I'm just curious... what possesses people to name all their kids with the exact same initials?
I'm not complaining. I don't think it's stupid, either. I'm just curious.
The Farm Boy's family (all boys) have the exact same initials, first-middle-last, as their father. I just met a woman whose children all have the same initials she does.
I guess I'm curious, because I don't think I'm creative enough to find good names that all have the same first letter. If you're lucky enough to pick something easy like "J," then there are plenty of names.
And don't even get me started on the middle initial. Keeping the middle initial the same for all your kids almost always results in someone getting a middle name which will embarrass them throughout childhood. Plus, how would anyone know whose underwear was whose?!?! Ick.
Okay... if you're only going to have 2 or 3 kids, I guess I can see how that wouldn't be so difficult. But when it starts getting up to 5 or more, yikes! And then there's the famous Dugger family with 16 kids... all with the same first initial. Gah. Pretty soon, you're just making up names or working with some pretty wacky spellings. Admit it.
In my family, all our names start differently. We noted a strange coincidence after my little bro was born... we all had exactly the same number of letters total in our first and middle names. Mom & Dad didn't do that purposefully, though. It just kinda happened.
So, as I said before... I'm just curious. Anyone care to shed some light on the subject?
Saturday, August 12, 2006
Friday, August 11, 2006
Un petit Friday Why Files...
The only WHY that I have today is this...
Why does one bunch of crazies feel the need to make life difficult for the rest? If I am an infidel, and I never speak to you, why is it necessary to kill me? Or at the very least, why do they (the crazies) feel it necessary to PREVENT ME FROM CARRYING MY TOILETRIES ON THE AIRPLANE?!?!?!
I understand the items that were previously banned: box cutters, sharp tools, firearms... okay, I get it. They're dangerous.
But now some deranged individuals are preventing me from carrying on a bag holding my shampoo. And hair gel. And bottle of water that keeps me hydrated on those long, dried out flights. And my iPOD. OHMIGOD! Do you know how I am able to calmly make it through a flight? I'm scared to death of heights, and flying is not my bag, baby. My iPod is the one thing that provides serenity now as I am taking off and landing. THE ONLY THING.
PLUS, now that we're all going to be checking MORE baggage, the percentage of lost luggage is going to increase exponentially. *sigh* Not only will I lose the clothes I check... but now, all my [not cheap] toiletries, too. Seriously... $25 a bottle for Volumizing Root Lifter! Grrrrrr!
I will comply, of course, because I am a law-abiding citizen. I am not a nutjob radical who feels the need to blow up other people who do not subscribe to my particular beliefs.
Sorry... I have no sympathy/empathy for any person who believes that their "god" tells them to kill other people in the name of said "god." And I'm peeved now that I can't take my NORMALLY harmless stuff with me on the plane. Pretty soon, we'll all have to fly naked because threads in clothes could be dangerous. Or a pebble in your shoe. Or that flake of mascara on your eyelashes. Good god, I might even have to fly with an unmade face. Now, that's just plain scary.
END OF RANT.
Oh, and this concludes today's Friday Why Files.
Why does one bunch of crazies feel the need to make life difficult for the rest? If I am an infidel, and I never speak to you, why is it necessary to kill me? Or at the very least, why do they (the crazies) feel it necessary to PREVENT ME FROM CARRYING MY TOILETRIES ON THE AIRPLANE?!?!?!
I understand the items that were previously banned: box cutters, sharp tools, firearms... okay, I get it. They're dangerous.
But now some deranged individuals are preventing me from carrying on a bag holding my shampoo. And hair gel. And bottle of water that keeps me hydrated on those long, dried out flights. And my iPOD. OHMIGOD! Do you know how I am able to calmly make it through a flight? I'm scared to death of heights, and flying is not my bag, baby. My iPod is the one thing that provides serenity now as I am taking off and landing. THE ONLY THING.
PLUS, now that we're all going to be checking MORE baggage, the percentage of lost luggage is going to increase exponentially. *sigh* Not only will I lose the clothes I check... but now, all my [not cheap] toiletries, too. Seriously... $25 a bottle for Volumizing Root Lifter! Grrrrrr!
I will comply, of course, because I am a law-abiding citizen. I am not a nutjob radical who feels the need to blow up other people who do not subscribe to my particular beliefs.
Sorry... I have no sympathy/empathy for any person who believes that their "god" tells them to kill other people in the name of said "god." And I'm peeved now that I can't take my NORMALLY harmless stuff with me on the plane. Pretty soon, we'll all have to fly naked because threads in clothes could be dangerous. Or a pebble in your shoe. Or that flake of mascara on your eyelashes. Good god, I might even have to fly with an unmade face. Now, that's just plain scary.
END OF RANT.
Oh, and this concludes today's Friday Why Files.
Thursday, August 10, 2006
Happy 200 to The Grump...
This is my 200th post. I don't actually pay attention to how many posts I have... I just hammer away at ye olde keyboard with little thought involved.
However, today, I saw that my post count was sitting at 199.
So, there it is.
If you do any searches on the number 200, you will find some 'interesting' facts:
*While playing Monopoly, you collect $200 every time you pass Go.
*Two to the third power multiplied by Five to the 2nd power is 200.
*In binary code, the number 200 is represented by 11001000.
*C200.org is a group of professional business women.
*When I was a high school photographer, we often used 200 speed film.
*200 Cigarettes is a movie with about 200 well-known stars. Okay, well, I'm exaggerating there... but seriously. Check out the cast.
*Bowhead whales can live to be almost 200 years old.
So, it's not a bicentennial or anything, but I'm going to celebrate anyway. Start up the blenders... it's Margarita Time!
However, today, I saw that my post count was sitting at 199.
So, there it is.
If you do any searches on the number 200, you will find some 'interesting' facts:
*While playing Monopoly, you collect $200 every time you pass Go.
*Two to the third power multiplied by Five to the 2nd power is 200.
*In binary code, the number 200 is represented by 11001000.
*C200.org is a group of professional business women.
*When I was a high school photographer, we often used 200 speed film.
*200 Cigarettes is a movie with about 200 well-known stars. Okay, well, I'm exaggerating there... but seriously. Check out the cast.
*Bowhead whales can live to be almost 200 years old.
So, it's not a bicentennial or anything, but I'm going to celebrate anyway. Start up the blenders... it's Margarita Time!
Tuesday, August 08, 2006
Must.Find.Time.To.Blog.
I feel like I'm neglecting something. Or someone. Yeesh.
Guinness Girl tagged me, so here we go....
One book that changed your life?
Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret, by Judy Blume. Only because I was a budding adolescent and extremely naive. It was written shortly after I was born, and by the time I was around 5th or 6th grade, it already had THAT reputation. A lot of parents wanted it pulled out of the school library (puh-leeze!). I do think I learned a lot the day I finished that book, though, and I'm really glad the school and my parents objected to the attempted censorship.
One book you have read more than once?
Hmmm... I don't really ever read books more than once. I can watch certain movies over and over again, but I can't do that with books... unless they're children's books. So, I guess I'd have to say The Giving Tree, by Shel Silverstein.
One book you would want on a desert island?
How To Survive Being Stranded on A Desert Island for Dummies. Oh, and Blueberries for Sal, by Robert McCloskey. And The Time Traveler's Wife, by Audrey Niffenegger. Very few books make my all-time favorites list... but this one is on it.
One book that made you laugh?
