I'm not a fan of New Year's Resolutions. Mine have generally gravitated around losing weight, but that can happen at any time of the year and I'm in the middle of ramping up right now anyway so going to the gym regularly is already happening.
I much prefer to set goals. So for 2010 I plan to accomplish the following:
1. Hang ceiling storage in my garage
2. Fly 90 hours a month
3. Pay off my credit card
4. Save for a car
5. Paint the house
6. Go to Hawaii
7. Go to Paris for the weekend
8. Get down to see my nephew and my brother and my sister in law once every few months.
9. Hang the mirror in my bedroom or throw it out
I am sure I will add to this, but so far that's what I want to get done.
What do you plan on accomplishing in 2010?
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Saturday, December 26, 2009
"Cleaving"
I recently read Julie Powell's new book, Cleaving. You may remember Ms. Powell from her book Julie and Julia which was recently made into a movie starring Meryl Streep and Amy Adams. I had read the book but hadn't seen the movie until last weekend when I was flying down to West Palm - the plane had DirecTV which was pretty cool.
The book Julie and Julia is based on Powell's blog, The Julie/Julia Project and I looked at it for the first time today after finishing Cleaving. She's a bigshot writer now (every lowly blogger's dream I think!) and has another blog here at http://www.juliepowell.blogspot.com/ and I couldn't help but feel a teensy bit six degrees of separation because here indeed is my own blog hosted at blogspot!
And also, Ms. Powell and I share a mutual admiration for Joss Whedon and Buffy the Vampire Slayer although I don't think she likes Firefly and Nathan Fillion as much as I do. Also, after Julie and Julia was published, she proceeded to have a torrid affair, which is what Cleaving is sort of about. Also, it's about become a butcher.
It was an interesting, although not great, read. I had some problems with it, mainly, I found it to be self-pitying and whiny. Here is a woman who has seemingly a wonderful husband and a decent career and yet is insistent upon going down some crazy destructive path, engaging in anonymous unfulfilling sex in order to drive her lover out of her head and yet she will not set her husband free. They decide, in so many unspoken words, to open the marriage and they each go off and have affairs. Yet, her husband is always angry with her and yet tender and comforting by turns. Its confusing. Part of me wanted to tell her to grow up and move on.
In her defense, I got the impression she's been with her husband a very long time and perhaps did not date around so much when she was younger, unlike myself who has dated a lot and experienced all kinds of mental anguish, from being with a guy who treats you like crap and yet still compels you to stay with him, to wanting to leave and not wanting to break anyone's hearts at the same time. I get it, life is full of heartbreak, but have the balls to break it off when it becomes unbearable! Don't endlessly whine about having your cake and eating it too! I found I had to dig deep to find some sympathy.
There was another part that really disturbed me. Julie takes a trip to Africa and spends some time in a Masaai encampment. After having a drink one night with her guide, another man follows her back to her tent and propositions her. When she rebuffs his advances he comes back and tries to rape her. Then he steals her BlackBerry. Never once does she scream out for help. Instead you get this crushing feeling that on some level Julie feels she deserves to be assaulted. Maybe I am misreading but she never defends herself.
Interspersed throughout the book are BtVR references. My favorite is a quote from Spike about how much he loves someone: "Eyeballs to entrails, my sweet..." I think I need to watch Season 6 again.
The book Julie and Julia is based on Powell's blog, The Julie/Julia Project and I looked at it for the first time today after finishing Cleaving. She's a bigshot writer now (every lowly blogger's dream I think!) and has another blog here at http://www.juliepowell.blogspot.com/ and I couldn't help but feel a teensy bit six degrees of separation because here indeed is my own blog hosted at blogspot!
And also, Ms. Powell and I share a mutual admiration for Joss Whedon and Buffy the Vampire Slayer although I don't think she likes Firefly and Nathan Fillion as much as I do. Also, after Julie and Julia was published, she proceeded to have a torrid affair, which is what Cleaving is sort of about. Also, it's about become a butcher.
It was an interesting, although not great, read. I had some problems with it, mainly, I found it to be self-pitying and whiny. Here is a woman who has seemingly a wonderful husband and a decent career and yet is insistent upon going down some crazy destructive path, engaging in anonymous unfulfilling sex in order to drive her lover out of her head and yet she will not set her husband free. They decide, in so many unspoken words, to open the marriage and they each go off and have affairs. Yet, her husband is always angry with her and yet tender and comforting by turns. Its confusing. Part of me wanted to tell her to grow up and move on.
In her defense, I got the impression she's been with her husband a very long time and perhaps did not date around so much when she was younger, unlike myself who has dated a lot and experienced all kinds of mental anguish, from being with a guy who treats you like crap and yet still compels you to stay with him, to wanting to leave and not wanting to break anyone's hearts at the same time. I get it, life is full of heartbreak, but have the balls to break it off when it becomes unbearable! Don't endlessly whine about having your cake and eating it too! I found I had to dig deep to find some sympathy.
There was another part that really disturbed me. Julie takes a trip to Africa and spends some time in a Masaai encampment. After having a drink one night with her guide, another man follows her back to her tent and propositions her. When she rebuffs his advances he comes back and tries to rape her. Then he steals her BlackBerry. Never once does she scream out for help. Instead you get this crushing feeling that on some level Julie feels she deserves to be assaulted. Maybe I am misreading but she never defends herself.
Interspersed throughout the book are BtVR references. My favorite is a quote from Spike about how much he loves someone: "Eyeballs to entrails, my sweet..." I think I need to watch Season 6 again.
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Zoiks!
Ever spend so much money in one day that it kinda freaks you out? Gargantuan car repair bills notwithstanding...Long story short, I went Christmas shopping today. Then I stopped by the grocery store to get some turkey meat for dinner, and I thought, geez, a nice glass of wine would be great, or maybe I can get some whiskey for Chris...and the sensible budgetter in me rebelled, over a $10 bottle of wine. It was like, NO MORE! YOU WILL TURN BACK NOW! NO SOUP FOR YOU!
My tummy hurts!
It's all in the name of kickstarting the economy, right? I was just doing my part as an American!
My tummy hurts!
It's all in the name of kickstarting the economy, right? I was just doing my part as an American!
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Me not growing up
Dear JP,
It probably looked like you had a corncob stuck up your twat.
Now fuck off.
Sincerely.
It probably looked like you had a corncob stuck up your twat.
Now fuck off.
Sincerely.
Hospitals and Car Problems
Its been a hectic week.
Last Tuesday, my boyfriend's son was taken to the hospital with stomach pains. Liam suffers from Crohn's disease, and he's very young for such an affliction. He is on medication for it and for the most part, the Crohn's is controlled, but one of his meds can cause pancreatitis and that's what happened. One of his enzyme levels was super high and his mom ended up driving him to the Cleveland Clinic, where they stayed until this past Sunday.
The relationship between an ex and a girlfriend is odd. I don't think I will ever be friends with my boyfriend's ex-wife but I can certainly be friendly to her. I told her she could stay at my house while this whole thing was going on. I brought stuff to the hospital for them, my netbook computer, headphones for Liam, movies. I even drove down to the small town where they live to get my boyfriend's daughter so she could be close by (its over a 300 mile roundtrip). I picked up clothing for everyone and brought a picture of Liam's 8 year old girlfriend to him. While this was going on, I ran laundry for the kids and drove back and forth to the hospital every day.
And then the wheel fell off my car.
Yes. It's true. I was on my way to the hospital when I made a last minute decision to not get on the highway and instead go to the library. That decision probably saved my life. I know, dramatic, right? About three weeks ago I had a new tire put on my car at BJs Wholesale Club. They didn't tighten the lugnuts. All of them fell off my car and caused the tire and rim to fall off the hub. In shock, I watched the damn thing roll across the street and up onto the sidewalk. I was a block from my mechanic.
Thankfully, the tire hit no one when it fell off my car. The whole thing caused at least $2000 of damage. So then I had to get my car in the shop, make arrangements for a rental, call my insurance, coordinate with BJ's and the whole thing.
All is well that ends well though, Liam is doing much better and is out of the hospital (his enzyme levels slowly evened out but he has to be on a low fat diet for the next month and a half or so) and my car is being fixed. I am back to work and should be home Wednesday night. Hopefully I will get some Christmas shopping in this weekend. AND we get the kids again! YAY!
Last Tuesday, my boyfriend's son was taken to the hospital with stomach pains. Liam suffers from Crohn's disease, and he's very young for such an affliction. He is on medication for it and for the most part, the Crohn's is controlled, but one of his meds can cause pancreatitis and that's what happened. One of his enzyme levels was super high and his mom ended up driving him to the Cleveland Clinic, where they stayed until this past Sunday.
The relationship between an ex and a girlfriend is odd. I don't think I will ever be friends with my boyfriend's ex-wife but I can certainly be friendly to her. I told her she could stay at my house while this whole thing was going on. I brought stuff to the hospital for them, my netbook computer, headphones for Liam, movies. I even drove down to the small town where they live to get my boyfriend's daughter so she could be close by (its over a 300 mile roundtrip). I picked up clothing for everyone and brought a picture of Liam's 8 year old girlfriend to him. While this was going on, I ran laundry for the kids and drove back and forth to the hospital every day.
And then the wheel fell off my car.
Yes. It's true. I was on my way to the hospital when I made a last minute decision to not get on the highway and instead go to the library. That decision probably saved my life. I know, dramatic, right? About three weeks ago I had a new tire put on my car at BJs Wholesale Club. They didn't tighten the lugnuts. All of them fell off my car and caused the tire and rim to fall off the hub. In shock, I watched the damn thing roll across the street and up onto the sidewalk. I was a block from my mechanic.
Thankfully, the tire hit no one when it fell off my car. The whole thing caused at least $2000 of damage. So then I had to get my car in the shop, make arrangements for a rental, call my insurance, coordinate with BJ's and the whole thing.
All is well that ends well though, Liam is doing much better and is out of the hospital (his enzyme levels slowly evened out but he has to be on a low fat diet for the next month and a half or so) and my car is being fixed. I am back to work and should be home Wednesday night. Hopefully I will get some Christmas shopping in this weekend. AND we get the kids again! YAY!
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
More Random Thoughts
I couldn't help but feel the teensiest bit gleeful that Tiger Woods got caught cheating.
I'm not a fan of golf and I've never been a fan of him, don't know why exactly. I am sorry for his family.
It's hard to not be judgemental of other peoples' decision, in all honesty. What seems to be the obvious solution to me is not necessarily the right way for others. However, I think my life experience gives me a good grip on when something is not going to work, so the worst part about being judgemental is also knowing when to keep your mouth shut. Which is hard for me sometimes!
I'm not a fan of golf and I've never been a fan of him, don't know why exactly. I am sorry for his family.
It's hard to not be judgemental of other peoples' decision, in all honesty. What seems to be the obvious solution to me is not necessarily the right way for others. However, I think my life experience gives me a good grip on when something is not going to work, so the worst part about being judgemental is also knowing when to keep your mouth shut. Which is hard for me sometimes!
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
GRRR.
I had a bad day, and a good day, today.
I was supposed to go back to work today after about six days off. My family celebrated an early Thanksgiving, I got to spend lots of time with my adorable 7 month old nephew, my boyfriend's kids, the rest of my family. Altogether it was a perfect week.
And today I should have gone back to work. I was rather excited actually. I had a nice trip, I was working with nice people, and my commute was going to be easy.
