the grocery store. Otherwise, half my weekend is a gift wrap speckled blur. Strange.
I am happy to say that I just might pull this Christmas thing together afterall! I have had to abandon the idea of making my baby secound cousin a little quilt. Not abandon it entirely, just leave it off until after December 26th. I will make the thing before Valentine's day. The house is decorated, the tree is trimmed, the gifts are wrapped and very nearly every card has been sent...which leads me to another issue.
I slipped up while marking off my list of Christmas cards. I have managed to scramble up my list (thanks Excel!) such that it's unclear if a handful of people have been sent cards. So, if you rather expect to recieve one from me this year, and yet do not -- it is not for lack of trying. Classic La, No?
Quote of the Day:
No matter how lonely you get or how many birth announcements you receive, the trick is not to get frightened. There's nothing wrong with being alone.
Wendy Wasserstein
November 30, 2006
TiVo!
Mi Mama has given Flounder and I TiVo for Christmas. And yes, in classic La style, the box arrived today and is currently recording TV shows, way before Christmas. So sue me ok? Usually in my family, especially for Mi Mama, Christmas is the time for lying. I mean she typically she will do almost anything to keep our Christmas gifts a secret. She would bob, weave, deceive and lie if needed. Not so this year. Like so many other things that have changed this year, the way we give gifts has shifted.
I am happy to know that we will still be doing stockings this year. I thought that the stocking would soft of fade away quietly, the way Easter baskets and toothfairy payoffs did. I guess we all love them too much to let that tradition die.
Quote of the Day:
TV is chewing gum for the eyes.
Frank Lloyd Wright
November 29, 2006
The Self-Brushing Cat
When we adpoted Josie, we had no idea we haad picked up the deluxe model. Sure, she had her moments, like when she was in heat, when we thought we might have thought we picked up a sub-par cat, but not so. Our cat has a special feature. She is self-brushing! I discovered this fantastic talent when after brushing her one day the cat brush feel on the floor. My little glutton-for-grooming cuddled right up against that the brush on the floor and started rubbing her face and neck against it. Oh, how she purred!
Now I just leave the brush on the floor for her brushing pleasure.
Cat site of the Day:
Review: Juvenile felis catus
Quote of the Day:
“Kindness is a language which the deaf can hear and the and the blind can see”
Mark Twain
Posted by La at 9:27 PM | Comments (0)
November 28, 2006
Christmas PSA
Merry Christmas Charlie Brown!
A Charlie Brown Christmas is on tonight! ABC at 8 PM. I plan on sittling down with my Christmas list and starting to write cards while I enjoy the Christmas goodness.
I am also excited that the first mystery arch wraps up tonight on Veronica Mars! CW at 9 pm incase anyone cares.
Ms. Dewey
Is it just me, or did Mircosoft just do something really right here?
Check out Ms. Dewey. She's a very pretty girl, you kind you don't bring home to Mama.
Quote of the Day:
"Oh, was that a pity search? How Sweet!"
Ms. Dewey
November 22, 2006
I Miss Steve
Back in 2001-2002 I was in a very uncertain place in my life. I was laid off and although I was able to find a new job pretty quickly, my confidence was shaken. That was when I found Steve. Steve was understanding. He was thoughtful. He loved his dog and damn, he knew how to find those clues.
Steve and I would get together every Saturday morning (After Little Bill) and together he, his curiously sentient friends and I would get together and solved manufactured mysteries. Blue, his not surprisingly blue dog would lead the clue finding charge. The show set a very reasuring routine for me. I realize it is a bit strange that at 23 I enjoyed programing designed for the pre-K crowd, but what can I say? I loved Steve. He spoke with slightly hushed calming tones. He was so confident that I always had the right answer. Steve had faith in me, and I loved him for it.
But all good things come to an end. Steve decided it was time to "go to school" and leave his friends and trusty dog in the hands of his bouncy cousin Joe. I took an instant dislike to this Joe character. He wanted to play different games. He was a little noisy and expected to be BFF from the word go. I quickly had enough and drowned my sorrows in pancakes, mouning the loss of a fictional friend who helped me through a tough time.
Steve you will always be special to me. Thanks for the memories.
Quote for the Day:
Yeah, you know, I'm having a great time out there. It's a lot like talking to yourself at the bottom of the swimming pool.
Steve Burns
November 18, 2006
Write It Down! Write It Down!
It is very possible that my friends and I aren't as funny as I think we are. Maybe. All I know is the group I spent the evening with last night made me laugh. A lot.
We were taking the opportunity to spend the evening with "Seamus" before he heads out to Iraq with the Navy later this week. Yoda, Maryment, Fliven, Ms. RBT, Ms. WAS, Mr. BA, Seamus and I enjoyed drinks, dinner and a movie.
We saw Stranger Than Fiction, which I believe everyone enjoyed. Fliven was even willing to see the film twice just to hang with his friends (unlike some others we know, Ahem). Despite having some beer spilled on me (no hard feelings Yoda!) and the lingering dry hacking cough I have been propagating, I had a really lovely evening. I only wish (as I often do) I had taken the time to write down a few of the choice funnies my friends were offering. I think I coughed as much as I laughed, but it was well worth it.
