Drowning in a Stream of Consciousness

The ant and the microwave

2008-05-14T08:30:00.006-05:00

Before I start this story, let me relay that as I was coming in to work the pianist (we don't have a muzak, we have selection of live humans who play either a harp or the grand piano in the lobby) was playing "High Hopes". If you know the words to the song, you'll understand the humor.

Last night, I was out for a few hours. Upon arriving home, I was ravenous. I broiled (I don't have a toaster and don't want one) a few pieces of English raisin toasting bread. Instead of my usual SmartBalance, I opted for butter, but it was hard as I had just taken it from the fridge. I opened the microwave to soften it for about 10 seconds. Inside, was an ant. For the purpose of this story, I'll call him Nuke.

I wondered: "what would happen to Nuke if I go ahead and microwave my butter for 10 seconds?". Two buttons later and the test was ON. Open microwave door; ant is walking slightly erratic and butter isn't soft enough. Two buttons pressed again; I open the door and this insect is walking in circles and VIBRATING! (Sorry, buddy, you shouldn't have been in my microwave and caught me on a mean day)

So, Nuke hasn't exploded or stopped moving (where I would assume he is dead or napping), so I give it another 20 seconds (without the butter). I open the door to find that Nuke has made his way under the edge of the door and on his way out! Scary! No, not that I am frying insects in my small appliances but that there is enough space for an ant to get out. And if there is enough space for the ant to get out, there is enough space for micro (read "little tiny") waves to get out as well.

The moral of this story is: do NOT stand close to the microwave while it is on.

Oh, another moral: and don't get into Stacey's microwave or she may turn you into part of a freakish science experiment! (Bear in mind that I am more likely to catch a bee, spider, etc and put it outside, but ants in springtime are too prolific and I cannot keep up.)

So, what happened to Nuke? I watched him stumble around a little, buttered my bread and ate it while reading the local paper. I didn't squish him. I figure that he had had enough and deserved a break. I am nice like that. :)

The makeup doesn't match the hair

2008-04-13T21:59:00.009-05:00

While at Reston Town Center, today, I made an observation: the mannequins and photos of women at Victoria's Secret sport JBF hair (I just heard the term recently and am humored) but their make-up is flawless. If you have "just been _______", and IF you did it right, your lipstick should be smudged. For that matter, if you REALLY did it well, all of your make-up has been rubbed off! I know that has been my experience more than once, most certainly recently.

Oh, and another observation: while fuzzy mules are cute in a photo op, they are probably not sensible in the bedroom (on kitchen counters, on picnic tables, or in a secluded meadow, for that matter!) Something with more traction would be more practical; perhaps cleats? Oh, I see a PhotoShop opportunity!

The road to happiness...

2008-04-08T11:24:00.009-05:00

is paved with low expectations.

I recently received an email that got me thinking about a few things, so I wrote, among other things:

I apologize for my delayed response, but something you wrote got me thinking (uh oh): the idea of a "back-up plan". I think I know what you were referring to and I agree with the idea that it is unseemly, but then don't we rationalize our actions? I hope I don't sound like I am going off on a tangent, but the concept has actually been on my mind for a few days:

When people date, are they just sharing time together for mutual entertainment, preventing general boredom or moving toward a next step? The first two are easy, but what about that third? And, if that is the case, what is that next step or, for that matter, the ultimate step? And how do two people comfortably discuss any of it? For example, if one person is generally committement-minded (whatever that means) but the other is out for, say, physical encounters, is it good for both parties to know up front? And, even if both know up front, doesn't that put pressure on each participant? The next thought in all of this was: whomever wants less gets what they want. Whether it be a friendship, BF(boyfriend)/GF(girlfriend), husband/wife, boss/employee, etc. If one party, say GF, doesn't want the relationship, she gets what she wants [wins], but BF, who wants the relationship, loses.
I am the type who prefers to give something an undistracted chance to see if it would work or at least get to know the person. Sort of like ordering off a menu versus visiting a buffet: you get what you get; if you don't like it, you order something else next time; no back-ups ie return trips to the heated, steam table. But I am finding, apparently like you, that many want that insurance policy against being alone. So, in trying to not be alone, they don't get close to any individual and possibly end up MORE alone, eventually.
I have been on "the site" off (mostly) and on for about a year. The simple answer to "success" would be no, since I here currently. But I have met some interesting and some less-than-interesting people. Oh, here's another tangent/thought process: I have heard that sites, like this, work better for women than men. For example, on average, I would say that I get about three/four winks per day and about one email per day. This affords me the opportunity to pick and choose (but I still feel a bit badly because these are human beings and not just pixels on the screen!). But, if guys get much fewer or only a few responses, are they just taking what they can get? Personally, I would want to be wanted for ME, not just because no one else came along. (and if you are wondering how it is that I have the time to type all of this to you and if I write back to everyone, the answer is no; I respond to very few; you just asked the right questions! Plus, this, as I said, has been on my mind a lot lately. AND I type very fast.)

So, all that said, what DO I want? I am not speaking of anyone specifically, except for ME: I want my ultimate best friend, I want someone I can be stupid with, smart with, silly with, serious with; I want someone to know everything about me and still love me; I want to get that excited thrill when I see him (sorry ladies, I do have a preference for males); I want to feel like he wants me more than any other option that could present itself; I want open and free communication; I want someone to like my girly-girl side AND my independant, do-it-myself side; I want someone to do everything/nothing with; I want someone who I can sit next to and read a book or whom I can look at, wink, smile, then ravage him; I want someone to sit next to me in the car on long trips, whether he drives or I drive; I want someone to feel like he is such a lucky guy to have found me because, if he is that guy above, I am lucky that I found him too.

Wow, I am drained! That was about as sappy as I go (at least in a blog!).

$55 for three buttons???

2008-04-04T21:49:00.020-05:00

...or $40 for two. Crazy? I think so. But these buttons have "Chanel" emblazened on them! Right? (Who cares!)

So, I am scanning ebay, looking for some great vintage Chanel jacket that looks oh so 1940s and I find these. The two pictured lower left are $80!! Not that I would ever buy any of these buttons, but I had to laugh at the prices.

Heck, what am I ranting about? The other day, I was telling Alex (who more than understands expensive tastes!) that I KNOW I have expensive tastes (she agrees and appreciates). I can scan a list of 100 photos of, say, shoes, and manage to LIKE the 10 most expensive, even if the prices aren't listed. The problem with this is that I am quite the bargain hunter. And therein lies the dilemma: how do I GET these fabulous, let's say, shoes, but for a great price? Some may get frustrated and give up, but I view it as a challenge. I am the woman who got a pair of $400 NEW Prada pumps for a mere $71 on ebay!

Now, the question is: how do I get this $499 (a bargain in itself, probably) Chanel blue silk dress for MUCH less? I'll let you know if it happens. What? I don't NEED another cocktail dress? Sure I do! Get the dress and the occassion will happen (with an extra trip to the gym per week!). Lord knows: I already have the shoes!

Right now, I am on an Anne Klein and Ann Taylor kick, so got the three pair, above (J is going to have a heart attack after his fit!).

I also picked up a pair of fun, red silk open toe pumps that remind me of 40s pin-ups (to whom I was recently compared-I am flattered!) I have no clue what I would wear with them. But my favorite find is a pair of tan suede D'orsay pumps by Kate Spade.

The fridge is in the middle of the kitchen

2008-04-02T21:11:00.007-05:00

along with the stove...again. I can't wait to get this done!

I picked up the cork flooring today and started installation. Right now, it is 10:12 (2212 to some) so, I think it is a tad late to keep running the table saw; I'll give it a rest, for now.

The color I chose has warmer tones than the granite. But, if I get the clearcoat tinted slightly, I will be able to get them pretty close. Doesn't this cork look great with the granite?

I am going to have to build, from scratch, the flush floor register because you can only get them for 3/4" thick floors and this is only 1/2" thick. See? I really can't do anything the easy way; sometimes, easy just is not an option!

Cruelty-Free?

2008-03-28T09:41:00.006-05:00

I appreciate companies who do not use animals to test cosmetics. Using mascara, lipstick or blusher is optional and a rabbit certainly doesn’t choose to use it! But, the other day, I picked up some moisturizing gloves and socks (you put lotion on your hands/feet, then put on the gloves/socks). The back of the packaging indicated that they are “cruelty-free”. I must say that I feel OH so much better knowing that they didn’t lube up some rabbits paws and make them wear cotton gloves to see if they had softer toes or if they reacted poorly to the 100% cotton. I just hope they meant that the COMPANY only uses cruelty-free methods of testing ALL of their products.

I have a better idea: cosmetic companies can use CEOs, accountants and public servants who, through deliberate misdeeds, bilk millions out of their companies/government agencies creating financial ruin or negative consequences for reasonable, trusting employees/citizens. Steal from Metro by pocketing parking fees? Here’s a little mascara in your eye! Use the company jet, expense hookers and hotel rooms, buy vacation houses and set up offshore accounts because you are greedy therefore screwing (pun intended) employees out of their retirement savings? Chew on this tube of lipstick (in addition to spending the rest of your life in prison) So what if you suffer from a hives outbreak. TOUGH! Those little rabbits and monkeys certainly didn’t do it.

About me, by others

2008-03-06T16:54:00.002-05:00

A friend sent a questionnaire to be completed by those who know, or think they know, you. I sent it out and received a response by all but two. Here are the Qs and As:

1. Where did we meet?
My mom: At Suburban Hospital in Bethesda, Md . . .12.15. a few years ago
Mark: Trantech
Alex: In front of our houses
Kathy: AOL, but in person it was at Clark's
Ken: AOL party??

2. Take a stab at my middle name: (I’d like to point out the fact that my middle name is part of my email address, so this was an easy one!)
My mom: Grandmother Rogers wanted Laura after her mother, but it didn't fit with Stacey. So you got Lorraine after my step grandmother, a very sweet lady with a mind of her own and a passion for cooking
Mark: Lorraine
Alex: Lorraine
Kathy: Lorraine
Ken: Lorraine

3. Do I smoke?
My mom: NO, at least no tobacco
Mark: no
Alex: No, but you're nice to smokers :)
Kathy: no
Ken: Smoke what?..lol

4. Do I drink; if yes, what?
My mom: Yes, mostly red wine but a few mixed drinks.
Mark: Gin tonics
Alex: You do drink. You like red wine, margaritas, sangria
Kathy: wine
Ken: Yes..i sorta remember a time in the sand ..lol...

