Well, another month came and went without a blog post. I could recycle all the excuses I've made before - but I'm sure you can recite them by heart.
Needless to say, I've been a bit busy lately. New job. Engaged. Wedding planning insanity. Just a few major life changes.
Everything is going well. The job is great, getting used to the commute, the work, the great people in the office, etc. Passed my insurance licensing exam - actually I passed it for the 2nd time. I am not allowed to let that damn thing lapse ever, ever again. Hold me to that, ok??
Being engaged is wonderful. Looking ahead to our marriage - the years stretching out before us to enjoy together. That's magical to me.
Wedding planning? Meh...that's insanity. An obsession really. My heart is still set on a destination wedding, and it's much too early to begin booking (or even pricing) real packages for the time frame we're thinking about. I spend my time looking at ideas for decorations, favors, dresses, invitations, jewelry, cakes, flowers, and every other detail we'll decide on in the next year. My ideas are coming together, and I'm actually getting a good vision of what our big day will be like.
I'm reading gobs of wedding blogs, websites and such, and have survived my first (and probably only) bridal show.
The pugs are great, Mr. NYC (aka the fiancee) is great, and life in general is - you got it - great. That's really thrilling to be able to say that!
Now that I've updated you on the excitement around here, I'll make a concentrated effort to return to blogging about my amazing trip to Italy. We still have Florence, Rome, Sicily and Venice to visit!!
Enjoy your new day!
Showing posts with label random. Show all posts
Showing posts with label random. Show all posts
Monday, August 29, 2011
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
The Man in Black
Alternate title: Not to be confused with "Men in Black"
Johnny Cash's music is rattling around in my head.
"I hear the train a comin'
It's rollin' 'round the bend
And I ain't seen the sunshine,
Since, I don't know when,
I'm stuck in Folsom Prison,
And time keeps draggin' on,
But that train keeps a-rollin',
On down to San Antone."
I don't usually read too much into my random thoughts, especially when songs get stuck in my head.
Let's face it - music get stuck in my head way too often for me to have really deep thoughts about it.
This time is different. I think.
I'm not really sure if it's the "train a comin'" part that I'm concerned about, or the "I'm stuck in Folsom Prison" line that I'm whining about.
Concern?
Whine?
Erm, I'm going with Concern. Yeah. Uh huh. Concern tinged with excitement.
Why?
I leave for Barcelona a mere 2 weeks from Friday. Yes really!
I'm so excited, I'm ready to start packing my bags. Or at least maybe making a list of what I'm going to pack. Yes, a list is a grand idea. I wonder what I'm going to forget on this trip - Allie's law, I always forget something.
I hope it isn't deodorant (not that it'd make a difference in Europe, they don't believe in that stuff). Heaven forbid UBS (undies, bras and socks - thank a college roommate for that acronym!). I'm sure I'll have extra UBS, just because I'm a wee bit paranoid about running out of the "U" part of that.
While I go make my list, take a look at the finished shadow box which was a gift for my Canadian friend, Erin.
I love the way it turned out! I sent it to her in honor of her 2nd Wedding Anniversary, and while it isn't exactly cotton, I hope she'll treasure it.
Back to the list. Passport (check), Euros (check), iPod (check), camera (check), extra memory card (check), power converter/adapter (check) - well you get the idea. It's endless. How the heck am I supposed to fit 10 days worth ofcrap stuff into 1 large suitcase and 1 rollerboard??
I'm not known for being a light packer either. "kitchen sink" is often muttered in reference to my luggage. Heaven forbid I forget any clothing - the anorexics in Europe don't make fat girl clothes.
Bottom line - I can't forget ANYTHING. Thus, I must have a list.
"I fell in to a burning ring of fire.
I went down, down, down
and the flames went higher.
It burns, burns burns, this ring of fire.
Ring of fire."
I'll let you read what you want into that particular song.
Enjoy your new day!!
Johnny Cash's music is rattling around in my head.
"I hear the train a comin'
It's rollin' 'round the bend
And I ain't seen the sunshine,
Since, I don't know when,
I'm stuck in Folsom Prison,
And time keeps draggin' on,
But that train keeps a-rollin',
On down to San Antone."
I don't usually read too much into my random thoughts, especially when songs get stuck in my head.
Let's face it - music get stuck in my head way too often for me to have really deep thoughts about it.
This time is different. I think.
I'm not really sure if it's the "train a comin'" part that I'm concerned about, or the "I'm stuck in Folsom Prison" line that I'm whining about.
Concern?
Whine?
Erm, I'm going with Concern. Yeah. Uh huh. Concern tinged with excitement.
Why?
I leave for Barcelona a mere 2 weeks from Friday. Yes really!
I'm so excited, I'm ready to start packing my bags. Or at least maybe making a list of what I'm going to pack. Yes, a list is a grand idea. I wonder what I'm going to forget on this trip - Allie's law, I always forget something.
I hope it isn't deodorant (not that it'd make a difference in Europe, they don't believe in that stuff). Heaven forbid UBS (undies, bras and socks - thank a college roommate for that acronym!). I'm sure I'll have extra UBS, just because I'm a wee bit paranoid about running out of the "U" part of that.
While I go make my list, take a look at the finished shadow box which was a gift for my Canadian friend, Erin.
I love the way it turned out! I sent it to her in honor of her 2nd Wedding Anniversary, and while it isn't exactly cotton, I hope she'll treasure it.
Back to the list. Passport (check), Euros (check), iPod (check), camera (check), extra memory card (check), power converter/adapter (check) - well you get the idea. It's endless. How the heck am I supposed to fit 10 days worth of
I'm not known for being a light packer either. "kitchen sink" is often muttered in reference to my luggage. Heaven forbid I forget any clothing - the anorexics in Europe don't make fat girl clothes.
Bottom line - I can't forget ANYTHING. Thus, I must have a list.
"I fell in to a burning ring of fire.
I went down, down, down
and the flames went higher.
It burns, burns burns, this ring of fire.
Ring of fire."
I'll let you read what you want into that particular song.
Enjoy your new day!!
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Random
I feel like blogging. Hope you feel like reading!
And no, I don't really have a topic in mind. I think that's why I'm not out there ballin like Roo at NiceGirlNotes or trying to make a living off my blog with my etsy shop or e-tail store. And I'm not saying there's anything wrong with wanting to do that. I'm just saying that's not my purpose for being here. Noone would buy my crap anyway!
I'm just here sharing things that happen in my life, products I like (but of course am not receiving any compensation for endorsing - seriously? who would pay me?!), pictures I take, and thoughts I have.
Tonight's one of those "thoughts I have" sort of nights. Ready? OK!
1. Pugs are hilarious critters. Mine crack me up on a daily basis. Each of them have their own personality and quirks. Jessie is my worry wart (and the new alpha in our pack). Bello is the clown/squirrel chaser (notice I didn't say catcher!). Audrey is a diva. I love them to bits.
2. I really don't care about the NBA playoffs. Even though the local team from Dallas is playing. ZZzzzzzz!
3. My BF on the other hand, cares very much about the playoffs. His team (from NY) is also playing.
4. Neither team has a chance at winning the whole thing. But we're watching the playoffs anyway.
5. I leave for Barcelona 3 weeks from tomorrow. Ole!
6. I'm ready for whatever comes next. Oh yeah, I'm ready. I want - no, I NEED - to make plans. Fall travel plans mostly. To NYC, to FL, and to Best Friends/Utah.
7. I realize my posts are boring without pictures.
8. I promise to overwhelm you with pictures when I return from Europe.
That is all. Amen.
Enjoy your new day!
And no, I don't really have a topic in mind. I think that's why I'm not out there ballin like Roo at NiceGirlNotes or trying to make a living off my blog with my etsy shop or e-tail store. And I'm not saying there's anything wrong with wanting to do that. I'm just saying that's not my purpose for being here. Noone would buy my crap anyway!
I'm just here sharing things that happen in my life, products I like (but of course am not receiving any compensation for endorsing - seriously? who would pay me?!), pictures I take, and thoughts I have.
Tonight's one of those "thoughts I have" sort of nights. Ready? OK!
1. Pugs are hilarious critters. Mine crack me up on a daily basis. Each of them have their own personality and quirks. Jessie is my worry wart (and the new alpha in our pack). Bello is the clown/squirrel chaser (notice I didn't say catcher!). Audrey is a diva. I love them to bits.
2. I really don't care about the NBA playoffs. Even though the local team from Dallas is playing. ZZzzzzzz!
3. My BF on the other hand, cares very much about the playoffs. His team (from NY) is also playing.
4. Neither team has a chance at winning the whole thing. But we're watching the playoffs anyway.
5. I leave for Barcelona 3 weeks from tomorrow. Ole!
6. I'm ready for whatever comes next. Oh yeah, I'm ready. I want - no, I NEED - to make plans. Fall travel plans mostly. To NYC, to FL, and to Best Friends/Utah.
7. I realize my posts are boring without pictures.
8. I promise to overwhelm you with pictures when I return from Europe.
That is all. Amen.
Enjoy your new day!
Thursday, March 3, 2011
7 Random Things
1. February 2011, as a month, sucked. I'm glad that's over.
2. When you tour Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, you get to visit the DCC locker room. I was way more excited about their locker room vs. the players. I know, I'm a dork. (sorry for the crappy cell phone pic!)
