I love this crazy, tragic, sometimes almost magic, awful beautiful life

Why is it that at the end of the year we feel obligated to review our year? Why is it only now that we are concerned with how we're living? It seems we should be "concerned" the entire year. And maybe we are, but we just don't say it or really truly think about it.

2007 was a year to be sure. Like everyone, I had ups and downs. My life is like a roller coaster. To quote the song from the title, "The ups and downs and crazy turns along the way. It'll throw you off if you don't hold on tight. You can't really smile until you've shed some tears, I could die today or I might live on for years." If it wasn't so topservy turvey would we even know we were truly living?

I don't do resolutions much. I find that it's generally just setting myself up to fail, and well, I just don't need that. Instead, I like to think of a theme. Last year I didn't really solidify a theme so I just lived. Not sure yet if it was all that different from when I do have a theme, but with a theme it helps keep me focused.

This year's theme: Drum roll please.

LIVE IT! LOVE IT! LEAVE IT!

It came to me last night while I was reading my Christmas letters from people. I thought about what it was about life that really holds people back.

LIVE IT! - Instead of being all wordy and talking about doing things. Do them. Don't wait for anyone to be available to do the things you want (or wait for the weather to be perfect), just go out and do it. And I think it goes without saying that living it includes new adventures. New things I've not done before, but have wanted to.

LOVE IT! - I have a lot of things I'm passionate about. Some I've jumped in full tilt and have embraced all there is (i.e. cooking). Some things I've only have mastered and feel I just need to work a bit more to really see my passion come to life (i.e. photography). And finally, there are some things I do that I question almost every time I do them as to WHY I'm doing them - sometimes it seems silly (i.e. scrapbooking) and yet I love it. So enough of that. If I love it, I will learn it, study it, live it. (see #1).

LEAVE IT! - We all have it. Baggage. For some reasons there are things I have yet to be able to let go of. I'm unsure if these things are holding me back, but I suspect they might be. So this year, I'm going to focus on leaving things. Letting things go. (i.e. XXXcrush, friends who no longer exist). Not having to understand why things happen, but to just accept that they happened for a reason, and move on. (See #1 and #2 above).

And with that, I say look out 2008. So I lift a cup of cheer for Auld Langs Syne (which I think means "days gone by and says we will always remember them").

Fork me a Some Fondue Goodies

Y-A-W-N! I'm a tired girl today. My birthday party last night took the wind out of me. I got to sleep in today until 7:35. Blasted being old. I laid in bed waiting for sleep to come back, begging the sand man to stop by for just a couple more hours. No such luck. I think the sand man woke the feline in the house on his exit. Argh.

Last night's party was a complete success, as expected. I mean how could it go wrong with fondue, friends and a 70's theme? My apartment was decorated with some snazzy little swirlys. I found myself a pimp daddy hat to wear with my 70's-ish outfit. Megan brought her pimp daddy hat too so we were like twins, but not. We started the festivities with a fantastic cheese fondue with fantastic little dippers like bread, vegi's, and apples. OMG it was good. I kept warning everyone to not fill up on cheese because the best was yet to come.

We stood around my table and fed ourselves with chicken, beef, shrimpees, and vegi's. I made some dipping sauces that kicked ass. I spiced up Uncle Dan's ranch dressing that was OMG so good. A peanut dipping sauce that was a bit spicy, but OMG so good. A hoisin/soy/huli huli sauce that was OMG so good. And a cocktail sauce that I added some zipBamBoom to and was, you guessed it - OMG so good. Did I mention that the fondue was OMG so good? BTW it was later pointed out that Megan and I didn't have the gangsta sign quite right so they called us White Girl Ganstas!

But wait, there's much much more. I decided to use one of the mega Toblerone bars I brought back from London for the chocolate fondue. I swear to you we all needed a cold shower after eating that. I added some heavy cream and cognac to it and it was DELICIOUS! I also made a caramel sauce for dipping too. I figured the chocolate would go the fastest, and yet the caramel was gone in a heartbeat. I had marshmallows, graham crackers, apples, raspberries, pound cake, angel food cake, ginger snaps, and apples for dipping. I started with a marshmallow in the chocolate and thought I found heaven. Then....then I made the discovery of the apples in the caramel....OMG. Definitely needed a cold shower.

The gang was all here and left full of fondue and wine. From left to right: The Newly Weds Mike and Nancy, Vanessa's mom, Pink hat me, Vanessa, Blueberry, Mark, HikerGirl, PimpDaddy Megan, and Chicken Lady in the front.

