The first day of vacation has been great!! Trip to the nail salon this morning, with Candy, followed by shopping, lunch, then 3 hours in the pool (yep...we are burned)!!! Shane and Chas both came over this afternoon and that was fabulous!! Then, Marvin and I went out to find some more shorts for him and we ended the day with dinner at Famous Dave's! We still have a bit of last minute packing to do, and some instructions for the house sitter, then, hopefully a good night's sleep before tomorrow!
Vegas...here we come!!
Be Well!
Saturday, May 27, 2006
Friday, May 26, 2006
Friday!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Welcome Friday!!! I am so excited! In only 3 hours VACATION begins! At long last! It's been almost a year since I took more than a day at a time off...and those were for necessary things!I am soooooooooooooo looking forward to waking up every morning for the next week...without the alarm clock...and without having to jump right up and get ready to hit the shower and go to work. I realize that before we know it...we will be boarding the plane to come back...and wondering where the time went! But, for now...YIPPEE!!!!
There has been so much conflict, confusion, busy stuff, chaos, and 'upsidedown-edness' recently, that I haven't had the time or energy (at the same time), to write (prose or poetry). I have missed it very much! So...I am also hoping to let my mind spend some time in freedom and fantasy. Pondering the universe, life, people, and silliness(lots of silliness)! Work oriented thinking will be prohibited next week! No stocks, no bonds, no tickets, no reports, no correspondence, no compliance, no NASD, MSRB, DTC, SWST, KIS, SEC or any other alphabet soup that might cause brain drain or mental strain!
Be Well!
There has been so much conflict, confusion, busy stuff, chaos, and 'upsidedown-edness' recently, that I haven't had the time or energy (at the same time), to write (prose or poetry). I have missed it very much! So...I am also hoping to let my mind spend some time in freedom and fantasy. Pondering the universe, life, people, and silliness(lots of silliness)! Work oriented thinking will be prohibited next week! No stocks, no bonds, no tickets, no reports, no correspondence, no compliance, no NASD, MSRB, DTC, SWST, KIS, SEC or any other alphabet soup that might cause brain drain or mental strain!
Be Well!
Wednesday, May 24, 2006
Two more days...
Only two more days until vacation! I am counting the hours! This has been one of those hard days...! The last hour has finally given us a chance to breathe! Every single muscle in my body hurts...and my brain is fried. I am tired of people who think that because they operate in a different (not necessarily better) social/economic strata, they have the right to be rude, and even mean and condescending to the rest of us. They suck.
I am so tired of going home sooooo tired. I work in an office...it shouldn't be this hard...every single day.
Be Well!
I am so tired of going home sooooo tired. I work in an office...it shouldn't be this hard...every single day.
Be Well!
Tuesday, May 23, 2006
Scattered thoughts…
What a day! Added to the usual conflicts and chaos is now the sudden departure of a broker. He gave notice yesterday and starts his new job today.
Even though he has volunteered to take care of his accounts for a while…on his own time…his name is now followed by all kinds of negative words. He was a good employee…had many clients…and was well liked by everyone. It is amazing what a difference a day can make. The latest wrinkle in that mess, is a loud discussion over a letter that he wrote, to send out to his clients, letting them know that he will no longer be available during office hours, but will continue to maintain their accounts. There was much discussion about his grammar etc. (which was fine). Holy cow! It makes me wonder what will be said should I ever depart.
I bought luggage on my lunch hour today. Wal-Mart had a set of 5 nice black suitcases on wheels, with telescoping handles, for $59.00! I thought it was a bargain…so I partook!
The store was really crowded! It made me want to call in sick for he afternoon and join the shopping throng!!
I love the sights, sounds, and smells of spring and summer! The early morning air is so fresh and sparkling (yes SPARKLING). It invigorates me, just to be in it! Most mornings, the sky is that beautiful powder blue, with just a few, wispy clouds floating lazily overhead. The world is just waking up, birds are chirping, children are finding their way outdoors, chomping on pop tarts as they climb into swings, or settle into sandboxes. There is just a hint of cool moisture in the air. As the day progresses, those wispy clouds become big, fluffy cotton balls, the birds are hard at work flying to and fro with bits of grass and twigs, and children’s laughter permeates the air as they play hard at being…children. The air has become dry, and hot. All too quickly, afternoon gives way to evening. The sounds of birds are replaced by locusts, and the noises of night. Sleepy, happy, tired children are called in for baths and bedtime, as the sky becomes an ebony blanket filled with tiny, perfect diamonds. The air once again feels cool and moist. Sounds of silence dominate the night, punctuated occasionally, by barking dogs…and the night wind gently moving leaves, and brushing blades of grass against each other.
Welcome summer!
Be Well!
