For quite awhile now, I've been searching for a new job. I've looked high and low. I've applied in and out of state. I've scanned newspapers, scoured websites and trolled networking sites. Anymore job hunting is like a new Olympic sport! It takes a lot of time and effort.
That effort has finally paid off for me! Don't get me wrong, I don't dislike the job I have. It's actually quite fun and flexible. I come into contact with great people and I get the chance to do some really fun stuff. I really enjoy my current job and many of the people I work with. (Note: I didn't say all. I didn't want to lie to my readers. Let's be honest...everyone has at least one drama queen in their office! My office space has more then it's fair share. If you're missing your drama queen, she's over here. Please come take her back!) Back to my current job....
I love the creativity, flexibility and engagement of the position. However, I've been doing this job for twelve years. Okay, I realize that some of you have been in the same job all your life. Congrats! But, most folks my age have switched around several times by now. In fact, most people in my field change positions after three to five years. It's like buying your first house! When I attend conferences, I'm the wise old sage in the field. It's a sad sign when you know more about the position then the people presenting do. It's really bad if they start to take notes and want your email address for further questioning. So.....While there are many positives to my position, I am no longer challenged by it and haven't been in awhile. It's time for something new.
And... my something new is here!! Finally! I was just about to give up the search.. the hope.. the fight... (Cue Eye of the Tiger) Ta Da! It happened! In one week's time, I'll be starting my new journey. My next chapter. I'm super excited by the possibilities and challenges that wait ahead of me. I would be lying if I didn't admit to some trepidation and anxiety about the change. I mean... it is new personalities to get use to, new rules, new customs.... But I'm ready! I will greatly miss all of my friends and some of my colleagues I've met along the way. Don't worry! I will keep in touch! I'll still see you around. Heck, I still work for the same company! I'm just changing locations and departments. And you can always visit me down south!
Ohhh... one last thing.. Watch out world! Ready or not, here I come!!!
Thursday, August 16, 2012
The Bouquet Toss
All my single ladies... put your hands up! ... if you're finished with the bouquet toss! Who invented this tradition? And why? Who wants to be pelted with a bridal bouquet?
For those of you who don't regularly attend weddings, haven't been to one in awhile or are male... let me explain. This is the time of night where all the single ladies are called to the floor. Don't try to get out of this ritual. There is nothing like a wedding to bring out the name calling in others. If you don't report to the floor front and center, be assured.. someone will call your absence to the room's attention. "Ohhh... Cindy.. Cindy.. come on.." Ummm.. If Cindy wanted to be present for the bouquet toss, she would have been up there about two minutes after the announcement. When we've assured that all the single ladies are on the floor, the bride turns around and throws the bouquet up over her head. Watch out! You never know where that thing is going. Don't forget... while you are either ducking from the bouquet or moving towards it, watch out for 'those' girls. You know, the ladies that believe if they actually catch it, there wedding will be next. Also, watch out for the flower girls. (Note: It is not okay to rip the bouquet out of a child's hands. It's frowned upon.) Be careful not to slip and fall. Also.. fights over the bouquet don't usually end well.
Here some of my snarky advice for future brides on the bouquet toss:
For those of you who don't regularly attend weddings, haven't been to one in awhile or are male... let me explain. This is the time of night where all the single ladies are called to the floor. Don't try to get out of this ritual. There is nothing like a wedding to bring out the name calling in others. If you don't report to the floor front and center, be assured.. someone will call your absence to the room's attention. "Ohhh... Cindy.. Cindy.. come on.." Ummm.. If Cindy wanted to be present for the bouquet toss, she would have been up there about two minutes after the announcement. When we've assured that all the single ladies are on the floor, the bride turns around and throws the bouquet up over her head. Watch out! You never know where that thing is going. Don't forget... while you are either ducking from the bouquet or moving towards it, watch out for 'those' girls. You know, the ladies that believe if they actually catch it, there wedding will be next. Also, watch out for the flower girls. (Note: It is not okay to rip the bouquet out of a child's hands. It's frowned upon.) Be careful not to slip and fall. Also.. fights over the bouquet don't usually end well.
Here some of my snarky advice for future brides on the bouquet toss:
- Believe it or not, not everyone wants to take part in this age old tradition. I understand that you want people there to catch it; however, if you have announced it a couple times, I heard. If I'm still not present, there is your sign.
- Don't call the single ladies out by name! I, for one, don't want my relationship status or lack thereof to be pointed out to everyone attending. Once again, I know my way to the front of the floor. I'll be there if I want to be there.
- Please no pity party for the single gals. I've long since abandoned the thought that I was going to meet some great single guy at a wedding. Don't try to pretend it's going to happen. Let's face it.... it's not on men's top ten list of things to do this year. Plus, some of us are actually alright with being single.... at times.
- If a single lady hides in the bathroom during this event, do not sit around and wait until she comes out. (Unless of course she's expressed just how excited she is about it three times this evening.)
- Don't launch the bouquet! You're not a pro football player. A nice, soft toss works just fine.
- You only get one chance. If your bouquet doesn't make it, you're out of luck. Use your toss wisely.
Monday, July 9, 2012
Pinterest... Great for Creativity or Dangerous for my Health?!?
Okay. Question Time. How many people here are addicted to Pinterest???? It's okay. Admitting is the first step. Go ahead and say it out loud. I confess... I too am addicted to Pinterest.
(For those of you who have somehow missed the coming of Pinterest, how? And Why? Pinterest is a virtual pin board located at www.pinterest.com. It allows you to take things you find on the Internet and post them in this one spot. This way all of our sites will be organized in one place. In addition, you can browse other people's posts which invariably just increases your number of pins! Don't resist anymore!)
As I come off of a weekend of extreme crafting, I ponder if this site is really healthy for me... or quite dangerous! (Don't judge my crafty weekend! My mom was suppose to be visiting but was really sick. I had to amuse myself somehow on the holiday weekend!) In order to help me decide, I'm going to follow the lead of my mother. Mom always says to make a list of the Pros and Cons of something. Supposedly this helps clear the situation up immediately. I say supposedly because I'm quite good at list making and rationalizations!
Either way.... here it goes!
Pinterest Pros:
Happy Pinning my fellow addicts!
(For those of you who have somehow missed the coming of Pinterest, how? And Why? Pinterest is a virtual pin board located at www.pinterest.com. It allows you to take things you find on the Internet and post them in this one spot. This way all of our sites will be organized in one place. In addition, you can browse other people's posts which invariably just increases your number of pins! Don't resist anymore!)
As I come off of a weekend of extreme crafting, I ponder if this site is really healthy for me... or quite dangerous! (Don't judge my crafty weekend! My mom was suppose to be visiting but was really sick. I had to amuse myself somehow on the holiday weekend!) In order to help me decide, I'm going to follow the lead of my mother. Mom always says to make a list of the Pros and Cons of something. Supposedly this helps clear the situation up immediately. I say supposedly because I'm quite good at list making and rationalizations!
Either way.... here it goes!
Pinterest Pros:
- This site speaks to my inner crafty Martha Stewart. Yes, that is right! I possess the spirit of Martha Stewart. Now... I may not be as rich or as blond (Totally fine by me on the non-blond situation). It's all luck I say! She was in the right place at the right time?!? I contend that this is just a matter of time. Right? I'm sure I'm the next big craft star!
- All the really cool things I've made! I now have a drawer full of gifts for folks for every occasion life hands me or you. Although, I should probably quit posting the pics on Facebook so you are surprised when you receive them. You didn't want a denim potholder???? Too bad!
- The How To's! Step by Step instructions... By this time next year, we will all have Etsy accounts! Just think of all the money we will be making with our second crafting income!
- You get to know your friend's style pretty quick via their pins. Sometimes you think... yes, that's why we're friends! Other times... let's just leave it at that since this is the pro list!
- Helps you connect with your other crafty folks. Let's face it... in the past could you really start a conversation by explaining or asking about your latest crafting project? Now you know exactly who to talk with about all the fun you can have with your glue gun!
- The amount of time I can spend looking at this site.... Let's just say I have others things I should be doing. Do the dogs really need to eat? Do I really enjoy clean laundry? Questions.
- While I love the creativity and crafting aspect, do I really need to run out and find a new project weekly? Is there something else I should be focusing on?? (Like the paper that is due next week?)
- Who inherits all these crafts? Some of them turn out looking great. What happens to the others? Let's face it... I'm in my mid 30's. My mom already has a house full of my 'projects'. Let me just say that she does still pretend to like them and accepts them quite graciously.
- Where is this craft fund coming from? It makes me ponder the big questions like air conditioning.. or crafting supplies.
- Obsessive Pinterest Board Viewing: I totally just made this up but it definitely has an air of truth to it. Be honest. How many times have you re looked at a category in a day to make sure nothing new slides past you that you need to pin? I don't even want to count. In fact, I might look again right now!
Happy Pinning my fellow addicts!
Sunday, June 24, 2012
Five Shows Dangerous to Your Health or Sanity...
Everyone has their shows they love to watch. I'm no different. It's amazing what you can find on TV anymore. Meanwhile.... during all this channel surfing... I've determined that some of these shows may be hazardous to my health and/or my sanity.
Warning: The following shows should be watched in moderation. Prolonged exposure may cause high risks to your safety, health and mental well being. Please alert others when attempting a marathon of any of the following shows. If you think a loved one might have a problem, find your nearest twelve step meeting immediately.
Here is my short... partial list...
1. Ghost Hunters: I have a policy of never watching this show after dark. 10 am on a Saturday morning? No problem! At home.. alone... in the dark?! I'll freak myself out in ten minutes. What was that sound? Did the temperature change? What are the dogs looking at? Is there someone outside? What is that bubble in my picture? Did it move??
2. Hoarders: I love to watch this crazy show, but after an episode or two, I'm frantically cleaning my house. It makes me want to get on my knees and scrub my kitchen floor with a toothbrush. Now this can be great if you want to get your house cleaned but are currently lacking the motivation. However, if you just want a peaceful afternoon just stay away! If this show doesn't make you want to clean... I'm concerned.