5. Color of my eyes:
My mom: Brown, but a light shape, more topaz
Mark: brown
Alex: Brown
Kathy: brown
Ken: Blue

6. Do I have any siblings?
My mom: Yes, many
Mark: no
Alex: Yes--a sister (Heather), a brother (Scott), and another half-brother. There may be another half sibling, but I'm not sure
Kathy: lots - one full-blood sister, two half brothers by your mother and step-father, and either two or three by your father (at least one brother and one sister)
Ken: Yes

7. What's one of my favorite things to do?
My mom: Start projects . . . sing
Mark: eat lunch with mark
Alex: Buying things at the outlets to sell on eBay
Kathy: tear up the house and rebuild it again
Ken: ummmmmmm see above

8. What's my favorite type of music?
My mom: Don't know the name . . . current vocals
Mark: not rascal flats
Alex: Rock
Kathy: your tastes are eclectic
Ken: the kind to stumble to...

9. Am I shy or outgoing?
My mom: Outgoing
Mark: outgoing
Alex: Outgoing
Kathy: outgoing
Ken: mix of both

10. Am I a rebel or do I follow the rules?
My mom: Trick question ! Co-vert rebel, you follow the rules but shape them to fit your needs
Mark: rebel
Alex: A combination of both, but a little bit more of a rebel
Kathy: depends on who made the rules
Ken: ummmmm

11. Any special talents:
My mom: Many, very creative and visual
Mark: hot glue gun, beware
Alex: You sing and do home improvements
Kathy: home improvement, graphic design
Ken: lol ohhhh ya

12. What am I most adamant about?
My mom: Correcting the follies of others and protecting small creatures from an unkind world
Mark: that people respect you
Alex: Not playing games in relationships
Kathy: J doing the laundry ;)
Ken: i have no clue

13. How many children do I have?
My mom: One, that I know of
Mark: 1 that I know of
Alex: One son named Jackson
Kathy: one, thank God
Ken: just Flea

14. Thought or memory when hearing my name:
My mom: Image of a 4 yo girl wearing a turtle neck shirt and a frilly top (school photo) because you had decided to cut your own hair in front about a 1/2" from your scalp amd I had to cut the rest of it in a pixie cut which made you look like a little boy. So I had to make 'girlie' apron tops to go with your current wardrobe. Actually I thought you looked pretty good with the pixie cut.
Mark: Blue Iguana
Alex: Sunday dinners :)
Kathy: reckless, fun, interesting, late
Ken: BREAD!

15. What is my job?
My mom: I would say for lack of a better title, graphic designer, again with the creativity and visuals
Mark: graphics Flunky
Alex: Graphic designer
Kathy: graphic artist
Ken: Webpage person

16. If you and I were stranded on a desert island, what is one thing that I would bring?
My mom: "Being stranded" implies no for-planning, but you would have your laptop and therefore not truly 'stranded'
Mark: your purse full of stuff
Alex: Clive Owen
Kathy: Wine
Ken: BREAD!

Art and Hockey

2008-02-27T16:51:00.015-05:00

It may sound like an odd combination, but I'd like to think of myself as a well-rounded person.

I was going to the game with a friend who was already in DC and headed over to the National Gallery of Art to kill time before I got out there. I ended up leaving work early, so met him there. By the time we got there, we had only about 10 minutes until they closed.

I suppose I have a very casual attitude about art; why can't it be fun?: I am sure art, like beauty, is in the eye of beholder.

While walking through the East Wing - behold: canvases, each painted a solid block of color, arranged in a grid on a stone wall. To me, this looked like someone wanted to paint the stone wall and wasn't sure which color chip to choose, so they tested all of them.

I generally prefer modern art, like painters Pollack, Kandinsky and O'Keefe, to, say, Van Gogh, Monet and Renoir. My friend likes Dali and Chagall. It is MY opinion that I could have painted much like Chagall in first-grade, but what do I know? This is not to say that I do not appreciate the imagination and work that it takes to create many works of art, they may just not be my preference.

During our brief visit, there was one display I found interesting and clever. Andy Goldsworthy, inspired by the stone buildings in DC designed this permanent fixture on the ground level of the East Building. I really like natural materials and have always been drawn to stone. What makes this even more interesting is that a couple of the domes appear to seamlessly peak under the huge plate-glass windows. I like to see nature harmonized with what, the unnatural(?) as in architecture. This reminded me of a couple of images on the AIA site (while I worked there), of homes that were built to incorporate a large tree. The photo of the house on the left does not illustrate this very well, but is amazing! I'll keep looking for the other images. ...oh, here is more fantastic architecture (gotta love surfing the web!): Hotel Marqués de Riscal.

Generally, I prefer the Hirshorn to NGA, but I'll keep an open mind and keep checking back. At the very least, the Hirshorn makes for an entertaining and lively conversation on a first date!

Oh yeah, and I went to the game: Caps versus Minnesota Wild. Good game; Caps won 4-1

Home Improvements-the hall

2008-02-24T21:11:00.014-05:00

Home-project related unintended puns:

"This vacuum really sucks" - J (my kid, who abhors vacuuming)

"Well, I better know which tile I want because once I glue it down, I am stuck with it!" - me, as I was telling my brother about the bathroom.

The second one is related to what I have been doing lately. I have gotten remotivated (thank you Jim) to finish some projects around the house.

I had torn out the carpet (see photo on left; half of tread carpet complete) on the upper level stairs and in the hall; I removed the banister and handrail (and NOT fallen off the hallway ONCE!-Gary was concerned), replaced some drywall (water damage), removed all trim and flat-paneled doors.

Fairly quickly, I put in oak-faced risers on the stairs, oak hardwood flooring in the hall and replaced the doors with six-panel doors with bronze knobs (very unique). A bit later, I put in the mission-style oak newel post. At that time, I also finished the hand and base rails for the hall, but due to severe miscommunication with spawn, they were put out with the trash about 30 seconds before the trash truck came...sooooo......I had to get new and start all over -- it's always something.

As a perfectionist, I sand, I apply sealer, sand, apply....repeat no fewer than two more times...sand, apply polyuerathane, sand, another coat, one more sanding touch-up, then final coat. Then, I have to figure out the railing. I bought black wrought iron pickets to give the railing a more open, modern look compared to the horrible 70s inspired original design. As of today, I have finally measured and settled on a final length. This next week, I'll drop them at an iron shop for cutting. Then, I'll have the joy of precisely drilling holes into the floor, marking the bottom of the railing, and chiseling out the squares for installation. While getting this thing installed is a bit intimidating for me, I know it isn't going to install itself! So...

It has been a bear trying to figure out how the wood around the stair opening should work, what to do with the stairs (finished oak or painted trim? Wooden handrail or wrought iron?)

As of now, the baseboards are all installed, caulked and repainted (three times). Quarter round --prefinished from Bruce Flooring,expensive at $14.95/8 lin. ft, but looks perfect --was glued down (go Gorilla glue!) and carefully braced to avoid nail holes. Today, I repainted each of the four doors (twice) and touched up some of the trim.

Awhile ago, I became distracted by the idea of a mural. Jackson loves it when I paint these crazy things, so talked me into doing something in the hall. To the right, you can see what I have done, thus far. It still needs much work, but I have other priorities, right now.

I expect to have the whole thing (except the mural) finished by week's end. I have a few other photos of the trim that I'll post later. I know you are really excited to see it, but you will just have to wait a bit longer--you can do it!

In case you are curious, below are a few photos of other murals I have done. The one on the left is currently in Jackson's room that is decorated with a southwest theme. It matches a wool kilim pillow cover that he won't keep on his bed. The photo in the center is actually just a small part of his room, as it was decorated before, with a tropical underwater theme. The one on the right is an accent wall I painted in the dining room. I had a rug that matched it very closely. Now, the rug is gone and the wall has been painted with a green suede paint.

My killing spree continues...

2008-02-10T22:30:00.000-05:00

My previous post is about my having my dog euthanized.

This morning, as J and I were coming home from breakfast, he said: "It's still alive; it's legs are moving." about the crow that I had barely noticed as we were driving past.

Could I just drive home and leave this animal in agony on the side of the road where someone left it after having had hit it with the car. I cannot imagine how ANYONE could do something like that! I don't care where I am headed, I would stop and do anything I could. If left at the curb, it would be prey to other animals, or die of dehydration, at the very least, in a couple of days.

In this instance, I wrapped the crow, who was struggling slightly while on its back, with some napkins and turn it over. It just sat there, blinking, watching me. It's beak was broken and there was a bit of blood in its mouth. How do you FIX that? I called animal control who was going to send someone out. J got a box from the car, I placed the crow in the box and drove the 1/4 mile home.

What was I doing? I hate crows! They are so annoying and loud; they are nuisance birds. But, looking at its eyes, thinking it must be in terrible pain and frightened.

...anyway, an officer came to my house. He said they would euthanize it since there was no one to take care of it. I said that I would take care of it, if someone could set its beak; he said vets wouldn't since they are classified as "nuisance wildlife". I had rubber gloves near the door (for working with glue and drywall), so held the crow gently, while the officer injected it with a tranquilizer.

It was pretty rough at the very end. But, again, it was the right thing to do for the animal.

No, I cannot save everything/everyone, as I have been told, but I would love to, some day, have some sort of ranch/farm where I do make a difference to some. "Be the change you want to see in the world" -Ghandi ...I cannot agree more.

Goodbye Devon

2008-02-05T09:02:00.000-05:00

On January 15, I finally had Devon put down.

I was taking to A about the dogs since I would be going away for the next weekend. I said, "maybe I'll just ask J if I could bring Blossom" then realized I said nothing of Devon; I must have subconsciously made the decision that he would not be here. It was time to do the right thing by my dog, who had lived with us, since he was three months old, for almost 14 years.

Toy Manchesters are very healthy dogs in all aspects, with the exception of their mouths. At this point, Devon had only half of his teeth left, despite the fact that I cleaned his teeth fairly regularly. I even had a set of dental tools to scrape off tarter, which would come of in large chunks.

Last July, J noticed a large red bump on his tongue as they waited in the Saab (convertible) as I ran into the store. As he would pant, you could see a marble-sized lump right in the middle of his tongue! We were on our way down to my parents' house, so I took him to their vet.

The vet suggested we put him under general anesthesia to take a biopsy. If it came back positive, have him simply not wake up. The problem with removing it was that most of his tongue would have to be removed and there is a large vein that runs underneath....

Anyway, none of that matters now. I put it off for 18 months. For the past couple of months, he would wimper if his head was touched. I think his gums were receeding very quickly so he was uncomfortable if not in pain.