Even though he has volunteered to take care of his accounts for a while…on his own time…his name is now followed by all kinds of negative words. He was a good employee…had many clients…and was well liked by everyone. It is amazing what a difference a day can make. The latest wrinkle in that mess, is a loud discussion over a letter that he wrote, to send out to his clients, letting them know that he will no longer be available during office hours, but will continue to maintain their accounts. There was much discussion about his grammar etc. (which was fine). Holy cow! It makes me wonder what will be said should I ever depart.
I bought luggage on my lunch hour today. Wal-Mart had a set of 5 nice black suitcases on wheels, with telescoping handles, for $59.00! I thought it was a bargain…so I partook!
The store was really crowded! It made me want to call in sick for he afternoon and join the shopping throng!!
I love the sights, sounds, and smells of spring and summer! The early morning air is so fresh and sparkling (yes SPARKLING). It invigorates me, just to be in it! Most mornings, the sky is that beautiful powder blue, with just a few, wispy clouds floating lazily overhead. The world is just waking up, birds are chirping, children are finding their way outdoors, chomping on pop tarts as they climb into swings, or settle into sandboxes. There is just a hint of cool moisture in the air. As the day progresses, those wispy clouds become big, fluffy cotton balls, the birds are hard at work flying to and fro with bits of grass and twigs, and children’s laughter permeates the air as they play hard at being…children. The air has become dry, and hot. All too quickly, afternoon gives way to evening. The sounds of birds are replaced by locusts, and the noises of night. Sleepy, happy, tired children are called in for baths and bedtime, as the sky becomes an ebony blanket filled with tiny, perfect diamonds. The air once again feels cool and moist. Sounds of silence dominate the night, punctuated occasionally, by barking dogs…and the night wind gently moving leaves, and brushing blades of grass against each other.
Welcome summer!
Be Well!
Monday, May 22, 2006
Hmmm...this sucks.
Well...I am glad vacation is next week. This week is starting to suck! My co-worker in the front office took a two hour lunch today, she is taking off later in the week for a grade school graduation, and again for a doctors appt. Meanwhile, the pit bull is off on Wednesday for a seminar (after a four day weekend last week and another one coming next week). That means that my lunch and some part of each day will be a mess all week. There's something wrong with this picture...
Be Well!
Be Well!
What a weekend!
This weekend was one to remember! It started out normally enough. We got up Saturday morning and did our usual chores around the house, then went to the Food Court for lunch and perused the craft booths and walked around River Fest for a couple hours. There were lots of people and there was much to watch! People are fascinating! I will never understand how someone can pierce their nose, eyebrows, lip, and tongue…dye their hair jet black…put on theatre makeup…dress in bizarre clothing…and get upset when we stare at them! What is that about? I assume that the reason they do all of the above…is because they want to be noticed. Hmmmm….Anyway, everything from a hoola hoop contest to live music, and bathtub races on the river kept the massive crowd entertained! It really was fun to be there!
Saturday evening, we met Shane, Chas, Candy, Harold, and Diane, at Red Robin for dinner! Marvin’s birthday was Sunday, and Diane’s is today, so we had a birthday dinner for both of them! Afterwards, Marvin and I went over to Bradley Fair and walked around a bit, stopping in at Williams Sonoma, and Restoration Hardware to browse. Then we headed home and watched TV until about 10:00.
Shortly after 10:00, Marvin got in the shower, and I decided to check e-mail and see what Shane was up to on IM. I signed on and found a short message “Call me on my cell” from Shane, so I did immediately.
Riverfest always ends with a large fireworks display, which can be heard as far away as our house. Sugar is horrified of the sound of fireworks and thunderstorms. She was out in Shane’s backyard when the first boom of the fireworks began, and apparently, it caught her by surprise…to the extent that she bolted from the yard (we still don’t know exactly how…the gate was closed and the fence intact), and she was MIA. Chas and Marvin and I all three went directly to Shane’s house and joined in the search! Marvin and Chas drove up and down every street in the neighbor hood and Shane and I walked the same streets, as well as the local park and businesses, flashlights in hand, calling loudly every few steps.
As I said before, Sugar is terrified of storms and fireworks. The fireworks set her off…then…shortly after our search began…the thunder and lightening started. We walked and drove and called in the rain…to no avail. We finally called off the search around 12:30, and we left Shane’s house, brokenhearted for Shane, and worried for Sugar.
A fitful night of sleeplessness followed. I woke up over and over again. I had fallen asleep praying for comfort for Shane and safety for Sugar, and each time that I awoke, I prayed some more. We got up about 6:45 or so and I hit the shower, prayed some more and began running down a list of things to do, such as checking with the humane society to see if anyone had brought a frantic beagle in, making sure to pick up the staple gun and extra staples to help put up posters, knocking on doors at the apartment complex down the block from Shane, etc. Then…Marvin knocked on the bathroom door, “Sugar’s home! “ he called out! My heart leapt and an automatic smile plastered itself across my face!