Too many to count. Most recently, anything by David Sedaris. LOVE. HIM.
One book that made you cry?
I cry a lot anyway, so many books make me weepy. Most recently, The Memory Keeper's Daughter, by Kim Edwards.
One book you wish had been written?
How To Deal With Stress Without Causing Yourself Back Pain, Headaches, Over-Arching Irritability, As Well As How To Hide It From The People Around You Who Now Think You Are Either A Raving Lunatic Or An Incessantly Raging Bitch.
One book you wish had never been written?
Unfortunately, I've read a lot of lame books. Most recently, my biggest disappointments were Adriane On The Edge, by Paul Mandelbaum or Haunted, by Chuck Palahniuk. I think the latter was more of a disappointment, because I really do enjoy the rest of his work. This one was just disturbing with no point for making it disturbing... does that make sense? I don't know that I would wish them as "never been written" though. We'll just chalk them up to NOT GREAT in my opinion.
One book you are currently reading?
I literally just closed Water for Elephants, by Sara Gruen. I love, love, LOVE this book!! Next up, The Dive From Clausen's Pier, by Ann Packer.
One book you have been meaning to read?
One? ONE? My queue is so long, it's embarrassing. There are some that I have had on my list for three years or longer, but keep getting pushed down for some reason or another. I couldn't possibly pick one.
Now tag five people.
Do I have to? Here's what I think... if you want to do this and haven't already, go for it. Just let me know that you have so I can come read yours. :-)
Guinness Girl tagged me, so here we go....
One book that changed your life?
Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret, by Judy Blume. Only because I was a budding adolescent and extremely naive. It was written shortly after I was born, and by the time I was around 5th or 6th grade, it already had THAT reputation. A lot of parents wanted it pulled out of the school library (puh-leeze!). I do think I learned a lot the day I finished that book, though, and I'm really glad the school and my parents objected to the attempted censorship.
One book you have read more than once?
Hmmm... I don't really ever read books more than once. I can watch certain movies over and over again, but I can't do that with books... unless they're children's books. So, I guess I'd have to say The Giving Tree, by Shel Silverstein.
One book you would want on a desert island?
How To Survive Being Stranded on A Desert Island for Dummies. Oh, and Blueberries for Sal, by Robert McCloskey. And The Time Traveler's Wife, by Audrey Niffenegger. Very few books make my all-time favorites list... but this one is on it.
One book that made you laugh?
Too many to count. Most recently, anything by David Sedaris. LOVE. HIM.
One book that made you cry?
I cry a lot anyway, so many books make me weepy. Most recently, The Memory Keeper's Daughter, by Kim Edwards.
One book you wish had been written?
How To Deal With Stress Without Causing Yourself Back Pain, Headaches, Over-Arching Irritability, As Well As How To Hide It From The People Around You Who Now Think You Are Either A Raving Lunatic Or An Incessantly Raging Bitch.
One book you wish had never been written?
Unfortunately, I've read a lot of lame books. Most recently, my biggest disappointments were Adriane On The Edge, by Paul Mandelbaum or Haunted, by Chuck Palahniuk. I think the latter was more of a disappointment, because I really do enjoy the rest of his work. This one was just disturbing with no point for making it disturbing... does that make sense? I don't know that I would wish them as "never been written" though. We'll just chalk them up to NOT GREAT in my opinion.
One book you are currently reading?
I literally just closed Water for Elephants, by Sara Gruen. I love, love, LOVE this book!! Next up, The Dive From Clausen's Pier, by Ann Packer.
One book you have been meaning to read?
One? ONE? My queue is so long, it's embarrassing. There are some that I have had on my list for three years or longer, but keep getting pushed down for some reason or another. I couldn't possibly pick one.
Now tag five people.
Do I have to? Here's what I think... if you want to do this and haven't already, go for it. Just let me know that you have so I can come read yours. :-)
Saturday, August 05, 2006
My week from hell is over...
Busiest work week of the entire year has now ended. I can breathe a sigh of relief. *SIGH!*
Things I have learned from this experience, but are not so specific as to be an actual post about work:
1. I must find shoes that are stylish, yet comfortable enough in which to stand and walk considerable distances... for 10 to 12 hours at a time. My shoes suck, but they're cute. I still can't feel my toes today.
2. Do not refer to recently graduated college students as "kids" in your anecodotal references... because several people in your audience have also just graduated from college 3 months ago. Bad form.
3. After a 14 hour workday, do not, under any circumstances allow yourself to parent. In this one case, ask the Farm Boy to step in and make decisions. This will prevent you from screaming on the phone at your child over a simple request. It will also prevent the resulting guilt over said screaming incident.
4. Do not assume that other presenters you have recruited will know that they should dress professionally. Even though it should be a well-founded assumption, it is no longer something you CAN assume.
5. When casual-guy presenter arrives in an old t-shirt and shorts, do not allow your mouth to hang open in surprise and shock... thus rendering you speechless. It's not a good look for you.
6. When people ask you "How are things going today?"... it might be better to do something rather than groan, roll your eyes, or fall down in front of them to communicate your worn-outedness. Next time, just say, "Great!"
7. Invest in super-duper strength eye concealer, because yours failed miserably, thus producing a meth-head, crack whore look for you on your biggest day of the year.
8. Don't waste another second worrying about how bad your hair looked yesterday. It's a lost cause.
9. When the Farm Boy suggests going out to dinner after your biggest work day of the year... to celebrate it being over... take a rain check. Falling asleep in your cheese fondue ALSO is not a good look for you.
10. Don't cry (publicly) when you remember you're going to go through this all over again next year.
GG- my next post will be your TAG. :-)
Things I have learned from this experience, but are not so specific as to be an actual post about work:
1. I must find shoes that are stylish, yet comfortable enough in which to stand and walk considerable distances... for 10 to 12 hours at a time. My shoes suck, but they're cute. I still can't feel my toes today.
2. Do not refer to recently graduated college students as "kids" in your anecodotal references... because several people in your audience have also just graduated from college 3 months ago. Bad form.
3. After a 14 hour workday, do not, under any circumstances allow yourself to parent. In this one case, ask the Farm Boy to step in and make decisions. This will prevent you from screaming on the phone at your child over a simple request. It will also prevent the resulting guilt over said screaming incident.
4. Do not assume that other presenters you have recruited will know that they should dress professionally. Even though it should be a well-founded assumption, it is no longer something you CAN assume.
5. When casual-guy presenter arrives in an old t-shirt and shorts, do not allow your mouth to hang open in surprise and shock... thus rendering you speechless. It's not a good look for you.
6. When people ask you "How are things going today?"... it might be better to do something rather than groan, roll your eyes, or fall down in front of them to communicate your worn-outedness. Next time, just say, "Great!"
7. Invest in super-duper strength eye concealer, because yours failed miserably, thus producing a meth-head, crack whore look for you on your biggest day of the year.
8. Don't waste another second worrying about how bad your hair looked yesterday. It's a lost cause.
9. When the Farm Boy suggests going out to dinner after your biggest work day of the year... to celebrate it being over... take a rain check. Falling asleep in your cheese fondue ALSO is not a good look for you.
10. Don't cry (publicly) when you remember you're going to go through this all over again next year.
GG- my next post will be your TAG. :-)
Wednesday, August 02, 2006
I'll just head back to the Bog of Eternal Stench*...
I feel like a troll.