3. My sweet Angel went to the bridge last week. Just one reason that February sucked so royally. I miss her - every day. Photo courtesy of Lotus Blossom Photography (taken in 2009).
4. She didn't look that happy or full of life in her last days, which is one of the reasons I chose to let her go.
5. Yes, I still cry at random times, missing her.
6. No, I didn't intend for this blog post to be sad. Sorry friends!
7. I need to get my crafty butt in gear and get a guest post going for The Scrap Shoppe! motivate....create...come on Allie!
Embrace your new day!
2. When you tour Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, you get to visit the DCC locker room. I was way more excited about their locker room vs. the players. I know, I'm a dork. (sorry for the crappy cell phone pic!)
3. My sweet Angel went to the bridge last week. Just one reason that February sucked so royally. I miss her - every day. Photo courtesy of Lotus Blossom Photography (taken in 2009).
4. She didn't look that happy or full of life in her last days, which is one of the reasons I chose to let her go.
5. Yes, I still cry at random times, missing her.
6. No, I didn't intend for this blog post to be sad. Sorry friends!
7. I need to get my crafty butt in gear and get a guest post going for The Scrap Shoppe! motivate....create...come on Allie!
Embrace your new day!
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Whew.
It's been a busy couple of weeks, and I don't see a light at the end of the tunnel just yet.
My house is in complete disorder as we have the bedrooms pretty much packed up into boxes and stored in the dining room. It's such an unsettling feeling to have so much stuff shoved in there. I can't help it - I'm a nester. I like my house to feel comfortable, and right now, it just isn't. I'm hoping we can get the floors scheduled for installation in the next two weeks.
Next week the landscape team is supposed to come put in the retaining wall and add fill dirt to my backyard. It's been washing downhill into the neighbor's yard, and we need to fix that. As soon as that's in, we've got to put down some grass seed to try to get it rooted before the spring rain starts (and the dirt washes away again).
Work is miserable, as usual. I'm bringing every coping technique I know into play right now just to survive it. There is some comfort in knowing most of the team isn't happy either. You know what they say - misery loves company.
In other news...just 118 days until I leave for Barcelona and my Med cruise. Italy here I come!
Enjoy your new day!
My house is in complete disorder as we have the bedrooms pretty much packed up into boxes and stored in the dining room. It's such an unsettling feeling to have so much stuff shoved in there. I can't help it - I'm a nester. I like my house to feel comfortable, and right now, it just isn't. I'm hoping we can get the floors scheduled for installation in the next two weeks.
Next week the landscape team is supposed to come put in the retaining wall and add fill dirt to my backyard. It's been washing downhill into the neighbor's yard, and we need to fix that. As soon as that's in, we've got to put down some grass seed to try to get it rooted before the spring rain starts (and the dirt washes away again).
Work is miserable, as usual. I'm bringing every coping technique I know into play right now just to survive it. There is some comfort in knowing most of the team isn't happy either. You know what they say - misery loves company.
In other news...just 118 days until I leave for Barcelona and my Med cruise. Italy here I come!
Enjoy your new day!
Monday, January 10, 2011
I've got plans y'all!
It's a mere 11 days into the new year, and boy do I have plans.
This is really more of an inventory for myself, but I figured y'all might get half a kick out of howcrazy delirious dumb ambitious I am.
House stuff: I've lived in this house for nearly 6 years, and it's time to put a little more TLC into it.
1. Back yard - I live on a hill, and my back yard is sliding down into the neighbors. There's soil erosion going on. Thus, we need a retaining wall. And fill dirt. Got the cost for that today, and freakin OUCH. I had no idea dirt was so freakin expensive. Ah well. Better dirt than foundation repairs, right?
2. Flooring - I had the carpet replaced with laminate in my dining room & living room a while back. Now it's FINALLY time to get rid of the carpet in the three bedrooms. That's the good news. The downside of course is that I have to have everything packed up except for the furniture in order for them to do the install. The Master bedroom & closet are pretty much done. My office is 90% done. That leaves the guest bedroom. All of these goodies are being boxed up into the dining room, which means that particular room is a disaster area. So I'll have lots of work to do AFTER the install too. Gah!
3. New Bedroom furniture - I bought an iron canopy bed a few years ago, but the rest of my furniture in our master bedroom is - get this - from my great-grandmother. And no, it isn't anything special, not antique. It's just plain old and falling apart. I got it when I went away to college. That's right. in 1992. And it's probably 15 years older than that. So I am coveting new bedroom furniture. Clearly it's further down the priority list than the above two major items.
4. If I survive the above tasks, I want to get our garage cleaned out and reorganized. Yeah, I agree. Someday.
Travel/Company/Family - 2011 is shaping up to be a busy travel year, and plenty of house guests coming into town.
1. My friend Amber is hoping to come into town in February. If not Feb, then May. I can't wait to spend some time with her!
2. My parents are coming out for a visit in late February. They are staying at a hotel, which will probably save our sanity.
3. My brother is coming out for a visit in April, to go to the NASCAR race with us. Zooooooom!
4. I'm going on a major trip with my mother in May. YIPPEEE!
5. My honey & I are going to NYC in June - I love, LOVE going to NYC with him.
6. I'm hoping to get back to Best Friends in September. This one is pretty tentative, but I really want to make it happen!
7. I'm hoping my Canuck friend Erin will come for a visit this fall. And bring some All Dressed Ruffles Potato Chips. Those darn Canucks have all the good flavors!!! (seriously, these chips are so freaking good)
My honey & I also have tickets to 4 big Rangers games (BoSox, Skankees, Astros and Rays) over the season.
And I need to craft. I mean, really, really need to be a busy crafter this year.
Whew. I mean - WHEW!
No, I didn't win the lottery. I'm still hopeful though.
What are your plans for 2011?
It's a new year!
This is really more of an inventory for myself, but I figured y'all might get half a kick out of how
House stuff: I've lived in this house for nearly 6 years, and it's time to put a little more TLC into it.
1. Back yard - I live on a hill, and my back yard is sliding down into the neighbors. There's soil erosion going on. Thus, we need a retaining wall. And fill dirt. Got the cost for that today, and freakin OUCH. I had no idea dirt was so freakin expensive. Ah well. Better dirt than foundation repairs, right?
2. Flooring - I had the carpet replaced with laminate in my dining room & living room a while back. Now it's FINALLY time to get rid of the carpet in the three bedrooms. That's the good news. The downside of course is that I have to have everything packed up except for the furniture in order for them to do the install. The Master bedroom & closet are pretty much done. My office is 90% done. That leaves the guest bedroom. All of these goodies are being boxed up into the dining room, which means that particular room is a disaster area. So I'll have lots of work to do AFTER the install too. Gah!
3. New Bedroom furniture - I bought an iron canopy bed a few years ago, but the rest of my furniture in our master bedroom is - get this - from my great-grandmother. And no, it isn't anything special, not antique. It's just plain old and falling apart. I got it when I went away to college. That's right. in 1992. And it's probably 15 years older than that. So I am coveting new bedroom furniture. Clearly it's further down the priority list than the above two major items.
4. If I survive the above tasks, I want to get our garage cleaned out and reorganized. Yeah, I agree. Someday.
Travel/Company/Family - 2011 is shaping up to be a busy travel year, and plenty of house guests coming into town.
1. My friend Amber is hoping to come into town in February. If not Feb, then May. I can't wait to spend some time with her!
2. My parents are coming out for a visit in late February. They are staying at a hotel, which will probably save our sanity.
3. My brother is coming out for a visit in April, to go to the NASCAR race with us. Zooooooom!
4. I'm going on a major trip with my mother in May. YIPPEEE!
5. My honey & I are going to NYC in June - I love, LOVE going to NYC with him.
6. I'm hoping to get back to Best Friends in September. This one is pretty tentative, but I really want to make it happen!
7. I'm hoping my Canuck friend Erin will come for a visit this fall. And bring some All Dressed Ruffles Potato Chips. Those darn Canucks have all the good flavors!!! (seriously, these chips are so freaking good)
My honey & I also have tickets to 4 big Rangers games (BoSox, Skankees, Astros and Rays) over the season.
And I need to craft. I mean, really, really need to be a busy crafter this year.
Whew. I mean - WHEW!
No, I didn't win the lottery. I'm still hopeful though.
What are your plans for 2011?
It's a new year!
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Holy Macaroni! I'm Stylish!
Well, according to my creative and stylish friend Tricia I am.
I know - I know! I've never won any sort of award before.
I don't even have an acceptance speech prepared.
Thanks Tricia!!!! I so enjoy our friendship - you make me laugh, and that sweet little girl of yours is so precious.