Apparently, she came up onto the front porch about 7:30 a.m.. Too tired to bark…she whined at the door. She was fine, wet and caked with mud…and tired to the bone…but fine. We will never know where she went, or what sights she saw on her overnight adventure…but she was a very affectionate, sleepy little dog upon her return!
On to Lacey’s graduation Saturday afternoon! It was hotter than heck and I wimped out and went to the car to avoid a migraine. Apparently, the speakers felt the heat too…graduation was over in 1 ½ hours! Mom hosted a small reception at Cherokee Strip Museum for her, so we went there and ate, visited, and perused the museum for a bit, then headed back to Wichita. Once there, we ended the day with peanut butter chocolate pie and banana cream pie and ice cream for Marvin’s birthday!
Here it is…Monday morning. Cloudy and rainy. All Mondays should be like this…after all…Mondays are evil!
Be Well!
Saturday evening, we met Shane, Chas, Candy, Harold, and Diane, at Red Robin for dinner! Marvin’s birthday was Sunday, and Diane’s is today, so we had a birthday dinner for both of them! Afterwards, Marvin and I went over to Bradley Fair and walked around a bit, stopping in at Williams Sonoma, and Restoration Hardware to browse. Then we headed home and watched TV until about 10:00.
Shortly after 10:00, Marvin got in the shower, and I decided to check e-mail and see what Shane was up to on IM. I signed on and found a short message “Call me on my cell” from Shane, so I did immediately.
Riverfest always ends with a large fireworks display, which can be heard as far away as our house. Sugar is horrified of the sound of fireworks and thunderstorms. She was out in Shane’s backyard when the first boom of the fireworks began, and apparently, it caught her by surprise…to the extent that she bolted from the yard (we still don’t know exactly how…the gate was closed and the fence intact), and she was MIA. Chas and Marvin and I all three went directly to Shane’s house and joined in the search! Marvin and Chas drove up and down every street in the neighbor hood and Shane and I walked the same streets, as well as the local park and businesses, flashlights in hand, calling loudly every few steps.
As I said before, Sugar is terrified of storms and fireworks. The fireworks set her off…then…shortly after our search began…the thunder and lightening started. We walked and drove and called in the rain…to no avail. We finally called off the search around 12:30, and we left Shane’s house, brokenhearted for Shane, and worried for Sugar.
A fitful night of sleeplessness followed. I woke up over and over again. I had fallen asleep praying for comfort for Shane and safety for Sugar, and each time that I awoke, I prayed some more. We got up about 6:45 or so and I hit the shower, prayed some more and began running down a list of things to do, such as checking with the humane society to see if anyone had brought a frantic beagle in, making sure to pick up the staple gun and extra staples to help put up posters, knocking on doors at the apartment complex down the block from Shane, etc. Then…Marvin knocked on the bathroom door, “Sugar’s home! “ he called out! My heart leapt and an automatic smile plastered itself across my face!
Apparently, she came up onto the front porch about 7:30 a.m.. Too tired to bark…she whined at the door. She was fine, wet and caked with mud…and tired to the bone…but fine. We will never know where she went, or what sights she saw on her overnight adventure…but she was a very affectionate, sleepy little dog upon her return!
On to Lacey’s graduation Saturday afternoon! It was hotter than heck and I wimped out and went to the car to avoid a migraine. Apparently, the speakers felt the heat too…graduation was over in 1 ½ hours! Mom hosted a small reception at Cherokee Strip Museum for her, so we went there and ate, visited, and perused the museum for a bit, then headed back to Wichita. Once there, we ended the day with peanut butter chocolate pie and banana cream pie and ice cream for Marvin’s birthday!
Here it is…Monday morning. Cloudy and rainy. All Mondays should be like this…after all…Mondays are evil!
Be Well!
Thursday, May 18, 2006
Almost there........
It’s Friday eve! Cool beans! And on top of that…the pit bull is off today! Yes!!!!!!!
Only 7 working days until vacation! We are really getting excited! Shoe shopping last night was very productive! I got a nice pair of Nikes, and Marvin got a very comfortable pair of New Balance! I honestly never knew that tennis shoes could feel so good! But…I have to admit…I can tell the difference! This may be a bad deal in the end though! I am now wondering how more expensive dress shoes would feel!
We have received lots of advice on where to go and what to see, in Vegas…if we followed all of it…we would need a lot more time than a week! The best plan (or so it seems to me) is just to go, and do what seems fun when we get there! We do have tickets for Blue Man Group and Cirque Du Soleil, and I think the rest can be spontaneous!
The very best part of this vacation will be spending time with the people that I love most in this world!
Be Well!
Only 7 working days until vacation! We are really getting excited! Shoe shopping last night was very productive! I got a nice pair of Nikes, and Marvin got a very comfortable pair of New Balance! I honestly never knew that tennis shoes could feel so good! But…I have to admit…I can tell the difference! This may be a bad deal in the end though! I am now wondering how more expensive dress shoes would feel!