I had asked someone go with me who was extremely supportive. I hate being so emotional and out of control in front of people, but I do not think I could have done it alone or with J. My vet was amazing; comforting, supportive and soothing. I know I was doing the right thing (crying now) but it doesn't make it any easier. I kept telling myself "I can still change my mind and not do this, but once that second needle is in, it is too late." I stayed strong, I think, and went through with it all.

To make things even more difficult, I did this in January when the ground was partially frozen. I had to wait to bury him out back because I had to call MissUtility to mark the utility lines. Truly, if it had not been freezing, literally, outside, I would have considered a different solution to having him in the car for six days. But, I did want him buried out back, near where he would lie in the sunshine, legs tucked underneath with his eyes closed.

I think his disappearance has affected Blossom: she howls when we leave, she is extremely happy (more than normal) when we return, she is even more submissive and needy. Like the grieving for me, it will take her time.

With him gone, it is the little funny little things that I notice. The first morning afterwards, I went to take the "dogs" out. Blossom ran out and I stood there a moment, with the door open, waiting for Devon. I almost even called him again; he will never come when called. He liked to lie next to me on my bed, shaking, which drove me nuts. He would be curled up on the dog bed and Jones (the cat) would lick his head; he would grumble, but take it.

I received a couple of suggestions, other than the obvious of just burying him:
Kathy: right after he is put down, straighten his legs. When rigor mortis sets in, you can take him to an Irish pub, stand him in the middle of the table and have a wake.
Mark: right after he is put down, fold his legs under him, as if he is lying down. Then, you can put him in a purse, with his head sticking out, and carry him around like Paris Hilton carries her dog.

I did neither, but appreciate the ideas; thanks guys.

He was a great dog. Yes, he farted, whined and shook like a dryer with sneakers inside. But, he would walk directly beside me without a leash and loved to ride in the convertible, hopping around me as we got in the car. He was a very sweet dog.

I miss you terribly, Dev.

Sweaters to avoid this season

2007-12-08T16:19:00.000-05:00

...and, for that matter, forever!

I was looking online for new sweaters. Many of my old ones are way too big and sweater weather is certainly here.

Truly, if anyone were to give me one of the above for Christmas or my birthday, they would probably get slapped. Come on! These are reserved for grandmother's to get for 13-year-old awkward adolescent girls whose mother will make them actually wear them the next time Grandma comes to visit. So cruel!

These are more my style (I actually have the first three; Jackson actually called the second one a "sneed" from "The Lorax")

This is why it is best to avoid giving me clothes as gifts. Actually, I recommend gift certificates! ;)

The point of this post is: don't just buy random gifts for people for the sake of something to give. I know a couple of people who skim through clearance racks and find things that will "work" for those on their list--I'll never understand that thought process.

That said, I still have shopping to do! I have it all planned out.

Photos from A+B wedding

2007-11-19T20:16:00.000-05:00

Here are some photos from A+B's wedding. Yes, I cheated and copied and trimmed them from the photographers' site. I plan to pay for prints anyway so, I am sure they won't mind my getting advance use of these.

There were a few of me dancing with J; now I know why action should never be photographed; you look SO ridiculous in stills! You won't get to see the dancing shots any larger than these.

In the second photo, D (5) and I are discussing how silly it is to throw flowers and elastic bands to people who think, if they catch them, they will get married. What silly wishes or empty hopes, right? As if that is all it takes. So, I made sure that I didn't catch the bouquet by holding her arms open to help her to catch the bouquet. (Subject irony: the cartoon on my widget as I post this!) She assured me she was single!

A bit later, we watched the groom remove the bride's garter; D looks a little concerned to me!

I should have just played "Duck, duck Horse"

2007-11-04T22:51:00.000-05:00

Yes, the game is actually called "Duck duck goose" but, apparently, horses are faster and D seems to like horses more than geese.

At A&B's wedding, D (she's four) was getting a bit restless and frustrated that no one would play with her. People had started dancing (my son and I had already done a few spins around the dance floor LITERALLY, then with another partner or two), so I was trying to get her to dance too; she would have none of it. She tried to get me to play this game, but I thought sitting on the floor/ground in high heels and formal gowns might not be a great idea.

So, she and I were walking around outside with my son in tow. I was carrying her in front of me, trying to distract her and being silly as Jackson was in awe of the stars (he had had a couple/few drinks; read further for details). As we were walking along the asphalt pathway, me wearing four inch heels, suddenly the ground went from smooth, flat asphalt to a grate that has rounded top metal and four inch spaces!! I went down on one knee, quickly dropping D in front of me, then went down on the other leg just as quickly, then falling forward. Everything was silent for a moment as we were all trying to figure out what had just happened! As it turned out, J was silent because he was so enamoured with the stars, he didn't even see us fall! (Later, he said he just heard a small gasp and saw us on the ground.) D started to cry and I was in absolute agony with my knee on fire, so all I could do was gasp: "Jackson, GO GET HER FATHER!"

I sat her up, checking her head for a bump, which came a bit later. I felt just terrible! Here I was trying to entertain this child only to BREAK HER! As far as I know, at this point, she is mostly fine. Within an hour of the incident, she kept giving me calla lilies and hugging me. She promised she wasn't mad at me and told me she wished I would come to brunch the next day (I had to decline as J and I had plans). Her 11 year old sister was wonderful and brought me a ziplock bag full of ice, thank goodness! I cannot imagine how my knee would look/feel if I didn't have it.

I was supposed to go to my trainer tomorrow, but had to cancel as I can barely walk, let alone use an elliptical, treadmill or weights. I'll just lift hand weights in the (relative) safety of my bedroom.

Jackson's Life Lesson:

With all of the pain I was/am in, it helps to know that Jackson learned a valuable lesson that night: stick with liquor OR wine OR champagne, but mixing your alcohol is NOT a good idea. Oh, and on that note, I learned one too: when Jackson says "Mom, you need to stop the car", I really should stop the car right then! I finally pull off the road and he leans over and lets it all go! As I glance over, I shout: "Oh my GOD, the door isn't open! So he opens the door and finishes. But, not before he nailed his new suit pants, the tie, the shirt, the interior of the car door, and the carpet. I even had to stop one more time before we go to our hotel.

I admit that I did allow him to have a couple of short pour JD and Pepsis, and I know he had a bit of champagne during the toast, but I did NOT know that he drank two glasses of red wine that was on the table and about the same number of white AND three glasses of champagne that were on the table. Well, not full glasses of champagne, but about a ounce of it in each glass. I didn't give him a hard time about it, later, I just explained that I just wish he had asked; I would have been able to warn him that mixing your liquors was a BAD idea; he certainly knows now! At some point, between heaves, he asked "Why would anyone drink just to get drunk? This is terrible!" and "I am not going to drink again until I am 35." Today, he told me that he will never be able to touch Jack Daniels, Pepsi, champagne or wine again!

...until next time. :)

Dream Interpretation: Flying

2007-10-24T08:27:00.000-05:00

As a kid, I used to dream that I was flying; I would fly low and steady. I viewed it as cautious where I could easily step down, if necessary, as opposed to a crash landing.

Then, I grew up and fly higher because I am more confident in my piloting skills.

Then, someone comes in who asks to co-pilot. He's wearing a pilot's cap, says the correct technical terms, speaks of coordinates, etc, acts like he knows how to fly. So, I let him sit in the other seat and handle some of the controls of my personal aircraft. We take off, flying higher and higher; it's smooth sailing! Suddenly, he feels a bit of turbulance and says: "I need to go back and take a nap; don't wake me, I'll come back when I am refreshed." and exits the cabin with a blanket and teddy bear. So, here I am flying this thing WAY off the ground all by myself, turbulance bouncing the plane around. I am trying to hang on to the controls, but am not strong enough. My co-pilot is in the back, snoring away, completely ignorant, so we crash.

Lesson: just because someone has papers that look like certification, says all the right words and your co-pilot seat is empty does not mean you should let him sit there. Be wary of who you allow in your cockpit: watch them fly another plane first; consider track records, number of hours they have actually been in the air and how many different planes they have flown. 20+ years in a Cessna doesn't mean he can handle your Blackbird. At the very least: do not go higher than you are comfortable just because someone else has a hand on the extra controls; who says they will turn it in the direction YOU want to go!

Interpretations:
http://www.dreammoods.com/cgibin/flyingdreams.pl?method=exact&header=dreamid&search=flyingintro
http://www.dreamsleep.net/commondreams/meaning-of-flying-dream.html

This hurts more than I thought it would!

2007-10-19T20:40:00.000-05:00

Well, more than I remember it hurting when I started at the gym last time. I am talking about my legs and buns!!

I have been working out fairly regularly for the past 4-5 weeks and have been rewarded with a weight loss of 25 lbs and reduction of a pants size by one (and now, those are even loose on me).

So, yesterday, I signed up with a personal trainer just to show me what a WUSS I AM! He said I did a great job; better than many clients who have lower weight/fat content, etc. but I don't know if he is blowing smoke up my gluts. Anywhoo, I was fine this morning, getting a bit of a tingle by noonish, but now, each step up the stairs SCREAMS! I feel pretty good in that I did do everything he asked of me and even pushed some a bit. Push to muscle failure? Oh YES. Those babies were shakin' and a bit wobbly when I got up to walk each time.

My next appointment is tomorrow at noon. I think we do abs and back. Trainer said that I will continue to be sore like this for the next month and a half, if we continue at the rate I want. Then, when it doesn't hurt anymore, we have to change the routine so that it hurts again! Ahhhh, but then you know it is working.

I am actually at a lower weight now than I have been for 15 years. Better late than never, I guess.

Since I don't do arms/shoulders until about next Thursday, I am going to head up, watch psuedo-figure skating on "Blades of Glory" with J and lift 10 lb hand weights. Just using hand weights has really built up my shoulders, triceps and biceps. Then, I am going to blissfully konk out!

My super power reaffirmed and I hate plastic tube hangers!

2007-10-15T23:01:00.000-05:00

Me and my great ideas!

I was talking to a co-worker about the idea of having a shoe/clothing exchange at work. I have lost a bunch of weight but have gorgeous clothes that I cannot use anymore. Plus, I love shoes and buy them online. Occassionally, they just don't fit and it would almost cost more to send them back. Sooooo, she mentions that they have an exchange, on Saturdays, at her church.

Despite the fact it is church, I go anyway, two Saturdays ago.

I took a few sundresses that were too big, like an Ann Taylor strappy dress size...ha! nope, not falling for it. (Aww, what the heck! It was a 14 and now 12s are starting to be a bit big on me, depending on the cut.) I also brought a couple of sweatshirts from J and other random items.