This is a pay-it-forward style award. Here are the rules:
1. Thank and link back to the person who awarded you this.
2. Share 8 things about yourself
3. Pay it forward to 8 bloggers that you have recently discovered (or not so recently)
4. Contact those bloggers and tell them about their awards.
Soooo here we go:
1. I get tongue tied. I know that's hard to believe, but I do! I'm a dork.
2. I'm a dork. It bears repeating.
3. I'm an avid rescue and shelter-adoption supporter. Don't shop, adopt!!
4. I love the color purple. It's a holdover from my pre-teen days. Thankfully, purple is almost cool again.
5. I hate NYC. Unless I'm with my honey, and then I love NYC. It's completely different when seeing it with a "local".
6. I'm telling you this because my honey & I are planning a trip to NYC this summer.
7. I'm also traveling to Europe this summer, and probably (hopefully!) a return trip to Best Friends in Utah this fall.
8. While I love traveling for fun, I hate traveling for work.
And now to pay it forward! This was a tough one. I am a blog
1. Karen at Industrial Strength - she's taking some really cool photos!!
2. Martha at Mugsyboo - I drool over her creativity!
3. Katie & Stella at Sister Stella - another fantastic photographer (and hilarious story teller).
4. Michele at the Scrap Shoppe - she inspires me, she encourages me, and she's a fantastic friend!
5. Nissa at Pugs Are Cool - she's one of the youngest pug lovers I've met, and she's also a volunteer for DFW Pug Rescue. We are lucky to have her!
6. Roo at Nice Girl Notes - I pretty much am a stalker. (sorry Roo!)
7. Amber at Roots of a Blossom - my all time favorite photographer.
8. Kayla Aimee at Only Slightly Neurotic - I am following her journey with her daughter in NICU. I think about baby Scarlette daily, and I know she wouldn't mind if you added your thoughts too. It's the power..
Friday, December 17, 2010
Snubbed by Starbucks
So I got snubbed at Starbucks this morning. The only Sbux between my honey's work and the house doesn't have a drive through. So it's a pain to walk in, but I really wanted my coffee today.
A guy walked up to the counter about the same time I did, and I let him go first. now, in reality, any "man" in Texas will always let the lady go first. it's just how they do things here. that should have been my first sign.
The chick taking the order greets him by name, and knows his order. that should have been my second sign.
She takes my order, and the guy at the register rings me up. I cough up my Starbucks card, knowing I'm 1 coffee away from my very own personalized gold card. he rings it up without saying a word to me, crabby ass. should have been sign #3, right?
Whatever...I just want my coffee so I can get out of there.
The barista hands "Les" his coffee, complete with the little sleeve, and a green stick in the spout to keep it from spilling. I thought to myself "awesome, those sticks are great to keep the car from getting messy".
Then she calls my name, and hands me my cup. No sleeve, no green thingee. Fine, the sleeves are in a basket on the counter. As I'm slipping the sleve on, I ask her for a green thingee.
Bitch looks me in the eye and says "oh we're out, I only had that one".
Uhm, lie. I see them sitting there in the back. Stunned, I looked at her and said in my best snotty-bitchy voice, "wow, only for the regulars, huh?" and walked out.
Guess I will now drive out of my way to a different Starbucks - at least that one has a drive-thru. *sigh*
Drama.Follows.Me.
Enjoy your new day! (with, or without Starbucks!)
A guy walked up to the counter about the same time I did, and I let him go first. now, in reality, any "man" in Texas will always let the lady go first. it's just how they do things here. that should have been my first sign.
The chick taking the order greets him by name, and knows his order. that should have been my second sign.
She takes my order, and the guy at the register rings me up. I cough up my Starbucks card, knowing I'm 1 coffee away from my very own personalized gold card. he rings it up without saying a word to me, crabby ass. should have been sign #3, right?
Whatever...I just want my coffee so I can get out of there.
The barista hands "Les" his coffee, complete with the little sleeve, and a green stick in the spout to keep it from spilling. I thought to myself "awesome, those sticks are great to keep the car from getting messy".
Then she calls my name, and hands me my cup. No sleeve, no green thingee. Fine, the sleeves are in a basket on the counter. As I'm slipping the sleve on, I ask her for a green thingee.
Bitch looks me in the eye and says "oh we're out, I only had that one".
Uhm, lie. I see them sitting there in the back. Stunned, I looked at her and said in my best snotty-bitchy voice, "wow, only for the regulars, huh?" and walked out.
Guess I will now drive out of my way to a different Starbucks - at least that one has a drive-thru. *sigh*
Drama.Follows.Me.
Enjoy your new day! (with, or without Starbucks!)
Deck the Halls
Ready or not, Christmas is around the corner. My halls are all decked out - are yours?
I thought I'd share my tree and a few of my favorite ornaments with you.
Without further ado: VOILA!
I decided against any sort of garland this year. I just wasn't feeling it. This year the simple look worked for me. And normally garland is my FAVORITE. Guess I'm in a weird mood this year. Meh...oh well!
This gingerbread couple are my oldest and dearest ornaments. My mom buys ornaments for everyone each year. That's her thing. She got these for me in 1978.
This little longhorn and star ornament is also one that makes me smile when I hang it on the tree. I got it at Rodeo Houston - many, many fond memories!
I don't remember where or when I found this filigree heart, but it's one of four, and a favorite!
And then there are the pug ornaments. This one from Florida - where else do Christmas + golf = ornament?? I always picture the pug saying "WHEEEEE" like the little piggie.
And this one:
Last, but certainly not least - my annual Starbucks ornament. They do a ceramic ornament of each red holiday cup - this is actually last year's. Yes, I'm addicted.
And no post about my holiday decor would be complete without Black Santa. My mom collects these guys (the Santas that is), and wanted me to have one too. She bought it for me several years ago, not realizing that Santa was a chocolate man. And this was long before the BF and I shacked up. I get a good laugh when Santa comes out of his box each year.
Ah Christmas. Ho. Ho. Ho.
Enjoy your new day!
I thought I'd share my tree and a few of my favorite ornaments with you.
Without further ado: VOILA!
I decided against any sort of garland this year. I just wasn't feeling it. This year the simple look worked for me. And normally garland is my FAVORITE. Guess I'm in a weird mood this year. Meh...oh well!
This gingerbread couple are my oldest and dearest ornaments. My mom buys ornaments for everyone each year. That's her thing. She got these for me in 1978.
This little longhorn and star ornament is also one that makes me smile when I hang it on the tree. I got it at Rodeo Houston - many, many fond memories!
I don't remember where or when I found this filigree heart, but it's one of four, and a favorite!
And then there are the pug ornaments. This one from Florida - where else do Christmas + golf = ornament?? I always picture the pug saying "WHEEEEE" like the little piggie.
And this one:
Last, but certainly not least - my annual Starbucks ornament. They do a ceramic ornament of each red holiday cup - this is actually last year's. Yes, I'm addicted.
And no post about my holiday decor would be complete without Black Santa. My mom collects these guys (the Santas that is), and wanted me to have one too. She bought it for me several years ago, not realizing that Santa was a chocolate man. And this was long before the BF and I shacked up. I get a good laugh when Santa comes out of his box each year.
Ah Christmas. Ho. Ho. Ho.
Enjoy your new day!
Monday, December 13, 2010
Adult Realizations
A friend of mine shared this with me - I have no idea who the author is. If you do, pass it along in the comments and I'll give them the credit!
ADULT REALIZATIONS
1. I think part of a best friend's job should be to immediately clear your computer history if you die.
2. Nothing sucks more than that moment during an argument when you realize you're wrong.
3. I totally take back all those times I didn't want to nap when I was younger.
4. There is a great need for a sarcasm font.
5. How the hell are you supposed to fold a fitted sheet?
6. Map Quest really needs to start their directions on #5. I'm pretty sure I know how to get out of my neighborhood.
7. Obituaries would be a lot more interesting if they told you how the person died.
8. I can't remember the last time I wasn't at least kind of tired.
9. Bad decisions make good stories.
10. You never know when it will strike, but there comes a moment at work when you know that you just aren't going to do anything productive for the rest of the day.
11. Can we all just agree to ignore whatever comes after Blue Ray? I don't want to have to restart my collection...again.
12. I'm always slightly terrified when I exit out of Word and it asks me if I want to save any changes to my ten-page technical report that I swear I did not make any changes to.
13. I keep some people's numbers in my phone just so I know not to answer when they call.
14. I think the freezer deserves a light as well.
15. I disagree with Kay Jewelers. I would bet on any given Friday or Saturday night that more kisses begin with Miller Lite than Kay.
16. I wish Google Maps had an "Avoid Ghetto" routing option.
17. I sometimes have a hard time deciphering the fine line between boredom and hunger.
18. I love the sense of camaraderie when an entire line of cars team up to prevent a jerk from cutting in at the front. Stay strong, brothers and sisters!
19. Sometimes I'll look down at my watch 3 consecutive times and still not know what time it is.
20. Even under ideal conditions people have trouble locating their car keys in a pocket, finding their cell phone, and pinning the tail on the donkey - but I'd bet everyone can find and push the snooze button from 3 feet away, in about 1.7 seconds, eyes closed, first time, every time.
.Enjoy your new day!
ADULT REALIZATIONS
1. I think part of a best friend's job should be to immediately clear your computer history if you die.
2. Nothing sucks more than that moment during an argument when you realize you're wrong.
3. I totally take back all those times I didn't want to nap when I was younger.
4. There is a great need for a sarcasm font.
5. How the hell are you supposed to fold a fitted sheet?
6. Map Quest really needs to start their directions on #5. I'm pretty sure I know how to get out of my neighborhood.
7. Obituaries would be a lot more interesting if they told you how the person died.
8. I can't remember the last time I wasn't at least kind of tired.
9. Bad decisions make good stories.
10. You never know when it will strike, but there comes a moment at work when you know that you just aren't going to do anything productive for the rest of the day.
11. Can we all just agree to ignore whatever comes after Blue Ray? I don't want to have to restart my collection...again.