We have received lots of advice on where to go and what to see, in Vegas…if we followed all of it…we would need a lot more time than a week! The best plan (or so it seems to me) is just to go, and do what seems fun when we get there! We do have tickets for Blue Man Group and Cirque Du Soleil, and I think the rest can be spontaneous!
The very best part of this vacation will be spending time with the people that I love most in this world!
Be Well!
Wednesday, May 17, 2006
7 more work days...
I got here at 7:50 this morning, to find that I would be the only front office help for at least half of the day. I was a bit flustered for a moment, then Shane’s favorite saying hit me…”It is what it is.” I can only do what I can do…and no more. It was a heck of a morning. But…it passed!
Almost 4:15…I finally have another lull in the action. Only 7 more work days until vacation! I spent my lunch hour trying on tennis shoes at Famous Footwear. I can’t decide between the New Balance and Sketchers…they are both so comfortable!!! I have never bought a good pair of tennis shoes in my life, so the price is a bit intimidating…but both are on sale for $39.00! If I can find a pair of New Balance in all white…or mostly white…low cut…I will probably go with them!
I still need to get some comfortable sandals and shorts/skorts. Saturday will be a busy day…shopping for Marvin’s bday, Mom’s bday, and vacation. I love to shop…but not under pressure. I hope I can find something, somewhere, that looks nice on me.
I put chicken in the crock pot this morning, so I think I will go home and fix some potatoes and gravy and veggies, and set the table on the deck tonight! That sounds incredibly nice!!
Be Well!
Almost 4:15…I finally have another lull in the action. Only 7 more work days until vacation! I spent my lunch hour trying on tennis shoes at Famous Footwear. I can’t decide between the New Balance and Sketchers…they are both so comfortable!!! I have never bought a good pair of tennis shoes in my life, so the price is a bit intimidating…but both are on sale for $39.00! If I can find a pair of New Balance in all white…or mostly white…low cut…I will probably go with them!
I still need to get some comfortable sandals and shorts/skorts. Saturday will be a busy day…shopping for Marvin’s bday, Mom’s bday, and vacation. I love to shop…but not under pressure. I hope I can find something, somewhere, that looks nice on me.
I put chicken in the crock pot this morning, so I think I will go home and fix some potatoes and gravy and veggies, and set the table on the deck tonight! That sounds incredibly nice!!
Be Well!
Tuesday, May 16, 2006
8 1/2 work days to go...
One battle down…who knows how many to go? A huge ticket mess this morning…due to a malfunction of the SWST website. It took until 9:30, but I got it straightened out.
It is a beautiful day outside! My lunch is at 12:30 today, and I am looking forward to just sitting in the sun somewhere! I am pondering the food court for supper tonight…not sure they have anything chewable. We may check and see.
I am still trying to figure out how I am supposed to conduct myself here. I am told that I don’t have enough interaction with the principals and controller. Yet…I interact, whenever it is necessary. I smile and speak when they come in at 8:00, and whenever they pass my desk. Many times we pass in the hallway. During those times, we are both “on a mission”, or we wouldn’t be in the hallway to begin with. I deliver reports, mail, faxes, and documents to be signed, quietly and unobtrusively. In this office, the principals and brokers are usually on the phone, or typing away at their computers. It seems rude to me, for the administrative assistant, to insert herself into those moments of concentration with idle chatter and small talk. When I need an immediate answer or signature, I ask quietly, and wait for it. I’m not sure what else to do. Perhaps I need to develop a new ‘persona’. Maybe I should shout out the name of the person’s office as I enter, and follow that up with “How the heck are ya?” When passing in the hallway, maybe I should reach out and slap the back or shoulder of the person who I am passing by. When I need a signature, or deliver a document…perhaps I should yell out “yoohoo” as I place them on the desk…then plop myself in a nearby chair and deliver a short narrative of my day thus far. I have no clue. I really believe that common courtesy and manners… have completely slipped away from us as a society…and…believe it or not, I do my utmost to exhibit those things, in the workplace. I guess my efforts to be professional, have been interpreted as my being ‘aloof’. How confusing.
Be Well!
It is a beautiful day outside! My lunch is at 12:30 today, and I am looking forward to just sitting in the sun somewhere! I am pondering the food court for supper tonight…not sure they have anything chewable. We may check and see.
I am still trying to figure out how I am supposed to conduct myself here. I am told that I don’t have enough interaction with the principals and controller. Yet…I interact, whenever it is necessary. I smile and speak when they come in at 8:00, and whenever they pass my desk. Many times we pass in the hallway. During those times, we are both “on a mission”, or we wouldn’t be in the hallway to begin with. I deliver reports, mail, faxes, and documents to be signed, quietly and unobtrusively. In this office, the principals and brokers are usually on the phone, or typing away at their computers. It seems rude to me, for the administrative assistant, to insert herself into those moments of concentration with idle chatter and small talk. When I need an immediate answer or signature, I ask quietly, and wait for it. I’m not sure what else to do. Perhaps I need to develop a new ‘persona’. Maybe I should shout out the name of the person’s office as I enter, and follow that up with “How the heck are ya?” When passing in the hallway, maybe I should reach out and slap the back or shoulder of the person who I am passing by. When I need a signature, or deliver a document…perhaps I should yell out “yoohoo” as I place them on the desk…then plop myself in a nearby chair and deliver a short narrative of my day thus far. I have no clue. I really believe that common courtesy and manners… have completely slipped away from us as a society…and…believe it or not, I do my utmost to exhibit those things, in the workplace. I guess my efforts to be professional, have been interpreted as my being ‘aloof’. How confusing.