P.S.> Stay Safe S! And take lost of pictures.
P.S.S.> Whoo Hoo Fliven, Maryment and Yoda for doing the Walk fo the Homeless today. Good on ya!
Quote of the Day:
"On a scale of one to ten, what would you consider the likelihood that you might be assassinated?"
Dustin Hoffman, Stranger Than Fiction
November 14, 2006
It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like...HELP!
The cups are red, the grocery store is selling stockings, but my Christmas list is blank. Nearly anyway -- does anyone else feel totally unprepared for Christmas? There is so much to do! I realize we haven't even celebrated Thanksgiving yet but I feel like I usually have all of my gift ideas tallied and organized in a spreadsheet ready to go. Not this year. Maybe it's because 2006 has been such an unusual and busy annum? I mean, Flounder and I got hitched, Mi Mama sold her old house and bought a new one, Micah moved out on his own and is totally supporting himself for the first time, and the Storybook Father retired and the SBPs are living a life of retirement bliss. It's been a big year. What on earth do you buy these people?
Meanwhile Flounder and I are embarking on our first truely combined gift purchasing/giving exercise this year and I don't think he was prepared for the number of gifts I give and the amount of money I usually spend during the holidays. Oh, Dear. I think I feel some compromises coming on. Stupid Marriage! (I Kid! I kid cause I love!)
A little ray of hope is peeking through though. I realized yesterday that I had a ton of leave that I haven't used and will expire December 18th. You see I can only roll over 2 weeks worth of leave (for me it's combined sick and vaca) and the rest of my 3.5 week total either needs to be used or the time will be payed out in cash come February. It's not a bad setup, I am pretty lucky but I decided to use some of my time. Which means I have all of next week off! Whoo Hoo!
The question is, will I used the time wisely? Will I work on quilting and canning projects that have a Christmas deadline? Will I do a deep clean of the house in prep for December visitors? Will I organize my thought on our holiday plans? Or will I sit on the couch? Stay tuned Dear Reader, and watch what happens!
Quote of the Day:
I hear and I forget. I see and I remember. I do and I understand.
Confucius
November 11, 2006
Gingerbread Heaven
I am saving my entry about the Quilter's Quest until tomorrow because I am too darned beat to do it justice this evening. However I would like to mnetion that I had my very first Gingerbread Latte from Starbucks of the season yesterday. It was heaven, just as the frist GL of each season always is.
It's noce to see some things never change.
Quote of the Day:
The real act of marriage takes place in the heart, not in the ballroom or church or synagogue. It's a choice you make - not just on your wedding day, but over and over again - and that choice is reflected in the way you treat your husband or wife.
Barbara de Angelis
November 8, 2006
"It was a thumping."*
I am really not very politically minded. I don't pay as much attention to the political scene as I should. Most of the time I leave that up to Flounder. However, the thing that has driven me crazy about the current administration is the over-blown sense of self assurance and arrogance. That said, I was pleasantly suprised by the tone of the Preident's press conference this afternoon. He actually sounded human and very nearly personable! Really he spoke kindly and respectfully of the opposition. I nearly died. Truly, he made me almost like him.
*The President assessment of the cummulative effect of yesterday's elections.
Quote of The Day:
Please see above. :)
November 3, 2006
Author Roundup!
Between the bloggers participating in NaBloPoMo and novelists in NaNoWriMo, November is all about writing. I thought I would take this opportunity to give shoutouts to some of my favorite paper and ink authors. Check out their respective sites:
Adriana Trigiani
Jasper Fforde
SARK
Jennifer Weiner
Elizabeth Peabody
Audrey Niffenegger
Laurie R. King
Bill Bryson
Kurt Vonnegut
Susanna Clarke
Happy Reading!
Quote of the Day:
The world may be full of fourth-rate writers but it's also full of fourth-rate readers.
Stan Barstow
Road Rage Update
After dealing with far to many single occupant cars and calling the cops yesterday, I am happy to report that there was a state police officer monitoring the HOV lane today and I didn't see a single violator. It was a nice way to start the day.
Posted by La at 10:04 AM | Comments (2)November 2, 2006
Don't Make Me Call The Cops
I was in full Road Rage mode while traveling in to work this morning. I started out in a light pleasant mood until the idiots invaded the HOV lane.
*start flashback*
It was a highly typical Autumn morning commute -- the traffic was heavy but the weather was fetching. Holding Flounder's hand as he drove and I sipped my coffee, I watched the world go by thinking about that my work day might bring. Glancing around me I noticed a light blue Toyota Tercel bogeying from the far left to right of the HOV lane just before us. The driver seemed to be trying to look around the traffic while riding the bumper of the van in front of him. The long line of congested traffic snaked out as far as the eye could see. Then I noticed that this gentleman was the only individual in his vehicle. And I erupted, "Get out of the HOV lane ye Bastard!" I became very annoyed and fidgety knowing this swerving as*hat did not belong in our lane. Road rage began to set it.
