Yes, kids I'm still sick. I hate it. I hate not being able to do things. And I hate being completely tied to the end of a Kleenex. BTW, you should buy stock in Kleenex considering my current situation.
And what is my current stats:
(you know you want to know)
2 bag of Halls Defense Vitamin C cough drops - they're da bomb
15 calories per drop and about 30 drops per bag...you do the math. But since I'm not eating anything I figured all calories through cough drops and cough syrup are fine.
2 boxes Kleenex - working on the third.
2 quarts miso soup
lost count of the amount of water and ice tea I've had.
Approximately 80 hours of sleep in the last 72 hours.
1 bottle of NyQuil - working on my second. They were small bottles so relax
And lastly, one hot totty. I had to. I remember way back when, my dad made me one when I was sick. Totally knocked me out and I slept for hours. Woke up feeling 10X better.
15 - the number of cold remedies people have recommended to me. (one being eating a whole clove of raw garlic - which I may just have to do.)
Finally, I'm siding with the Patron Saint on this one, it amazes me just how much snot a body can make. Easily 20 lbs of snot. Easily.
I am, finally, at work today, for at least a few hours. If I don't work I don't get paid...and if I don't get paid, then I don't eat...which I guess isn't a bad thing.
Tuesday, March 06, 2007
Saturday, March 03, 2007
I'm sick and its not berry fuddy!
The snow is gone, thank god. But in its place we have rain. Which I don't care one bit about.What I do care about is this nasty cold that has taken old of me. It came on fast and appears to be settling in for the long haul. I hate being sick. Not that anyone really "likes" it, but I think some people tolerate it better than others. I hate it because it slows me down.
I think I might have mixed cold medicines last night and probably shouldn't have. I had some wicked wicked dreams and woke up to a phone ringing, a friend calling me to find out where I was. I was supposed to meet her for breakfast and I completely forgot. The cold medicine fog. Its similar to the post drinking fog, but this isn't nearly as much fun.
A friend recommended Zycam to battle the cold. So I took that yesterday and didn't pay attention to when. Then when I hit the bed at 6:30 PM I took a big, long, swig of Nyquil. (God's gift to the sick). The combination I think might have contributed to weird dreams I had...and I know it contributed to the foggy brain this morning.
I'm beat. I'm gonna go take a cough drop and settle into my new flaming blanky (Thanks Vicky! I love it by the way) and watch the food channel all day.
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
For the LOVE of Pete...enough already
Enough! No really, stop it! Quit it!
I know my "whining" about snow is nothing by comparison to the wicked weather other parts of the country are getting. But Seattle rarely, if ever, gets snow. And we've had our fair share of it this year. I've decided I'm packing it all up (the snow that is) and sending it to Kansas, where it belongs. Or North Dakota. They surely need it.
If you couldn't tell yet, but it snowed again today. Mother Nature really has been in a fowl (foul, fawl, fowel?) mood.
For all those who believe that global warming is bunk...I will gladly throw a snow ball in your face.
Skid Marks in the toilet bowl of humanity
My bad, for not getting all the jackasses information. This is true. But I went with the idea that perhaps, people, in general, are honest. Why not give humanity a chance to prove to me that they are an honest lot? Instead of being cynical and critical and not believing a complete stranger. Why not give this complete stranger a chance to prove to me that people are not germs? I believed BeemerBoy when he stated that he had integrity and was an honest person and that he'd follow this through. Uh huh! Right!Previous blogs I mentioned that I was going to practice the positive attitude thing. Unfortunately this is a situation isn't helping prove to me that positive energy out means positive energy back. I'm not ready to throw in the towel though on this idea. Not yet anyhow. But give me a few more weeks.
I can only blame myself really. I was taught that when in an accident get all the information. ALL of it! Yet I allowed myself to be distracted and allowed myself to believe BeemerBoy and now I probably am going to have to pay the price for it. (Roughly $700 + the cost of a rental car). Damn BeemerBoy.
I do, however, hold solice that BeemberBoy will get his. I, obviously won't be around to witness it, but he will get his. I believe the universe holds true to at least negative energy out = negative energy back. I'm still waiting for the proof of positive energey out = positive energy back.
Either way you look at it, BeemerBoy is a jackass!
Friday, February 23, 2007
Thursday, February 22, 2007
the Stang is "officially" broken in
First a history lesson. In 1999 I purchased a 2000 Mustang Coup. My baby. I adored that car - much like I adore my current Mustang. Then in October of 2000 I got rear ended and they totaled the Stang. I was heart broken. Much like the new stang.
No, it hasn't been totaled, but yes I got rear ended today. I'm fine - thanks for asking. But more importantly the baby is fine.
The "irony" here is what got me laughing at this whole stupid event.
We have here, and I'm sure other places do too, metered on ramps. I was rolling along waiting patiently for my turn for the green light. About three cars in front of me. The thought that literally crossed my mind is how easy it would be to roll into the person in front of you if you weren't paying attention. Then WHAM I get it.
I literally say out loud in my car, "You've got to f*cking be kidding me." I pull to the side. The guy who hit me gets out of his car, his hands clasped to the side of his head shaking it as if he couldn't believe it. Then I hear it. I hear music blaring from the inside of his car. The song, Dulcinea from Man of La Mancha. I mean really, what are the odds?
The guy proceeds to tell me he was listening to this song when he saw my license plates (remember they say Dulcnea) and he couldn't believe that he was listening to that song and saw the plates, and he completely missed my brake lights.
I was dumb founded. (When I told my mom this story what was her question? Not "Are you okay?" Not "how's the car?" No. Her first question was, "Did he have a ring?" My mother. Subtle isn't she?)
Anyhow, I am still a bit amazed at the irony involved in getting hit by a guy playing Dulcinea because he was staring up my tail pipe (that sounds bad, doesn't it?)
But as I said, the car is fine. Not even a scratch. He really didn't hit me that hard, we weren't going but a half of a mile per hour. I feel fine. I do feel a bit tight and sore, but can't determine if it was post work out pain or car hitting pain.
No, it hasn't been totaled, but yes I got rear ended today. I'm fine - thanks for asking. But more importantly the baby is fine.
The "irony" here is what got me laughing at this whole stupid event.
We have here, and I'm sure other places do too, metered on ramps. I was rolling along waiting patiently for my turn for the green light. About three cars in front of me. The thought that literally crossed my mind is how easy it would be to roll into the person in front of you if you weren't paying attention. Then WHAM I get it.
I literally say out loud in my car, "You've got to f*cking be kidding me." I pull to the side. The guy who hit me gets out of his car, his hands clasped to the side of his head shaking it as if he couldn't believe it. Then I hear it. I hear music blaring from the inside of his car. The song, Dulcinea from Man of La Mancha. I mean really, what are the odds?
The guy proceeds to tell me he was listening to this song when he saw my license plates (remember they say Dulcnea) and he couldn't believe that he was listening to that song and saw the plates, and he completely missed my brake lights.
I was dumb founded. (When I told my mom this story what was her question? Not "Are you okay?" Not "how's the car?" No. Her first question was, "Did he have a ring?" My mother. Subtle isn't she?)
Anyhow, I am still a bit amazed at the irony involved in getting hit by a guy playing Dulcinea because he was staring up my tail pipe (that sounds bad, doesn't it?)
But as I said, the car is fine. Not even a scratch. He really didn't hit me that hard, we weren't going but a half of a mile per hour. I feel fine. I do feel a bit tight and sore, but can't determine if it was post work out pain or car hitting pain.
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
All you wanted to know about me and high school
This particular questionnaire has impeccable timing. As discussions are ramping up for the planning of my TWENTY YEAR reunion. I still have a hard time believing it's been twenty years. Seems almost impossible.
Who was your best friend?
Oh heavens. I guess I would have to say it would depend on the year and the high school. But for the most part, its safe to say one/all of the following: Billie, Laura, Tammy, Vicky, Christy, Claudia, MikeG, and Jorga.
What sports did you play?
Volleyball and marching band / rifles (yes marching band was a sport – I got out of PE for it)
What kind of car did you drive?
1971 Ford Country Squire station wagon with wood paneling. It was da bomb. It got 8 gallons to the mile. No lie.
It's Friday night, where were you?
Field shows at the football games. Or in later high school years at the “disco” – we had dances every Friday night at TASIS.
Were you a party animal?
I saved that for college.
Were you considered a flirt?
I wouldn’t say that. Though I thought I was flirting a lot – only to find out recently that, in fact, I suck at flirting.
Ever skip school?
Only once. Senior Skip day. Me and a few friends went to Nice for the weekend. I got to play volleyball on the beach, well on a cement platform on the beach, with guys in speedo’s. All of whom said in heavy French accents, “but girls do not play volleyball.” Yah um – step aside Pepe…this girl does.
Were you in any clubs?
Aside from my own personal clubs that me and a few friends created, not really. Though I was an active participant in my local church group. OH and I was on the yearbook staff at Redmond and later at TASIS. That counts, right?
Suspended?
If I ever were I certainly would be a live to be writing about it now!
Can you sing the fight song?
Who had fight songs in high school? I do, however, have letters from each high school I attended. If I were to get a letterman’s jacket for all of them I’d look like Joseph wearing is amazing technocolored jacket.
Who was your favorite teacher?