Be Well!
Monday, May 15, 2006
Monday...monday...munday...mughysd...
This day sucked! Too much work...too many diva's...not enough common sense...good grief Charlie Brown...I'm tired.
9 more work days...and counting...
Be Well!
9 more work days...and counting...
Be Well!
Sunday, May 14, 2006
Great weekend!
This weekend was absolutely awesome! Both of the kids graduated with honors! It has been a long road for them! We are both so proud that I'm not sure we will ever stop smiling!
We had a reception for them at the house after graduation, and about 40 people showed up for it! It was great! Many family members that we hadn't seen for a while came, as well as friends and co-workers of both kids! The absolute hit of the day, was the chocolate fountain! Every man, woman and child enjoyed it!! One little guy in particular ate so much chocolate, that I was extremely glad he wasn't riding the hour home, in my car! LOL!
Then, on Sunday, we slept in (I know...) but it felt sooooo good! We were all exhausted! We met the kids at Abuelo's for lupper (lunch/supper)at 3:00! The food was great! But the best part was spending time with the three people most important in the world to me!! My kids and my husband! I am truly the most blessed mom in the world!
Only 10 work days until vacation!! I am sooooo excited! Tomorrow...a dreaded workplace event...but...it too shall pass.
Be Well!
P.S. Happy Birthday Carolyn!! :)
We had a reception for them at the house after graduation, and about 40 people showed up for it! It was great! Many family members that we hadn't seen for a while came, as well as friends and co-workers of both kids! The absolute hit of the day, was the chocolate fountain! Every man, woman and child enjoyed it!! One little guy in particular ate so much chocolate, that I was extremely glad he wasn't riding the hour home, in my car! LOL!
Then, on Sunday, we slept in (I know...) but it felt sooooo good! We were all exhausted! We met the kids at Abuelo's for lupper (lunch/supper)at 3:00! The food was great! But the best part was spending time with the three people most important in the world to me!! My kids and my husband! I am truly the most blessed mom in the world!
Only 10 work days until vacation!! I am sooooo excited! Tomorrow...a dreaded workplace event...but...it too shall pass.
Be Well!
P.S. Happy Birthday Carolyn!! :)
Thursday, May 11, 2006
Wednesday morning…
The alarm went off this morning at 5:45, as usual, and as usual…we remained in bed until 6:00. Getting up is very difficult lately.
The smell of fresh coffee lingered in the air as we both moved, mechanically, through our morning routines. The shower was a welcome friend, waking me gently with its warm caresses. By 6:30, a steady rain had begun to fall…only confirming our expectations for a dreary Wednesday.
The drive to work was uneventful. I took surface roads instead of 135 (I am such a coward). The thought of hydroplaning, or skidding out of control as some nit-wit cut me off…just wasn’t attractive. I arrived at work at 7:52. The rain was still coming down in sheets, so I gathered my things, then slipped my umbrella out and popped it open. Apparently, the wind was lying in wait for me…just as my umbrella opened completely, a huge gust caught it and I found myself holding on with both hands to keep from doing a “Mary Poppins”. I realized that the wind was winning, as my umbrella threatened to turn wrong side out, so I whirled around and pointed the tip of it into the wind. That was almost disastrous! I was very nearly blown over. Which, in retrospect, could have been the highlight of my day.
The post office was an experience this morning. I picked up the mail as usual, then noticed that a statement that we have already taken back once…had shown up again. The client address has been confirmed, but the post office keeps returning it to us, marked “Incorrect Address”. As long as we don’t open the envelope, they will resend it free, if we have confirmed that the address is correct. So…I stood in line with the offending envelope….waiting. The line began to grow, and added to our numbers was a young man in jeans and flip flops. He was carrying a paper sack and appeared to be somewhat agitated. First he paced back and forth between the back of the line and the door, then he stepped to the divider and addressed the postal workers.
“Can I ask a quick question?” he inquired.
All three workers looked up and raised their eyebrows in unison.
“Of course,” answered the one at the middle window…with an undertone of “How dare you…”
Raising his sack in the air, he asked, “Do I need to put this in an envelope…or can you guys just take care of it?”
Apparently, he was unfamiliar with postal customs here, on Planet Earth. The postal worker looked at him like he was nuts. I wondered if she would pull out her Uzi.