But first, I decided to renew my registration for my vehicle. I attempted to do this online this morning, as I have done in the past, but in the middle of the renewal process, the state of Ohio lobbied a late charge of $20.
Now, for some reason, I have always thought that you had til the end of your due month to renew your registration. Apparently this is not actually the case. Now, if you are more than 7 days late from the actual expiration date of your registration, you get assessed this late fee. When did this go into effect? October 13. That's right, just over a month ago. According to the surly bitch at the BMV, it's been advertised 'all over the place.' Funny, I haven't seen anything about it. In fact, I think that the state of Ohio should have MAILED ME SOMETHING indicating this change, rather than putting something about 'some' vehicles being assessed a late charge on the paperwork without indicating WHICH vehicles would be affected. Turns out, ALL passenger vehicles are subject to this new law.
HOW IS THIS FAIR, I ask?? All the people who bought their cars BEFORE October 13th got a pass but I didn't! NOT FAIR. AT ALL. I still had to fork over $74. SUCH CRAP. I just think that if I am going to waste $20 bucks on something stupid it should be something that I chose.
Anyway, I was mad about it but I went to the gym this morning to work out my aggressions. Then I went home, got ready for work, and then got a flat tire on my in. I mean, really. I called AARP (it turns out I am too old but they gave me a courtesy call), some other nice guy named John helped me change the tire (incidentally I can actually change my tire but my tire iron broke the last time I got a flat and I never bothered to replace it - I know...stupid) and he had his OWN tire iron. Then I bought a new tire from BJs. Another $100. Of course, I did some bulk shopping while I was there so mark off another fifty bucks.
And I just sneezed four times. I'm feeling a cold coming on - I have a scratchy throat, I'm a little congested...I just hope it's not swine flu.
Boo.
I was supposed to go back to work today after about six days off. My family celebrated an early Thanksgiving, I got to spend lots of time with my adorable 7 month old nephew, my boyfriend's kids, the rest of my family. Altogether it was a perfect week.
And today I should have gone back to work. I was rather excited actually. I had a nice trip, I was working with nice people, and my commute was going to be easy.
But first, I decided to renew my registration for my vehicle. I attempted to do this online this morning, as I have done in the past, but in the middle of the renewal process, the state of Ohio lobbied a late charge of $20.
Now, for some reason, I have always thought that you had til the end of your due month to renew your registration. Apparently this is not actually the case. Now, if you are more than 7 days late from the actual expiration date of your registration, you get assessed this late fee. When did this go into effect? October 13. That's right, just over a month ago. According to the surly bitch at the BMV, it's been advertised 'all over the place.' Funny, I haven't seen anything about it. In fact, I think that the state of Ohio should have MAILED ME SOMETHING indicating this change, rather than putting something about 'some' vehicles being assessed a late charge on the paperwork without indicating WHICH vehicles would be affected. Turns out, ALL passenger vehicles are subject to this new law.
HOW IS THIS FAIR, I ask?? All the people who bought their cars BEFORE October 13th got a pass but I didn't! NOT FAIR. AT ALL. I still had to fork over $74. SUCH CRAP. I just think that if I am going to waste $20 bucks on something stupid it should be something that I chose.
Anyway, I was mad about it but I went to the gym this morning to work out my aggressions. Then I went home, got ready for work, and then got a flat tire on my in. I mean, really. I called AARP (it turns out I am too old but they gave me a courtesy call), some other nice guy named John helped me change the tire (incidentally I can actually change my tire but my tire iron broke the last time I got a flat and I never bothered to replace it - I know...stupid) and he had his OWN tire iron. Then I bought a new tire from BJs. Another $100. Of course, I did some bulk shopping while I was there so mark off another fifty bucks.
And I just sneezed four times. I'm feeling a cold coming on - I have a scratchy throat, I'm a little congested...I just hope it's not swine flu.
Boo.
Saturday, November 7, 2009
Guess who's going to Hawaii? ME!! ME!! ME!!
We are going to Kona. So far I want to go to the black sand beach, ride on bicycle down a volcano, snorkel, see some lava, lay on the beach, eat some different food.
And a nice guy I flew with the other day recommended this website:
http://hawaiianlavadaily.blogspot.com
So if anyone else has ideas, I am all ears!
We are going to Kona. So far I want to go to the black sand beach, ride on bicycle down a volcano, snorkel, see some lava, lay on the beach, eat some different food.
And a nice guy I flew with the other day recommended this website:
http://hawaiianlavadaily.blogspot.com
So if anyone else has ideas, I am all ears!
Friday, September 11, 2009
Healthy Lunch
Today, I baked some yellow zucchini, yams, mushrooms, onions, and garlic for 25 minutes and threw it on top of some pasta. I added some chopped tomatoes and basil from my garden, as well as some broccoli and topped it with a little parmesan cheese. Delicious!
I love cooking with fresh vegetables.
I love cooking with fresh vegetables.
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Just some thinking
Was doing some reading on an MLM called Mona Vie. According to a compensation disclosure that is on their website which can be found here: http://media.monavie.com/pdf/corporate/income_disclosure_statement.pdf
there are approximately 80,789 IBO's of which 7 make big bucks. That's like less than a tenth of a percent. Seven people apparently got checks for $3.5 million dollars. Woo. Sounds great, right? I don't know how this particular plan works but I do know that other plans, like at Amway, those giant bonus checks that Diamonds like to flash at people, those very same checks are how the rest of the people in that particular team's compensation plan get paid. In other words, that one bonus check does not go to one person, pieces of it have to be given to the downline on the team. So how much are those Diamonds really netting anyway? Well, if you're on the 6-4-2 plan, think about how many people are involved - its like 78 people. All those people get a cut, albeit smaller and smaller cuts, but they still get cuts - think about it: 78 people getting $30 equals $2340. And some of those people are getting larger cuts. And some teams may have a lot more than just 78 people on them.
Further, at Mona Vie, 66,534 IBO's (or 82% of all the distributors) netted between $1,536 - $2,032 over the course of a year working 8 - 10 hours a week. Now, if a person were to work an extra 8 to ten hours a week at a part time job where they were paid $8/hr, that person would make an extra $3328-$4160/year. And none of that income would have to go back into tools investments (and I use the word 'investment' loosely). Don't ever forget, no matter what you are doing, you are trading dollars for hours. I'd rather trade my hours for more dollars than less.
1% of IBO's at Mona Vie made about $29,000/year working 12 hours a week. ONE PERCENT. Are you in that one percent? Oh...and the more money you make, the more actual time you have to spend working. Those people making $53,000/year are working 14 hours a week (this is not bad actually, if you can do it) and those who are earning the big bucks are basically putting in full time salaried job hours.
Here are some proven ways to have more money or become wealthy:
1. Live below your means
2. Don't be a hyper-consumer - if you don't have the money for that Coach purse, don't put it on
credit. You still have to pay for it later with interest added. You don't need luxury goods.
Also, if you can't afford to take a trip, don't take the trip. This is common sense.
3. Invest $50/month in a 401k or a Roth IRA. There's this cool thing called compound interest
which basically means the money that you've invested in stocks earns money over the course
of a year (generally 8%/year but some stocks earn far more and some earn less but on
average about 8% - this includes crappy down years). You take that 8% that you've earned
and reinvest it the next year, while continuing to contribute. Over the course of time, the
money you earned on interest makes more money.
4. Get a second part time job.
5. Think long term
Alot of these MLMs might actually make an IBO some money if the downlines weren't so encouraged to buy motivational tools. These cut into your personal income from the MLM big time. AND they can be bought on Ebay for pennies. I've seen them listed 50 tapes for $9.99. Sure it's fun to chant about freedom and crap like that but 1% of people who sell for Mona Vie are making $29,000/yr on their efforts. Throwing away your money on tools for a 1% chance at making $29k/year is stupid, to put it bluntly. If you are spending $5,000 a year on duplication, tools, attending functions and you are not making $29k/year, and maybe more likely you are among the 82% of IBOs who are making $1500 - 2000/year, is this a net gain for you? It's not. It's simple math, folks.
Wouldn't you be better off investing in the stock market where the AVERAGE gain is 8% year over year? I can tell you most years I've done a lot better than that. I can tell you that this year, having contributed NOTHING at all, my 401k is up $7,000. Over the course of a lifetime, compounding interest can make a ton of money and you don't have to do anything extra to do it!
READ UP AND DO SOME RESEARCH.
Why am I not contributing? Well, I'm paying off a loan that I took out for my primary residence. Stupid I know. We don't always make the best decisions, but the loan will be paid off in six months or so and I'll be contributing again. And I'll be well on my way to having a comfortable retirement.
Don't fool yourselves. Amway is a J-O-B. Mona Vie is a J-O-B. Generally, they are jobs that don't pay a person what they are worth. Lets do some more simple math. If you are putting in 10 hours a week to earn only an extra $1500/year you are being paid $2.88/hr. That's well below minimum wage. I'd rather trade my hours for more dollars.
there are approximately 80,789 IBO's of which 7 make big bucks. That's like less than a tenth of a percent. Seven people apparently got checks for $3.5 million dollars. Woo. Sounds great, right? I don't know how this particular plan works but I do know that other plans, like at Amway, those giant bonus checks that Diamonds like to flash at people, those very same checks are how the rest of the people in that particular team's compensation plan get paid. In other words, that one bonus check does not go to one person, pieces of it have to be given to the downline on the team. So how much are those Diamonds really netting anyway? Well, if you're on the 6-4-2 plan, think about how many people are involved - its like 78 people. All those people get a cut, albeit smaller and smaller cuts, but they still get cuts - think about it: 78 people getting $30 equals $2340. And some of those people are getting larger cuts. And some teams may have a lot more than just 78 people on them.
Further, at Mona Vie, 66,534 IBO's (or 82% of all the distributors) netted between $1,536 - $2,032 over the course of a year working 8 - 10 hours a week. Now, if a person were to work an extra 8 to ten hours a week at a part time job where they were paid $8/hr, that person would make an extra $3328-$4160/year. And none of that income would have to go back into tools investments (and I use the word 'investment' loosely). Don't ever forget, no matter what you are doing, you are trading dollars for hours. I'd rather trade my hours for more dollars than less.
1% of IBO's at Mona Vie made about $29,000/year working 12 hours a week. ONE PERCENT. Are you in that one percent? Oh...and the more money you make, the more actual time you have to spend working. Those people making $53,000/year are working 14 hours a week (this is not bad actually, if you can do it) and those who are earning the big bucks are basically putting in full time salaried job hours.
Here are some proven ways to have more money or become wealthy:
1. Live below your means
2. Don't be a hyper-consumer - if you don't have the money for that Coach purse, don't put it on
credit. You still have to pay for it later with interest added. You don't need luxury goods.
Also, if you can't afford to take a trip, don't take the trip. This is common sense.
3. Invest $50/month in a 401k or a Roth IRA. There's this cool thing called compound interest
which basically means the money that you've invested in stocks earns money over the course
of a year (generally 8%/year but some stocks earn far more and some earn less but on
average about 8% - this includes crappy down years). You take that 8% that you've earned
and reinvest it the next year, while continuing to contribute. Over the course of time, the
money you earned on interest makes more money.
