I'm thinking this is not the best time for me to be posting. I'm not in a good place. I'm crabby, I'm in pain and I have nothing new to contribute for this week.
My arthritis is bothering me today. I even caved in and took 2 Aleve (Or at least the OTC kind) at 8:00AM today. My neck has been out of joint since Wednesday and that is bothersome. It comes and goes. Depending on how I turn or where I reach. It's HELL getting old.
I think I'm crabby because I'm in pain. If I felt better, maybe I'd want to do something outside of the house or go somewhere. But I will most likely just stay in. I do have to color my hair today. I have an appointment for a cut tomorrow at 1:00PM with Diane T. I have to ready myself for my big reunion in two weeks. I should give up the effort. These are all people I knew back when and there's no way we can hide how old we are. We all know. I think we'll all just try to erase the mileage we have on our faces and torsos. After all, most parts of us all have gone south LOL
As for the past week, it was just more of the same. The boss lady had been out of the office the week before so she had to play catch up, and then the Executive Committee decided they wanted some production charts done - you got it - 20 minutes ago. So for 3 days, I had to drop EVERYTHING and work on the project for her. These are things I really love doing. Putting together the spreadsheets with the variable scenarios and putting those figures into charts are a lot of fun for me. But these people have a set goal in their minds so even after we tweaked the numbers, they retweaked them to come up with what they wanted to see. I redid them three times. When I was done with the main chart I busted out laughing because it was the reproduction of the Productivity chart I had done for the boss a week earlier, only a different color. I called it to her attention - she looked at it and started to chuckle. She said "Shhhhh don't tell them. Let them figure it out". She did thank me several times for deviating from my routine to jump into the project for her.
That left Thursday for me to get caught up on things I had to do from the beginning of the week. Several people on the project were complaining to their specific supervisors, that things weren't done on time by me and I was forwarded several emails regarding these points. I sweetly replied that I was on a special project for the Program Manager and if there was any problem, they should direct their inquiries to her - and I copied her on the email. Never heard another squeak.
Yesterday when I got to work I realized that I didn't want to be there at all. I was in a rotten mood, I felt awful and if I stayed there, I knew I'd mouth off to somebody so at 10:00 I told the boss I was caving in and going home. She was all for it. That is one thing about her. She is not at all possessive about her staff wanting time away. I finished up a thing or two that I had and went home at 11:15, hence my weekend started early. I called David only to find out he was in Centreville with another patient and he came by when he was done. He worked on my aching body for a good long time and I did feel a lot better. In fact, now that I think about it, my leg does not hurt at all today. It was awful in the early part of the week. Like I said, it's HELL getting old.
I took a snooze, had a bite to eat and that was my day. Very enjoyable. Hopefully the rest of this day will be the same way.
I'm going to do some internet searching to see if I can find a reasonably priced Ipod or MP3 player. I don't want to spend a whole bunch but I'd like to be able to take 'my music' to the office with me. (Mosie, if I remember correctly, you had a sweet little player when you were here. Send me an email about it, if you can)
For someone with nothing to say today, I've rattled on and on so I'll just say
God bless you all.
Saturday, August 26, 2006
Saturday, August 19, 2006
Short work week took too long....
I gave myself a gift of a vacation day on Monday, which I thoroughly enjoyed. However, trying to catch up with myself on Tuesday was tough. Luckily, the boss-lady was at a week long conference and she was not in all week. By Friday I was caught up and even managed to tackle a very boring job she had assigned me more than a month ago. I think I made good progress and will be able to show her that I did gain ground with a very futile task.
Today is a gorgeous day. It was a slow start with low lying clouds, but now at nearly 11:00AM, it's lovely. Bright, sunny, with a slight breeze.
I did a little research on flights for Thanksgiving in Atlanta and I can get one now for under $250. I'll ask for the Friday after as leave and if I get the go-ahead I'll book the flight. Sandy has offered to pay half the ticket. I'm still thinking about whether to let her do it or not.
I may try to go to Arcola UMC tomorrow. It seems to be calling me. Maybe I can find peace there and join an adult Sunday School class. I really miss that. I attended one for a long time but as people in this area fade away, it just fell by the wayside. I have hopes.
Giant had a sale last week on top round and I bought a 2 lb piece. I have it marinating in fresh lime juice, olive oil, garlic and Paul Newman's Lime Salsa. I'll broil it to med. rare and serve it on a whole wheat tortilla like a fajita. I also found a recipe on Sparkpeople.com for a black bean dish. It calls for onion, garlic and tomato juice to be added to a can of black beans. Well, I have this jar of Newman's..........................I'll use that. Oh yum...I can hardly wait and it is all healthy and within my calorie range.
BJ will be back from the beach late today. I hope to talk to her tomorrow and see how her trip was. David and Sharon have gone off to Myrtle Beach for a weekend away. I hope they enjoy the time away.
I miss them all...............
I'm just hanging out today. May do a little laundry, but I'm not rushing into anything.
God bless you all.
Today is a gorgeous day. It was a slow start with low lying clouds, but now at nearly 11:00AM, it's lovely. Bright, sunny, with a slight breeze.
I did a little research on flights for Thanksgiving in Atlanta and I can get one now for under $250. I'll ask for the Friday after as leave and if I get the go-ahead I'll book the flight. Sandy has offered to pay half the ticket. I'm still thinking about whether to let her do it or not.
I may try to go to Arcola UMC tomorrow. It seems to be calling me. Maybe I can find peace there and join an adult Sunday School class. I really miss that. I attended one for a long time but as people in this area fade away, it just fell by the wayside. I have hopes.
Giant had a sale last week on top round and I bought a 2 lb piece. I have it marinating in fresh lime juice, olive oil, garlic and Paul Newman's Lime Salsa. I'll broil it to med. rare and serve it on a whole wheat tortilla like a fajita. I also found a recipe on Sparkpeople.com for a black bean dish. It calls for onion, garlic and tomato juice to be added to a can of black beans. Well, I have this jar of Newman's..........................I'll use that. Oh yum...I can hardly wait and it is all healthy and within my calorie range.
BJ will be back from the beach late today. I hope to talk to her tomorrow and see how her trip was. David and Sharon have gone off to Myrtle Beach for a weekend away. I hope they enjoy the time away.
I miss them all...............
I'm just hanging out today. May do a little laundry, but I'm not rushing into anything.
God bless you all.
Monday, August 14, 2006
It Almost Seems As Though All We Did Was Eat.......
Sandy has come and gone. I always hate to come back to the house after she's been here. It's so quiet and Jake is walking around with a look like "Where is she?". He did the same thing after Donna left.
We did all fun things. We didn't spend time with her brother. She said she felt badly about not contacting him this trip, but I tried my best to convince her that it was OK - it was her choice. They have drifted apart over the past 10 years, both with different political and religious views. She believes it's OK to have your own opinion on those things, he does not. What he believes is right, so that causes some friction. Enough said there..........
We ate dinner at her favorite restaurant here where she was able to get Ahi Tuna, seared just the was she likes it.