That would be Mrs. Penn at Quartz Hill (sophomore year) Mrs. Lucini and Mr. Whisnant at TASIS. In fact, Mrs. Penn and I still correspond.
What was your favorite class?
Lunch
What was your school's full name?
Well let’s see
9th Grade – Antelope Valley High School
10th Grade – Quartz Hill High School and Redmond High School
11th Grade – Redmond High School and The American School in Switzerland (TASIS)
12th Grade – The American School in Switzerland.
Side Note: I'd like to comment that when I was attending these schools we didn't have websites, nor was the internet really around. Which makes me wonder how on earth did we EVER get school work done, or know anything about what was going on.
School mascot?
AV = The antelopes - dah
QH = Home of the Rebels
Redmond High Mustangs and
TASIS – er ah – Mike? Any idea? I don’t think we had a mascot, unless you count the townies.
Did you go to dances?
Like Yah. To this day, I regret not asking Mike Pomerleau to the Saddie Hawkins before Denise whatever did. I rarely went with a date, usually a girl friend and I. And in my early years you could find me firmly planted against the wall praying no one would ask me to dance, unless it was Mike P of course. If you could go back and do it over again, would you? I would do TASIS again. And I’d take with me my photography skills and go and see more. All the other high school drama can stay in the past.
What do you remember most about graduation?
It was hot and sunny. My family flying all the way over to Switzerland to watch me graduate. White dresses for the girls and nice suits for the guys. And I soooo wanted to wear a cap and gown, but we didn’t.
Favorite memory of your Senior Year?
Oh god…that was 20 years ago. I’m not sure I can pick one, but my fondest memories are of Mike G / Claudia and Me triangle, ham and cheese sandwiches from Angelos and traveling around Italy.
Were you ever posted up on the senior wall?
WTF? What’s a senior wall? And no, I wouldn’t have been posted on it…unless it was for biggest slacker.
Where did you go most often for lunch?
I don’t remember lunch at AV. At QH Laura and I would frequently split burritos. TASIS lunch was served in the dining room and there were no other options.
Have you gained weight since high school?
Hasn't everyone?
What did you do after graduation?
Traveled around Germany with the family, then flew back to Riyadh Saudi Arabia for the summer. After working there at USMTM (United States Military Training Mission) I came back home to go to WSU.
When did you graduate? June 5, 1987.
Where are most of your classmates? A planet called Earth (I'm assuming).
Did you have a high school sweetheart?
Well not technically. I did, however, have two major crushes. And their names were Mike (P and G)
Have you changed since?
God I hope so.
Have you been to your high school since you graduated?
I wish. Some day I will visit TASIS again. I did go to the 10 year reunion in Boston and tentatively planning on the 20 year in DC.
Who was your best friend?
Oh heavens. I guess I would have to say it would depend on the year and the high school. But for the most part, its safe to say one/all of the following: Billie, Laura, Tammy, Vicky, Christy, Claudia, MikeG, and Jorga.
What sports did you play?
Volleyball and marching band / rifles (yes marching band was a sport – I got out of PE for it)
What kind of car did you drive?
1971 Ford Country Squire station wagon with wood paneling. It was da bomb. It got 8 gallons to the mile. No lie.
It's Friday night, where were you?
Field shows at the football games. Or in later high school years at the “disco” – we had dances every Friday night at TASIS.
Were you a party animal?
I saved that for college.
Were you considered a flirt?
I wouldn’t say that. Though I thought I was flirting a lot – only to find out recently that, in fact, I suck at flirting.
Ever skip school?
Only once. Senior Skip day. Me and a few friends went to Nice for the weekend. I got to play volleyball on the beach, well on a cement platform on the beach, with guys in speedo’s. All of whom said in heavy French accents, “but girls do not play volleyball.” Yah um – step aside Pepe…this girl does.
Were you in any clubs?
Aside from my own personal clubs that me and a few friends created, not really. Though I was an active participant in my local church group. OH and I was on the yearbook staff at Redmond and later at TASIS. That counts, right?
Suspended?
If I ever were I certainly would be a live to be writing about it now!
Can you sing the fight song?
Who had fight songs in high school? I do, however, have letters from each high school I attended. If I were to get a letterman’s jacket for all of them I’d look like Joseph wearing is amazing technocolored jacket.
Who was your favorite teacher?
That would be Mrs. Penn at Quartz Hill (sophomore year) Mrs. Lucini and Mr. Whisnant at TASIS. In fact, Mrs. Penn and I still correspond.
What was your favorite class?
Lunch
What was your school's full name?
Well let’s see
9th Grade – Antelope Valley High School
10th Grade – Quartz Hill High School and Redmond High School
11th Grade – Redmond High School and The American School in Switzerland (TASIS)
12th Grade – The American School in Switzerland.
Side Note: I'd like to comment that when I was attending these schools we didn't have websites, nor was the internet really around. Which makes me wonder how on earth did we EVER get school work done, or know anything about what was going on.
School mascot?
AV = The antelopes - dah
QH = Home of the Rebels
Redmond High Mustangs and
TASIS – er ah – Mike? Any idea? I don’t think we had a mascot, unless you count the townies.
Did you go to dances?
Like Yah. To this day, I regret not asking Mike Pomerleau to the Saddie Hawkins before Denise whatever did. I rarely went with a date, usually a girl friend and I. And in my early years you could find me firmly planted against the wall praying no one would ask me to dance, unless it was Mike P of course. If you could go back and do it over again, would you? I would do TASIS again. And I’d take with me my photography skills and go and see more. All the other high school drama can stay in the past.
What do you remember most about graduation?
It was hot and sunny. My family flying all the way over to Switzerland to watch me graduate. White dresses for the girls and nice suits for the guys. And I soooo wanted to wear a cap and gown, but we didn’t.
Favorite memory of your Senior Year?
Oh god…that was 20 years ago. I’m not sure I can pick one, but my fondest memories are of Mike G / Claudia and Me triangle, ham and cheese sandwiches from Angelos and traveling around Italy.
Were you ever posted up on the senior wall?
WTF? What’s a senior wall? And no, I wouldn’t have been posted on it…unless it was for biggest slacker.
Where did you go most often for lunch?
I don’t remember lunch at AV. At QH Laura and I would frequently split burritos. TASIS lunch was served in the dining room and there were no other options.
Have you gained weight since high school?
Hasn't everyone?
What did you do after graduation?
Traveled around Germany with the family, then flew back to Riyadh Saudi Arabia for the summer. After working there at USMTM (United States Military Training Mission) I came back home to go to WSU.
When did you graduate? June 5, 1987.
Where are most of your classmates? A planet called Earth (I'm assuming).
Did you have a high school sweetheart?
Well not technically. I did, however, have two major crushes. And their names were Mike (P and G)
Have you changed since?
God I hope so.
Have you been to your high school since you graduated?
I wish. Some day I will visit TASIS again. I did go to the 10 year reunion in Boston and tentatively planning on the 20 year in DC.
Saturday, February 17, 2007
Happy 24th Birthday to Me!
Yes that's right my lovelies. I'm 24 - Two & 4 - Twenty - Four TODAY.
No really. I am.
No lie.
I know. I know. I just complained about turning 38 in December. But today I'm 24.
Today is the day my dad and I celebrate the day he adopted me. 24 years ago today he decided that he wanted to be responsible for me as a father figure. (I am still not 100% sure what he was smoking that day, but whatever!)
Through the years we have both grown - mentally and most certainly physically. We've seen the world together, experiencing some of the most memorable moments of my life.
And what did I get as a birthday gift from dad? A Vermont Teddy Bear. Oddly I had never heard of these little creatures. But on Valentine's Day a co-worker got one from her husband. And now today I get one. Ain't he cute?
So Valentine's Day came and went and I truly believe shelling out the love that day brought love back to me. I picked up a box of Russell Stover chocolates for Blueberry (aka Cousin). Her dad used to buy her a box of chocolates every VD. Being that her dad passed away last April, I thought I'd pick up that tradition for him. She was thrilled. Even more thrilled that I bought the smaller box rather than the bigger box for caloric reasons.
Then from Blueberry I got two Starbuck special order cupcakes. Delish. Here are the cupcakes. My apologies that they look half eaten. It wasn't until we were chowing down on them I thought about taking a picture.Wednesday, February 14, 2007
HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY EVERYONE!!!!
Now, those of you who know me are probably waiting for the sarcastic, though witty, remark about how I hate Valentine's Day. And it's true I have treated this holiday with a certain degree of disdain. But no'mo!One of my favorite songs of all time is Depeche Mode's song "Somebody." It has explained for years how I feel about love. If you haven't heard it, the song is a love song...sorta. It starts off sounding all beautiful and lovely. The singer basically telling the world how much he loves this person, and how much this person makes him feel complete. Then the last line of the song,
"Things like this. Make me sick. In a case like this, I get away with it."
See, it's really saying its all crap. And that my loverlies is how I've seen love.
I thought I had it once, but come to find out that it was a mirage. And that added to my lack of belief in love.
I could go down a list of men/boys that I've felt compelled to share my heart with - who sadly may not have felt the same - and that added to it.
All of it. Lack of love stacked on lack of love, each being a brick that I've successfully built around this beautiful heart that is mine.
Now, that's not to say I don't love people...because I do...I just don't want to love and feel love because that = pain. And pain is no good.
And that is how my thought process has worked all these years. But, as I stated above, no' mo'!