3. I Didn't Even Know I'm Pregnant: What? There are that many women who are pregnant and don't even know about it? We can make an ongoing show on this topic??? Of course, they have all the after math of why they didn't notice and remarkably almost all of them were on or using birth control. (Don't ask how many episodes of this I might have watched one lazy Sunday.) This show has the ability to make women paranoid. What toilet seat did I sit on? Why am I so tired? Heartburn!?! Why is that happening? Fifteen pounds... that's just holiday weight or is it??? Chasity belt here I come!
4. Yard Crashers or any of the DIY Network Shows: Why is it after watching a couple episodes of these shows, you feel like you can tackle any home or garden project?? Change my cabinet doors? Let me just get out this saw and router and get started! Put in a fire pit and a koi pond? What could go wrong with this project? Nail air gun!! How fun!!! I suddenly get overly ambitious with house projects after too many of these. I'm positive that I'm about one episode away from sawing off a finger or stapling my project to my thigh through a major vein. (This leads to a whole different type of show... Trauma Life in the Real ER!) Plus this show makes me want to hang around Home Depot or Lowes just looking for the crew to come down the aisle and Ta! Da! Perfect backyard!
5. Infomercials!: I can't tell you how many things I've almost ordered because of an infomercial! Come on now... you know what I'm talking about! It's late at night or early on a weekend. There is nothing else on the TV. Or perhaps you just finished watching the show before the infomercial. Either way you get sucked in. They show you how easy it is to use. They talk about all the benefits. How can you resist?? I'm telling you.. I had to have the Magic Bullet. I do own a Shark Navigator Lift Away and honestly, I'm quite happy with both products; although, I didn't order either product via phone. All the promises....
Additional Show:
6. Cheaters: Why do we even date and mate? This show is just depressing as a singleton. Heck.. it's depressing if you're in a relationship too. And then the excuses that spew out of these people's mouths. Umm... HELLO! We've been watching you for days. It's on film. The gig is up! Just avoid this show for hope of future relationships and your current relationship.
Warning: The following shows should be watched in moderation. Prolonged exposure may cause high risks to your safety, health and mental well being. Please alert others when attempting a marathon of any of the following shows. If you think a loved one might have a problem, find your nearest twelve step meeting immediately.
Here is my short... partial list...
1. Ghost Hunters: I have a policy of never watching this show after dark. 10 am on a Saturday morning? No problem! At home.. alone... in the dark?! I'll freak myself out in ten minutes. What was that sound? Did the temperature change? What are the dogs looking at? Is there someone outside? What is that bubble in my picture? Did it move??
2. Hoarders: I love to watch this crazy show, but after an episode or two, I'm frantically cleaning my house. It makes me want to get on my knees and scrub my kitchen floor with a toothbrush. Now this can be great if you want to get your house cleaned but are currently lacking the motivation. However, if you just want a peaceful afternoon just stay away! If this show doesn't make you want to clean... I'm concerned.
3. I Didn't Even Know I'm Pregnant: What? There are that many women who are pregnant and don't even know about it? We can make an ongoing show on this topic??? Of course, they have all the after math of why they didn't notice and remarkably almost all of them were on or using birth control. (Don't ask how many episodes of this I might have watched one lazy Sunday.) This show has the ability to make women paranoid. What toilet seat did I sit on? Why am I so tired? Heartburn!?! Why is that happening? Fifteen pounds... that's just holiday weight or is it??? Chasity belt here I come!
4. Yard Crashers or any of the DIY Network Shows: Why is it after watching a couple episodes of these shows, you feel like you can tackle any home or garden project?? Change my cabinet doors? Let me just get out this saw and router and get started! Put in a fire pit and a koi pond? What could go wrong with this project? Nail air gun!! How fun!!! I suddenly get overly ambitious with house projects after too many of these. I'm positive that I'm about one episode away from sawing off a finger or stapling my project to my thigh through a major vein. (This leads to a whole different type of show... Trauma Life in the Real ER!) Plus this show makes me want to hang around Home Depot or Lowes just looking for the crew to come down the aisle and Ta! Da! Perfect backyard!
5. Infomercials!: I can't tell you how many things I've almost ordered because of an infomercial! Come on now... you know what I'm talking about! It's late at night or early on a weekend. There is nothing else on the TV. Or perhaps you just finished watching the show before the infomercial. Either way you get sucked in. They show you how easy it is to use. They talk about all the benefits. How can you resist?? I'm telling you.. I had to have the Magic Bullet. I do own a Shark Navigator Lift Away and honestly, I'm quite happy with both products; although, I didn't order either product via phone. All the promises....
Additional Show:
6. Cheaters: Why do we even date and mate? This show is just depressing as a singleton. Heck.. it's depressing if you're in a relationship too. And then the excuses that spew out of these people's mouths. Umm... HELLO! We've been watching you for days. It's on film. The gig is up! Just avoid this show for hope of future relationships and your current relationship.
Monday, June 18, 2012
Soap Box: Waiting at the Doctor's Office
I'm always amazed by several things when visiting the doctor's office. Let me start by saying I am not a hypochondriac. I really try not to go to the doctor unless it's absolutely necessarily. I'm not super fond of needles, paper gowns or all the money that tends to leave my wallet when visiting. Plus I'm reminded of my weight and other obvious things. Which brings me to my rant....
First off...Why is it that they can never squeeze me in when I'm actually sick? Isn't that the purpose of having a doctor? If I'm hacking up a lung, I don't want to come see you in three days! I watch Trauma Life in the Real ER! I could be dead by then! Or all my ribs might be broken from forceful coughing! Secondly, why is it that I have to be on time or I forfeit my appointment? Yet I can check in and wait for thirty minutes or more in the waiting room and still have to pay my co-pay? Is my time not important? And it would be one thing if when I was called back to the room, the doctor came into see me in the next five minutes...but no! I can then wait just as much time in the actual room.
In light of my recent doctor experience, I would like to point out some small improvements that could be made. Here are some of my helpful suggestions:
A. Provide some delightful beverages in the waiting room. No, I'm not talking about five day old coffee or instant tea. Keep them behind the counter if you want. (I work events for a living! I know people hoard!) I'll try to keep my consumption down. However, if you make me wait hours upon hours, I am entitled to a second beverage. I would add some treats, but I'm not sure how much I want to be eating when I'm sick and getting ready to be weighed.
B. Can we get some new magazines in this joint??? Really? Why do I have to look at two year old magazines? And not all of us are parents, seniors or diabetics! Perhaps I need crunches but that doesn't mean I want to read about doing them all the time. IF there actually were good magazines at the doctors at one point and you keep taking them, stop it! The rest of us want to read some up-to-date stuff too!
C. Can we keep the air conditioning level normal in the rooms? If you want me to get into a thin paper gown and wait on your metal table, I don't want body parts to freeze and fall off while waiting on you! On the other hand, I'd prefer not to sweat either. No one likes to stick to the paper. It makes scooting hard to do and slightly embarrassing.
D. Could you hire some pleasant folks to work the front desk? Why is it always someone up there who looks like they just stepped in cold dog puke?! I know a whole bunch of sick whiny people must wear on you; however, could we rotate some folks? I mean...I'm feeling bad. That's why I'm at the doctor's. Someone needs to be the happy upbeat person in this situation. How about the person who is getting paid to be there???
E. Could you charge me the right amount the first time?! When visiting, I always pay my copay. I even check out to make sure everything is settled. Invariably I receive another bill for additional money. (And no, it's not for x-rays or lab work. That stuff comes in a different billing!)
F. And last but not least.. why is it always some hidden maze to find the check out?? I swear I didn't come past all these doors and halls on the way in. Can we get some big, clearly marked exit signs?? That cutesy construction paper sign you made and taped to the wall isn't cutting it.
Is this asking for too much??? Okay. Rant done. Go about your business people. Nothing to see here.
P.S. To my doctor friends, don't take it personally. It was just one too many waits in the waiting room today. And to my chiropractor, you are always prompt and your people are always smiling. Thank you!
First off...Why is it that they can never squeeze me in when I'm actually sick? Isn't that the purpose of having a doctor? If I'm hacking up a lung, I don't want to come see you in three days! I watch Trauma Life in the Real ER! I could be dead by then! Or all my ribs might be broken from forceful coughing! Secondly, why is it that I have to be on time or I forfeit my appointment? Yet I can check in and wait for thirty minutes or more in the waiting room and still have to pay my co-pay? Is my time not important? And it would be one thing if when I was called back to the room, the doctor came into see me in the next five minutes...but no! I can then wait just as much time in the actual room.
In light of my recent doctor experience, I would like to point out some small improvements that could be made. Here are some of my helpful suggestions:
A. Provide some delightful beverages in the waiting room. No, I'm not talking about five day old coffee or instant tea. Keep them behind the counter if you want. (I work events for a living! I know people hoard!) I'll try to keep my consumption down. However, if you make me wait hours upon hours, I am entitled to a second beverage. I would add some treats, but I'm not sure how much I want to be eating when I'm sick and getting ready to be weighed.
B. Can we get some new magazines in this joint??? Really? Why do I have to look at two year old magazines? And not all of us are parents, seniors or diabetics! Perhaps I need crunches but that doesn't mean I want to read about doing them all the time. IF there actually were good magazines at the doctors at one point and you keep taking them, stop it! The rest of us want to read some up-to-date stuff too!
C. Can we keep the air conditioning level normal in the rooms? If you want me to get into a thin paper gown and wait on your metal table, I don't want body parts to freeze and fall off while waiting on you! On the other hand, I'd prefer not to sweat either. No one likes to stick to the paper. It makes scooting hard to do and slightly embarrassing.
D. Could you hire some pleasant folks to work the front desk? Why is it always someone up there who looks like they just stepped in cold dog puke?! I know a whole bunch of sick whiny people must wear on you; however, could we rotate some folks? I mean...I'm feeling bad. That's why I'm at the doctor's. Someone needs to be the happy upbeat person in this situation. How about the person who is getting paid to be there???
E. Could you charge me the right amount the first time?! When visiting, I always pay my copay. I even check out to make sure everything is settled. Invariably I receive another bill for additional money. (And no, it's not for x-rays or lab work. That stuff comes in a different billing!)
F. And last but not least.. why is it always some hidden maze to find the check out?? I swear I didn't come past all these doors and halls on the way in. Can we get some big, clearly marked exit signs?? That cutesy construction paper sign you made and taped to the wall isn't cutting it.