[Warning... there's a whine coming on]
I'm still not at a weight where I'm comfortable... I've only lost about 2-5 lbs total since my last whinefest about my weight**. I say 2-5, because I lose a little and gain a little constantly week after week. My weight fluctuates more than the stock market. Or the temperature in the midwest. (yeah, those are all really lame comparisons. I don't care.)
I'm not worried about looking hot and sexy... we already covered that. I just want my clothes to fit, and I don't want to be self-conscious about whether there are visible rolls or not when I sit down.
I am part of a small department that is comprised of two other women and myself. They are both about 5' 10", and very physically fit. I'm 5' 3", and not so much. Not so much at all. One is about 5 years younger, and the other is exactly the same age I am.
So, this is the time of the year when we have to do a lot of presenting and facilitating and coordinating and making ourselves very visible.... together. They, in their sleek skirts or pants and sleeveless tops with no jiggly arm fat, and I in my... hmmmm... do I look fat in this shirt? Sure, I'll just wear a jacket in 100 degree heat to hide my white, pasty, not so firm upper arms. Please don't stand on either side of me so that it's even more pronounced how troll-like I appear in comparison!!! GAH!
Sorry. I lost my composure a little bit there.
I hate being insecure. You'll have to excuse me now... I'll be on the treadmill all night. Or maybe I'll just tuck myself into my bed and feel sorry for myself. :-(
*LOVE that movie!!!
**Sorry, too lazy to find which post it's in. Besides, it's not worth reading two whines in one day, right?
[Warning... there's a whine coming on]
I'm still not at a weight where I'm comfortable... I've only lost about 2-5 lbs total since my last whinefest about my weight**. I say 2-5, because I lose a little and gain a little constantly week after week. My weight fluctuates more than the stock market. Or the temperature in the midwest. (yeah, those are all really lame comparisons. I don't care.)
I'm not worried about looking hot and sexy... we already covered that. I just want my clothes to fit, and I don't want to be self-conscious about whether there are visible rolls or not when I sit down.
I am part of a small department that is comprised of two other women and myself. They are both about 5' 10", and very physically fit. I'm 5' 3", and not so much. Not so much at all. One is about 5 years younger, and the other is exactly the same age I am.
So, this is the time of the year when we have to do a lot of presenting and facilitating and coordinating and making ourselves very visible.... together. They, in their sleek skirts or pants and sleeveless tops with no jiggly arm fat, and I in my... hmmmm... do I look fat in this shirt? Sure, I'll just wear a jacket in 100 degree heat to hide my white, pasty, not so firm upper arms. Please don't stand on either side of me so that it's even more pronounced how troll-like I appear in comparison!!! GAH!
Sorry. I lost my composure a little bit there.
I hate being insecure. You'll have to excuse me now... I'll be on the treadmill all night. Or maybe I'll just tuck myself into my bed and feel sorry for myself. :-(
*LOVE that movie!!!
**Sorry, too lazy to find which post it's in. Besides, it's not worth reading two whines in one day, right?
Monday, July 31, 2006
By George, I think she's... addicted!
Thanks to Whoorl, I am now addicted to a game. Unlike Whoorl, I have not been asked to stay off my feet because I am 38 weeks pregnant...where playing a game for hours at a time would be a good thing to take your mind off the fact that it's hot and you can't go anywhere (how's THAT for a run-on?!?!).
I'm not even pregnant at all! I just HAD to go and click on that link to see what the mystery game was all about. And now I'm hooked*. Oh, and I PAID to get hooked.
This is worse than crack. Or mothballs.
*I've made it past Master Detective status and am currently in the middle of the next level, called Prime Suspects. Someone just shoot me. If I hit Dungeon Master**, I beg of you... someone pry me away from the computer.
**No offense, D&D fiends. Well, maybe a little. Sorry.
I'm not even pregnant at all! I just HAD to go and click on that link to see what the mystery game was all about. And now I'm hooked*. Oh, and I PAID to get hooked.
This is worse than crack. Or mothballs.
*I've made it past Master Detective status and am currently in the middle of the next level, called Prime Suspects. Someone just shoot me. If I hit Dungeon Master**, I beg of you... someone pry me away from the computer.
**No offense, D&D fiends. Well, maybe a little. Sorry.
Friday, July 28, 2006
The Return of the Friday Why Files…
WHY #1: Why am I hooked on Project Runway?? I didn’t watch the other two seasons while they were new. I’m not a huge fashionista, although I do love to watch What Not to Wear on TLC. I’m a Stacy-wannabe… and I have been tempted more than once to distribute fashion police tickets. No one, and I mean NO ONE, regardless of size, should ever ever wear white, see-through spandex. And especially not to work.
Anyway, I rather enjoy watching Project Runway. It’s the one reality show where I feel the results are truly based on talent. Sure, everyone can have a bad day and blow it (hello, Melan), but them’s the breaks.
WHY #2: Another teacher… another kid. *sigh*
WHY #3: An April Fool’s Joke turns into a World Strip Poker Championship. Eww. Have you SEEN the people who play on the World Series of Poker? Naked Phil Hellmuth? No thanks.
WHY #4: Now we’re huffing mothballs? I think I’m at a loss for words. Seriously.
Here’s the thing about me… I joke about needing a good stiff drink… or 10. But honestly, I’m a total lightweight. Have been for about 10 years now. In college, I could drink a lot and not get very drunk. But I did that for about 3 or 4 months and then decided it was a total waste of my time. I just don't drink that much... it doesn't bother me that other people do. I just don't.
While I was in that stage in college, though, I only drank stuff I liked. I hate beer. I will not force myself to drink beer just to get buzzed. Sure, I drank some truly cheap-o stuff (Mad Dogg 20/20 for one)… but it tasted okay. I can’t even stand the smell of beer, so I’m not going to drink it. So, basically, I don’t need a buzz so bad that I will imbibe (or inhale) something that I don’t like.
That’s why this one is so completely unfathomable to me. Mothballs? Ewww. They smell soooooo nasty! The girl in this newsstory even “chewed half a mothball a day for two months.” Excuse me. I just threw up a little.
And that concludes today's Friday Why Files. It's good to be back.
Anyway, I rather enjoy watching Project Runway. It’s the one reality show where I feel the results are truly based on talent. Sure, everyone can have a bad day and blow it (hello, Melan), but them’s the breaks.
WHY #2: Another teacher… another kid. *sigh*
WHY #3: An April Fool’s Joke turns into a World Strip Poker Championship. Eww. Have you SEEN the people who play on the World Series of Poker? Naked Phil Hellmuth? No thanks.
WHY #4: Now we’re huffing mothballs? I think I’m at a loss for words. Seriously.
Here’s the thing about me… I joke about needing a good stiff drink… or 10. But honestly, I’m a total lightweight. Have been for about 10 years now. In college, I could drink a lot and not get very drunk. But I did that for about 3 or 4 months and then decided it was a total waste of my time. I just don't drink that much... it doesn't bother me that other people do. I just don't.
While I was in that stage in college, though, I only drank stuff I liked. I hate beer. I will not force myself to drink beer just to get buzzed. Sure, I drank some truly cheap-o stuff (Mad Dogg 20/20 for one)… but it tasted okay. I can’t even stand the smell of beer, so I’m not going to drink it. So, basically, I don’t need a buzz so bad that I will imbibe (or inhale) something that I don’t like.
That’s why this one is so completely unfathomable to me. Mothballs? Ewww. They smell soooooo nasty! The girl in this newsstory even “chewed half a mothball a day for two months.” Excuse me. I just threw up a little.