I couldn't reach co-worker via phone, but went anyway. I arrived to see a HUGE LINE of people! Apparently, it isn't exactly an exchange. People who are financially disadvantaged (is that politically correct?) get a large trash bag and can fill it up with as much as they can. Not exactly what I envisioned! I brought my donations to the front of the line to see if I had to WAIT to GIVE stuff. Answer: no.

But, I was asked if I could volunteer. Sure, why not? I figured that I'd be nice and help out for a couple of hours, despite the extensive to-do list waiting at home.

So, my job was to straighten clothes on the racks and remove hangers that had been left there.

(I'll bet you are wondering how the title fits into this subject, aren't you?) So, I am removing hangers, straightening items when I get whacked in the head by a heavy jacket. OK, my super power is activated! Again, I am invisible. I let it go. Then WHACK by another item. GEEZ!! I am standing RIGHT THERE! This guy is SO determined to get his bag full, he doesn't pay any attention to a volunteer who is trying to make it easier for everyone. WHACK! Aloud, I say "OK, that's three" WHACK! "Four! WOW!" then walk away. THIS is why I would rather help animals or do some type of community service for people I never see. I would rather do it anonymously and NOT get knocked around doing it.

Oh, and my Ann Taylor and Donna Morgan dresses? Before I even had a chance to put them up on a rack, a 5'-2" 200 lb appled-shaped Columbian woman excitedly snatched them up. First she went for the Ann Taylor, the Donna Morgan, then she just took ALL of them. Oh well, right? Chiffon is great for general weekend or grocery shopping attire. I must say it was really tough to watch them go like that. Next time, I drop them in a donation box and RUN AWAY.

And I don't know who is the genius who thought using plastic tube hangers for t-shirts and sweatshirts was a good idea. That stuff ends up all over the floor. Try picking up shirts, dodging enthusiastic indigents and trying to not step on small, errant children. "I am doing a good thing; I am doing a good thing" I chant as my new mantra for the next 115 minutes!

I finally had to stop sorting hangers when my ears were about to bleed from the piped in hymns. Is it too much to ask that they play some Nickelback, Queen or Pink Floyd? Sheesh. ;)

Life in general

2007-09-20T02:42:00.000-05:00

Things have been pretty busy for me for the past month or so. You may note that I am posting this in what you may call "the middle of the night", but it is, for me, the middle of my workday. Sure, I am sitting here on my bed typing, but I am going to get ONE sleep cycle in (90 minutes, in case you don't know what I am talking about), then my son will wake, wake ME, then I'll shower, then run back to work (which I finally left at 3 a.m.)

Work: very busy! We are working on a proposal for a military somethingorother in Darfur. I don't pay attention to the actual content; I just do the graphics and read through the documents simply for corrections. I wasn't even on this proposal until this past Friday. Eight graphics turned into 55, at last count. We go to print on Saturday. When I heard this in a meeting, my stomach dropped because I knew I would not be able to go to Long Island, as previously planned, this weekend. Then my boss asked if I had plans and I admitted that I did, but could cancel. Apparently, according to the coordinator, I was pulled in at the last minute (a week, in proposal time) to save the proposal. Honestly! That is really what she said! Anyhoo, someone else on the team will cover me in the event of any changes, but tonight, at about 10 p.m., I tried to stress to the writer's that I would NOT be at work after 3, possibly 2, on Friday, so they really should get changes in on Thursday. After that, they get what they get from my understudy.

Love: yup, I actually wrote that...I am, indeed, in love. I finally found someone (or actually, he found ME) with whom I can be myself and completely comfortable. It is a bit overwhelming when you put up a barrier and someone comes to you and says things and asks questions that chip away the wall. I cannot say this relationship has not had challenges, but they have nothing to do with he and I. I think it is safe to assume that anyone over the age of eight has some amount of baggage. Personally, I like the concept of traveling light, but I like shoes too much! Scott is wonderful: caring, intelligent, cuddly, attentive, sexy, fun, silly, good looking, and considerate. It's funny: I remember making a list of what I would want in a person. I must have had 20+ items on my list. As I got older, the list whittled down to: "not allergic to cats and mostly liked kids". When I think of Scott, I realize that my list was possible. I am so lucky that I had the opportunity to make a smart choice and let it all begin. :) (getting pretty tired here, so I better make it fast....)

J: in high school now. Dramas are almost daily. So, why would I want another child? I am not sure, but perhaps my money would be better spent on a frontal lobotomy!

Scout (the cat) just knocked something else over in the bathroom, so I may be short one cat soon. Grrrrr!

Everything else is generally the same.......about to konk out here! Goodnight (morning).

You just never know....

2007-08-26T22:51:00.000-05:00

what can happen when you take a chance!!

It is funny that people hold back so often; we don't say what we want to say in fear of the reaction we may receive. The response may be negative:

"Will you go out with me?"
"No, I am having a wart removed that night and
will need a year to recover, but thank you for asking."

But that percieved negative could actually be positive because, to you, warts are more disgusting than the yolk of a hardboiled egg (in your opinion, but that IS the topic, isn't it?) Or, you could get a positive response to your inquiry, but later learn that she loves egg yolks and has more warts than the Wicked Witch of the West and the personality to match! (maybe no one asked HER out!)

Why are we afraid? Haven't we had enough life experience to know that we can survive some disappointment? No matter how rough your day is, no matter how difficult a situation can be, you will live to see tomorrow. There will only be ONE time that you are wrong in this scenario and you won't be around to lament your decision!

I write all this knowing full well that I had something very important to say on Friday and danced around it knowing full well that the ultimate point was going to be missed in all of my side-stepping (yes, I have fear as well!). But, today, someone was doing a little dance on the same subject. Knowing the steps well, I saw where it was going and simply asked: "Do you have something you want to say?" or something like that because the answer to that question blurred my vision and part of my memory! Let's just say that the person did indeed have something to say and did so in the most charming and adorable way that I don't want to embarrass him by posting it here: it is emblazened in my memory, and we are the only ones that count in the situation. (So, I rush to post it in my blog, right?)

I'd post a photo, but none of those to which I have access do him the justice that he deserves. ALSO, I'd have to ask his permission first.

You caught my ire

2007-07-15T21:41:00.000-05:00

Things you should not hear (nor say) on a first date:

"Yes, I am bad and I need to be spanked" followed by turning your back and leaning over, slightly.
"She prefers girth, not length." to the bartender when your date requests a rocks glass versus a juice glass for bourbon and ginger ale.
"Oh good, you aren't kissing someone" when returning from the men's room, explained by:
"Yes, I walked out of the bar the second time my girlfriend was kissing some guy" followed by:
"She had sex in the men's room with a black guy and told me the baby was mine; I was the one who had to take her to the abortion clinic..." followed by:
"We stopped dating, but still had booty calls."
"I am not really a breast man; I go straight for the [gestures toward her crotch]."
"I don't have any money, but my [estranged] wife is a millionaire a couple times over now."
"Guess what kind of car I drive." (I guessed Ford Pinto, then Gremlin. I think that irked him since he was, clearly, trying to brag about his BMW-leased btw)
"Ever since my gastric bypass surgery, I cannot keep chicken down." "Should I kiss you before or after this cigar?" (rather
presumptuous that he will get kissed at all!)
"Yes, I know my friends keep calling me. Since I am not confident about my judgment, they are looking out for me." (No shit! Because everything you said, above, was based on GOOD JUDGMENT?)

What is dating? What is the game? Is dating a game? Am I a player? If I view dating as a game, and I date, does this mean I am a player?

I don't believe that I am a player, but when I view the above situation and allow it to proceed due to the entertainment factor, hence 'a game', I may be a player. Considering the above statements, who could blame me? Apparently, the smooth talker (a lawyer, BTW) who crafted such eloquent sentences within an hour of our first meeting.

Theory: people who talk about money don't have any; people who talk about sex don't get any; people who brag about what they drive, what they pay to exs have to pay strippers, hookers or gold diggers to pay any attention to them; they also have to be humilated by trashy women who are fine with a booty call buddy status because going out in public only brings the possibility that she will end up in the men's room with someone else! I guess if the personality doesn't work, credit cards and flashing cash must pick up some slack.

All of this goes to further prove to myself that I should pay more attention to my instincts. Animals have instincts for survival. Without them, they could be eaten alive or at least mauled. Does the same go for dating? Animals don't date, but humans can be eaten alive or metaphorically mauled. I look back and am just amused:

In fairness, I think it is reasonable to state that I am not perfect (eyes downcast): I focus on details too often, some slights bother me more than I should allow them to, my grammar is imperfect (thank you; I don't need it clarified unless the correction is explained), I procrastinate, I lose track of time, I juggle too many thoughts, projects, ideas and some of each get lost, I could stand to lose more weight...I think I'll stop there on the negative. On the positive: I am creative, loyal to friends, love and protect animals, love and adore my child (who drives me NUTS!), very handy, and a decent, although fast, driver. :) So, yes, I do have a pretty high opinion of myself.

BEST DINNER EVER!

2007-07-08T23:53:00.000-05:00

Background: I have never been the type to prepare dinner nightly. Even when my son was small, sometimes, cheese, crackers, veggies and dip served as 'dinner'. Sometimes, it was a pot of chili (pretty good actually) that lasted for a few nights, etc. Actually, since my son was about eight, he learned to cook. By 11, he could fully plan, write a list for, and execute the actual meal. He made sure there was a protein, vegetables and sometimes a starch. He also made sure there was texture, color, and shape variety (I am so proud!) Johnson Wales would be lucky to have him! Now, we have been buying sauces in squeeze bottles for added presentation flair.

I don't usually cook something like I did tonight, but lately, I have been holding 'Sunday dinners' where I have a little more fun with food. To me, it is the culinary equivalent of 'dress up'. Alex and I have a weightloss bet (details to follow, maybe) so are using these opportunities to figure out healthy but DELISH! menus. First week, I made a london broil, watermelon and...I cannot remember the other items, but they were all healthy and very good. The next week, she marinated veggies that were thrown onto the grill with a huge salmon fillet. To that, I added my 'signature salad' and an amazing dessert of fresh strawberries with a balsamic vingar/bittersweet chocolate reduction. Independance Day was a couple of steaks, tomato/avocado salad, grilled yellow squash and sangria (we are experimenting with different flavors; this one included lemon/lime seltzer, a good Spanish wine and pomogranite juice)

I spoke to a friend who was going to come over, then grabbed my friends/neighbors who seemed to be happy that I caught them before they went to Silver Diner. The day I cannot cook better than SD, please just shoot me! Alex whipped up some white sangria (Governor's white table wine, my leftover lime mineral water for fizz and braeburn apples [no peaches; Burt ate all of them]) The addition of strawberries may have been nice.