12. I'm always slightly terrified when I exit out of Word and it asks me if I want to save any changes to my ten-page technical report that I swear I did not make any changes to.
13. I keep some people's numbers in my phone just so I know not to answer when they call.
14. I think the freezer deserves a light as well.
15. I disagree with Kay Jewelers. I would bet on any given Friday or Saturday night that more kisses begin with Miller Lite than Kay.
16. I wish Google Maps had an "Avoid Ghetto" routing option.
17. I sometimes have a hard time deciphering the fine line between boredom and hunger.
18. I love the sense of camaraderie when an entire line of cars team up to prevent a jerk from cutting in at the front. Stay strong, brothers and sisters!
19. Sometimes I'll look down at my watch 3 consecutive times and still not know what time it is.
20. Even under ideal conditions people have trouble locating their car keys in a pocket, finding their cell phone, and pinning the tail on the donkey - but I'd bet everyone can find and push the snooze button from 3 feet away, in about 1.7 seconds, eyes closed, first time, every time.
.Enjoy your new day!
Monday, December 6, 2010
The Working Girl's Survival Guide
It's probably not a big surprise that the drama and stress continues with my job.
At least the jerk-boss is gone. That's been a relief. But the work is still piled up deep, and no relief in sight. I can bitch and complain and whine about work - but it doesn't really change anything (ok, it does feel better for just a little bit!).
While I'd love to find a job doing something I love, that isn't an option right now. I'm not in a position where I can chuck it all and walk away (but a girl can dream, right??).
So until I win the lottery, I'm stuck. I ask myself daily - multiple times - "how can I find ways to cope in this situation? how can I make it tolerable enough to make it through another day, another week, or another month?"
And then I thought that if I'm asking myself these questions, I bet someone else out there is asking them too. I can't claim I've found THE answer, or know THE magic to making it happen. I will gladly share what I'm doing to try to cope.
First, I acknowledge that I'm trying to cope. Right? Admit there's a problem...that's where all the "programs" start. Take a deep breath, and just throw it out there. Here, I'll go first:
I have a problem. I'm not satisfied or fulfilled with my job, it's keeping me stressed out, and I just plain don't like it.
See? not so hard. The key is that once you know what the problem is, you can look for ways to solve it.
I've already mentioned that walking away isn't an option. I've been testing the waters of the job market, but if I'm honest with myself, I'm not clear on what else I want to do right now, and even if I did, is the grass really greener on the other side? I kinda doubt that... so I'm stuck here for a while.
One path of coping I can take is to focus on the things I do like about my job.
1. I work with GREAT people. Most of them. A very high percentage of them even. They are smart, personable, and fun to work with. That in itself is a blessing. And going intobattle work I'm glad we are on the same team.
2. I workin my PJs from home full time. Huge, huge perk! No commuting, just roll outta bed, through the kitchen for a cup of coffee, and into my office.
3. I work with some pretty cool clients. Yeah, a couple of them are real jerks, but for the most part, they are neat companies.
Another coping mechanism? I remind myself that I'm working to live, not living to work. I use this tool when I get emotionally wrapped up in my work, and have trouble closing the office door. I am not willing to sacrifice my personal life for what is essentially - a job. That's right, it's a job, not a career (really - do careers exist anymore??)
An excellent one for when the work is overwhelming, and I have no idea where to start tackling it? The work will be there in the morning. It isn't going anywhere, and I am doing my best to conquer the mountain. This one is big right now - as we continue to be under staffed. I try to make reasonable commitments, and then do my best to meet them. Doesn't always work... but I'm not interested in 12 to 14 hour days, week after week. Cuz that's what it would take to even make a dent.
One thing I've learned is that it's important to have other interests and places to spend your time. Try to choose something you're passionate about, and that makes it easier. For me, it's been volunteering with DFW Pug Rescue. Maybe for you it's volunteering with your church, or another organization like Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Meals on Wheels, or a group you were in during your college years (for me that was AKPsi!). Or any other worthy organization. Maybe it's crafting, or decorating, or creating. Or writing, or reading. Or yoga. Or a sport (playing, coaching or just watching) - kickball is BACK y'all!.
Whatever it is - take time to discover your passion. It might just save your sanity!
Oh, and one other thing to understand - your passion may change, and when it does, that's ok. Find what interests you, drives you, and makes you WANT to walk out of the office in the evenings.
One last tip - and this one may be obvious. Have a support system. A boyfriend/husband/girlfriend, friends, family - the bigger the better. Someone to support and sympathize with you through the tough days (gelato, anyone?), and to cheer with you in the good days. And someone to moan and gripe with - because so many of us are in the same boat, paddling upstream.
So what drags you out of bed each day? What drives your passion? How do you cope with a less-than-perfect work situation?
At least the jerk-boss is gone. That's been a relief. But the work is still piled up deep, and no relief in sight. I can bitch and complain and whine about work - but it doesn't really change anything (ok, it does feel better for just a little bit!).
While I'd love to find a job doing something I love, that isn't an option right now. I'm not in a position where I can chuck it all and walk away (but a girl can dream, right??).
So until I win the lottery, I'm stuck. I ask myself daily - multiple times - "how can I find ways to cope in this situation? how can I make it tolerable enough to make it through another day, another week, or another month?"
And then I thought that if I'm asking myself these questions, I bet someone else out there is asking them too. I can't claim I've found THE answer, or know THE magic to making it happen. I will gladly share what I'm doing to try to cope.
First, I acknowledge that I'm trying to cope. Right? Admit there's a problem...that's where all the "programs" start. Take a deep breath, and just throw it out there. Here, I'll go first:
I have a problem. I'm not satisfied or fulfilled with my job, it's keeping me stressed out, and I just plain don't like it.
See? not so hard. The key is that once you know what the problem is, you can look for ways to solve it.
I've already mentioned that walking away isn't an option. I've been testing the waters of the job market, but if I'm honest with myself, I'm not clear on what else I want to do right now, and even if I did, is the grass really greener on the other side? I kinda doubt that... so I'm stuck here for a while.
One path of coping I can take is to focus on the things I do like about my job.
1. I work with GREAT people. Most of them. A very high percentage of them even. They are smart, personable, and fun to work with. That in itself is a blessing. And going into
2. I work
3. I work with some pretty cool clients. Yeah, a couple of them are real jerks, but for the most part, they are neat companies.
Another coping mechanism? I remind myself that I'm working to live, not living to work. I use this tool when I get emotionally wrapped up in my work, and have trouble closing the office door. I am not willing to sacrifice my personal life for what is essentially - a job. That's right, it's a job, not a career (really - do careers exist anymore??)
An excellent one for when the work is overwhelming, and I have no idea where to start tackling it? The work will be there in the morning. It isn't going anywhere, and I am doing my best to conquer the mountain. This one is big right now - as we continue to be under staffed. I try to make reasonable commitments, and then do my best to meet them. Doesn't always work... but I'm not interested in 12 to 14 hour days, week after week. Cuz that's what it would take to even make a dent.
One thing I've learned is that it's important to have other interests and places to spend your time. Try to choose something you're passionate about, and that makes it easier. For me, it's been volunteering with DFW Pug Rescue. Maybe for you it's volunteering with your church, or another organization like Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Meals on Wheels, or a group you were in during your college years (for me that was AKPsi!). Or any other worthy organization. Maybe it's crafting, or decorating, or creating. Or writing, or reading. Or yoga. Or a sport (playing, coaching or just watching) - kickball is BACK y'all!.
Whatever it is - take time to discover your passion. It might just save your sanity!
Oh, and one other thing to understand - your passion may change, and when it does, that's ok. Find what interests you, drives you, and makes you WANT to walk out of the office in the evenings.
One last tip - and this one may be obvious. Have a support system. A boyfriend/husband/girlfriend, friends, family - the bigger the better. Someone to support and sympathize with you through the tough days (gelato, anyone?), and to cheer with you in the good days. And someone to moan and gripe with - because so many of us are in the same boat, paddling upstream.
So what drags you out of bed each day? What drives your passion? How do you cope with a less-than-perfect work situation?
Saturday, December 4, 2010
It's Saturday...and December..and..
...I should be running around checking things off my list.
Grocery shopping
Buying those last few Christmas gifts
Making those last few Christmas gifts
Trimming the tree
Cleaning the house
well, you get the idea.
I should be motivated to do all of these things, get into the holiday spirit, get off my duff and just DO.
But I'm not. All I want to do today is snuggle on the couch with the pugs (and my honey bunches), and be lazy. And that's what we're doing so far. Maybe the rest of it will come along...
You won't be too upset with just a card, will you?
Enjoy your new day!
Grocery shopping
Buying those last few Christmas gifts
Making those last few Christmas gifts
Trimming the tree
Cleaning the house
well, you get the idea.
I should be motivated to do all of these things, get into the holiday spirit, get off my duff and just DO.
But I'm not. All I want to do today is snuggle on the couch with the pugs (and my honey bunches), and be lazy. And that's what we're doing so far. Maybe the rest of it will come along...
You won't be too upset with just a card, will you?
Enjoy your new day!
Monday, November 15, 2010
I Shaved My Legs
I shaved my legs last night.
Not because I had a hot date.
Or because I had a cute (short) skirt I wanted to wear.
Or because I was going to the pool/beach.