Is this asking for too much??? Okay. Rant done. Go about your business people. Nothing to see here.
P.S. To my doctor friends, don't take it personally. It was just one too many waits in the waiting room today. And to my chiropractor, you are always prompt and your people are always smiling. Thank you!
Tuesday, June 5, 2012
There is one in every office!
Okay. I try not to rant and rave online. I realize airing your issues online isn't always or even usually the best practice. So I won't. But, I do want to talk about office personalities and politics for a moment. No doubt at one point and time, we've all worked with these individuals. Some of these we love. Others we hate. I have compiled a list below. I'm sure I'll miss a few in my list. Feel free to add to my list in the comment section!
There is one in ever office..
- "I'm just so busy" gal (or it could be a guy): This is the individual who talks loudly about just how busy they are. They have stuff to do all day long. Oh my gosh, I can't handle anymore. There is just so much to do. I don't know how I'm going to get it all done! Etc, etc, etc. Hold up! If you have time to tell anyone and everyone just how busy you are, you really aren't that busy! And newsflash! Working on your own private stuff (shopping, homework, emails) isn't part of your work load.
- "How do you do this?" This is the individual who has to ask a question about every last thing they do! Where is the tape at? How do we ring this up again? Do you have any details on this? Ummm.. hello! You've been working in this office for years. Do you really need to ask me about everything? Why don't you know where things are located or what is going on? Read the memo!
- "I totally agree." This is the individual who agrees with everything you say. They also agree with everything everyone else talks about too! While I understand that we don't need to tell everyone all of our opinions... how about just being honest! Now, I'm not saying that you need to be ugly with your honesty. There are nice ways of saying things, but the main point I'm getting at is.. HONEST!
- "I can't see or hear you." This is the individual who immerses themselves into whatever they're pretending to do so they don't have to help anyone else. Oh.. have you been standing at the counter for five minutes?? Was the phone ringing? I haven't checked my voicemail yet. Sorry about that! Get real! The last time you were that involved in something was when you realized you were overdrawn on your checking account and were trying to figure out where that last twenty went.
- "Oh really!" This is individual is always surprised at information. Oh really... she said that? Was I suppose to attend that? Oppss.. No one told me! Look, I would buy it if I didn't hear you chatting about it twenty minutes ago in the hallway with someone else. Remember, if you're going to act surprised, you better keep it up. Sometimes.. just sometimes.. people talk.
- "We can do that!" This individual volunteers your group for everything. The funny thing is they don't actually do any of the work. They just keep loading on the work; however, when it comes time to actually do it, they can't be found.
- "I don't feel well." Now this group covers several types. You have your habitual.. I'm always sick on Payday Friday types. You also have your there is an event that I really want to go to and have been talking about all week long but either can't take off or didn't ask. Amazingly, suddenly they come down with a bad case of the "I don't feel wells" a few hours before. And let's not forget the individuals that start the story either the night before or in the morning when they arrive. Ohhh.. I just don't feel well. I've been running a fever. I've been throwing up all night long. I think I might have... MmmmmHmmmm. We know what you have. Note: If this is you, don't talk about everything you did on your time off the next day when you were supposedly oh so sick! In addition, don't tag yourself in fifteen different locations if you're going to fake being sick all week.
- "The Micro manager" Enough said.
- "The I'm here" guy or gal This is the individual who makes sure everyone knows they are there. They often walk around and chat with individuals to establish their presence. Then they disappear for an amount of time.
- "Oh yeah.. I did it!" These individuals often claim to have done their work or tasks, but in reality you just reminded them about it. They then rush to cover their tracks. Guess what? We can tell that you added that to the list yesterday!
- "Slogan Guy" These individuals have some cliche saying for every last conversation. Just do it! Please... save us!
- "I can rephrase that!" These individuals don't have any of their own thoughts. They simply restate what everyone else has stated in the meeting. Look.. there are only so many ways that you can say the sky is blue. Maybe you should spend more time processing information.
And let's not forget...
- "The compulsive liar!" I'm not sure these individuals don't even realize when they're lying and when they're not. They forget what stories they tell. Apparently they think the rest of us are morons. Hey! We work with you at least eight hours a day. After I've heard your stories ten times in fifteen different versions, a pattern begins to emerge.
Office additions:
- "Silent but Deadly" This is the individual that doesn't say much, but they are always lurking in the background. They silently take in all that is going around them. Be careful! They'll use all that information when you least expect it!
- "The Pot Stirrer" This is the individual that constantly likes some type of drama going on in the office. They often instigate issues between two sides and you can definitely depend on them to be behind all the drama.
- "The Drama Queen" This is the individual that has some new drama every day! It's like the sky is falling in their world. It's always something. Oh my gosh... this doesn't work. Can you believe she said that? Ohh.. I have all this stuff to do! I can't believe I'm not allowed to use facebook for eight hours a day at work! You just never know what the drama of the day will be. The only sure thing is... there will be drama.
- "Top That" This person always has a 'one better' example. You ran two miles. I ran five miles last night and I didn't even sweat! You lost five pounds. I've lost twenty five pounds! You finished your report at Noon. My report was turned in by 8 am this morning! Give up. You'll never win against this person; although sometimes it is fun to see how big you can push their stories.
- "I Know It All" This is the individual that knows how to do everything, where everything is located and who to call... even if they don't really. These folks just make up stuff. They'll jump right in with their answer that isn't even half correct. You can tell by the way they say it... they believe and you should too!
- "The Victim" This individual kind of sounds like a character from Winnie the Pooh. Whoa is me... Everyone is against me... They're so mean to me. I can't believe they said that to me. Why would they act like that? News Flash!! Not everyone in the world is against you! Folks don't sit around all day long trying to think what they can do to upset you. In reality, usually these folks are so boring or plain Jane... the only way they rate any type of acknowledgement is by constantly claiming to be the victim.
There is one in ever office..
- "I'm just so busy" gal (or it could be a guy): This is the individual who talks loudly about just how busy they are. They have stuff to do all day long. Oh my gosh, I can't handle anymore. There is just so much to do. I don't know how I'm going to get it all done! Etc, etc, etc. Hold up! If you have time to tell anyone and everyone just how busy you are, you really aren't that busy! And newsflash! Working on your own private stuff (shopping, homework, emails) isn't part of your work load.
- "How do you do this?" This is the individual who has to ask a question about every last thing they do! Where is the tape at? How do we ring this up again? Do you have any details on this? Ummm.. hello! You've been working in this office for years. Do you really need to ask me about everything? Why don't you know where things are located or what is going on? Read the memo!
- "I totally agree." This is the individual who agrees with everything you say. They also agree with everything everyone else talks about too! While I understand that we don't need to tell everyone all of our opinions... how about just being honest! Now, I'm not saying that you need to be ugly with your honesty. There are nice ways of saying things, but the main point I'm getting at is.. HONEST!
- "I can't see or hear you." This is the individual who immerses themselves into whatever they're pretending to do so they don't have to help anyone else. Oh.. have you been standing at the counter for five minutes?? Was the phone ringing? I haven't checked my voicemail yet. Sorry about that! Get real! The last time you were that involved in something was when you realized you were overdrawn on your checking account and were trying to figure out where that last twenty went.
- "Oh really!" This is individual is always surprised at information. Oh really... she said that? Was I suppose to attend that? Oppss.. No one told me! Look, I would buy it if I didn't hear you chatting about it twenty minutes ago in the hallway with someone else. Remember, if you're going to act surprised, you better keep it up. Sometimes.. just sometimes.. people talk.
- "We can do that!" This individual volunteers your group for everything. The funny thing is they don't actually do any of the work. They just keep loading on the work; however, when it comes time to actually do it, they can't be found.
- "I don't feel well." Now this group covers several types. You have your habitual.. I'm always sick on Payday Friday types. You also have your there is an event that I really want to go to and have been talking about all week long but either can't take off or didn't ask. Amazingly, suddenly they come down with a bad case of the "I don't feel wells" a few hours before. And let's not forget the individuals that start the story either the night before or in the morning when they arrive. Ohhh.. I just don't feel well. I've been running a fever. I've been throwing up all night long. I think I might have... MmmmmHmmmm. We know what you have. Note: If this is you, don't talk about everything you did on your time off the next day when you were supposedly oh so sick! In addition, don't tag yourself in fifteen different locations if you're going to fake being sick all week.
- "The Micro manager" Enough said.
- "The I'm here" guy or gal This is the individual who makes sure everyone knows they are there. They often walk around and chat with individuals to establish their presence. Then they disappear for an amount of time.
- "Oh yeah.. I did it!" These individuals often claim to have done their work or tasks, but in reality you just reminded them about it. They then rush to cover their tracks. Guess what? We can tell that you added that to the list yesterday!
- "Slogan Guy" These individuals have some cliche saying for every last conversation. Just do it! Please... save us!
- "I can rephrase that!" These individuals don't have any of their own thoughts. They simply restate what everyone else has stated in the meeting. Look.. there are only so many ways that you can say the sky is blue. Maybe you should spend more time processing information.
And let's not forget...
- "The compulsive liar!" I'm not sure these individuals don't even realize when they're lying and when they're not. They forget what stories they tell. Apparently they think the rest of us are morons. Hey! We work with you at least eight hours a day. After I've heard your stories ten times in fifteen different versions, a pattern begins to emerge.
Office additions:
- "Silent but Deadly" This is the individual that doesn't say much, but they are always lurking in the background. They silently take in all that is going around them. Be careful! They'll use all that information when you least expect it!
- "The Pot Stirrer" This is the individual that constantly likes some type of drama going on in the office. They often instigate issues between two sides and you can definitely depend on them to be behind all the drama.
- "The Drama Queen" This is the individual that has some new drama every day! It's like the sky is falling in their world. It's always something. Oh my gosh... this doesn't work. Can you believe she said that? Ohh.. I have all this stuff to do! I can't believe I'm not allowed to use facebook for eight hours a day at work! You just never know what the drama of the day will be. The only sure thing is... there will be drama.
- "Top That" This person always has a 'one better' example. You ran two miles. I ran five miles last night and I didn't even sweat! You lost five pounds. I've lost twenty five pounds! You finished your report at Noon. My report was turned in by 8 am this morning! Give up. You'll never win against this person; although sometimes it is fun to see how big you can push their stories.