The menu:

Tomato and avocado salad with bacon, yellow peppers and cilantro
Broiled marinated (in ginger, garlic, lime juice and cilantro) sea scallops and pan fried jumbo shrimp in sesame, lime bacon sauce
Sesame crusted seared tuna with sesame, basic chili noodles
Ginger lime pan fried shrimp with tomatillo mango salsa

We also had a fabulous bottle of Weingut Joh. Haart 2005 Riesling. I am not a big fan of white wine, but this Reisling is not too sweet and perfect with delicate foods like seafood. It doesn't overpower the spices and fruit and....oh nevermind, I am not going to pretend to know the dazzling 'foodie' terms; I'll leave that to Kathy.

Anyway, the wine coupled with the half of a pitcher of sangria released very lively conversation, general silliness and mangled demonsrations of pronunciations of "horrible", "nuCLEar", and an extended discussion and test run of whether or not Devon (the dog) is going deaf (OK, this may sound dull to you, but it was all pretty funny at the moment). More than half-way through this revelry, Jackson returned home from his Aunt's where he had spent the last 1.5 weeks. He was concerned for all of us, to say the least. We returned the favor by regaling him with stories of July 4 (walking through the woods from Reston to Herndon and back with only the light of our collective cell phones to keep us from breaking ankles or falling into the creek), etc. Thus, more hilarity ensued, as did more confused expressions of concern from my spawn.

In the photo on the right, what you do not see is that Burt was demonstrating Alex's excessive strength by demanding 'piggyback rides'. Afterwards, he kept walking around bending over in front of her; J and I were a bit concerned (can anyone say 'strap on'?) and took his glass away.

I find that the best times to be had are are impromtu and include at least one bottle of alcohol.

Thanks guys! I had a fabulous time

So, why am I still up? I am waiting for the bidding on a black Tadashi and a burgundy Shelli Segal (for A/B wedding) cocktail dresses. Wish me luck.

Another reason to admire my spawn

2007-04-17T23:45:00.000-05:00

I am frustrated.

My brilliant (tested, not assumed) kid is an EXTREME underachiever in school. He gets As on tests without any study, butgrades are no where near that because he won't do the class/homework. Heis in honors Science and Civics and was recently moved up to honors math(he was in it last year, but insecurity and fear made him [in my mind]deliberately fail-he made it up in summer school).

Yesterday, we were arguing about the fact that he needs to develop a routine for school and for his life in general; I need to trust that he has actually done homework when he says he has, etc. That turned into an arguement about expectations and failing to meet or even try to meet them,etc...I explained that I was disappointed that it seemed that, no matter what he was told, he would do whatever he wanted, regarding school, clothes, etc.

(A little background: He has a friend whom I view as a bad influence. Unsupervised, possibly involved in a gang [at least mode of dress], participating in unprotected sex at age 14, etc)

When continued involvement with this person was mentioned, yet again, he said: "You view [friend] as a bad influence on me, but if I do something, it is because*I* chose to do it. Also, while, he may not necessarily be a bad influence on me, I could be a good influence on HIM!" This one is tough, as a parent: do I possibly sacrifice MY child for someone else's? And what does it teach MY son to say that he should turn his back on this friend. "Just because you tell me I cannot be his friend doesn't mean I can be his friend one day, then not be his friend the NEXT day." He is worried about this friend, specifically relating to the unprotected sex and has encouraged the friend to use condoms IF he is having sex.

So, what I admire is his sense of loyalty, to the friend and in trying to BE a friend; talking to him about these things; to be, possibly, the only person who [friend] may feel comfortable in sharing these topics. I also admire that he is admitting that HE makes his own choices; that ultimately, no one else is responsible for what he does or does not do.

Is 14/15 too old to invite over for milk, cookies and supervised homework time? I am going to have to REALLY think about this situation.

Saab: born from jets

2007-04-12T20:43:00.000-05:00

Oops, make that "Saab born from the Flintstones car"! How about "Saab: careful about using that turbo unless you want to blind everyone behind you" or "Saab: eat my burning oil exhaust while I gas the driver of this piece..." OK, I'll just say I am not overly thrilled with my car today.

This is what my car usually looks like (pictured at right) and if you were driving behind me on Route 28 near 66 today at about noon, you saw (pictured immediately below)

Oh, you don't see anything there? EXACTLY!!! Anyone behind me disappeared in a cloud of thick white smoke, invisible to me in the rearview mirror. I could hardly hear the numerous horns honking because I think I was in shock that my darling, adorable, ADORED and beloved car was doing this to me! Call to mechanic gave me honest to God cold chills: "Sounds like the engine. Smoke you say? Do you have oil? No, black smoke or white? Hmmm, you are looking at $3-5,000. I think I went through three or four stages of grief in the span of about 30 seconds! Please understand that I LOVE this car.

I would almost trade the life of one of my dogs for the life of this car. I say 'almost' because I would be a terrible, cruel person to even consider that option and, mostly, would not sacrifice the dog for the car because of guilt...the car is easy on the carpet. Keep in mind that one of the dogs also ate the dog bed today since I had taken off the cover to wash it for her (darned bathroom looked like a feather pillow threw up in there). And the other has more gas than I could EVER put into that car. (He isn't called Farty Dog by K for no reason)

Anyway, I was checking clearance items at Macys when the diagnosis came in: $1,600 for the blown turbo (one of my guesses of what went wrong) Manager said I sounded surprisingly positive considering....let me form this number string again: one thousand, six hundred dolllllaaaaarrrrrrssssszzzzzzz! I simply said: "I guess so because $1,600 is much better than $3-5,000 and I LALALALALUUUUVVV that car! (That mechanic now OWNS my soul and my first born; I am not worried about either at this moment)

SO, I get it back tomorrow, just in time for the sunny weather this weekend. Maybe I need to head up to Baltimore so that I can go 95mph on that highway (I can't remember the name of it, but the speed limit signs say "95"! Oh, I think the highway number is 65.

Top down, hair whipping my face, Foo Fighters or Nickelback cranked, dogs ears flapping in the wind and we are happy.

I am glad my tax return is enourmous.

What's a little porn between friends?

2007-04-01T06:34:00.000-05:00

Irony: planning to watch "The Pursuit of HappYness" or "Babel" with your friend (female, BTW) and you end up watching "Babysitter #15", etc (I cannot recall the names; they are all pretty much the same) with exaggerated moaning and groaning, actors in the pursuit of....I am not sure what...it was hard (ha!) to follow. I came upon these movies (be ready for numous puns!) said porn innocently enough. I was scanning the copied DVD titles: "Superman Returns" (Oh, I just thought of this: porn title could be "Superman Cums Again"), "Baby Mozart" (they have kids), and numerous other titles that, for some reason, have escaped my memory.

They should be used like this!

"Babysitter #15" (a copied DVD so this was written on the front with a Sharpie) was basically a number of "vignettes", each more ridiculous than the last. Each a barrage of T (silicone grossly enhanced)/A (some needed a serious shave!), c-shots, etc (I'll just leave it at that) These didn't even have the wildly humourous, typically bad music of 70s porn; I guess this was lower budget. And cigars should not be used like that!

Understand that, to women, this is generally not erotic; this is quite absurd and we watch, laughing, criticizing how skinny the woman is ("hey buddy, stop reach for her chest because there isn't anything to hold onto up there!") or wonder WHY anyone would want a gallon of silicone bouncing around like that; discussing the variety of options for hair removal and styles the 'actresses' chose to display, if there was any hair left. OH!! And how disappointing that the men are guys you would NEVER EVER consider dating let alone....you get the idea. REALLY! Why can't they find decent looking guys? Our theory is that, generally, guys watch this stuff and prefer to see below average looking men 'getting it on' so that they feel better about their below-to-average looks, if that is the case (think Ron Jeremy! pictured in case you don't know who he is).

There was even one 'vignette' with a MIDGET! K kept saying how he seemed really short but I couldn't tell until the normal-sized woman stood up (she spent most of her time [not standing up]) When he dropped his pants, K exclaimed "OH! not everything is short!" It was a little scary and all very funny.

Gentlemen, please note: if you are into watching porn and are considering including that special lady with your viewing pleasure, it may not be as erotic as you had hoped: she will probably critique storylines, hair styles; express concern that everyone be tested for STDs (condoms make c-shots impossible), .....the anti-erotic list goes on. BUT, if you are in the mood for a comedy, bring on the Ron Jeremy shaving scenes!

Please do not think that I am judging pornography negatively; I like erotica, but I prefer heavy breathing, not gasping for breath from laughing.

What a crummy day but, look what I found!

2007-03-20T22:58:00.000-05:00

I'll spare you the details, but today was not so great. It started with my cell phone having gone missing (I have no land line) Turns out kid "picked it up off the floor (why was it there?) put it in his pocket, then went to school" Could I call the school to find out if he has it? NOoooooo, because THEN, if he DID, he would get detention. ....day didn't get much better after that, until:

While cleaning and sorting boxes in my basement (another fun part of my day!), I found the autobiography I wrote when in sixth grade (age 12). No, it ws not for entertainment, although I did write plays and cartoons; it was for an assignment.

"...At 6:34, after waiting for Dad and the doctor, I made my
appearance. Headlines, "Stacey [R] meets the world."
"There's not much to tell about the next few months unless you
call moving from the bassinet to the crib exciting.
"I have always loved animals and music. When I was
eighteen months old, I liked to sit on our manx cat, Screwball, and
hold his ears back until the cat howled. When he howled, I would sing
with him. You must not think that sitting on a cat is very good, and it's
not, but this is a very large cat.
"I had a big collection of instruments. Mom's pots and
pans, a baby piano, and a a xylophone, but I played the cat
best."

It is so funny to read your 12-year-old perspective (from 26 years ago!) Here is more:

"One of my favorite places to go was the zoo. My first time at the zoo was
at age eighteen months. I went with my mom and my mom's friend, the
photographer. I kept running around and they were trying to catch
me. I ran around so much that they threatened to put me in the monkey
house."

And some more:

"Now, I belong to Hollin Meadows. Kindergargen was fun.
Sometimes we would have parties and the teacher would bring her daughter to
them. Once we got to fingerpaint with chocolate pudding. I think
that the kids were eating more of the pudding than they than they were painting
with."

Please understand that I am typing EXACTLY what I had written; now, I know better than to end a sentence with a preposition!