Not because I hoped I was going to get lucky.
But because my legs itched.
Yeah. That's when I realized I'm old.
I'd just shaved my legs, because it'd been too long, and my legs itched.
And then I started thinking - how LUCKY am I that the only reason I have to shave my leg is because I feel the need to do so.
I don't have a boyfriend who nags me to shave them, he never even mentions it. Ok, probably because he's a guy, and just doesn't notice. But still!
I mean, I never expected to end up with a guy like mine.
He's a city boy, and I'm kinda a country girl.
He's a die hard Yankees fan, and I H.A.T.E the Yankees. Yeah, it's a strong word, but I really do hate them. Detest them even.
He likes crowded cities, and a go-go pace.
I like wide open spaces, and time to relax and enjoy life.
He loves NFL. I love NCAA football.
I love animals, he's allergic. (yeah, this one is a tough one!)
I love(d) country music, he hates it.
Seriously, if I had made a list of the interests I hoped my partner in life would have, he wouldn't have made the the final cut.
Had I made a list of the characteristics I hoped to find in a partner, well buddy - there I hit the jackpot.
Thoughtful. This guy is so very thoughtful - he bought me perfume this weekend, because he knew I wanted it. Just because.
Caring. When I'm sick, he wants to know if he needs to pick up anything on the way home from work. When I'm stressed out at work, he does his best to distract me and make me relax.
Easy going. This is from an actual conversation that happens a couple of times a week
Me: "what do you want to do for dinner"
Him: "whatever you want to do"
or this variation:
Me: "how do you feel about ____ for dinner tonight?"
Him: "sounds great"
seriously.
Realist: he's down to earth, he gets what's going on in the world, and he cares enough about me to send me articles he thinks I'd be interested in (whether he is or not).
Helpful: he helps around the house, without me having to ask (much less nag). He gets up to feed the dogs before I remember to (speaking of...I'm 23 minutes late feeding them - if he'd been out here, he would have fed them on the dog!).
Giving: He will go with me to anything I want to do, whether or not he wants to do, and he won't gripe about it. Example: he went to the rodeo with me. Just once, and I learned my lesson. Poor guy...what a disaster! By the by..I go watch MMA fights with him, and I really hate that stuff. Just another lesson in compromises.
This guy is so good to me. I couldn't ask for a better partner to spend my life with. And I can't help but think that if I had this list of interests that were "must haves", I'd never have considered him. I'm so thankful that I did, and that I do have him.
We watch sports together. I still curse the Yankees. He tells me everyone hates a winner. I tell him that if they are paying that much for a team, they should win every year. Blah blah blah.
He watches my FSU Seminoles. I watch NFL (as much as I can stand). We both hate the Dallas Cowboys (this has been a fun year!).
We don't listen to music together (much).
He has lots of allergy meds, and I think he actually likes the pugs. He'll deny it of course.
I don't drag him out into the country much, and he's shown me the "local" side of NYC.
We watch NASCAR together (yes, I've converted him on that point!), and have even gone to a race.
We play Wii together, and sometimes I even win. Until he spends his free time playing so he can make sure I don't win. (he doesn't much like to lose..go figure).
I could go on and on. What I really want to say is this: I'm so thankful that I have this guy in my life. He's nothing like I expected, and yet, so much more. Hon - thank you. You rock, and I appreciate you so much.
Yeah, all that cuz I shaved my legs. Next week: washing my hair. Can you stand the anticipation???
Enjoy your new day!
Not because I had a hot date.
Or because I had a cute (short) skirt I wanted to wear.
Or because I was going to the pool/beach.
Not because I hoped I was going to get lucky.
But because my legs itched.
Yeah. That's when I realized I'm old.
I'd just shaved my legs, because it'd been too long, and my legs itched.
And then I started thinking - how LUCKY am I that the only reason I have to shave my leg is because I feel the need to do so.
I don't have a boyfriend who nags me to shave them, he never even mentions it. Ok, probably because he's a guy, and just doesn't notice. But still!
I mean, I never expected to end up with a guy like mine.
He's a city boy, and I'm kinda a country girl.
He's a die hard Yankees fan, and I H.A.T.E the Yankees. Yeah, it's a strong word, but I really do hate them. Detest them even.
He likes crowded cities, and a go-go pace.
I like wide open spaces, and time to relax and enjoy life.
He loves NFL. I love NCAA football.
I love animals, he's allergic. (yeah, this one is a tough one!)
I love(d) country music, he hates it.
Seriously, if I had made a list of the interests I hoped my partner in life would have, he wouldn't have made the the final cut.
Had I made a list of the characteristics I hoped to find in a partner, well buddy - there I hit the jackpot.
Thoughtful. This guy is so very thoughtful - he bought me perfume this weekend, because he knew I wanted it. Just because.
Caring. When I'm sick, he wants to know if he needs to pick up anything on the way home from work. When I'm stressed out at work, he does his best to distract me and make me relax.
Easy going. This is from an actual conversation that happens a couple of times a week
Me: "what do you want to do for dinner"
Him: "whatever you want to do"
or this variation:
Me: "how do you feel about ____ for dinner tonight?"
Him: "sounds great"
seriously.
Realist: he's down to earth, he gets what's going on in the world, and he cares enough about me to send me articles he thinks I'd be interested in (whether he is or not).
Helpful: he helps around the house, without me having to ask (much less nag). He gets up to feed the dogs before I remember to (speaking of...I'm 23 minutes late feeding them - if he'd been out here, he would have fed them on the dog!).
Giving: He will go with me to anything I want to do, whether or not he wants to do, and he won't gripe about it. Example: he went to the rodeo with me. Just once, and I learned my lesson. Poor guy...what a disaster! By the by..I go watch MMA fights with him, and I really hate that stuff. Just another lesson in compromises.
This guy is so good to me. I couldn't ask for a better partner to spend my life with. And I can't help but think that if I had this list of interests that were "must haves", I'd never have considered him. I'm so thankful that I did, and that I do have him.
We watch sports together. I still curse the Yankees. He tells me everyone hates a winner. I tell him that if they are paying that much for a team, they should win every year. Blah blah blah.
He watches my FSU Seminoles. I watch NFL (as much as I can stand). We both hate the Dallas Cowboys (this has been a fun year!).
We don't listen to music together (much).
He has lots of allergy meds, and I think he actually likes the pugs. He'll deny it of course.
I don't drag him out into the country much, and he's shown me the "local" side of NYC.
We watch NASCAR together (yes, I've converted him on that point!), and have even gone to a race.
We play Wii together, and sometimes I even win. Until he spends his free time playing so he can make sure I don't win. (he doesn't much like to lose..go figure).
I could go on and on. What I really want to say is this: I'm so thankful that I have this guy in my life. He's nothing like I expected, and yet, so much more. Hon - thank you. You rock, and I appreciate you so much.
Yeah, all that cuz I shaved my legs. Next week: washing my hair. Can you stand the anticipation???
Enjoy your new day!
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
I had to go to the Emergency Room.
No no, sorry to scare you! Like 2 years ago.
I had to go to the Emergency Room a couple of years ago (better?).
And while it certainly wasn't a laughing matter, a couple of things happened that made me laugh until I cried.
Mostly because I was in a lot of pain (freakin gall stones!), but they were seriously hysterical.
So I had to go to the ER, and since it was my 2nd trip in a week, and they knew what was wrong, I got to wait with all of the other people-with-non-life-threatening conditions. And wait, and wait...
Anyway.
I'm sitting there - in pain - waiting. From across the room alady woman starts hollerin - and I literally hollderin - that her boyfriend's butt hurt and someone needed to see him NOW. Let me try to recall the quotes for you:
"His butt hurts!"
"He's got a huge boil on his butt!"
"Someone better help him soon, this boil on his butt hurts!"
Over..and over...loudly. The entire waiting room was trying not to stare, as her boyfriend slunk lower, and lower in his chair. While avoiding sitting on the butt cheek in question... (staph infection of course). She was oblivious to his humiliation, and focused on his pain. Oh dear...
The second story requires a little bit of background (or perhaps it doesn't, but I'll share it anyway).
In Texas, a certain ethnicity brings the whole family to the ER with them. That's right...when one has to go, they ALL go. And I'm not talking about mom, dad, and kids. I'm talking about mom, dad, kids, brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, and the neighbors. The whole barrio meets them there.
There had to be 20 people in there from this one family.
My friend (kind-hearted soul that she is drove me to the ER) and I were sitting near the doors, and as they all came in, she suddenly burst out laughing.
And could.not.stop.laughing.
She laughed until she was crying.
Sobbing even. Couldn't catch her breath.
And I had no idea what in the world she was laughing at.
So I'm staring at her like she's a loon, waiting for her to fill me in.
She finally catches her breath long enough to tell me.
"That guy that just walked in. The one in the pajama pants."
(I try to look around without staring...)
"He doesn't have on underwear!"
(erm, how is that funny, still waiting for the punchline)
"His thingy is all flopping around and you can see it through the flap! Wait until he walks by again."
So apparently my friend got flashed in the ER.
I never saw what she say - thank goodness.
The moral of the story? Unless you have a life-threatening injury, don't go to the ER.
You're welcome.
No no, sorry to scare you! Like 2 years ago.
I had to go to the Emergency Room a couple of years ago (better?).