Thanks everyone for making my birthday a memorable and fun filled event. I need to start planning for next year's big Four O!

You Look Like a Monkey...and You Smell Like One Too.

I'm not sure what is actually worse about today. That I'm another year wiser, older, more experienced? Or that I'm up at O'dark thirty on this blessed day?

Yes you got that right, it's my birthday! Happy Birthday to me! Happy Birthday to me! Happy Birthday to MeeeeEEEEE. Happy Birthday to me!

Before I get into the planned celebration of this fantastic day that really should be a holiday for everyone. And in fact, most people get today off. I got home last night and spent the first 30 minutes reassuring Pookie that I would never EVER leave him alone again for 7 days. Sheesh! You would think he was the master of this place. Oh wait, he is.

Thursday before I left, the family treated me to a dinner at Lil' Abner's in Tucson. It was hyped up as some kind of magnificent steakhouse, so I was all in. I love me my steak. Dad's BBQ is usually my preferred steak location. Dad has competition though. Lil Abner's has no menu. It's a old looking shack that allows everyone to write on the walls. Every wall has ink on it. Even the ceiling had writing. I saw my name at least a dozen times, but felt obligated to put my own stamp. It's an interesting restaurant. As I said, there are no menus. The offer only a few items. a 2 lb Porter House Steak, a 7 oz petite filet, a half of chicken, half or whole rack of beef or pork ribs. Each protein is served with family style beans, and Texas toast. Baked potatoes can be ordered too. But that's it. When the waitress said a 2 lb porterhouse all I could think was, "Who could eat that??" I didn't see it ordered once while we where there. I had the petite filet and it was delicious! Afterwards, I was greeted with a round of "Happy Birthday" and a free chocolate sundae that was made with HOMEMADE chocolate sauce. OMG it was so good.

Now for today's actual festivities. As I mentioned in a past post I'm having a fondooooOOOO party. It should be quite fun. I'm a bit behind the 8 ball though since I've really not planned a thing. But thankfully I'm up early today to get things done on time. Stay tuned for details of the event. OMG I can't believe I'm this age. I just looked at the photo above and can't believe I'm -gulp - Thirty Nine. How'd that happen?

Christmas 2007 is almost over

As I sit and type this I'm sitting on the porch with the sun shining and warmth everywhere. The wind is kicking up so it's getting a bit chilly, but nothing I can't handle. It just sure feels nice to be in the sun.

Santa was good to me this year, got some good gifts that even I didn't know I wanted. Got a nice Pashmina shawl mom carried all the way over from Greece. Also got a nice hand carved wood salad bowl that was carved out of a root of some tree. It's gorgeous. Oh and meet Count Beau of Hershey - he looks so cute with those antlers.

Last night we had our traditional Frito-Lollies for dinner. A couple new people at dinner who had to be trained in the proper preparation of Frito-Lollies. (And in case you aren't aware of Frito-Lollies, they are corn chips and chili with all the fixings.)

Today we did the normal Christmas with big breakfast and opening gifts. HikerGirl, Beau, Schuster (the two poodles) and I went for another hike/walk at Catalina State Park. Beautiful day for it. The wind made it a bit crisp, but we survived. On our walk we stumbled onto this saguaro. I counted about 25 arms, which the family determined meant this one was about 200 years old.

Dinner was a prime rib, with potatoes, green beans, and salad. Delicious! Dad BBQ'd the prime rib and did his normal fantastic job. We had a crowd here again and everyone left full and promising to never eat again.

Pictured below back row from left to right: Dick Gale, Dad, Bob Grabo (high school buddy of dad), HikerGirl, Bruce Sanderson, me.

Front Row / Left to right: Holly Sanderson, Cortney Sanderson, Mom, Lano Gale, Uncle Dick (Mom's brother)

The Long Arm of a Cactus

Hello from the land of Saguaro's (sah-wah-rohs). I have to say, every single time I'm in Tucson, I feel like I'm home. Maybe I was a Saguaro in a previous life. I'm prickly enough at times.

HikerGirl and I took off on a grand adventure around Tucson. The MomUnit mapped out our path so we wouldn't get lost. Map in hand, HikerGirl as the navigator (which I found out way into the trip she hated) and we were off. Our first stop was Gate's Pass to look out over this valley that looked as if it went on forever. HikerGirl got the hiking bug and up she went to an outlook, then she came down and drug me up. I'm glad she made me. It was beautiful.