On Saturday,we went shopping in Old Town Alexandria. I had not been there in at least 7 years and the renovations made are very refreshing. We had lunch and walked around. BJ told us of a little boutique that sells handbags and of course, we indulged.
Then we headed off to Tysons Galleria, where we had high tea at the Ritz Carlton. BJ and I had gone once before and loved it and at that time said the next time Sandy came to town, she had to come. We sat there for nearly 2 hours, chatting, nibbling the little sandwiches and sweet treats, sipping some of the best teas and enjoying the view of the Tysons skyline. (I had almost forgotten that Bryan has set up office in the adjacent building) I chose blackberry/black currant, Sandy had a ginger/spice combo and BJ had passion fruits flavors. One would think we would never have to eat again.
We bid BJ goodbye and wished her a fabulous vacation. She and JC and the boys were heading to Bethany Beach the next day to spend a week in JC's Dad's beach house. She has been working too hard this past month, filling in for another director who had left the company, so this respite was well earned. Being the selfish person I am, I will miss her.
We headed home and in a few hours, were looking at the 'frig. The night before, I had ordered ribs and brought home 1/2 rack. We also had Tex-Mex eggrolls and one was left over, so like little vultures, we gobbled up the left overs. No really needing food, but something to calm the palate. We both whispered yummmmmmmmm.
On Sunday we slept in and once again headed to Tysons, but to the main mall, not the Tysons II side. The have added wings and remodeled the old portion to the point that I didn't recognize any part of the place. Once again, I was in another town. Sandy needed a birthday gift for her dear friend, Linda and when we found the Swarovsky crystal shop, we went in. She found a lovely crystal necklace for her and I was almost envious. It was gorgeous.
We plodded onward and next found the L'Occitane shop so she could replenish her stock of skin care items. The gal in the store gave me some samples and warned me I would become addicted. I grinned and said "We'll see". (Remember, I am a creature of habit).
Once again it was time to eat, so we found a nice quiet restaurant where I overinduged in a Reuben Sandwich. It was so good. It's been a very long time since I've eaten real bread, fatty meat and grease. ROFL I loved it; I went face first into it.
We shopped a little longer and we both decided we were tired and our backs were sore, so we headed home. She had about an hour and a half before I had to take her to the airport so we both rested on the couch.
I think she had a good time. I know I did. I had a chance to talk to her and see how she has changed and matured. Her Mom would be so proud of her. I am......
She has invited me to come for Thanksgiving. I am considering it.
Today I'm just taking it easy.
God bless you all.
We did all fun things. We didn't spend time with her brother. She said she felt badly about not contacting him this trip, but I tried my best to convince her that it was OK - it was her choice. They have drifted apart over the past 10 years, both with different political and religious views. She believes it's OK to have your own opinion on those things, he does not. What he believes is right, so that causes some friction. Enough said there..........
We ate dinner at her favorite restaurant here where she was able to get Ahi Tuna, seared just the was she likes it.
On Saturday,we went shopping in Old Town Alexandria. I had not been there in at least 7 years and the renovations made are very refreshing. We had lunch and walked around. BJ told us of a little boutique that sells handbags and of course, we indulged.
Then we headed off to Tysons Galleria, where we had high tea at the Ritz Carlton. BJ and I had gone once before and loved it and at that time said the next time Sandy came to town, she had to come. We sat there for nearly 2 hours, chatting, nibbling the little sandwiches and sweet treats, sipping some of the best teas and enjoying the view of the Tysons skyline. (I had almost forgotten that Bryan has set up office in the adjacent building) I chose blackberry/black currant, Sandy had a ginger/spice combo and BJ had passion fruits flavors. One would think we would never have to eat again.
We bid BJ goodbye and wished her a fabulous vacation. She and JC and the boys were heading to Bethany Beach the next day to spend a week in JC's Dad's beach house. She has been working too hard this past month, filling in for another director who had left the company, so this respite was well earned. Being the selfish person I am, I will miss her.
We headed home and in a few hours, were looking at the 'frig. The night before, I had ordered ribs and brought home 1/2 rack. We also had Tex-Mex eggrolls and one was left over, so like little vultures, we gobbled up the left overs. No really needing food, but something to calm the palate. We both whispered yummmmmmmmm.
On Sunday we slept in and once again headed to Tysons, but to the main mall, not the Tysons II side. The have added wings and remodeled the old portion to the point that I didn't recognize any part of the place. Once again, I was in another town. Sandy needed a birthday gift for her dear friend, Linda and when we found the Swarovsky crystal shop, we went in. She found a lovely crystal necklace for her and I was almost envious. It was gorgeous.
We plodded onward and next found the L'Occitane shop so she could replenish her stock of skin care items. The gal in the store gave me some samples and warned me I would become addicted. I grinned and said "We'll see". (Remember, I am a creature of habit).
Once again it was time to eat, so we found a nice quiet restaurant where I overinduged in a Reuben Sandwich. It was so good. It's been a very long time since I've eaten real bread, fatty meat and grease. ROFL I loved it; I went face first into it.
We shopped a little longer and we both decided we were tired and our backs were sore, so we headed home. She had about an hour and a half before I had to take her to the airport so we both rested on the couch.
I think she had a good time. I know I did. I had a chance to talk to her and see how she has changed and matured. Her Mom would be so proud of her. I am......
She has invited me to come for Thanksgiving. I am considering it.
Today I'm just taking it easy.
God bless you all.
Saturday, August 05, 2006
The honeymoon is over
All I am going to say here is that the honeymoon is over, with my job that is. Something happened, which I won't dredge up, but it let me know EXACTLY what my boss thinks of me and that I've been busting my hump to support someone who really does not care about me.
I hate it when I get this way because it diminishes the quality of work I generate. No more worrying about whether WE meet deadlines. It's about whether I meet my deadline with her. No more being concerned that I look good for her to the Executive Committee, only that I cover my butt.
Sorry to say I'm being selfish because now my job is all about me. I will generator the best work I can, but I do it for me. I know that what I do is good and that when I do make a mistake, I can make it better and fix it. But no more running interference for her.
Enough said.
God bless you all.
I hate it when I get this way because it diminishes the quality of work I generate. No more worrying about whether WE meet deadlines. It's about whether I meet my deadline with her. No more being concerned that I look good for her to the Executive Committee, only that I cover my butt.
Sorry to say I'm being selfish because now my job is all about me. I will generator the best work I can, but I do it for me. I know that what I do is good and that when I do make a mistake, I can make it better and fix it. But no more running interference for her.
Enough said.
God bless you all.
Friday, July 28, 2006
In a Fit of Temper
I came home yesterday after work, 3:30ish to find a man, vacuuming my living room. I looked at him, he was surprised to see me because he didn't hear me over the vacuum, and I shouted "What are you doing in my house and who are you?". In broken English he said "I Patrick - Rosy" and pointed upstairs. Rosy, my house cleaner's brother is visiting from Bolivia, but I was still livid. She's supposed to be done and out by noon and here it was, afterwork for me with my downstairs torn up and she's scrubbing out the shower stall upstairs.