“What is it?” she snarled.
“It’s just a lease that needs to get to California…” he replied, pulling out a handful of loose papers.
She then directed him to the envelopes. Amazing. As I exited the building…I looked around for the Mother Ship…but it must have been using a cloaking device.
Lunch time finally arrived. I headed to Dillons to order cake for the graduation party. As I stood in line at the check out, waiting to pay for my lunch (mac and cheese and peach cobbler), the man in front of me wrote out a check to pay for his purchases. He handed it to the checker, who then asked to see his I.D. I couldn’t believe my ears…he was very indignant! I wanted to shake him! I watched him fish for his wallet, as he complained. I wondered if he was complaining so much because he was guilty of something. Then I wanted to smack him.
Back to work…which was a disaster.
1 – Huge blow up while I was gone over the on going issues that have plagued us for weeks.
2 – Much upset over approval of a frivolous expenditure – after refusal of a legitimate one.
3 – An odor which seemed to be that of hot wiring.
4 – Rage over unreasonable demands being made.
In other words…the usual.
Be Well!
The smell of fresh coffee lingered in the air as we both moved, mechanically, through our morning routines. The shower was a welcome friend, waking me gently with its warm caresses. By 6:30, a steady rain had begun to fall…only confirming our expectations for a dreary Wednesday.
The drive to work was uneventful. I took surface roads instead of 135 (I am such a coward). The thought of hydroplaning, or skidding out of control as some nit-wit cut me off…just wasn’t attractive. I arrived at work at 7:52. The rain was still coming down in sheets, so I gathered my things, then slipped my umbrella out and popped it open. Apparently, the wind was lying in wait for me…just as my umbrella opened completely, a huge gust caught it and I found myself holding on with both hands to keep from doing a “Mary Poppins”. I realized that the wind was winning, as my umbrella threatened to turn wrong side out, so I whirled around and pointed the tip of it into the wind. That was almost disastrous! I was very nearly blown over. Which, in retrospect, could have been the highlight of my day.
The post office was an experience this morning. I picked up the mail as usual, then noticed that a statement that we have already taken back once…had shown up again. The client address has been confirmed, but the post office keeps returning it to us, marked “Incorrect Address”. As long as we don’t open the envelope, they will resend it free, if we have confirmed that the address is correct. So…I stood in line with the offending envelope….waiting. The line began to grow, and added to our numbers was a young man in jeans and flip flops. He was carrying a paper sack and appeared to be somewhat agitated. First he paced back and forth between the back of the line and the door, then he stepped to the divider and addressed the postal workers.
“Can I ask a quick question?” he inquired.
All three workers looked up and raised their eyebrows in unison.
“Of course,” answered the one at the middle window…with an undertone of “How dare you…”
Raising his sack in the air, he asked, “Do I need to put this in an envelope…or can you guys just take care of it?”
Apparently, he was unfamiliar with postal customs here, on Planet Earth. The postal worker looked at him like he was nuts. I wondered if she would pull out her Uzi.
“What is it?” she snarled.
“It’s just a lease that needs to get to California…” he replied, pulling out a handful of loose papers.
She then directed him to the envelopes. Amazing. As I exited the building…I looked around for the Mother Ship…but it must have been using a cloaking device.
Lunch time finally arrived. I headed to Dillons to order cake for the graduation party. As I stood in line at the check out, waiting to pay for my lunch (mac and cheese and peach cobbler), the man in front of me wrote out a check to pay for his purchases. He handed it to the checker, who then asked to see his I.D. I couldn’t believe my ears…he was very indignant! I wanted to shake him! I watched him fish for his wallet, as he complained. I wondered if he was complaining so much because he was guilty of something. Then I wanted to smack him.
Back to work…which was a disaster.
1 – Huge blow up while I was gone over the on going issues that have plagued us for weeks.
2 – Much upset over approval of a frivolous expenditure – after refusal of a legitimate one.
3 – An odor which seemed to be that of hot wiring.
4 – Rage over unreasonable demands being made.
In other words…the usual.
Be Well!
Monday, May 08, 2006
Monday morning blues...
This morning started out badly. I had had a migraine since Sunday afternoon, and it stayed with me all night long. I finally got up at 5:25 a.m. and took some more meds, then called in sick, and went back to bed. By about 7:00, it finally began to subside. I had been awake all night long with the pounding in my head, so as soon as it stopped, I fell blissfully asleep. The phone rang at 10:00, and by the time I woke up enough to get across the room, whoever it was had hung up...and of course the caller ID said "out of area". At first I wanted to find Mr/Mrs "out of area" and pummel them...but then I realized how late it was and was actually kind of grateful that I had been awakened.
The pain was extremely minor by then, so I combed my hair, pulled on my homeless shorts and my tie dyed t-shirt,and shoved a pair of sunglasses on my face, then drove to Dillons drive-thru to pick up some meds. By the time I got home, I was pooped out again.