- "I Know It All" This is the individual that knows how to do everything, where everything is located and who to call... even if they don't really. These folks just make up stuff. They'll jump right in with their answer that isn't even half correct. You can tell by the way they say it... they believe and you should too!
- "The Victim" This individual kind of sounds like a character from Winnie the Pooh. Whoa is me... Everyone is against me... They're so mean to me. I can't believe they said that to me. Why would they act like that? News Flash!! Not everyone in the world is against you! Folks don't sit around all day long trying to think what they can do to upset you. In reality, usually these folks are so boring or plain Jane... the only way they rate any type of acknowledgement is by constantly claiming to be the victim.
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
Back from my Self-Imposed Exile...
That's it! My self imposed exile is over! I've determined that I should be allowed once again to socialize with others. After teaching and taking 18 hours worth of classes and working forty hours a week, I decided I was way over due on some "me" time. I just can't believe the month of May has gone by so quickly! Time flies when you're having fun. Here is a short recap of what I've done during my time out:
- Welcomed back three day weekends! Go ahead. Be envious. Three day weekends until the end of July! I love them! And no, that doesn't mean my lawn will be mowed on a more regular basis. Please don't get my neighbors excited like that.
- Gotten back in touch with my inner crafty self! That's right! My inner Martha and I have been bonding. During this time, I've finished some knitting projects, started making scrabble tile necklaces, and glass pendants. Tonight I can officially add metal stamping to this list. Please, hold your orders.
- Napped! Oh my gosh! Napping.. how I've missed thee!
- Contemplated Home Projects: Notice I did not say completed, finished or even started. I said I contemplated projects. I've made my list which includes some of the following: cleaning out the blue room, pulling up the carpets, refinishing the hardwoods and replacing the three remaining old windows in my house. Hey! These things take money. I just need to decide how much and where to start.
- Caught up on my DVR list! How I've missed you, my little shows! My DVR was up to 90 some recordings. I was so behind in some of my shows that I'm thinking about just canceling them all together. I did take time to get caught up on the important shows like Private Practice, America's Next Top Model: British Invasion, Castle and NCIS: Los Angeles. Hey! No judging my shows! A girl can't think scholarly thoughts all the time.
- Reading, reading and more reading! I've read five books this past month. For some reason that seems like a huge number to me. Especially since no one is offering me a free panned pizza if I finish a certain number of books this month. I've really enjoyed catching up on some 'pleasure' reading. During the semester, I mainly just read text books and research articles.
- And.. last but definitely not least...I turned another year older! I didn't and don't feel any older. I even examined my face for new wrinkles and my hair for a gray streak. Luckily, I didn't find anything new in either place. That's not to say that I don't have either of those already. I do. I just didn't find any NEW ones! (Please refrain from adding your two cents on what age I really do look or making random guesses on my age. Remember, you too have a birthday coming around!)
Of course, I did plenty of cleaning and laundry. I ran all the errands I had been putting off like renewing my car tag and mailing off long over due packages. (Total Side Note on the Post Office: For those of you who don't know me, I'm not friends with post office. We have a love hate relationship! This stems from the fact that they are only open when I'm at work. It's always a big inconvenience to get there. I'm bad with shipping items on a timely basis. If I have to mail it, expect it to be late! This is part of the reason I can't seem to get my act together enough to sell things on eBay!) Anyway, I digress. The point is I'm back! Be ready for some more wit and wisdom from me this June whether you like it or not!
- Welcomed back three day weekends! Go ahead. Be envious. Three day weekends until the end of July! I love them! And no, that doesn't mean my lawn will be mowed on a more regular basis. Please don't get my neighbors excited like that.
- Gotten back in touch with my inner crafty self! That's right! My inner Martha and I have been bonding. During this time, I've finished some knitting projects, started making scrabble tile necklaces, and glass pendants. Tonight I can officially add metal stamping to this list. Please, hold your orders.
- Napped! Oh my gosh! Napping.. how I've missed thee!
- Contemplated Home Projects: Notice I did not say completed, finished or even started. I said I contemplated projects. I've made my list which includes some of the following: cleaning out the blue room, pulling up the carpets, refinishing the hardwoods and replacing the three remaining old windows in my house. Hey! These things take money. I just need to decide how much and where to start.
- Caught up on my DVR list! How I've missed you, my little shows! My DVR was up to 90 some recordings. I was so behind in some of my shows that I'm thinking about just canceling them all together. I did take time to get caught up on the important shows like Private Practice, America's Next Top Model: British Invasion, Castle and NCIS: Los Angeles. Hey! No judging my shows! A girl can't think scholarly thoughts all the time.
- Reading, reading and more reading! I've read five books this past month. For some reason that seems like a huge number to me. Especially since no one is offering me a free panned pizza if I finish a certain number of books this month. I've really enjoyed catching up on some 'pleasure' reading. During the semester, I mainly just read text books and research articles.
- And.. last but definitely not least...I turned another year older! I didn't and don't feel any older. I even examined my face for new wrinkles and my hair for a gray streak. Luckily, I didn't find anything new in either place. That's not to say that I don't have either of those already. I do. I just didn't find any NEW ones! (Please refrain from adding your two cents on what age I really do look or making random guesses on my age. Remember, you too have a birthday coming around!)
Of course, I did plenty of cleaning and laundry. I ran all the errands I had been putting off like renewing my car tag and mailing off long over due packages. (Total Side Note on the Post Office: For those of you who don't know me, I'm not friends with post office. We have a love hate relationship! This stems from the fact that they are only open when I'm at work. It's always a big inconvenience to get there. I'm bad with shipping items on a timely basis. If I have to mail it, expect it to be late! This is part of the reason I can't seem to get my act together enough to sell things on eBay!) Anyway, I digress. The point is I'm back! Be ready for some more wit and wisdom from me this June whether you like it or not!
Friday, April 27, 2012
Fridays with Ollie
Fridays with Ollie are kind of like Tuesdays with Morrie only much happier. Let's face it.. Ollie is darn cute too! Sooooo.. with that being said..(or typed) .. I'd like to start posting some of my favorite pics of Mr. Bowser to make everyone's day just a tad bit brighter!
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| Hello World! Let's Play! |
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| Nap Time.... |
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| Ollie and Best Friend, Bella! |
Thursday, April 26, 2012
Call me Monet!
Attention! Attention!
I have an important announcement.
Last Thursday...I ventured out on a different career path. That's right. There is something new in store for this gal! What was it? I started out my new career.. as... a... Painter! My first superb portrait is called Whimsical Fall! It's okay. You can be jealous of my mad art skills.
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| The Finished Masterpiece! |
Now, I know this may come as a bit of a shock for those of you who know me (or routinely play draw something with me). Yes, at times I can be the Queen of stick figures and four legged dogfoxcatbears.* Just call me Queen Sticky! Although, I'm usually Drawesome! Woot! Woot! (Sorry, I might have consumed a large soda before typing up this post.)
On a serious note: I'm not quitting my day job yet, but I did really enjoy the experience as a whole. Where did this miracle happen? I'm glad you asked! After stalking the website to Pinot's Palette for about two weeks, we finally decided on our first masterpiece. After calling to interrogate them about what level of painter would really be successful, they convinced me to give it a try. Yay! I mean how can a gal go wrong with creating and wine? And really, why didn't I think of this idea first!? I'm sure that has nothing to do with my total lack of painting or drawing skills.
So....After consuming a dainty margarita and a basket of chips, a couple of friends and I arrived and tied on our aprons. As true participants, we ordered a bottle of Cupcake Moscato. (Hey! It's called Pinot's Palette. If I'm going to do this, I'm going to do it all the way! Remember, when in Rome do as the Romans do!) Next, we were pointed towards our little easels and mentally prepared for the task ahead. (Or chatted and drank... whatever you do to prepare for something like this.)
Luckily, there was an actual artist as the instructor. This somehow made me feel a bit better, but just because you can paint well, doesn't mean this gal can!** Then we began...I should let you know that they give you step-by-step instructions.*** Quite literally there were instructions like paint the bottom half yellow. Add some red lines to the right side. Start with the red leaves. The instructor demonstrated each step for us. Even though we were guided the whole way through, I still doubted at every step. I kept thinking.. Hey! You're lines look better than mine! As you can see in the picture at the right, the pictures were looking pretty well the same. I'm sure some therapist would have a heyday with my last couple lines. Analyze away baby!
Anyway, I don't know if it was the wine or just the music and the company, I found my evening of painting quite enjoyable which was slightly surprising for me. I had already told the ladies that if this picture came out like I thought it would, it would be my next Mother's Day Gift. (Moms have to love what you make for them or at least they're really good at pretending.) This is how the night went: We painted. We took a break. We painted some more. We took another break. We painted yet again. Guess what comes next? A Break! Who wouldn't love a schedule like that? We used the small brush. We used the big brush We even mixed colors!**** In the end, I was looking at the masterpiece you see at the top of this post. I feel like it's a great first picture. I will warn you that like a Monet, it looks better from afar. Up close and personal it gets a little messy. Either way, I deemed it worthy of my walls.. at least until someone makes fun of it. :( If you need a tutorial, just call. I'm not sure if I can paint anything else or at least not until my next class, but I'm all over Whimsical Fall! *This is my new word for four legged animals that look a bit like the following animals: dogs, foxes, cats or bears. Unfortunately, it doesn't look enough like any one of these animals to make a clear call. This is where the letters come in quite handy! Come on.. You know what I'm talking about!
**I want to clarify that just because I'm not a painter, does not mean that I'm not artsy! I knit. I bead. I decorate bachelor party cakes. (Don't ask!) I'm crafty darn it!
***I should let you know I had an extreme moment of laziness right here. I actually took a moment or two to decide if I was going to backspace to type the -'s in step-by-step. Seriously. Sad, I know.
****More asterisks! I felt like we needed just one more footnote. Or for my data interp friends... I felt like we needed more 'little flowers'.
Sunday, April 22, 2012
Me? An Overachiever????
Let me first apologize for my lack of posting lately. There seems to be a severe lack of free time in mid April. Every year about this time, I ask myself... Why? Why did I think I could do all of this? Why did I think I was superwoman? What was I thinking exactly? And... did I do this last year?!?