And while it certainly wasn't a laughing matter, a couple of things happened that made me laugh until I cried.
Mostly because I was in a lot of pain (freakin gall stones!), but they were seriously hysterical.
So I had to go to the ER, and since it was my 2nd trip in a week, and they knew what was wrong, I got to wait with all of the other people-with-non-life-threatening conditions. And wait, and wait...
Anyway.
I'm sitting there - in pain - waiting. From across the room a
"His butt hurts!"
"He's got a huge boil on his butt!"
"Someone better help him soon, this boil on his butt hurts!"
Over..and over...loudly. The entire waiting room was trying not to stare, as her boyfriend slunk lower, and lower in his chair. While avoiding sitting on the butt cheek in question... (staph infection of course). She was oblivious to his humiliation, and focused on his pain. Oh dear...
The second story requires a little bit of background (or perhaps it doesn't, but I'll share it anyway).
In Texas, a certain ethnicity brings the whole family to the ER with them. That's right...when one has to go, they ALL go. And I'm not talking about mom, dad, and kids. I'm talking about mom, dad, kids, brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, and the neighbors. The whole barrio meets them there.
There had to be 20 people in there from this one family.
My friend (kind-hearted soul that she is drove me to the ER) and I were sitting near the doors, and as they all came in, she suddenly burst out laughing.
And could.not.stop.laughing.
She laughed until she was crying.
Sobbing even. Couldn't catch her breath.
And I had no idea what in the world she was laughing at.
So I'm staring at her like she's a loon, waiting for her to fill me in.
She finally catches her breath long enough to tell me.
"That guy that just walked in. The one in the pajama pants."
(I try to look around without staring...)
"He doesn't have on underwear!"
(erm, how is that funny, still waiting for the punchline)
"His thingy is all flopping around and you can see it through the flap! Wait until he walks by again."
So apparently my friend got flashed in the ER.
I never saw what she say - thank goodness.
The moral of the story? Unless you have a life-threatening injury, don't go to the ER.
You're welcome.
Monday, October 18, 2010
Signs that it's time to call it a day
or really, just one major sign.
I think I've shared with y'all (if you didn't know) that I work from my home. I have an office, etc.
So this afternoon I ran to take a shower, thoughts of work transitions, travel next week, what's for dinner tonight, and so on - running through my head. I rushed through my shower, got dressed, put on my shoes to wear around the house (I no longer run around the house barefoot, but that's a different post), let the dogs out, and headed back into my office to work for another hour or so until my BF gets home from work.
I worked for 15 minutes or so, when I heard the dogs do their "let me in" bark, so like any good dog-mom, went to the back door to let them in.
As I got to the door, I had this vague notion that my feet kind felt strange.
That's when I looked down:
yeah, that's right. I totally put on one flip flop, and one slide-on boat shoe.
Please forgive the fat, lily white legs. I thought you might could be kind enough to over look those in exchange for the laughter generated by the fact that it took me over 20 minutes to realize I had these two shoes on my feet.
You're welcome.
That's when I knew it was time to take a break...
I think I've shared with y'all (if you didn't know) that I work from my home. I have an office, etc.
So this afternoon I ran to take a shower, thoughts of work transitions, travel next week, what's for dinner tonight, and so on - running through my head. I rushed through my shower, got dressed, put on my shoes to wear around the house (I no longer run around the house barefoot, but that's a different post), let the dogs out, and headed back into my office to work for another hour or so until my BF gets home from work.
I worked for 15 minutes or so, when I heard the dogs do their "let me in" bark, so like any good dog-mom, went to the back door to let them in.
As I got to the door, I had this vague notion that my feet kind felt strange.
That's when I looked down:
yeah, that's right. I totally put on one flip flop, and one slide-on boat shoe.
Please forgive the fat, lily white legs. I thought you might could be kind enough to over look those in exchange for the laughter generated by the fact that it took me over 20 minutes to realize I had these two shoes on my feet.
You're welcome.
That's when I knew it was time to take a break...
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
The Fast Food Problem
Side topic - I finally "get" why people are ticked off at places like McDonald's and blaming them for the obesity epidemic. I used to think that it was people who made choices about what to put in their mouths...and thus it was people's problem, not McDonald's. I've changed my mind...
I was hungry (go figure...3 cups of coffee + 2 hour conf. call with my wicked client), and didn't want to spend time cooking anything. So I ran out to McD's, intending to pick up a salad. When I pull up to the speaker, it's all I can do not to gaze at the delicious-looking fries, hamburgers, apple pies, shakes, etc. I had to hunt all over the menu board for the teeny tiny salad section. Then it took every ounce of willpower I had to stick with my original intention and order a salad. I so wanted a burger, fries, or nuggets. I even considered getting the salad, and then a small burger to fill that craving.
I'm happy to say I didn't cave into the craving. But it did piss me off that all of the unhealthy food is so vividly portrayed on their drive-thru menu board...no wonder it's so hard for us (me) to exercise willpower to make healthy choices. When you've got a juicy burger and salty-sweet fries staring you in the face, a grilled chicken salad is the last thing you want!
I've been to NYC several times (mostly on business - but hey, there are worse places to travel), and the restaurants there are required by law to post the calorie count on their menu boards. At first I was offended - that the denial part. I didn't want to acknowledge the calories I was unconsciously consuming. Eventually I began to LOVE the calorie count - it made me pause and really think about what I was ordering. This was true anywhere from Starbucks where they had to post the calorie counts for their drinks and their evil mini-donuts, to the nicest sit down restaurants. I recall making a decision NOT to eat 5 Guys Burgers & Fries at the airport in NYC, because I was appalled at the amount of calories that added up so quickly.
I hope more cities and states will adopt legislation around posting calorie count. It's one more step in this obesity war (which I am myself fighting...). I mean, I know I have issues with food that go much deeper than surface-denial of how many calories I'm consuming. Deep down I know that a burger and fries have a butt-load (pun intended) of calories. I need the help that posting calories gives me with my willpower and decision making.
One step. One step...
I really am making an effort to eat healthier, and eat smaller portions. Little steps perhaps - like a salad instead of burger + fries from McD's. I mean, come on - we know that a salad with ranch dressing and bacon on it isn't the most healthy meal. But it's better than that burger & fries I considered.
So here's my question for you - how do you motivate yourself to make healthy (or healthier) eating choices?
Enjoy your new day!
I was hungry (go figure...3 cups of coffee + 2 hour conf. call with my wicked client), and didn't want to spend time cooking anything. So I ran out to McD's, intending to pick up a salad. When I pull up to the speaker, it's all I can do not to gaze at the delicious-looking fries, hamburgers, apple pies, shakes, etc. I had to hunt all over the menu board for the teeny tiny salad section. Then it took every ounce of willpower I had to stick with my original intention and order a salad. I so wanted a burger, fries, or nuggets. I even considered getting the salad, and then a small burger to fill that craving.
I'm happy to say I didn't cave into the craving. But it did piss me off that all of the unhealthy food is so vividly portrayed on their drive-thru menu board...no wonder it's so hard for us (me) to exercise willpower to make healthy choices. When you've got a juicy burger and salty-sweet fries staring you in the face, a grilled chicken salad is the last thing you want!
I've been to NYC several times (mostly on business - but hey, there are worse places to travel), and the restaurants there are required by law to post the calorie count on their menu boards. At first I was offended - that the denial part. I didn't want to acknowledge the calories I was unconsciously consuming. Eventually I began to LOVE the calorie count - it made me pause and really think about what I was ordering. This was true anywhere from Starbucks where they had to post the calorie counts for their drinks and their evil mini-donuts, to the nicest sit down restaurants. I recall making a decision NOT to eat 5 Guys Burgers & Fries at the airport in NYC, because I was appalled at the amount of calories that added up so quickly.
I hope more cities and states will adopt legislation around posting calorie count. It's one more step in this obesity war (which I am myself fighting...). I mean, I know I have issues with food that go much deeper than surface-denial of how many calories I'm consuming. Deep down I know that a burger and fries have a butt-load (pun intended) of calories. I need the help that posting calories gives me with my willpower and decision making.
One step. One step...
I really am making an effort to eat healthier, and eat smaller portions. Little steps perhaps - like a salad instead of burger + fries from McD's. I mean, come on - we know that a salad with ranch dressing and bacon on it isn't the most healthy meal. But it's better than that burger & fries I considered.
So here's my question for you - how do you motivate yourself to make healthy (or healthier) eating choices?
Enjoy your new day!
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
When you can't say nothing at all..
..just ramble. That's my motto. Yes sirree!
So today's post is just a few random bits.
I had a busy weekend crafting and creating at The Artistic Journey. This event was delivered by Maya Road, and The Crafty Scrapper in Waxahachie, TX. We worked on some really great projects (and a couple of so-so projects too lol). I've posted a few on my FB, and will add a blog post when I finish a couple more of them.
---------------------------------
My pug Audrey has a thing for ice. She thinks the ice dispenser on the fridge is her own personal treat dispenser. She comes running to the kitchen whenever she hears ice hitting a glass. Then she takes the ice cube I usually give her and runs to her crate to eat it in peace.
My pug Jessie is a sun goddess. On nice days like the ones we've been having, she'll go outside and stake out a sunny spot in the yard, and just sit there. She doesn't want to come inside either.