4. Get a second part time job.
5. Think long term
Alot of these MLMs might actually make an IBO some money if the downlines weren't so encouraged to buy motivational tools. These cut into your personal income from the MLM big time. AND they can be bought on Ebay for pennies. I've seen them listed 50 tapes for $9.99. Sure it's fun to chant about freedom and crap like that but 1% of people who sell for Mona Vie are making $29,000/yr on their efforts. Throwing away your money on tools for a 1% chance at making $29k/year is stupid, to put it bluntly. If you are spending $5,000 a year on duplication, tools, attending functions and you are not making $29k/year, and maybe more likely you are among the 82% of IBOs who are making $1500 - 2000/year, is this a net gain for you? It's not. It's simple math, folks.
Wouldn't you be better off investing in the stock market where the AVERAGE gain is 8% year over year? I can tell you most years I've done a lot better than that. I can tell you that this year, having contributed NOTHING at all, my 401k is up $7,000. Over the course of a lifetime, compounding interest can make a ton of money and you don't have to do anything extra to do it!
READ UP AND DO SOME RESEARCH.
Why am I not contributing? Well, I'm paying off a loan that I took out for my primary residence. Stupid I know. We don't always make the best decisions, but the loan will be paid off in six months or so and I'll be contributing again. And I'll be well on my way to having a comfortable retirement.
Don't fool yourselves. Amway is a J-O-B. Mona Vie is a J-O-B. Generally, they are jobs that don't pay a person what they are worth. Lets do some more simple math. If you are putting in 10 hours a week to earn only an extra $1500/year you are being paid $2.88/hr. That's well below minimum wage. I'd rather trade my hours for more dollars.
Pray
Sometimes I look at my nephew and I want to pray.
I am not religious at all by nature, but I want to pray.
I look at him and tears fill my eyes and I want to pray.
I don't even know what to ask for but I want to pray.
I can get as far as Dear God, and then I don't know what to say.
It's more of a wordless hope, a wish fulfillment, a please let there be something in his eyes that
all is not lost and he knows us and that we love him and that we will help in any way.
I am not religious at all by nature, but I want to pray.
I look at him and tears fill my eyes and I want to pray.
I don't even know what to ask for but I want to pray.
I can get as far as Dear God, and then I don't know what to say.
It's more of a wordless hope, a wish fulfillment, a please let there be something in his eyes that
all is not lost and he knows us and that we love him and that we will help in any way.
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Stupid TV set!
I got an LG flatscreen tv last October. We upgraded to high-def cable and some of the shows are spectacular - Chris and I particularly enjoy watching this one show on HDNET that kind of aerially explores beautiful European locales like Germany and the Cote D'Azure...it's mezmerizing (and makes me want to go on vacation).
Two months ago, the remote control stopped working. Like many people, I am way too lazy to consolidate my remotes into one universal remote, so we have to get up to turn the tv on or off, or play with the volume. When I bought the tv set, I also got a service plan. Now, I am generally against service plans because they are mostly huge ripoffs, but I was nervous. I had never bought a flatscreen tv before and I was doing some research on them. I read a lot of reviews on a lot of different models, and many people complained that the their tvs did something crazy within the first couple of months and trying to get them fixed was a giant pain in the ass.
So I went ahead and bought a five year service plan.
When the remote went out, I called the service plan people up and told them about the problem and they said to mail the remote in. I had changed the batteries, played with all the buttons, and I had a sneaking suspicion that there was nothing wrong with the remote. I sent the remote off in the mail and recieved it back today with the notation on the work order that "all the buttons work properly." Which, of course, means that the infrared sensor has stopped working on the tv set.
Now, here is my question. Do I actually have someone come get my tv set and take it in to be fixed and be without a tv for God knows how long? Or do I put up and shut up? Putting up and shutting up sounds kinda good.
Two months ago, the remote control stopped working. Like many people, I am way too lazy to consolidate my remotes into one universal remote, so we have to get up to turn the tv on or off, or play with the volume. When I bought the tv set, I also got a service plan. Now, I am generally against service plans because they are mostly huge ripoffs, but I was nervous. I had never bought a flatscreen tv before and I was doing some research on them. I read a lot of reviews on a lot of different models, and many people complained that the their tvs did something crazy within the first couple of months and trying to get them fixed was a giant pain in the ass.
So I went ahead and bought a five year service plan.
When the remote went out, I called the service plan people up and told them about the problem and they said to mail the remote in. I had changed the batteries, played with all the buttons, and I had a sneaking suspicion that there was nothing wrong with the remote. I sent the remote off in the mail and recieved it back today with the notation on the work order that "all the buttons work properly." Which, of course, means that the infrared sensor has stopped working on the tv set.
Now, here is my question. Do I actually have someone come get my tv set and take it in to be fixed and be without a tv for God knows how long? Or do I put up and shut up? Putting up and shutting up sounds kinda good.
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Home for a Minute
I have one day off before me and my bf leave for Virginia to spend some more time with his parents and his kids. Oh joy.
Don't get me wrong, I like his parents and his kids. But there is such a thing as too much time together. So I'm taking one for the team and sucking it up and all that for another round of being polite and yelling at the kids. Who I love. But, you know, they are kids and tend to climb on the furniture and put their feet on the table.
Not that I don't have my own bad habits, but I tend to do them in private. For instance, I just tore off some excess toenail. I know, gross. But no one was here to see me do it, so it's almost like it didn't even happen.
Today I am going to head to the gym, because I am home and my gym is two miles away and I am recommitted to getting back into shape. I can say that I didn't feel like I was going to bust out of my uniform on my last trip, and I'd like to keep that trend going. Flying does weird things to your body, like making you feel uncomfortably bloated for a few hours after you've landed, so it's good to have a little extra room in your uniform to accommodate it.
Heroically, I also plan on working out tomorrow morning before C and I fly to DC. I deserve a medal, I tell ya.
Don't get me wrong, I like his parents and his kids. But there is such a thing as too much time together. So I'm taking one for the team and sucking it up and all that for another round of being polite and yelling at the kids. Who I love. But, you know, they are kids and tend to climb on the furniture and put their feet on the table.
Not that I don't have my own bad habits, but I tend to do them in private. For instance, I just tore off some excess toenail. I know, gross. But no one was here to see me do it, so it's almost like it didn't even happen.
Today I am going to head to the gym, because I am home and my gym is two miles away and I am recommitted to getting back into shape. I can say that I didn't feel like I was going to bust out of my uniform on my last trip, and I'd like to keep that trend going. Flying does weird things to your body, like making you feel uncomfortably bloated for a few hours after you've landed, so it's good to have a little extra room in your uniform to accommodate it.
Heroically, I also plan on working out tomorrow morning before C and I fly to DC. I deserve a medal, I tell ya.
Monday, July 27, 2009
Erin thinks some people should answer their fucking phones if it's not TOO inconvenient.
On another note, I've managed to make it to the gym nine out of the past 13 days. GO ME.
I surely was quite lazy until about 2pm. I was going to spend the day doing NOTHING but instead I did laundry, went to the library (Got My Booky Wook by Russell Brand YAY!), emptied the dishwasher, ad dropped a trip, and triptraded with trip ads. And I went to the gym!
Now I am just trying to resist eating a smidge of a banana yuckycake. I think if I get really desperate I'll make a smoothie with the leftover berries in the fridge and maybe sprinkle in some crushed walnuts.
On another note, I've managed to make it to the gym nine out of the past 13 days. GO ME.
I surely was quite lazy until about 2pm. I was going to spend the day doing NOTHING but instead I did laundry, went to the library (Got My Booky Wook by Russell Brand YAY!), emptied the dishwasher, ad dropped a trip, and triptraded with trip ads. And I went to the gym!
Now I am just trying to resist eating a smidge of a banana yuckycake. I think if I get really desperate I'll make a smoothie with the leftover berries in the fridge and maybe sprinkle in some crushed walnuts.
Sometimes, I just don't know where to start.
I have a lot of stressors in my life, but doesn't everybody? Who doesn't worry about family, health, making ends meet? We all do.
I had a full house for the past five days and let me tell you, it was...well, I just don't really quite have the words.
Between dealing with my boyfriend's shellshocked kids (shuttled back and forth between two homes, different rules at each place, too much sugar, step-parents who all do things a little differently) and his parents (older, set in their ways, worrying about everything) it was alot to take.
My boyfriend had to work part of the time so it fell to me to entertain and feed everyone for two days. I never cooked, cleaned, or ran the dishwasher so much in my life. I never mediated so many arguments. It was exhausting.
It's not like I am a homemaker...although I do tend a house and grocery shop and cook, I also have a full time job. I am also not a mom, I was sort of thrust into that position, and the more I do it, the more confidence I gain. My boyfriend's children listen to me, even if they don't like it or agree with me, they do what I tell them to.
Its hard when you are an adult with as many responsibilities as I have when someone else's parents question your abilities or second guess you. But I am not a child. I've had adult responsibilities for quite some time and I actually know what I am doing (surprisingly, but its true, I really do). It's hard to bite your tongue when your SO's mom might be a little rude, probably not on purpose, but just says outrageous things that you don't really know how to answer, like when my boyfriend's mom wanted to know how much a cleaning service costs in this area - it leaves me with a few thoughts: are you implying that my house is dirty? (it is not, btw, it was pretty spotless and uncluttered although the vaccuum needs to be run due to five days of people trampling through the house) Surely she must have asked out of genuine curiosity, right? I should have called her on it.
She had a number of other things to say, involving my boyfriend's impending divorce, about the cost...and I say, if you were really that worried about the price, maybe you should offer him some financial help?
Nevermind, the fact is, I am assertive enough to handle this crap even if it does piss me off. I've got a lot going on in my life, so if she thinks SHE has a lot to worry about, perhaps we should switch places for a bit and then maybe she'd STFU. I am sure she has a lot going on too, and I don't meant to be unsympathetic, there are health problems she has to deal with, etc., and retirement and a fixed income...again, I know no one's life is perfect, but being a worrywart doesn't improve the situation or help out at all.
There's a lot to be said about having a positive attitude and looking on the bright side, searching for the opportunity amid the rubble. Life can be difficult, but you have to make it work. You cannot ever just give up, because time just keeps moving forward and if you don't learn to cope, you get left behind. Worrying about shit that has little chance of occurring is unproductive. There's a difference between having a longterm outlook with plans for various outcomes in place and worrying about getting into an accident on a freeway out of state. I prefer to concentrate on reality.
ANYWAY, I need a nap. A long one.
I have a lot of stressors in my life, but doesn't everybody? Who doesn't worry about family, health, making ends meet? We all do.
I had a full house for the past five days and let me tell you, it was...well, I just don't really quite have the words.
Between dealing with my boyfriend's shellshocked kids (shuttled back and forth between two homes, different rules at each place, too much sugar, step-parents who all do things a little differently) and his parents (older, set in their ways, worrying about everything) it was alot to take.
My boyfriend had to work part of the time so it fell to me to entertain and feed everyone for two days. I never cooked, cleaned, or ran the dishwasher so much in my life. I never mediated so many arguments. It was exhausting.
It's not like I am a homemaker...although I do tend a house and grocery shop and cook, I also have a full time job. I am also not a mom, I was sort of thrust into that position, and the more I do it, the more confidence I gain. My boyfriend's children listen to me, even if they don't like it or agree with me, they do what I tell them to.
Its hard when you are an adult with as many responsibilities as I have when someone else's parents question your abilities or second guess you. But I am not a child. I've had adult responsibilities for quite some time and I actually know what I am doing (surprisingly, but its true, I really do). It's hard to bite your tongue when your SO's mom might be a little rude, probably not on purpose, but just says outrageous things that you don't really know how to answer, like when my boyfriend's mom wanted to know how much a cleaning service costs in this area - it leaves me with a few thoughts: are you implying that my house is dirty? (it is not, btw, it was pretty spotless and uncluttered although the vaccuum needs to be run due to five days of people trampling through the house) Surely she must have asked out of genuine curiosity, right? I should have called her on it.