That's right kids, you read it first here. Jennifer is going to find the love. I'm going to exude love and I guarantee you it'll come back to me ten fold. The negativity I have been spewing for years has. So why can't the same work for love.
I watched Oprah the other day and she had a panel on there talking about "The Secret". I don't normally give a whole lot of thought about things on Oprah, but it was one of those *things* that someone said that made me think about my existence.
I've long since believed that everything comes to us for a reason. Religious folks would argue that there's a "plan" already laid out and that's why. But for me, I think it's more that all things are connected. You've heard the phrase, "what goes around comes around". And it's true. Though its usually used in negative terms. But what if its true for positive energy too. What if, you feel the love, you'll get the love?
And so, I'm doing an experiment. I'm trying to feel the love! I'm trying to take what I normally would be cynical and sarcastic toward and turn it around. It won't happen over night, and I don't expect it to. But what if the vibe I've been sending off to the world is that of negativity and lack of love? What if I send off a different vibe - a smellier vibe - that smells of love?
Anything that happens to me is within my reach to change. I've always hated people who play the victim. The person who blames the world for all their problems in their life. So maybe now its time to stop playing the victim with regard to love. Maybe its time to be the love. Feel the love and take the love.
Can you feel it? It nauseating isn't it. But it's gotta feel good!
Monday, February 12, 2007
It's Electric!
I think I might have a magnetic personality. Oddness sometimes follows me. It collects and pools at my feet and then explodes all over. Let's take today for example. Actually, let's start with last night.
The Big Black Beast of Burden (BBBB) who lives with me (aka Pookie) last night was slinking around the place. He gets in this low rider mode when things freak him out. So all night he was spooked, with this wild-eye'd look on his face. I was convinced we were going to have an earthquake.
Then this morning I woke up and my alarm clock was flashing. Odd. So I got up and checked the cell phone and set its alarm. Still no power when I got up. So I went off to the gym to get ready...the only place I knew of that had power. And my blow dryer didn't work. Very strange.
Anyhow, I progressed through my day and suddenly I open the door to our office on the way back from lunch and we lose power. Now we're all working on half power. Like a brown out or something.
I'm starting to think its me and that maybe I shouldn't drive the stang.
The Big Black Beast of Burden (BBBB) who lives with me (aka Pookie) last night was slinking around the place. He gets in this low rider mode when things freak him out. So all night he was spooked, with this wild-eye'd look on his face. I was convinced we were going to have an earthquake.
Then this morning I woke up and my alarm clock was flashing. Odd. So I got up and checked the cell phone and set its alarm. Still no power when I got up. So I went off to the gym to get ready...the only place I knew of that had power. And my blow dryer didn't work. Very strange.
Anyhow, I progressed through my day and suddenly I open the door to our office on the way back from lunch and we lose power. Now we're all working on half power. Like a brown out or something.
I'm starting to think its me and that maybe I shouldn't drive the stang.
Sunday, February 11, 2007
Red red wine you make me feel so fine
The Anti-Valentine's Day Wine tasting party was, I think, a success. As I mentioned the usual suspects were in attendance. I made a kickass meal (Chicken with Mustard Marscapone Sauce) and we had an abundance of wine. Note on the wine picture the bottles with dust. Mark and Vanessa brought them with the dust to show that they were "vintage". Even though they really weren't all that "vintage."I went to Central Market to buy the ingredients for the dinner and decided to browse through their wine section. A dangerous thing to be sure. This time a tad bit more dangerous. I know you're wondering why. I can tell. I have ESP or something. Central Market has the HOTTEST Wine Guy ever (HWGE). He caught my eye and sauntered over to ask if he could help me.
"Um yah, you can help me." I say while I think, "Oh you're the one who's gonna need help."
I explained to him what I was doing and he proceeded to show me 4 bottles of wine. Three of which I couldn't live without. So I bought them. I'm only human you see. The HWGE said they were good, I had to take him at his word. He wouldn't lie to me.Cousin won the prize for the best White. AND... cousin went to Central Market too. She too had the HWGE talk her into a bottle of wine. Her wine: Esporao Reserva 2004.
Mark and Vanessa won the prize for the best red. Their wine: Hogue Cabernet Sauvignon 1997 from Columbia Valley. Very tasty.
I spent a good part of today getting scrapbook pages together to take with me next weekend to a crop. In the process I found these pictures.
1975 - Look! I actually work a bikini once in my life. Left to Right: My older sister Melanie, Mom (Hotty!),
Me (Hotty-er) and some lady I don't know.
1975 - Who the hell dressed me?Red shirt, tan pants, and blue socks.
Nice hair mom. That style's back now days
Left to Right: Me, mom, some baby, and sister Melanie
1970 or so: Left to right: me and sister Melanie.
My destiny to be a Cougar at an early age.
(Washington State Univ has a reputation of being a party school and it was).
Saturday, February 10, 2007
Let the Anti-VD Day Games Begin
Tonight I'm hosting an anti-Valentine's Day Wine Tasting gathering at my place. The usual suspects will all be in attendance, so it should be "entertaining". In previous years I've had a brunch for Anti-Vd Day (Yes. I realize the word "day" after VD is actually a double dose of "day". As the Patron Saint of Smartmouths says on her blog, "My blog. My rules.")
Yesterday, however, was the Dudley Valentine's Night of Love. Me, not being a huge Valentine's Day person (for my own personal reasons) felt obligated to go see the boys display their pure love to the masses. And display it they did. Though I have to admit, not exactly the most exciting show I've been too, in fact, a little dull.
Now this last picture I took of the darling little black beast of burden that lives with me. My friend Kara was over this last weekend and brought her son Ben with her. Ben found this little cat stuffed animal in my room and brought it out. The cat was made my my grandparents many moons ago. Grandma and Grandpa Spaid decided to make these goofy looking animals for
some extra cash. They had all sorts of animals, but I liked the cat the most. And apparently so does the Pookman. I came home from work and found him using the little cat stuffed animal as a pillow. I thought, momentarily, about moving it
from him, but he looked so peaceful and sleepy I couldn't do it.
Yesterday, however, was the Dudley Valentine's Night of Love. Me, not being a huge Valentine's Day person (for my own personal reasons) felt obligated to go see the boys display their pure love to the masses. And display it they did. Though I have to admit, not exactly the most exciting show I've been too, in fact, a little dull.
And if that's not enough to WoW you (no Ken, that's not War of Witchcraft or whatever the hell its called). How about this new kicken hair due of mine. If you removed my actual face from the picture, I assure you it's a cute haircut. Short and Sassy.
Now this last picture I took of the darling little black beast of burden that lives with me. My friend Kara was over this last weekend and brought her son Ben with her. Ben found this little cat stuffed animal in my room and brought it out. The cat was made my my grandparents many moons ago. Grandma and Grandpa Spaid decided to make these goofy looking animals for
from him, but he looked so peaceful and sleepy I couldn't do it.
Friday, February 09, 2007
Have You Seen My Marbles?
So it really should read, "Have you seen my hair?" But every time I look in the mirror, for some reason yet to be understood at a later therapist session, I think of that old guy in the movie Hook (Schmee) who goes around looking for his marbles.
Anyhow, yes my pretties, I got all my hair chopped off. I'll see about posting a picture this weekend. It was getting unmanageable and boring. Just like me. (Oh wait.) Anyhow, I went to a new stylist yesterday. Brave, I'd say to have a new stylist whack off all your hair, but what the hell.
By the time I left the chair, there was approximately 3 tons of hair on the floor. I couldn't believe it. 6.5 inches off the back. My hair - WAS - just below my collar line and is now about a quart of inch long in the back. The front, though is still relatively long-ish. It's an drastic angle really. Short in back, long in front. Not quite 80's look...after all a scrunchy won't fit in it.
Anyhow, I wanted something stylish, hip, easy and sassy....I think I got all those.
In other news, DMQ Valentine's show tonight. Cousin Sherrie are going to struggle to stay awake long enough to see at least 2 sets.
Oh, and I'm freaking out about my job still. I love it. Can't say enough good things about it. But I'm anxious as virgin bride on her wedding night.
Oh and I just recieved a photo of the house they work out of in the UK. The house is older than the US, if you can believe it. Actually, its not that hard to believe anything in Europe is older than the US.
Tuesday, February 06, 2007
Busy Child
There are certain things about myself that when they happen, I know unequivocally that something is up.For starters, if I'm not hungry then I'm likely sick.
And
If I haven't blogged in more than a day, I'm likely loving my job and too busy to even think of anything coherent to write about.
If I dream about work, then I know I'm in deep.
If I eat weird combinations of food, then I know I'm stressed (for example my dinner of champions tonight was Captain Crunch cereal and Diet Dr. Pepper. No the Diet DP wasn't ON the Captain Crunch...sheesh...I'm not that odd...yet) (and does Captain Crunch tear up anyone elses roof of their mouth?)
I knew this day would come in which all the leisure time of learning and taking my time to do things would end. And it has. Oh boy has it. I reached, officially, 100 emails in my inbox today. That may not seem like a big deal to most, but when you start a new job, your email consumption is way low. And I was waiting, rather hoping, that my email consumption would reach at least something in the vicinity of the rest of the team.