Yes folks... as an....overachiever....(yes, you read right!)..I always cram my spring full of activities. Too full of activities really! In true fashion, I did it again this spring! It's like I forget the pain and stress as the year passes. Then I think.. let's do it again! I did it last spring! It worked! Uuuummmm... wrong. It didn't work and I believe I swore I would never do it again. Yet... somehow.. here I am!
Warning: The next section is not for the faint of heart. Please do not continue reading if you have a heart condition, may be pregnant or faint easily.
Side effects may include exhaustion, headache, teeth grinding, blurred vision, crying and anger issues.
Now that the warning is out of the way, let's begin! I like to start filling my schedule with the normal forty hour work week. Yes, I like to eat, use the internet and watch cable... so forty hours it is! Then I like to add some classes on top of it... teaching and taking. That's right. I can't just have one T. I want two T's! Give them to me! Taking wise... This semester I signed us (me and part of my 4hort) up for a mere three classes. Who can't handle three classes while working forty hours? On top of which, I thought I would teach a few classes. Soo... I might have... maybe not.... probably so.. agreed to teach three classes as well. Yikes! I can't help it! As an adjunct I feel like I beg for classes. I'm always afraid to turn them down. They may not ask you next time!
Man.... It looks bad just typing it out! And, if that wasn't enough I like to add extra curricular activities and travel on top. Let's throw in some house projects and lawn care to boot. Mmmmmm Hmmmm... overachiever!
The point being folks... I'm a tad bit swamped at the moment. Give me a week or so... and I'll be back to blogging like my good ole self. In the meantime, feel free to help me grade or revise my paper!
Yes folks... as an....overachiever....(yes, you read right!)..I always cram my spring full of activities. Too full of activities really! In true fashion, I did it again this spring! It's like I forget the pain and stress as the year passes. Then I think.. let's do it again! I did it last spring! It worked! Uuuummmm... wrong. It didn't work and I believe I swore I would never do it again. Yet... somehow.. here I am!
Warning: The next section is not for the faint of heart. Please do not continue reading if you have a heart condition, may be pregnant or faint easily.
Side effects may include exhaustion, headache, teeth grinding, blurred vision, crying and anger issues.
Now that the warning is out of the way, let's begin! I like to start filling my schedule with the normal forty hour work week. Yes, I like to eat, use the internet and watch cable... so forty hours it is! Then I like to add some classes on top of it... teaching and taking. That's right. I can't just have one T. I want two T's! Give them to me! Taking wise... This semester I signed us (me and part of my 4hort) up for a mere three classes. Who can't handle three classes while working forty hours? On top of which, I thought I would teach a few classes. Soo... I might have... maybe not.... probably so.. agreed to teach three classes as well. Yikes! I can't help it! As an adjunct I feel like I beg for classes. I'm always afraid to turn them down. They may not ask you next time!
Man.... It looks bad just typing it out! And, if that wasn't enough I like to add extra curricular activities and travel on top. Let's throw in some house projects and lawn care to boot. Mmmmmm Hmmmm... overachiever!
The point being folks... I'm a tad bit swamped at the moment. Give me a week or so... and I'll be back to blogging like my good ole self. In the meantime, feel free to help me grade or revise my paper!
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
You Ain't Nothin' But A Hound Dog...
Who doesn't love a basset hound? (If your answer was me, this is not your post! Heck, it's probably not even your blog!) This week I read a story about a super cool Basset Hound. Why was he so cool you ask? Good question! He's super cool because he dialed 9-9-9. I know what you're thinking... "What number is that?" That, my friends, would be the 9-1-1 for the UK. Take a moment. That's right! This Basset called for help!
Short story: After the phone had been knocked off the table, the Basset became entangled in the cord. (Yes, a phone with a cord. They do still exist.) As he tried to free himself, the cord became tighter and tighter choking the Basset Hound. As he was trying to escape, he dialed 9-9-9. They dispatched police when all they could hear was heavy breathing. To their surprise, it wasn't a person but a Basset Hound. They freed the Basset Hound and the story ends Happily Ever After! Or something like that... His name is George and just look at his little face!
Although my basset hasn't yet dialed 9-1-1, he is pretty darn awesome! In his defense, I no longer have a phone with a cord. He won't be in that choking situation any time soon. I rescued Oliver from the Humane Society a little over three years ago. Honestly, I couldn't have gotten any luckier! He's a great dog! He's full of spunk and character. And like all Basset Hounds, he is definitely a lover! Just look at his little face! (Although he doesn't like having his picture taken. Perhaps he's been hounded too much by the paparazzi in his past??)
If you do own a basset, you're in good company! Take a look at some of the other super cool folks that own Basset Hounds:
Short story: After the phone had been knocked off the table, the Basset became entangled in the cord. (Yes, a phone with a cord. They do still exist.) As he tried to free himself, the cord became tighter and tighter choking the Basset Hound. As he was trying to escape, he dialed 9-9-9. They dispatched police when all they could hear was heavy breathing. To their surprise, it wasn't a person but a Basset Hound. They freed the Basset Hound and the story ends Happily Ever After! Or something like that... His name is George and just look at his little face!
Totally unfounded side note: I personally believe it was an evil kitty that knocked the dangerous phone off the stand in the first place!
If you're interested in reading more of the story, I'll attach the link. You're welcome! George's Full Story!
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| My Basset.. Mr. Oliver Bowser! |
For those of you who haven't had the pleasure of owning a Basset Hound, there are a couple things you should know about them. Yes, of course they have the sad eyes and plenty of wrinkles. It is one of the many reasons that we love them. But they're a whole bunch more! They're very loyal animals and extremely tolerant. I'm pretty sure I've used Oliver as a pillow once or twice. And Yes, they take some naps. Let's face it.. who wouldn't nap daily if they had the time??? Don't let those naps fool you, they can run and fast when the opportunity presents itself! Especially if a treat is involved in the act...
If you do own a basset, you're in good company! Take a look at some of the other super cool folks that own Basset Hounds:
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| Marilyn had a basset hound too! |
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The "King" had a basset hound!
What did you think all those songs were about?? |
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| Columbo and his Basset Hound! |
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| Clint Eastwood and his Basset Hound, Sidney the Kidney! |
Other famous folks who own bassets include: Emperor Napoleon III, George Washington, Candice Bergen, Dick Chaney, and Shakira to name a few! Even the Pioneer Woman, Ree Drummond, has a Basset! In addition there are many famous Basset Hounds! I've included a link to a whole list of famous Basset Hounds I found posted on another blog! (Jowls of Fury is the blogs name. Don't let it fool you! Bassets are love dogs.)
Sunday, April 1, 2012
I fought the lawn and.. the lawn won!
Ding! Ding! Round 2
Winner: The Lawn
Reminder: I've sprayed the weeds as directed by the ever helpful Home Depot specialist and waited two days before mowing. I'm not really sure if my spraying technique was flawed or those weeds popped up after spraying. Either way, they aren't all dead. Boo!
The moment I've been dreading is finally here. It's time to tackle the backyard. Since I haven't pulled out the lawnmower since last year, there is always that moment of... is it going to start? I'm sure you'll find this hard to believe but I might not keep the best care of my lawnmower. It's not that I don't want to pamper my lawnmower, I'm just not fully aware of how to do it. In my hectic schedule, it hasn't been top priority for me to learn. Feel free to school me on mower pampering. After pulling the mower out, I remembered that I needed to go get 'new' gas. (Yes, I realize there are worse things then driving to the gas station to get some gas; however, if you don't want to do the activity, it seems like a mountain!)
Pulled out mower: Check!
Bought new gas: Check!
Checked the oil: A little low, but I'm going for it!
To my surprise, the lawn mower started right up. Let the mowing begin! It was a slow start to say the least. Why exactly are weeds just so wet again? It was a slow process of forward 12".. back 6".... Why you ask? Because the weeds were that high and that wet! I know. Perhaps I should have jumped on this lawn mowing thing before today. How was I suppose to know that it was going to rain all week and the weeds would shoot up ten feet?!? And realize in advance I would have almost every night booked the following week!? Either way, I'm now dealing with it. After mowing for over an hour, I came upon a hidden stick. You have to love the first mow of the season. There are all these little hidden surprises underneath. In fairness, I did go through the lawn and try to pick up the sticks, etc. Apparently a couple got away from me and found their way into the mower! After running over the third little surprise, the mower stopped and smoked a little. I do realize that smoke is never a good sign. I looked over the lawnmower and didn't see anything too huge; however, it didn't start back up. I guess my mowing is done for now! And only half of the backyard is finished. The lawn is the winner.
Ding! Ding! Round 3
Winner: Me!
After letting the mower sit all night, I added more gas and more oil. Strangely, I had some oil in my garage. Go me! The mower started right up. So I began again with the 12" forward... 6" back technique. That's what I get for waiting so long! Don't believe me? Take a look at what I was up against! (See picture to the left!)
Please don't share this picture with my dad. I've had the lawn mowing lecture before!
In addition, Bella thought she would help me out with the mowing. She so nicely barked at the vicious lawnmower and save me from it. Ever try to move through too tall weeds and grass while a dog barks at you the entire time? It just makes a delightful task oh so much more fun! Here is a picture of Bella 'protecting' me: (See picture just above to the right!)
Needless to say, after mowing another hour I have officially finished the backyard! Finally I'm the winner!
Ding! Ding! Round 4
Winner: The Lawn
Now that I have finished the backyard, I'm moving on to the front yard! After adding more gas, I started back up quickly finishing the little side strip next to the garage. I'm sure my neighbor fully appreciated me not bagging my clippings and my leaf mulching technique. The lady at home depot did tell me to mulch the clippings back on after spraying. I was just following orders!
Next I moved over to the main part of the yard. I like to play this game while mowing the yard called Pattern Making! I mow in different patterns trying to see what kind of fun effects I can produce. I started off with the shrinking square pattern. I made it around three sides before the mower began to smoke again! What is it? The front lawn isn't even that high! Of course, I took this as a clear sign that lawn mowing was done for Sunday. I pushed it back into the backyard and took the dogs for a walk instead. I hope my neighbors like the giant C I mowed into my lawn!