A few minutes of cursing and staring passed before I noticed that the cream colored Audi behind me also on had one occupant! "You've got to be f'ing kidding me!" I shouted, "That's it! Where are the cops?", I was really riled now! Flounder remaining calm through it all suggested I could call them. Ah ha! Pulling out my Treo, I hit the speed dial button I previously programmed for the MoCo non-emergency number. A very nice operator answered and after hearing a brief summery of my complaint said 270 was managed by the State Police and he would transfer me, I was feeling better already. Then the next (also nice) operator answered I informed him that I had was sandwiched between two single occupant vehicles on 270 in the HOV. He asked something like, "Two cars each with only one occupant?" and I confirmed his statement before he said, "Thanks for letting us know, we will take care of it." After he rung off I quickly realized that a) I had just gotten the brush-off from the state police and b) there was ANOTHER single occupant car ahead of me (behind the Tercel, and another multi-occupant sedan) this time a dark green Miata.
I think I might have screamed that this point. Poor Flounder, I was spoiling for a fight! I managed to dial it down a little while using my eagle eyes to spy for police cars, hoping the offenders might get their comeuppance right under my nose. Sadly there was no vindication for me this morning.
*end flashback*
I rest assured this afternoon that Karma is as sure a thing as gravity, and there is a special place in Hell for HOV violators.
Quote of the Day:
I'm not concerned about all hell breaking loose, but that a PART of hell will break loose... it'll be much harder to detect.
George Carlin
October 31, 2006
Happy Halloween And Hello November!
Jack-O-Lantern Goodness
I think it is pretty well known how much I love the Fall! We have had a really beautiful autumn this year, setting aside some high winds and torrential rain fall. It looks like an awesome day for trick or treating, weather-wise. Nice and warm with some late night rain, which I hope will drive the children back home at a decent hour. Flounder and I have stocked up on treats, carved our pumpkins and are ready to roll. Bring on the kiddies!
Get Your Hot Fresh Angst Right Here
November will be a blog-tastic month thanks to my participation in National Blog Posting Month. That's right, I will post an entry every day between November 1st and Novermber 30th. In order to drum up some especially turbulent blog entries I shall harvest some angst fresh from the fields for my reading public.
Angst #1 - Flounder and I are going back on South Beach as of tomorrow morning. It's a good balanced diet which I hope will lead to a good balanced La. Though it might lead to carple tunnel thanks to all of the chopping required for this approach to food. I can already feel the bubbling tumoil, can you?
Angst #2 - Craft Projects for Christmas! I have a bunch more canning and at least 1 1/2 quilting projects I must finish for the holiday season. 2 months sounds like a long time -- but we all know I always set my sights to high right? Bring on the anxiety!
Angst #3 - I have vowed to myself that I will get better at keeping in touch with friends and family via the phone. There was a time when I was Queen of the Phone, but email has taken over as my primary communication tool , and frankly it's just not cutting it anymore. This means calling at least 1 family member and 1 friend I have haven't spoken to in awhile each week. Read family as "fathers" in this case. Let the fretting begin!
Josie the Pussycat
I am happy to report that our famous feline came through her surgery with flying colors, keeping "her activity level low" (as requested by the vet) on the other hand has been a challenge. We have resorted to closing her in the green room (office/sewing room/home of the liter box) when we aren't home or are asleep and she is not loving it. Thankfully I have a cold stony heart when it come to doing what is best for our cat because Flounder is a giant marshmallow. She had him at "meow". Our little black cat will be safely tucked away this Halloween.
Quote of the Day:
Most people are other people. Their thoughts are someone else's opinions, their lives a mimicry, their passions a quotation.
Oscar Wilde
October 28, 2006
Things To Do Sunday
1. Call my bio-Dad (long overdue)
2. Write a rough draft of paper #3 for ENG 109
3. Laundry
4. Crave my pumpkin
ETA: I didn't call bio-dad. Bad La, very bad La. (10/30/06)
Posted by La at 8:37 PM | Comments (0)October 26, 2006
Whatnots
Here are some random thoughts and finds from the past few weeks.
Interweb Stuff:
Dance Sister Dance- A fun little game where you can dress up your friends (or celebs) and make them dance like fools in crazy outfits. Outlandish fun.
Official Seal Generator - Feel like making it official? Make a seal. Much more fun than it sounds, I promise!
43Things - This is one of those really addictive sites where I can get lost for hours. It also reminds me how many crazy people have web access.
Dear Margo - She was formerly Dear Prudence at Slate.com. She has changed her moniker and her patron but not her voice. Posted every Thursday and Friday. Between Carloyn, Amy, (the new) Prudence and Margo, I am addicted. I am an advice whore.
Food Stuff:
Bottled Goodness - I am totally in love with Honest Tea's Mint White Tea. It is crisp, thirst quenching, unlike many other bottled tea it is relatively low in calories and is tre organic. Everyone wins!
Family News:
Mi Mama - She is finally moving her belongings out of storage and into her new home this weekend. All hail having furniture!
Josie - Our kitty is getting "fixed" tomorrow. No more bouts of "heat" for this cat. I am taking the day off so that I can be close to the vet in case of complications. I am planning a super productive day at home to kick off the weekend.