I've been handed a few projects suddenly, and am very glad to have them. Now the real learning can begin. Of course, now the real f*ck up's can now begin too. I've had little mini anxiety attacks related to my abilities to PM. I know that I can do it, and have done it. But there's a nagging little voice (maybe a separate personality for all I know) that keeps piping up and says, "What have you done? You can't do this. You have fooled everyone, and now they'll see you for who you are." Luckily the other Sassy Jenn usually kicks the Miss LackLuster in the butt and it all goes away with a trip to Starbucks.
Of course if you asked the PMDude that I work with, he'd probably laugh at my so called "busy-ness". He's slammed, and I'm so sure that'll be me in a few weeks/days/hours/minutes.
So if you don't hear from me as much as when I had nothing to do at work, its because I am working. Odd, isn't it? They want me to work. The hell.
Ta.
That's British for Bye. I guess.
So if you don't hear from me as much as when I had nothing to do at work, its because I am working. Odd, isn't it? They want me to work. The hell.
Ta.
That's British for Bye. I guess.
Saturday, February 03, 2007
The Baby has new cloths...
Finally.
My baby has new cloths. It's been sad driving around with it all nekked and all. Poor thing.
And in fact it's been awhile since I've given any Mustang update at all. What have I been thinking? I know what you're thinking right now, "When we she EVER get a life so she can stop blogging about that damn car and the damn weather?" It's raining again, but thanks for asking.
Back to the car...she's a beauty still. Dirty, but beautiful. I washed her last week but our parking lot at work is like a dirt road with all the left over gravel from the great snow we had here. So the car becomes very dusty...very. Yesterday, oh wait, today rather we hit 7300 miles. And it's not even 6 months old. Wait? Is it? Aug, Sept, Oct, Nov Dec, Jan...holy crap...I've had the baby for 6 months. YeeHAW! That's Texan for "alrighty then."
But I digress...shocking, I know. New clothes. Yep. That's what she has. A. New. Pair. Of. Clothes. I ordered this particular item in October. Can't ever say that Washington State of licensing isn't fast as lightening. The first pair...lost. Never got them, never to be seen. The second pair - reordered in December - just arrived today. I, naturally, dropped everything and put them on.
Dulcinea [dull sin A "as in hay" a "as in dah"], in case you're wondering is don Quixote's girlfriend. The story goes, and I'm not making this up. Back in college I took a class that was a Seminar on Cervantes - the author of DQ. I joked with my college pals when they'd ask me to go out, I'd say, "Can't. Got a date with Cervantes." And yes mom, I did study, occasionally. Anyhow, somehow it became my favorite book. I decided to name my second car with this prestigious title of Dulcinea. It's followed me on ever car I've owned since (well okay the bank currently "really" owns it). See, Dulcinea was a princess to DQ. He saw her and thought she the most beautiful woman in all the land. He swore then and there that he'd make her his muse. His reason for being a knight errant. Sadly, in real life she, Dulcinea, was a bar tramp. I'm not saying I'm a bar tramp pretending to be a princess...but if the shoe fits. My friend Lars, many years ago, told me I should get a license plate cover that says, "My other personality is Aldonza" (Dulcinea's real name).
And finally this...I give you the song lyrics. (They did a musical called Man of La Mancha in case you're wondering. And in case you're not...too bad)
I have dreamed thee too long,
Never seen thee or touched thee.
But known thee with all of my heart.
Half a prayer, half a song,
Thou hast always been with me,
Though we have been always apart.
Dulcinea... Dulcinea...
I see heaven when I see thee, Dulcinea,
And thy name is like a prayer An angel whispers...
Dulcinea... Dulcinea!
I have sought thee, sung thee,
Dreamed thee, Dulcinea!
Now I've found thee, And the world shall know thy glory, Dulcinea... Dulcinea!
Friday, February 02, 2007
Put on your Big Girl Panties and deal with it.
That is quoted directly from my brother Michael. Today, I fear, finally, I’m going to have to put said panties on. Yes, boys and girls, I’ve gone kicking and screaming, but alas, I think I must grow up and deal with an enormous problem that has plagued me for years.
Money. Management.
Now in previous years, managing my funds was easy. There wasn’t any. Oh sure a few scraps of a dollar here an there. But for the most part, no $$ to really manage. Plus then I got paid on a very regular schedule so you could make $50 stretch for two weeks, easily.
Last year was the grand-daddy year. I got paid EVERY THURSDAY. That. Rocks. I could make a large chunk payment toward any credit card wishing for my $$ and still be fine, generally only have to suffer through a weekend of perhaps not doing anything outside my apt.
Now, working for this new company, I am a contractor for 3-6 months first, then a full time employee. The new contract company I’m working for pays every other Friday. A bit more challenging for me to manage $$ and schedule my bills accordingly, but I’ll survive. AND in the month of March, I’ll get paid THREE Times. One of those paychecks is, for all intensive purposes, free $$.
Ah…. Not so fast electric money spender.
Assuming I go FTE in April as planned, then this is where it gets interesting. The new company pays every MONTH. Yes, you read that correctly and I almost choked as I typed it. They get paid monthly. Do you know what this is going to do to me? I’m going to have to *gasp* save! And *gasp* budget. And *gasp* think ahead. By the last day of each month I’ll be eating crumbs off my kitchen floor.
The best part of this equation is that I should “officially” be hired as an FTE on April 3rd. Which means, you guessed it, I have to way until May 1st for a paycheck. Which now also means that that so-called “free paycheck” in March, ain’t so free now. AND…I have to pay taxes this year.
Me thinks I need a drink. And since it’ll be my last one, I’m gonna make it a big one.
Money. Management.
Now in previous years, managing my funds was easy. There wasn’t any. Oh sure a few scraps of a dollar here an there. But for the most part, no $$ to really manage. Plus then I got paid on a very regular schedule so you could make $50 stretch for two weeks, easily.
Last year was the grand-daddy year. I got paid EVERY THURSDAY. That. Rocks. I could make a large chunk payment toward any credit card wishing for my $$ and still be fine, generally only have to suffer through a weekend of perhaps not doing anything outside my apt.
Now, working for this new company, I am a contractor for 3-6 months first, then a full time employee. The new contract company I’m working for pays every other Friday. A bit more challenging for me to manage $$ and schedule my bills accordingly, but I’ll survive. AND in the month of March, I’ll get paid THREE Times. One of those paychecks is, for all intensive purposes, free $$.
Ah…. Not so fast electric money spender.
Assuming I go FTE in April as planned, then this is where it gets interesting. The new company pays every MONTH. Yes, you read that correctly and I almost choked as I typed it. They get paid monthly. Do you know what this is going to do to me? I’m going to have to *gasp* save! And *gasp* budget. And *gasp* think ahead. By the last day of each month I’ll be eating crumbs off my kitchen floor.
The best part of this equation is that I should “officially” be hired as an FTE on April 3rd. Which means, you guessed it, I have to way until May 1st for a paycheck. Which now also means that that so-called “free paycheck” in March, ain’t so free now. AND…I have to pay taxes this year.
Me thinks I need a drink. And since it’ll be my last one, I’m gonna make it a big one.
Thursday, February 01, 2007
The Office: Jim Pops Dwight's ....
OMG...so I've worked, as in past tense, and am currently working, with people who use these "fitness orbs". This was sent to me from someone who, like me, kinda hates them. Mostly because I'm sure my weight would cause me to quickly lose altitude if I sat on them.
Anyhow, I'm lacking in clever, witty, funny blog entries (yes my entries are normally clever-witty-fun) so this is all you get today.
I think I will run a contest though. I need a clever "code" name for my new company. If you think you're clever and can come up with a clever name, send me the name. If you need to know where I work, check out the left nav and look for the last URL.
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
Pobre Mustang
My heart stopped for a milisecond when I saw this picture of a Mustang that had been crushed by a huge piece of ice. The caption read:
" A crushed Ford Mustang is photographed in Tampa, FL after a chunk of ice fell from the sky and hit the vehicle. Neighbors said they heard a loud crushing noise, then saw the damage done to the car, which is owned by Andres Javage, 20. The Federal Aviation Administration is reviewing flight schedules to see if the ice fell off a plane. (AP Photo/Tampa Tribune, Kelvin Ma) (January 29, 2007)"
" A crushed Ford Mustang is photographed in Tampa, FL after a chunk of ice fell from the sky and hit the vehicle. Neighbors said they heard a loud crushing noise, then saw the damage done to the car, which is owned by Andres Javage, 20. The Federal Aviation Administration is reviewing flight schedules to see if the ice fell off a plane. (AP Photo/Tampa Tribune, Kelvin Ma) (January 29, 2007)"
Could you imagine if that hit someone? Just look at what it did to the car!
Monday, January 29, 2007
Who Am I? And what have you done with me?
I’m sure everyone has done it. Or at least have heard about people doing it. I’m referring, of course, to personality tests.
W-A-Y back when, I took a fantastic test in my Managing Project Teams class called iSpeak Your Language. It, like many others, defines you based on 4 different personality types. It goes further, though, and defines your personality under stress, which is immensely helpful in project team situations.
There are 4 personalities: Intuitor, Thinker, Feeler and Sensor. When last I took this test, circa early 2005, I was a Sensor (I’ll get to this in a moment) under regular and a “Thinker” under stress. Basically a Sensor can, and prefers, to work on several tasks at once (with variety too), has an incredible attention to detail, and basically has a high value placed on action – we thrive on getting things done. A Thinker values thoughtful analysis and thrives on rationale.