For those of you who haven't been keeping track, let me help you out. The Lawn: 3 Me: 1 It looks like the Odds are not ever in my favor on this issue!
And what was Oliver doing during this entire time: (See picture to the right again!) The mower is just too darn noisey for Oliver Bowser. Instead he just watches out the window at me messing with his backyard. The moment I'm finished he rushes out to inspect!
Winner: The Lawn
Reminder: I've sprayed the weeds as directed by the ever helpful Home Depot specialist and waited two days before mowing. I'm not really sure if my spraying technique was flawed or those weeds popped up after spraying. Either way, they aren't all dead. Boo!
The moment I've been dreading is finally here. It's time to tackle the backyard. Since I haven't pulled out the lawnmower since last year, there is always that moment of... is it going to start? I'm sure you'll find this hard to believe but I might not keep the best care of my lawnmower. It's not that I don't want to pamper my lawnmower, I'm just not fully aware of how to do it. In my hectic schedule, it hasn't been top priority for me to learn. Feel free to school me on mower pampering. After pulling the mower out, I remembered that I needed to go get 'new' gas. (Yes, I realize there are worse things then driving to the gas station to get some gas; however, if you don't want to do the activity, it seems like a mountain!)
Pulled out mower: Check!
Bought new gas: Check!
Checked the oil: A little low, but I'm going for it!
To my surprise, the lawn mower started right up. Let the mowing begin! It was a slow start to say the least. Why exactly are weeds just so wet again? It was a slow process of forward 12".. back 6".... Why you ask? Because the weeds were that high and that wet! I know. Perhaps I should have jumped on this lawn mowing thing before today. How was I suppose to know that it was going to rain all week and the weeds would shoot up ten feet?!? And realize in advance I would have almost every night booked the following week!? Either way, I'm now dealing with it. After mowing for over an hour, I came upon a hidden stick. You have to love the first mow of the season. There are all these little hidden surprises underneath. In fairness, I did go through the lawn and try to pick up the sticks, etc. Apparently a couple got away from me and found their way into the mower! After running over the third little surprise, the mower stopped and smoked a little. I do realize that smoke is never a good sign. I looked over the lawnmower and didn't see anything too huge; however, it didn't start back up. I guess my mowing is done for now! And only half of the backyard is finished. The lawn is the winner.
Ding! Ding! Round 3
Winner: Me!
After letting the mower sit all night, I added more gas and more oil. Strangely, I had some oil in my garage. Go me! The mower started right up. So I began again with the 12" forward... 6" back technique. That's what I get for waiting so long! Don't believe me? Take a look at what I was up against! (See picture to the left!)Please don't share this picture with my dad. I've had the lawn mowing lecture before!
In addition, Bella thought she would help me out with the mowing. She so nicely barked at the vicious lawnmower and save me from it. Ever try to move through too tall weeds and grass while a dog barks at you the entire time? It just makes a delightful task oh so much more fun! Here is a picture of Bella 'protecting' me: (See picture just above to the right!)Needless to say, after mowing another hour I have officially finished the backyard! Finally I'm the winner!
Ding! Ding! Round 4
Winner: The Lawn
Now that I have finished the backyard, I'm moving on to the front yard! After adding more gas, I started back up quickly finishing the little side strip next to the garage. I'm sure my neighbor fully appreciated me not bagging my clippings and my leaf mulching technique. The lady at home depot did tell me to mulch the clippings back on after spraying. I was just following orders!
Next I moved over to the main part of the yard. I like to play this game while mowing the yard called Pattern Making! I mow in different patterns trying to see what kind of fun effects I can produce. I started off with the shrinking square pattern. I made it around three sides before the mower began to smoke again! What is it? The front lawn isn't even that high! Of course, I took this as a clear sign that lawn mowing was done for Sunday. I pushed it back into the backyard and took the dogs for a walk instead. I hope my neighbors like the giant C I mowed into my lawn!
For those of you who haven't been keeping track, let me help you out. The Lawn: 3 Me: 1 It looks like the Odds are not ever in my favor on this issue!
Saturday, March 24, 2012
Yard Schmard
While house hunting, I looked at A LOT of houses. I'm sure my realitor wanted to trade me off a couple times. When I finally found something great, I made an offer. The first time, it didn't go so well. The second time (six months later), I became a house owner. I chose the house for it's layout, great use of windows and natural light. It also had a nice lawn. At first, I thought the lawn was great. I love all the green and the backyard is seeminly a bird and squirrel sanctuary. There is nothing better then sitting on the couch staring out into the backyard. Not to mention, Ollie loves it. He can spend hours just walking around and inspecting the yard. Apparently it's excellent for sun naps too. If the weather isn't nice, he sits inside and stares longing outside.
As time and that first summer season came upon me... I realized just how much work all this green was! Now, I do mow my yard. I probably..okay I don't... mow it as much as my neighbors wish. I try to mow it at least once a week. And.. let me confess... I don't even own a weedeater. Does that make me a bad person??? Honestly, I probably mow more of the fear of being fined by the city and/or picketed by the neighbors then my actual desire to mow. It's not that I don't like the look of a nicely manicured lawn. I do. I like the feel of well maintained grass under my feet. I just don't have the time!
Let me explain a little about my 'hood: I live in a neighborhood where half the folks are retirement age. Great for them! Great for their lawns! Some of these folks have plush green lawns that are nicer to walk on then the carpet in my living room. They mow it at least twice a week, weed eat and water it often. They fertilize, spray for weeds and keep it manicured. How can a single, working gal keep up with all of that? I can't.
Spring has jumped in ahead of time with all of this lovely, unseasonably warm weather. Sure, it's been nice not worrying about an ice storm or losing power due to a pile of snow. However, in all this sunshine and warmth, my lawn started growing and greening. At first I tried to pretend it wasn't happening. I was hoping that maybe it was just a warm week. Now I know it wasn't. My lawn has taken off. I actually had neighbors who started mowing in February. I ignored it...pretended not to see them. I was hoping it would take my lawn longer to mature. Maybe my lawn was a late developer. Surprisingly, it didn't and wasn't. Instead, my lawn took off and somewhere along the line got on the wrong path. I swear all these weeds weren't here last year! (Okay, maybe half of them were, but where did the rest of these weeds come from???) I'm now facing a full on, crazy weed epidemic. It's too the point that I'm afraid I might lose Ollie in the weeds next time he runs outside.
So I've come up with a couple options for my yard:
Option A: Take out all the grass and cover with rocks. Although, I'm slightly worried about creating a big snake home in my front yard.
Option B: Put in astro-turf. Drawback: You definitely must clean up the doggie poo... You can't use the..."it's fertilizing the lawn" excuse.
Option C: Win the lottery and hire a lawn crew! Must buy the lottery ticket first..and then win. Hey! Someone needs to win it.
Option D: Have the lawn sprayed! At this point, it's going to take SEVERAL treatments.
Option E: Suck it up...and carry on with doing my own yard work.
After assessing my time, lawn and budget... I settled on Option E. Over spring break, I decided I would take on this bed of weeds that I call a lawn. I headed out to Home Depot to arm myself with the right tools. I was going to march in there, grab my product and head home for the spraying. What happened instead... was I marched on into the store and became overwhelmed by all the options and choices and then stared dumbfounded at the products. Fifteen minutes later, I wrangled the 'lawn specialist' to ask a series of dumb questions. (I know what you're thinking. There are such a thing as a dumb question. Don't pretend there isn't.) The specialist questioned me about what exactly was growing. I then listed off... the weed with the purple flower...and the tall clumps that feather on the ends..and let's not forget the vining weed.. that has little groups of leaves. Mmmmmm Hmmmm... florists daughter right here! Degree in Biology... Yep. The little weed with the purple flower. The specialist nicely recommended some products. I then remembered that I had taken some pics of my lawn to show my friends just how bad it was. I thought maybe it would help to show the specialist. After looking at my pictures for about ten seconds, the specialist said.."Whoa. Wow. Okay, new plan. You're going to need something much stronger and perhaps a couple rounds." My lawn is so bad that it made a lawn specialist take a step back! See for yourself:
Four products..and sixty dollars later, I left ready to take on the weeds. After spraying the lawn (and then showering because I had to use the super strength stuff) I sat and stared at my weeds. Apparently, it's going to take more then an hour to kill these bad boys.
Round 1: Winner... The lawn (or what's left of it under the weeds).
As time and that first summer season came upon me... I realized just how much work all this green was! Now, I do mow my yard. I probably..okay I don't... mow it as much as my neighbors wish. I try to mow it at least once a week. And.. let me confess... I don't even own a weedeater. Does that make me a bad person??? Honestly, I probably mow more of the fear of being fined by the city and/or picketed by the neighbors then my actual desire to mow. It's not that I don't like the look of a nicely manicured lawn. I do. I like the feel of well maintained grass under my feet. I just don't have the time!
Let me explain a little about my 'hood: I live in a neighborhood where half the folks are retirement age. Great for them! Great for their lawns! Some of these folks have plush green lawns that are nicer to walk on then the carpet in my living room. They mow it at least twice a week, weed eat and water it often. They fertilize, spray for weeds and keep it manicured. How can a single, working gal keep up with all of that? I can't.
Spring has jumped in ahead of time with all of this lovely, unseasonably warm weather. Sure, it's been nice not worrying about an ice storm or losing power due to a pile of snow. However, in all this sunshine and warmth, my lawn started growing and greening. At first I tried to pretend it wasn't happening. I was hoping that maybe it was just a warm week. Now I know it wasn't. My lawn has taken off. I actually had neighbors who started mowing in February. I ignored it...pretended not to see them. I was hoping it would take my lawn longer to mature. Maybe my lawn was a late developer. Surprisingly, it didn't and wasn't. Instead, my lawn took off and somewhere along the line got on the wrong path. I swear all these weeds weren't here last year! (Okay, maybe half of them were, but where did the rest of these weeds come from???) I'm now facing a full on, crazy weed epidemic. It's too the point that I'm afraid I might lose Ollie in the weeds next time he runs outside.
So I've come up with a couple options for my yard:
Option A: Take out all the grass and cover with rocks. Although, I'm slightly worried about creating a big snake home in my front yard.