I went upstairs and yelled to her "Rosy why are you still here" and to try to cover over my anger she said "Hello, Missy Joanna" and I shouted again (A little louder) "Why are you still here????" She mumbled something about Claudia's (her daughter) dentist and shopping and running out of time and I said to her "You didn't tell me about this" and she said "I'm sorry I never do this again" (which she's promised many times before). I don't like coming home from a day at the office, tired and wanting to sit, and finding my house all torn up and no place to sit and relax.
I was so very upset I was afraid I'd blow it with my big mouth, so I quickly changed clothes, grabbed my swim suit and went to the Rec Center. I swam for 30 minutes, did 11 laps, which is more than on Sunday, but at least I did it. I'm not sure this is the way to get my exercise in, but it sure beats not going at all.
I got home an hour later and they were gone - the house clean.
I say no more.....
God bless you all
I went upstairs and yelled to her "Rosy why are you still here" and to try to cover over my anger she said "Hello, Missy Joanna" and I shouted again (A little louder) "Why are you still here????" She mumbled something about Claudia's (her daughter) dentist and shopping and running out of time and I said to her "You didn't tell me about this" and she said "I'm sorry I never do this again" (which she's promised many times before). I don't like coming home from a day at the office, tired and wanting to sit, and finding my house all torn up and no place to sit and relax.
I was so very upset I was afraid I'd blow it with my big mouth, so I quickly changed clothes, grabbed my swim suit and went to the Rec Center. I swam for 30 minutes, did 11 laps, which is more than on Sunday, but at least I did it. I'm not sure this is the way to get my exercise in, but it sure beats not going at all.
I got home an hour later and they were gone - the house clean.
I say no more.....
God bless you all
Sunday, July 23, 2006
* * * * * - I give myself 5 stars
Yes, I get 5 stars for today.
Why, you ask? Because I did 2, count them - 2 things that I said I would. ::From she who seldoms finishes something she starts ::
I went to Centreville Presbyterian Church this morning. It was different, but nice and I'll go again. One visit can not tell me if I like this church or not. The Associate Pastor was a bit of a rambler and I drifted a few times, but I caught the gist of what he was saying. Beautiful new church and this service featured contemporary music. The group was good, on key but not polished. They get 5 stars for showing up. Next week I'll go to the traditional service.
Then I came home, did NOT sit down, changed clothes and went to the Rec Center. I swam 9 laps; it took me 20 minutes but I just couldn't squeeze out that 10th lap. The pool is very nice, big and clean. There weren't too many people there at 11:00AM but there were kids who thought they'd try out the big pool and were splashing and jumping and making a ruckus so the life guards threw them out to the dismay of their parents. Good to see the staff sticks to the rules.
I didn't want to overdo because it has been quite awhile since I have been in the water. It did some leg and lower back exercises in the water but only 10 sets of each. I feel tired and hungry so I'm going to get a bite but I was so excited I had to post this before the thrill went away.
God bless you all.
Why, you ask? Because I did 2, count them - 2 things that I said I would. ::From she who seldoms finishes something she starts ::
I went to Centreville Presbyterian Church this morning. It was different, but nice and I'll go again. One visit can not tell me if I like this church or not. The Associate Pastor was a bit of a rambler and I drifted a few times, but I caught the gist of what he was saying. Beautiful new church and this service featured contemporary music. The group was good, on key but not polished. They get 5 stars for showing up. Next week I'll go to the traditional service.
Then I came home, did NOT sit down, changed clothes and went to the Rec Center. I swam 9 laps; it took me 20 minutes but I just couldn't squeeze out that 10th lap. The pool is very nice, big and clean. There weren't too many people there at 11:00AM but there were kids who thought they'd try out the big pool and were splashing and jumping and making a ruckus so the life guards threw them out to the dismay of their parents. Good to see the staff sticks to the rules.
I didn't want to overdo because it has been quite awhile since I have been in the water. It did some leg and lower back exercises in the water but only 10 sets of each. I feel tired and hungry so I'm going to get a bite but I was so excited I had to post this before the thrill went away.
God bless you all.
Saturday, July 22, 2006
Motivation
Since I started on the Spark People program, I've been very pleased with the eating plan, the exercises they suggest and most of all, the support received from the message boards. I've joined a "community team" for 60+ women wanting to lost at least 50 lbs. I don't need the 50 lb weight loss, but I do need women in my more-or-less age group.
I have been thinking about getting more exercise but with my dicey back, I just can't do a lot of walking. During Marina's visit I just about expired from all of the walking, even in the mall where it was cool.
Today I took a quantem leap and visited our county community recreation center and was astounded. Not even 3 miles from home, and maybe 4 minutes away, is the facility. Just a little over a year old it has a fitness center with all the types of exercise machinery needed. Treadmills, exercycles, weight training, etc. And best of all, two very large pools. One is for play, with two huge water slides, one covered and going outside the building and coming back in. The other is for lap swimming and water exercise classes. I stopped at the front desk and talked to two young volunteers and was pleased with their friendliness and eagerness to answer questions. One took me for a mini tour and explained some of the procedures. The other one then wrote down times of two of the classes. One deep water exercises and one water aerobics. I left very impressed and was deep in thought over it all.
Sooooo, I stopped at Target and will wonders never cease!!! They were having a close out on swim wear. (I haven't had a decent bathing suit in 20 years) So I found the only one piece suit in my size and made a $25 commitment.
Tomorrow my intention is to visit Centreville Presbyterian, afterwards stopping for a few groceries and before my couch can grab hold, I'd like to get to the pool by noon. I hope to spend a little time just warming up and swimming a little bit. Maybe 30 minutes in all. I don't want to join a class stiff as a board so I think if I like the whole idea of it, I'll swim again once during the week and do a 'drop by' in the aerobics class on Thursday.
Now I keep reminding myself that I'm famous for not finishing things that I start. But Dr. Eisenbaum has been such a jerk about me getting exercise, to shut him up I'll try it. My dear friend David also feels the low impact exercise will benefit my back and hip and I think it will help my arthritis.
Let's see how it goes.
No!! No pictures of me in the new suit. I don't want to see any comments like "Moby Dick is visiting" or "Beached whale!!"
I blame Spark People and David for getting me motivated. Thanks guys.
Gob bless you all.
I have been thinking about getting more exercise but with my dicey back, I just can't do a lot of walking. During Marina's visit I just about expired from all of the walking, even in the mall where it was cool.
Today I took a quantem leap and visited our county community recreation center and was astounded. Not even 3 miles from home, and maybe 4 minutes away, is the facility. Just a little over a year old it has a fitness center with all the types of exercise machinery needed. Treadmills, exercycles, weight training, etc. And best of all, two very large pools. One is for play, with two huge water slides, one covered and going outside the building and coming back in. The other is for lap swimming and water exercise classes. I stopped at the front desk and talked to two young volunteers and was pleased with their friendliness and eagerness to answer questions. One took me for a mini tour and explained some of the procedures. The other one then wrote down times of two of the classes. One deep water exercises and one water aerobics. I left very impressed and was deep in thought over it all.