I just recently retook the test and found I am now a Sensor in both regular circumstances and under stress. Can’t really decide if that’s a good thing of not. Now, do keep in mind this is just a dash of information about this whole test. It’s to prepare you for the next paragraph.
This new fantastic company for whom I am now employed, asks all their new hires to take a personality test. The idea being that there are no surprises and everyone should understand your personality and thus be able to work more efficiently with you.
This test blew my mind. I know I’ve done some growing in the past few years (mentally not physically…), but I didn’t expect to see it in black and white. A bit alarming and a bit refreshing that perhaps all this hard work I’ve put into myself has value.
One of my past goals was to be more of a long term thinker. I’m very “in the now” and I wanted to start thinking about down the road, especially strategically, when it comes to managing projects.
The first line of my test results reads, “Jennifer is a good people manager because she has the ability to see what may lie ahead and then communicate her vision to others.” Wait? What? Did they say I can see what lies ahead? Really? Hmmm.Good to know.
Other things you should know about me (in no particular order):
A natural entrepreneur, inquisitive and adaptable.
Infectious enthusiasm
Builds relationships quickly and effectively
Keen sense of priorities
Tends to not like mundane routine tasks, but forward thinking tasks.
May appear superficial and glib – hey! I resemble that remark.
Over optimistic about the abilities of others. (Can I get an amen?)
May open her mouth and fall in.
Will lead by fighting alongside her troops.
Brings sparkle, zest and vigour to teams. (Yes, you read that correctly. SPARKLE, ZEST and VIGOUR.)
This is the big one: “Jennifer’s reluctance to see one thing through stems in part from a concern that in so doing she may be missing other, more appealing opportunities.” Yah um, if you’ve ever gone on vacation with me…this just hit the nail on the head in a big way.
So while this is just a taste of the THIRTY page document, you can see that I am clearly a well-rounded, level-headed, crazy, who probably should have never been hired in the first place. Ironically, PMDude (the other PM here) is exactly opposite me. I wonder if they did that on purpose.
W-A-Y back when, I took a fantastic test in my Managing Project Teams class called iSpeak Your Language. It, like many others, defines you based on 4 different personality types. It goes further, though, and defines your personality under stress, which is immensely helpful in project team situations.
There are 4 personalities: Intuitor, Thinker, Feeler and Sensor. When last I took this test, circa early 2005, I was a Sensor (I’ll get to this in a moment) under regular and a “Thinker” under stress. Basically a Sensor can, and prefers, to work on several tasks at once (with variety too), has an incredible attention to detail, and basically has a high value placed on action – we thrive on getting things done. A Thinker values thoughtful analysis and thrives on rationale.
I just recently retook the test and found I am now a Sensor in both regular circumstances and under stress. Can’t really decide if that’s a good thing of not. Now, do keep in mind this is just a dash of information about this whole test. It’s to prepare you for the next paragraph.
This new fantastic company for whom I am now employed, asks all their new hires to take a personality test. The idea being that there are no surprises and everyone should understand your personality and thus be able to work more efficiently with you.
This test blew my mind. I know I’ve done some growing in the past few years (mentally not physically…), but I didn’t expect to see it in black and white. A bit alarming and a bit refreshing that perhaps all this hard work I’ve put into myself has value.
One of my past goals was to be more of a long term thinker. I’m very “in the now” and I wanted to start thinking about down the road, especially strategically, when it comes to managing projects.
The first line of my test results reads, “Jennifer is a good people manager because she has the ability to see what may lie ahead and then communicate her vision to others.” Wait? What? Did they say I can see what lies ahead? Really? Hmmm.Good to know.
Other things you should know about me (in no particular order):
A natural entrepreneur, inquisitive and adaptable.
Infectious enthusiasm
Builds relationships quickly and effectively
Keen sense of priorities
Tends to not like mundane routine tasks, but forward thinking tasks.
May appear superficial and glib – hey! I resemble that remark.
Over optimistic about the abilities of others. (Can I get an amen?)
May open her mouth and fall in.
Will lead by fighting alongside her troops.
Brings sparkle, zest and vigour to teams. (Yes, you read that correctly. SPARKLE, ZEST and VIGOUR.)
This is the big one: “Jennifer’s reluctance to see one thing through stems in part from a concern that in so doing she may be missing other, more appealing opportunities.” Yah um, if you’ve ever gone on vacation with me…this just hit the nail on the head in a big way.
So while this is just a taste of the THIRTY page document, you can see that I am clearly a well-rounded, level-headed, crazy, who probably should have never been hired in the first place. Ironically, PMDude (the other PM here) is exactly opposite me. I wonder if they did that on purpose.
Side Note: In searching for that Rorschach I came across this delightful sight. Which, for the record, made my head hurt.
Saturday, January 27, 2007
The Scrapbook Queen is Back!
That’s right, she’s back. After a long, very long, hiatus she’s decided to dust off her power cutter and get her butt to work. Being several, and I mean several, months behind, she knew she had her work cut out for her. But a strong cup of coffee, plenty of adhesive, an imagination to match VanGogh, and lotsa tunes, and she was off.
The “she” is me. That’s right, for the past three nights (Wed, Thurs and Fri) I’ve hunkered down in the “scrapbook room” (aka my spare room, aka my junk room) and set to work. I hadn’t been feeling overly motivated to scrapbook for some time. I had forgotten why I did it. I had forgotten that I scrapbook to find me, to hear my heart beat at the moment, to listen to that voice deep within, to recognize how alive I was during that time…I scrapbook to know me. And I sure had fun last year.
I did 15 pages in 3 nights. Now, that may mean nothing to you, but anyone who scraps knows ‘ THAT’S A LOTTA STUFF”. Over 80% of my pages were of my shows with Dudley…which made ma laugh. I knew I had gone to see all of these shows, but didn’t realize I was so inclined to take photos at almost all of them.
I have only one double page layout to go to close out the mass of 2006. AND I still have all of my NY trip – which is pestering me to get it done. So with a Saturday and Sunday with effectively nothing planned, I’m gonna get to work. Thought I’d upload a few of my masterpieces for you.
The “she” is me. That’s right, for the past three nights (Wed, Thurs and Fri) I’ve hunkered down in the “scrapbook room” (aka my spare room, aka my junk room) and set to work. I hadn’t been feeling overly motivated to scrapbook for some time. I had forgotten why I did it. I had forgotten that I scrapbook to find me, to hear my heart beat at the moment, to listen to that voice deep within, to recognize how alive I was during that time…I scrapbook to know me. And I sure had fun last year.
I did 15 pages in 3 nights. Now, that may mean nothing to you, but anyone who scraps knows ‘ THAT’S A LOTTA STUFF”. Over 80% of my pages were of my shows with Dudley…which made ma laugh. I knew I had gone to see all of these shows, but didn’t realize I was so inclined to take photos at almost all of them.
I have only one double page layout to go to close out the mass of 2006. AND I still have all of my NY trip – which is pestering me to get it done. So with a Saturday and Sunday with effectively nothing planned, I’m gonna get to work. Thought I’d upload a few of my masterpieces for you.
Man I’m good.
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
godo nigh
I am truly blessed. Yes, you read that correctly, blessed.
Tonight I was fortunate enough to experience and IM session with my buddy Vicky. (I considered using an alias to protect her innocence, but then remember it was Vicky we were talking about and anyone who knows her knows "innocent" and Vicky in the same sentence just doens't mesh. Luv ya Vic)
So Vicky and her hubby Ken decided to drink tonight. And Vicky decided after, god knows how many shots of rum, to instant messaging. So I thought I would let you all enjoy the words from Vicky and her drunken typing....see if you can translate...
Princess Vicky Says: i'm sldrunk
Jenn Wraspir: oh goody
Jenn Wraspir: and what have we been drinking today?
Princess Vicky Says: damn i can't type...it'
Princess Vicky Says: s taking me al of ths time to typo this
Princess Vicky Says: it's me...vkckh
Princess Vicky Says: ciky
Princess Vicky Says: vicky
Princess Vicky Says: oh shit
Jenn Wraspir: is this like drunk dialing?
Princess Vicky Says:kina
Princess Vicky Says: kinda
Princess Vicky Says: ken hands is booze muich beeter then i do
Jenn Wraspir: light weight
Princess Vicky Says: every time Shrub said, terorism, terrrist, 9/11, Iran, troos, freedom, augementation we drank a shot of rum
Jenn Wraspir: is there any rum left in the state of california?
Princess Vicky Says: it was fun and we listned to most of the speech altouygh we missed the commenary
Princess Vicky Says: i dom't like to get really drunk cuz i'm an idiot
Princess Vicky Says: so i shoudl e inf
Jenn Wraspir: easy for you to say
Princess Vicky Says: not so easy to eype
Princess Vicky Says: type'
Princess Vicky Says: damn
Princess Vicky Says: so, i think i bit my wip
Jenn Wraspir: you think you did?
Princess Vicky Says: i feels like i mght have, but i do't feel any pain wonder why?
Jenn Wraspir: lips are numb eh?
Princess Vicky Says: a bit
Jenn Wraspir: that's a good place to be
Princess Vicky Says: i should proably go to sweep need to get rid of the drukness
Jenn Wraspir: nighty night
Princess Vicky Says: godo nigh
Princess Vicky Says: ken says godo nigh
*********************************************
Been there. Done that.