Projects and Activities
Quilting - I am at a standstill with my first quilting project. After I completed my very first placemat I was eager to whip up the other 5 (in various stages of completion) but I have hit a major snag. I had to take Mi Mama's sewing machine (which I am now claiming for my own) in for some very expensive repairs. All sewing experts sware up and down that if treated properly this machine will runn for a million generations due to its fantastic quality and all-metal parts? Am I being mislead? I really hope, not because for the cost of the current repairs, I could be buying a new (if basic and all plastic) Singer. Cross your fingers I made the right choice. Oh yeah and Merry Christmas. I will be enthusiastically taking my project back up as soon as the machine is back in service.
Holiday Canning - I got together with Ms. WAS this past Sunday. We canned some terrific Pumpkin Butter which went home with WAS and also some very interesting cranberry apple marmalade. I hadn't canned since last spring, and it looks like I lost a little of my pectin mojo over the summer. The pumpkin butter requires no pectin and came out flawlessly. The first batch of the cranberry apple marmalade on the other hand has acquired the texture and consistancy of Turkish Delight. In a jar. I am happy to say that the second batch is the correct rich but spreadable consistancy that you expect from marmalade. So what do I do with the first two jars? Toss them? Give them so someone I don't care for? I don't know. Maybe I will just put them in the "emergency food supply" box in the basement. Two pints of Turkish Delight eaten with a spoon might really hit the spot when we are huddled under the stairs hoping the dirty bomb clouds don't waft our way.
Quote of the Day:
The '70s had the hustle, the '80s the moonwalk. We have the faux lesbian dance.
Veronica Mars, "My Big Fat Greek Rush Week"
September 27, 2006
Heavy Rotation
After Mr. BA's comment about sharing music I thought I would post some of the songs that have been in heavy rotation on my iPod lately. I don't suggest that this music new or especially novel, but it is stuff I look forward to listening to on my commute.
This Home on Ice, Is this Love and Upon this Tidal Wave of Young Blood by
Clap Your Hands Say Yeah
Maggie May - Rod Stewart
Just Pretend - The Bens
Sing, Theresa Says - Greg Laswell
Misread - Kings of Convenience
The Ring, and I Am Aglow - Sarah Harmer
Lately, Ain't No Love and Now and Always - David Gray
Tropicalia - Beck
Carnival - The Cardigans
Also, in an unexpected turn, I have started listening to a lot of celtic style music -- no, not Enya, but real folk fiddlers and musicians. It's not exactly hip, but I like it.
Quote of the Day:
Hell is full of musical amateurs.
George Bernard Shaw
September 25, 2006
Flounder and La In The Garden
We took a big step this weekend and prepped the front yard for the Fall. We churned up the flower beds, potted up the sweetest tangerine and purple violas you have ever seen, planted bulbs for the spring, and applied a generous layer of mulch. The front yard looks so much neater. 2 hours of heavy sweating really payed off.
However, there was a price to be paid for all that order and beauty. I am now riddled with mosquito bites. Over 16 of them at last count. Eat your heart out Ms. WAS! There are 6 on my left arm and hand alone. My favorite one is the large welt just above the second knuckle which makes wearing my wedding rings an itchy challenge. The one on my tuckus is also fun.
Quote of the Day:
Let us be grateful to people who make us happy: They are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom.
Marcel Proust
September 8, 2006
Long Weekend, Short Week
Generally, I am a great fan of three day weekends. This past Labor Day Monday Flounder and I visited Mt. Vernon. I had never visited this site, the home of George Washington and one of Virginia's great homes. It is a beautiful place (even though some of buildings on the grounds are under constructions) with a fantastic view of the Potomac. I can certainly see why the Washington family choose to live there. My favorite part of the Mt. Vernon attraction is the Gristmill. It is a working mill rebuilt on the footprint of the original mill that George Washington's farm used to process it's grain. It sounds pretty ho-hum, but first learning how important the mill was to the farm and surrounding community and then watching it work (and produce real corn meal) was really super cool! I know Flounder thought so too. Call me a goof if you like but I was highly impressed. Also on the site a reproduction of the original distillery is also being erected. It puts the veneble GW in a whole new light. George Washington -- Moonshiner!
This work week has been quick and turbulant. I have been so distracted by the goings on at work and disorganized by the 4-day work week I totally forgot to watch Project Runway! Can you believe it? I tried to watch it last night, but the 11 o'clock start time was WAY past my bedtime. Maybe I can catch it iTunes, but I may have to wait until next Wednesday. GoshDarnit.
Now that this abriviated week is nearly out, I am thinking of weekend activities. Perhaps a little mini-golf this evening? A visit to the Shaker festival on Saturday? You know I love Fall, but I am going to try to squeak as much low-responsibility fun out of the summer I can before my Fall semester english class starts on Monday!
Quote of the Day:
I am still determined to be cheerful and happy, in whatever situation I may be; for I have also learned from experience that the greater part of our happiness or misery depends upon our dispositions, and not upon our circumstances.