The drive up to this vista was beautiful as well. Saguaro's line the hill side and look to be little fingers sticking out of the ground. These cactuseseses (cacti's? cacti? whatever the plural of cactus is) absolutely fascinate me. I learned something this trip too about these lovelies. A saguaro may grow an arm every 50-75 years. So when you see one in the area that has 5 arms it's average age is 160 years old. Oy-vei that's old. They grow on average just an inch a year, but that depends entirely on the moisture they were able to store. Some saguaro's are 30 feet tall here. There's been a few I've stood next too and they appear to be almost two stories high, I swear. These trees (and yes they are trees) line the slopes of the mountains here like pine trees do in Washington. They're everywhere. And of course, I've named everyone of them Ned.

After wandering through the desert and hiking a wee bit we were famished. I mean since we've done nothing but eat the entire time we've been here, it had been about 2 hours since we last ate. So off we went. First we had to stop and see the San Xavier de Bac. This mission was established in 1699 and is still in use today. In fact, we got there in time for mass. Which was unfortunate in that we couldn't go inside to see how beautiful it was. The front of the mission was also being renovated so I couldn't get the money shot I had planned.

Finishing there, we headed north again to historic Tucson and hopefully a place to eat. When I read about historic Tucson I was so excited to walk through all the old buildings and see history everywhere. I figured since it was a tour trap it would be packed and so braced myself for all the people milling about. Getting a little lost, or "misguided" at first, we eventually what we found. We drove right through it the first time not realizing it...that's how small it was. Oh and have I mentioned it was a ghost town? Not a soul in sight. No one. We just shrugged our shoulders,looked to the left and there was El Charro's Mexican restaurant. Home of the chimichanga...so they say. Apparently the chimichanga was an accident, and the word chimichanga means thingymajig. Either way, we had the BEST food I've had in a Mexican restaurant in a long time. Delicious!

From there we headed to Catalina State Park for some hiking. The sun was starting to set and we were due home for, you got it, dinner. So HikerGirl and I walked through a trail and ended up at a river - no lie - water was running through it. We walked have the way out and couldn't go any further. So we turned around and took another path. Walked about 15 minutes marveling at the nature around there. Turned and saw an entire ridge of saugaros. Loads of them.

Today is Christmas Eve so The DadUnit and I are headed out for our traditional shopping and lunch. He's been very cranky this year so far so this should be interesting.

Luggage! Luggage! Where for art thou?

Hi campers,
I can't believe it's been since Tuesday that I last shared with you my life, but that's how it goes. A lot has gone on since then. For one, I'm in Tucson. Yay me!

HikerGirl and I head south on Thursday morning to spend the holidays with my parental units and some other fantastic family down here. We departed for the airport on time and had NO lines to speak of really once there. I was, in fact, quite surprised that it took us all of 5 minutes to get through security. No lie! We made it to the "other" side and promptly found ourselves in the new-ish mall area of SeaTac having soup and a drink before our flight.

It should be pointed out that while we were giving the gods our luggage we joked about how Blueberry ALWAYS loses her luggage. I jested that she should toss her luggage and start fresh.

Fast forward to Tucson. My flight was on time, HikerGirls was slightly delayed. I wondered down to baggage claim to meet the parental units and then off to find my luggage while I left them there holding down the fort. I watched as all the travelers picked their suitcases and off they went. Round and round they went. Then ... it stopped. Er, ah, this can't be good is all I could think.

So, now what? The luggage lady was standing there and promptly offered to help me. Discussing my situation with her, we noticed a suitcase that looked exactly like mine, but blue. LuggageLady surmised that perhaps the owner of that suitcase mistakenly took mine. Great. I'll never see my favorite sandals again!

Into the little room that stunk of old cigars and she took my information. Including where they should send the luggage should it show up.

All I could think was that karma was getting me. I joked about Blueberry's luck, and here I was without a toothbrush.

We headed home. Armed with a phone number to call in the morning to check. I wasn't hopeful. I mean, after all, the last time I lost my luggage it took 5 days to get to me. I was already planning my new wardrobe I'd certainly have to buy now.

Friday morning I was shaken awake by dad handing me my cell phone (at 6:38 AM). It was the express luggage people and they had my luggage. Apparently it wanted to leave Seattle on the later flight. Yay! About noon - ish yesterday I got my luggage. Everything, including my favorite sandles.

The MomUnit, good friend of the family, HikerGirl and I are head to Mesa today for their swapmeet. Can't wait. I love wondering through those things seeing all the crap that people are willing to buy. Twenty bucks says I come home with some crap!

Yesterday it rained and was brrrrr cold. Today, the sun is high in the sky. It's about 31 degrees right now, but I know Arizona and it will be 70 by noon and I'll be happy as a clam.