She had a number of other things to say, involving my boyfriend's impending divorce, about the cost...and I say, if you were really that worried about the price, maybe you should offer him some financial help?
Nevermind, the fact is, I am assertive enough to handle this crap even if it does piss me off. I've got a lot going on in my life, so if she thinks SHE has a lot to worry about, perhaps we should switch places for a bit and then maybe she'd STFU. I am sure she has a lot going on too, and I don't meant to be unsympathetic, there are health problems she has to deal with, etc., and retirement and a fixed income...again, I know no one's life is perfect, but being a worrywart doesn't improve the situation or help out at all.
There's a lot to be said about having a positive attitude and looking on the bright side, searching for the opportunity amid the rubble. Life can be difficult, but you have to make it work. You cannot ever just give up, because time just keeps moving forward and if you don't learn to cope, you get left behind. Worrying about shit that has little chance of occurring is unproductive. There's a difference between having a longterm outlook with plans for various outcomes in place and worrying about getting into an accident on a freeway out of state. I prefer to concentrate on reality.
ANYWAY, I need a nap. A long one.
Monday, July 20, 2009
Working Together? Not Today, Apparently
I spoke to someone I swore I would never speak to today. I was sort of coerced into it through no fault of my own but still there it is.
I work with a pretty nice group of people most of the time, but occasionally there are people that I just cannot stand and will do just about anything to avoid if at all possible.
Now, I feel I haven’t done anything wrong, and in fact have been doing it all month - I commute back and forth from where I live to another city where I work out of and every day the flight I work gets in early which enables me to take an earlier flight home. Today I walked up to the gate 25 minutes prior to the pushback of the flight and the gate agent had unseated me.
I commute on a flight that is known for the amount of commuters on it, and in fact there were at least 20 of us listed. I usually walk up (or run, depending on how much time I have) a few minutes after the flight starts boarding, get my boarding pass, and then find my seat.
Today, however, newbie gate agents must have been working my flight, because they unseated me 25 minutes prior to push, ten minutes after boarding started, which makes no sense because normally they don’t even clear non-revs until a few minutes prior to closing the flight. They must have wanted to push early (which is great, don’t get me wrong, I love getting in early) but…One of the tenets of my company is “working together” so things like this don’t happen to our fellow employees. It is reasonable to assume that ten minutes prior to the push I could conceivably lose my seat if there were a lot of people standing by but there were plenty of seats and NO REASON to unseat me, even if they had been calling my name.
Where was I, the two agents wanted to know.
Oh, gee, I was busy deplaning a flight. So much for working together, eh?
Then one of them had the nerve to tell me to calm down. SERIOUSLY? This just pissed me off more.
So, of course, as I got on board, I had a lot of co-workers commuting home with me and I began to bitch to my co-workers, including this one woman I can’t fucking stand and vowed to never talk to, so help me God, about getting unseated with 25 minutes left til pushback.
Now, this woman who I can’t stand is the worst complainer I know, always thinks she knows more than the bean-counters who run my company, and also has eyes that move independently of one another, just like that crazy looking lizard. It is unnerving and all I can focus on generally when I am forced to listen to her bitch. Meanwhile, my company has made it through the past two recessions and we are both still employed so I don’t know why she complains so much.
Anyway, I know things are rarely as they seem, which I am learning more and more the older I get. I try to employ this mantra frequently. I am the type of person who will board early or push early to help people, including gate agents, out. I try to be cooperative and if I am upset or put out by something I try to explain my reasons in a non-judgmental manner (I don’t always succeed with this and there are definitely situations where I just can’t and won’t) but bottom line is, a little sympathy hurts no one.
So when I walk up to the gate and am greeted with an accusatory I just unseated you and WHERE WERE YOU?? Its not really going to leave me in a positive mood and then telling me to calm down really doesn’t help. Neither sentences are good customer service, and make no mistake, I am definitely a customer. And I am a co-worker. I could have been treated a little better.
I work with a pretty nice group of people most of the time, but occasionally there are people that I just cannot stand and will do just about anything to avoid if at all possible.
Now, I feel I haven’t done anything wrong, and in fact have been doing it all month - I commute back and forth from where I live to another city where I work out of and every day the flight I work gets in early which enables me to take an earlier flight home. Today I walked up to the gate 25 minutes prior to the pushback of the flight and the gate agent had unseated me.
I commute on a flight that is known for the amount of commuters on it, and in fact there were at least 20 of us listed. I usually walk up (or run, depending on how much time I have) a few minutes after the flight starts boarding, get my boarding pass, and then find my seat.
Today, however, newbie gate agents must have been working my flight, because they unseated me 25 minutes prior to push, ten minutes after boarding started, which makes no sense because normally they don’t even clear non-revs until a few minutes prior to closing the flight. They must have wanted to push early (which is great, don’t get me wrong, I love getting in early) but…One of the tenets of my company is “working together” so things like this don’t happen to our fellow employees. It is reasonable to assume that ten minutes prior to the push I could conceivably lose my seat if there were a lot of people standing by but there were plenty of seats and NO REASON to unseat me, even if they had been calling my name.
Where was I, the two agents wanted to know.
Oh, gee, I was busy deplaning a flight. So much for working together, eh?
Then one of them had the nerve to tell me to calm down. SERIOUSLY? This just pissed me off more.
So, of course, as I got on board, I had a lot of co-workers commuting home with me and I began to bitch to my co-workers, including this one woman I can’t fucking stand and vowed to never talk to, so help me God, about getting unseated with 25 minutes left til pushback.
Now, this woman who I can’t stand is the worst complainer I know, always thinks she knows more than the bean-counters who run my company, and also has eyes that move independently of one another, just like that crazy looking lizard. It is unnerving and all I can focus on generally when I am forced to listen to her bitch. Meanwhile, my company has made it through the past two recessions and we are both still employed so I don’t know why she complains so much.
Anyway, I know things are rarely as they seem, which I am learning more and more the older I get. I try to employ this mantra frequently. I am the type of person who will board early or push early to help people, including gate agents, out. I try to be cooperative and if I am upset or put out by something I try to explain my reasons in a non-judgmental manner (I don’t always succeed with this and there are definitely situations where I just can’t and won’t) but bottom line is, a little sympathy hurts no one.
So when I walk up to the gate and am greeted with an accusatory I just unseated you and WHERE WERE YOU?? Its not really going to leave me in a positive mood and then telling me to calm down really doesn’t help. Neither sentences are good customer service, and make no mistake, I am definitely a customer. And I am a co-worker. I could have been treated a little better.
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Quicktime
Am dragging Chris to the gym. He will like it once he gets there. Oh yes. Then we have a day of cleaning, grocery buying, and basically preparing for his parents and kids who are going to stay for five days. *gulp*
Friday, July 17, 2009
Just Doing It
Today marks day three of Going to the Gym. I joined a gym that is about two miles from my house that I literally can, and do, ride my bike to. My old gym was about 11 miles away and could take 12 - 20 minutes to get to, and I couldn't help but be annoyed at the time waste, gas, and mileage it put on my car.
Now when I go to the gym, every minute is spent more productively - I am not wasting gas or putting mileage on my car, I am burning calories and getting cardio in on my way over, and then I am lifting weights and doing a short cardio routine while I'm there. I like that if I forget something it is not a huge ordeal to go back to the house (I HATE exercising without my ipod and if I forget that or my headphones, I am not doing it). If I do forget my ipod, it is immediately apparent anyway, because I wear the headphones loosely around my neck on my ride over. It takes me about 30 minutes round trip to ride there and back and according to an exercise calculator, I am burning close to 300 calories in addition to what I am doing when I'm at the gym.
I just have to stay motivated now. It is important to stay positive, but it is also important to be forgiving of minor setbacks. However, the top priority should be to just do it. No excuses. Headache? Ignore it. Body aches? Push through it, or pop an advil. Too tired? Working out will make you feel better. I've done this before and I can do it again. It is time to make this a part of my daily life again. My schedule has calmed down somewhat and I am not flying international trips that left me dizzy and feeling like crap, eating at odd times. I have so much more control now and I can do this.
Now when I go to the gym, every minute is spent more productively - I am not wasting gas or putting mileage on my car, I am burning calories and getting cardio in on my way over, and then I am lifting weights and doing a short cardio routine while I'm there. I like that if I forget something it is not a huge ordeal to go back to the house (I HATE exercising without my ipod and if I forget that or my headphones, I am not doing it). If I do forget my ipod, it is immediately apparent anyway, because I wear the headphones loosely around my neck on my ride over. It takes me about 30 minutes round trip to ride there and back and according to an exercise calculator, I am burning close to 300 calories in addition to what I am doing when I'm at the gym.
I just have to stay motivated now. It is important to stay positive, but it is also important to be forgiving of minor setbacks. However, the top priority should be to just do it. No excuses. Headache? Ignore it. Body aches? Push through it, or pop an advil. Too tired? Working out will make you feel better. I've done this before and I can do it again. It is time to make this a part of my daily life again. My schedule has calmed down somewhat and I am not flying international trips that left me dizzy and feeling like crap, eating at odd times. I have so much more control now and I can do this.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Dreaming of the Dreamhouse
Every year in Lake County the YMCA builds a Dreamhouse. These homes are built by local builders and decorated by local decorators. You can buy a ticket for $12 to take a tour and then your ticket is also entered into a drawing to win the Dreamhouse. If you like it, you can move right in (you've won the furnishings, too), but if you don't there is a cash option. Some years the Dreamhouse is lovely, and some years, like this, it isn't...but the fantasy of winning a fairly upscale home is still worth the ticket price.
Last year, the Lake County Dreamhome was breathtaking. Not only was it energy efficient (the builders claimed it would only cost $1200/year to heat and cool the place), it was just stunningly beautiful. Three bedrooms, a wood panelled office, lovely dining room, huge great room with cathedral ceilings, a kitchen to die for...I could wax poetic about this kitchen - it had a huge walk in pantry, beautiful appliances, granite countertops, fabulous built in cabinetry and large windows. It was bright and airy and every window was covered with plantation shutters. The master bedroom was on one side of the house and it featured a large bathroom, walk in closet, jacuzzi, window seats in the bedroom itself, lots of windows. The other two bedrooms were located on the other side of the house, near the three car garage. It had a back deck and patio, with a built in sink and grill. The basement was also partially finished with a fourth bathroom, secondary kitchen, and an office/bedroom. The house was about 2600 square feet, not gigantic, but perfectly sized.
I mean, the house was just fabulous. I actually felt something akin to lust blossom in my heart. I went back multiple times to look at it.
It is in fact a dream of mine to one day build that house. I'd love to get a parcel of land with lots of trees to build that house on. The stuff I could cook in that kitchen...Oh man. The people who won that house last year actually took the money option though.
I've been thinking lately about what I want. Five years ago, I wanted to own a home. Now I have two. Five years ago, I was miserable on reserve and now I am a lineholder with lots of control over how much or little I can work. Five years ago I was single and unhappy, and now I have Chris and his kids in my life. A lot can change in five years. I don't have any active goals that I am working towards, other than continuing happiness, perhaps eventually moving to a warmer climate and building that house. Continuing to travel. Read books. Enjoy life.