Martha Washington (1732 - 1802)
September 5, 2006
Hotter Than A Tin Roof
In the 7 or so weeks we have lived with Josie, the fabulous feline, she has gone into heat, twice. Needless to say that life has not been a bed of roses in our house, especially for Flounder. Josie seems to sense his malesness and won't leave him alone. Poor Man. Her "lusty" behavior and icky girl parts were becoming more than we could take. This kitty will be spayed very, very soon.
I am happy to say that the second round of hormones seems to be on the wane. She was also troubled with a serious itchiness that was driving us all mad. I am happy to report that since we put her on super special (read super expensive) food, she has really been improving -- and she's been on it for less than a week. We were really hoping that the food would help her and we wouldn't have to take Josie to the Vet Dermatologist. Yes, you read that right. *sigh* This little bundle of purrs and fur is a little cash vacuum.
Quote of the Day:
“No amount of time can erase the memory of a good cat, and no amount of masking tape can ever totally remove his fur from your couch.”
Leo F. Buscaglia
September 1, 2006
Notes From A Distracted Mind
Thing 1 - Allumni Sighting
The most successful actor to grace the stages of Sherwood High School can be seen on a new film this fall. That's right Sean Whalen will be acting along side Jessica Simpson in Employee of the Month. I hadn't spotted him on screen since That Thing You Do, so it's night to know he's still out there.
Thing 2 - Scavanger
Very shortly the company I work for is changing it's name, again. As a result I am clearing our shelves of all the logo bareing items. Each Friday morning the office provided breakfast to the staff. I arranged to have all of the old client gifts (yoyos, travel mugs, highlighters, mints, pens...) put out during breakfast so that the staff could grab up anything they might like. When I took the last few items to the conference room where the food was being served at 8:50 this morning half the stuff was gone (and there were a LOT of gifts) and people starting pawing through the additional items I had with me. "Why didn't you TELL my you had this stuff?" they asked, "Why have you been holding out on me?" WHAT?! These people have a hard time understanding that these items weren't purchased for them. Some understood, but didn't care, thinking that being friendly with folks from marketing should be enough to get them logoed items purchased for clients. Not on my watch people. Not on my watch.
Thing 3 - Project Runway #308
I know much has been made of the Jeffrey's behavior towards Angela's mother. At first I was as outraged Jeff's actions, and his offensive treatment of Angela's Mom. A week later, having watched a bunch of extra scenes in bravotv.com, I am more torn. Clearly Jeffrey feels attached, and like most people do when thye feel vunerable, he lashed out. I think he truly believes that Angela is out to get him. So he acts like an ass. I think it is really clear that Angela holds little-to-no ill will toward Jeff and certainly didn't try to sabotage him -- she just wanted he mom to be happy and resented his treatment of her. But Jeff, acting on his misconception, continues to jab at Angela. Jeff is wrong and mean, but I guess I can see WHY his is being unkind. The really sad thing in my mind is Angela's belief that she has really made friends on the show. In the extra scenes that are posted on the Bravo site you can see just how often the other designers make fun of her and have ganged up against her, even Kayne and Michael with whom she believed she had a "connection". Depressing.
Quote of the Day:
"Never tell anyone that you're: writing a book, going on a diet, exercising, taking a course, or quitting smoking. They'll encourage you to death."
Lynn Johnston
August 29, 2006
Kiss & Ride
Last Thursday Flounder and I had a blog worthy evening, but the experience was so tiring and exasperating that I didn't want to relive it via blog. Last night's events changed all that.
Thursday evening Flounder was waiting for me at the Metro Kiss & Ride as per usual. To save money in these expensive times, he turned off the engine while he waited. Upon my arrival, he tried to start the car repeatedly. If he reall revved the engine we could get into motion, but only for a few seconds. We gave up moving on our own and called AAA at 6:15. So we sit in the humid summer air periodicly asserting to the commuters around us that NO we can't move our car and Yes, you are welcome to pull around us. Bastards. At 9:15 the tow truck finally arrived. What does Flounder do? He trys to start the engine and as if my magic is starts up and continues to run (in the past the car would quickly lose power). Amazing! We apologise to the tow truck drive and drive off to the dealership to have it looked at while I begin to scratch my already rising number of mosquito bites.
Mi Mama oh-so-kindly meets us at the dealership to ferry is home.
On Friday we pick up the car after the mechanic has swapped out the fuel pump! Hurrah, problem solved! The fuel pump was even covered by warranty. Lovely.
The weekend flew by. No Problems. Fast forward to Monday night.
Again, Flounder is waiting for me at the Kiss & Ride. Again he has turned the engine off to conserve gas. AGAIN the damned machine will turn over, but not don't power! WTF?!? This time AAA only took 1.5 hours to come to our rescue. This time, Flounder tried re-starting the car now and then as we sat there waiting and discussing when we could afford to DITCH this vehicle. The tow truck arrives, the tow truck driver tries to start the car and what do you know?, that's right! It started right up, held it's power and we again drive the car to the dealership. This time Mi Mama's co-worker (who was going our way) picked us to take us home. Good man, that one.
Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me. Little Ford Focus, your days are numbered.