A Day in the Life of PMQ and PMDude

A conversation today between PMDude and myself. Sit back, get your groove on and enjoy, or be disgusted…


Jenn says: It's because I have http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r1982CsSlIA&feature=related in my head

PMDude says: Oh dear god in heaven

Jenn says: You'd sooo miss it if I weren't here...

PMDude says: for a split second, i was excited to see what that was.

Jenn says: You'd never have a full appreciation of just how bad of music is out there.

PMDude says: good point

PMDude says: there's a pile of music that I've endured the first 5 seconds of.

Jenn says: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SXPunYxhU_8

PMDude says: you leave me no choice

Jenn says: bring it on

PMDude says: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mMycfdNdlKA

Jenn says: You interrupted Franky Valli for that?

PMDude says: could have been worse:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GQ5eZSa7URA

Jenn says:
Oh.
Jenn says:
My.
Jenn says:
God.

Jenn says: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nx64_N4AA04

Jenn says: I can't watch that without laughing

PMDude says: Are you declaring war?

Jenn says: Who me?

Jenn says: "I eat them raw like sushi" come on? Those are some damn solid lyrics

PMDude says: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UnzgNAzquCw

Jenn says: Marky Mark...he's hot...

Jenn says: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vp-is6S_b_g

PMDude says: I like him better as an actor

PMDude says: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aI8OM8tydlw

Jenn says: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jcsvm_rcmDw

PMDude says: OMG

PMDude says: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dE9oiMLIHGA

Jenn says: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YeI6WFEaFkM

Jenn says: I couldn't even listen to that one...

PMDude says: I'm still listening

Jenn says: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-7l250E5uM4

PMDude says: wow

Jenn says: but wait...there's much much more

Jenn says: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=387ZDGSKVSg

PMDude says:
o
PMDude says:
m
PMDude says:
g

Jenn says: Okay, I have to stop...there are too many bad 80's rap

PMDude says: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tMjM7292eHk&feature=related

PMDude says: YES!!

Jenn says: Holy cow... that's some kind of wild 80s hair

Jenn says: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-O4sSZc2WCU

PMDude says: That's on my iPod

PMDude says: This one isn't:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xk8Yo4pzhWs

Jenn says: It is on mine...

Jenn says: I officially think you won this battle...but since you opened that door http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=unBACOHFXes

PMDude says: I hate you. Why'd you have to bust out the britney

Jenn says: You started it with MMM Bop (which I just mis-typed to MMM Bob...)

PMDude says: i give

PMDude says: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TxXLp-2J3wI

Jenn says: OH MY GOD...SICKO A brazilian as**shaker

PMDude says: He is about as worthy of breathing oxygen as Skippy is.

PMDude says: In fact... Skips new nickname is K Skid

Jenn says: I'm all in.

PMDude says: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HlKocJWE5S4

Jenn says: That songs on my iPod - but in Spanish

Jenn says: Now we're talking H.O.T.

PMDude says: o dear god

PMDude says: you leave me no choice:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N6blgjF6UkU

Jenn says: Oh dammit...i thought it was a song by http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n4qVJnhZwWY

PMDude says: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4FWI_fLkw3k&feature=related

PMDude says: talk dirty to me... WOW... I had erased that from my head.

Jenn says: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IMlyqKa1p78&feature=related

PMDude says: holy crap

PMDude says: Ok. it's over

PMDude says: officially

Jenn says: Now this is bad...but this thread got me thinking about it.

Jenn says: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6NdAUnnU9Ac

PMDude says: classic

PMDude says: forever - you know that one?

Jenn says: from?

PMDude says: Perfect. one moment please.

PMDude says: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IbPKaIozS-c

Jenn says: oh..it has subtitles... good...i can sing it...

PMDude says: complete with black/white flannel

Jenn says: I'm all verklemped...

PMDude says: good.

Jenn says: oh it's not over...http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cU_9-uuKz0I

PMDude says: are you expanding the context here?

Jenn says: Apparently

PMDude says: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=anLfoy2XsFw

Jenn says: but sadly that song led to this one...don't ask...

Jenn says: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nPstB-1TXGU

Jenn says: he totally looks like a p*rn star

PMDude says: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wFaXTcR4dtE

PMDude says: you gotta stop and take that all in...

Jenn says: Right...taking it in... Much like this one...: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AtyJbIOZjS8

PMDude says: I watch that one almost weekly

Jenn says: shocking

PMDude says: hate you

Jenn says: not yet you don't

Jenn says: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sn7d7gZj_qc

PMDude says: OH MY GOD!!! My sister used to love this song when she was like 5

Jenn says: Personally I'd LOVE to see the DMQ gang sing it.