And that concludes today's Friday Why Files. It's good to be back.
Wednesday, July 26, 2006
I feel so betrayed!
If you know me at all, you know that there are two experiences that I absolutely adore: eating a veggie burrito at Chipotle and going to Target. The latter is the topic about which I will be ranting tonight.
Last night, Daughter #1 and I stopped at Target to gather supplies for her birthday party*. Of COURSE, we have to go to Target. Actually, it was Super Target... which is oh so much better!
She wanted me to make a cake rather than get one from a bakery, so we had to get all the necessary ingredients for that. Additionally, we needed some decorating stuff... you know. The whole shebang.
Giddily, we ran around the ginormous store, gathering everything on our list. Oh, and we stuck to our list. Yes, we did. Except for the Zippo Mini Multi-Purpose Lighter. It wasn't on our list. But I needed it. That's how it is when you go to Target. You find things you didn't even know that you need.
All in all, we were probably there for about 15 minutes. We were on a mission, and it was getting late anyway. We hit the checkout lanes.
Now, there are 35 checkout lanes at this store (if you count all the express lanes). Of course, at 9:15pm, only 4 of them are actually open. 2 on the very west end, and 2 on the very east end. We parked on the east end, so that was the logical choice. The first lane I spied looked awfully busy: three shoppers deep with some pretty full carts. The next lane, only two shoppers deep... not so bad. So I opted for the second lane.
Have I ever mentioned that I own the record for number of times choosing the wrong lane/line for just about EVERYTHING?!?
Not only is this checker slow, but she's chatty. And apparently not too bright. Shopper #1 finally moves on, and it's now Shopper #2's turn. She needs a rain check for Five Star notebooks, because her fabulous offspring must have at least 10 of them. And they're on sale. And there aren't any left on the shelves. So, Missy the Wonder Checker calls for help. And. Stands. There. And. Waits.
No, really. She just stood there. She didn't scan Shopper #2's other items. Not a one of them. She just stood there and waited for the Magic Target God in The Sky to return her call. By now, I'm already extremely impatient. We've been in line for 10 minutes. The line next to me is moving along quickly... the guy that I would have been behind is long gone. Unfortunately, all my crap is already on Missy's conveyor belt. I turn my back to her, roll my eyes at Daughter #1, and loudly say, "For the love of God, please start scanning something." Missy doesn't get the hint.
Another shopper eyes the lane next to us, notices it's longer, and starts to get in our line. I tell her, "You don't want to get in this lane. Seriously. We've been here for over 15 minutes now. Run to the next lane."
Finally, after the Magic Target God in The Sky returns Missy's call, she gets all the information she needs for the ever-important Five Star rain check. She finally starts scanning, and proceeds to comment on each and every item. Shopper #2 and her fabulous offspring, sans Five Stars, but carrying a pretty nifty rain check, leave the store.
YAY! It's our turn now. Missy jovially calls out to us. Clearly, she doesn't notice the look on my face. She scans the ingredients for the chocolate cake and the brownies... grins... and says with a cheeky little voice, "Ahhhh! I know what YOU guys are doing!" At this point, I bite off half my tongue to avoid yelling at her, "STFU and scan my fooking groceries!!!" Daughter #1 is laughing her ass off at me.
THIRTY MINUTES after getting in line to checkout, we finally leave the store. I'm nearly in tears. Missy has officially ruined Target for me**. I'm thinking of having her fired... and then recommending her for a job at Wal-Mart.
*Tonight, she has about 30 of her closest friends over-- and I have retreated to the bedroom. Sunday, family will be here for another party. I don't like birthdays so much anymore.
** I'm sure that won't last forever. I could never NOT shop at Target (ooh, I do love me a double-negative).
Last night, Daughter #1 and I stopped at Target to gather supplies for her birthday party*. Of COURSE, we have to go to Target. Actually, it was Super Target... which is oh so much better!
She wanted me to make a cake rather than get one from a bakery, so we had to get all the necessary ingredients for that. Additionally, we needed some decorating stuff... you know. The whole shebang.
Giddily, we ran around the ginormous store, gathering everything on our list. Oh, and we stuck to our list. Yes, we did. Except for the Zippo Mini Multi-Purpose Lighter. It wasn't on our list. But I needed it. That's how it is when you go to Target. You find things you didn't even know that you need.
All in all, we were probably there for about 15 minutes. We were on a mission, and it was getting late anyway. We hit the checkout lanes.
Now, there are 35 checkout lanes at this store (if you count all the express lanes). Of course, at 9:15pm, only 4 of them are actually open. 2 on the very west end, and 2 on the very east end. We parked on the east end, so that was the logical choice. The first lane I spied looked awfully busy: three shoppers deep with some pretty full carts. The next lane, only two shoppers deep... not so bad. So I opted for the second lane.
Have I ever mentioned that I own the record for number of times choosing the wrong lane/line for just about EVERYTHING?!?
Not only is this checker slow, but she's chatty. And apparently not too bright. Shopper #1 finally moves on, and it's now Shopper #2's turn. She needs a rain check for Five Star notebooks, because her fabulous offspring must have at least 10 of them. And they're on sale. And there aren't any left on the shelves. So, Missy the Wonder Checker calls for help. And. Stands. There. And. Waits.
No, really. She just stood there. She didn't scan Shopper #2's other items. Not a one of them. She just stood there and waited for the Magic Target God in The Sky to return her call. By now, I'm already extremely impatient. We've been in line for 10 minutes. The line next to me is moving along quickly... the guy that I would have been behind is long gone. Unfortunately, all my crap is already on Missy's conveyor belt. I turn my back to her, roll my eyes at Daughter #1, and loudly say, "For the love of God, please start scanning something." Missy doesn't get the hint.
Another shopper eyes the lane next to us, notices it's longer, and starts to get in our line. I tell her, "You don't want to get in this lane. Seriously. We've been here for over 15 minutes now. Run to the next lane."
Finally, after the Magic Target God in The Sky returns Missy's call, she gets all the information she needs for the ever-important Five Star rain check. She finally starts scanning, and proceeds to comment on each and every item. Shopper #2 and her fabulous offspring, sans Five Stars, but carrying a pretty nifty rain check, leave the store.
YAY! It's our turn now. Missy jovially calls out to us. Clearly, she doesn't notice the look on my face. She scans the ingredients for the chocolate cake and the brownies... grins... and says with a cheeky little voice, "Ahhhh! I know what YOU guys are doing!" At this point, I bite off half my tongue to avoid yelling at her, "STFU and scan my fooking groceries!!!" Daughter #1 is laughing her ass off at me.
THIRTY MINUTES after getting in line to checkout, we finally leave the store. I'm nearly in tears. Missy has officially ruined Target for me**. I'm thinking of having her fired... and then recommending her for a job at Wal-Mart.
*Tonight, she has about 30 of her closest friends over-- and I have retreated to the bedroom. Sunday, family will be here for another party. I don't like birthdays so much anymore.
** I'm sure that won't last forever. I could never NOT shop at Target (ooh, I do love me a double-negative).
Tuesday, July 25, 2006
Don't mind me... I'm just meandering about....
Don't you hate it when there's something you REALLY, REALLY want to blog about... but you really, really can't?
Gah.
In other news, if I see that freaking Jessica Simpson roller-skating video one more time, I might commit hara-kiri.