Quote of the Day:
Good ideas are not adopted automatically. They must be driven into practice with courageous patience.
Hyman Rickover
August 9, 2006
Functional Fridge
I never really thought of a refrigerator as a luxury item. You don't realize how the lack of refrigeration really puts a hitch in my food preperation get-along. I now have a working fridge full of spoilled food. I think I need to buy more trashbags.
Quote of the Day:
“It doesn't matter if the water is cold or warm if you're going to have to wade through it anyway”
Teilhard de Chardin
August 7, 2006
Night Driving
I don't know how the opossum has survived as a species. They are far too slow.*
*No opossums were harmed in the making of of this blog entry.
August 3, 2006
Project Runway Spoiler 2
**do not read if you have not seen the Fourth episode**
Ha ha! I said Keith didn't I? Didn't I?!? You are right to point out that I was wrong about why he was kicked off, but so what. On to the fashion -- Mr. WAS and I agree that Kayne is probably wearing a little makeup (Tinted moistureize? Bronzer?) and that Bonnie's outfit was truly horrible last night. Goodbye Bonnie!
My final note on last nights show, Laura and Michael totally saved Angela's A*S! That jacket would have been top to bottom rosettes if L&M hadn't been involved. Angela got lucky this time.
Quote of the Day:
I was so naive as a kid I used to sneak behind the barn and do nothing.
Johnny Carson
August 1, 2006
The Visitor
This evening the kind soul who is currently boarding the cat we met on Sunday will be coming by for a house visit. In preperation we have purchased $200 worth of cat related goods in hopes of impressing the nice lady and the little kitty. If all goes we will be allowed to take custody this evening. There is some question as to whether or not she is spayed -- so there might be some (gasp!) exploritory surgery in her future -- but I hope that the tell-tale signs of "heat" will either show themselves or be clearly absent. It would be sad to cut the little thing open for no reason.
Flounder is already in absolute LOVE with the little feline so for his sake at least I am hoping it will all work out. Keep your fingers crossed!
Quote of the Day:
Cats names are more for human benefit. They give one a certain degree more confidence that the animal belongs to you.
Alan Ayckbourn
July 27, 2006
Heartbreak With A Tune
I would like to break the legs of the woman who divorced Greg Laswell.
Mr. Bad Apologies shot me an email this morning to fill me in on how he has been spending his iTunes bux. His picked up a lavishly depressing song by Greg Laswell called High and Low. When I listened to it on the NPR website (see previous link) the song of loss sounded slightly familiar, the way a really great soundtrack song can. It seems like something from your life somehow. Anyway...It came to me, I heard the interview on NPR's Day to Day with Laswell where he explained that he wrote the entire album in response to his divorce. I was surprised to learn that the songs he put on the album weren't even the lost revealing and personal of the songs he wrote post-divorce. It's hard to imagine how raw and sad those songs would be.
High and Low now lands in the pile of songs that will forever remind me of Mr. Bad Apologies. It will be keeping good company with Dave Matthew's Two Step, Dion's Runaround Sue, Fiona Apple's Hunger Hurts, Radiohead's Creep and a ton of others.
All that said, Greg Laswell is seriously worth a listen. Just don't break him out for the first time after a bad day. You might not be able to make it all the way through.
Posted by La at 2:03 PM | Comments (1)Project Runway Spoiler
**do not read if you have not seen the third episode**
There goes my Project Runway underdog. I was very sad to see her go. It does seem that the designers have really stepped it up this season. In the first season it seemed that mediocre designers sometimes hung on much longer than they deserved because there were so many other terrible designers. Example: Robert. In season 2 a good designer could have major mishap (Santino's skating outfit? Please!) and still stay in the game. This season, if you aren't completely on your game you are a hairs breath from elimination. Unless you are Angela for some reason...so help me she better be next!
Now let's look at Bradley for a moment. I am I the only one who thought that Bradley's hastily thrown together outfit was just a poor mans imitation for Daniel V.'s Orchid inspired ensemble from last season?
Bradley - Season 3
Daniel V. - Season 2
See what I am saying? I can't believe none of the judges said anything. Shock!
Anyway, the real news is according to the preview of next week we will finally find out who is getting tossed from the competition for breaking the rules! Goodie! I am right now laying my money on Keith for the no doggie outfit/bracelet fiasco. You heard it here first!
Quote of the Day:
"Make it work"
-Tim Gunn
July 14, 2006
On The Runway
How happy am I that Project Runway season 3 is finally here? I am not going to take up a lot of time and space rattling on about why the show is so great. Straight to the point! I have watched the casting special for season 3 and watched the first episode twice, I feel ready to lay down my money and pick my horses.
My Final Three:
Kayne
Why? Because his first design was rather innovative and pretty. I like the idea of the Okie leaving his pageant world behind and put those garment making skills to real use.
Keith
Why? I think this guy could be the next phenom. The dress he sent down the runway was the first dress he ever made? And all he had to work with was navy blue bedsheets? Wow.
Michael
Why? Two words. Coffee Filters. Now I will admit he has a major hurdle to jump make it to the top. Michael Korrs doesn't truck with booty shorts. I have faith.