PMDude says: "the guys"?

Jenn says: Yes. My guys.

PMDude says: Ok... outside the genre' but annoying nonetheless: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iCQuFYH79tQ

Jenn says: and which genre are we talking? We've been all over the board.

PMDude says: good point

PMDude says: Classic:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T9_ZP8HMz6Y&feature=user

Jenn says: OMG... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5K26y7J2rOo

PMDude says: that's just wrong

Jenn says: on so many levels

PMDude says: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b5t5GukrWOU

PMDude says: i win

Jenn says: RU Sure? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gs37NSLy3z4

PMDude says: Ok... that's a good one too

Jenn says: speaking of being wrong: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wlw2EMpIYes&feature=related

PMDude says: do people really have that kind of time?

Jenn says: we apparently do...

I Work My Fingers To the Bone, to Make Myself a Name

The MomUnit all but "demanded" I write a new blog. Sheesh! Doesn't she know I'm a busy busy girl this time of year? She should, she is, after all, me, just many many Many year's older. (Smooches mom - see you in two days, then you can kill me).

So what has had me so busy?

Friday, Blueberry and I went to see Jersey Boys. OH. MY. God. What a fantastic show! It's rare, that my increasingly cynical self, comes across a musical that absolutely mesmerizes me. This particular show...whoa! I never knew I was such a Franky Valli and the Four Seasons fan. I knew every song they sang, and sang along with the crowd. As we were listening/watching them increase in stardom, I'd turn to Blueberry every other song and say "Dudley sings that song." (insert stalker status here). The other thing I never EVER do is buy the CD they sell there at the show, but this time I couldn't help myself. The actors were so incredibly talented and the music was so good, I figured why not. I've been listening to Jersey Boys for three days straight now. (Not too surprising, I have My Eyes Adore You stuck in my head).

My favorite songs in order of favorite:

1. Can't take My eyes off of you - I wasn't even a live yet.

2. My Eyes Adore you

3. December 1963 - a nasty little song - in a good way - when you actually listen to the lyrics

4. Sherry (Number 1 of the Top 10 worst this year)

And since I know you're dying to know, Dudley does Can't Take My Eyes Off of You and December 1963. I'd LOVE to hear them do My Eyes Adore you as a ballad instead of Me and Mrs. Jones (I happen to hate that song, though when Paul sings it he does such a good job, I almost forget I hate that song.)

That was Friday.

Saturday was a big party at some friends house. I did my obligatory eating, drinking and being merry. It was fun. I like and despise this time of year for the social engagements that crop up. I am the first in line for a gathering of friends, but during the holidays it almost gets to be too much. I know, I should stop my belly aching and be happy I even have friends to celebrate with. I'm just sayin....

Sunday, Blueberry and I had dinner with some college friends. They bought this fantastic house 4 years ago and we are just getting around to getting down there. It was good clean fun to sit and get caught up with them. We made the "promise" to try to see each other more than once a year. But you know how that goes.

I got to thinking on Saturday about my reputation. One of the guests said something to me about my "reputation" being at stake (I don't even recall the details of the conversation, so don't ask) and it got me thinking about what my reputation actually is. While I know what the word means, I called on my old friend Merriam to tell me what it really means.

1 a: overall quality or character as seen or judged by people in general

b: recognition by other people of some characteristic or ability

2: a place in public esteem or regard : good name

Hmmm? I had thought my character drove my reputation to some extent, but it never really crossed my mind that other people have control, almost as much as I do, over my reputation.

A couple of weeks ago I did an online version of the Johari Window. The basic concept of this exercise is to map personality awareness. You basically describe yourself first from a list of adjectives, then you ask friends, family, co-workers etc to describe you from the same list. Once mapped out you get a grid with four quadrants: Known to Self/Known to others, Known to Self/Not known to others, Not Known to Self/Known to others and Not Known to Self/Not Known to others.

In my window there were a few in the Not Known to Self, but known to others quadrant that I felt I knew about me (friendly, witty, trustworthy, giving, etc) and a few surprises of what people knew about me that I didn't know about myself (able, adaptable, complex, logical, observant etc). The "Facade" quadrant had Proud as the only word to describe me that I Knew about myself, but others didn't know about me (well until just now).