Sooooo, I stopped at Target and will wonders never cease!!! They were having a close out on swim wear. (I haven't had a decent bathing suit in 20 years) So I found the only one piece suit in my size and made a $25 commitment.
Tomorrow my intention is to visit Centreville Presbyterian, afterwards stopping for a few groceries and before my couch can grab hold, I'd like to get to the pool by noon. I hope to spend a little time just warming up and swimming a little bit. Maybe 30 minutes in all. I don't want to join a class stiff as a board so I think if I like the whole idea of it, I'll swim again once during the week and do a 'drop by' in the aerobics class on Thursday.
Now I keep reminding myself that I'm famous for not finishing things that I start. But Dr. Eisenbaum has been such a jerk about me getting exercise, to shut him up I'll try it. My dear friend David also feels the low impact exercise will benefit my back and hip and I think it will help my arthritis.
Let's see how it goes.
No!! No pictures of me in the new suit. I don't want to see any comments like "Moby Dick is visiting" or "Beached whale!!"
I blame Spark People and David for getting me motivated. Thanks guys.
Gob bless you all.
Friday, July 21, 2006
Mini-Vacation
Well, the house is empty and very quiet. Marina, my dear Russian friend who was my translator on my last trip has left to continue her East Coast visit. It was so good to see her and even more of a kick to have her stay with me. I wish we had a few more days to show her more of our area, but it wasn't to be.
She arrived on Tuesday and we had dinner with BJ. Wednesday two of the mission team members took her into Washington to see the sights. I stayed at the office. It was too hot for me. They started out at the Capital and walked to the Lincoln Memorial and back. She was eager to press on while the two 'natives' were wilting in the near 100 degree heat. They did manage to coax her into the Museum of Natural History for a brief, cool respite. She loved the Hope Diamond. Way to go!! What girl wouldn't. That evening we were supposed to have a little gathering for supper at a local eatery and EVERYBODY crapped out. Those who had been with her all day, wilted and faded away. I wound up taking her to our local Chinese restaurant and then early to sleep.
Yesterday I took her to the Manassas Battlefield where we walked the fields. It was too hot to walk the entire course, be we did walk to the old house to see the graveyard and then to Stonewall Jackson's statue. A few moments back at the pavilion restored our strength and we went on for lunch at another team member's home. Marina had been Liz's translator on the spring trip and they established a great friendship. I'm not surprised - she's a terrific gal. Liz fixed us a lovely lunch and I backed away so they could spend a little time together. Then we went off to visit the closest Mall. We shopped for an hour or so and came home to get refreshed and off to a cookout where most of the team members were able to see her and talk to. It was a great time and Marina was awed that so many people had come out just to see her. I was proud of the group for their attention to her.
This morning I took her to the church, where the next leg of her journey will begin. A gentleman who works for Children's Hope Chest is taking her to Virginia Beach for the weekend at his home. He and his wife are new parents to a baby boy and Marina will enjoy seeing the baby. Then Monday, she is off to Colorado Springs again until late August when she'll return to Russia to begin studies at the University in early September.
It was a gift to us all to have her here with us.
Here is a picture of the two of us before she left.
So now I spend the rest of the day remembering her and those wonderful kids we've learned to love in our orphanage.
God bless you all.
She arrived on Tuesday and we had dinner with BJ. Wednesday two of the mission team members took her into Washington to see the sights. I stayed at the office. It was too hot for me. They started out at the Capital and walked to the Lincoln Memorial and back. She was eager to press on while the two 'natives' were wilting in the near 100 degree heat. They did manage to coax her into the Museum of Natural History for a brief, cool respite. She loved the Hope Diamond. Way to go!! What girl wouldn't. That evening we were supposed to have a little gathering for supper at a local eatery and EVERYBODY crapped out. Those who had been with her all day, wilted and faded away. I wound up taking her to our local Chinese restaurant and then early to sleep.
Yesterday I took her to the Manassas Battlefield where we walked the fields. It was too hot to walk the entire course, be we did walk to the old house to see the graveyard and then to Stonewall Jackson's statue. A few moments back at the pavilion restored our strength and we went on for lunch at another team member's home. Marina had been Liz's translator on the spring trip and they established a great friendship. I'm not surprised - she's a terrific gal. Liz fixed us a lovely lunch and I backed away so they could spend a little time together. Then we went off to visit the closest Mall. We shopped for an hour or so and came home to get refreshed and off to a cookout where most of the team members were able to see her and talk to. It was a great time and Marina was awed that so many people had come out just to see her. I was proud of the group for their attention to her.
This morning I took her to the church, where the next leg of her journey will begin. A gentleman who works for Children's Hope Chest is taking her to Virginia Beach for the weekend at his home. He and his wife are new parents to a baby boy and Marina will enjoy seeing the baby. Then Monday, she is off to Colorado Springs again until late August when she'll return to Russia to begin studies at the University in early September.
It was a gift to us all to have her here with us.
Here is a picture of the two of us before she left.
So now I spend the rest of the day remembering her and those wonderful kids we've learned to love in our orphanage.
God bless you all.
Sunday, July 16, 2006
HOT - HOT - HOT
What more can I say? It's July!!
It's been a busy week once again, but I think I see a light at the end of the tunnel. My luck, it probably is a train. Didn't work any OT this week. Although I like regaining my weekends, I can honestly say I'll miss the extra cash. I haven't seen my actual wage since I received my salary increase after my one year review. I've been stacking OT hours. This week I will have one or two but can't work as much as I'd like to.
Marina will be here on Tuesday. On Wednesday, I'll put her in the care and custody of two mission team members to be taken her into town and to see all the sights, something I'm not interested in doing. 90 degrees in mid-July is NOT my idea of when to visit Washington,DC. Two members graciously volunteered to do it and I accepted. One other member has a friend in the Secret Service who may be able to get tickets for the White House tour, so that would be great for her. I'm really looking forward to her visit.
The house is in good shape. Yesterday I got her room ready for her, but not without incident. I had just finished stripping down the bed and putting fresh linens on it when I decided to lower the blinds completely. I usually leave them raised about 18 inches because the cats like to sit on the windowsills and rule their kingdom. One tug on the cord and the whole thing came crashing down. I tried to put them back but I'd get one side up and the other would pop out. I became very frustrated and let them sit for an hour or so. I even emailed my dear friend asking him if he would help me on Monday when he stops by. After thinking about it, I decided to try again. That's when I saw a little piece of metal on the floor. It was part of the bracket on one end of the blind and when I put it in the right place, it held the blind in place. Of course, having a chair to stand on helped a lot. And standing in the middle of the window where I could reach to both sides. So now I'm ready for Marina.
Today I have an errand or two along with a hair appointment, so it will be a fun day.