Throughout the day, I have improved steadily, and I feel human now! Although...looking back on my trip to Dillons earlier...I shudder to think of the trauma that I may have caused anyone unfortunate enough to have seen me driving around with no makeup on. Such is life!
Daytime TV is actually worse than evening TV...the number of ridiculously stupid things on is astounding! I think the dumbest thing that I encountered today, was a live broadcast of David Blaine...in his water bubble. Apparently, between the hours of 8:00 and 10:00 this evening, he will attempt to hold his breath for 9 minutes. I'm not sure why this is so important to him...or why we are expected to watch. For some ridiculous reason...he has been in this bubble for several days already. His skin is apparently beginning to peel off, and he is taking great pride in showing it to passers by. One has to wonder, what it is inside us that attracts us to things like this. The sidewalk around his little bubble was filled with spectators, and I'm sure that this evening, it will be impossible to get close enough to see him. The bottomline is...all of those people will flock to the site of this stunt...because of the possibility that he will drown. That's sick! I am not a David Blaine fan...in fact...I find him very disturbing...spiritually. But, if he were to drown...even I would not want to see that.
Life is so strange sometimes. I wrote a new poem last week, about an obituary. I am still tweaking it, but since I wrote it...I have run across several other things written and/or posted by people, that I have never met, during the same time period,...about the same thing. It would seem that in some odd way...the cosmos have influenced a number of people...in the same way, at the same time. How odd.
Be Well!
The pain was extremely minor by then, so I combed my hair, pulled on my homeless shorts and my tie dyed t-shirt,and shoved a pair of sunglasses on my face, then drove to Dillons drive-thru to pick up some meds. By the time I got home, I was pooped out again.
Throughout the day, I have improved steadily, and I feel human now! Although...looking back on my trip to Dillons earlier...I shudder to think of the trauma that I may have caused anyone unfortunate enough to have seen me driving around with no makeup on. Such is life!
Daytime TV is actually worse than evening TV...the number of ridiculously stupid things on is astounding! I think the dumbest thing that I encountered today, was a live broadcast of David Blaine...in his water bubble. Apparently, between the hours of 8:00 and 10:00 this evening, he will attempt to hold his breath for 9 minutes. I'm not sure why this is so important to him...or why we are expected to watch. For some ridiculous reason...he has been in this bubble for several days already. His skin is apparently beginning to peel off, and he is taking great pride in showing it to passers by. One has to wonder, what it is inside us that attracts us to things like this. The sidewalk around his little bubble was filled with spectators, and I'm sure that this evening, it will be impossible to get close enough to see him. The bottomline is...all of those people will flock to the site of this stunt...because of the possibility that he will drown. That's sick! I am not a David Blaine fan...in fact...I find him very disturbing...spiritually. But, if he were to drown...even I would not want to see that.
Life is so strange sometimes. I wrote a new poem last week, about an obituary. I am still tweaking it, but since I wrote it...I have run across several other things written and/or posted by people, that I have never met, during the same time period,...about the same thing. It would seem that in some odd way...the cosmos have influenced a number of people...in the same way, at the same time. How odd.
Be Well!
Saturday, May 06, 2006
Productive day!
What a day! We slept in until almost 9:00 this morning! That was great all by itself! By 10:00, we had started moving furniture, and shampooing carpets! We finished the entire upstairs and both of the stair cases! It really looks great! Then, we went grocery and party shopping!
I think everyone and his brother was out this afternoon! The stores and streets were crowded! Long lines at the checkouts, and in the parking lots! Ironically, in spite of the dreary, rainy weather...people seemed to be in a good mood and almost everyone that we encountered was courteous and pleasant!
We got back home around 6:00, vacuumed the dry carpets...put the furniture back in place, and put the groceries away...(not in that order).
I think a hot shower is now in order!
Be Well!
I think everyone and his brother was out this afternoon! The stores and streets were crowded! Long lines at the checkouts, and in the parking lots! Ironically, in spite of the dreary, rainy weather...people seemed to be in a good mood and almost everyone that we encountered was courteous and pleasant!
We got back home around 6:00, vacuumed the dry carpets...put the furniture back in place, and put the groceries away...(not in that order).
I think a hot shower is now in order!
Be Well!
Thursday, May 04, 2006
Thoughts...
Last night went a bit differently than I had expected. After surgery, Lacey began to have pain in her legs that worsened continually throughout the day. By 6:30, they had taken her down for an MRI to determine the cause. There was much concern, speculation, and apparently…even panic. In the end…the MRI was absolutely fine. The nerve endings were simply ‘angry’ and needed time to settle down. So, I took Bill home with me, and Mom spent the night in the hospital with a very cranky Lacey.
I got up extra early this morning so that I could take Bill back to the hospital, and check on Lacey, before I went on to work. She is much better today, and I am sure she will get to go home.