I guess my point is, that it's an interesting exercise to think about what your reputation is and how it differs from people to people. My reputation at work, I'm sure, differs from my reputation with my friends (there probably is some overlap, but generally speaking). And do I need to investigate what that reputation is and make changes to it? What reputation do I want to have? Inquiring minds want to know. And I think 2008 may be the year to seriously think about it.

It's a GIRL

But of course we knew that before the blessed day.

Everyone, I'd like you to meet my second great niece, Nadia RaeAnn. Born yesterday at 3:35PM St. Louis time. Niece and great niece are both doing fine. I've demanded more pictures already, so stay tuned for them.

In the meantime, you can enlighten yourself with this ... I was tagged by Freak Magnet (and I'm not sure I forgive her yet).

(1) Each player starts with eight random facts/habits about themselves.

(2) People who are tagged need to write a post on their own blog (about their eight things) and post these rules.

(3) At the end of your blog, you need to choose eight people to get tagged and list their names

1. I haven't completely, 100% let go of the XXXcrush yet. Blasted name keeps popping up in my mind.

2. I stalk DMQ.

3. I have two dads. Biological father and the wonderful man who raised me. I only have one mom though - thank god. Twice the mom guilt I could not handle.

4. I have 4 nephews, 4 nieces, 2 great nieces, and a partridge in a pear tree

5. I am100% comfortable in my current career as PMQ. Though secretly I hope to one day actually live up to my reputation.

6. I think it's a tough job being so gorgeous, but someone has to do it.

7. Sometimes I laugh out loud at the expression my crazy cat gets on his face.

8. I am $350 away from being debt free (minus the monthly car payment).

So I tag: PMDude (hoping this will get him to blog), Rabitt (just because), Captain Sarcastic (do I dare?), the MomUnit, Ken/Vicki, BeagleBabe, that's all I've got who blog...unless I count Santa and Jesus like Freak Magnet.

I'm a Cheater

I did it. I cheated. I never EVER thought I would, but I did.

I cheated on Dudley Manlove. Now in my defense, a girl HAS to get her band on, and when DMQ isn't available for said girl to get her said band on, said girl must take matters into her own hands.

I thought I'd feel terrible about cheating, but in fact, come to find out, I'm A-Okay with it. Does that make me a bad stalker?

So what, you ask, type of band possessed me to cheat on my band? The Blokes of course. The husband of a gal in the office plays in this band. She too is a DMQ fan, though not nearly as over the top as I am, and she suggested I come see them. She was sure I'd like them. And like them I did.

Them Blokes! do British cover songs (Side bar: I seem to suddenly be surrounded by all things British. Not that that's a bad thing, I'm just sayin'.) Tom Jones, The Beatles, Snow Patrol, Elvis Costello, Van Morrison, and Olivia Newton-John. What? She sorta sounds British.

I mention Miss Newton-John because the funniest song they sang all night was "You're the One that I want" with a strong Scottish brogue. Two guys doing the duet, both with "ugly hair" prop on, singing with a Scottish brogue...hilarious. "You're the one that I want - Oy."

And in other news, I'm feeling extraordinarily stressed at work. This place has turned into Chatty Kathy's home away from home. I miss our quiet-ness we once had when there were only PMDude and I. It was quiet. I was productive. Now we have somehow managed to hire loud, very talkative people who feel the need to socialize at very high volumes. It's just not fair! I want my money back!

And on every street corner you hear....

DMQ Rocks!

Last night, as you know because you're avid readers, was the Dudley Holiday show. The Holiday show is my second favorite show - after the Halloween show of course. Blueberry was my fortunate sidekick for this show and we got our holiday groove on with our special red antlers.

Blueberry - god bless her - piped up and asked the bassist a question about their Christmas CD which prompted a good 15 minute conversation with Steve. Out of all the members of DMQ Steve is one that I've not had a chance to actually speak with.

He's very amusing and seemed to enjoy listening to us babble about our love for their band. In fact, humble is what I felt he was. They have local stardom to be sure, but Steve seemed to be very humble about the enjoyment they provide to their fans. Oh and once I mentioned to Steve I was 1) the flamingo from Halloween and 2) "jennwraspir" I swear to you a light bulb went off and he was all, "Ohhh it's you." He commented on how often my name shows up on their blog and what not. Hmmm? Stalker? Me thinks not.

Following the conversation with Steve, Craig - the lead guitar player - was ordering a beer near us and I struck up a conversation. Also, a very friendly, charming man. I always enjoy chatting up the guys in this band and asking questions about the band and their experiences. It's clear they do enjoy what they do and that none of them thought they'd be around 13 years after their first gig. Craig commented on enjoying the videos on my blog from the Halloween show. Suddenly I thought about all the DMQ comments I've made on this blog and wondered if there was any incriminating evidence to my stalker-ness. I did also comment to Craig that I was working on stalker status in a selfish attempt to get a discount on them for my 40th birthday. He seemed amused at the minimum.