Option B: Put in astro-turf. Drawback: You definitely must clean up the doggie poo... You can't use the..."it's fertilizing the lawn" excuse.
Option C: Win the lottery and hire a lawn crew! Must buy the lottery ticket first..and then win. Hey! Someone needs to win it.
Option D: Have the lawn sprayed! At this point, it's going to take SEVERAL treatments.
Option E: Suck it up...and carry on with doing my own yard work.
After assessing my time, lawn and budget... I settled on Option E. Over spring break, I decided I would take on this bed of weeds that I call a lawn. I headed out to Home Depot to arm myself with the right tools. I was going to march in there, grab my product and head home for the spraying. What happened instead... was I marched on into the store and became overwhelmed by all the options and choices and then stared dumbfounded at the products. Fifteen minutes later, I wrangled the 'lawn specialist' to ask a series of dumb questions. (I know what you're thinking. There are such a thing as a dumb question. Don't pretend there isn't.) The specialist questioned me about what exactly was growing. I then listed off... the weed with the purple flower...and the tall clumps that feather on the ends..and let's not forget the vining weed.. that has little groups of leaves. Mmmmmm Hmmmm... florists daughter right here! Degree in Biology... Yep. The little weed with the purple flower. The specialist nicely recommended some products. I then remembered that I had taken some pics of my lawn to show my friends just how bad it was. I thought maybe it would help to show the specialist. After looking at my pictures for about ten seconds, the specialist said.."Whoa. Wow. Okay, new plan. You're going to need something much stronger and perhaps a couple rounds." My lawn is so bad that it made a lawn specialist take a step back! See for yourself:
Four products..and sixty dollars later, I left ready to take on the weeds. After spraying the lawn (and then showering because I had to use the super strength stuff) I sat and stared at my weeds. Apparently, it's going to take more then an hour to kill these bad boys.
Round 1: Winner... The lawn (or what's left of it under the weeds).
Sunday, March 18, 2012
Soap Box: Big Feet
That's right! I said big feet, not big foot. Why? Because we're talking about my two big feet. No, they aren't abnormal. I don't have a health issue. They aren't weird looking. In fact, I think my feet look quite nice as feet goes. (I may be a bit biased, but even my friend De says I have nice toes as far as feet go. She hates feet.) My toes aren't strange shaped or hairy. No fungus or strange lumps and bumps, and I try my best to keep them looking nice. After all, pedicures are a girl's best friend. They just look like feet...except larger.
My shoe size is a woman's size 12. To put this into perpsective for the men reading this, a lady's size 12 is like a man's size 10 or 10 1/2. My feet don't look large on my body. I am six feet tall. (Although I recently had a dream that my doctor's chart said 5'10" and it really irked me. As if those two inches would make me a normal height.) My feet look normal on my body. If I wore a size 6, it would look like there were toes coming out of my ankles. And who wants that? Think about skiing. The taller you are, the longer your skiis get. It's a proportion thing. It's the same way with my feet.
Now the unforunate part is that with a size 12 foot, you can't just buy your shoes anywhere. That doesn't happen. Most stores don't carry that size. Heck, many brands don't even make that size. In fact, Nordstrom's Rack makes a whole special event around them, the large size shoe event. Go ahead. Laugh. I love that event! It's the time of year when I can try on multiple pairs of shoes at once. I wait for it. Will my reminder postcard be coming soon??
Usually if that size is in a store, it comes in one of the following three models: Tennis Shoes, Gold High Heels or Multicolored Pumps! Now who doesn't need a pair of tennis shoes? But if that's all you have? They just don't look right with my black dress pants. Even now I'll confess: I've bought men's tennis shoes before! What? You couldn't tell the difference or some of you were at least nice enough not to point it out. And Gold and Multicolored? What?? My choice is to be athletic or a drag queen! (I love drag queens. I just can't wear their shoes.) I just don't understand why it's sooooo much harder to make shoes in my size. I gaurantee I'm not the only one searching for them.
What I don't need: I don't need or want 3" heels. At this point I can already see over most people's heads. Have you even been in a room and suddenly realized that you're the tallest person there? It's strange looking at the tops of everyone's heads, and this has happened to me more than once. Can I please get something without velcro? I'm not ready to resign myself to the orthopedic shoes quite yet; although, I hear they're super comfortable. Is it asking too much to get something with a little padding and support? If I wanted a pair of super flat, flats... I would just tape cardboard to the bottom of my feet! And maybe.. just maybe... a little bit of style? I don't need the latest runway fashion, but I would enjoy something within the last five years. One more request: Can I get this pair of shoes for under $200??? Is all of this really asking for too much? Do I need to become a shoe designer? What does that pay? And can it support my student loans?
And that's my rant... I'll step down from the soap box now.
My shoe size is a woman's size 12. To put this into perpsective for the men reading this, a lady's size 12 is like a man's size 10 or 10 1/2. My feet don't look large on my body. I am six feet tall. (Although I recently had a dream that my doctor's chart said 5'10" and it really irked me. As if those two inches would make me a normal height.) My feet look normal on my body. If I wore a size 6, it would look like there were toes coming out of my ankles. And who wants that? Think about skiing. The taller you are, the longer your skiis get. It's a proportion thing. It's the same way with my feet.
Now the unforunate part is that with a size 12 foot, you can't just buy your shoes anywhere. That doesn't happen. Most stores don't carry that size. Heck, many brands don't even make that size. In fact, Nordstrom's Rack makes a whole special event around them, the large size shoe event. Go ahead. Laugh. I love that event! It's the time of year when I can try on multiple pairs of shoes at once. I wait for it. Will my reminder postcard be coming soon??
Usually if that size is in a store, it comes in one of the following three models: Tennis Shoes, Gold High Heels or Multicolored Pumps! Now who doesn't need a pair of tennis shoes? But if that's all you have? They just don't look right with my black dress pants. Even now I'll confess: I've bought men's tennis shoes before! What? You couldn't tell the difference or some of you were at least nice enough not to point it out. And Gold and Multicolored? What?? My choice is to be athletic or a drag queen! (I love drag queens. I just can't wear their shoes.) I just don't understand why it's sooooo much harder to make shoes in my size. I gaurantee I'm not the only one searching for them.
What I don't need: I don't need or want 3" heels. At this point I can already see over most people's heads. Have you even been in a room and suddenly realized that you're the tallest person there? It's strange looking at the tops of everyone's heads, and this has happened to me more than once. Can I please get something without velcro? I'm not ready to resign myself to the orthopedic shoes quite yet; although, I hear they're super comfortable. Is it asking too much to get something with a little padding and support? If I wanted a pair of super flat, flats... I would just tape cardboard to the bottom of my feet! And maybe.. just maybe... a little bit of style? I don't need the latest runway fashion, but I would enjoy something within the last five years. One more request: Can I get this pair of shoes for under $200??? Is all of this really asking for too much? Do I need to become a shoe designer? What does that pay? And can it support my student loans?
And that's my rant... I'll step down from the soap box now.
Saturday, March 17, 2012
St. Paddy's Day
If you're going to blog on St. Patrick's, don't you at least have to mention it? At least those are the rules I received with my "so you think you can blog" packet of information.
Let's talk green! I love St. Patrick's Day. Am I Irish? Not that I'm aware of. Have I spent a lot of time in Ireland? I wish! Have I seen, caught or met a leprechaun? This is a tricky question. I think I might have met a few of them out and about. It's hard to tell between short, creepy guys and leprechauns sometimes. Unfortunately, I can't confirm it and I don't have picture proof. Does it matter that these things don't pertain to me? Or that I haven't experienced them? Nope!
I think in general people just like a reason to get together and be festive. I'm no different. In general I enjoy holidays and themed parties that involve libations. (Notice: I did not say I enjoy getting drunk. I've reached the age where I don't want to spend the next several days recovering. No fun involved in the recovery! And frankly I don't have the extra time.) I do actually enjoy getting dressed up. As for St.Patty's Paddy's Day, I look good in green. Lucky me! And drunken pinches sometimes hurt so green it is! I also like the bands. I enjoy being outside before it's blazing hot in Oklahoma. And who doesn't like a fun faring crowd? Okay, adult beverages don't hurt; although, I can't remember the last time I had a craving for green beer.
What's my point? Live a little! Strap on your shamrock pants and get out there!
P.S. I've been informed. It's St. Paddy's Day... from the Irish Padraig...
Let's talk green! I love St. Patrick's Day. Am I Irish? Not that I'm aware of. Have I spent a lot of time in Ireland? I wish! Have I seen, caught or met a leprechaun? This is a tricky question. I think I might have met a few of them out and about. It's hard to tell between short, creepy guys and leprechauns sometimes. Unfortunately, I can't confirm it and I don't have picture proof. Does it matter that these things don't pertain to me? Or that I haven't experienced them? Nope!
I think in general people just like a reason to get together and be festive. I'm no different. In general I enjoy holidays and themed parties that involve libations. (Notice: I did not say I enjoy getting drunk. I've reached the age where I don't want to spend the next several days recovering. No fun involved in the recovery! And frankly I don't have the extra time.) I do actually enjoy getting dressed up. As for St.
What's my point? Live a little! Strap on your shamrock pants and get out there!
P.S. I've been informed. It's St. Paddy's Day... from the Irish Padraig...
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| Warning: Shamrock pants don't look as cute when you get older! My niece is adorable in them! |
Friday, March 16, 2012
Zombie Dog
Last night after a rousing game of Bunco.....(Yes, I said Bunco!) ... I came home to find this.... Zombie Dog!
P.S. Yes, I play Bunco. Yes, it is a dice game. Yes, I like it. We should really be more of a dinner group because this wonderful group of ladies really just want to get together, eat and talk.
P.S. Yes, I play Bunco. Yes, it is a dice game. Yes, I like it. We should really be more of a dinner group because this wonderful group of ladies really just want to get together, eat and talk.
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Shaping and Molding
I've just come off my weekend high. Now.. before you get all shocked.. it's not drug induced. My mother was here to visit! My family is close knit. I often talk to multiple family members every day and none of them live in the same town! When together, we spend A LOT of time together. We aren't one of those you show up for lunch and then go home families. When we're together, it's common to spend all day long together doing various activities. So this past weekend, mom and I spent the whole weekend doing semi girly things. I say semi because there were no pedicures, waxing or dying of anything this weekend. Instead we hit up our usual run down. Things you know will happen when my mom visits:
P.S. Even with the molding and shaping, I had a great weekend. I love it when my mother visits!