Last year, the Lake County Dreamhome was breathtaking. Not only was it energy efficient (the builders claimed it would only cost $1200/year to heat and cool the place), it was just stunningly beautiful. Three bedrooms, a wood panelled office, lovely dining room, huge great room with cathedral ceilings, a kitchen to die for...I could wax poetic about this kitchen - it had a huge walk in pantry, beautiful appliances, granite countertops, fabulous built in cabinetry and large windows. It was bright and airy and every window was covered with plantation shutters. The master bedroom was on one side of the house and it featured a large bathroom, walk in closet, jacuzzi, window seats in the bedroom itself, lots of windows. The other two bedrooms were located on the other side of the house, near the three car garage. It had a back deck and patio, with a built in sink and grill. The basement was also partially finished with a fourth bathroom, secondary kitchen, and an office/bedroom. The house was about 2600 square feet, not gigantic, but perfectly sized.
I mean, the house was just fabulous. I actually felt something akin to lust blossom in my heart. I went back multiple times to look at it.
It is in fact a dream of mine to one day build that house. I'd love to get a parcel of land with lots of trees to build that house on. The stuff I could cook in that kitchen...Oh man. The people who won that house last year actually took the money option though.
I've been thinking lately about what I want. Five years ago, I wanted to own a home. Now I have two. Five years ago, I was miserable on reserve and now I am a lineholder with lots of control over how much or little I can work. Five years ago I was single and unhappy, and now I have Chris and his kids in my life. A lot can change in five years. I don't have any active goals that I am working towards, other than continuing happiness, perhaps eventually moving to a warmer climate and building that house. Continuing to travel. Read books. Enjoy life.
Monday, July 13, 2009
Grillin'
I am becoming quite the cook.
For dinner tonight I grilled (!) some chicken on our Weber grille, boiled up some quinoa, threw in some sauted veggies (basil from my own garden, green onions, mushrooms, yellow squash, zucchini, broccoli, and snow peas), and made up a salad.
Using the grill was not quite the success I was hoping for, even though the chicken actually came out delicious. I don't think I let the coals heat for long enough and they weren't really 'going' when I threw them into the grille. I was able to get the chicken breasts cooked though, and they came out perfect and juicy.
I actually enjoy cooking. I can make meatloaf, grilled chicken, spaghetti...My repertoire is not huge, but I guess I can grill up some burgers too, now that I am getting used to using the grill. I especially love to use fresh vegetables. I bet I could make shish ka bobs. My boyfriend likes organic meats and organic milk. Yesterday I made a childhood favorite: Banana Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars, otherwise known as Banana Yuckycakes. It's my mom's recipe, I don't know where she got it but it involved mashed bananas, oats, walnuts, chocolate chips, cinammon, flour...I made mine with whole wheat flour. It's amazing.
My mind is starting to try to figure out what goes into recipes, to see if I can make them at home. I never realized that you can get chicken wings at the store, roll them in sauce, and then grill 'em up. The kids like Mac and Cheese, which is easy enough to make.
Also, in an effort to be a little bit more frugal, I've taken to bringing food with me to work. Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches keep well. I try to take some fruit with me and salad accoutrements. I can buy the lettuce at the airport but all the stuff I like on the salad adds up, so I bring that with me. Plus its reasonably healthy. Unfortunately my Ipod stopped working a few weeks ago, so I've been unable to try the yoga video that I had downloaded on it. An Ipod Touch is next on my list.
We are having Chris' parents and the kids stay with us at the end of the month for about five days. I am not exactly freaking out, but I am a bit nervous. I don't really like to entertain, I get anxious over stupid things...and to have someone actually staying in my house?? OMG. Someone give me a Xanax please! Honestly, I think I'll be okay without the meds, but we did stock up on some good liquor. We need somemore wine. Chris' father is a wine afficionado and I fear our little wine collection is lacking. I've had a bottle chilling in the fridge for a few weeks now though. I keep forgetting that it's there. Sadly, I've been waiting for an opportunity to open it and just haven't found the right time. Maybe tonight, if I can convince Chris to take a bikeride.
For dinner tonight I grilled (!) some chicken on our Weber grille, boiled up some quinoa, threw in some sauted veggies (basil from my own garden, green onions, mushrooms, yellow squash, zucchini, broccoli, and snow peas), and made up a salad.
Using the grill was not quite the success I was hoping for, even though the chicken actually came out delicious. I don't think I let the coals heat for long enough and they weren't really 'going' when I threw them into the grille. I was able to get the chicken breasts cooked though, and they came out perfect and juicy.
I actually enjoy cooking. I can make meatloaf, grilled chicken, spaghetti...My repertoire is not huge, but I guess I can grill up some burgers too, now that I am getting used to using the grill. I especially love to use fresh vegetables. I bet I could make shish ka bobs. My boyfriend likes organic meats and organic milk. Yesterday I made a childhood favorite: Banana Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars, otherwise known as Banana Yuckycakes. It's my mom's recipe, I don't know where she got it but it involved mashed bananas, oats, walnuts, chocolate chips, cinammon, flour...I made mine with whole wheat flour. It's amazing.
My mind is starting to try to figure out what goes into recipes, to see if I can make them at home. I never realized that you can get chicken wings at the store, roll them in sauce, and then grill 'em up. The kids like Mac and Cheese, which is easy enough to make.
Also, in an effort to be a little bit more frugal, I've taken to bringing food with me to work. Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches keep well. I try to take some fruit with me and salad accoutrements. I can buy the lettuce at the airport but all the stuff I like on the salad adds up, so I bring that with me. Plus its reasonably healthy. Unfortunately my Ipod stopped working a few weeks ago, so I've been unable to try the yoga video that I had downloaded on it. An Ipod Touch is next on my list.
We are having Chris' parents and the kids stay with us at the end of the month for about five days. I am not exactly freaking out, but I am a bit nervous. I don't really like to entertain, I get anxious over stupid things...and to have someone actually staying in my house?? OMG. Someone give me a Xanax please! Honestly, I think I'll be okay without the meds, but we did stock up on some good liquor. We need somemore wine. Chris' father is a wine afficionado and I fear our little wine collection is lacking. I've had a bottle chilling in the fridge for a few weeks now though. I keep forgetting that it's there. Sadly, I've been waiting for an opportunity to open it and just haven't found the right time. Maybe tonight, if I can convince Chris to take a bikeride.
Monday, July 6, 2009
A few weeks ago, my boyfriend and I started landscaping our small plot in the back of our townhouse. I had noticed other neighbors doing it and had for awhile wanted to have a small garden. But I have never actually gardened before. So instead I bought some pots and planted some morning glories, basil, and mint. Everything surprisingly came up except for one pot where the mint just didn't make it. I was secretly pleased.
But I still wanted more. So a few weeks ago, Chris and I went to Lowes and bought some topsoil, mulch, gardening tools, and plants. We started edging and turning the soil in the area we wanted to plant and then one day, I actually planted stuff. In the ground. I know.
I didn't have enough plants to fill in the whole area we had turned. I needed to go back to the store. But life caught up with me and I had to go to work. My job takes me out of town for a few days at a time. I came home again and we just never got to it and then I was gone for five days. But before I left, I bitched about the unfinished landscaping to Chris. It certainly wasn't his fault that it wasn't finished but I was getting antsy about it. A day later, Chris sent me some pictures of the backyard, where he had finished planting in my absence.
But I still wanted more. So a few weeks ago, Chris and I went to Lowes and bought some topsoil, mulch, gardening tools, and plants. We started edging and turning the soil in the area we wanted to plant and then one day, I actually planted stuff. In the ground. I know.
I didn't have enough plants to fill in the whole area we had turned. I needed to go back to the store. But life caught up with me and I had to go to work. My job takes me out of town for a few days at a time. I came home again and we just never got to it and then I was gone for five days. But before I left, I bitched about the unfinished landscaping to Chris. It certainly wasn't his fault that it wasn't finished but I was getting antsy about it. A day later, Chris sent me some pictures of the backyard, where he had finished planting in my absence.
Friday, July 3, 2009
Baby Time!
I got to see my nephew (and my brother and sister in law) yesterday. He is getting so big, I can't believe it! He'll grip your finger hard, he can lift his head up little and sometimes roll over. And he is soooo much fun to cuddle. I got to feed him and play with him for awhile, then we had to change his diaper and it turned out he kind of had what we refer to in my family as a 'blow-out'. It wasn't pretty (and it was pretty stinky too) so we threw him in the bathtub to get him cleaned up.
My sister in law has what I can only describe as a baby hammock in a little tub sitting in the bathtub to bathe Scotty in. He didn't so much sit as lounge in it. Scotty appeared to be VERY content. He has a hilarious green komodo dragon towel with a piece that fits over his head and has a green crest and eyes on it. I got him all dried off, put him in his Obama onesie, pulled a pair of overalls on him, and he was good to go. I swear he smiled at me a few times.
I haven't been around babies in a long LONG time, at least 20 years, and I have never had the opportunity to hold and cuddle a baby so much. And you know, its kinda fun. I am not saying that middle of the night feedings, crying babies, diaper bag prep, bath prep etc. is easy...I know a lot of work and organization goes into it and I know there is a lot of sleep deprivation involved. Sometimes, I even kinda sorta maybe might want one of my own, in addition to the two kids my boyfriend has.
Being a parent is interesting and frustrating and cheek bitingly hilarious all at the same time, I am slowly learning. Not only do I feel like I am suddenly in the secret club at work (I always tuned out the men and women who would start talking about their kids - so freaking BORING, right? I used to threaten to show people pictures of my washer and dryer) with my own stories to tell, but I realize that my job has actually been good training for having kids around.
Adults often act like children. You have to give them choices, otherwise they have a hard time deciding things. If you give them an inch, they try to take a mile. Its so true. I never understand when parents ask their kids what they want to drink and the kid pipes up, "COKE!" If I have kids, they will not be drinking coke...they'll get juice or milk or water, and none of that flavored water crap. With my luck, I would probably get a kid who didn't like water. I can't imagine a picky eater kid coming from MY loins. Hah. Which is ridiculous because it turns out my nephew has food allergies, soy and dairy.
I digress. I had a wonderful time watching my little baby nephew. He is so unutterably precious. I never imagined I would love him so much.
My sister in law has what I can only describe as a baby hammock in a little tub sitting in the bathtub to bathe Scotty in. He didn't so much sit as lounge in it. Scotty appeared to be VERY content. He has a hilarious green komodo dragon towel with a piece that fits over his head and has a green crest and eyes on it. I got him all dried off, put him in his Obama onesie, pulled a pair of overalls on him, and he was good to go. I swear he smiled at me a few times.
I haven't been around babies in a long LONG time, at least 20 years, and I have never had the opportunity to hold and cuddle a baby so much. And you know, its kinda fun. I am not saying that middle of the night feedings, crying babies, diaper bag prep, bath prep etc. is easy...I know a lot of work and organization goes into it and I know there is a lot of sleep deprivation involved. Sometimes, I even kinda sorta maybe might want one of my own, in addition to the two kids my boyfriend has.
Being a parent is interesting and frustrating and cheek bitingly hilarious all at the same time, I am slowly learning. Not only do I feel like I am suddenly in the secret club at work (I always tuned out the men and women who would start talking about their kids - so freaking BORING, right? I used to threaten to show people pictures of my washer and dryer) with my own stories to tell, but I realize that my job has actually been good training for having kids around.