But the most important part of the show was the singing of the Grinch. It was the ONLY song I really had to hear. And the boys did not disappoint.

The did a few new songs this show - songs I actually knew and liked - as well as some older songs they've done for years. The ended the second set with my ALL TIME FAVORITE Dudley song combo - Ring of Fire and I wanna Be Sedated. Seems like an odd combination, but I assure you it's a medley that gets the place rocking.

Speaking of the place rockin, Blueberry and I had "issues" with a few characters in the crowd. First and foremost we think there was "Munchkins Night Out". I swear to you as a not so tall person (well average height) that there were some seriously short people there last night. And by seriously short I mean, 4 foot - maybe. I was starting to get a little munchkin phobia going on. They were everywhere!

In front of me during the first set, we had a gal I amusingly labeled "Chicken Dancer". Her dance "technique" involved bouncing/bobbing her head like a chicken, and flapping her arms about like one would do if one was doing the chicken dance.

An unexpected issue arose last night that caused our night to be cut a bit shorter than I would normally have liked. Remember a few days ago in which I showed my graceful personality and bit it in the parking lot? Well, my right leg has a 6" bruise / scrapes / cuts on my shin, and my right knee is black and blue and red all over. I hadn't anticipated the pounding of the bass through the speakers would aggravate my bruise. Each little movement caused a bit of pain. That coupled with me "dancing" about and standing for 2 hours my right leg ached like mad after the second set. And so Blueberry and I decided to call it a night.

Is it considered insane to put potato chips into your sandwich before each bite? I'm not saying I do that, I might depending on the sammy. I'm SURE there are other's out there who are equally as odd. I do other odd things with regards to food that I'm sure just adds to my character.

PMDude is finally back in the office after being gone for what seemed like an eternity. His escape was legitimate though as he had to play dad to the world's cutest new baby girl - PM Newborn. I see she gets her looks from her dad.

I joke, but PMDude has been missed here. I've had to deal with the Pond Scum team (aka Sales) all by myself in this cube. A girl can only handle so much you know.

And in celebration of his return, I receive this email from him upon my return from lunch:

*************************************************

So Skippy's cell phone rings about 10 min after you left.

The ringtone is some Alice in Chains song and VERY LOUD.

The following exchange ensued:


Creed (Waits till Skippy answers then he says): Hm. … could barely hear that.

PMDude: (Busts out laughing really hard)

Skippy: (turns down a job offer on the phone really loud, hangs up): You guys don’t like Alice in Chains? Lane Staylee is a talented vocalist

Creed: I think I’m downloading an air horn for my cell phone ringer. It would be less noticeable than yours.”

Skippy: I forgot to silence my cell phone this morning.

Creed: Oh Really?


The End

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The world's most perfect job seems to be stretching my noggin in a ways my noggin doesn't stretch. Budgets. Blech! I really REALLY really need to get a grip on numbers. My hatred for math goes way back. Though I suppose budgets aren't really math as much as they are creative accounting. I can be creative. It's the explaining to the powers that be how it is I came to such numbers. I wonder if I can tell them an alien from another planet come to me in a dream and provided me with said numbers. That wouldn't be too far from the truth at this point.

In other worldly news, I bit it in the Fred Meyer parking lot yesterday. Oh no, I'm fine, thanks for asking. The MomUnit, however, instead of providing me with sympathy proceeds remind me of an ill-fated time I bit it in another parking lot only that time I took her out with me. Me thinks that was early karma for her laughing at me this time.

Merry HO Hoo

Well my chickens, last night was the great office holiday party of 2007. I was unsure if this festive occasion would, in fact, be held considering the considerable flooding in our area and the office participants who were bailing due to weather. But even though the winery is in the flood zone we were safe. Office parties are amusing to me. Not only do you get to see your colleagues in an environment you’re not used to seeing them in (assuming, like me, you don’t socialize with your office mates), but you get to meet significant others. For me this is the fun and often scary part. Many times I just tilt my head and think, “huh, I never would have put those two together.” Last night was no exception. I won’t go into details for fear of incriminating myself should this blog be found by some annoying types at work, but let me just say I’ve never been in the presence of a mail order bride.

Ahem.