When we were kids, we pronounced it "harry caray," which, as you know, is something/one altogether different. We convinced our neighbor kids that commiting 'harry caray' would turn you into some old guy with big glasses who liked to yell "HEY!" a lot*. They were skeered.
Speaking of Harry Caray, have you ever been stuck in O'Hare on a layover that was way too long? Yeah... Harry Caray's restaurant is a lifesaver in that place. You'll probably end up ordering a heart attack on a plate, but everything is mighty tasty.
Hey! Would you eat the moon if it were made of ribs? I would!
Hey! If you could be the top scientist in your field or have Mad Cow Disease, which one would you pick?
That's all I have today, friends. Thanks for following along on Grumpy Frump's Wide, Wide World of Digression.
*No hate mail, please. I loved Harry Caray, even though I'm not from Chicago.
Gah.
In other news, if I see that freaking Jessica Simpson roller-skating video one more time, I might commit hara-kiri.
When we were kids, we pronounced it "harry caray," which, as you know, is something/one altogether different. We convinced our neighbor kids that commiting 'harry caray' would turn you into some old guy with big glasses who liked to yell "HEY!" a lot*. They were skeered.
Speaking of Harry Caray, have you ever been stuck in O'Hare on a layover that was way too long? Yeah... Harry Caray's restaurant is a lifesaver in that place. You'll probably end up ordering a heart attack on a plate, but everything is mighty tasty.
Hey! Would you eat the moon if it were made of ribs? I would!
Hey! If you could be the top scientist in your field or have Mad Cow Disease, which one would you pick?
That's all I have today, friends. Thanks for following along on Grumpy Frump's Wide, Wide World of Digression.
*No hate mail, please. I loved Harry Caray, even though I'm not from Chicago.
Monday, July 24, 2006
I got busted drinking alone...
... or at least, I THOUGHT I was drinking alone.
Last night, I was under the impression that the Farm Boy had already left to take his kids back home. It's a 3 hour drive, round-trip.
My kids weren't home. I've been stressed. I thought it might be okay to have a drink by myself.
So, I pulled the ingredients out and put them all on the counter: Sprite Zero, Orange Juice, Cranberry Juice (100% juice, not that crappy juice cocktail crap), Grenadine, and Absolut Berry Vodka (Skyy Berry is better, though). My glass was filled with ice.
I poured my ingredients into my glass... grabbed a straw to stir it all up... started to put everything back... but I wasn't quick enough. In walks Step-Daughter, who is 13... almost 14.
Step-Daughter: What are you doing?
Me: Just making something tasty.
Step-Daughter: What's that? [points to grenadine]
Me: Oh, it just adds a little cherry flavor and color to drinks. [I notice that the grenadine bottle is in front of the vodka bottle]
Step-Daughter: Oh, like what they add to make a Shirley Temple. Yeah, I know what that stuff is.
Me: Yeah, that's it. I'm just putting everything away now. I thought you guys had already left?
Step-Daughter: Nope. Not yet. [sees the vodka bottle] OOOOOH! You're making a drink with alcohol! And you were going to sit here and drink alone! You alkie! [runs outside to tell her brother and father]
Great. So now I'm an "alkie." Who drinks alone. In the eyes of an almost-14-year-old step-daughter. Gah. I did make a point of telling her that I probably drink less in a year than most people she knows drink in a day. But yeah... I'm not sure she was buying it.
Last night, I was under the impression that the Farm Boy had already left to take his kids back home. It's a 3 hour drive, round-trip.
My kids weren't home. I've been stressed. I thought it might be okay to have a drink by myself.
So, I pulled the ingredients out and put them all on the counter: Sprite Zero, Orange Juice, Cranberry Juice (100% juice, not that crappy juice cocktail crap), Grenadine, and Absolut Berry Vodka (Skyy Berry is better, though). My glass was filled with ice.
I poured my ingredients into my glass... grabbed a straw to stir it all up... started to put everything back... but I wasn't quick enough. In walks Step-Daughter, who is 13... almost 14.
Step-Daughter: What are you doing?
Me: Just making something tasty.
Step-Daughter: What's that? [points to grenadine]
Me: Oh, it just adds a little cherry flavor and color to drinks. [I notice that the grenadine bottle is in front of the vodka bottle]
Step-Daughter: Oh, like what they add to make a Shirley Temple. Yeah, I know what that stuff is.
Me: Yeah, that's it. I'm just putting everything away now. I thought you guys had already left?
Step-Daughter: Nope. Not yet. [sees the vodka bottle] OOOOOH! You're making a drink with alcohol! And you were going to sit here and drink alone! You alkie! [runs outside to tell her brother and father]
Great. So now I'm an "alkie." Who drinks alone. In the eyes of an almost-14-year-old step-daughter. Gah. I did make a point of telling her that I probably drink less in a year than most people she knows drink in a day. But yeah... I'm not sure she was buying it.
Sunday, July 23, 2006
I feel like the chihuahua...
The Definition of Stress: "The confusion created when one's mind overrides
the body's desire to beat or choke the living shit out of some asshole
who desperately needs it."
... or you can also go here for a graphic depiction.
I'm not good at managing stress. Gee, what a shocker.
As I mentioned in my last post, this is THE busiest time of the year for me in my job. Additionally, it's the part where I have a huge responsibility. I'm not going to get into specifics, because that would be breaking rule #25, also known as the quintessential rule of blogging. I don't want to get dooced.
The point is: I have to learn to relax. I can't delegate responsibilities in this situation, and I have a lot to get done in a short amount of time. Stressing out isn't going to make anything better. Although I do tend to work better under pressure... and the adrenalin rush really gets me moving... it isn't going to help my health or the insanity I bring home with me everyday.
The weekends definitely help. I can sleep in a little and choose to completely break free from everything work-related.
I'm not looking for suggestions... I know what I can do to relieve stress: exercise more, meditate, take deep breaths, walk away from my desk at work every hour or so, get massage, blah, blah, blah. I guess I just wish I knew WHY I am the type of person who gets so stressed. My Farm Boy is so laid-back, even when there are stressors getting at him. I envy him sometimes for that attribute.
My brain tells me, "It's not worth getting all worked up over this. Worrying isn't going to make things any better or accomplish things any sooner. You're just killing yourself over this for no reason." My body doesn't listen though. When I do go in and get a massage... anytime I go to someone new... they are shocked that someone my age can have back and neck muscles so knotted up. Then I have to go through the whole spiel again with them. Gah.
So there it is. I know it will get better, and I'm not depressed or anything. Maybe I should just drink through it. I don't think anyone will think badly of me if I decide to have a little cocktail tonight, right? ;-)
Oh, and I forgot to mention that I went to Chipotle for dinner tonight. That helped a lot... especially since I'll have the leftover half of my burrito for lunch tomorrow. Huzzah!
the body's desire to beat or choke the living shit out of some asshole
who desperately needs it."
... or you can also go here for a graphic depiction.
I'm not good at managing stress. Gee, what a shocker.
As I mentioned in my last post, this is THE busiest time of the year for me in my job. Additionally, it's the part where I have a huge responsibility. I'm not going to get into specifics, because that would be breaking rule #25, also known as the quintessential rule of blogging. I don't want to get dooced.
The point is: I have to learn to relax. I can't delegate responsibilities in this situation, and I have a lot to get done in a short amount of time. Stressing out isn't going to make anything better. Although I do tend to work better under pressure... and the adrenalin rush really gets me moving... it isn't going to help my health or the insanity I bring home with me everyday.