Nothing other than that is new, but I feel I'm in a good place.
God bless you all
It's been a busy week once again, but I think I see a light at the end of the tunnel. My luck, it probably is a train. Didn't work any OT this week. Although I like regaining my weekends, I can honestly say I'll miss the extra cash. I haven't seen my actual wage since I received my salary increase after my one year review. I've been stacking OT hours. This week I will have one or two but can't work as much as I'd like to.
Marina will be here on Tuesday. On Wednesday, I'll put her in the care and custody of two mission team members to be taken her into town and to see all the sights, something I'm not interested in doing. 90 degrees in mid-July is NOT my idea of when to visit Washington,DC. Two members graciously volunteered to do it and I accepted. One other member has a friend in the Secret Service who may be able to get tickets for the White House tour, so that would be great for her. I'm really looking forward to her visit.
The house is in good shape. Yesterday I got her room ready for her, but not without incident. I had just finished stripping down the bed and putting fresh linens on it when I decided to lower the blinds completely. I usually leave them raised about 18 inches because the cats like to sit on the windowsills and rule their kingdom. One tug on the cord and the whole thing came crashing down. I tried to put them back but I'd get one side up and the other would pop out. I became very frustrated and let them sit for an hour or so. I even emailed my dear friend asking him if he would help me on Monday when he stops by. After thinking about it, I decided to try again. That's when I saw a little piece of metal on the floor. It was part of the bracket on one end of the blind and when I put it in the right place, it held the blind in place. Of course, having a chair to stand on helped a lot. And standing in the middle of the window where I could reach to both sides. So now I'm ready for Marina.
Today I have an errand or two along with a hair appointment, so it will be a fun day.
Nothing other than that is new, but I feel I'm in a good place.
God bless you all
Friday, July 07, 2006
A Short Week - With Two Mondays
That's right. It felt like two Mondays. ARRGGGHHH!!! :o)
This has been one crazy week. My dear friend David is on holiday with his family. I sure hope they had a good time. My guess is, they'll be coming back tomorrow. I have missed him.
Work has been very busy. We met our quota of 500 cases for June and are working on our July number of 800. I don't know about that, but the reviewers are working like beavers, putting in o'time.
Our new Admin, Amanda, is very good. She's fit in very quickly. Both Jennie and I like her and will do what we can to help her and make her feel at home. I know she has felt strange about 'replacing Beth'. She's not asked about it yet, but I'll be honest with her if she does. Several people were grumbling about management putting her in Beth's old cube. I may have sounded a little heartless, but I told them to get over it, that in honesty we are a business and they needed to do what they could to make Amanda feel welcomed.
It's been 5 days on the new Spark People plan. And believe it or not, I've lost 4 lbs. I'm sure that's the water weight and now I'll be fighting the fat, but so far so good. I really like that site.
Tomorrow I won't go to work. I need to unwind and hope I can sleep a little late. Marina is coming to visit us on the 18th and the team is acting like a Chinese fire drill trying to figure out who is doing what. I started to get aggrivated and have just backed off. She'll stay with me and I'll do what they ask me to do. Sometimes women can be a pain. :o)
I have one more thing to say
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOSIE :o)
God bless you all.
This has been one crazy week. My dear friend David is on holiday with his family. I sure hope they had a good time. My guess is, they'll be coming back tomorrow. I have missed him.
Work has been very busy. We met our quota of 500 cases for June and are working on our July number of 800. I don't know about that, but the reviewers are working like beavers, putting in o'time.
Our new Admin, Amanda, is very good. She's fit in very quickly. Both Jennie and I like her and will do what we can to help her and make her feel at home. I know she has felt strange about 'replacing Beth'. She's not asked about it yet, but I'll be honest with her if she does. Several people were grumbling about management putting her in Beth's old cube. I may have sounded a little heartless, but I told them to get over it, that in honesty we are a business and they needed to do what they could to make Amanda feel welcomed.
It's been 5 days on the new Spark People plan. And believe it or not, I've lost 4 lbs. I'm sure that's the water weight and now I'll be fighting the fat, but so far so good. I really like that site.
Tomorrow I won't go to work. I need to unwind and hope I can sleep a little late. Marina is coming to visit us on the 18th and the team is acting like a Chinese fire drill trying to figure out who is doing what. I started to get aggrivated and have just backed off. She'll stay with me and I'll do what they ask me to do. Sometimes women can be a pain. :o)
I have one more thing to say
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOSIE :o)
God bless you all.
Monday, July 03, 2006
Holiday time
The cookout was a very good time. BJ and I had a great time. There was a lot of very good food. In fact, I could use one or two of those ribs right about now. I met several new people and spent a good amount of time, just sitting outside, under the trees, enjoying the breeze, talking.
As most women do, we eventually got to the topic of weight. I had said that I quit my subscription to Weight Watchers online because 'it was time' and I didn't like paying $17.00 a month. One of the gals then told me about a free website 'sparkpeople.com'. When I got home, I took a look at it and WOW. It's everything WW.com was and more. I signed up (free of course) and have been having a blast ever since. I'm glad the cookout was BEFORE I signed up because I've put myself on a betweem 1,200/1,550 calorie eating plan for two weeks. I'd like to lose 20 pounds by November 1st and according to Sparks, it can be done. There's message boards and suggested exercises with little video snippits and some wonderful healthy recipes. We'll see what happens.
On the way home BJ asked me if I was in the mood for maybe just a little shopping. (Is she nuts or what?) So we stopped by DSW and checked out the shoes. I did pickup a new pair of black flat shoes for the office, that really are desperately needed. I've got to start wearing shoes and get out of slides, because my feet won't like shoes when it gets cold.
This is being a pretty good day. I just hung out around the house yesterday. Today I went to the office at 6:00AM and stepped out at 8:30AM to have my 2 month appointment with Dr. E. I lost 3 lbs which isn't a lot, but at least I'm not up. He wants me to get to the lab to check my cholesterol again. He says if it's not down he's going to put me on meds. I don't know if I like that, but I'll have the blood drawn on Wednesday. He also wants me to monitor my BP. That's no problem. I have a machine and I put new batteries in it and it still works. I've made a chart so I can track it. I don't understand Dr. E sometimes. He sent me off to a dermatologist telling me I had skin cancer on my nose. I told him it was a wart and I'd had it for 6 years. I went anyway because the "C" word scared me. I was right. It's a wart. Today he said something strange as I left. He was a little snippy about "You better start working on losing weight, getting your cholesterol down and getting healthy". What does he think I've been doing since last October? Playing Tennis? I've made another follow up appointment for 2 months out, but after that I can't guarantee a thing. He might get fired. (I didn't know I wasn't healthy).
Anyway, tomorrow is a holiday - I don't have to go to work and I'm going to start back with my Portuguese. After Beth and Patrick went away, it was really hard to concentrate on it. We'll give it another try.
Dear reader, have a safe 4th.
God bless you all.