Monday, January 22, 2007
Miss Me?
I do. Oh wait. Did I ever leave? Maybe it's my sanity I miss?
At any rate, there is one thing you must know about me. I can cook. And I don't mean to be egotistical about this, but I can cook. I have made many a difficult recipes. And all of them have turned out relatively good. I can follow a recipe and put out for the masses one helluva meal.
Yet, apparently, I can't cook fish sticks.
Don't ask why. but I thought fish sticks sounded good the other day. They were on sale and my chef like pallet said, "Yah. Let's do it."
The box had, what I consider, extraordinary good directions. "Put sticks in a 450 oven and cook for 9-11 minutes." Seems simple enough. Yet....
I must have a mental block at times when it comes to putting things in the oven. I tend to forget them. And before you ask, yes I have a timer. I just tend to rely on my instinct as a cook to know when their done. That, unfortunately, is not the way to go.
How did I remember about the fish sticks you ask? Well, the sharp, pierce like shrill from the fire alarm was what hinted me to the trouble. Good Grief.
I pulled open the oven and there sat fish twigs. Burnt to a crisp. Being the brave type I "tried" to break one in half...couldn't do it. The who lot of them (all 8 of them) went into the garbage bowl.
What'd I have for dinner you ask. A bowl of cereal. What else?
And as if that wasn't bad enough. I, for some reason, decided to try my hand at banana bread tonight. Sniff Sniff...hmmm...me thinks I should go check the bread.
This just in: I burnt the banana bread. God dammit!
At any rate, there is one thing you must know about me. I can cook. And I don't mean to be egotistical about this, but I can cook. I have made many a difficult recipes. And all of them have turned out relatively good. I can follow a recipe and put out for the masses one helluva meal.
Yet, apparently, I can't cook fish sticks.
Don't ask why. but I thought fish sticks sounded good the other day. They were on sale and my chef like pallet said, "Yah. Let's do it."
The box had, what I consider, extraordinary good directions. "Put sticks in a 450 oven and cook for 9-11 minutes." Seems simple enough. Yet....
I must have a mental block at times when it comes to putting things in the oven. I tend to forget them. And before you ask, yes I have a timer. I just tend to rely on my instinct as a cook to know when their done. That, unfortunately, is not the way to go.
How did I remember about the fish sticks you ask? Well, the sharp, pierce like shrill from the fire alarm was what hinted me to the trouble. Good Grief.
I pulled open the oven and there sat fish twigs. Burnt to a crisp. Being the brave type I "tried" to break one in half...couldn't do it. The who lot of them (all 8 of them) went into the garbage bowl.
What'd I have for dinner you ask. A bowl of cereal. What else?
And as if that wasn't bad enough. I, for some reason, decided to try my hand at banana bread tonight. Sniff Sniff...hmmm...me thinks I should go check the bread.
This just in: I burnt the banana bread. God dammit!
Friday, January 19, 2007
Ford Performance Trilogy - Mustang, GT, Shelby Cobra Concept
Woof! This is me. Well sorta me. It's my car. Well sorta my car. It's my car's color. Which of course means its me - and just ignore the fact that the car in this clip is a Shelby GT.
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
Rain at last! Rain at last! Thank god almighty we have rain at last!
Yes sir, we have rain. I never EVER thought I'd say, bring on the rain. But versus the snow, bring it! And so it's being brought!
So tonight I had a rather surreal experience. In fact, I'm still wondering "WHAT THE HELL WAS I THINKING? I met my long time friend Julie for a belated birthday dinner at this little restaurant in Seattle called the Wedgewood Broiler. Sounds good enough doesn't it? My SLSIL mentioned having a meal there, and I hadn't been there, so what the hell? I got there a bit early to get a table. As I sat there waiting, I had this chill come over me that something was definitely wrong. What was it? There was something in the air about this place that sorta made my, well, my age appear to be, well, younger than normal.
When I got there, it appeared to be relatively empty, but they asked me to put my name on the list anyhow. So I sat and waited for about 5 minutes until Flo (the waitress - no lie) sat me. As we s-l-o-w-l-y walked through the restaurant I glanced around me. I wasn't paying attention to where I was walking and tripped on a cane.
As I sat I realized, the "air" was old. The average age of this place was - oh - I'd say one hundred and 50! I sat and looked around at the tables near me. There were no less than 4 canes and 2 walkers. WTF? Had I stumbled into the twilight zone restaurant, where all foodies go to die?
Flo brought ice water and asked if I was ready. Now, keep in mind, Flo just sat me with TWO menus and no person with me. "Ah, no, I'll wait for my friend."
Julie shows up and I comment to her about the average age of the place. The restaurant was definitely a throw back to the seventies and I'm sure the patrons of this place were in their hay days during the 70s.
The food was just average at best. But it was good to get caught up with Julie. And I'm glad to say that Julie and I got out of there with no more grey hairs then what we went in with, but just barely.
So tonight I had a rather surreal experience. In fact, I'm still wondering "WHAT THE HELL WAS I THINKING? I met my long time friend Julie for a belated birthday dinner at this little restaurant in Seattle called the Wedgewood Broiler. Sounds good enough doesn't it? My SLSIL mentioned having a meal there, and I hadn't been there, so what the hell? I got there a bit early to get a table. As I sat there waiting, I had this chill come over me that something was definitely wrong. What was it? There was something in the air about this place that sorta made my, well, my age appear to be, well, younger than normal.
When I got there, it appeared to be relatively empty, but they asked me to put my name on the list anyhow. So I sat and waited for about 5 minutes until Flo (the waitress - no lie) sat me. As we s-l-o-w-l-y walked through the restaurant I glanced around me. I wasn't paying attention to where I was walking and tripped on a cane.
As I sat I realized, the "air" was old. The average age of this place was - oh - I'd say one hundred and 50! I sat and looked around at the tables near me. There were no less than 4 canes and 2 walkers. WTF? Had I stumbled into the twilight zone restaurant, where all foodies go to die?
Flo brought ice water and asked if I was ready. Now, keep in mind, Flo just sat me with TWO menus and no person with me. "Ah, no, I'll wait for my friend."
Julie shows up and I comment to her about the average age of the place. The restaurant was definitely a throw back to the seventies and I'm sure the patrons of this place were in their hay days during the 70s.
The food was just average at best. But it was good to get caught up with Julie. And I'm glad to say that Julie and I got out of there with no more grey hairs then what we went in with, but just barely.
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
Big Fat Frosty Fabricator
Since we got MORE snow this morning (will it ever end?) I thought this appropriate. I found it by looking for the Snow Miser to put as my IM picture.
Here's my Frosty!
Here's my Frosty!
Monday, January 15, 2007
Thanks Cheesecake Factory
I know you all know I have another blog. And if you don't, shame on you! I made a recipe tonight that I have to say was YUMMY! If you're in the mood for a serious carbs I highly recommend it. So enjoy.
Pasta Da Vinci
Pasta Da Vinci
Me no likey!
I'm not exactly sure what us Seattlelites did to piss Mother Nature off, but we did. I'm sooooo sick and tired of the snow and ice and cold.
I know. I know. Those of you reading this who "might" be from a colder area than Seattle are saying, "Stop your whining." And I assure you some day I will. When the freaking weather heats up.
Yesterday our high was 22. TWENTY FREAKIN' TWO! Which, or course, means, none of the snow and ice on the road has melted. Oh no, why would it do that?
The stang stayed parked all weekend since, well, frankly, it didn't need to go anywhere. But aside from that, it no likey this weather. I did, though, have to start her up this morning to get my butt to work at the butt crack of dawn (yah, me not too happy about that either). The car started fine, seemed to handle okay on the ice, but the driver's side window refused to come down. Frozen shut! I actually had to get out of my car to get my coffee. Can you believe it?
On a different note other than weather, because I know there has to be more to my life than this friggin' snow, mom and dad are here for the weekend. Frozen, but here. Mom hasn't gotten out of the sweatshirt she's borrowing from me since she got here. She even bought gloves, which if you recall I wouldn't do in Phoenix during xmas. They leave tomorrow and I'm sure mom will be glad to thaw out in Tucson...that is IF they're warm enough.
The new job kicks ass. I still love it. I can't seem to figure out the fax machine - it's winning the battle currently - but otherwise, I find myself learning English. No, seriously. I've been told I need to learn English. Aside from the "fortnightly" word, I've also encountered a few other differences in how we speak.
For example, we call a line outside a Starbucks, or any place, well a line. They call it a queue.
Crazy I tell ya.
I know. I know. Those of you reading this who "might" be from a colder area than Seattle are saying, "Stop your whining." And I assure you some day I will. When the freaking weather heats up.
Yesterday our high was 22. TWENTY FREAKIN' TWO! Which, or course, means, none of the snow and ice on the road has melted. Oh no, why would it do that?
The stang stayed parked all weekend since, well, frankly, it didn't need to go anywhere. But aside from that, it no likey this weather. I did, though, have to start her up this morning to get my butt to work at the butt crack of dawn (yah, me not too happy about that either). The car started fine, seemed to handle okay on the ice, but the driver's side window refused to come down. Frozen shut! I actually had to get out of my car to get my coffee. Can you believe it?