The weekends definitely help. I can sleep in a little and choose to completely break free from everything work-related.
I'm not looking for suggestions... I know what I can do to relieve stress: exercise more, meditate, take deep breaths, walk away from my desk at work every hour or so, get massage, blah, blah, blah. I guess I just wish I knew WHY I am the type of person who gets so stressed. My Farm Boy is so laid-back, even when there are stressors getting at him. I envy him sometimes for that attribute.
My brain tells me, "It's not worth getting all worked up over this. Worrying isn't going to make things any better or accomplish things any sooner. You're just killing yourself over this for no reason." My body doesn't listen though. When I do go in and get a massage... anytime I go to someone new... they are shocked that someone my age can have back and neck muscles so knotted up. Then I have to go through the whole spiel again with them. Gah.
So there it is. I know it will get better, and I'm not depressed or anything. Maybe I should just drink through it. I don't think anyone will think badly of me if I decide to have a little cocktail tonight, right? ;-)
Oh, and I forgot to mention that I went to Chipotle for dinner tonight. That helped a lot... especially since I'll have the leftover half of my burrito for lunch tomorrow. Huzzah!
Thursday, July 20, 2006
Site Meter Surprise... no, not really.
Occasionally, I'll check out my Site Meter reports. My favorite is the referrals, of course. I have to tell you... some of the search engine hits I get are pretty strange, but I think that's pretty common. Nabbalicious has some very interesting examples in her sidebar. I used to post some of the hits that brought people to my little bloggy, but I'm too lazy to make it a regular gig.
There is one, however, that has made a regular appearance since December. Every week, there are at least two referrals from a search engine looking for a picture... of a certain tiny, brown, holiday figure from South Park. I'm not going to type his name here, because that would only bring more people to my page. And I'm pretty sure that they are a little peeved when they find out that I don't really have an image of that tiny, brown, holiday figure... just some really screwed up cookies I made that resembled him (although they looked tragic, they were actually very tasty).
Are there that many people on this planet who need to find a picture of the tiny, brown, holiday figure from South Park? I mean, for a week after Ann Curry cut her hair, I had about 25-30 search engine hits about her. That made almost made sense to me... it was 'news.' And if South Park were a new phenomenon, then I wouldn't be surprised about this either. It isn't, though. So this is a puzzlement. Any theories?
Oh, and on a COMPLETELY unrelated note... I am currently in what I consider my busiest, most frantic time of the year at work. Gah. The muscles in and around my shoulders are so hard, you could use them to crush diamonds (yeah, so I'm tired and not so good at analogies right now. Sue me.). If I leave a comment on your site that is mostly gibberish or sounds like I'm drunk... I'm not drunk. I'm just brain-dead and stressed to the max. My apologies in advance. In three weeks, I should be better. I hope.
There is one, however, that has made a regular appearance since December. Every week, there are at least two referrals from a search engine looking for a picture... of a certain tiny, brown, holiday figure from South Park. I'm not going to type his name here, because that would only bring more people to my page. And I'm pretty sure that they are a little peeved when they find out that I don't really have an image of that tiny, brown, holiday figure... just some really screwed up cookies I made that resembled him (although they looked tragic, they were actually very tasty).
Are there that many people on this planet who need to find a picture of the tiny, brown, holiday figure from South Park? I mean, for a week after Ann Curry cut her hair, I had about 25-30 search engine hits about her. That made almost made sense to me... it was 'news.' And if South Park were a new phenomenon, then I wouldn't be surprised about this either. It isn't, though. So this is a puzzlement. Any theories?
Oh, and on a COMPLETELY unrelated note... I am currently in what I consider my busiest, most frantic time of the year at work. Gah. The muscles in and around my shoulders are so hard, you could use them to crush diamonds (yeah, so I'm tired and not so good at analogies right now. Sue me.). If I leave a comment on your site that is mostly gibberish or sounds like I'm drunk... I'm not drunk. I'm just brain-dead and stressed to the max. My apologies in advance. In three weeks, I should be better. I hope.
Tuesday, July 18, 2006
Do I really want to be a HOT mom? Not really...
The other day I saw a link for an online article titled, "How to Be a Hot Mom." I'm not adding the link, because it pissed me off.
Besides the instant frustration I felt, I wondered if my mom ever read articles in Redbook or Good Housekeeping about how to keep herself looking hot and sexy. I already knew the answer to that. There were the occasional articles about how to keep the 'spice' in her relationship ("buy a sexy nightie that only your husband will get to see," or "when he opens the door after a long day of work, make sure you're standing there wrapped in cellophane," etc.). There were no articles, however, about how to make sure your daughter's boyfriends drool and forget all about your daughter.
I know that our society is always grasping for new and better ways to get us all to be insecure about ourselves. We must look younger and sexier all the time. However, all the "fabulous bods at 40" aren't really all that fabulous, since they're mostly fake. I don't want to look like Demi Moore when I'm in my 40s, because I'm not willing to shell out the samoleans* to get there. Nor do I want my girls to be up to my neck when I'm in my 70s. I just want to look real... you know... I want to look like ME.
Now don't get me wrong... I truly believe in looking good when I walk out the door. It's important to me that I don't embarrass myself in public, of course. But I don't go on shopping quests for clothes that are sexy. I have children. And I don't want to embarrass THEM.
The last time I wore a bikini (other than a cruise where there were no children around) was about 10 years ago. I took my daughters to a public pool. As I took off my outerwear, my daughter (who was about 6 or 7) gasped and said, "Mommy! Put your shirt back on! People are STARING!"
I wasn't naked... I had on a bikini. But apparently, the modesty lessons that I had instilled into my children since birth were also meant for me. From then on, I started wearing one piece suits to the public pool and saved the bikinis for the backyard with the 6 foot privacy fence.
Here's my point: I'm 37. My husband thinks I'm hot (or at least he lies well and tells me that I am). That's all that really matters. I don't want other people to think I'm unattractive, but at the same time, I'm not out trolling for attention. I'm so over that. And let me tell you, if I'm being honest with myself... I think it's a really great phase to be in.
So, enough with the 'hot mom' articles. Desperate Housewives? Puh-leeze. If celebrity women get any thinner, and implants get any bigger, the majority of them won't be able to stand up. And it's pretty difficult to look hot when you keep falling over.
*the form of currency native to Sweethaven, home of the one-eyed sailor.
Besides the instant frustration I felt, I wondered if my mom ever read articles in Redbook or Good Housekeeping about how to keep herself looking hot and sexy. I already knew the answer to that. There were the occasional articles about how to keep the 'spice' in her relationship ("buy a sexy nightie that only your husband will get to see," or "when he opens the door after a long day of work, make sure you're standing there wrapped in cellophane," etc.). There were no articles, however, about how to make sure your daughter's boyfriends drool and forget all about your daughter.
I know that our society is always grasping for new and better ways to get us all to be insecure about ourselves. We must look younger and sexier all the time. However, all the "fabulous bods at 40" aren't really all that fabulous, since they're mostly fake. I don't want to look like Demi Moore when I'm in my 40s, because I'm not willing to shell out the samoleans* to get there. Nor do I want my girls to be up to my neck when I'm in my 70s. I just want to look real... you know... I want to look like ME.
Now don't get me wrong... I truly believe in looking good when I walk out the door. It's important to me that I don't embarrass myself in public, of course. But I don't go on shopping quests for clothes that are sexy. I have children. And I don't want to embarrass THEM.