We had our holiday party at Chateau Ste Michelle winery here in Woodinville. You know Woodinville, the flooding in Seattle that’s been on the national news…that’s Woodinville. Anyhow, the Chateau has been there since 1900. They had to add to the Chateau as they expanded the winery so some of the buildings (the one in this photo for example) were only built in the 50’s. The house we had our party in was built in 1907. They are beautiful grounds they have there. In the summer they do concerts there, expensive concerts, but it is so worth it.

In other blog worthy news, DMQ is doing their holiday show on Friday night. You realize that this is my second favorite DMQ show. I know I say every show is my favorite…but this show they sing the GRINCH, which happens to be my favorite Christmas movie and song. No it doesn’t say anything about my attitude during the holidays, I happen to love Christmas. They also do a medley song of Christmas carols that everyone knows and love. In that medley they do this song. Which I admit I didn’t even realize was a real song until I decided to YouTube it. Of course, it’s country. What other genre would beg daddy to not get drunk during Christmas?

The Rain in Spain falls mainly in Seattle

I have a song stuck in my head (Shut it PMDude) and its there because someone said "Pineapple Express", which naturally led to "Put the lime in the coconut." ahem...

Anyhow....In case you aren't good a maps, Washington is the state just below the Vancouver arrow. (You want fries with that?)

They say in Seattle if you don’t like the weather, just wait 5 minutes and it will change. This weekend was clearly a defining moment in our weather definition. ( Is that redundancy from the dept of redundant behavior?)

Friday it was cold, oh so cold, and grey. Nothing really in part of precipitation. The drama filled news of the area warned everyone of the winter storm that was about to blow in. (Please read that last sentence with high drama). I laughed at them. I chuckled as I fell asleep. Winter storm, right! Whatever.

Saturday I was greeted with, yet again cold , but sunny weather (32F or lower at times). Still no sign of this so called “storm”. And so I sat all snugly and warm in my apt watching Christmas movies and finishing up my Christmas cards. Taking a break I stood up and I glanced out my window…my god…it’s snowing. Oh boy was it snowing. And snow it did. And snowed and snowed and snowed. By gosh golly them news was right. Now, it can stop. Anytime now. The snow can stop. Stop! STOP! I demand it.

By 9pm that night I had 4 inches of snow. Big wet flakes were still falling and the “news” people were saying it was going to turn to rain. “Hah,” I thought! I was sure I’d never dig the Mustang out to get to work on Monday. I opted for sleep over snow watching.

Sunday morning it was raining, a bit, snow and rain mixed at first. Then the rain cam down. It was raining so hard that there was a small river running down my street. It rained all bloody day. Not just a little rain, but serious go get um rain. The kind if you ever think about running to the car you’ll be drenched rain. The good kind. Now it can stop. It’s been raining non-stop since yesterday morning, again, not just piddle little rain, REAL rain. We've had 5 inches since 9 pm last night.

I know what you all are thinking, “but Jenn it rains in Seattle.” And you’d be kinda right. Really it’s just more over cast here than anywhere else. See rain causes issues. Drains get clogged, streets fill up with water, we flood and people drive like idiots.

To top this all off it's the eve of our holiday party and we are facing yet another storm from the Pineapple Express. Great. The holiday party last year was on the same night as the massive wind storm we had that knocked out power everywhere for days. Now this year, rain and floods. What gives! Our party will be at a local winery that happens to be in a flood plain. Oh goody. Can't wait for them to say they have to cancel the party due to salmon fluttering across the flooded roadways.

That's it, I’m calling Noah.

First Snow of the Winter

Y'all know how I love to hate the snow. The weather forecasters yesterday indicated we'd have up to 3 inches here in the hood. I dare say, I didn't believe them. And yet, as I sit here drinking a hot toddy (what? I'm sick. It's the best sick drink there is.) with my so delightful fire, my Christmas tree all aglow, no plans to go anywhere (though it's Claudia's 40th birthday party I have to miss today due to sickness. Happy 40th Claudia!) I can only sing LET IT SNOW! LET IT SNOW! LET IT SNOW!

I had to take the garbage out and so while walking the 4 miles to my garbage can (a slight exaggeration) I took my camera and my new 18-200mm lens with me. It's been snowing since 2 or so and coming down relatively strongly. While I hate the idea of the stang having deal with snow, I sure love the look of the white stuff.

Still harboring this blasted cold. The sickness has moved its way up and I'm now berry congested. But I have everything I need to survive this cold snap: cough drops, NyQuil, fire, hot toddy (or hot chocolate too in case I get too drunk), chicken soup, kleenex and Rattatouie movie.