As most women do, we eventually got to the topic of weight. I had said that I quit my subscription to Weight Watchers online because 'it was time' and I didn't like paying $17.00 a month. One of the gals then told me about a free website 'sparkpeople.com'. When I got home, I took a look at it and WOW. It's everything WW.com was and more. I signed up (free of course) and have been having a blast ever since. I'm glad the cookout was BEFORE I signed up because I've put myself on a betweem 1,200/1,550 calorie eating plan for two weeks. I'd like to lose 20 pounds by November 1st and according to Sparks, it can be done. There's message boards and suggested exercises with little video snippits and some wonderful healthy recipes. We'll see what happens.
On the way home BJ asked me if I was in the mood for maybe just a little shopping. (Is she nuts or what?) So we stopped by DSW and checked out the shoes. I did pickup a new pair of black flat shoes for the office, that really are desperately needed. I've got to start wearing shoes and get out of slides, because my feet won't like shoes when it gets cold.
This is being a pretty good day. I just hung out around the house yesterday. Today I went to the office at 6:00AM and stepped out at 8:30AM to have my 2 month appointment with Dr. E. I lost 3 lbs which isn't a lot, but at least I'm not up. He wants me to get to the lab to check my cholesterol again. He says if it's not down he's going to put me on meds. I don't know if I like that, but I'll have the blood drawn on Wednesday. He also wants me to monitor my BP. That's no problem. I have a machine and I put new batteries in it and it still works. I've made a chart so I can track it. I don't understand Dr. E sometimes. He sent me off to a dermatologist telling me I had skin cancer on my nose. I told him it was a wart and I'd had it for 6 years. I went anyway because the "C" word scared me. I was right. It's a wart. Today he said something strange as I left. He was a little snippy about "You better start working on losing weight, getting your cholesterol down and getting healthy". What does he think I've been doing since last October? Playing Tennis? I've made another follow up appointment for 2 months out, but after that I can't guarantee a thing. He might get fired. (I didn't know I wasn't healthy).
Anyway, tomorrow is a holiday - I don't have to go to work and I'm going to start back with my Portuguese. After Beth and Patrick went away, it was really hard to concentrate on it. We'll give it another try.
Dear reader, have a safe 4th.
God bless you all.
Saturday, July 01, 2006
Three Cheers For The Red, White And Blue
Look what I made!!! I know the stripes are a little uneven, but you get the drift. There wasn't enough room for all 50 'stars' so I stuck one in the corner. (It's kind of an inside joke)
It's pound cake on the bottom, with strawberry jello mixed with sliced strawberries and blueberries, topped off with a cream cheese and Cool Whip topping.
I was a lot of fun to make. I'm taking it to a cook out today to honor a dear friend's brother's visit. I'm really looking forward to it.
What's a Fourth of July holiday without a cookout??
God bless the USA
Wednesday, June 28, 2006
A Word about Beth
The girl that I replaced when I took my present job goes to church with TK. In conversation, she shared that she knew Beth was a believer.
It makes my heart happy to know, for sure, that she's with the Lord. Now I can truly say
Rest in the Lord, my sweet friend.
God bless you
:o)
It makes my heart happy to know, for sure, that she's with the Lord. Now I can truly say
Rest in the Lord, my sweet friend.
God bless you
:o)
Sunday, June 25, 2006
An Hour Well Spent
I just spent an hour reading random blogs. I went to the main site for blogger.com and hit the random blog button. I've been around the world twice. Once with a student traveling by train through Europe and once with a photographer, now somewhere in Spain. The photos were breath taking.
I saw some blogs that frightened the daylights out of me. One was titled "Arkansas Razor Baptist" and had some awful things written in it. There were some written by Sunni Muslims and some just outright trash.
Some were very colorful and I wonder how they make them do all the graphics and sounds. A little bit of computer knowledge would be useful.
I've been to South Africa and then off to Finland. What a trip I've taken. I did find one written in Portuguese but I could only pick out one or two words I recognized.
This has been a lot of fun on a rainy Sunday afternoon in Northern Virginia, USA
God bless you all
:o)
I saw some blogs that frightened the daylights out of me. One was titled "Arkansas Razor Baptist" and had some awful things written in it. There were some written by Sunni Muslims and some just outright trash.
Some were very colorful and I wonder how they make them do all the graphics and sounds. A little bit of computer knowledge would be useful.
I've been to South Africa and then off to Finland. What a trip I've taken. I did find one written in Portuguese but I could only pick out one or two words I recognized.
This has been a lot of fun on a rainy Sunday afternoon in Northern Virginia, USA
God bless you all
:o)
Saturday, June 24, 2006
A Tough Decision to Make
I've decided that I'm going to skip Beth's wake. Emotionally I'm a wreck over the two of them and after seeing Patrick I'm worn thin.
The following is an excerpt from an email sent to all employees:
"On Saturday, July 1, the family will be at Beth's residence. They would like to invite Beth's friends and coworkers to drop by any time from about 11-3. There will not be a program or service.
Rather, it will be an opportunity for people to gather together informally in the home she loved, meet other people who knew Beth, look through photo albums, and even play with her dog. He hopes it will be a time for people from different parts of Beth's life to meet and mingle, exchange stories, and learn something about Beth they might not have known before."
I don't believe I can attend this gathering. My heart is sad to know that there will NOT be a service for Beth. I don't think her family were believers. This isn't the reason I'm staying away. I just feel sad that there may be a chance she's not with the Lord.
I may be selfish for not going, but I've made my peace and said my "Good-byes" in my own way. I feel that she knows how I feel and knows I'll miss her and feel bad that she can't fulfill her hopes and dreams.
Others may object that I'm not going, but they'll get over it. I'm being selfish and I can't torment myself any more.
I wish I knew for sure that you would rest in the Lord, my sweet friend.
You were very kind to me.
God bless you, Beth
The following is an excerpt from an email sent to all employees:
"On Saturday, July 1, the family will be at Beth's residence. They would like to invite Beth's friends and coworkers to drop by any time from about 11-3. There will not be a program or service.
Rather, it will be an opportunity for people to gather together informally in the home she loved, meet other people who knew Beth, look through photo albums, and even play with her dog. He hopes it will be a time for people from different parts of Beth's life to meet and mingle, exchange stories, and learn something about Beth they might not have known before."
I don't believe I can attend this gathering. My heart is sad to know that there will NOT be a service for Beth. I don't think her family were believers. This isn't the reason I'm staying away. I just feel sad that there may be a chance she's not with the Lord.
I may be selfish for not going, but I've made my peace and said my "Good-byes" in my own way. I feel that she knows how I feel and knows I'll miss her and feel bad that she can't fulfill her hopes and dreams.
Others may object that I'm not going, but they'll get over it. I'm being selfish and I can't torment myself any more.
I wish I knew for sure that you would rest in the Lord, my sweet friend.
You were very kind to me.