The last time I wore a bikini (other than a cruise where there were no children around) was about 10 years ago. I took my daughters to a public pool. As I took off my outerwear, my daughter (who was about 6 or 7) gasped and said, "Mommy! Put your shirt back on! People are STARING!"
I wasn't naked... I had on a bikini. But apparently, the modesty lessons that I had instilled into my children since birth were also meant for me. From then on, I started wearing one piece suits to the public pool and saved the bikinis for the backyard with the 6 foot privacy fence.
Here's my point: I'm 37. My husband thinks I'm hot (or at least he lies well and tells me that I am). That's all that really matters. I don't want other people to think I'm unattractive, but at the same time, I'm not out trolling for attention. I'm so over that. And let me tell you, if I'm being honest with myself... I think it's a really great phase to be in.
So, enough with the 'hot mom' articles. Desperate Housewives? Puh-leeze. If celebrity women get any thinner, and implants get any bigger, the majority of them won't be able to stand up. And it's pretty difficult to look hot when you keep falling over.
*the form of currency native to Sweethaven, home of the one-eyed sailor.
Monday, July 17, 2006
Hot Weather yields a Lifeless Frump...
Yuck. It's HOT. I don't mean warm. I don't mean kinda hot. It's like Africa hot here. No, I take that back, because I'm sure there are parts of Africa that are less miserable than the weather here.
I just can't function in this kind of weather. My tummy starts to hurt, I'm lethargic, and all I want to do is sleep. Of course... today was my first day back at work. How can anyone be effective when all you can do is sit and puddle?
Yeah, I'm not looking for any suggestions. I just want to whine. ;-)
Oh, and I did FINALLY post some more pictures from San Diego. If you want to see them, click here. Eventually, I'll get more up there... maybe by autumn. By then, the weather will be cooling down, and I'll actually be able to move beyond my current tree sloth pace.
I just can't function in this kind of weather. My tummy starts to hurt, I'm lethargic, and all I want to do is sleep. Of course... today was my first day back at work. How can anyone be effective when all you can do is sit and puddle?
Yeah, I'm not looking for any suggestions. I just want to whine. ;-)
Oh, and I did FINALLY post some more pictures from San Diego. If you want to see them, click here. Eventually, I'll get more up there... maybe by autumn. By then, the weather will be cooling down, and I'll actually be able to move beyond my current tree sloth pace.
Thursday, July 13, 2006
Random memories from my latest trip...
1. Apparently, Summer Breeze (the Seals & Crofts version from the 70s), was THE theme song while I was in San Diego last week. It's easily been years since I last heard or thought of that song (I think). Yet, last week, I heard that song once each day. No lie.
The first time was a very poor rendition from a 'needy' man along the street in front of Anthony's Fish Grotto*. This 'needy' man was playing tunes on his guitar and had a bucket in front of him for donations. Let's just call this the most interesting of the versions I heard in San Diego. Blowing with the jasmine in my MIIIIIIINNNNNND! (imagine this last part in a falsetto voice and very, VERY out of tune)
Another time, it was performed en espagnol at a cafe in Old Town. Good version. The last two times, the actual Seals & Crofts recording was played in a couple of restaurants. I just thought it a little odd that I kept hearing this song every single day!
2. While eating crab-stuffed shrimp at Joe's Crab Shack, I actually heard Xanadu on the muzak that was playing. Seriously. If you are as old as I am, you might remember the movie too. All I know is that someone was doing some major shrooms when that one was written. Love Olivia, but yeesh.
3. On our way back from Old Town last Thursday night, we were sitting at the America Plaza station for about 20 minutes. When the trolley finally approached, a very happy construction worker appeared out of nowhere to hop the trolley on the orange line... same as where we were headed. When I say happy, I mean this guy was feeling NO pain.
Happy Construction Worker guy [reeling around, waving a half-empty bottle of wine]: "WHOOOO! It's time to PAR-TAY! WHOOOOOO!"
Me [eyes as round as pie plates]: "Okay... someone is glad the workday is over."
Scared Midwestern Lady With Me: "Just don't make eye contact with him and everything will be okay."
Me [laughing]: I think this guy is the least of our worries. All you'd have to do is push him over and run. He wouldn't be able to get up!"
Happy Construction Worker guy: "Who wants to join me? I gots plenty of this stuff! WHOOOOOO!"
His joy was so obvious, plus he was providing oodles of entertainment for my group. Sadly, right as the trolley pulled out of the station, two uniformed men joined us for the ride and headed straight for Happy Construction Worker guy. They confiscated his half-empty bottle of wine. Still laughing, he tells them that it's okay... he has more. So then they confiscated all the bottles of wine he has (three). He was still laughing and joking with the officers, right up until the time they started reading him his rights. Then he wasn't so Happy anymore. Much to our chagrin, we pulled up to our station and had to leave the wonderful scene. I was going to take a picture of it all, but my friends thought I might anger the officers.
4. As I was leaving my hotel room, lugging all the bags I brought with me, I glanced at the clock. Guess what time it was? Yep. 11:11. *shudder*
I'm actually feeling half normal today... I'm going to try to post all my pics on my lame photo site later.
*BTW, if you've never been to Anthony's, put that on your Top 10 list of things to do before you die. Yummo.
The first time was a very poor rendition from a 'needy' man along the street in front of Anthony's Fish Grotto*. This 'needy' man was playing tunes on his guitar and had a bucket in front of him for donations. Let's just call this the most interesting of the versions I heard in San Diego. Blowing with the jasmine in my MIIIIIIINNNNNND! (imagine this last part in a falsetto voice and very, VERY out of tune)
Another time, it was performed en espagnol at a cafe in Old Town. Good version. The last two times, the actual Seals & Crofts recording was played in a couple of restaurants. I just thought it a little odd that I kept hearing this song every single day!
2. While eating crab-stuffed shrimp at Joe's Crab Shack, I actually heard Xanadu on the muzak that was playing. Seriously. If you are as old as I am, you might remember the movie too. All I know is that someone was doing some major shrooms when that one was written. Love Olivia, but yeesh.
3. On our way back from Old Town last Thursday night, we were sitting at the America Plaza station for about 20 minutes. When the trolley finally approached, a very happy construction worker appeared out of nowhere to hop the trolley on the orange line... same as where we were headed. When I say happy, I mean this guy was feeling NO pain.
Happy Construction Worker guy [reeling around, waving a half-empty bottle of wine]: "WHOOOO! It's time to PAR-TAY! WHOOOOOO!"
Me [eyes as round as pie plates]: "Okay... someone is glad the workday is over."
Scared Midwestern Lady With Me: "Just don't make eye contact with him and everything will be okay."
Me [laughing]: I think this guy is the least of our worries. All you'd have to do is push him over and run. He wouldn't be able to get up!"
Happy Construction Worker guy: "Who wants to join me? I gots plenty of this stuff! WHOOOOOO!"
His joy was so obvious, plus he was providing oodles of entertainment for my group. Sadly, right as the trolley pulled out of the station, two uniformed men joined us for the ride and headed straight for Happy Construction Worker guy. They confiscated his half-empty bottle of wine. Still laughing, he tells them that it's okay... he has more. So then they confiscated all the bottles of wine he has (three). He was still laughing and joking with the officers, right up until the time they started reading him his rights. Then he wasn't so Happy anymore. Much to our chagrin, we pulled up to our station and had to leave the wonderful scene. I was going to take a picture of it all, but my friends thought I might anger the officers.