This morning is dark, cloudy, rainy, and dreary. I am tired of this weather! I just want summer to get here and stay here! Tempers and dispositions are not optimal today…I think we are all tired of doing the work of three people…while our supervisor works part time…for a full time salary…and delegates her work to us.
Compliance continues to be an ugly issue…there seems to be a desire to circumvent instead of comply. Let me just say…I am the head rebel most of the time…but even I know where to draw the line.
Be Well!
I got up extra early this morning so that I could take Bill back to the hospital, and check on Lacey, before I went on to work. She is much better today, and I am sure she will get to go home.
This morning is dark, cloudy, rainy, and dreary. I am tired of this weather! I just want summer to get here and stay here! Tempers and dispositions are not optimal today…I think we are all tired of doing the work of three people…while our supervisor works part time…for a full time salary…and delegates her work to us.
Compliance continues to be an ugly issue…there seems to be a desire to circumvent instead of comply. Let me just say…I am the head rebel most of the time…but even I know where to draw the line.
Be Well!
Wednesday, May 03, 2006
Hmmm...
The day dawned warm and sunny, but clouds are gathering on the horizon. Today, however, most of the clouds are of the literal variety (for a change). Most things are returning to normal. Work continues to be a “challenge” to put it mildly, and I am counting the days until vacation (18 work days left)! I don’t count weekends…because those are days that I enjoy. Basically…I count the crap days left until I will have 7 days in a row…without crap!
Lacy’s surgery went well, and hopefully her recovery will also. I have learned things in the past 24 hours that I never knew before, about people that I should have known better.
1 – My mother likes poetry, even if it doesn’t involve anyone from Nantucket.
2 – Lacy is actually a pretty ‘well read’ person. The last that I knew, she was limited to romance novels. It seems that she has read and enjoyed many of the classics.
3 – Brittany is an artist…she not only enjoys sketching (and apparently is very good at it), but she also writes poetry.
Life is strange.
Be Well!
Lacy’s surgery went well, and hopefully her recovery will also. I have learned things in the past 24 hours that I never knew before, about people that I should have known better.
1 – My mother likes poetry, even if it doesn’t involve anyone from Nantucket.
2 – Lacy is actually a pretty ‘well read’ person. The last that I knew, she was limited to romance novels. It seems that she has read and enjoyed many of the classics.
3 – Brittany is an artist…she not only enjoys sketching (and apparently is very good at it), but she also writes poetry.
Life is strange.
Be Well!
Monday, May 01, 2006
Better late than never...
I really meant to post something this weekend…but…you know where the road that is paved with good intentions leads to! Anyway, we had a good, productive weekend! The prospect of a new job on Monday, made the entire weekend better! The worry and stress of the past 11 weeks began to melt away!
We started the weekend by sleeping in on Saturday (8:00), and then watching a bit of TV while we drank coffee in our PJ’s. Then we headed to town! Our first stop was Mimi’s (home of the beautiful nail people). Then we went to a new sporting goods store similar to Gander Mountain. It was a nice store…as sporting goods stores go. There weren’t many dead animals and no live fish...so compared to Cabela’s and Bass Pro Shop…it was a dud! Although, Marvin did find a nice pocket knife!
We spent the rest of the day shopping for a carpet shampooer and a chocolate fountain. We found both on sale!!
The service on Sunday was very good…although the music was messed up. Afterwards, Chas and Marvin and I went to Applebee’s for a bite of lunch. Shane and Candy were on their way home from KC about that time, after having been stranded in Lawrence overnight, by the storm.
After lunch, we changed clothes, and headed to Home Depot to buy supplies for the deck extension! Shane met us at the house, and Chas followed soon afterwards! We all four spent the next couple of hours helping Marvin frame up the deck.
Pizza for supper, then a hot shower!
Be Well!
P.S. I am trying my hand at links...so forgive the overabundance of them.:)
We started the weekend by sleeping in on Saturday (8:00), and then watching a bit of TV while we drank coffee in our PJ’s. Then we headed to town! Our first stop was Mimi’s (home of the beautiful nail people). Then we went to a new sporting goods store similar to Gander Mountain. It was a nice store…as sporting goods stores go. There weren’t many dead animals and no live fish...so compared to Cabela’s and Bass Pro Shop…it was a dud! Although, Marvin did find a nice pocket knife!
We spent the rest of the day shopping for a carpet shampooer and a chocolate fountain. We found both on sale!!
The service on Sunday was very good…although the music was messed up. Afterwards, Chas and Marvin and I went to Applebee’s for a bite of lunch. Shane and Candy were on their way home from KC about that time, after having been stranded in Lawrence overnight, by the storm.
After lunch, we changed clothes, and headed to Home Depot to buy supplies for the deck extension! Shane met us at the house, and Chas followed soon afterwards! We all four spent the next couple of hours helping Marvin frame up the deck.
Pizza for supper, then a hot shower!
Be Well!
P.S. I am trying my hand at links...so forgive the overabundance of them.:)
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