On a different note other than weather, because I know there has to be more to my life than this friggin' snow, mom and dad are here for the weekend. Frozen, but here. Mom hasn't gotten out of the sweatshirt she's borrowing from me since she got here. She even bought gloves, which if you recall I wouldn't do in Phoenix during xmas. They leave tomorrow and I'm sure mom will be glad to thaw out in Tucson...that is IF they're warm enough.
The new job kicks ass. I still love it. I can't seem to figure out the fax machine - it's winning the battle currently - but otherwise, I find myself learning English. No, seriously. I've been told I need to learn English. Aside from the "fortnightly" word, I've also encountered a few other differences in how we speak.
For example, we call a line outside a Starbucks, or any place, well a line. They call it a queue.
Crazy I tell ya.
Thursday, January 11, 2007
Holy Jalapeno!
You know that membrane in a pepper? The one that contains all the heat? Well, little tip from your friend Jenn. When working with, oh I don't know, say a jalapeno, be sure to wash your hands thoroughly after you touch it. I chopped up a jalapeno last night and touched a part of my anatomy and WHOA ... that burns.
What?
You sicko, I didn't mean that anatomy, I meant my nose and lips. Sheesh.
Aside from burning my lips on hot peppers, this is all I got today. I spent the day working from home thanks to stupid mother nature and her current hatred for the northwest as she blasted us again with snow, and worse, ice.
This from Patron Saint of the Smart mouths
This blog game is to post the first sentence from every month. But....as I went through my months looking at the first entry, they weren't that fun and/or funny. And funny is what its all about, right? I am here to entertain. So, my rules are this, my favorite subject line and first sentence.
Hold On! Here we go.
December 2006 - And now I have a hairy tongue!
You know that post drinking thing, called a hang over.
November 2006 - We're on a road to no where...come on along. I wonder.
October2006 - Just thought you'd like to know.... Officially....Boys are Icky! It's true. It's been proven. Scientifically speaking of course.
September 2006 - Miss Me? I know you did.
August 2006 - I got a brand new pair of roller skates.... VROOM VROOM! Goes the Mustang.
July 2006 - Isn't she lovely? Isn't she wonderful? I'm not a Stevie Wonder fan, but that song ALWAYS comes to mind when I look at this.
June 2006 - The Bluest skies you've ever seen... Are in Seattle....
May 2006 - Warning Labels I think people should come with warning labels.
April 2006 - Jenn:1 Refrigerator 1 We're in a dead tie, the refrigerator and I.
March 2006 - One Martini, Two Martini, Three Martini, Floor... Okay, so it wasn't quite that bad.
February 2006 - How I ended up on a bar room floor. By Jenn Wraspir Its true, I spent about a millisecond on the floor of the Tractor Tavern last night.
January 2006 - And I shall build an Arc! Day 24 of the nonstop rain fest here in Seattle.
What?
You sicko, I didn't mean that anatomy, I meant my nose and lips. Sheesh.
Aside from burning my lips on hot peppers, this is all I got today. I spent the day working from home thanks to stupid mother nature and her current hatred for the northwest as she blasted us again with snow, and worse, ice.
This from Patron Saint of the Smart mouths
This blog game is to post the first sentence from every month. But....as I went through my months looking at the first entry, they weren't that fun and/or funny. And funny is what its all about, right? I am here to entertain. So, my rules are this, my favorite subject line and first sentence.
Hold On! Here we go.
December 2006 - And now I have a hairy tongue!
You know that post drinking thing, called a hang over.
November 2006 - We're on a road to no where...come on along. I wonder.
October2006 - Just thought you'd like to know.... Officially....Boys are Icky! It's true. It's been proven. Scientifically speaking of course.
September 2006 - Miss Me? I know you did.
August 2006 - I got a brand new pair of roller skates.... VROOM VROOM! Goes the Mustang.
July 2006 - Isn't she lovely? Isn't she wonderful? I'm not a Stevie Wonder fan, but that song ALWAYS comes to mind when I look at this.
June 2006 - The Bluest skies you've ever seen... Are in Seattle....
May 2006 - Warning Labels I think people should come with warning labels.
April 2006 - Jenn:1 Refrigerator 1 We're in a dead tie, the refrigerator and I.
March 2006 - One Martini, Two Martini, Three Martini, Floor... Okay, so it wasn't quite that bad.
February 2006 - How I ended up on a bar room floor. By Jenn Wraspir Its true, I spent about a millisecond on the floor of the Tractor Tavern last night.
January 2006 - And I shall build an Arc! Day 24 of the nonstop rain fest here in Seattle.
Tuesday, January 09, 2007
I'm gonna rock your world...
...yah I wish.
So I know I've gone on and on and on and ON about Dudley Manlove, and really only one person has ever given me grief (you know who you are shannon). I also know that many of you are dying to hear them in a way that only a good set of camera men and audio boys could do. What? You're not dying to hear them? Too bad.
Check out this video. DMQ is only featured in the first part after the introduction. I'm sure after you see it you'll fully understand and appreciate all that is DMQ.
So I know I've gone on and on and on and ON about Dudley Manlove, and really only one person has ever given me grief (you know who you are shannon). I also know that many of you are dying to hear them in a way that only a good set of camera men and audio boys could do. What? You're not dying to hear them? Too bad.
Check out this video. DMQ is only featured in the first part after the introduction. I'm sure after you see it you'll fully understand and appreciate all that is DMQ.
So, you think you wanna be a project manager
I do! I do! Me! Me! Pick me!
The new gig is going, to use a British term, swimmingly. I still haven't come up with a fancy nickname for the company, but I will, I promise.
As the prospect of "owning" a project lingers in the air, I find myself contemplating my knowledge and my experience. As I sit and learn, and listen to The PMDude here who is mentoring me, I feel my anxiety climb the meter of dread. In my mind I know I'm a good PM and I know I can do it, but man, sometimes my confidence heads south for the winter.
From what I can tell so far, the company, as a whole, is exceptional in every way. Everyone seems to be confident and super helpful. (Of course having the british accents makes them somewhat attractive too, even if I've never seen or met them. Why is that? What is it about accents?)
I've managed to get to work by 6:30 AM every morning. I know, I hear ya, that's freakin early. And if you know me at all, you know my schedule of late has been getting to work by 10am, maybe and leaving early to boot. But being that 90% of our work is with the UK, the early start allows for us to actually communicate with them while they're still awake. Crazy little buggers. I suspect my start time will continue to be at the buttcrack before dawn. On the plus side though, there is hardly any traffic. Though I feel I've entered the Dark Ages. I come to work in the dark, and I go home in the dark. Come on summer!
The office, in general is fun. The guys in the office are the biggest smartasses I've met. Which just means I have to wear my special SA hat. I have to be sharp, quick and witty to keep up with these guys.
The office consists of the following:
Writer Dude who shows up every now and then, plays with his technology and leaves. He sits directly in front of me so his every move is caught out of the corner of my eye. He wears headphones and bobs his head to his music, thus making a distracting site for me. Thanks for your concern, but I'll live.
The Brit - who from what I can tell is the in house computer specialist on top of being something else TBD. He makes tea every day and offers it up to us in passing. He did hold a brief "tea" training session with me in which I said I take cream in my tea, he took it literally and gave me this look of, "you're kidding, right?". After which I managed to explain I meant milk, yah milk, that's what I meant. He uses words like "rubbish" and "beeta" for beta and "bugger".
Big Sales Guru - also my boss - is high energy, highly motivated and both those qualities are addicting. I will learn a lot from him, if I can keep up with him.
PMDude - who's more organized than me. I know, can you believe it? He's training me and showing me the PM ropes here - as he says he's providing enough rope so I'll eventually likely hang myself. Nice. He's great though and I'm very much looking forward to wowing him with me PMness. Stay Tuned. I do have PM Goddess status over him, so we'll see.
There are women in the office besides myself.
Lanky Lass - Our other sales person here. She works and she has an office so even if she's here, I rarely see her.
And finally, a new gal started yesterday, whom I met at the holiday party. She's also a Dudley lover so I'm *sure* we'll get along. She's got spunk and a sharp wit too, the competition is heating up.
Monday, January 08, 2007
Return of the Canadian Cookie Fairy
As blasts from my past go, this one was quite enjoyable. One of my former roommates from high school (yes, high school. Remember I went to boarding school in Switzerland for a year and a half.) was in town for an Astronomy conference (don't ask - she's a totally brainy-ack and so it makes sense). She and her adorable family and I met for dinner.
Jenny (aka the Canadian Cookie Fairy) and I were roommates my senior year in high school. I don't recall too much interaction my junior year, so we'll forgo any stories from then.
But our senior year we were "Prefects" in the Sophomore girls dorm. There were four of us who were prefects. Jenny was every one's favorite. She let rules slide more than the rest of us...at least that was how we saw it. I took being a prefect very seriously and so consequently I think I followed the rules too much. Regardless, we had some good times.
I have photos, incriminating photos, of us doing things that just isn't written about, or shouldn't be. I mean, photos of us with pots on our heads. Why we had pots - you know cooking pots - on our head I have no idea. I have photos of her and I on top of a closet in Munich. Apparently there was enough room up there and we figured we should be on top of the closet. Who knows. All I know is that she is still Jenny to me. We're both older and perhaps wiser, but she was the smarty and still is.
She asked me last night what I remembered about her ( I didn't dare ask her what she remembered about me...I didn't want to know) and the first thing that popped out of my mouth was "high maintenance". She was. But not in a bad way. She was, after all, Canadian. I think they seem like high maintenance because of the exchange rate.