---------------------------------
We're going through another round of change at work. It's exhausting. I'm trying really hard to focus on my "it's a new day" positive spin, and focus on the things I can control - namely my reaction and emotions related to the change around me. Yes, it's very stressful. No, I'm not thrilled about the changes. But change is inevitable, and I'm doing my best to manage it gracefully. So far so good.
I'm reaching a point where I'm realizing I'm not one of the lucky ones to have a job/career that is always going to be fullfilling and completely satisfying. I'm in corporate America for goodness sakes, and thanks to the economy, that means all companies are forcing their people to do more work, with less resources (time, money, staff, etc.).
I'm coming to terms with these facts. And it's ok. It's a job. I'm lucky in that I can do pretty darn well at this job. It doesn't mean I have to pour every ounce of emotion and energy into it, it just means I have to do my best with the situation I'm given at any time.
I've sought satisfaction and fullfillment outside of the job - which is why I'm once again involved with pug rescue.
--------------------------------
Speaking of pug rescue, the number of homeless pugs is simply flabbergasting. We have had over 120 pugs in rescue for quite some time. We adopt them out as quick as we can, but we're barely keeping up with the flood of incoming pugs.
And so many are owner surrenders. Can't afford the vet care. Got a new baby, dog has to go (grrrr this one really just pisses me off!). Too busy. Such a sad, variety of excuses.
We are really fortunate to have a huge network of volunteers who are caring for all of these pugs. It just blows my mind though - if we have this many pugs, think about all of the other breeds, and all the mixed-breeds out there. And cats. And bunnies. And horses. and any other pet you can think of. Shelters and rescues are packed to the gills with pets.
If you're fortunate enough to be entertaining the idea of adding a new family member in the form of a pet, please, PLEASE look to adopt from a shelter or rescue.
And as Bob Barker says, "Help control the pet population - spay or neuter your pets!"
--------------------------------
My other half is flying to NYC on Saturday, and staying for a little over a week. I had hoped to combine a business trip to the city and join him next weekend, but it didn't work out. So I'm disappointed about that. On the other hand..I'm starting to look forward to having some time to myself. I have a bunch of craft projects to finish! lol
-------------------------------
Lunch is over, which means you are spared from any further randomness. Aren't you lucky??
Enjoy this new day!
So today's post is just a few random bits.
I had a busy weekend crafting and creating at The Artistic Journey. This event was delivered by Maya Road, and The Crafty Scrapper in Waxahachie, TX. We worked on some really great projects (and a couple of so-so projects too lol). I've posted a few on my FB, and will add a blog post when I finish a couple more of them.
---------------------------------
My pug Audrey has a thing for ice. She thinks the ice dispenser on the fridge is her own personal treat dispenser. She comes running to the kitchen whenever she hears ice hitting a glass. Then she takes the ice cube I usually give her and runs to her crate to eat it in peace.
My pug Jessie is a sun goddess. On nice days like the ones we've been having, she'll go outside and stake out a sunny spot in the yard, and just sit there. She doesn't want to come inside either.
---------------------------------
We're going through another round of change at work. It's exhausting. I'm trying really hard to focus on my "it's a new day" positive spin, and focus on the things I can control - namely my reaction and emotions related to the change around me. Yes, it's very stressful. No, I'm not thrilled about the changes. But change is inevitable, and I'm doing my best to manage it gracefully. So far so good.
I'm reaching a point where I'm realizing I'm not one of the lucky ones to have a job/career that is always going to be fullfilling and completely satisfying. I'm in corporate America for goodness sakes, and thanks to the economy, that means all companies are forcing their people to do more work, with less resources (time, money, staff, etc.).
I'm coming to terms with these facts. And it's ok. It's a job. I'm lucky in that I can do pretty darn well at this job. It doesn't mean I have to pour every ounce of emotion and energy into it, it just means I have to do my best with the situation I'm given at any time.
I've sought satisfaction and fullfillment outside of the job - which is why I'm once again involved with pug rescue.
--------------------------------
Speaking of pug rescue, the number of homeless pugs is simply flabbergasting. We have had over 120 pugs in rescue for quite some time. We adopt them out as quick as we can, but we're barely keeping up with the flood of incoming pugs.
And so many are owner surrenders. Can't afford the vet care. Got a new baby, dog has to go (grrrr this one really just pisses me off!). Too busy. Such a sad, variety of excuses.
We are really fortunate to have a huge network of volunteers who are caring for all of these pugs. It just blows my mind though - if we have this many pugs, think about all of the other breeds, and all the mixed-breeds out there. And cats. And bunnies. And horses. and any other pet you can think of. Shelters and rescues are packed to the gills with pets.
If you're fortunate enough to be entertaining the idea of adding a new family member in the form of a pet, please, PLEASE look to adopt from a shelter or rescue.
And as Bob Barker says, "Help control the pet population - spay or neuter your pets!"
--------------------------------
My other half is flying to NYC on Saturday, and staying for a little over a week. I had hoped to combine a business trip to the city and join him next weekend, but it didn't work out. So I'm disappointed about that. On the other hand..I'm starting to look forward to having some time to myself. I have a bunch of craft projects to finish! lol
-------------------------------
Lunch is over, which means you are spared from any further randomness. Aren't you lucky??
Enjoy this new day!
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Thank You Captain Obvious
Just as I promised to bring you sarcasm, the opportunity presented itself.
I swear y'all, I can't make this stuff up.
We bought tickets waaay back in July to go to a major league baseball game for our local team. Now, I don't want to name names or anything, but they happen to have clinched the AL West Division Championship. So they've had a GREAT season. And I am really looking forward to going to the game.
I started hunting around for the tickets.
They aren't sitting out ON my desk. That would be much too easy!
I looked in my desk drawer where I store important things.
Passport, checks, stamps, return address labels - yup. No ticket envelope.
I looked in the kitchen drawer where I tend to store tickets.
A bunch of corks (for a project I envisioned, and still haven't undertaken), a pad of paper, pens, and other junk - yup. No ticket envelope.
I checked my accordian folder where I store my "To Be Paid" bills.
Tax documentations for donations, a couple of bills to be paid later in the month, yup. No ticket envelope.
Well crap.
I frantically search through my email, just hoping I saved the "Thank You For Your Order" e-mail. WHEW. it's there. Maybe I did the Print at Home option.
Hmmm, no link. Ok. I will call and play dumb.
Dialing...
They automated thingee answers, and I proceed to sit on hold.
For twenty minutes. WTH ("what the hell" for you amateurs)?
Hang up, try another number listed.
On hold again. For ten minutes. And then I hang up.
I check out the tickets website, and there's a link "contact us for customer service". FANTASTIC!
I fill out the form, indicated that I didn't get my ticket, and click submit.
No lie. This is what I get back:
Thank you for contacting us. We'll contact you in 48 hours. If your event is in less than 24 hours, please contact the venue directly.
I repeated myself : WTH?
There was another number on the website for the ballpark. I dialed that, and got a live person. YAY!
I explained the issue, and said I'd been holding for like 40 minutes (doesn't time just get exaggerated when you're on hold?!?!), and the game I was going to attend was tomorrow.
She said -
are you ready for this?
she said "well, they are busy."
I was stunned. I said "HOLY $HIT!.
You don't say Captain obvious."
Fortunately I said that inside my head...
but geez. GEEZ.
I swear y'all, I can't make this stuff up.
We bought tickets waaay back in July to go to a major league baseball game for our local team. Now, I don't want to name names or anything, but they happen to have clinched the AL West Division Championship. So they've had a GREAT season. And I am really looking forward to going to the game.
I started hunting around for the tickets.
They aren't sitting out ON my desk. That would be much too easy!
I looked in my desk drawer where I store important things.
Passport, checks, stamps, return address labels - yup. No ticket envelope.
I looked in the kitchen drawer where I tend to store tickets.
A bunch of corks (for a project I envisioned, and still haven't undertaken), a pad of paper, pens, and other junk - yup. No ticket envelope.
I checked my accordian folder where I store my "To Be Paid" bills.
Tax documentations for donations, a couple of bills to be paid later in the month, yup. No ticket envelope.
Well crap.
I frantically search through my email, just hoping I saved the "Thank You For Your Order" e-mail. WHEW. it's there. Maybe I did the Print at Home option.
Hmmm, no link. Ok. I will call and play dumb.
Dialing...
They automated thingee answers, and I proceed to sit on hold.
For twenty minutes. WTH ("what the hell" for you amateurs)?
Hang up, try another number listed.
On hold again. For ten minutes. And then I hang up.
I check out the tickets website, and there's a link "contact us for customer service". FANTASTIC!
I fill out the form, indicated that I didn't get my ticket, and click submit.
No lie. This is what I get back:
Thank you for contacting us. We'll contact you in 48 hours. If your event is in less than 24 hours, please contact the venue directly.
I repeated myself : WTH?
There was another number on the website for the ballpark. I dialed that, and got a live person. YAY!
I explained the issue, and said I'd been holding for like 40 minutes (doesn't time just get exaggerated when you're on hold?!?!), and the game I was going to attend was tomorrow.
She said -
are you ready for this?
she said "well, they are busy."
I was stunned. I said "HOLY $HIT!.
You don't say Captain obvious."
Fortunately I said that inside my head...
but geez. GEEZ.