Adults often act like children. You have to give them choices, otherwise they have a hard time deciding things. If you give them an inch, they try to take a mile. Its so true. I never understand when parents ask their kids what they want to drink and the kid pipes up, "COKE!" If I have kids, they will not be drinking coke...they'll get juice or milk or water, and none of that flavored water crap. With my luck, I would probably get a kid who didn't like water. I can't imagine a picky eater kid coming from MY loins. Hah. Which is ridiculous because it turns out my nephew has food allergies, soy and dairy.
I digress. I had a wonderful time watching my little baby nephew. He is so unutterably precious. I never imagined I would love him so much.
Monday, June 22, 2009
Search
I have been ruminating on the infinite lately.
I have never been one to hold much faith in Christianity, although I do like the basic laws, like not stealing, not killing, not covetting your neighbor's wife, not bearing false witness...I have a little problem with envy. I can't help but want things but I try to temper this with taking the long view. I'm a longterm planner and I know that eventually I will get what I want.
That is not what I want to talk about, however. Recently, my family went through a...I don't quite know how to describe it, but my nephew has some medical problems that cannot be fixed or cured. The prognosis isn't great.
But of course we love him, and we love his parents.
The whole experience has left me sort of bereft. I'd like to preface this statement by explaining that I know the situation my brother and his wife are experiencing with my nephew is not happening directly to me and I can't begin to know how they must feel. In my heart I know they are good people and I can't imagine why this has happened to them.
Which leads me to my crisis of faith. Which is ironic, because I never had much to begin with. And yet, I guess I never believed that the universe was random either. I think I believed there might be some haphazard design to it all (and still this might be true). My point is that while many people recieve solace from God in times of crisis in their lives, I did not. Instead I began to ponder what happens after we pass on.
Perhaps this is a stage that people experience repeatedly throughout their life; I can remember as a young child wondering about this and asking my dad while holding back tears because even then I couldn't imagine anything without my parents. My reality hardened rationality insists that since I can't remember anything before I was born, this must be what happens after we pass as well.
So what is the meaning of all of this then? People like to say that God doesn't give people more than they can handle and I say, Bullshit. Life can be overwhelmingly hard and where some people get the strength to get through it, I'll never know, but I certainly don't believe that some benign force is feeding us willpower. I think that it is instinct that forces us to survive, get through things, and move forward.
I can honestly say that I will never know what we as a species in this universe were meant for. I don't know if there is a true purpose. But I do know that I have found meaning in my life through my family and in creating a home for me and my loved ones to enjoy.
I don't know if prayers get answered. It hurts me to think of all the wasted effort of praying if those desperate pleas are ignored. But I also cannot discount the power of positive thinking, because life is so much easier when you get on with it, when you choose a course of action. If prayer helps someone to achieve a goal, obtain some emotional balance, and most importantly feel better, then I cannot find fault with it. I have found myself saying a few prayers lately, mostly along the lines of "Please look out for so-and-so, they need some help/luck/good wind to blow their way".
As for me, my worry over this stuff, that lost feeling I get sometimes when I look up at the sky, I hope it will fade. It's unnerving. But I'll just have to live with that.
I have never been one to hold much faith in Christianity, although I do like the basic laws, like not stealing, not killing, not covetting your neighbor's wife, not bearing false witness...I have a little problem with envy. I can't help but want things but I try to temper this with taking the long view. I'm a longterm planner and I know that eventually I will get what I want.
That is not what I want to talk about, however. Recently, my family went through a...I don't quite know how to describe it, but my nephew has some medical problems that cannot be fixed or cured. The prognosis isn't great.
But of course we love him, and we love his parents.
The whole experience has left me sort of bereft. I'd like to preface this statement by explaining that I know the situation my brother and his wife are experiencing with my nephew is not happening directly to me and I can't begin to know how they must feel. In my heart I know they are good people and I can't imagine why this has happened to them.
Which leads me to my crisis of faith. Which is ironic, because I never had much to begin with. And yet, I guess I never believed that the universe was random either. I think I believed there might be some haphazard design to it all (and still this might be true). My point is that while many people recieve solace from God in times of crisis in their lives, I did not. Instead I began to ponder what happens after we pass on.
Perhaps this is a stage that people experience repeatedly throughout their life; I can remember as a young child wondering about this and asking my dad while holding back tears because even then I couldn't imagine anything without my parents. My reality hardened rationality insists that since I can't remember anything before I was born, this must be what happens after we pass as well.
So what is the meaning of all of this then? People like to say that God doesn't give people more than they can handle and I say, Bullshit. Life can be overwhelmingly hard and where some people get the strength to get through it, I'll never know, but I certainly don't believe that some benign force is feeding us willpower. I think that it is instinct that forces us to survive, get through things, and move forward.
I can honestly say that I will never know what we as a species in this universe were meant for. I don't know if there is a true purpose. But I do know that I have found meaning in my life through my family and in creating a home for me and my loved ones to enjoy.
I don't know if prayers get answered. It hurts me to think of all the wasted effort of praying if those desperate pleas are ignored. But I also cannot discount the power of positive thinking, because life is so much easier when you get on with it, when you choose a course of action. If prayer helps someone to achieve a goal, obtain some emotional balance, and most importantly feel better, then I cannot find fault with it. I have found myself saying a few prayers lately, mostly along the lines of "Please look out for so-and-so, they need some help/luck/good wind to blow their way".
As for me, my worry over this stuff, that lost feeling I get sometimes when I look up at the sky, I hope it will fade. It's unnerving. But I'll just have to live with that.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
I need a vacation from my vacation
I have to confess, I am feeling a tad overwhelmed today. I just got back from a three day trip. The night before I left for work, I had just gotten back from Virginia where I had spent five days with my boyfriend and his two kids. It was crazy busy and fun - we went to Shenandoah National Park where the deer are so friendly they literally walk right up to you, and in Liam's case, try to lick off the dried ice cream on your shoe! Chris and I went to a wine tasting and brought back five bottles of various vintages (I cannot wait to try!) and he surprised me last night with a lovely wine holder in our living room. We also went to Staunton for dinner one night (Chris turned 40) with his parents and uncle. Staunton is a gorgeous college berg that just brims with small town vigor. Coffee shops abound the hilly tree lined streets, along with boutiques, wine shops, and art galleries as well as old fashioned cinemas showing indie movies.
It was like Stars Hollow, only better.
Anyway, we got back around 8:30 Sunday night and I had to do laundry and get packed for work. My flight was at 7:40am the next morning so I barely had time to catch some sleep. I got home late last night and today I am cleaning. My house is just a mess (not really but it needs a good spring cleaning). I've been working on the bathrooms and I think today I am finally going to hang the mirror in my bedroom - I've only lived here for a year and a half! It's been leaning against the wall the whole time.
Tomorrow, we are picking the kids up and keeping them for the weekend. Then I go back to work on Sunday and I'm flying for six days. And with any luck at all, I'll get down to Dallas for a day or two to see my new nephew - I feel like a bad aunt. I'm the one who can fly and I haven't been down to see him yet. I specifically took vacation this month because I knew he was coming and all of these other things came up that I just didn't factor in, not to mention that this particular vacation was unpaid so I have to make up the hours. I complete ten years in September (YAY!) and then I get three weeks of paid vacation and a few other nice perks, but in the meantime, I gotta work. What's that phrase about poor planning on your part is not a crisis on my part?
Today, if I have any leftover time, I'm going to plant some flowers - I planted some sweetpeas last week, but it looks sorta like something has been at them. :( I wonder what kind of animal would eat sweetpea seeds? I want to get some evening primroses - Chris' mom has a beautiful border of them around her house in the backyard. They were in bloom last June and I just kinda fell in love with them. I also got some daisies, morning glory, basil, and mint to put in my garden. I need more pots! Also, Chris and I are going to get some patio furniture.
Hopefully, this weekend will be nice and we can take the kids hiking or to the zoo. Maybe they'll help us clean out the garage and take the recycling out? So much to do.
It was like Stars Hollow, only better.
Anyway, we got back around 8:30 Sunday night and I had to do laundry and get packed for work. My flight was at 7:40am the next morning so I barely had time to catch some sleep. I got home late last night and today I am cleaning. My house is just a mess (not really but it needs a good spring cleaning). I've been working on the bathrooms and I think today I am finally going to hang the mirror in my bedroom - I've only lived here for a year and a half! It's been leaning against the wall the whole time.
Tomorrow, we are picking the kids up and keeping them for the weekend. Then I go back to work on Sunday and I'm flying for six days. And with any luck at all, I'll get down to Dallas for a day or two to see my new nephew - I feel like a bad aunt. I'm the one who can fly and I haven't been down to see him yet. I specifically took vacation this month because I knew he was coming and all of these other things came up that I just didn't factor in, not to mention that this particular vacation was unpaid so I have to make up the hours. I complete ten years in September (YAY!) and then I get three weeks of paid vacation and a few other nice perks, but in the meantime, I gotta work. What's that phrase about poor planning on your part is not a crisis on my part?
Today, if I have any leftover time, I'm going to plant some flowers - I planted some sweetpeas last week, but it looks sorta like something has been at them. :( I wonder what kind of animal would eat sweetpea seeds? I want to get some evening primroses - Chris' mom has a beautiful border of them around her house in the backyard. They were in bloom last June and I just kinda fell in love with them. I also got some daisies, morning glory, basil, and mint to put in my garden. I need more pots! Also, Chris and I are going to get some patio furniture.
Hopefully, this weekend will be nice and we can take the kids hiking or to the zoo. Maybe they'll help us clean out the garage and take the recycling out? So much to do.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Birth Days and Birthdays
On March 27th, I became an aunt! My brother's wife Catherine, after excercising for 45 minutes on the elliptical, decided a few hours later that it was time to go to the hospital where she gave birth to my nephew Scott Robert. Who is adorable.
In other news, it was my dad's and Chris' brithday on Monday. In celebration of my father's grandfatherhood, I put together a photo album of the newest member of our family along with other pictures of his adult children. The photo album had a really interesting 3D presentation so when it is opened some pictures are raised up sort of like a pop-up book. It's pretty neat if I do say so myself.
For Chris, I got him a new digital camera that he seemed completely delighted with. My parents gave him a grilling cookbook. I also wanted to get him some lottery tickets (Chris' dream is to win the lottery so that he can do nothing all day long for the rest of his life, much like the main character in the movie Office Space. I don't think this is such a terrible thing to aspire to.).
So I went into this low-rent looking beverage and lottery place across from the Mitsubishi dealership. The scratch-off lottery tickets were all placed in boxes with numbers on them. So I told the lady behind the counter that I'd take a number 31, 24, and 36. She looked at me like she had no idea what I was talking about. Then a guy walked in behind me and told me I should get the 31's. Then the woman grumbled that she didn't like it when customers told other customers what to buy. And I started to lose patience - I was like, GIVE ME THE LOTTERY TICKETS YOU MORON. But of course I just smiled and didn't say anything. Then I forked over my debit card and she informed me that they NEVER take debit/credit cards for lottery tickets - you know, in that tone of voice that implies I should have known this, moron!
I apologized for not having cash, asked if they had an ATM machine (no) and then got fed up with the whole process and left. I did not get Chris any lottery tickets and I felt kind of bad about this.
Anyway, Happy Birthday Dad and Chris, and Happy Birth Day to my nephew Scott! Can't wait to meet you!