4. As I was leaving my hotel room, lugging all the bags I brought with me, I glanced at the clock. Guess what time it was? Yep. 11:11. *shudder*
I'm actually feeling half normal today... I'm going to try to post all my pics on my lame photo site later.
*BTW, if you've never been to Anthony's, put that on your Top 10 list of things to do before you die. Yummo.
Wednesday, July 12, 2006
Thursday, July 06, 2006
Greetings from Sunny San Diego...
... where it's a lovely 75 degrees F (24 C) and holding.
The convention is pretty decent, and I'm only 2 blocks away in my hotel from the convention center. Everything we've done so far has been within walking distance, and the weather has been perfect for that, too.
The night of the 4th was great, watching all the fireworks over the marina. Very impressive.
Tonight, we'll probably do a little 'tourist-ing' and head over to Old Town. I'm crossing my fingers that my travel group will go with me to the haunted Whaley House, listed as THE most haunted place in America.
Don't have much time to post more... but I could probably add a photo or two. More to come later.
I call the second photo "the best part about San Diego."
The convention is pretty decent, and I'm only 2 blocks away in my hotel from the convention center. Everything we've done so far has been within walking distance, and the weather has been perfect for that, too.
The night of the 4th was great, watching all the fireworks over the marina. Very impressive.
Tonight, we'll probably do a little 'tourist-ing' and head over to Old Town. I'm crossing my fingers that my travel group will go with me to the haunted Whaley House, listed as THE most haunted place in America.
Don't have much time to post more... but I could probably add a photo or two. More to come later.
I call the second photo "the best part about San Diego."
Tuesday, July 04, 2006
Happy Independence Day!
Hope you have a nice 4th of July! Even if you aren't American, it's still technically July 4th, right?
I'm off to San Diego today. I hope to update daily, but who knows.
I'm off to San Diego today. I hope to update daily, but who knows.
Monday, July 03, 2006
I'm a compulsive keeper...hanger-onto-of-crap...
Hi... my name is Grumpy F., and I am a packrat. *groan* When I die, I'll be that old lady who makes the news for living in a house filled with papers, books, boxes, and other crap that is literally taking over the house. (no cats, though... I'm allergic.)
I can't help myself. I somehow super-glue emotions to inanimate objects. EVERYTHING has sentimental value to me. And for everyone around me, that means clutter. And mess. And stepping over everything that I cannot, for the life of me, just freaking throw away. Sometimes, it's that tiny thought in my brain that says, "Don't throw it away! You're going to need it as soon as you do." I hate that little thought. It makes me feel a little OCD.
Since I'm so busy at work during the better part of the year, weekends are pretty precious to me. I do NOT want to spend my 'free' time cleaning. Ugh. So, that means that the clutter becomes hills. Then mountains. Why can't I just throw this crap away?!?!
I did finally do some major work yesterday at home. I needed to do as much laundry as physically possible (man, I have a lot of clothes!) before I leave for my conference*. I also needed to get all the off-season clothes stored away. Farm Boyfinally kindly brought me the storage containers from the basement. I filled those suckers up.
As I was working on all of that, it just morphed into clearing out some of the clutter. I'm telling you... I could bag up all the garbage of a third world country with all the plastic bags that I save. Here are some of the things to which I tightly cling:
-plastic bags from grocery/discount stores
-shopping bags (the nice, sturdy paper ones with handles)
-receipts (TONS of them)
-old mail
-empty envelopes
-magazines
-shoe boxes (I have a huge shoe tree AND a shoe cabinet... why do I keep empty shoe boxes?)
-all other boxes (tiny, small, medium, large... all of them)
-containers
-greeting/birthday cards
-wrapping paper
-tissue paper
-socks I've had since the 1980s (not that I wear them in public or anything... but sheesh! I got those pink and green striped ones in LONDON. C'mon! I have to keep those!)
-my main character costume from the musical I was in my senior year in high school
-coupons
-lotion
-old cell phones
-baskets
-clothes that I will never want to wear again in this lifetime
... and the list goes on. Yesterday, I made myself throw out the plastic bags, boxes, and containers (all will be recycled), and I put some clothes into an AmVets bag. I threw away the receipts and old greeting cards. The expired coupons made it to the trash, and so did some of them that are still good. What do I need with a two-fer pizza coupon anyway? The only boxes I saved were for a couple of seasonal shoes and boots.
It's a start. Oh, and I can see the carpet in my walk-in closet. I feel better about it. A little. And if I need something that I threw away, I'll just have to go buy another. Which leads to my next compulsion... shopping. But let's save that for another post, shall we?
*I'm leaving tomorrow morning for a conference in San Diego. But of course... I'll be checking in, because I have to post my fabulous photos. Plus, I'm going to catch a ghost at the Whaley House. On camera. So, I'll post that, too. ha ha
I can't help myself. I somehow super-glue emotions to inanimate objects. EVERYTHING has sentimental value to me. And for everyone around me, that means clutter. And mess. And stepping over everything that I cannot, for the life of me, just freaking throw away. Sometimes, it's that tiny thought in my brain that says, "Don't throw it away! You're going to need it as soon as you do." I hate that little thought. It makes me feel a little OCD.
Since I'm so busy at work during the better part of the year, weekends are pretty precious to me. I do NOT want to spend my 'free' time cleaning. Ugh. So, that means that the clutter becomes hills. Then mountains. Why can't I just throw this crap away?!?!
I did finally do some major work yesterday at home. I needed to do as much laundry as physically possible (man, I have a lot of clothes!) before I leave for my conference*. I also needed to get all the off-season clothes stored away. Farm Boy
As I was working on all of that, it just morphed into clearing out some of the clutter. I'm telling you... I could bag up all the garbage of a third world country with all the plastic bags that I save. Here are some of the things to which I tightly cling:
-plastic bags from grocery/discount stores
-shopping bags (the nice, sturdy paper ones with handles)
-receipts (TONS of them)
-old mail
-empty envelopes
-magazines
-shoe boxes (I have a huge shoe tree AND a shoe cabinet... why do I keep empty shoe boxes?)
-all other boxes (tiny, small, medium, large... all of them)
-containers
-greeting/birthday cards
-wrapping paper
-tissue paper
-socks I've had since the 1980s (not that I wear them in public or anything... but sheesh! I got those pink and green striped ones in LONDON. C'mon! I have to keep those!)
-my main character costume from the musical I was in my senior year in high school
-coupons
-lotion
-old cell phones
-baskets
-clothes that I will never want to wear again in this lifetime
... and the list goes on. Yesterday, I made myself throw out the plastic bags, boxes, and containers (all will be recycled), and I put some clothes into an AmVets bag. I threw away the receipts and old greeting cards. The expired coupons made it to the trash, and so did some of them that are still good. What do I need with a two-fer pizza coupon anyway? The only boxes I saved were for a couple of seasonal shoes and boots.
It's a start. Oh, and I can see the carpet in my walk-in closet. I feel better about it. A little. And if I need something that I threw away, I'll just have to go buy another. Which leads to my next compulsion... shopping. But let's save that for another post, shall we?
*I'm leaving tomorrow morning for a conference in San Diego. But of course... I'll be checking in, because I have to post my fabulous photos. Plus, I'm going to catch a ghost at the Whaley House. On camera. So, I'll post that, too. ha ha
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