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
My Voice
Ok. I have to fess up to something. Here's the original post that I was going to publish tomorrow:
It was titled "No Reason at All"
For reasons noone can figure, Jessie decided she'd like to be today's pug-model.
Playing shy...
Worried
Sweet
Ok you got me. Jessie is *always* worried. And she's *always* sweet.
Except when the garbage man comes around. Then she's downright territorial!
And Bello decided he wanted his pik-tor made too, but he couldn't sit still for long:
"Did someone say treat?"
And this week I was delighted to find my favorite stargazer lilies on sale at the grocery store. I couldn't resist! They are blooming beautifully.
A different angle
And a slightly different color edit
Imagine that. Flowers, for no reason at all!
Enjoy your day!
----------------
After I scheduled it to post and moved on with the rest of my evening, my brain kept coming back to the post. I'm just not happy with it. I mean - it sounded semi-amusing in my head. But when I got it out into blog-o-sphere, it just sounds, well, let's be honest - dumb.
To paraphrase:
Blah blah
Cut pug picture
Blah blah
Nature picture
blah blah
food picture
blah blah blah...
Well gee, no wonder y'all are bored stiff. I don't have a voice.
Wait. WAIT!
I'm not getting all Eat-Pray-Love-ish on you. Well, I kinda am. But it's about me. So it's not about you. Ok? This time, it's not about you.
Shit, it's my blog. It's always about me. Ok. I'm coming to terms with that fact.
Moving on. I don't have a voice. Or rather, I'm not using my voice on my blog.
The giver of this "aha moment" is fellow blogger Roo.
Have you met Roo? If you haven't, you need to run right on over to NiceGirlNotes.com and introduce yourself. She's HY-STER-i-cal. And her stick figure drawing are guaranteed to make you ROFLTYPIYP (uhm, not sure you really want that reference, just trust me, ok?).
Good morning...I digress.
Anyway, she posted these really great Best Blogging Tips not long ago, and while I'm not up to the point of SEO and increasing my readership, the idea of a voice has just stuck with me. (gotta start somewhere, right?)
But what the heck does that MEAN? What's my voice? I mean, if I'm typing this blog, it's my voice, right??
WRONG! (imagine a big ole buzzer sound here)
So I thought about it. And I'm still thinking about it. POTP (part of the problem) is that I have this fear that y'all with think "gee, she's being dumb again", and so I don't post something, or over-edit myself.
And that's when the lightbulb went off.
If I was Roo, I'd draw a picture of a lightbulb over a stick figure drawing of me. But really, I'm not Roo, and I sure can't draw - not even stick figures.
But I can out-sarcasm the best of the best. Seriously.
No really, I mean it.
I am sarcastic. Positively sarcastic (let's go back to the whole concept of "it's a new day", huh??). I'm sarcastic. It's how I get through my days, delivering little packets of sarcasm in almost every situation. Usually appropriate, usually interpreted correctly as sarcasm.
And I'm human. I can share my f.. my fee.. my feelings. Or try. It might be awkward. Y'all might laugh at me, while telling me you're laughing with me.
But I know the difference.
Yes indeed-eo.
So I vow to bring more sarcasm, more feelings, with the goal of shoving my voice into my blog with each post.
Damn. Y'all are in for it now. For no reason at all...
Enjoy your new day!!
(PS - if you haven't seen or read Eat, Pray, Love, grab the book or hit the theater. you may not love it - I didn't - but it may just teach you something about yourself and that's worth the price!).
It was titled "No Reason at All"
For reasons noone can figure, Jessie decided she'd like to be today's pug-model.
Playing shy...
Worried
Sweet
Ok you got me. Jessie is *always* worried. And she's *always* sweet.
Except when the garbage man comes around. Then she's downright territorial!
And Bello decided he wanted his pik-tor made too, but he couldn't sit still for long:
"Did someone say treat?"
And this week I was delighted to find my favorite stargazer lilies on sale at the grocery store. I couldn't resist! They are blooming beautifully.
A different angle
And a slightly different color edit
Imagine that. Flowers, for no reason at all!
Enjoy your day!
----------------
After I scheduled it to post and moved on with the rest of my evening, my brain kept coming back to the post. I'm just not happy with it. I mean - it sounded semi-amusing in my head. But when I got it out into blog-o-sphere, it just sounds, well, let's be honest - dumb.
To paraphrase:
Blah blah
Cut pug picture
Blah blah
Nature picture
blah blah
food picture
blah blah blah...
Well gee, no wonder y'all are bored stiff. I don't have a voice.
Wait. WAIT!
I'm not getting all Eat-Pray-Love-ish on you. Well, I kinda am. But it's about me. So it's not about you. Ok? This time, it's not about you.
Shit, it's my blog. It's always about me. Ok. I'm coming to terms with that fact.
Moving on. I don't have a voice. Or rather, I'm not using my voice on my blog.
The giver of this "aha moment" is fellow blogger Roo.
Have you met Roo? If you haven't, you need to run right on over to NiceGirlNotes.com and introduce yourself. She's HY-STER-i-cal. And her stick figure drawing are guaranteed to make you ROFLTYPIYP (uhm, not sure you really want that reference, just trust me, ok?).
Good morning...I digress.
Anyway, she posted these really great Best Blogging Tips not long ago, and while I'm not up to the point of SEO and increasing my readership, the idea of a voice has just stuck with me. (gotta start somewhere, right?)
But what the heck does that MEAN? What's my voice? I mean, if I'm typing this blog, it's my voice, right??
WRONG! (imagine a big ole buzzer sound here)
So I thought about it. And I'm still thinking about it. POTP (part of the problem) is that I have this fear that y'all with think "gee, she's being dumb again", and so I don't post something, or over-edit myself.
And that's when the lightbulb went off.
If I was Roo, I'd draw a picture of a lightbulb over a stick figure drawing of me. But really, I'm not Roo, and I sure can't draw - not even stick figures.
But I can out-sarcasm the best of the best. Seriously.
No really, I mean it.
I am sarcastic. Positively sarcastic (let's go back to the whole concept of "it's a new day", huh??). I'm sarcastic. It's how I get through my days, delivering little packets of sarcasm in almost every situation. Usually appropriate, usually interpreted correctly as sarcasm.
And I'm human. I can share my f.. my fee..
But I know the difference.
Yes indeed-eo.
So I vow to bring more sarcasm, more feelings, with the goal of shoving my voice into my blog with each post.
Damn. Y'all are in for it now. For no reason at all...
Enjoy your new day!!
(PS - if you haven't seen or read Eat, Pray, Love, grab the book or hit the theater. you may not love it - I didn't - but it may just teach you something about yourself and that's worth the price!).
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Euphoric!
Please forgive this picture-less post. I promise to be back tomorrow with a new recipe and food pics.
Have you ever had a moment when it feels like the weight of the world has been lifted off of your shoulders?
The clouds part, and the angels sing hallelujah?
When you want to jump up and down and tell everyone the good news?
Twitter the good news?
Update your Facebook status a gabillion times?
oh, you do. I see.
uh huh.
ok.
well now it's my turn, ok?
bear with me.
WAHHHOOOOO!
YIPPPPEEEEEEEE!
HALLL-LLLEEEEE-LLLUUUUUUU-JAH!
Now picture me spinning in circles or jumping up and down.
well maybe not - that's a scary visual. But I think you get the drift, no?
so what happened you ask?
My.boss.resigned.
poof. gone. adios. sionara. ariv-aderchi. however you spell those foreign words - it all means GOOD BYE.
and good riddance quite frankly.
I could be really ugly and go into all of the reasons why this departure is so positive. But I won't. It's the internet after all.
My team happened to be together when we all learned the good news. Almost all of us telecommute, and we're scattered across the US - which makes the fact that we were all together a quirk of fate. And boy, did we celebrate. There wasn't a disappointed person among us.
Where our previous days were filled with coping strategies and survival mechanisms, last week was celebration, camaraderie, smiles and laughter. It was so refreshing!
So join me in celebrating the first Monday in MONTHS that I don't dread getting up for work.
Join me in celebrating this new day!!
Have you ever had a moment when it feels like the weight of the world has been lifted off of your shoulders?
The clouds part, and the angels sing hallelujah?
When you want to jump up and down and tell everyone the good news?
Twitter the good news?
Update your Facebook status a gabillion times?
oh, you do. I see.
uh huh.
ok.
well now it's my turn, ok?
bear with me.
WAHHHOOOOO!
YIPPPPEEEEEEEE!
HALLL-LLLEEEEE-LLLUUUUUUU-JAH!
Now picture me spinning in circles or jumping up and down.
well maybe not - that's a scary visual. But I think you get the drift, no?
so what happened you ask?
My.boss.resigned.
poof. gone. adios. sionara. ariv-aderchi. however you spell those foreign words - it all means GOOD BYE.
and good riddance quite frankly.
I could be really ugly and go into all of the reasons why this departure is so positive. But I won't. It's the internet after all.
My team happened to be together when we all learned the good news. Almost all of us telecommute, and we're scattered across the US - which makes the fact that we were all together a quirk of fate. And boy, did we celebrate. There wasn't a disappointed person among us.
Where our previous days were filled with coping strategies and survival mechanisms, last week was celebration, camaraderie, smiles and laughter. It was so refreshing!
So join me in celebrating the first Monday in MONTHS that I don't dread getting up for work.
Join me in celebrating this new day!!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)