And my Wild Card:
Katherine
Why? I really don't know, I just like her. I highly doubt she will make it into the top 10, but I would love it if she did!
Quote of the Day:
Clothes make the man. Naked people have little or
no influence on society.
--Mark Twain
I Hate That "Beautiful" Song
Perfect for a Friday, here are a few parodies of James Blunt's insiped song, Your Beautiful. Enyjoy!
And My Favorite: Asian Sing Along
Posted by La at 2:36 PM | Comments (0)July 12, 2006
Thom Yorke
How I love that crazy bugger! Actually, I have no idea if the talented Radiohead front man is crazy. The lazy eye and ultra-depressive lyrics have lead to (perhaps not rightly) assume a few things about the man. Nutty or not, while with Radiohead have written and recorded two of my favorite songs of all time: Left Down (OK Computer) and There There (Hail to the Thief). All that said, I am greatly anticipating Thom's first solo album, The Eraser. I have heard bits and pieces of a few tracks and am getting quite excited. Cross your fingers for my sake that there some real gems on the album.
June 29, 2006
June Round-up
What's been going on?
I am happy to say that our open house was a roaring success! The house was full of food, family and friends. We had about 35 people come by, which was just perfect. I got raves on a few recipes including a Bailey's & Banana Cheesecake that has been neatly tucked away in my recipe box for future enjoyment. All round, two thumbs up. Unfortunately, later that evening, poor Mi Mama was rear ended in her new car! The damage wasn't bad, but what a hassle.
Speaking of Mi Mama, two pieces of news. One, she turned 50 in the 22nd of this month. The celebrations were subdued but merry. Two, Mi Mama is moving forward with her house purchase at this point. It still isn't written in stone due to a long list house repairs under negotiation. I really hope she gets it. I think it would be a terrific home for Mi Mama and Gma S.
The torrential rain has been a pain, but we haven't had the flooded basements and power outages others have experienced. While our basement is free of water it does have other unwanted occupants. We have mice. Orkin came by earlier this week and laid sticky traps but we haven't caught a single mouse yet. I am secretly happy about this. Having collect and dispose of a distressed, dying mouse makes me want sick, but what can you do? Mi Mama is sleeping in the guest room while we wage war on the rodent population of our home. I can't blame her.
I am coming down the home stretch of my oral surgery. How I hate it. I have to go back to the doc on Friday so she can take another look at the stitches she put in on Monday. Fun.
On an up note, Mi Mama, Flounder and I are well into Phase 1, Week 1 of the South Beach Diet. I feel healthier already and the scale is showing the fruits of my labor, but I still really miss bread! This way of eating includes LOTS of veggies, nuts and lean meats. This means an amazing amount of chopping. Three people can eat an awful lot of lettuce, cucumber and radishes.
Finally, belatedly celebrate our first month of married life, Flounder and I are attending the Reduced Shakespeare Company's production of THE COMPLETE HISTORY OF AMERICA (abridged) at the Kennedy Center and spending the night in the city. I expect this little mini-break to be a needed respite form Mice, Mi Mama and chopping.
Posted by La at 10:28 AM | Comments (0)June 20, 2006
Conference Call
What is this world coming to? It has been a long time since face to face conversation was the primary way I communicated with my friends. In face I think the summer before college was the last time. Then came email, later blogs, and now Skype driven conference calls.
As noted on NYCRouge's blog there was a conference call this afternoon to discuss the lurid details of J.Wo's sexual escapades. I will say that the description of J.Wo's feminine interlude was far from lurid but it certainly was interesting. If you want more information you can quiz her yourself.
Posted by La at 4:51 PM | Comments (0)June 9, 2006
It's The Little Things
While on honeymoon, I was finally able to attain a decent ponytail, and just in time! I have been growing out my hair for over a year for the wedding. Dreams of an updo, don't you know. I was able to have a lovely updo for the wedding, but even a few weeks before the big day I couldn't get my baby hair reasonable ponytail. This is definately one of those little things that makes life a bit tougher.
Posted by La at 10:51 AM | Comments (0)May 16, 2006
Matricide
When I sat down to write this entry, I was going to re-cap my weekend, which was filled with productive wedding projects and enjoyable social events (Dinner with Gma H, Mother's Day tea on Saturday and a Mother's Day lunch on Sunday). But actually, what is weighing heavily on my mind in my currently challenging relationship with Mi Mama. At the moment I am taking everything she says very personally. I feel like she questions every decisions I make, and suggests alternative options to most of my choices. I can't say for sure if she has changed the way she treats me, or if I have changed my reactions to her normal behavior. I think I will just grin and bear it until the wedding is over. My hope is that everything will settle down once we get back from the honeymoon and I can really figure out where the problem lies.
Don't get me wrong, every interaction isn't a strained one but I could do with less unsolicited advice.
Quote of the Day:
I've never struck a woman in my life, not even my own mother.
W. C. Fields
May 11, 2006
But Who Will Be My Security Blanket?