God bless you, Beth
Thursday, June 22, 2006
One More Wake to Go
Today I made the trek with many of my coworkers to the outlying suburbs to pay my respects to Patrick. Wakes are so hard. More so when the deceased looks like he is sleeping. It appears that his injuries were blunt force trauma to his chest and midsection. There were no visible bruises or swelling on his face. He looked like he was going to sit up and say "Hey Joanna - loan me a dollar. I need a soda."
We used to do that, back and forth. I'd lend him a buck, he'd buy me a taco. He was my first friend at this job. I'd sit on the desk in his cube and yank the cord on his mouse or jiggle his keyboard. It would infuriate him, but he'd give me that grin and tell me I had better watch it.
Patrick had just turned 21, ten days before his accident. That's what so hard to swallow. He had his whole life ahead of him. He loved living here in Virginia but missed his native Florida and treasured the quick trips he'd make back home, wearing cutoffs on the plane so he and his Dad could go fishing right from the airport. His Dad said he missed him so and cried on my shoulder saying he was his baby boy.
I've had my closure with Patrick. Now I wait another week and I'll have closure for Beth at her wake.
Rest in the Lord my sweet friend.
Red, I loved you like a Mom.
God bless you.
We used to do that, back and forth. I'd lend him a buck, he'd buy me a taco. He was my first friend at this job. I'd sit on the desk in his cube and yank the cord on his mouse or jiggle his keyboard. It would infuriate him, but he'd give me that grin and tell me I had better watch it.
Patrick had just turned 21, ten days before his accident. That's what so hard to swallow. He had his whole life ahead of him. He loved living here in Virginia but missed his native Florida and treasured the quick trips he'd make back home, wearing cutoffs on the plane so he and his Dad could go fishing right from the airport. His Dad said he missed him so and cried on my shoulder saying he was his baby boy.
I've had my closure with Patrick. Now I wait another week and I'll have closure for Beth at her wake.
Rest in the Lord my sweet friend.
Red, I loved you like a Mom.
God bless you.
Tuesday, June 20, 2006
A Sad Loss of Life
Last night, two young coworkers were killed in a nasty car wreck. I worked daily with these two. The driver was the young man I replaced when his clearance went away and the young woman was the one who taught me how to do his job.
It has been a very very trying day at the office. Everyone and I mean everyone cried at one time or another. These two kids (I call them that because anybody under 50 is a kid to me)made quite an impact on the office and were very well liked.
We learned this afternoon of the sererity of the crash. The car became airborne, about 10 feet, flew into the woods, hit two trees and then went nose first into a third. Neither wore seat belts. Estimated speed - 100MPH
It's a lot easier to be mad and sad than just plain sad. We'll learn more tomorrow but there definately is a hole in the office today.
God bless them.
It has been a very very trying day at the office. Everyone and I mean everyone cried at one time or another. These two kids (I call them that because anybody under 50 is a kid to me)made quite an impact on the office and were very well liked.
We learned this afternoon of the sererity of the crash. The car became airborne, about 10 feet, flew into the woods, hit two trees and then went nose first into a third. Neither wore seat belts. Estimated speed - 100MPH
It's a lot easier to be mad and sad than just plain sad. We'll learn more tomorrow but there definately is a hole in the office today.
God bless them.
Friday, June 16, 2006
ZZZzzzz nk
Gosh I'm tired. It's been a long time since I've felt this beat. Almost like I was out 'wolfing' all night. The last 2 nights I've not slept well at all. The night before last I woke at 2:30 and never really went back to sleep. Last night it was 3:00. I don't think it's any one thing that's got me, just a lot of little stuff. Nothing really serious.
Work is fine, but so very, very busy. My boss is the best and I'd do anything for her. I'll work a little OT tomorrow, but not a lot. I'll try to sleep a little longer this evening.
I'll check in tomorrow.
God bless you all.
Work is fine, but so very, very busy. My boss is the best and I'd do anything for her. I'll work a little OT tomorrow, but not a lot. I'll try to sleep a little longer this evening.
I'll check in tomorrow.
God bless you all.
Sunday, June 11, 2006
Another Wierd Week
Talk about shocks. On Wednesday, Jeff was asked to leave the company. He was escorted out of the building and his office was locked. In all of my travels I've not been able to learn why. All I get from anybody that might know, is that 'he was let go'. I feel bad for him. If he has lost his clearance, he won't work in this field again. He is a family man with teens in school. I pray he will be OK.
Slavica has been stressed. One can see it in her face. But if I suspect correctly, she will plod on. She seems to be a survivor. We still have a lot of trouble spots to work out, but she's working at it. There are changes to be made and accepted. That's the biggest hurdle. Most people don't like or want change. I still have faith in this project.
Hardest thing for me about losing Jeff is he recommended me for a Lightening Bolt bonus. Wrote some very kind words about me. Slavica gave me the check about 2 hours after Jeff disappeared. I was overwhelmed because I couldn't say thank you. I suppose I could call him, but I think it best to stay away. I don't want to be in the middle of anything.
Last week was the first week of the month, so I was busy with Monthly Report stuff. I was the first to submit completed reports. Now that the main office is not changing the format for awhile, it's easy for me to keep up with the main roster and make changes as we go along.
I worked 6 hours OT again yesterday. I still can use the extra cash. I've got the high school reunion trip to pay for and in my mind-of-minds I can hear Rio calling louder and louder to me. I don't know if I'll ever make it. BJ has her life with JC now and they are talking about getting married in Cancun early next year. (Cancun has never called my name, so it's no big temptation for me)I know she would like for me to be there. But I'll have to see. I am thinking about going to Atlanta for Christmas, but those plans aren't even standing anywhere near the concrete bag. If push came to shove, I'd go to Rio tomorrow.
Which brings me to my Portuguese lessons. Still studying. The "Portuguese For Dummies" book is really very helpful. Where Rosetta Stone gives a regimented learning pattern, the book gives me the conversational words I'd like to learn. All in all, I'm so glad I'm doing this.
Today is going to be busy. Church early (It's Russia Sunday), then home by 10:00 to see when Steve will come by to fix my leaky faucets and jons. Still will have to work in a time when I can do grocery shopping. There is no food in this house. Last night I had to run out to pick up dinner. David and I had been talking about Taco Bell on Friday, so I got me a big Grilled Steak Burrito. YUM - my diet may not have agreed, but my stomach loved it.
Dear reader, have a good week and God bless you all.
Slavica has been stressed. One can see it in her face. But if I suspect correctly, she will plod on. She seems to be a survivor. We still have a lot of trouble spots to work out, but she's working at it. There are changes to be made and accepted. That's the biggest hurdle. Most people don't like or want change. I still have faith in this project.
Hardest thing for me about losing Jeff is he recommended me for a Lightening Bolt bonus. Wrote some very kind words about me. Slavica gave me the check about 2 hours after Jeff disappeared. I was overwhelmed because I couldn't say thank you. I suppose I could call him, but I think it best to stay away. I don't want to be in the middle of anything.
Last week was the first week of the month, so I was busy with Monthly Report stuff. I was the first to submit completed reports. Now that the main office is not changing the format for awhile, it's easy for me to keep up with the main roster and make changes as we go along.