- Lots of eating out! - Yes, we could eat in. No, we don't want to eat in. That's part of the charm of visiting for us.
- Movie time! - It's more like a movie marathon. We often see several movies in the course of a weekend.
- Shopping - For what is the big question?
- Shaping and Molding - Special bonding time indeed!
P.S. Even with the molding and shaping, I had a great weekend. I love it when my mother visits!
Friday, March 9, 2012
Introducing Mr Oliver Bowser!
I thought it was about time to introduce my trusty sidekick, Oliver Bowser. I had him fill out this little questionnaire in his spare time!
Name: Oliver Bowser
Nicknames: Stinky Pete, Ollie, Grumbles, Corn Chip
Birth date: August 2007
Weight: 54 Pounds
# of Wrinkles on Neck: Lost Count!
Shoe Size: Large X-Large
Best Friend: Isabella (aka Bella and Deafus Pinkus)
Your Hobbies include:
Long walks around the block
Chasing squirrels
Sun bathing in the back yard
Napping with Bella
Daydreaming while staring out the window
Your Favorite Foods are:
Dog Food
People Food
Treats
Anything that Smells like Food, FOOD! Hey! I'm a basset hound. What did you expect?
Your Favorite Activity is:
Having my belly rubbed! Or my neck.. or behind my head... or just touch me! I'm pretty partial to brush time as well!
If you could change one thing about you, what would it be?
These short legs! I was suppose to be taller.
Your Favorite Words:
Walk
Picante Sauce
Brush
Squirrel
TREAT!
And my name!
Other things you enjoy:
Car rides!
Cuddling
Ice Cubes
Thing you don't like:
The Vacuum
Fireworks
Thunder
Nail Clipping
Your favorite napping place:
On the couch? (Don't tell her!)
In a sun spot in the backyard
On the back porch
On the bed... when no one is looking!
And on that note, it's time for a nap!
 |
| Mr. Oliver Bowser! |
Nicknames: Stinky Pete, Ollie, Grumbles, Corn Chip
Birth date: August 2007
Weight: 54 Pounds
# of Wrinkles on Neck: Lost Count!
Shoe Size: Large X-Large
Best Friend: Isabella (aka Bella and Deafus Pinkus)
Your Hobbies include:
Long walks around the block
Chasing squirrels
Sun bathing in the back yard
Napping with Bella
Daydreaming while staring out the window
Your Favorite Foods are:
Dog Food
People Food
Treats
Anything that Smells like Food, FOOD! Hey! I'm a basset hound. What did you expect?
Your Favorite Activity is:
Having my belly rubbed! Or my neck.. or behind my head... or just touch me! I'm pretty partial to brush time as well!
If you could change one thing about you, what would it be?
These short legs! I was suppose to be taller.
.JPG) |
| Bella and Ollie cuddling! |
Walk
Picante Sauce
Brush
Squirrel
TREAT!
And my name!
Other things you enjoy:
Car rides!
Cuddling
Ice Cubes
 |
| Happy Napping Everyone! |
The Vacuum
Fireworks
Thunder
Nail Clipping
Your favorite napping place:
On the couch? (Don't tell her!)
In a sun spot in the backyard
On the back porch
On the bed... when no one is looking!
And on that note, it's time for a nap!
Thursday, March 8, 2012
Grocery Shopping Carts: Single or Married?
Married folks (or long time relationship people): Try to remember when you were single. If that is too long ago for you, just picture what types of food you might buy for kids. This should help you with this post.
When in a relationship, you tend to grocery shop for a full meal. That's right! Coupled people want an entree, a side dish or two and possibly even some dessert. Many times you feel compelled to make sure you have a protein, fruits and vegetables. Crazy! Your cart tends to be full of ingredients to prepare these meals. You buy the staples knowing that you could whip up several different dishes in a matter of seconds. You stock your pantry with some extras. You actually look up and prepare recipes! Plus your carts tend to be fairly full. After you add all those ingredients and dishes, there isn't a ton of extra room especially if you add kids to the mix.
As a single person without kids, your cart looks totally different. In the fruit and veggie department, you purchase things like two bananas, a couple apples, or two potatoes. You tend to have twenty-two different breakfast items in your cart like juice, cereal, oatmeal or granola. For most of us, it's the main meal we eat at home, and really, cereal is acceptable for supper when eating alone. In addition, you also buy things like lunchables. They make great lunches or suppers with next to no mess! Often you find a stack of frozen meals. For women, they tend to be Lean Cuisines or Smarts Ones. For men, it's more like Hungry Man Meals. Then there are the single serving sizes of anything and everything imaginable. (Yes couples, we do know that they cost more than buying the regular sized package and separating it into smaller packages. Who really wants to do all that?) You might also notice a random item such as Pizza Rolls which are also acceptable for a meal. On top of all that, we tend to buy a selection of beverages, alcoholic and non-alcoholic. We will pretend it's our need to stay hydrated! Overall there is an airy feel to our cart.. lots of extra space.
Well.. that about covers the differences. Yes, I know some of those statements may have been slight generalizations. Please don't sue me! And the next time you go to the grocery store, look at some people's carts. I'm sure with this overly helpful post, you will be able to spot the singletons from the coupled folks in a matter of seconds. Be careful not to laugh too loudly when it hits you. Too much laughing by yourself tends to make you look a little crazy.
Total Bonus Side Story: A couple nights ago, I mustered up the strength to go grocery shopping. If you can't tell, this isn't my favorite thing to do; however, my mother is coming into town and I wanted to stock up for the occasion. I decided I would go to the store on my way home from work. If there is one thing I know, it's me. If I went home and sat down, I would rationalize not going at all. Then I would panic because my mom would be arriving and I have no food! There is something about my fridge full of condiments and wine that concerns her. I'm not sure exactly what yet. Anyway, I made myself go. Keep in mind, I'm still wearing my work clothes for the day, black dress and heels. (Okay! So I don't wear that kind of clothes to work every day, but I really did that day!) The point is.. I wasn't looking like I was homeless or a struggling college student.
I arrived at the grocery store and started making my way through the familiar isles. Then I reached the bakery area. For those of you who don't understand the significance of this, let me explain. I LOVE cookies, cupcakes and cakes. Don't try to give me that whipped topping. It's butter cream or nothing baby! As I stared at all the yummy baked goods, I was trying to convince myself that I could indeed buy one cookie or one brownie to make a girl feel better. As I was eyeing the options, the bakery lady came to the counter. I told her I was just looking for the moment. Her next comment was.... "you're shopping hungry, aren't you?" Was it that obvious? How exactly was I looking at those sweets? Could she really see the yearning in my eyes? Or was it the single people food in my mini cart. Next she gave me a newly made..and frosted!.. sugar cookie to "take the edge off my hunger." I'm not sure if this was a sales tactic or if I was just looking that pathetic. Either way, I had to buy a few more after that sampling!
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
Starting Out... Again.
It was a cold and rainy night... Wait. Wrong assignment. Can I start over again?
For as long as I can remember, I have either been working at a college or taking classes. Why should this year be any different? In a moment of pure craziness, I decided I would start working on my PhD. I mean what else would I want to do with my free time? And who really likes naps anyway? In the moment, it seemed perfectly logical. Heck, I even have a group of friends that started with me, a little co-hort of sorts. (Technically we're the ex-hort because we've already switched programs once.) So... here goes nothing! I must confess that I still question this decision every semester. There is that moment of panic as I start a new class when I wonder what was I thinking? Is it too late to get out?? Then I tell myself, I can do anything for sixteen weeks. Sounds like fun, right? You should join us!
As part of a class I'm taking on the weekends, I'm required to try out different types of technology. In February I dipped my toe in the pool and tried out Doodle. I know... not very exciting. In March, I'm jumping all the way in! So.. let the blogging begin. For this experience, I'll be waxing philosophical about the trials and tribulations of my life. Let's face it. In my free time, I don't want to write about technical issues or research. I do enough of that in class. Of course these trials include my trusty dog, Oliver Bowser. And who doesn't love pictures of a basset hound? (If your answer was me, this blog is probably not for you. How can you not love those long ears, sad eyes and mound of wrinkles?) Together he and I have been making our way through this crazy thing called life. Now I'm going to share our path with you!
Now I can't promise that I'll blog every day. Who has time to read my blog every day? Do I really have even fodder to entertain anyone every single day? However, I will try to to blog several times a week... for the length of this class. Who knows? Maybe I'll be hooked on blogging by then and will continue on?!
For as long as I can remember, I have either been working at a college or taking classes. Why should this year be any different? In a moment of pure craziness, I decided I would start working on my PhD. I mean what else would I want to do with my free time? And who really likes naps anyway? In the moment, it seemed perfectly logical. Heck, I even have a group of friends that started with me, a little co-hort of sorts. (Technically we're the ex-hort because we've already switched programs once.) So... here goes nothing! I must confess that I still question this decision every semester. There is that moment of panic as I start a new class when I wonder what was I thinking? Is it too late to get out?? Then I tell myself, I can do anything for sixteen weeks. Sounds like fun, right? You should join us!
As part of a class I'm taking on the weekends, I'm required to try out different types of technology. In February I dipped my toe in the pool and tried out Doodle. I know... not very exciting. In March, I'm jumping all the way in! So.. let the blogging begin. For this experience, I'll be waxing philosophical about the trials and tribulations of my life. Let's face it. In my free time, I don't want to write about technical issues or research. I do enough of that in class. Of course these trials include my trusty dog, Oliver Bowser. And who doesn't love pictures of a basset hound? (If your answer was me, this blog is probably not for you. How can you not love those long ears, sad eyes and mound of wrinkles?) Together he and I have been making our way through this crazy thing called life. Now I'm going to share our path with you!
Now I can't promise that I'll blog every day. Who has time to read my blog every day? Do I really have even fodder to entertain anyone every single day? However, I will try to to blog several times a week... for the length of this class. Who knows? Maybe I'll be hooked on blogging by then and will continue on?!
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