"My first operation happened when I was ten years old in the summer
(luckily). I had an appendectomy. I thought it was just a stomach
ache. Mom went to New Jersey for a boat race and left me and [H] with a
friend. The next day, I was walking around bent half way over not eating
anything. Finally, the friend called the hospital and told the doctor
everything. Then he (the friend) took me to the hospital to be x-rayed and
pushed on. I wasn't allowed to have a drink of water because my appendix
broke. The friend called my father and mother. I had the operation
that day. After the operation, when I woke up everything was blury.
They [took] me to a room in the children's ward, where I spent seven days
hurting, calling people, watching TV, reading, and going to the bathroom."

Wow, clearly, my lack of self-edit goes WAY back!

"I get to start my career at acting. In fifth grade we had a program
near Halloween. There was a poem with an old lady and a cat in it. I
got to act out the old lady. I wanted to use my pet cat for the part in
the play, but Mom wouldn't let me. I only had to say about four
words."

Please keep in mind that I just found this book after it's being in some box for well over eight years! So, it is a little bizarre to read:

"For my future, I want to become a very successful veternarian, model, actress,
or singer. I want to have one child and a puppy. I'd like to live in
a townhouse in a very nice neighborhood with good friends."

Aside from the career specifics an "very nice" neighborhood (which depends on your perspective; I am picky, but the neighborhood is improving), it sounds like I am on track! Notice how, even back then, 'husband' wasn't a part of my vision of my adult life!

Let this be a lesson: if you have a dream (specifically singer, in my case) don't let anyone derail you. Now, I am working on the acting aspect of my 12-year-old self's career dream. And maybe all of those years of voice lessons will pay off.

To my friends: thank you for being my "good friends"; truly a dream that did come true. :)

I'll scan some of the photos, later, then add them. Right now, I need today to END...goodnight!

It has been awhile...

2007-03-18T21:24:00.000-05:00

...an will probably be awhile, still, since I have posted.. I have been crazy busy. In fact, in the past /four /.Mdays, I have had a total of 10 hours of sleep MAXIMUM....I think tonight may be a good night/morning to try to catch up.

Then, it is portfolio upate/resume sending time! I do have a couple of freelance projects, but that isn't full-time work. Although, I DO love the idea of springtime looming and the fact that I can go to my garden at any point in the day and play in the dirt.

(FYI, my D key seems to be sticking so if I type wors an am missing the D, you will know (I know they are missing in THOSE worDs; I was making a point)

Garden: Last year, per the advise of my darling child, I only planted about 10 tomato plants, compared to my regular 30+. SO, no salsa, no marina, hardly any fried green tomatoes, etc. This year, I am going to get SEEDS of heirloom tomatoes and start them myself. Sure, it is easier to just plant your standard Better Boy and Romas you can get at Home Depot, but I want VARIETY! I like my salsa with red, green AND yellow tomatoes...actually, it is more like a pico de gallo than salsa because it isn't cooke an very chunky; you can SEE the veggies in it.

Wow! Thinking about summer veggies, I sure could go for a salad right about now, considering that dinner was a whey protein shake with yogurt an blackberries; it WAS supposed to be london broil, balsamic onions, and roasted root veggies topped off with chocolate mousse!) Oh, I am sure that what I had was better for my body that the other, which is better for my SOUL! I know! I'll go running THREE times this week, then eat like that NEXT weekend. Swimsuit season is upon us! This year, I am WEARING ONE! (some of you know why that is a big deal for me, but not everyone needs to know.)

S60eth5ng is wrong /with /.my keyboard...odd....now it seems fine. //.M / SHOOT!! /.MZzc,xv /.Time for /.MZCazc,xv new laptop! I am /.MZoff /.Mto .ebay /.now!

A place of his own...

2007-03-04T22:51:00.000-05:00

is what I want to build for my nephew. Actually, when I conceived this idea, my sister was pregnant with #2, so this was to be a place of their own.

When my own son was little, I didn't own the house we lived in (I was a stay-at-home, but freelancing, single mom, which is almost an impossibility financially, but I think it was good for him), so I wasn't able to build him the tree house of his (my?) dreams. Being an freelance architectural designer gave me inspiration if not the funds to use AutoCAD to draw outlandish, modern forts, etc. But, someone else's breeding has given me the opportunity.

The idea started from some pine logs I found on the side of the street. I don't know how, but I mentally striped away the bark, revealing corners of a little log cabin (the 'logs' were about six feet long each) I rounded up some muscle (my kid) and my SUV and scavenged these logs who are now residing in my sister's shed.

Can you see the log?

Ceiling, interior walls
Roofing

Floor

Me: "I would like to build D a fort."
Sis: "WHAT? [groan] Why?"
BiL (coming in from the driveway where he had to help my son unload the logs): "Why
is Stacey bringing these logs HERE?"
Sis: "She wants to build D some type of fort."
BiL: "Uh, OK...I need to go...[something unintelligible as he walks away]"
Sis: "This cannot be something that drags out for months and months (uh oh she is on to me!)"
Me: "oh no. I will plan it out. Plus, I don't want D to get bored with it before it is even complete."

After numerous concepts, I came up with plan: A TIKI HUT! Ohhh YES! This will be SO COOL!!

I obtained samples of:
roofing material (grass, of course)
bamboo matting for the walls and floors
photos of landscaping ideas (this is where I should have realized it was getting out of hand, but it will be SO PERFECT: ferns, fake orchids, etc)

The entire project will need to be drawn up in AutoCAD, and presented to my sister with sample products, etc (BiL couldn't care less as to what I do; he, unlike she, completely trusts me in my creative pursuits; he and I are more alike than she and I!) The project needs to be modularly built in the shed (more like a 2-car garage) as panels that are quickly assembled on-site, which won't be more than 100 feet away near the stand of bamboo they cannot eradicate.

I guess hula girl lamps will only work if I run electricity out there, huh? Maybe I can rig one that isn't wired, but you put a crack stick where the bulb goes.

My darling child strongly feels that this 'hut' should be about 40' x 50'. I am thinking more like 6'-8' x 10' with a 2' deep covered porch across the front. There will be space inside with a built-in bunk for camping out when they are a bit older (considering that nephew #2 is only three months old NOW, it will be more than a few years) There will be space inside for a table and a couple of chairs, toy storage, etc...I haven't worked out all of the particulars, but that didn't stop me from shopping for hula girl lamps, surf boards, masks and lots of 'tiki' related paraphernalia

I am encouraging J to incorporate his creativity; we talked about his carving tiki poles (are you seeing where these pine logs are coming into this project now?) Pine is a soft wood and easier to carve by hand. By hand meaning with your hand wrapped around a Dremel tool NOT a pocket knife or chisel: I am not THAT crazy!

Why am I writing about this right now? Yesterday, the birds were singing, the snow melted and I was walking around in jeans and a tank: SPRING is here (God willing) It is time for me to get my act together if I want this construction completed by summer. I figure this will cost me no more than $500 and that goes mostly toward lumber, woven mats and thatch roof. Craigslist perusing has provided plenty of contacts for free bamboo for wall exteriors. I can get free windows from window replacement companies and will work out the rest this spring.

Resources:
http://www.tikifocus.com/
http://www.safarithatch.com/default.aspx
http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/

It is just WRONG...

2007-03-01T20:59:00.000-05:00

when your 13-year-old kid is walking around, no shirt, flexing his triceps and abs, talking about how sexy he is!

There is a girl who keeps calling. He said she likes him. I had to check my phone bill for something and found the calls to be mutual (he is unaware that I know this). I teased "Come on, you KNOW you like her."
"She's OK. But I get so many, it is tough to keep track." [muscle flex; muscle flex]

I hold out hope that one time he tries to leap frog a fence post or traffic barrier (what are those phallic looking painted concrete barriers?) and doesn't quite clear it. The only problem is that he would probably go face first into the concrete sidewalk and lose some teeth. But, I won't have to worry about buying the condoms I promised to supply if he waits until he is at LEAST 16.

Speaking of SEXY, you should see some of the shoes I found on ebay (of course, right?) He needs some moderately dressy shoes because he was chosen, with 20 other boys, to represent his school at this conference sponsored by Nike. I was thinking something like Dirty Bucks, Doc Martins, something like:

but look at THESE:

I am so tempted to get the blue snakeskin (top/right) for him, but it may clash (slightly??) with the rest of the ensemble! I see those with basic black pants and one of those black/blue bowling shirts. The great thing about J is that he'd WEAR IT! Perfect for a movie premiere; SMIII is in May, yannow. He can wear that while I work on finding a Tadashi I like.

Dating site observation

2007-02-22T00:25:00.000-05:00

Match.com: they advertise 75% off of cruises YES! So, I just met someone on a dating site. Shall we have dinner? Naa, too conventional. Movie? Naa, you can't really talk and get to know each other. I KNOW! Let's go on a cruise and be stuck together on a boat for, oh I don't know a WEEK?, where we can learn all about each other's foibles, problems with exes, restraining orders, etc. PERFECT Where do I sign up. Oh, wait! I already did.....NOT!

So, how many dates does it take until you are ready to go on a discount cruise with someone? Alex told me that by the third date, you can have sex (But, I think it is still pretty soon) So, by that standard, you take vacations together by date....ummm....6? Engagement by 10? Grandchildren by 45?

I am so NOT a 'rules' girl! (You know there is a book called "The Rules" right?)

Why pets should remain indoors...

2007-02-20T21:38:00.000-05:00

So, I am perusing ebay (but of course!) for burled wood to make a large clock, blah blah and my kid says: "Hey mom, let me see that website 'whatjeffkilled.com'" (I think I was looking for images of cats and dogs months ago for the Metro Bus ad for SPCA to encourage spaying/neutering and came upon this ....I do not know how to describe it...you'll have to see it yourself!) http://www.whatjeffkilled.com

I am amazed that people say something like: "My cat is my BABY!" Would you let your 'baby' stay out all night and dine on any random wildlife they get ahold of, getting whatever random diseases this wildlife may carry, get into animal fights or risk getting killed on the road, etc? If you REALLY love your pet aka 'baby', for God's sake, keep it inside! And if that is how you raise your babies, do them AND the rest of us a favor and call Spay, Inc. for yourself. Thank you.

I type this as I am sitting on my bed with no fewer than two dogs and two cats at my feet (I cannot MOVE my feet!) and two cats lounging on the floor NEXT to my bed. I think they like the heat up here. ;)

Dis iz nod de best weekend to ged sig!