I worked 6 hours OT again yesterday. I still can use the extra cash. I've got the high school reunion trip to pay for and in my mind-of-minds I can hear Rio calling louder and louder to me. I don't know if I'll ever make it. BJ has her life with JC now and they are talking about getting married in Cancun early next year. (Cancun has never called my name, so it's no big temptation for me)I know she would like for me to be there. But I'll have to see. I am thinking about going to Atlanta for Christmas, but those plans aren't even standing anywhere near the concrete bag. If push came to shove, I'd go to Rio tomorrow.
Which brings me to my Portuguese lessons. Still studying. The "Portuguese For Dummies" book is really very helpful. Where Rosetta Stone gives a regimented learning pattern, the book gives me the conversational words I'd like to learn. All in all, I'm so glad I'm doing this.
Today is going to be busy. Church early (It's Russia Sunday), then home by 10:00 to see when Steve will come by to fix my leaky faucets and jons. Still will have to work in a time when I can do grocery shopping. There is no food in this house. Last night I had to run out to pick up dinner. David and I had been talking about Taco Bell on Friday, so I got me a big Grilled Steak Burrito. YUM - my diet may not have agreed, but my stomach loved it.
Dear reader, have a good week and God bless you all.
Sunday, June 04, 2006
Week End - Part Two
I worked 6 hours yesterday. Got a lot done. Jeff bought us all pizza for lunch. It was a very nice thing for him to do for us. There were several of the reviewers working, and I was working case notes. Through the morning all could hear these words coming from me. "I live for case notes." But all in all, I got a leg up on them and think I can maintain them through this week.
Afterwards, I came home and did a little laundry. There wasn't a lot because I had some some on the Monday we were off. Remember, it was a short week. Fixed a nice bacon wrapped filet (on sale at Safeway the week before) as a reward for working.
I managed to sleep till 6:30 this morning and for me, that's sleeping in. Had some coffee, got a shower and then ran to do my grocery shopping. I had called Diane T, my hairdresser yesterday and made an appointment for 3:00 today. Yes, she is open on Sundays. I needed to get a birthday gift for JC, BJ's boyfriend and one other thing for Dana, my nephew's wife. Before I left for Diane's, I ran to Target and found exactly what I wanted, except I zonked in finding anything for BJ, who also has a birthday this month.
I still had energy at this point, so I ran over the Fair Oaks Mall and got my glasses repaired. Those doggone bazillion dollar glasses are crap!! 2nd failure in a month. We'll see how long they last. Then I was off to Diane's for my haircut.
Having a 3 minute commute has made me forget just how much I love my car. Diane's shop is about 25 minutes away. The sun was shining and I had my Bossa Nova in the CD player. I know I shouldn't have done it, but I had to blow the carbon out so I roared her up to 80 for a stretch. She just loves 80 MPH. I did slow down at that point. I was cruising along and rounded the bend and saw a backup. I slowed to almost 1.5 MPH and managed to catch a glimpse of a car crash up ahead. I called Diane to say I wasn't going to be there right at 3, but I was on my way. It was quite a wreck. One vehicle, a SUV was upside down, facing the wrong direction, all windows blown out and air bags full. I couldn't see anybody still in the car. The other was a four door of some sort, one door torn off and one door wide open with someone on the seat. It had just happened, dust and smoke still hanging in the air, bits and pieces of car all over the roadway. About 4 other cars had stopped to help, several were on cell phones. No cops were there yet. I made it through the congestion and was only 7 minutes late. Stuff like that reminds me to quit driving like a fool and let the carbon build up in the carburetor (if I have one). When I came back from Diane's there was a backup for about 5 miles. That was over an hour later.
While at Diane's I was telling her I was having a tough time deciding on a gift for BJ, when she mentioned a gift certificate. What a great idea. BJ gets her hair done twice a month as well as manicure, nail fills and pedicures. What a great idea. My shopping is done. :o)
It was a busy day, I was out and about but it was a good day. I'm bushed now and am heading up to bed. I'm going in at 6 tomorrow morning (UGH) because I'll have to lose an hour on Tuesday for an appointment away from the office. (No - not an interview)
Still studying Portuguese. Bought a 'Portuguese for Dummies' book. It helps.
All in all, it was a good weekend.
God bless you all.
Afterwards, I came home and did a little laundry. There wasn't a lot because I had some some on the Monday we were off. Remember, it was a short week. Fixed a nice bacon wrapped filet (on sale at Safeway the week before) as a reward for working.
I managed to sleep till 6:30 this morning and for me, that's sleeping in. Had some coffee, got a shower and then ran to do my grocery shopping. I had called Diane T, my hairdresser yesterday and made an appointment for 3:00 today. Yes, she is open on Sundays. I needed to get a birthday gift for JC, BJ's boyfriend and one other thing for Dana, my nephew's wife. Before I left for Diane's, I ran to Target and found exactly what I wanted, except I zonked in finding anything for BJ, who also has a birthday this month.
I still had energy at this point, so I ran over the Fair Oaks Mall and got my glasses repaired. Those doggone bazillion dollar glasses are crap!! 2nd failure in a month. We'll see how long they last. Then I was off to Diane's for my haircut.
Having a 3 minute commute has made me forget just how much I love my car. Diane's shop is about 25 minutes away. The sun was shining and I had my Bossa Nova in the CD player. I know I shouldn't have done it, but I had to blow the carbon out so I roared her up to 80 for a stretch. She just loves 80 MPH. I did slow down at that point. I was cruising along and rounded the bend and saw a backup. I slowed to almost 1.5 MPH and managed to catch a glimpse of a car crash up ahead. I called Diane to say I wasn't going to be there right at 3, but I was on my way. It was quite a wreck. One vehicle, a SUV was upside down, facing the wrong direction, all windows blown out and air bags full. I couldn't see anybody still in the car. The other was a four door of some sort, one door torn off and one door wide open with someone on the seat. It had just happened, dust and smoke still hanging in the air, bits and pieces of car all over the roadway. About 4 other cars had stopped to help, several were on cell phones. No cops were there yet. I made it through the congestion and was only 7 minutes late. Stuff like that reminds me to quit driving like a fool and let the carbon build up in the carburetor (if I have one). When I came back from Diane's there was a backup for about 5 miles. That was over an hour later.
While at Diane's I was telling her I was having a tough time deciding on a gift for BJ, when she mentioned a gift certificate. What a great idea. BJ gets her hair done twice a month as well as manicure, nail fills and pedicures. What a great idea. My shopping is done. :o)
It was a busy day, I was out and about but it was a good day. I'm bushed now and am heading up to bed. I'm going in at 6 tomorrow morning (UGH) because I'll have to lose an hour on Tuesday for an appointment away from the office. (No - not an interview)
Still studying Portuguese. Bought a 'Portuguese for Dummies' book. It helps.
All in all, it was a good weekend.
God bless you all.
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