Recently my therapist informed me that she would be moving to the left coast in the next year or so. OK, no big deal. I have been seeing her for years, and we both acknowledged about a year ago, that we had completed the goals that I sought to conqure when I started seeing her. That is the good news. The bad news is "Betty" has become less a therapist than a lifecoach and advisor. She asks me the questions I forget to ask myself and validates my choices when I need an impartial judge. Last night Betty let me know that her plan to move was moving forward and she would be closing her practice as of September.
That is very soon. What was my first thought? "But will you leave before I get my wedding pictured back?" Looks like I will be ok. No emotional breakdowns. No anxiety. I'll be fine.
And that is very good news.
Quote of the Day:
"You, yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection."
-Buddha
March 29, 2006
Things I Should Have Blogged About This Weekend
Over the weekend Mi Mama and I had an indulgent afternoon at the Red Door Spa. We both got facials and then Mi Mama had her haircut while I had a pedicure. This was no ordinary pedicure where you come away with smoother feet and pretty nails. This was the specialty Olive Oil pedicure, as described from the spa's website:
A truly pampering experience. This luxurious treatment features an olive oil salt scrub and foot and leg mask to exfoliate and hydrate. Your feet and legs are then massaged with a unique cream that liquefies into a gel, finished with a revitalizing satin spray gel to produce soft, silky skin.
They weren't lying! When the woman performing the pedicure, BJ, was done she had entirely resurfaced my feet. They were like brand new. The nail color she used is called Chevy Chase Brick (oh, how I love local stuff!) and I was amazed. So was Flounder. I don't think my feet have been this nice since I was 14. Thank you BJ!
The next day, Mi Mama and I went car shopping she she bought her first new car in eleven years. The Subaru Forester she bought is terribly nice and is easily the fanciest vehicle she has ever purchased. Since the house shopping is not going very quickly, it is nice that she have something new to enjoy now. It was not a thoughtless purchase either. Her last car was on it's last legs and required duct tape to keep the driver side window up. Sad really.
When I wasn't car shopping or being pampered I was working on a very challenging paper for my English 102 class. Lord was that a bear. I was finally able to turn it in yesterday and I am very happy to be free of it. Special thanks to Flounder for research help and Maryment for editing my grammatically suspect paper! There is another toughy on the way, but for the next few days I have a repreive.
Finally, it is cherry blossom time again. The beautiful trees planted just infront of my office are blooming bountifully. Amazingly, the tree in our front yard is awash in pink flowers. Our tree looked dead most of the winter and I was a little surprised it is alive at all (I think some termites had a go a few years ago) but that tree has a live force that just won't quit and blooms each year all the same. Go Tree Go!
Quote of the Day:
It is a mistake to try to look too far ahead. The chain of destiny can only be grasped one link at a time.
Sir Winston Churchill
March 23, 2006
Stolen from CNN
Briefcase, lunch, car keys, baby -- uh-oh
Commuter finds something missing on way to Washington
Thursday, March 23, 2006WASHINGTON (AP) -- Commuters racing to catch the train typically forget things in the car -- keys, wallets, briefcases. But a baby daughter?
That's what happened Thursday just north of Washington, police say.
"Dad forgot baby was in the car, parked the car, got on the Metro," said Lucille Baur, a spokeswoman for the Montgomery County, Maryland, Police Department.
"I don't know exactly when he got the memory flash, but he was in D.C. when it was the horrible defining moment, 'Oh my goodness, I think I've left my child back in my car,' " Baur said.
At that point, she said, Jonathan Sander got off the southbound train and onto a northbound one, returning to the Shady Grove Metrorail station about 12 miles north of Washington.
By that time, other commuters had noticed the 71/2-month-old girl in the back seat of the car, firefighters had opened the locked door and the child had been taken to a hospital as a precaution.
She was reunited there with her mother.
"Child Protective Services was comfortable with releasing the child back to the mom," said Baur. "We all believe that the child was not intentionally left in the car."
Sander, described as "terrified, embarrassed," was charged with leaving a child under 8 unattended in a car or building. He could face a fine of up to $500 and 30 days in jail.
Posted by La at 6:50 PM | Comments (1)March 20, 2006
Blogable
In the last few months I have been neglecting this space. No more! As of today at least I have lots of good progress to report on. Since I have so much to tell, I will work chronologically.
Thursday - I embarked on a whirlwind 22 hour trip to New York City. In order to arrive in time for my meeting on time I was forced to rise and shine at 2:30 am. It very nearly killed me. The luxurious sedan that picked me up and transported me to Union Station made the painful hour a little more bearable. Thank God for the Acela Quite Car. I heart. My meeting was productive and I learned a lot about an area of our business which I was previously ignorant of. After dinner with the team at a mediocre new French restaurant in Rockafeller Center. I rushed back to catch me train back home. Rolling into bed at 12:30 am was akin to heaven. The trip was good, but I am glad this kind of pace is not my regular routine.
Friday - Flounder and I both took the day off to accomplish the things that can only really be done on a weekday. Flounder set up appointments to have a plumber and an electrician in to check out some issues we were having in the basement (which would soon be Mi Mama's living space). I set a schedule for myself to knock some of the wedding To Do items off this list. I looked forward to slee