2007-02-19T00:19:00.000-05:00

I have so much work to do and feel TERRIBLE: sinus headache, sweaty then chills and general stuffiness. I wonder if PeaPod can just deliver Giant's Italian Wedding soup and maybe some C-Monster by the gallon! Odd thing is: I have lost a few pounds in the past couple of days and am STARVING! J made pasta with squid and marinara earlier and was mad at me that I ate so much of his (honey, here is a tip: GIVE ME MY OWN BOWL!)

Is it too late to call for a pizza?

Anyway, I MUST be better for THIS weekend. And if not, at least I'll have someone who will serve me soup on demand.

...update...lunch was nice & I cannot be bought

2007-02-17T18:40:00.000-05:00

Lunch at Clyde's:

He didn't think tap water was good enough for me so made me (!) have bottled Saratoga (?)...anyway, it was fine; as was tap water, honestly.

"French gentleman" is a very pleasant conversationalist and quite flattering. Apparently, je suis tres European: open and free; satisfied with my life, etc. At one point, he asked: "Is there anything you want?"-a rather open question. Fearful that he would try to get whatever it may be (no Kathy, I would NOT say 'sapphires"!: while a high priced one, it would still just make me a whore), so I said

"I have everything I could want".
"Well, what would make you happy?"
"I am actually a pretty happy person."-no shots about my meds, please! j/k
"No, really, what is it that you want?"
"....umm....I really want the snow to melt!"
Which turned into a very brief conversation about the weather, and why he thinks Florida is better then why I would NEVER move to Florida, etc. Whew...I slipped out of that one fairly gracefully.

Afterwards, he asked if I had ever been to the 'furniture store' by Starbucks. I told him there is a Pottery Barn; he said that is not it.
"The artsy store?"
"Yes, that is the one. Would you like to walk down with me?"
"Sure [etc]"

Looking around said art store, he asked what type of art I like; "what do you like HERE?" I do not know how to specify why I knew he wanted to buy something for me, but I did NOT want him to, so I casually talked about the terrible dog head clocks (where the tongue is the pendulum), the tacky mugs with faces, etc., so he knew what I did NOT like.

Back down the promenade, (the town center is like a little village with a 'main avenue' where foot traffic is common and, today, somewhat heavy) toward my car. He asked if I would accompany him to Williams Sonoma. We admired this; we admired that, I laughed at the absurdity of some prices, specifically of the olive wood cutting board that the manufacturer couldn't manage to sand seams smooth (a little alliteration for you!-say THAT fast!). He took a couple of things over to the register as I spoke to the sales lady about the olive wood canister ($129!!!, but it included utencils I didn't want anyway-pfft) As we left, he handed me a bag containing little edamame) (soybean pod chopstick seats I had commented upon as we entered. Very nice of him.

All-in-all, it was very pleasant. I enjoyed the 'date', if that is what you must call it; I don't. I found him and his conversation very interesting, flattering and, for that matter, enlightening. Did you know that, to signal the waiter that you are finished, you place your knife and fork next to each other, along the side of the plate? I countered that I had learned that you cross them in the middle of the plate indicating an X: "I am finished". He said they did it differently in Europe. Je suis une American qui tres vulgar, je crois.

.......
Reflecting: I wonder why I have an issue with things like that: I don't want people to BUY things for me. Odd considering the general concept that I would think I would LIKE gifts, I just never want anyone to think that I would do something for a little trinket that I would otherwise not do: I cannot be bought. Not that that is anyone's intention, I just don't want to feel like I owe. I do know how some European men are: it has happened to me a few times and I have heard stories. I told my friend, earlier, 'he would be more honest if a Kelly bag showed up at my door, with an engraved invitation!" I'd return them both, although I would LOVE a Kelly bag! Perhaps, I'll BUY one.

My mother once told me that HER mother told her: you can fall in love with a rich man just as easily as a poor one. Well, I countered with: "I guess that would make you a whore; a legal one, but one nonetheless." Disappointing of my mother considering the fact that she raised my sister and me to be so independant, but , until she married, was financially insecure and did not own property. Anyway, ultimately, I am sure we all have our price; so far, no offer has been presented that would be sufficient for me to give myself away. Maybe I'll just play the lottery; the government already owns me!

I used to have a fascinating friend who was inspired my awe: of her power. Coupled by an equal measure of disgust. She could get any guy give or get her anything she wanted, including his SOUL, but most often, just a free drink (or five!), which was more important, to her. As one who enjoys being spectator in any psychological study aka "people watching": I found it interesting (horrifying?) that all it took was a slight lean forward in her tight [whatever--they were always tight], a few flattering words and the guy's brain would turn off, making the drinks FLOW, money disappear and souls be eroded. I know this is an exaggeration of my issue above, but I ....and I am not positive why...cannot do this. There are too many factors.

If I want to give something, ANYTHING, it must be because I want to. It will never be because I am guilted into it or, God forbid, PAID for it...those mean I have not chosen to do so, whether it be my time, my money, or .....whatever. Just so everyone knows: if I do something for you, it is because I WANTED TO; and I expect no 'payback'; I don't keep score.

Wow, I really need to get back to work now!...

Je suis tres mal!

2007-02-16T19:54:00.000-05:00

Je ne comprende pas comment.....oops.....I don't understand how I get myself into these things! You are sitting there, having your chai latte, checking email, considering graphic buttons and tabs, then need to step away to the ladies room (Clearly, I was in public; I call it 'the bathroom' at home)

I came back to my table at Greenberry's and a nice, older (late 40s, early 50s?) French gentleman asked me about my wireless card, "what is the cord?" etc., then engaged me in conversation about (fairly easy since I am chatty): my internet use, shopping, fashion, les Americains et, for that matter, the consumerism of the citizens of the world, box stores, box restaurants, children expecting expensive EVERYTHING, the interference of religion (#1) in our schools and being a parent who sticks by her (in my case, not his) 'guns' regarding not allowing her (me again)son to sing religious songs in public school....blah blah,people, especially politians (#2) forcing their views and 'morality' upon the rest of us, while never defining their own (#1 again), then the fact that Americans are so uptight about alcohol, etc; moving back to education with his comment about overhearing a teacher needing Brazilian music for the soccer team, but could not buy offered CD because of the hint of woman's cleavage on the cover( ...moving to #3)

At this point, I finally broke the steady conversation stream to say that, while it was delightful to get a chance to chat, I really did have to get back to my "random surfing online, ebay checking, email checking, general wasting time", but I used the phrase "work".

Quelle dommage!"
"Tu parle en Francais?"
"Oui, je parle en Francais, mais en peu; pas beaucoup."
"Ah, you have a beautiful accent, though! What are you doing this weekend Care to run off to Provence, drink vin et mange sur les pommes de terre et pheasant avec moi?" (OK, I tossed in that last sentence; I have a vivid imagination!)
"Oh, I need to get the graphic interface drafts done this contract for a Sunday afternoon meeting (completely true! I never lie....oops, but it really is true, this time.)

He said: "Not even a half for lunch?" (who only takes 30 minutes??)

I am SO unsmooth! I tried to get out of it, feigning total committment to this project, etc. It didn't fly. Anyway, now I have to meet this person tomorrow at the Town Center for our half hour lunch, which is impossible ANYWHERE there, except for Lee's Ice Cream or Ben and Jerrys, and that isn't lunch. Anyway, we aren't meeting at either of those places. I see this turning into a couple of hours. C'est vrai: quelle dommage pour moi! Je suis tres pathétique!

Hmmmm.....what to wear to prevent the discussion of #3.... high collar, sneakers, torn jeans, porcupine quills, oh just GREAT!! "Fashion? Sure, I love to shop ebay for expensive shoes and dresses, but the chastity belt I now wear was the BEST deal! $49.95 with $9 shipping." Je suis une cretin! Why did I have to break my wireless card in the first place necessitating this visit to Greenberry's!

...and, for your entertainment, because my unfortunate situation is quite insufficient, you can learn some key French phrases ( I just found this site when trying to find the proper spelling for 'dacors', which I never did find):
http://yoyo.cc.monash.edu.au/~mongoose/french/phrases.html

Examples:
Greetings
"You've put on weight"
"Tu as grossi"(tu ah gro - si)

"Haven't the police found you yet?"
"La police, ne t'a pas encore trouvé?"(la po - lees ne ta pa zen - cor troo - vay)

General chit-chat
"Reality and you don't get on, do they?"
"Le réalité et toi, vous ne vous entendez pas, n'est-ce pas?"(le ree - al - ee - tay eh twa voo ne voo zen - ten - day pah nes pah)

And so far my favorite:
Helping Others
"I'd help you, but I don't like you."
"Je vous aurais bien aide, mais je ne vous aime pas."(zhe voo zaw - ray bien ai - de may zhe ne voo zaim - e pah)

This snow blows!

2007-02-13T22:45:00.000-05:00

This isn't the pretty stuff that you see on post cards from New England; this is the stuff that coats your car in a pebbly frost that is tough to scrap off with your freakin' Williams Sonoma rubber spatula that you have to use, possibly destroy, because it has been so long since you needed to use an ice scraper that you don't know where it is. (Don't mention the obvious option of the car, because I already checked there) Anyway, I am driving the Rodeo anyway. I just did a couple of donuts in the parking lot at the CVS/Giant; fun stuff! Hey, it is late at night and there were only three cars there.

Back to my rant...
this is the icy stuff that makes school close and your kid complain when you get him up at 10 that there is no reason to get up, then you remind him of the litterbox and the vacuum cleaner and he REALLY complains. [sigh] I guess he didn't want any reasons. SO, tonight, I stopped at Giant to get blueberry pancake makings and sausage. Hopefully, he'll rise in a nicer mood and jump at the chance to do a little drywall sanding....ya think?

Separate topic:
I am excited because I got a call today from an ex-coworker (two co-workers, but this story is about the first)

John was the best manager to work for. In case you don't know, I am a graphic artist/web developer. In the corporate scene, I basically work for EVERYONE there; I jump from project to project, website, marketing materials, tradeshow, intranet, brochures, new business card designs, proposals and logos (has anyone ever heard of BRANDING? They had four versions of the logo floating around and when I say "Pantone" they all look at me funny) SO, I would be working with at least two or three managers at any given time.

John called because he, now working for a consulting firm for digital asset management will be proposing a new system to the Toronto Police Department and needs a business concept, marketing management, peripherals and related graphics. Yawn, yes, I know...to you. But I am thrilled! I actually enjoy contract work because it allows freedom to take a week, month, whatever off. BUT, when on contract, I work like a maniac: 20+ consecutive hours. Not much different than working on a couple of proposals and the Henry Stewart government tradeshow this past October through December. I am lucky that my brain was functioning enough to allow me to convert oxygen to CO2 after working 30, then 20, then 36 hours straight, with less than 8 hour breaks between, which included sleep time!