Anyhow, I have another rather amusing, yet shockingly odd story to write about.
So you know how I like a certain band, and more importantly a certain lead singer that I tend to lust after. Anyhow, last night I got into Seattle earlier than I needed to meet Jenny. I was sitting outside a store enjoying my cup of coffee when who should I see walk past me? You guessed it. I mean, what are the odds? And thank god I was there first or he would have thought I was stalking him. Whatever.
But our senior year we were "Prefects" in the Sophomore girls dorm. There were four of us who were prefects. Jenny was every one's favorite. She let rules slide more than the rest of us...at least that was how we saw it. I took being a prefect very seriously and so consequently I think I followed the rules too much. Regardless, we had some good times.
I have photos, incriminating photos, of us doing things that just isn't written about, or shouldn't be. I mean, photos of us with pots on our heads. Why we had pots - you know cooking pots - on our head I have no idea. I have photos of her and I on top of a closet in Munich. Apparently there was enough room up there and we figured we should be on top of the closet. Who knows. All I know is that she is still Jenny to me. We're both older and perhaps wiser, but she was the smarty and still is.
She asked me last night what I remembered about her ( I didn't dare ask her what she remembered about me...I didn't want to know) and the first thing that popped out of my mouth was "high maintenance". She was. But not in a bad way. She was, after all, Canadian. I think they seem like high maintenance because of the exchange rate.
Anyhow, I have another rather amusing, yet shockingly odd story to write about.
So you know how I like a certain band, and more importantly a certain lead singer that I tend to lust after. Anyhow, last night I got into Seattle earlier than I needed to meet Jenny. I was sitting outside a store enjoying my cup of coffee when who should I see walk past me? You guessed it. I mean, what are the odds? And thank god I was there first or he would have thought I was stalking him. Whatever.
Saturday, January 06, 2007
I'm the shit...
...and I mean it.
Last night, having a "rough" first week of work. Okay so it was only 3 days, but it was rough I tell ya. I mean, I had to arrange my desk, get my computer turned on, and have tea time with the "brit" of the office. And in case I forget to say this in the future, or in the event I should *ever* (so unlikely) complain about my job, I just gotta say, "I LOVE MY JOB!"
Anyhow, back to last night. Cousin and I headed to Ballard to find a bar in which the Sh*tKickers were playing. It happened to be, surprisingly, a bar I had not been to. Super cute, and super fun place. We had good parking karma, which is a must if going to Ballard. Got to the bar early and got a seat RIGHT up front...of course.
In case you don't know, the Sh*tKickers are an alter ego to the Dudley Manlove Quartet, but they do country-ish music.
The band rocked, of course. How could they not. Cousin and I were in an exceptionally snippy, judgmental mood and so created names for several of the "girls" around us. For example, Ballard native wearing rubber boots (and I don't mean cute rubber boots, I mean the black ones with red toes, that most people wear when working out in the water) we named her "Rubber Ducky." Then there was a woman who was, in my humble opinion, U-G-L-Y. Now, I rarely consider people "ugly", but this one was hideous. So she became HW for Hideous Woman. And finally there was the waitress. Bless her heart for serving us. Truly I like bars in which they have waitresses. But this one, well she was going through life au natural...and by that I mean she STANK. And not just stink, but lingering stank, long after she left. So we called her Pepe LePew.
After the second set, Cousin and I had decided we were old and therefore tired. I, being old, had to go pee first. Into the bathroom I went, and guess what, there was a line. But following close behind me was a cute little blond thing whom I had seen earlier kissing my man Paul. Therefore she must be the dreaded girlfriend. She says to me, "I saw you at the NYE party. You were the winner of the tickets who then couldn't use them. Paul was telling me all about it." WHOA...Paul was talking about me.... oh my heart went pitter pat...then I bounced back to reality and realized she was the girlfriend. Cute and nice. Dammit! She was supposed to be a bitch. So now not only do the DMQ boys know of me, but apparently the girlfriends do too.
Last night, having a "rough" first week of work. Okay so it was only 3 days, but it was rough I tell ya. I mean, I had to arrange my desk, get my computer turned on, and have tea time with the "brit" of the office. And in case I forget to say this in the future, or in the event I should *ever* (so unlikely) complain about my job, I just gotta say, "I LOVE MY JOB!"
Anyhow, back to last night. Cousin and I headed to Ballard to find a bar in which the Sh*tKickers were playing. It happened to be, surprisingly, a bar I had not been to. Super cute, and super fun place. We had good parking karma, which is a must if going to Ballard. Got to the bar early and got a seat RIGHT up front...of course.
In case you don't know, the Sh*tKickers are an alter ego to the Dudley Manlove Quartet, but they do country-ish music.
The band rocked, of course. How could they not. Cousin and I were in an exceptionally snippy, judgmental mood and so created names for several of the "girls" around us. For example, Ballard native wearing rubber boots (and I don't mean cute rubber boots, I mean the black ones with red toes, that most people wear when working out in the water) we named her "Rubber Ducky." Then there was a woman who was, in my humble opinion, U-G-L-Y. Now, I rarely consider people "ugly", but this one was hideous. So she became HW for Hideous Woman. And finally there was the waitress. Bless her heart for serving us. Truly I like bars in which they have waitresses. But this one, well she was going through life au natural...and by that I mean she STANK. And not just stink, but lingering stank, long after she left. So we called her Pepe LePew.
After the second set, Cousin and I had decided we were old and therefore tired. I, being old, had to go pee first. Into the bathroom I went, and guess what, there was a line. But following close behind me was a cute little blond thing whom I had seen earlier kissing my man Paul. Therefore she must be the dreaded girlfriend. She says to me, "I saw you at the NYE party. You were the winner of the tickets who then couldn't use them. Paul was telling me all about it." WHOA...Paul was talking about me.... oh my heart went pitter pat...then I bounced back to reality and realized she was the girlfriend. Cute and nice. Dammit! She was supposed to be a bitch. So now not only do the DMQ boys know of me, but apparently the girlfriends do too.
Thursday, January 04, 2007
The Day of Many Firsts
Yesterday, as you all know, was the first day at the new job. And as with any first day, it was filled with "Firsts".
The first time trying to find the bathroom.
The first time trying to figure out how to get water out of the "spicket".
The first time trying to figure out when to go to lunch, where to go and for how long.
The first time trying to get the computer to turn on correctly and work correctly.
The first time logging into a domain, which apparently doesn't recognize me nor wants to recognize me.
The first time trying to figure out where to park that will have the least amount of impact on car door dings, etc.
The first time learning how to make coffee.
The list can go on. But suffice it to say that despite all the "firsts", it was a good day. This company and its people here is going to be good for me. In fact, its the first time I've felt this good about my future. I could get used to this.
***************************************
Special Remembrance
My STSIL (St. Louis Sister-In-Law)'s father passed away last night. He had lived a good life and he was ready. Its still sad, so take a moment to have STSIL in your thoughts.
The first time trying to find the bathroom.
The first time trying to figure out how to get water out of the "spicket".
The first time trying to figure out when to go to lunch, where to go and for how long.
The first time trying to get the computer to turn on correctly and work correctly.
The first time logging into a domain, which apparently doesn't recognize me nor wants to recognize me.
The first time trying to figure out where to park that will have the least amount of impact on car door dings, etc.
The first time learning how to make coffee.
The list can go on. But suffice it to say that despite all the "firsts", it was a good day. This company and its people here is going to be good for me. In fact, its the first time I've felt this good about my future. I could get used to this.
***************************************
Special Remembrance
My STSIL (St. Louis Sister-In-Law)'s father passed away last night. He had lived a good life and he was ready. Its still sad, so take a moment to have STSIL in your thoughts.
Monday, January 01, 2007
Officially reached Stalker Status
Happy New Year everyone. Last night I officially reached stalker status with my boys from DMQ. Too see all my photos of the night, go to my flicker site.
As you know, I won their recent contest and in my reply I mentioned to Paul Jensen (the lead singer guy I have a small, very large crush on) that NYE would be the final show of me seeing ALL their shows throughout the year. His response was "Wow. Even I didn't want to go to all the shows. ;) " I also asked if it were possible for me to get a photo with all the boys and Paul said to try to find them after the show. I knew it would be almost impossible to get photos with all of them together, so I decided to find them individually.
Before the show, Craig was wondering around. I called him over to ask if I can take a picture with him. As he walked over to us and took a seat at our table, he he says to me, "Hey Paul said you made it to all the shows this year, that's fantastic. " Um, Paul told them. Craig said that Paul mentioned to all the guys I would be there and that I wanted a photo with them. CAN YOU BELIEVE THAT? I was in shock for a bit. I mean, PAUL was talking about ME.
Later in the night when I located the drummer, Jeff, to take a photo with, he too mentioned that Paul had told them about me. So you see, I'm well on my way to being famous.
Paul and Jenn
Jenn and Craig (lead guitar) 
Jeff and Jenn (drummer)
Jenn and Steve (bass guitar)
Jenn and Corby (keyboards)
All in all the night was fantastic. We had a killer dinner at my place before. I made Halibut in a Puttanesca sauce and garlic green beans. Didn't really follow any recipes, just threw it together and it was Delish.So from one stalker to another ( all you readers are my stalkers) have a happy happy new year.