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Five Pounds
I am very hard on myself. I gained about about 14 pounds over the past year. It is totally my fault. I've been a dedicated gym goer since I broke up with my ex-fiance in 2002. While I dated him, I put on 35 disgusting pounds. Prior to that I had been a rollerblader, a walker, someone who tried to be active. When we had Gossip Tuesdays I would have us meet at the track or the park and walk.
After I broke up with the guy, about 20 pounds fell off me, because I didn't eat the way he did. He was all about huge heavy meals, and before we were done eating breakfast he would be planning lunch and etc. He was a pretty big guy and he liked food.
There are a few pictures out there of me at my embarassing heaviest, right around the time my brother and his wife got married. I can't look at those pictures without cringing. Oh, the chub!
I started going to the gym and being more active a few months later. I joined a gym with my roomate and we began going pretty regularly. I watched as my body changed, muscles showing up in new places, collar bones emerging. I started to feel stronger and more attractive.
Now I belong to a local gym and about two years ago became pretty good friends with one of the managers who started working out with and training me. Through his tutelage I got down to the lowest weight and the fittest I have ever been. I felt and looked great.
Then I backslid. I met my boyfriend and drank lots of beer and ate lots of cheese. I was just comfortable with him (still am!) but my weight began to climb back up. Then I started flying internationally and that was like the last straw. I ate all night long out of boredom, trying to keep myself awake. I tried to work out at the hotels but it just wasn't enough. I could see the weight coming back on, feel my jeans getting tighter, and still I couldn't get control.
Finally, in January, I started getting my ass to the gym. Two and a half months later, it's starting to pay off. I'm down five pounds, I'm back to lifting weights, my endurance is increasing, and I fly domestically again, so my schedule is regular and I am not eating out of exhaustion, nor am I forgoing workouts because I am tired. I am already familiar with the places I go and I know where I can walk. I bought a pedometer to wear at work (sometimes I walk three miles a day just at work).
So, yay to me for getting back on track! Weight control is hard. I was so angry with myself for allowing it to happen but it creeps up on you. I have one friend who has lost 40 pounds on Weight Watchers and another one who's goal is to run a marathon. Nothing feels as good as being fit.
After I broke up with the guy, about 20 pounds fell off me, because I didn't eat the way he did. He was all about huge heavy meals, and before we were done eating breakfast he would be planning lunch and etc. He was a pretty big guy and he liked food.
There are a few pictures out there of me at my embarassing heaviest, right around the time my brother and his wife got married. I can't look at those pictures without cringing. Oh, the chub!
I started going to the gym and being more active a few months later. I joined a gym with my roomate and we began going pretty regularly. I watched as my body changed, muscles showing up in new places, collar bones emerging. I started to feel stronger and more attractive.
Now I belong to a local gym and about two years ago became pretty good friends with one of the managers who started working out with and training me. Through his tutelage I got down to the lowest weight and the fittest I have ever been. I felt and looked great.
Then I backslid. I met my boyfriend and drank lots of beer and ate lots of cheese. I was just comfortable with him (still am!) but my weight began to climb back up. Then I started flying internationally and that was like the last straw. I ate all night long out of boredom, trying to keep myself awake. I tried to work out at the hotels but it just wasn't enough. I could see the weight coming back on, feel my jeans getting tighter, and still I couldn't get control.
Finally, in January, I started getting my ass to the gym. Two and a half months later, it's starting to pay off. I'm down five pounds, I'm back to lifting weights, my endurance is increasing, and I fly domestically again, so my schedule is regular and I am not eating out of exhaustion, nor am I forgoing workouts because I am tired. I am already familiar with the places I go and I know where I can walk. I bought a pedometer to wear at work (sometimes I walk three miles a day just at work).
So, yay to me for getting back on track! Weight control is hard. I was so angry with myself for allowing it to happen but it creeps up on you. I have one friend who has lost 40 pounds on Weight Watchers and another one who's goal is to run a marathon. Nothing feels as good as being fit.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Temper Tantrums
I believe in karma. The whole what-goes-around-comes-around philosophy really appeals to me. I don't believe the universe likes to be out of balance and I think that how you treat others will eventually come back to haunt you.
In general, I am a pretty much keep quiet and stay out of the way sort of person, but I hate injustice and am easily outraged when the situation warrants. Point in case: My boyfriend and I went to Scotland about a month ago. We didn't have a lot of time to spend so we got out right away and went sightseeing. Edinburgh, as I have mentioned, is stunningly beautiful and we lucked out with some lovely weather. Our first stop, however, was the ATM machines around the corner from the hotel.
Now, when we got there, all four ATMs were occupied and there was no line so we waited for one to open up. Unbeknownst to us, a line had formed behind us. When one became available, Chris and I walked over to it but a Scottish girl started yelling at us.
"Excuse me! There is a queue over here! You're cutting the queue!"
Astonished, I turned around to see that there were about five people in a line that had not been there a few minutes ago. As I made this move, the girl cut around me and took the ATM machine. With me, tiredness and ire do not go well together and my temper, which seems to be permanently set on low boil bubbled right over the top of the pot.
"WHAT??? I've been STANDING on line!!! We were here first!! WHAT DID YOU THINK I WAS DOING HERE???"
She ignored me. Everyone else probably thought I was some crazy American girl. No one stepped in or said anything. Then the ATM right next to her opened up and I hopped on it, but I couldn't keep my mouth shut.
"Is it okay with you if I use this machine now? DO I HAVE YOUR PERMISSION??? JESUS!!! LINE CUTTER!!"
As you can see, I am not always at my best under trying circumstances. But I know that somewhere down the road, someone will cut this girl off, or sideswipe her car, or have a loud party while she's trying to sleep or something in punishment for cutting in line and being a bitch to me.
And if karma doesn't catch up with you, I am sure my temper will.
In general, I am a pretty much keep quiet and stay out of the way sort of person, but I hate injustice and am easily outraged when the situation warrants. Point in case: My boyfriend and I went to Scotland about a month ago. We didn't have a lot of time to spend so we got out right away and went sightseeing. Edinburgh, as I have mentioned, is stunningly beautiful and we lucked out with some lovely weather. Our first stop, however, was the ATM machines around the corner from the hotel.
Now, when we got there, all four ATMs were occupied and there was no line so we waited for one to open up. Unbeknownst to us, a line had formed behind us. When one became available, Chris and I walked over to it but a Scottish girl started yelling at us.
"Excuse me! There is a queue over here! You're cutting the queue!"
Astonished, I turned around to see that there were about five people in a line that had not been there a few minutes ago. As I made this move, the girl cut around me and took the ATM machine. With me, tiredness and ire do not go well together and my temper, which seems to be permanently set on low boil bubbled right over the top of the pot.
"WHAT??? I've been STANDING on line!!! We were here first!! WHAT DID YOU THINK I WAS DOING HERE???"
She ignored me. Everyone else probably thought I was some crazy American girl. No one stepped in or said anything. Then the ATM right next to her opened up and I hopped on it, but I couldn't keep my mouth shut.
"Is it okay with you if I use this machine now? DO I HAVE YOUR PERMISSION??? JESUS!!! LINE CUTTER!!"
As you can see, I am not always at my best under trying circumstances. But I know that somewhere down the road, someone will cut this girl off, or sideswipe her car, or have a loud party while she's trying to sleep or something in punishment for cutting in line and being a bitch to me.
And if karma doesn't catch up with you, I am sure my temper will.
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Genius!
As an aside, occasionally when we have the kids, they complain about being bored. Now, we are not evil people. We have stuff for them to do here - crayons and colored pencils, games, tv, computer, we take them to the movies and out to the mall. In the summer we go for walks in the neighborhood and out to the lake. We want to take them hiking and rollerblading, there are some great pools and small waterparks nearby for when the weather gets warm. We don't just leave them to their own devices.
I was talking about this problem with someone at work a few weeks ago and he said that his kids do that too. He solved this problem by a completely ingeniousness method. He gives them something to clean. FREAKING BRILLIANT! If they complain about being bored, he gives them something to clean. If they are smart, they'll stop complaining. If not, work gets done around the house until they wise up (which I am sure will inevitably happen, but still)! Win-win as far as I can tell.*
My house is not dirty, but there's always a window to clean. Liam complained he was bored so I gave him some glass cleaner and a paper towel and he (happily, I might add) cleaned the glass window in the back door. Then I told him to go clean the mirror in their shared bathroom and he did.
I'm going to have to come up with a list of things to be cleaned for the next time they come over!
*This is definitely tongue in cheek. The kids are smart and fun. But they do complain about being bored.
I was talking about this problem with someone at work a few weeks ago and he said that his kids do that too. He solved this problem by a completely ingeniousness method. He gives them something to clean. FREAKING BRILLIANT! If they complain about being bored, he gives them something to clean. If they are smart, they'll stop complaining. If not, work gets done around the house until they wise up (which I am sure will inevitably happen, but still)! Win-win as far as I can tell.*
My house is not dirty, but there's always a window to clean. Liam complained he was bored so I gave him some glass cleaner and a paper towel and he (happily, I might add) cleaned the glass window in the back door. Then I told him to go clean the mirror in their shared bathroom and he did.
I'm going to have to come up with a list of things to be cleaned for the next time they come over!
*This is definitely tongue in cheek. The kids are smart and fun. But they do complain about being bored.
Whats Going On
I've been struggling to write lately. I had the idea for a book, that I don't really want to share right now, and I've worked on that a little but other than that, I feel something coming on and I sit down to write, and then nothing.
Anyways, writers' block isn't really all that interesting is it?
We've got the kids this weekend. We took them to see "Knowing" with Nicholas Cage which wound up being so bad it was...well, bad. But good for debate. It was pretty derivative with lots of weird references and similarities to other movies and genres like M. Night Shamalan's "Signs". My boyfriend and I debated the relative speed of a subway car versus how much damage it could actually do should it somehow slip the rails and careen out of control. Seriously, how fast do these suckers travel? It took out like a bajillion people before it finally came to rest in the movie.
We did a little bit of driving around - the trees are still leafless and the ground is that horrible dead dun yellow color. I'm waiting for the world to wake up and turn green.
Also, Maddy woke us up at about quarter to eight this morning, not wanting to go downstairs and watch tv by herself. Apparently big black balls float around my house and they scare her but they must not bother her when we are around. Its weird, I've always been afraid of the dark but I've never been afraid in my house. The only time I feel faintly weirded out is when I wake up in the morning and its still dark outside. I have an irrational fear that someone (or some thing) will be looking in my windows at me. So, while it irks me a teensy bit to have to get up early, I do understand her fear.
So tonight we are going to make tacos with ground turkey meat. Its actually pretty good! We've made it before and the kids can't tell the difference. I actually think it tastes better. I've made a meatloaf and meatballs with turkey meat before and they both came out pretty delicious.
Tomorrow I am off on a four day trip - Austin, Miami, and San Diego. I am liking flying domestically again - I get to talk to Chris whenever I want and I don't feel nearly as fatigued.
Anyways, writers' block isn't really all that interesting is it?
We've got the kids this weekend. We took them to see "Knowing" with Nicholas Cage which wound up being so bad it was...well, bad. But good for debate. It was pretty derivative with lots of weird references and similarities to other movies and genres like M. Night Shamalan's "Signs". My boyfriend and I debated the relative speed of a subway car versus how much damage it could actually do should it somehow slip the rails and careen out of control. Seriously, how fast do these suckers travel? It took out like a bajillion people before it finally came to rest in the movie.