It is just great to get to work with John and Geoff (who also quick TT)

I also got a call from my ex-assistant. She got the word today that she has been expecting for weeks...the word=budget cuts (two words, yes...picky picky) She seems upbeat about it, though. I promised to format her resume in html so it looks good posted on CraigsList.

Teeny, tiny technology

2007-02-08T23:01:00.000-05:00

Ipod? Mp3 player? Same thing or different. And if Ipod is a brand of Mp3 player, are:
Archos , BenQ , Creative Labs , D-Link Systems , Dell , DigitalWay MPIO , Frontier Labs NEX , Gateway , Iomega , iRiver , iRock , Lexar , Microsoft , Panasonic , Philips-Nike , Polaroid , RCA , Rio , Samsung , SanDisk , Sony (thank you ebay!) all brands of an Mp3 player too? SO MANY CHOICES!

I don't need it to hold 10,000 songs or even 500. I just need it to hold enough to last me an hour's workout or a really LONG walk/run. I am guessing 100 songs would be JUST fine. Any suggestions anyone? Henry Ford was smart when he said: "The customer can have any color he wants; as long as he wants black" or something like that. I feel you, Mr. Ford!

I should have just renewed my Gold's membership when they were offering one for free (sigh)

Random questions and my answers

2007-02-08T01:46:00.000-05:00

1. If you could build a house anywhere, where would it be?
At the top of the Empire State Building; can you imagine the view!?!!?
2. What's your favorite article of clothing?
I have many nice bras and my Prada pumps
3. Favorite physical feature of the opposite sex?
Shoulder
4. What's the last CD that you bought?
Nickelback's Long Road
5. Where's your favorite place to be?
There are too many to classify only one as my favorite, but one that comes to mind is sitting on the steps at the Jefferson Memorial on a warm spring night, full moon, overlooking the Tidal Basin
6. Where is your least favorite place to be?
I get tired of the Vice-Principal's office; I seem to get into trouble often.
7. What's your favorite place to be massaged?
I think I need to know whomever is reading this to divulge that personal of information.
8. Strong in mind or strong in body?
Both
9. What time do you wake up in the morning?
Any ole time; sleeping in is almost impossible for me.
10. What is your favorite sport?
To watch? Ice Hockey To play? Field hockey, tennis and volleyball
11. What makes you really angry?
Hypocrites and liars; when my kid is asked a question like: "why did (or didn't) you...?" and he has a blank stare and no response.
12. If you could play any instrument, what would it be?
I already can play drums, but would like to learn guitar.
13. Favorite color?
Blue
14. Which do you prefer…sports car or SUV?
Sports cars are more fun to drive, but plywood or sheetrock in a sports car is just silly.
15. Do you believe in an afterlife?
I believe we live on through our mortal deeds and in the memories of those we leave behind.
16. Favorite children's book?
"Stinky Cheese Man" a take off of "The Gingerbread Man", but "If You Give a Mouse a Cookie" and "How Much I Love You" are adorable stories. Plus anything by Dr. Suess ROCKS!
17. What is your favorite season?
Spring time, in fact, I am ready for it on December 26!
18. Your least favorite household chore?
Folding laundry
19. If you could have one super power, what would it be?
To make time stop, for everyone else, so I could get more done!
20. If you have a tattoo, what is it?
I will never have a tattoo; I may have had one or two from Crackerjack boxes before.
21. Can you juggle?
Projects, yes; Priorities? yes; balls? yes, two at a time. ;)...but I don't think that counts.
22. The one person from your past that you wish you could go back and talk to?
My sister when she reached out to me, when we were kids, during a tough time for both of us and I made the mistake of laughing it off, as I tend to do when something really bothers me; I know how to hide pain.
23. Last movie you saw?
In Theatre? "The Departed"; DVD? "Inside Man"
24. What's in the trunk of your car?
Stuff to go to thrift store; Christmas balls that need to go back to Kmart; a few, probably frozen cans of paint.
25. Which do you prefer, sushi or hamburger?
Sushi is the best, but I make a mean burger because I always use chopped sirloin.

LET'S GO CAPS!

2007-02-03T21:36:00.000-05:00

YES! I am going to the game on Sunday! I have four options for tickets. Now, the important question: do we sit high to see the game or do we sit low to see blood and sweat? I'll let J decide! All of the options are near center ice and priced well. Ken, aren't you jealous!?! You can come too, if you can get a flight. ;)

Now, the only problem is Lowes: they were supposed to deliver my washer, dryer and water heater today. As far as I know, they never showed (I had to run out to Fairfax to get J from H's) I got the call they were on their way and I was there within 15 minutes of the call. I even had a note on the door, for them, that if I happened to not be here when they arrived to go ahead and take them around to the back deck; that I would be there very soon after.

I called Lowes at 1 (delivery was scheduled between 9 and noon) to say they called two hours earlier indicating that they were on their way. Delivery manager said he'd call back. Two hours later, I called again (not annoyed, but just wondering). He said my delivery was on schedule for tomorrow. He said he thought someone called me. HE is the delivery manager; shouldn't HE have called? I am a bit disappointed in Lowes because I held them to a higher regard than that of Home Depot. All the guy said was : "Sorry, I thought someone called you." I warned him that I have hockey tickets for tomorrow and won't miss the game! We'll see how it plays (delivery not game) out. I see a letter to Lowes in my near future. That doesn't matter because I'll see ten, sweaty guys chasing rubber much sooner!

Get thee to the SALON!

2007-02-02T12:57:00.000-05:00

Wow, someone doesn't look very happy!

OK, I am not this bad, but I NEED a haircut! So, Christine, the best stylist (Doubletake Salon, Reston, 703.708.0800), can take me at 2:30. Thank goodness. One more perk of having been laid off: I can make last minute appointments in the middle of the day (now, if only I could find someone to share "power hour" at lunch time.)

Unfortunately, I can't get an appointment for a facial at EA with Shahnaz. I can just apply lotion, drink wine and pretend I had a facial, right? Maybe I'll even light a scented candle!

Waxing versus Threading:
If any of you have waxing done (I am talking facial, not...other places) consider threading as an alternative. Wax pulls your skin when removed, causing premature wrinkles. Plus, I have had an inept 'technician' get some in my hair when I had to be at a rehearsal dinner in a few hours. Threading is chemical-(not PAIN!) free. They take thread, like that you may use for sewing, and twist it back and forth across the skin, ripping each hair out by it's root. Fun, huh? Yes, I am a masochist.

There is a place in the KMart shopping center, in Herndon, where you can get your brows or "lip" (we are talking mustasche, Mr. Selleck!) done for only $5 or your whole face for $25. Now, if you have never had this done before, I strongly recommend taking a couple of shots of tequila first! I took my mother once and she was almost in tears halfway through. She wanted to stop, but I forced her to suck it up! She had taken me to lunch beforehand at this great sushi place. So, I like to say: "She bought me lunch and I bought her pain." (Yo Momma!: you need to go again...I'll buy.)

The first time I went in, I was surprised that they did it in the middle of the store. Keep in mind that this isn't a salon; it is an Indian store where they sell saris, and other indian garb, and jewelry. I asked: "Isn't there a backroom where you do this in private?" while looking at the woman torturing the other, whose hands were clamped to the armrests, in a chair, not hidden, whatsoever by a wooden screen. They pointed to the two women and said: "No, you just go there. They just do your face." to which I responded "well, I guess bikini threading is out!" and laughed; she didn't. Oh well.

I must admit that I was a bit disappointed when I had my whole face done. I expected nary a hair to exist (except for my brows), but she missed a ton of the fine hairs. I had this done so that my make-up, for our Christmas party, would be perfectly smooth and 'dewy'. Lesson learned: I'll stick with the brows.

Now, I am off to make the posters to advertise our board meeting next week (so that I can get them ftp-ed to sis to print in four-color because I am seeing her tonight), then to the salon. Ta!

In a pretty good mood...

2007-02-01T02:32:00.000-05:00

Odd, for some reason, I have a silly grin on my face. Is it the wine in my glass? Gee, I don't think so. It could be something else...

Oh, I know her more than she realizes!

2007-01-31T12:55:00.000-05:00

I sent an email to some friends, asking if THEY had blogs. You will probably think: "if they are your friends, shouldn't you know? Yes, good point (is that you asking or that voice...moving on) I know of a few, but am aware that some may be more private or I may be oblivious (yeah, that never happens!)

So, here is the exchange I had with my sister:

SOK, I finally fell for it: I started a blog Which got me thinking: who else do I know has one? On the above list, I only know of Kathy's. Do any of the rest of you have one? What is the url? Stacey

I don't even know what a blog is. And I'm not sure I want to know.

It is an online 'diary' of sorts; you post random thoughts, jokes, etc.

I thought it was something like that.

No, I don't have one. I really don't care to let people know what I'm thinking. And if I want to know what they are thinking, I will call them and ask. Otherwise, I don't care. :)

Good point! Heck, sometimes, I'll call and ask and still not care! Pretending you care is a requirement of society, isn't it?

OH MY GOD, you really DO understand me. :)

Oh yes, dearest sister, I know you, and many people quite well. Pretending that you don't releases you from so many expectations and responsibility, though. ;) Do not underestimate the power of feigned ignorance!

Which all reminds me of the cartoon at right:

Where can I get a steak at 4 a.m.??

2007-01-31T03:55:00.000-05:00

Why do I want a steak? Well, I have been cleaning (yes, I should be sleeping, but my house needs my attention more than my brain, right now). After using my steamer for awhile on the textured wallpaper then moving to the stove, I realized "HEY! My oven is the self-cleaning type! Good thing I chose to do it when it is about 30 degrees out (actually, that was a big factor in my choice, and my dog looks so cute curled up on the rug in front of the stove). So "I smell STEAK!" [Whoa!! No, not the dog....he got out of the way when I turned that thing on. There is a variety of drippings and spatterings all around the oven. I guess I could have used Easy Off, but #1, I don't have any and #2 if that stuff can melt off the residue that has baked onto the inside of your oven for a year, what will it do to brain cells when, not if, inadvertently inhaled? I better not risk it!]

Suffice to say, I had to settle for the Vanilla Chai Tea with soy protein already in the fridge since I happen to be fresh out of steak. I wonder if shots of worchester +shire [tossed in that word](sp?? maybe my brain DOES need my attention) sauce will ease my jones.

I'll say a bit about my first modeling gig in a bit. I think the steamer is cool now, so I can start on the microwave...