We did a little bit of driving around - the trees are still leafless and the ground is that horrible dead dun yellow color. I'm waiting for the world to wake up and turn green.
Also, Maddy woke us up at about quarter to eight this morning, not wanting to go downstairs and watch tv by herself. Apparently big black balls float around my house and they scare her but they must not bother her when we are around. Its weird, I've always been afraid of the dark but I've never been afraid in my house. The only time I feel faintly weirded out is when I wake up in the morning and its still dark outside. I have an irrational fear that someone (or some thing) will be looking in my windows at me. So, while it irks me a teensy bit to have to get up early, I do understand her fear.
So tonight we are going to make tacos with ground turkey meat. Its actually pretty good! We've made it before and the kids can't tell the difference. I actually think it tastes better. I've made a meatloaf and meatballs with turkey meat before and they both came out pretty delicious.
Tomorrow I am off on a four day trip - Austin, Miami, and San Diego. I am liking flying domestically again - I get to talk to Chris whenever I want and I don't feel nearly as fatigued.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Even the Best Laid Plans...
I have high hopes for 2009. I want to do a lot of travelling. I want to go to San Fran, the Florida Keys, Scotland, and every other beautiful place I can think of and I want to take my boyfriend with me.
I think the universe may be conspiring against me however. I have some financial obligations that are starting to take precedence over everything else, ensuring that I'll have to work a little bit more to pay them off. My savings account has dwindled a little, as has my 401k so I need to work on replenishment. I need a new car. I need to pay off some purchases. Also, my boyfriend has had some changes at his job making it harder for us to do the things we wanted to do. I'm bummed out. I have noticed though that these workplace changes generally don't last longer than four months or so, so who knows, in June things might be different (and I might have some bills paid off and some money in the bank).
I'm tranferring to our Newark domestic base in a few weeks. And while I'm pretty excited about it, I'm also kind of nervous, because commuting is a pain and can be stressful. Concurrently, I'll be holding some pretty sweet schedules and lots of days off so that I can move some days around and ultimately work when I want to work.
I'll complete ten years at my company by the end of this September, which will bring me some cool perks. My favorite is that I won't have to pay to non-rev anymore. Commuting to work will be FREE and I can do it at my pass class seniority level. YAY. It's kind of amazing to me that I've been at my company for almost ten whole years. Almost a third of my life.
My boyfriend and I have been mulling a few things these past few weeks. The weather in northern Ohio is starting to get to us. The cold and snow has been neverending - in fact we had about two feet of snow on the ground for about two weeks. I can't remember that happening since I lived in New York. We are thinking about moving...south...someday. We kick around Columbus because it's closer to his kids. We kick around Dallas because it's warmer and my brother and sister law (and soon a new neice or nephew!) are there. Houston enters into the equation occasionally. (We don't consider NJ because while parts of it are pretty and we've both lived there in the past, we are probably priced out of living in a decent area.)
Sometimes, you just have to wait and see what happens though. I like being in control of my life, being the one who makes things happen. I'm not really what I would call a risk-taker but some of my plans haven't been the best moves (through no fault of my own, and I'm making do - you know, lemonade out of lemons and all that - and thanks so much, stupid crappy economy!) I've learned that the key to making myself happy is to not be afraid of making changes and to know what I want so that I can make a plan to achieve it. But sometimes, even the best planning doesn't account for every pitfall. So now I guess it's time to hunker down and wait.
I think the universe may be conspiring against me however. I have some financial obligations that are starting to take precedence over everything else, ensuring that I'll have to work a little bit more to pay them off. My savings account has dwindled a little, as has my 401k so I need to work on replenishment. I need a new car. I need to pay off some purchases. Also, my boyfriend has had some changes at his job making it harder for us to do the things we wanted to do. I'm bummed out. I have noticed though that these workplace changes generally don't last longer than four months or so, so who knows, in June things might be different (and I might have some bills paid off and some money in the bank).
I'm tranferring to our Newark domestic base in a few weeks. And while I'm pretty excited about it, I'm also kind of nervous, because commuting is a pain and can be stressful. Concurrently, I'll be holding some pretty sweet schedules and lots of days off so that I can move some days around and ultimately work when I want to work.
I'll complete ten years at my company by the end of this September, which will bring me some cool perks. My favorite is that I won't have to pay to non-rev anymore. Commuting to work will be FREE and I can do it at my pass class seniority level. YAY. It's kind of amazing to me that I've been at my company for almost ten whole years. Almost a third of my life.
My boyfriend and I have been mulling a few things these past few weeks. The weather in northern Ohio is starting to get to us. The cold and snow has been neverending - in fact we had about two feet of snow on the ground for about two weeks. I can't remember that happening since I lived in New York. We are thinking about moving...south...someday. We kick around Columbus because it's closer to his kids. We kick around Dallas because it's warmer and my brother and sister law (and soon a new neice or nephew!) are there. Houston enters into the equation occasionally. (We don't consider NJ because while parts of it are pretty and we've both lived there in the past, we are probably priced out of living in a decent area.)
Sometimes, you just have to wait and see what happens though. I like being in control of my life, being the one who makes things happen. I'm not really what I would call a risk-taker but some of my plans haven't been the best moves (through no fault of my own, and I'm making do - you know, lemonade out of lemons and all that - and thanks so much, stupid crappy economy!) I've learned that the key to making myself happy is to not be afraid of making changes and to know what I want so that I can make a plan to achieve it. But sometimes, even the best planning doesn't account for every pitfall. So now I guess it's time to hunker down and wait.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Sleepless in Belfast
As I was waiting for sleep to overtake me last night, I was thinking about various things, but mostly about my tax returns. I was trying to make a list, when really I needed a spreadsheet, to figure out what will happen. I've got two houses. I worked two jobs last year. I have special considerations in regards to per diem with my job. It's all way over my head.
So I laid awake with all of this echoing in my head, trying to work some fancy math, and I realized I was having an OCD moment. Occasionally, a word will pop into my head, like Blagojevich (which I still can't pronounce properly) and I just keep repeating it. I don't say it out loud, but I may mouth the word, roll it around on my tongue, see how it feels as I form the word. In the middle of my sleep-deprived rambling, my head started to echo Blagojevich.
Anyway, I finally came to the realization that I needed to just call a local tax person and see if they could accommodate my requirements. I've only done Turbo Tax up til now. I'm always hesitant to hire professionals to do professional things, like carpet cleaners, or tax professionals, or attorneys, but sometimes you have to do these things.
The last time I consulted an attorney, for instance, it was an old friend's brother, someone I didn't particularly get along with in my teens, but we've grown out of that, right? I was having some issues with my tenants in my rental condo; they wanted to terminate their lease early but they had found me a replacement tenant. I don't know anything about background checks, or breaking leases, or subletting, or anything like that. I'm just doing this because I couldn't sell the damn place in this crapola economy and I didn't want to live there anymore, and I had already built my new townhouse. Anyway, I panicked. I didn't follow through with an appointment with this guy, and even though it was a year ago, I still feel badly about it. Luckily, my tenant paid on time with minimal issues (despite constant complaints from downstairs neighbors that I think even the condo association people realized were crazy).
Things are getting more complicated as I get older. I feel the old familiar urge to procrastinate, to try to not think about things, but I've also found that the sooner you deal with these things, the better off you are, the more able you are to accommodate and plan. So, as soon as recurrent training is over with, my attentions will be turned to my taxes.
I just wish that, when I'm laying sleepless in the middle of the night, I could think about more pleasant topics.
So I laid awake with all of this echoing in my head, trying to work some fancy math, and I realized I was having an OCD moment. Occasionally, a word will pop into my head, like Blagojevich (which I still can't pronounce properly) and I just keep repeating it. I don't say it out loud, but I may mouth the word, roll it around on my tongue, see how it feels as I form the word. In the middle of my sleep-deprived rambling, my head started to echo Blagojevich.
Anyway, I finally came to the realization that I needed to just call a local tax person and see if they could accommodate my requirements. I've only done Turbo Tax up til now. I'm always hesitant to hire professionals to do professional things, like carpet cleaners, or tax professionals, or attorneys, but sometimes you have to do these things.
The last time I consulted an attorney, for instance, it was an old friend's brother, someone I didn't particularly get along with in my teens, but we've grown out of that, right? I was having some issues with my tenants in my rental condo; they wanted to terminate their lease early but they had found me a replacement tenant. I don't know anything about background checks, or breaking leases, or subletting, or anything like that. I'm just doing this because I couldn't sell the damn place in this crapola economy and I didn't want to live there anymore, and I had already built my new townhouse. Anyway, I panicked. I didn't follow through with an appointment with this guy, and even though it was a year ago, I still feel badly about it. Luckily, my tenant paid on time with minimal issues (despite constant complaints from downstairs neighbors that I think even the condo association people realized were crazy).
Things are getting more complicated as I get older. I feel the old familiar urge to procrastinate, to try to not think about things, but I've also found that the sooner you deal with these things, the better off you are, the more able you are to accommodate and plan. So, as soon as recurrent training is over with, my attentions will be turned to my taxes.
I just wish that, when I'm laying sleepless in the middle of the night, I could think about more pleasant topics.
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Dilemma
I have two jobs. My full time job as a flight attendant keeps me away from home about 15 days a month. I love the travel, the crazy schedule, my crews and co-workers. I like being able to go to San Fran at a moment's notice or visit my brother and his wife (and soon my new neice or nephew!) in Dallas whenever I want.
My other job is part-time, and I work as a make-up consultant/cashier at a retail store. I get a really nice discount on prestige cosmetics, hair products, and fragrances. I like the people I work with, the customers, I like knowing the product lines and how to apply them. However, I hate being away from Chris any more than I already am. Generally, the retail store wants me to work on Saturdays. I usually fly out on Sundays. I haven't worked at the store in about a month.
Now, I feel badly about this. I can't motivate myself to call in and ask to be scheduled for a few hours. I'm starting to feel that I'd be taking advantage of the generous discount the store offers when I purchase items. And yet, I can't bring myself to quit. The store will definitely interfere with leisure travel that I'd like to do this year with Chris. The extra money for a whole days' work, while nice, is about what I make in a few hours flying.
I know I should probably resign or quit. I don't know how long it will be until they let me go. If I worked one day I wouldn't feel badly about going in and buying stuff, but I think I've finished my beauty product shopping spree. (Although I'm low on the Ojon shampoo and conditioner.) I guess my question is, do I go in and quit or do I wait for them to fire me? Does it matter?
My other job is part-time, and I work as a make-up consultant/cashier at a retail store. I get a really nice discount on prestige cosmetics, hair products, and fragrances. I like the people I work with, the customers, I like knowing the product lines and how to apply them. However, I hate being away from Chris any more than I already am. Generally, the retail store wants me to work on Saturdays. I usually fly out on Sundays. I haven't worked at the store in about a month.
Now, I feel badly about this. I can't motivate myself to call in and ask to be scheduled for a few hours. I'm starting to feel that I'd be taking advantage of the generous discount the store offers when I purchase items. And yet, I can't bring myself to quit. The store will definitely interfere with leisure travel that I'd like to do this year with Chris. The extra money for a whole days' work, while nice, is about what I make in a few hours flying.
I know I should probably resign or quit. I don't know how long it will be until they let me go. If I worked one day I wouldn't feel badly about going in and buying stuff, but I think I've finished my beauty product shopping spree. (Although I'm low on the Ojon shampoo and conditioner.) I guess my question is, do I go in and quit or do I wait for them to fire me? Does it matter?
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